In a recent report, Bharti Airtel has taken over African operations from Kuwait's Zain. With this deal, Bharti Airtel has bagged the fifth spot in the wireless carrier industry. The deal is reported to be worth around $10 billion.

Bharti had negotiated the deal in March, to buy Zain's operations in 15 countries. Sources reveal that this is the second largest foreign takeover in India. Another much hyped foreign takeover was when Tata Steel bought Corus in
2007. This $13 billion transaction was the biggest foreign acquisition in India.

The Company is getting stiff competition at the home ground and is therefore, keen on exploring foreign territories. With this deal, the Company will have 180 million subscribers, spanning over 18 countries. However, it also brings difficult challenges along with it. Therefore, careful planning has to be done regarding finance and management.

The deal had earlier run into trouble with an argument about marginal possession of Zain's operations in Nigeria. In 2006, minority shareholder Econet was trying to knock over the deal by Zain. This deal was named Celtel. Econet had got majority of shares in Vee Networks Ltd., a Nigerian mobile operator. Vee Networks Ltd. is now called Zain Nigeria.