For Bharti Airtel CEO Manoj Kohli, the New Year seems to have begun on a positive note. The company, which on Tuesday inked a deal to buy majority 70% stake in Bangladesh?s fourth largest telecom operator, Warid Telecom, is aiming at leadership position there also by replicating its low-cost, high-volume model. In an exclusive interview with FE?s Anandita Singh Mankotia and Rishi Raj, Kohli shared his post-acquisition strategy. Excerpts:

After Sri Lanka, you have made a foray into Bangladesh. What would be the driving force as you enter into a new market?

Well, we are indeed delighted to start the New Year on such a positive note and the tone it has set for the rest of the year. Bangladesh is a promising market with a population of over 160 million and a tele-density of 32%. We will replicate our low-cost model there. We would roll out our network and distribution channels as well as our customer service.

You are the number one operator in India while Warid is the fourth largest operator in Bangladesh. Do you see Warid emerging as a leader there and, if so, by when?

We are sure to assume the leadership position there but at this point we are busy chalking out our roll out plans.

What are the points of similarities and dissimilarities between the Indian and Bangladesh markets?

The Indian and the Bangladesh markets are quite similar. It is very similar to eastern Indian circles like Bihar, Orissa. Tariffs in Bangladesh are also quite affordable. What is different is the intensity of operations.

Does this acquisition mark a shift in your M&A strategy, from targeting big ticket acquisitions such as MTN to focusing on smaller buys first?

It?s not a question of big or small buys. Our overseas acquisition strategy is guided by only one factor ? emerging markets ? and Bangladesh is an emerging market. The golden principle is that the company must be a strategic fit in our plans and we would like to replicate the Indian model in other economies so that we can share the benefit of the Indian model with other consumers.

How much have you acquired Warid for? Is the $300 million an investment or the acquisition price and is the amount through internal accruals?

The acquisition is for $300 million. However, the money will not go to the promoters but will be invested in the company?s operations. The entire amount is internally generated.