AirAsia-Tata-Bhatia JV locks in promoters
However, the terms of the agreement allows Tata Sons and the Bhatias-owned Telestra Tradeplace freedom to pick up 5% equity capital of any airline if the investments are made jointly without getting any management control in the target company.
“During the term of this Memorandum of Agreement, AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia India Ltd and their affiliates shall not directly or indirectly initiate, assist, solicit, negotiate or accept any offer or inquiry from any person regarding an investment, partnership, participation, association, brand licensing with any person in India engaged in the business,” the exclusivity clause in the memorandum of agreement, as reviewed by FE, states.
The arrangement helps provide more permanence to the joint venture agreement and ensures commitment of each partner in it. This is likely to help sustain operations in the country's volatile aviation market.
Experts say the stability in the partnership will send the right signals to the market and also help in future fund-raising plans.
“AirAsia and the Tatas are well-known brands and this show of commitment will help them whenever they seek to raise loans,” said Peter S Morrell, a professor
