Reliance Communications-MTN mutually end tie-up talks

Reliance Communications-MTN mutually end tie-up talks

Reliance Communications and South Africa's MTN on Friday mutually ended tie-up talks after Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries (RIL) on Thursday started arbitration proceedings against younger brother Anil's RCom to thwart the latter’s merger with Africa’s largest telco. RCom said that it is unable to presently conclude the deal due to regulatory issues. The No. 2 mobile carrier in the country has been in exclusive talks with MTN since late May to create a top-10 global telecoms group spanning about two dozen countries. But a claim by elder brother Mukesh of first right of refusal on Reliance Communications shares had complicated prospects for a deal.

The dispute took a fresh turn on Thursday when Mukesh, who runs RIL started arbitration proceedings on the share claim. However, Reliance Communications investors on Friday shrugged off the latest twist in a family squabble clouding the group. A 45-day exclusivity period between RCom and MTN expired earlier this month and an extension was due to end on Monday. The talks have been overshadowed by the dispute and whether MTN would risk striking a deal which could then be beholden to India's judicial system.

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Source: ET