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| [January 29, 2013] |
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Saban Capital Group Acquires Controlling Interest in Partner Communications
LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)--
S.B. Israel Telecom Ltd., an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Inc.,
announced today it has closed its purchase of the controlling interest
in Partner Communications Company Ltd. (TASE: PTNR; NASDAQ: PTNR) from
Scailex Corporation Ltd. (TASE: SCIX). Partner, a leading provider of
communications services in Israel, including cellular,
Internet and fixed telephony, operates the orangeTM
and 012 Smile brands in Israel. The transaction includes the assumption
of debt owed by Scailex to Advent Investments Pte Ltd., a subsidiary of
Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HKEX: 13).
Haim Saban, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saban Capital Group
said, "We have great confidence in the Israeli economy and we are very
impressed with the quality of management, entrepreneurial spirit and
strength of the local economy. I have no doubt that, together with
Partner management, we can lead the Company to great achievements in all
areas of its operations."
Adam Chesnoff, President and Chief Operating Officer of Saban Capital
Group said, "We are excited about our investment in Partner and to be
re-entering the Israeli market. We would also like to convey our
appreciation to Partner's dedicated employees and the excellent
management team headed by CEO Haim Romano. Together, we will strengthen
the Company for the benefit of its employees, customers and
stakeholders."
From 2005-2010, Saban Capital Group and its partners were investors in
Bezeq (News - Alert) Israeli Telecommunication Corp. (TASE: BEZQ), Israel's incumbent
telecommunications operator. From 2005-2008, Saban Capitl Group was an
investor in Keshet Broadcasting Ltd., the leading media brand and
television station in Israel.
Saban Capital Group received legal advice from Zellermayer, Pelossof,
Rosovsky, Tsafrir, Toledano & Co. Advocates and Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom LLP, financial advice from Deutsche Bank Israel and
transaction advisory services from KPMG Somekh Chaikin.
About Saban Capital Group
Saban Capital Group ("SCG") is a leading private investment firm based
in Los Angeles specializing in the media, entertainment, and
communication industries.
SCG was established in 2001 by Haim Saban, co-founder of Fox Family
Worldwide, a global television broadcasting, production, distribution
and merchandising company owned in partnership with Rupert Murdoch and
The News Corporation until its sale to The Walt Disney (News - Alert) Company in
October 2001. The firm currently makes both controlling and minority
investments in public and private companies and takes an active role in
its portfolio companies. SCG's current private equity investments
include Univision (the premier Spanish-language media company in the
US); Celestial Tiger Entertainment (a venture with Lionsgate and Astro,
Malaysia's largest pay TV platform, to launch and operate new branded
pay television channels across Asia); Taomee (China's leading children's
online entertainment company); MNC (Indonesia's largest and only
vertically-integrated media company); and Sky Vision (Indonesia's
largest Pay TV platform). Saban Brands LLC, an affiliate of SCG, was
formed in 2010 to acquire, manage and license entertainment properties
and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms globally, and
currently holds the rights to Power Rangers and Paul Frank Industries in
its portfolio. With offices in Los Angeles and Hong Kong, SCG actively
manages a globally diversified portfolio of investments across public
equities, credit, alternative investments, and real property assets.
About Partner Communications
Partner Communications Company Ltd. ("Partner") is a leading Israeli
provider of telecommunications services (cellular, fixed-line telephony
and internet services) under the orange™ brand. Partner also provides
mobile communications services to approximately three million
subscribers in Israel and provides international long distance services,
internet services and local telecommunication fixed-line services
(including telephony services using VOB) under the 012 Smile brand. 012
Smile is a wholly owned subsidiary of Partner Communications. Partner's
ADSs are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market™ and its shares are
traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NASDAQ and TASE: PTNR). More
information can be found at www.orange.co.il/en/Investors-Relations/lobby/.

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