Austar

Austar, which is 54pc owned by media giant Liberty Global, would be a key asset for Foxtel because it has unrivalled reach in rural and regional Australia, and because the two companies share a valuable pay-TV joint venture, XYZ Networks.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Senior analyst at financial services firm BBY, Mark McDonnell, said the ACCC could be worried that Foxtel, by taking over Austar, might become the "killer app in an increasingly broadband future" in the distribution of content on the internet in Australia.

Australian Regulator Blocks Foxtel Bid for Austar Ross Kelly 2011

Austar said in a statement on Thursday that it has received an indicative, non-binding and conditional proposal from Foxtel, which is owned 50% by telecommunications giant Telstra Corp. and 25% each by News Corp., owner of The Wall Street Journal, and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd.

Foxtel Makes Bid for Austar Gavin Lower 2011

Australian pay-TV companies reached an agreement for Foxtel to take over Austar in a deal that values it at US$2.69 billion.

What's News— 2011

MELBOURNE—Australian metropolitan pay television operator Foxtel has made a A$1.52-a-share $1.61 bid for regional pay television company Austar United Communications Ltd.

Foxtel Makes Bid for Austar Gavin Lower 2011

SYDNEY— News Corp. affiliate Foxtel's proposed 2.5 billion Australian dollar US$2.71 billion takeover of regional pay television company Austar United Communications Ltd. was blocked Friday when Australia's competition regulator said it is concerned the deal would create a near-monopoly.

Australian Regulator Blocks Foxtel Bid for Austar Ross Kelly 2011

Austar shares tumbled in morning trade in Sydney, down 19% at A$1.05 at one point.

Australian Regulator Blocks Foxtel Bid for Austar Ross Kelly 2011

Austar United fell 15.9% in Sydney after Australia's competition regulator delayed News Corp. affiliate Foxtel's proposed A$2.5 billion acquisition of the company, saying it would effectively create a monopoly pay-TV provider in the country.

Europe Deal Boosts Asian Shares Leslie Shaffer 2011

A spokesman for Foxtel said the company was considering the ACCC's issues and in a statement to the stock exchange Austar said it remained committed to the deal.

Australian Regulator Blocks Foxtel Bid for Austar Ross Kelly 2011

Austar said its board, which includes representatives of its largest shareholder, U.S. cable company Liberty Global Inc., believes the value ascribed to Austar was "appropriate in the context of a change of control transaction."

Foxtel Makes Bid for Austar Gavin Lower 2011