Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea’s shareholders have approved an equity allocation worth ₹436.21 crore to its promoter entity, the Vodafone Group.
As per voting results submitted to the stock exchanges on Friday evening, 99.94% of Vodafone Idea (VIL) shareholders approved allocation of the equity to Vodafone Group firm Euro Pacific Securities.
Vodafone Group at present holds 58.46% stake in the company and Aditya Birla Group 16.53%.
The company had raised ₹3,375 crore from Vodafone Group and ₹1,125 crore from Aditya Birla Group in March.
VIL has been trying to raise funds in the range of ₹20,000-25,000 crore from external sources for the last two years but has failed to attract any investors. The government announced a reform package in September last year which has largely benefited Vodafone Idea.
The government has allowed VIL to convert around ₹16,100 crore interest dues into about 33% stake in the company to provide liquidity for investment in the business.
Still, analysts have said high leverage and weak balance sheet have impaired the company’s ability to invest in the network.
As of March 31, 2022, the total debt (including interest accrued but not due) of the group was ₹1,97,878.2 crore. The company has around ₹8,160 crore of payments due over the next 12 months, as per analysts.