Telesystem International Wireless Inc. said its shareholders approved the sale of its indirect interest in ClearWave N.V. to Vodafone International Holdings B.V. for $3.5 billion and the assumption of about $950 million in net debt. A total of 143.7 million votes were cast at the special meeting held, representing 66.7 percent of the common shares outstanding, and 99.7 percent voted in favor of the transaction. ClearWave includes 79 percent of Romania’s MobiFon S.A. and 100 percent of Oskar Mobil in the Czech Republic. The deal was first announced in March.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. announced it will partner with wireless gaming companies Sorrent and Taito to sell Kyocera phones with preloaded games. A variety of handset makers already offer preloaded games. “Wireless phones are becoming a distinct extension of certain lifestyles and personalities, including the hardcore and casual gamers,” said Savi Soin, senior director of business development at Kyocera. “Being able to offer popular titles from gaming giants like Sorrent and Taito on our phones only increases the attractiveness of Kyocera products to gamers, as we continue to try and do our part by offering gaming-friendly phones and a compelling set of accessories such as our K500 Gamepad.”
In support of its recent service launch in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Mich., regional wireless operator Centennial Communications Corp. acquired the field naming rights at Van Andel Arena, which is home to the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League. The three-year agreement calls for the field to be referred to as Centennial Wireless Field at Van Andel Arena for all Rampage home games through 2008. Centennial will also receive advertising elements throughout the arena on television and radio spots during Rampage broadcasts, program advertising, on-field and outside arena promotions, and VIP and promotional season tickets. In addition, the carrier will be the title sponsor of the Rampage home opener that will be known as the Centennial Wireless Kickoff Classic. Financial terms of the agreement were not released.
