gyptian telecommunications giant Orascom Telecom Holding E(OTH) is planning a full merger with Hutchison TelecomInternational Limited (HTIL). This would result in Orascom gaining a direct holding in the Indian entity. At present, Orascom has over 4 per cent indirect stake in Hutchison Essar through a 19.3 per cent stake in HTIL, which it acquired in December 2005.
Orascom’s indirect shareholding presence in Hutchison Essar has, however, induced national security concerns in the Indian government because the company runs mobile services in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
