It is the largest telecommunications operator in Europe with wireline and wireless interests in numerous countries and total annual revenues in 2010 of 62.4 billion euros.

ENGADGET: US government files to block proposed AT&T / T-Mobile merger (update: companies respond)

DUBAI, UAE, December 17, 2012 - Thuraya Telecommunications, a leading Mobile Satellite Services operator and Softbank Mobile, a telecommunications leader in Japan today announced they have signed an agreement with the goal of bringing mobile satellite communication services for Japanese business, enterprise, and consumer subscribers across Thuraya's satellite network.

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The move came after an Israeli foreign ministry official was quoted by the Haaretz newspaper as saying the Swedish government would oppose further sanctions to protect a deal between the telecommunications group, Ericsson, and the mobile operator, Irancell.

BBC: EU imposes new sanctions on Iran

Private equity's biggest foray into the wireless telecommunications business sees it picking up a healthy American operator that could do with a little financial help in competing against heftier rivals.

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