\tSingtel is likely to raise its stake in Bharti Telecom, the largest single shareholder in Indian operator Bharti Airtel, to more than 50 per cent, The Economic Times (ET) reported.<\/p>\n
If it goes ahead, the move will prove significant as Bharti Telecom will be reclass<\/a>ified as a foreign-owned entity, which will have an effect on operator Bharti Airtel\u2019s ownership status.<\/p>\n ET reported Bharti Telecom currently holds a 41 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel, but it is class<\/a>ified as a domestic shareholding as the Sunil Mittal family has a 52 per cent holding.<\/p>\n Singtel’s stake in Bharti Telecom currently at 48 per cent: if it increases this to the mooted 50 per cent mark, there will be a reclass<\/a>ification of the holding company as a \u201cforeign\u201d investor.<\/p>\n Bharti Telecom\u2019s holding in Bharti Airtel, which stands at 41 per cent would therefore be considered non-domestic equity, and means overseas holding in the operator could rise from 43 per cent to 85 per cent.<\/p>\n Under regulatory rules, any overseas ownership between 50 per cent and 100 per cent must be given the green light by the government.<\/p>\n For Bharti Telecom, a source told ET additional investment from Singtel could help it to reduce some debt.<\/p>\n The company is also reportedly aiming to get approval to be 100 per cent non-domestically owned, allowing for further increases in holdings and investment.<\/p>\n Singtel currently holds a 35 per cent direct stake [1] in Airtel.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/asia-home-banner\/singtel-boosts-bharti-airtel-stake\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Singtel is likely to raise its stake in Bharti Telecom, the largest single shareholder in …<\/p>\n The post Singtel to up investment in Airtel holding company<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n