NEW DELHI, INDIA: Bharti Airtel's board is meeting on Saturday to discuss the progress of talks to buy Kuwaiti telecom Zain's assets in 15 African countries, a source with direct knowledge of the development said.

The source also said Bharti may put part of the purchase price in an escrow account to protect it from any potential issues, including ownership dispute in Zain's Nigeria operations, the source said.

"Currently Bharti is aiming to meet the March 25 deadline, but there could be a slippage of a day or two. Tomorrow's board meet is crucial," the source said.

A Bharti spokesman declined to comment on the board meeting and the possible setting up of an escrow account.

Both Bharti and Zain have said $700 million of the purchase price would be paid one year after the completion of the deal, and the source said part of it would be put in the escrow account.

The companies are in exclusive talks until March 25.