The closing of the purchase of Unitel by VimpelCom is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including necessary governmental approvals, and is expected to occur by mid-February of 2006.

Commenting on today's announcement, Alexander Izosimov, Chief Executive Officer of VimpelCom, said, "We are very pleased to announce these acquisitions in Uzbekistan, a large market that we believe has the potential for substantial growth. VimpelCom's entry into Uzbekistan will bring our licensed population coverage to a total of over 230 million people. This is the fourth market outside of Russia that VimpelCom has entered as the Company continues to execute its CIS growth strategy."

LeBoeuf Lamb Greene & MacRae acted as legal advisor to VimpelCom in these transactions.

© "MForum.ru" based on company's info.