The Abu Dhabi group led by Sheikh Mabarak Al Nahayan is liquidating its holding in Warid Telecom to stabilize the new Epicenter of financial crisis, Dubai. Warid Telecom is a JV with SingTel and has services in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well. However, only the stake of Bangladesh operations is on the block.
SingTel the natural ally of Bharti Airtel is likely to let the deal through if all necessary clearance are obtained or the former may also raise its stake from the current 30%. Warid Telecom has mere 3 million subscribers compared to Airtel’s 116 mn.
How much is Warid Telecom Worthy of ? Bharti Airtel being the superior Wireless Carrier in India by all means [Subscribers, ARPU, etc] enjoys a valuation of USD 230 / subscriber. By virture of being a carrier in India’s neighboring country, you just can’t compare its potential / growth rates with India. At a 50% discount to Airtel’s valuation or even more, Warid may be valued at USD 350 to 400 mn in today’s market [Risks to my assumption – superior stats – ARPU, growth, spectrum hoarding, licenses, etc – Information not on my desk]. Stay tuned for more.