- In Vodafone (VOD +2.6%) updates today, Australia's TPG Telecom (OTC:TPPTY) has filed proceedings with the country's federal court looking for orders that a proposed merger with Vodafone Hutchison Australia won't lessen competition.
- Australia's competition regulator earlier this month said it would oppose the A$7.7B deal as it would "substantially" reduce competition, since it would preclude TPG becoming a fourth player in wireless.
- Meanwhile, the European Commission gave a 10-day extension to its review of Vodafone's acquisition of assets from Liberty Global (NASDAQ:LBTYA). That moves the new deadline to July 23.
- HSBC today upgraded Vodafone to Buy in large part due to thorny catalysts that it said were now behind the company, with the Liberty deal completion yet to come.