Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Stephen Rose
CEO Render Networks

There have been lots of ups and downs in the DTH industry in the past few months, but one thing that was awaited in the DTH industry was how the biggest DTH operator of the country would be formed. Now, here we are not talking about the rise of Tata Sky, but of the soon to be merged entity of Airtel Digital TV and Dish TV. The two DTH operators have been in negotiations about merging their operations but were unable to land to an agreement. However, now as per a new ET report, Warburg Pincus, the investment firm, Dish TV promoters and Airtel Digital TV have come to an agreement about the merger of the two companies. As per the structure of the deal, the operations of Dish TV will be hived off and merged with Airtel Digital TV. Currently, the detailed information about the merger like shareholding information or other financial details have not been shared by the companies. It is worth noting that Dish TV will be merging into Bharti Telemedia which holds Airtel Digital TV under its umbrella.

Dish TV and Airtel Digital TV Merger Talks Now Resume
One of the persons related to the matter spoke on this issue, “The final scheme of arrangement and other details are being worked on.” Also, according to this person, Warburg Pincus, which had invested in 20% of Bharti Telemedia for $350 million back in 2017, will remain invested in the company even after the merger. Another person aware of the ongoings remarked that following the merger of the companies, Bharti Telemedia could also hold an IPO to be listed on the stock market. He also added that back in September, the companies had almost reached an agreement on the pricing of the shares on which Dish TV was ready to sell its business, but the Supreme Court verdict had halted these talks, thus putting a pause on the merger proceedings. But, now the talks are on again.