Deutsche Bank suggests merger with BSNL to save Vodafone Idea

Kolkata: The government must back state control of Vodafone Idea (Vi) by quickly merging it with Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and recapitalise the ailing telco to save it from going bankrupt, especially after the Supreme Court ruled out any relief on its huge adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, brokerage Deutsche Bank said.

“…the only viable solution is for the government to recapitalise Vi by converting its debt into equity, preferably while merging it with BSNL, and then providing it a clear commercial mandate based on profitability targets and incentives,” Deutsche Bank said in a note seen by ET.