FILE PHOTO - Israeli-American businessman Haim Saban arrives to attend the third and final 2016 presidential campaign debate between Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Blake

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S.-Israeli media magnate Haim Saban on Monday said he would give up control in Israeli mobile phone operator Partner Communications PTNR.TA after failing to secure better terms on a loan he used to pay for the stake.

Saban bought a 30% stake in Partner, Israel's second-largest mobile operator, from Scailex in 2013 using a $300 million loan from Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa 0215.HK.

Repayment is due in January 2020 and Saban had used his holdings in Partner as collateral for the loan.

In a filing with the U.S. securities regulator, Saban said his company, SB Israel Telecom, had been in discussions with debt owners regarding the loan’s terms.

“At this time, it is unlikely that any agreement will be reached between SB and the lenders, and the lenders may exercise their rights,” it said.

The value of Saban's holdings in Partner PTNR.O have slid to 733 million shekels ($209 million), less than the amount of the loan. Partner's market value stands at 2.4 billion shekels.

Partner’s shares were up 0.2% in afternoon trade in Tel Aviv after a 2.7% drop on Sunday when Israeli media first reported Saban’s intent to give up his holdings. Its shares are down 20% so far in 2019.

Hutchison founded Partner in the late 1990s and sold its stake to Scailex in 2009 before Scailex sold it to Saban.

Like its peers, Partner’s revenue and profit have plunged in the wake of a 2012 reform that opened the mobile market to new players, sharply reducing prices. It is seeking new revenue streams such as a new TV service and pushing to widen its offering beyond its core mobile services.