Telecom and Media Regulation

Telecom and Media Regulation

Meitar has taken a leading role in assisting Israeli telecommunications operators and media licensees and players, ranging from small start-up companies to large public telecom infrastructure companies, in the structuring and execution of business transactions subject to regulatory review. The firm has worked closely with government regulators and with clients in the process of opening of the Israeli telecom industry to competition, including work on privatization tenders and license grants for international telecommunications and cable companies. We regularly act for clients in their interconnection with other telecoms as well as for internet service providers. The firm provides a full range of transactional, regulatory, antitrust and other legal services that are geared to the special needs of its telecommunications clients.

Representative experience

• Representation of Altice in obtaining regulatory approvals in a series of transactions to purchase 100% of Hot Telecommunications, Israel’s cable television company, for a total consideration of NIS 3 Billion.
• Representing Endemol, one of the world largest content providers, in obtaining regulatory approvals for the purchase of 33% of Reshet, one of Israel’s broadcast television licensees, and obtaining approval for the continuation of existing production contracts with the other major broadcast television licensee, Keshet.
• Representing Viola fund in obtaining regulatory approval for the purchase of the satellite operator RRSAT.
• Conducting tender procedures and litigation for the Second Authority for Television and Radio in licensing and franchising of regional radio stations.
• Advising Haim Saban in regulatory matters related to the purchase of control in Bezeq, Israel’s incumbent telephone carrier.
• Advising one of Israel’s leading telecommunication operators on its capital markets transactions.
• Representation of the underwriters in an offering by Partner Communications of high-yield debt.
• Representation of one of Israel’s largest cellular operators in a joint venture to make content available to the Israeli and other cellular markets.