Bharti group is sharpening its focus in the data and communications’ business by merging its companies—Bharti Telespatial, Bharti BT, Bharti BT Internet and Bharti Broadband Networks. The newly formed company will be named Bharti Broadband Networks.

Bharti BT, a 51: 49 joint venture between Bharti Telecom and British Telecom was formed in 1997, for providing VSAT services. The following year, another 51:49 joint venture, Bharti BT Internet, between Bharti Telecom and British Telecom was formed for providing internet services. In the current year, Bharti Tele-Ventures acquired 85 per cent and 15 per cent in Bharti Telespatial from Bharti Telecom and Intel respectively.

Amalgamation of other Bharti group companies is also under way. Jumbo Holdings Limited, Jubilant Holdings Limited and Viscount (JJV), all wholly owned subsidiaries of Bharti Tele-Ventures, are in the process of being amalgamated with Bharti Tele-Ventures.

Bharti Tele-Ventures and JJV have entered into an agreement with Bharti Cellular for the sale of their entire shareholding in SC Cellular to Bharti Cellular upon completion of the amalgamation of JJV with Bharti Tele-Ventures. This would result in SC Cellular and Bharti Mobile becoming subsidiaries of Bharti Cellular. At present, Bharti Tele-Ventures holds 97.74 per cent of the share capital of SC Cellular and the balance is with JJV.

The Madras and Delhi High Courts have approved the scheme of amalgamation and additional filings with regulatory authorities are pending in order for such scheme to be effective.

In a parallel development, Well Done Impex is in the process of being amalgamated with Bharti Cellular Well Done Impex owns the office building of Delhi operations and also provides administrative services to Bharti Cellular.