Singtel divests 1.2 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel for $1.54 billion (India)
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) has divested a 1.2 per cent direct stake in Bharti Airtel for SGD 2 billion (approximately $1.54 billion), registering an estimated gain of SGD 1.4 billion. The stake sale was carried out through Pastel, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singtel, which sold 71 million shares at Rs 1,814 apiece. Post this transaction, Singtel’s shareholding in Bharti Airtel has declined from 29.5 per cent to 28.3 per cent, with its remaining stake now valued at approximately SGD 48 billion.
Avantel to raise Rs 809 million via rights issue to boost defence and satcom manufacturing
Avantel Limited plans to raise Rs 809 million through a rights issue to scale up its manufacturing capabilities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The proceeds will be utilised for setting up dedicated facilities for electronics, antennaes and satellite communication system production. Upon full subscription, the company’s equity base will increase from 244.7 million to 264.9 million shares. The funding will also support the development of ground-station-as-a-service, along with upgrades to software-defined radios, mobile communication systems and aerospace antennas.
Ericsson sells Rs 4.28 billion stake in Vi via bulk deal
Ericsson India Private Limited has divested its approximately 0.6 per cent stake in Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) through a bulk deal, raising Rs 4.28 billion. According to data from the National Stock Exchange, Ericsson India has offloaded 633.7 million shares at a price of Rs 6.76 per share; however, the identities of the buyers remain undisclosed. This transaction follows a similar move by Nokia Solutions and Networks India Private Limited in late April, when it sold its 0.95 per cent stake in Vi to prominent global investment firms, including Goldman Sachs, raising Rs 7.85 billion.
Lightstorm acquires RTI Cables’ assets
Lightstorm has strengthened its subsea and terrestrial network, including in India, through the acquisition of assets from RTI Cables. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition has extended the reach of Lightstorm’s connectivity to over 250 data centres across 14 countries and increased its network capacity to 1,500 Tbps. RTI Cables operates 21,000 km of subsea cable systems, including a 9,700 km Tokyo-to-Sydney route and a 14,500 km Australia-to-US route via Guam and Hawaii.
Partners Group to acquire Singapore-based data centre operator Digital Halo (Singapore)
Partners Group has agreed to acquire Singapore-headquartered data centre company Digital Halo Private Limited on behalf of its clients. The transaction involves the purchase of the platform from existing shareholders, including ARCH Capital, which will retain a minority stake. Digital Halo operates across Southeast and North Asia and is focused on delivering scalable data centre solutions. Further, Partners Group will make an initial commitment of approximately $400 million, alongside ARCH Capital, to drive the company’s expansion. The firm aims to develop Digital Halo into a next-generation data centre platform with over 500 MW of capacity across multiple Asian markets.
Freedom Telecom acquires Kazakhstan-based satellite operator Astel for $22.4 million (Kazakhstan)
Freedom Telecom has acquired a 100 per cent stake in the Astel Group, the parent company of satellite operator Astel, for $22.4 million. Established in 1993, Astel has built a strong presence in Kazakhstan’s telecom sector, offering services spanning traditional infrastructure, digital solutions and satellite communications. The company will continue its operations under the Astel brand while gradually integrating new technologies and business practices as part of its transformation. The acquisition has received the necessary approvals from Kazakhstan’s regulatory authorities.
Equinix completes acquisition of three data centres in Manila (Philippines)
Equinix has finalised the acquisition of three carrier-neutral data centres, MN1, MN2 and MN3, from Total Information Management in Manila. The move marks Equinix’s entry into the Philippines, through which it will be strengthening its footprint in Southeast Asia. The combined capacity of the facilities exceeds 1,000 cabinets, which can be potentially expanded depending on available land. These data centres currently host key network service providers and four internet exchanges, positioning Equinix to immediately serve both local and international clients.
IHS Towers to divest Rwanda business to Paradigm for $274.5 million (Rwanda)
IHS Towers has entered into an agreement to sell its entire stake in IHS Rwanda to Paradigm Tower Ventures. The deal includes approximately 1,465 telecom sites and carries an enterprise value of $274.5 million, reflecting a transaction multiple of 8.3x adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation after leases, significantly above the current group valuation multiple. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and government approvals, and is expected to conclude in the second half of 2025.
