Africa’s biggest mobile operator MTN is again looking to buy out Telkom, with it announcing ‘early stage’ plans in a Sens announcement on Friday, which saw Telkom’s share price soaring around 30% (R43.49 at 10h00) in early morning trade.

“Shareholders are advised that MTN and Telkom SA SOC Limited [Telkom] have entered into discussions in relation to MTN acquiring the entire issued share capital of Telkom in return for shares or a combination of cash and shares in MTN,” the telecoms giant said.

Whether it will be third time lucky for MTN remains to be seen. More specific financial details of the proposed offer are yet to be revealed.

“The transaction, if concluded, may have a material effect on the price of the company’s securities. Accordingly, shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s securities until a further announcement is made,” MTN said.

MTN’s share price was up more than 3.5% on the announcement, trading around R139.49 a share at midday on Friday.

In a separate Sens announcement, Telkom also revealed that former MTN CEO Mteto Nyati has been appointed to its board.

Nyati’s appointment is part of a raft of changes to the Telkom board. He is also former CEO of JSE-listed tech group Altron.