C&W to raise Optus stake

COMMUNICATIONS giant Cable & Wireless yesterday announced plans to up its stake in the Australian telecommunications operator…

COMMUNICATIONS giant Cable & Wireless yesterday announced plans to up its stake in the Australian telecommunications operator Optus through a cash payment and share swap with US firm BellSouth. Under the terms of the deal, C&W will pay Pounds 445 million sterling for BellSouth's 24.5 per cent interest in Optus, taking its own holding up to 49 per cent. At the same time, C&W will give BellSouth an interest in its 22.3 per cent stake in the Western Colombian mobile operator OCCEL.