(Ecofin Agency) - Mobile telephone operator LAP GreenN, threatened with a forced merger by the Ivorian government for several payment defaults, has been transferred to the Libyan postal, telecommunications and IT company (LPTIC).

Formerly an asset of sovereign Libyan funds, Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), LAP GreenN owes the Ivorian State the sum of FCfa 8,899,960,748 representing different charges, notably several tax charges. With this asset takeover, LPTIC explains wishing to ensure that its Libyan asset base in Africa operate efficiently and sustainably.

In a communiqué, LPTIC indicates that the transfer of LIA assets in its favour was decided by the provisional Libyan government. It will allow “LAP GreenN to benefit from the exceptional professional experience of LPTIC and the assistance of its highly qualified management team, as well as the consolidation of the expertise and opportunities for growth that the LPTIC portfolio offers”.

Côte d’Ivoire is not the only country where LPTIC has taken over the assets of LIA. It has also those operating in Sudan and Uganda which are the object of the “strategic alliance” of Libyan assets in Africa.