Bharti Airtel in talks to increase stake in Indus Towers

Bharti Airtel is in discussions with Vodafone Plc to acquire an additional 3% stake in Indus Towers, according to sources reported by CNBC TV18.

As of today, Bharti Airtel stock remained stable, trading at ₹1,414.3, slightly down from the previous close.

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Last week, Vodafone sold a 20% stake in Indus Towers through block deals, raising ₹17,200 crore. Bharti Airtel bought a 1% stake in this transaction, bringing its total holding in Indus Towers to nearly 49%.

If the additional 3% stake purchase goes through, Bharti Airtel will become the majority shareholder in Indus Towers, exceeding the 50% mark. Airtel plans to merge Indus Towers with its data centre business, Nxtra.

This merger is expected to unlock significant value and provide an exit for Carlyle, which acquired a 24% stake in Nxtra in 2020.

This consolidation and merger strategy is part of Bharti Airtel’s broader plan to capitalize on its holdings in Indus Towers.