Launching Airtel brand in Bangladesh top priority: Kohli

NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel on Tuesday said it will eventually launch the Airtel brand in Bangladesh and the business plan for the roll-out is in the works, a top company official said.

"In the next four-six weeks, we will have the business plan ready to get the board approvals to take into account major roll-out all over the country, launch of Airtel brand in Bangladesh. The board will decide the time of Airtel brand launch," Bharti Airtel CEO Manoj Kohli said.

Asked if there is a need to step up investment in Warid Telecom, he said Board would decide on the next quantum of investment and if there is a need to go beyond $300 million.

"This money we believe is good enough for couple of years at least. By that time company will be in a healthy stage," Kohli added.

On paying 300 million dollar to buy 70 per cent stake, he said, "We don't look at valuation. We look at growth of business. Valuation is a subsidiary of the growth. The main objective is growth and health of the company."

"Last year was great because we started with Sri Lanka. This year is better we started with Bangladesh. We have always been interested in emerging markets and that interest will continue," he said.

Bharti Airtel today acquired 70 per cent stake in number two operator in Bangladesh -- Warid Telecom.