KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's second wealthiest man is reportedly selling some $740.5 million (RM2.35 billion) in shares of the country's largest mobile operator Maxis, reports said, citing a source close to the deal. According to Reuters news agency, who sourced to someone familiar with the dealings of Ananda Krishnan, he is to sell off some 375 million shares. Maxis officials did not respond to queries from Bikyamasr.com for a comment on the reports. Ananda has been selling a number of his assets in recent times and this reported deal follows a $2.8 billion sale of his power assets, “a proposal to hive off a stake in his satellite operator MEASAT Global in March and the sale of a minor stake in offshore oilfield services firm Bumi Armada Bhd in April,” added Reuters. According to local media, the business tycoon is also looking to re-list the pay-TV firm Astro All Asia Networks this fall in a deal that could earn around $1.5 billion. Malaysia recently sealed its status as Asia's top initial public offering (IPO) destination earlier this month after the listing of state-backed hospital operator IHH Healthcare, the third biggest flotation so far in 2012 after Facebook and Felda Global Ventures Holdings.
