A consortium led by three Canadian pension funds and one of the world’s largest private equity firms confirmed today it is in discussions to take BCE private.
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board—who will be majority shareholders—and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. are the four members of the consortium.
“The Caisse is joining the consortium with the objective of submitting a proposal that will be acceptable to all stakeholders, including shareholders and regulatory authorities,” says Henri-Paul Rousseau, president and CEO of the Caisse.
Both the consortium and the telecom company say that there can be no assurance that a transaction of any kind will occur.
Last week, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan said it was exploring its options regarding its holding in BCE.
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