Dialog, Airtel merge operations in Sri Lanka

Dialog Axiata PLC, Axiata Group Berhad, and Bharti Airtel Ltd have signed a Definitive Agreement to combine their operations in Sri Lanka, with Dialog acquiring 100 per cent of the issued shares in Airtel Lanka.

In exchange, Dialog will issue to Bharti Airtel, ordinary voting shares which will amount to 10.355 per cent of the total issued shares of Dialog by way of a share swap, Dialog said in a media release on Thursday. 

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has granted its approval for the proposed merger, underscoring its vision to advance the adoption of telecommunications services across Sri Lanka.

This consolidation will enable the merged entity to garner economies of scale and reduce duplication of infrastructure, achieve synergies in technology and capital expenditure leading to enhanced high speed broadband connectivity, voice and value added services, cost savings and operational efficiencies, the statement said.

Vivek Sood, Group CEO and Managing Director of Axiata Group Berhad said, "The merger between Dialog and Airtel Lanka is aligned to Axiata’s strategy of market consolidation and resilience. The merger will create value for the shareholders of Dialog Axiata PLC and Axiata Group through achievable synergies.”

Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, CEO Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director of Axiata, added “This merger brings together the strengths of two leading telco groups and bodes well for the Growth and Sustainability of Sri Lanka’s flagship Telecom Sector.”

Gopal Vittal, MD & CEO Bharti Airtel Ltd said, “We are happy to merge our Sri Lanka operations with Dialog. Given the scale and unique propositions they offer, we are certain that our customers will continue to enjoy cutting edge services on a seamless network.”

Supun Weerasinghe, Director/Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “It is a privilege to welcome the team at Airtel Lanka to the Dialog family and together we take a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering superior telecommunications services in Sri Lanka”, remarked