AT&T incoming CEO is open to overseas acquisitions

AT&T INCOMING CEO IS OPEN TO OVERSEAS ACQUISITIONS
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Ritsuko Ando]
AT&T's incoming chief executive said on Wednesday that the top U.S. phone company was open to overseas acquisitions, but it was less interested in such deals in the United States. Chief Operating Officer Randall Stephenson, who will become CEO when Ed Whitacre retires on June 3, also said AT&T did not have to own a U.S. satellite television provider -- throwing cold water on speculation that it could buy partner EchoStar. Some analysts have speculated that AT&T might acquire a satellite television company, namely alliance partner EchoStar, to compete against cable companies that offer all-in-one services of phone, video and Internet services. Stephenson said AT&T's top priority would be its wireless business. AT&T's acquisition of BellSouth Corp. late last year consolidated ownership of the two companies' Cingular wireless joint venture.
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSWEN845520070530?src=053007_1131_ARTICLE_PROMO_also_on_reuters