<p>Bharti and MTN had revived merger talks in May, a year after previous talks broke down over who would control a merged entity. A merger would create an emerging markets giant with more than 200 million customers across India, Africa and the Middle East. </p>.<p>The exclusive talks over the deal, which would see each firm pay cash and stock for a stake in the other, were due to end on July 31. Sources earlier told Reuters the talks were likely to be extended by at least two to three weeks. </p>.<p>Under the initial terms, MTN and its shareholders would take 36 percent economic interest in Bharti Airtel and the Indian firm would end up with 49 percent of MTN.</p>
<p>Bharti and MTN had revived merger talks in May, a year after previous talks broke down over who would control a merged entity. A merger would create an emerging markets giant with more than 200 million customers across India, Africa and the Middle East. </p>.<p>The exclusive talks over the deal, which would see each firm pay cash and stock for a stake in the other, were due to end on July 31. Sources earlier told Reuters the talks were likely to be extended by at least two to three weeks. </p>.<p>Under the initial terms, MTN and its shareholders would take 36 percent economic interest in Bharti Airtel and the Indian firm would end up with 49 percent of MTN.</p>