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IMDA Suspends Review of Simba's Proposed Acquisition of M1 Amid Probe Into Potential Regulatory Breach
The regulator halted its merger review after learning Simba may have used unassigned spectrum, and it will decide on enforcement after the probe ends.
On Monday, the Infocomm Media Development Authority suspended its review of Simba Telecom's $1.43 billion bid for M1 amid an investigation into allegations that Simba used unauthorized radio frequency bands to provide mobile services.
Singapore-based asset manager Keppel announced its intention to sell M1 to Simba last August, with the Share Purchase Agreement now facing a May 21 deadline, after which the deal will lapse.
Shares of Australia-listed firm Tuas, which owns Simba, fell 60 per cent on Monday, while Keppel shares closed over 2 per cent lower as the company began executing a 'Plan B' to enhance M1's efficiency.
Keppel chief executive Loh Chin Hua confirmed on Monday that there are no discussions to extend the deadline, stating, "At the passing of the long stop date, the existing agreement will lapse."
The company's 90-day efficiency plan involves rightsizing and reducing costs through AI automation and platform optimization, while IMDA's review of M1's critical telecommunications infrastructure remains "detailed and thorough" amid heightened cybersecurity risks.