The South African Department of Communications released a statement today saying it has not taken any stance on the proposed Bharti-MTN merger deal as talks between the companies are still going on.
“We wish to put it on record that the Department (of Communications) and/or the government have not taken a stance on the issue as discussion between the parties are ongoing.
“It is, therefore, incorrect that the government has offered its support for the proposed tie-up at this stage as reported in the media,” a Department of Communications’, South Africa, spokesperson told PTI from Pretoria.
The Communications Department’s comments come in the wake of reports that the South African government supports the Bharti-MTN deal.
Sunil Bharti Mittal last week steered clear of committing to wrapping up exclusive merger negotiations with South Africa’s MTN before the revised deadline atthe end of this month. “These things are always up till the last minute. There is always hope,” the chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel said. The largest mobile phone firms in India and Africa extended their July 31 deadline for exclusive merger talks as they grappled with issues surrounding pricing and the structure of the alliance.
