Reliance Communications in wireless merger talks with Aircel

Mumbai

BILLIONAIRE Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications Ltd is in talks to merge with smaller wireless carrier Aircel Ltd in the latest sign that deal-making in India's telecommunications industry is heating up.

Reliance is considering the "potential combination" of its wireless operations with those of Aircel, it said in an exchange filing. Though it did not provide financial details, the company has 90 days to have exclusive talks with Aircel owners - Malaysia's Maxis Communications Bhd and Sindya Securities & Investments Pvt.