Datco completed process for purchase of Silica Networks Argentina and Silica Networks Chile

Datco, a company that provides infrastructure, services and solutions for the information technology and communication industries, completed the process for the purchase of Silica Networks Argentina and Silica Networks Chile, telecom companies with fiber optic technology linking their operations on both sides of the Andes. Silica Networks, created in 2000 as a joint venture between the British National Grid (50 percent), the Chilean Manquehue Net (30.1 percent) and the American Williams Communications (18.9 percent), came to Argentina with an investment of over 220 million dollars, and was sold in 2002 to the company?s local management.

The firm connects the main Argentine cities (covering 78% of the population) with Santiago, in Chile, providing advanced services of voice and data communication. The transaction was financed and guaranteed by Banco Macro-Bansud, from Argentina, and BCI, from Chile. The amount of the purchase has not been disclosed.

Datco was assisted by its in-house lawyer, María Gabriela Fernández,. In Argentina it was advised by Beretta Kahale Godoy, through its partner Roxana Kahale, and in Chile Datco was represented by Estudio Otero. Silica was counseled by Matías Ponferrada, partner of Abeledo Gottheil.