Partner to launch new brand identity after separating from Orange

• Israeli telecom Partner Communications (NASDAQ:PTNR) says it plans to launch a new brand and provide most of its goods and services under that brand -- the next step in a process where it's terminated its brand license agreement with Orange (ORAN).
• On Jan. 5, the company said it would provide its service and hardware under the Orange brand until further notice; the company now plans a launch event Feb. 16 to unveil the results of its marketing study.
• The carrier had said last summer that it would assess its position in Israel as part of its framework agreement with Orange, following disputes over remarks by Orange chief Stephane Richard about abandoning its relationship with Israel.
• Partner stock is up 32.4% over the past year.