Japanese wireless service operator Willcom Inc., owned by U.S. investment fund Carlyle Group and Japanese electronics firm Kyocera Corp, will soon start choosing book-runners for its public share offering planned as early as next year, financial sources said. Willcom added 64,900 subscribers in February for a total of 3.8 million — an increase of 25 percent since March last year when it introduced the flat-rate voice plan. 

A Willcom spokesman declined to comment on the report but reiterated past statements by Carlyle that it intends to take Willcom public within 3-5 years after the acquisition in 2004. A source at Carlyle said the book-runners for the IPO will be chosen shortly, paving the way for a listing next year. “They will hold a beauty parade of advisers to prepare for the float sometimes next month,” said a banker who declined to be identified. Continue>>

Related posts:

1. Carlyle Group Books Loss on Willcom
2. Kids’ Mobile Device for Willcom?
3. Willcom taps Sonus Solutions for VoIP
4. SoftBank to Buy Willcom
5. Willcom Launches Feature Packed Mobile Phones for Fall

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!