According to the Business Standard, Malaysian telecoms group Axiata is considering increasing its stake in mobile operator Idea Cellular. Currently Axiata holds a 14.99% stake in the cellco, but it is understood that it may seek to increase this to 40% by making an open offer. The move comes as the Malaysian company looks to attain parity with Idea’s other major shareholder, the Aditya Birla group, which holds a 49% stake; at minimum Axiata is expected to increase its stake to 26%, a level that under Indian company law would give it the power to veto decisions affecting the cellco. Axiata will increase its stake in Idea as part of the soon-to-be-completed merger of Spice Communications and Idea; after the merger completion Axiata will hold 20% of Idea, while the Aditya Birla group’s stake will fall to 45%. Idea shareholders are expect to vote on the proposals in July.