In a significant corporate move, the board of directors of telecom giant Bharti Airtel has given its formal approval for the final payment call on millions of its partly-paid shares. The decision, taken in a meeting on Thursday, 18 December 2025, marks a crucial step in completing the capital-raising process initiated years earlier.
Details of the Final Call Approval
The board has sanctioned a first and final call of ₹401.25 per share. This call applies to a specific batch of 392,287,662 outstanding partly paid-up equity shares. Each of these shares carries a face value of ₹5, of which ₹1.25 has already been paid up by shareholders. The remaining amount is now being called upon.
These shares were originally issued by the company on a rights basis. The offer was made pursuant to a Letter of Offer dated 22 September 2021. The company formally communicated this decision to the stock exchanges through a regulatory filing, ensuring transparency for its investors and the market at large.
Context and Background of the Rights Issue
The move relates back to the company's strategic fundraising efforts. A rights issue allows existing shareholders to purchase additional shares, typically at a discount to the market price. Bharti Airtel's 2021 rights issue was a major event aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and funding growth initiatives, including 5G network expansion and digital services.
The partly-paid share structure is a common feature in such large rights issues. It allows shareholders to pay the issue price in instalments. The first instalment was paid at the time of application. Now, with this board approval, the company is calling for the final and substantial remaining payment from the eligible shareholders.
Implications for Shareholders and the Market
This final call has direct implications for the holders of these 392 million partly-paid shares. They will be required to pay the called amount of ₹401.25 per share by the stipulated deadline to retain full ownership and avoid any penalties or forfeiture. Upon full payment, these shares will be converted into fully paid-up equity shares, granting holders identical rights to other ordinary shares.
For Bharti Airtel, the successful collection of this final call will result in a substantial inflow of capital, further cementing its financial position. It represents the culmination of the capital raise planned in 2021. Market analysts will be watching closely to see the subscription rate for this final call, as it reflects existing shareholders' continued confidence in the company's prospects.
The company has tagged this as a developing story, indicating that further details regarding payment timelines and procedures are expected to be announced shortly. Investors are advised to monitor official communications from the company and the stock exchanges for updates.
