South African mobile operator MTN is showing keen interest in Indian super group Reliance Communications in global merger talks. Indian cellular giant Bharati Airtel recently withdrew from the race.  MTN and Bharati had issues about the structure of a combined group. Bharati Airtel decided to pull out of the deal as MTN had proposed a structure which would have made Bharati Airt1el a subsidiary of the South African cellular company contrary to the agreed terms between the two firms. Sources have confirmed of Reliance Communiaction being the favourite to land MTN. After Bharati pulled out from its $50 billion merger deal Reliance Communications is said to have started negotiations for a possible tie-up with the South African major. According to industry experts the combination of Reliance Communication and MTN would create a global wireless juggernaut. Even larger than established market giants like AT&T. Vodafone started off with gusto with a 20-billion bid which it withdrew at a very early stage.

But the Indian giant Reliance Communications even have other plans. They have been the frontrunners in acquiring UK-based global virtue network operator – Vanco. Reliance Communications is fighting other biggies like AT&T, BT, T-System and NTT in fray. Although the final price of the deal is unknown, as Vanco stands at a $800 million market cap.