Hutchison Telecommunications International Limited, a company controlled by Hong Kong's richest tycoon Li Ka-shing, announced Wednesday that it has already sold its Indian telecom operations to Vodafone.

 

"The transaction was completed on May 8," Hutchison Telecom said in a press release.

 

Hutchison Telecom's estimated pre-tax gain from the sale is expected to be about US$9 billion following certain adjustments, which include the provisions for the previously announced settlement agreement with the Essar Group, a retention of US$352 million by Vodafone, according to the press release.

 

The net cash inflow to Hutchison Telecommunications before payment of the settlement amount is about US$10.83 billion.

 

The company is expected to declare a special dividend of 6.75 HK dollars per share following the completion of the necessary formalities.

 

Canning Fok, Chairman of Hutchison Telecom, said the exit of Indian market will enable the company to react swiftly to new opportunities and to accelerate growth in its existing markets.

 

Hutchison Telecom currently offers mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services in Hong Kong, and operates mobile telecommunications services in Macao, Israel, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Vietnam and Indonesia with brands like "Hutch", "3" and " Orange."

 

(China Daily May 9, 2007)