The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that one of the wireless industry's consummate deal makers has struck again. In a fawning tribute, The Globe's James Bradshaw writes that BCE's $3.1-billion deal to buy Manitoba Telecom Services is the latest notch in chief executive officer George Cope's belt. Acquisitions have been a hallmark of the BCE boss's career, including CTV, Astral and stakes in some of Canada's "most beloved" sports franchises, such as the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Raptors.
This latest purchase may be the purest bet on wireless he has made since arriving at BCE in 2006. Mr. Cope, 54, knew how to strike a big deal well before his BCE days, having sold Clearnet Communications to Telus for $6.6-billion in 2000. According to Mr. Bradshaw, the picture of Mr. Cope that emerges from those who have watched him at a negotiating table is that of a disciplined deal maker whose tactics have changed little in the years since.
"He sticks to a game plan," said Thomas O'Neill, who just retired as BCE's board chairman and who "rode shotgun" with Mr. Cope on an array of transactions. Mr. Cope is meticulous in preparing and pitching deals, and the guiding force is always the bottom line.
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