Bharti Airtel to merge Indus Towers into Bharti Infratel and create the largest mobile tower entity
New Delhi, April 25: Bharti Airtel has approved to merge Indus Towers into Bharti Infratel to create the largest mobile tower entities worldwide with 1.63 lakh towers across 22 circles in India, a company statement said here on Wednesday.
The combined company will own 100 per cent of Indus Towers, it said.
Indus Towers was currently jointly owned by Bharti Infratel (42 per cent), Vodafone (42 per cent), Idea Group (11.15 per cent) and Providence (4.85 per cent).
The combined company, which will fully own the respective businesses of Bharti Infratel and Indus Towers, will change its name to Indus Towers Limited and will continue to be listed on the Indian Stock Exchanges.
"Taken together, Bharti Infratel and Indus Towers had over 163,000 towers and 367,000 tenancies as on March 31, 2018. With over Rs 253 billion ($3.8 billion) in revenues (for the financial year ended March 31, 2018).
"The combined company will be well placed to invest on a national basis to satisfy the future demand from all telecoms operators in India as they continue to densify their networks to support sustained data traffic growth and roll out new network technologies," the company statement said.
"Indus Towers currently operates in 15 telecom service areas (Circles) and Bharti Infratel's operations are focused on the remaining seven Circles.
"The combination of Bharti Infratel and Indus Towers, with their highly complementary footprints, will create a pan-India tower company with the ability to offer high quality passive infrastructure services to all operators on a non-discriminatory basis, needed to support the pan-India expansion of wireless broadband services using 4G/4G+/5G technologies," it added.
Bharti Airtel and Vodafone will have equal rights in the combined company. They have entered into a shareholders' agreement and it is expected that the combined company's articles of association will be amended at completion to reflect some of these rights.
"Following completion, the Board of the combined company will comprise of 11 directors, of whom three will be appointed by each of Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, one will be appointed by KKR/Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and four (including the Chairman) will be independent.
"The management team will be confirmed prior to closing," the statement clarified.
The transaction is subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities, including from Competition Commission of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, National Company Law Tribunal, Department of Telecommunications (FDI approval), approval from Bharti Infratel's shareholders, necessary corporate approvals from the companies involved, as well as closing conditions.
The transaction is expected to complete before the end of the financial year ending March 31, 2019, the statement added.
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Thumbay Group launches “Thumbay Cares” well-being program putting team members first
Ajman (UAE): Thumbay Group has launched “Thumbay Cares”, a comprehensive well-being programme aimed at improving the quality of life, career growth and long-term security of its team members across all its divisions. The announcement comes soon after the Group was officially certified as a “Great Place to Work” in the UAE for 2025–2026.
The Group employs more than 3,000 people from 56 nationalities, including over 500 doctors. With the launch of Thumbay Cares, the management said it is strengthening its focus on a people-first work culture by bringing together healthcare support, financial protection, education assistance, wellness initiatives, recognition and leadership development under a single umbrella.
According to the Group, Thumbay Cares is not limited to employee benefits but is designed as a long-term commitment to support team members in both their professional and personal lives. The programme has been introduced under the vision of Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, who has consistently stressed the importance of investing in people to build sustainable institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Thumbay Moideen said that being recognised as a Great Place to Work reflects the organisation’s internal culture and values. He said the new programme takes this commitment further by ensuring that team members feel supported in health, growth and life, adding that when employees feel valued and secure, excellence follows naturally.
Under Thumbay Cares, team members will receive a range of healthcare and wellness benefits. These include free medical checkups at Thumbay Healthcare facilities, free blood tests at Thumbay Labs, free health insurance for all employees, quarterly body composition analysis through Body and Soul Health Club, complimentary health club membership, grooming and wellness services, as well as life and workmen’s compensation insurance. The Group said the focus is on preventive care, early diagnosis and overall well-being as part of everyday life.
The programme also places strong emphasis on education, professional growth and leadership development. Thumbay Group will offer merit-based scholarships for children of employees at Gulf Medical University and provide free next-generation leadership training through Thumbay College of Management and programmes in artificial intelligence in healthcare. These initiatives are aimed at creating clear pathways for career advancement and leadership roles within the organisation.
In addition, Thumbay Cares includes performance-based rewards, incentives, benefits for long-serving employees, annual bonus programmes and subsidised services across various Thumbay outlets. The Group said these measures are intended to recognise loyalty and contribution, while building a work environment where employees feel respected, rewarded and motivated to stay long term.
With the launch of Thumbay Cares, Thumbay Group said it aims to position itself not only as a leader in healthcare and education, but also as one of the region’s most people-centric organisations.
