Vivendi Universal to maintain shares in Moroccan phone operator capital

Vivendi Universal (VU) will maintain its participation in the capital of the Moroccan phone operator Maroc Telecom, Vivendi Universal CEO, Jean-Ren? Fourtou, told "Menara," denying information that VU is trying to sell 35 percent of Maroc Telecom capital because of financial difficulties.

"Fortunately, things have swiftly improved and I am happy that we are going to stay in the capital of Maroc Telecom," noted Foutou who is currently on a visit to Morocco, underlining that VU's participation in the Moroccan operator's capital is "positive."

He added that cooperation between VU and Maroc Telecom enabled to make progress at the level of the organization as it is evidenced by the increase of the company's benefits. According to Fourtou, the Moroccan operator currently profits to the state more than it did when it was a 100 percent shareholder.

Answering a question on the development of VU's presence in French-speaking countries in Africa via Maroc Telecom, Fourtou said African French-speaking countries are a privileged zone where Maroc Telecom can strongly develop in partnership with VU, underscoring that his group relies on the Moroccan operator for the continuance of progress concerning customers services and the personal promotion.