Quebecor invited by Rogers to join bidding for Shaw’s Freedom Mobile

By Alexandra Posadzki and Andrew Willis

Bankers representing telecom giant Rogers Communications Inc. have reached out to bankers working for Quebecor Inc. about potentially buying Shaw Communications Inc.’s Freedom Mobile, according to a source.

The Globe is not identifying the source because the person is not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

Freedom, which has about two million wireless customers in Ontario, Alberta and B.C., is up for sale as part of Rogers’ $26-billion takeover of Shaw. While the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved the transfer of Shaw’s broadcasting assets to Rogers, two other regulators – the Competition Bureau and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development – are still reviewing the takeover.

A representative of Quebecor declined to comment late Friday. A spokesperson for Rogers could not immediately be reached.

Pierre Karl Péladeau, president and chief executive officer of Videotron Ltd. owner Quebecor, has made his interest in acquiring Freedom known since the merger deal between Rogers and Shaw was announced in March, 2021. However, until recently, the company was absent from the negotiations for Freedom.

Published by the Globe and Mail.