The operator interest in these budget models is running high not only in the emerging markets, but also some European countries where consumer confidence has been shattered by recent economic turmoil.

FORBES: Are Investors Underestimating Nokia's Asha Range?

He started in 1994, overseeing the studio's interest in theme park operator Six Flags.

NPR: From Eggs To Film: A Japanese-American Studio Head

First of all, McMoRan (with a 36% working interest) is not the operator on the well, Chevron (50%) is.

FORBES: Chevron Makes Big Discovery In Louisiana - And It's Not Even Done Drilling Yet

Ashland, in the process of refocusing its business on mining, made a deal to sell its interest to a small French operator.

FORBES: Trouble Is My Business

Another company watching the situation intently is Chevron, which is partnered with McMoran as operator (and 50% working interest holder) of the Lineham Creek well.

FORBES: Updated 11:30 Central.

The Ruias, too, have not gone unscathed given their minority interest in Loop Telecom, a rival mobile phone operator, that is also under the CBI scanner.

FORBES: Indian Billionaire Brothers Sell Out To Vodafone

Demand was also stoked by large operator device subsidies that helped to keep consumer interest in smartphones high.

ENGADGET: IDC: Apple passes RIM to become fourth largest mobile phone vendor globally as Nokia, LG, and Sony Ericsson struggle

It is increasing its interest in properties it knows well because it is the operator controlling the drilling in most of them.

FORBES: Jim Bob Moffett Puts His Money Where His Mouth Is

Dana Petroleum will act as operator and maintain a 37.5% working interest in the block at El Qa'a Plain.

BBC: Dana Petroleum worker at North Zeit Bay operation

He singles out Paris and Stockholm as areas of interest and says developments would likely be made in partnership with a local operator.

WSJ: Mitsui Fudosan Has