MTN, Orascom talks collapse

South African cellular giant MTN today said it had terminated its discussions with Orascom Telecom on a potential deal, to acquire some or all of its businesses.

“MTN shareholders are advised that discussions (with Orascom Telecom) have been terminated and caution is no longer required to be exercised by MTN shareholders when dealing in their MTN securities,” the company said in a regulatory filing yesterday.

MTN was referring to its announcement in April regarding its talks with Weather Investments, the parent company of Orascom Telecom, for a possible takeover of the Egypt-based firm or certain of its businesses. Reportedly, MTN has been unable to strike a deal due to regulatory hurdles. Orascom operates GSM networks in Algeria, Pakistan, Egypt, Tunisia, Bangladesh and North Korea, among others.

Analysts said failure of the talks would hit MTN’s plans to expand reach in Africa. It also assumes importance in the backdrop of Bharti Airtel recently completing the acquisition of Zain Telecom’s Africa operations for $10.7 billion (Rs 52,700 crore), to become the world’s fifth largest mobile operator with 180 million subscribers in 18 Asian and African nations.

Since 2008, MTN has failed thrice to strike a partnership deal with Indian players, including twice with Bharti Airtel and once with Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Communications (RCom).

Recently, media reports had suggested that RCom-MTN talks for a potential deal could be restarted in the wake of the two Ambani siblings calling a truce and deciding to scrap their non-compete agreements. However, an MTN Group spokesperson said, “MTN emphatically denies being engaged in talks of any nature with RCom.”

In July 2008, Anil Ambani-led RCom called off the talks for a potential transaction with MTN, citing legal and regulatory issues. At that time, Anil was engaged in a bitter battle with elder sibling Mukesh.