India’s top mobile company Bharti Airtel said on Wednesday it and
 SA cellular flagship MTN Group had decided to end tie-up 
talks aimed at creating an emerging-market cellphone powerhouse.

“Bharti and MTN have decided to disengage from their discussions
 when the exclusivity period ends on 30 September 2009,” Bharti
 said in a statement.

“This structure needed an approval from the government of SA, which has expressed its inability to accept it in the current form. In view of this, both companies have taken the decision to disengage from discussion,” Bharti said in a statement.

It’s understood that government had wanted MTN to continue to be listed on the JSE, but Indian law prohibits dual-listed entities.

In a statement issued to the JSE’s Sens news service after the market closed, MTN said it and Bharti had not been able to conclude a transaction within the “economic, legal and regulatory framework within which both companies operate. Accordingly, MTN and Bharti have mutually decided to terminate further discussions regarding the potential transaction.

“The MTN board would like to thank all parties involved in these lengthy negotiations for the positive and constructive manner in which the negotiations were conducted. In particular, MTN expresses its appreciation to the SA and Indian governments for their co-operation and supportive approach.

Trading in MTN shares was suspended late on Wednesday. Normal trading will resume on Thursday.

The rand weakened substantially on news the proposed deal, which did not enjoy the support of a number of MTN’s large, institutional shareholders, had been called off. The SA currency was last trading at R7,60/US$, down 2,3%.  — Sapa, TechCentral