Feb-10, Indian assoc, Bharti, in discussion with Kuwaiti telco, Zain, to acq its African ops, for an estimated US$10.7b. Jan-10, Dow Jones reported Co planning Aust IPO for Optus to raised A$4b for expansion into other mkts. Oct-09, subsi, SCS Computer Sys, acq controlling stake in Philippines-base Ayala Sys for $0.215m. Market talk is that Co could sell minority stake in Optus via Aust IPO. Co's shrs slumped on 7 Oct-09 on concerns of increased competition in India as Reliance Comm instituted per second billing. Co stumped analysts' predictions by winning rights to broadcast EPL's 2010-13 season; ESPN's sports offerings to migrate to its PayTV platform, mioTV.

9M10 revenue up 9.1% as 3Q09 topline grew a robust 20% as the A$ rebounded 27%. Results for its S'pre ops remained stable while contribution from regional assocs increased. Telkomsel was the star performer - its profit contribution surged 55% for the qtr. Underlying net profit up 16% as a result. (22/02/10-WK)