British Telecommunications Plc is not commenting on reports from Wellington that it may buy as much as 50% of Clear Communications Ltd, the company that plays Mercury to Telecom Corp of New Zealand Ltd’s British Telecom. Andrew Makin, Clear’s chief executive, told Dow Jones World Equities Report there had been speculation for two years that part of Clear might change hands, but wouldn’t comment on the reports. British Telecommunications Plc’s partner MCI Communications Corp, and Mercury Communications Ltd shareholder Bell Canada International Ltd each owns 25% of Clear, and there is speculation that they both want to divest.
