FIPB defers decision on Jet-Etihad deal; Telenor gets go-ahead
Moneylife Digital Team 14 June 2013
Market regulator SEBI and competition watchdog CCI have already sought clarity from the domestic carrier on the transaction, to ensure that Etihad’s ownership powers in Jet remains in line with its 24% stake in the company’s equity capital
 
The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) on Friday deferred a decision on Rs2,000-crore Jet-Etihad deal, the largest foreign investment in the Indian aviation sector, and sought clarity on control and ownership.
 
The FIPB, headed by Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram, however, cleared the FDI proposal of Norway’s Telenor to hike stake in its domestic subsidiary to 74%.
 
“It (Jet Airways-Etihad proposal) has been deferred. We need more details of effective control and ownership,” Mr Mayaram said after a meeting of the FIPB.
 
As per the proposal, Jet Airways plans to sell 24% stake to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad for about Rs2,058 crore.
 
Besides, Telenor is seeking government approval to hike stake by 25% in its domestic subsidiary Telewings to 74%.
 
“Telenor proposal has been approved,” Mr Mayaram said.
 
It could not be immediately ascertained the amount of FDI expected to come through the Telenor transaction.
 
In March, FIPB had deferred decision on the proposal.
 
Jet-Etihad deal assumes immense significance against the backdrop of the government looking to attract more foreign investment into the country.
 
Market regulator SEBI and competition watchdog CCI have already sought clarity from the domestic carrier on the transaction, to ensure that Etihad’s ownership powers in Jet remains in line with its 24% stake in the company’s equity capital.
 
This is the largest foreign investment proposal in the aviation sector after the government allowed foreign carriers to pick up stake in domestic airlines in September last year.
 
In March, the FIPB had cleared the Rs81 crore investment proposal of AirAsia to set up a JV airline company with Tata Sons and another partner.
 
Comments
Mayuresh Bhomkar
1 decade ago
test
ramakant
Replied to Mayuresh Bhomkar comment 1 decade ago
test reply
Array
Free Helpline
Legal Credit
Feedback