Rostelecom May Spin Off Wireless Assets for Tele2 Russia Merger

OAO Rostelecom, Russia’s state-controlled telecommunications operator, plans to spin off mobile assets before their possible merger with VTB Group’s Tele2 Russia to form the fourth nationwide wireless operator.

Rostelecom is asking shareholders to vote on separating its mobile assets into a newly formed entity, called RT-Mobile, according to a regulatory filing today. The board will meet Nov. 19 to determine the price for buying out minorities who don’t support the move, the company said.