7

Due diligence at the national telco is expected to be launched this week, after which binding bids would need to be submitted by the end of August.

According to Dnevnik, to make the second round of bidding are three strategic investors from the telecommunications sector and at least five financial funds.

Unofficially, the strategic bidders are the largest Russian mobile operator MTS, Turkey's Turkcell and Deutsche Telekom, with the latter being mentioned as the frontrunner.

Financial investors interested in Telekom Slovenije are reportedly US-based funds Apollo Global Management, Providence Equity Partners and Bain Capital, the UK-based Cinven, CVC Capital Partners and Apax Partners, and the Dutch PPF Group.

According to Finance, ApaxPartners, Bain Capital and Providence Equity Partners have submitted the highest bids, between EUR 150 and EUR 160 per share. Deutsche Telekom has reportedly offered around EUR 140, which is the current stock exchange price.