Those messages, written in Russian and first reported by Russian mobile carrier MegaFon, simply advertise the app and include a link to a download site.

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Among them were specialty-chemicals maker Evonik Industries AG and insurance company Talanx AG both based in Germany as well as Russian telecom firm MegaFon and investment-bid vehicle Tungsten Corp.

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Shareholders in MegaFon, Russia's second-biggest mobile-phone operator, agreed to a management reshuffle that gives control of the company to Alisher Usmanov, one of Russia's business oligarchs, and paves the way for an IPO in London.

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In addition, while TeliaSonera does have a presence in Russia through MegaFon, and in Turkey through Turkcell, both investments are minority stakes, and alongside majority shareholders who are not prepared to give up much control, said Goyens.

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