France Telecom says no plans to buy Orange Austria

France Telecom has stated that it was not looking to acquire private equity firm Mid Europa Partner’s 65% stake in Orange Austria this year.

According to France Telecom spokesman, there was no ongoing discussion around the ownership of Orange Austria, in which the French group owns a 35% stake. France Telecom markets its services under the Orange brand.

According to reports earlier, a deal would be done this year, likely in October, when the period begins during which France Telecom has an exclusive option to buy.

France Telecom and Mid Europa Partners acquired Austrian mobile operator One, which they rebranded as Orange Austria, for an enterprise value of about US$1.95 billion in 2007.