Global operator strategies - 8/9/05

Europe has cleared the purchase of Versatel operations in Germany by Apax for $565m, while Tele2 AB purchased the rest of Versatel's operations.

Greece: The Greek government confirmed it will place 10% in OTE, the telecom incumbent. It will, however, keep over the 34% required for a blocking minority.

Japan: The Japanese government has concluded the privatization process of NTT. The 7% disinvestments led to the reduction of government's holding in the telco to 33.7 % .