UK Government Greenlights Bharti Global's Acquisition of Significant Stake in BT

The British government has given its approval for Indian conglomerate Bharti Enterprises' investment arm, Bharti Global, to acquire a 24.5% stake in London-listed telecom giant BT. This move follows a thorough national security assessment and assurances provided by BT.

The acquisition, valued at £3.2 billion, was made from the previous major shareholder, Patrick Drahi's Altice, adhering to the terms outlined by Bharti Global in August. This strategic investment underscores Bharti Global's commitment to enhancing BT's market position and service offerings.

In response to national security concerns, BT will establish a dedicated national security committee to oversee strategic work impacting the UK's national security. This measure is designed to mitigate risks associated with BT's critical role in supporting state telecommunications initiatives and ensuring the nation's cybersecurity.

Additionally, BT serves as a strategic supplier to various government departments, including those involved in national security. Bharti Global has explicitly stated its intention not to pursue a complete acquisition of BT, maintaining BT's operational independence.