Partner Communications confirmed Thursday the completion of its NIS 1.45 billion purchase of 012 Smile, after the takeover was approved Tuesday by the Communications Ministry and other regulators.The mobile-network operator, which operates under the Orange brand name, purchased Ampal-American Israel Corporation’s stake in 012 Smile in a deal last October. The purchase was the largest non-real-estate acquisition in Israel in 2010.Partner CEO Ya’acov Gelbard said the purchase was an important strategic step in the company’s path to becoming a comprehensive communication group. “This deal will expand the range of Partner’s services and products, to the benefit of Partner’s customers and the benefit of the broader public,” he said.
