New Delhi: Is the world’s largest mobile phone company by revenue, the UK-based Vodafone, joining the race for MTN?
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UK’s Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph newspapers have reported that Vodafone is examining a £20 billion or $39.02 billion bid for MTN.
It also said that Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin has asked the in-house acquisition team to explore the options of buying MTN.
Vodafone has, however, denied any intention to pursue MTN.
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Indeed, if Vodafone is interested in acquiring MTN, talks could be at an early stage and may not result in a bid, sources said.
Early last week, Bharti and MTN had also said that they are in exploratory talks and may not result in a deal.
But within days, it was learnt that the two were locked in advanced deliberations in London for an acquisition deal.
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Bharti wants to buy 51% in MTN, and is believed to be arranging finances for the deal.
SingTel, which holds 30.5% in Bharti, will help in the process.
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