Ericsson claims that Indian telecoms and media company Reliance Communications (RCom) and its subsidiaries owe it over INR11.56 billion ($180 million) and has subsequently filed a petition with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the company, the Swedish vendor said in a statement.
Filing the claim against RCom was a “last resort” Ericsson said, to put an end to the issue. However, RCom will reportedly challenge the action. Ericsson is seeking INR4.91 billion from RCom, and further claims that its subsidiaries Reliance Telecom and towers unit Reliance Infratel owe the company INR5.35 billion and INR1.29 billion, respectively.
“Ericsson can confirm that the company has filed an insolvency petition against Reliance Communications in the National Company Law Tribunal in India,” Ericsson said in an emailed statement. “Ericsson has done this as a last resort in order to resolve an issue regarding debt that Reliance owes to Ericsson for services provided under a contract.”
The case has been adjourned by the NCLT until September 26.
Reliance Communications is under pressure due to fierce competition in the telecom sector as a result of discount provider Reliance Jio entering the market in September 2016. RCom reported a loss of INR12.2 billion for the three months ended June 2017, according to its most recent financial results. The company is now merging with operator Aircel in a bid to cut its debt pile.
