Axiata ... Jul12

It is likely eyeing a telecoms license that may be available in Myanmar . Axiata’s US$1.5 billion multi currency sukuk programme Axiata announced in early July 2012 for general corporate purposes gives the company the flexibility to raise funds within weeks should the need arise.

 

Laws are being changed in Myanmar to allow foreigners to have telecom license.  Market watchers reckon bigger players like Axiata and Singtel may opt to work with state owned operator Myanmar Post and Telecommunications should a strategic stake be available.

Axiata already has controlling interests in mobile operators in Indonesia , Sri Lanka , Bangladesh and Cambodia as well as associate stake in India ’s Ideal Celular Ltd and Singapore ’s M1 Ltd.

 

Apart from Myanmar , Axiata’s sukuk programme giving it bigger war chest to strengthen and consolidate its positions in countries. The Sukuk programme is not a preclude to a special dividend payout.  The dividend hopes in early July 2012 run up in stock prices may have fuelled by a speculation that Axiata is  a potential candidate open to hiving off its telecoms tower assets into a business trust for up front cash, while still retaining control.

 

Where there are no imminent M&A on the table, Axiata remains interested in strengthening its position by being a consolidating in Bangladesh and India . Axiata is keen to take control of India ’s Idea Cellular Ltd, in which it currently owns 19.3% stake. However, do not expect Axiata to make up any significant moves in India until the regulatory issues clear up.