WASHINGTON-Leucadia National Corp., the New York investment firm seeking to buy at least 50 percent of MCI Inc., is remaining mum on whether it backs the revamped long-distance carrier’s plans to re-enter the wireless space or any other aspect of the proposed telecom purchase.
“We have no comment,” a Leucadia spokeswoman told RCR Wireless News this morning.
On Tuesday, MCI, formerly WorldCom Inc. before emerging from a scandal-ridden bankruptcy in April, said it was notified that Leucadia-which picks up distressed companies-is seeking approval from the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to acquire a controlling interest in the No. 2 long-distance operator.
MCI said the waiting period for antitrust clearance will expire around Aug. 9 unless the FTC grants early termination or requests additional information.
During bankruptcy, then-WorldCom sold its mobile-phone resale and fixed wireless businesses. MCI still retains two-way paging arm SkyTel. MCI Chief Executive Officer Michael Capellas has signaled he sees wireless technology in the company’s future. MCI has a government mobile-phone contract in Baghdad.
One of Leucadia’s holdings is WilTel Communications Inc., a voice and data telecom service provider.
