As I mentioned on Friday, the CRTC will be webcasting the audio feed from its hearings examining the BCE privatization.
The hearings will open with a panel from Bell, led by COO and CEO-designate George Cope, Regulatory Affairs Chief Mirko Bibic, Chief Legal Officer Martine Turcotte and Expressvu president Gary Smith. They will be joined by Jim Leech, the President and CEO of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Also part of the panel are a host of internal and external lawyers, representatives of Providence Equity Partners, Merrill Lynch (both are equity participants with Teachers), KPMG (the valuators) and supporting executives.
Following the applicant’s panel, there are presentations from intervenors – mainly friendly, until Catalyst Asset Management will try to convince the CRTC to deny approval and get the BCE board of directors to look at a different approach. It is a long shot – a really far out long shot – but it is certain to make for entertaining listening.
The agenda is rounded out by Bell with a chance at the final word – its reply. The CRTC could have its decision out by the end of March.