TeliaSonera studying Turkey, Russia moves

The CEO of TeliaSonera says it is considering upping its stake in two overseas mobile interests, Turkcell of Turkey and MegaFon of Russia. Anders Igel also told Talouselama magazine that the moves would not affect shareholder dividend payouts: “TeliaSonera can distribute increased dividends and still buy 100 percent in Megafon and Turkcell when the opportunity arises. And it will arise sooner or later.” TeliaSonera currently holds a 37% stake in Turkcell, which is the largest mobile in Turkey, and has a direct 35.6% stake in Russia’s third largest cellco MegaFon, as well as a 26.1% interest in another MegaFon shareholder, Telecominvest.