France Telecom has joined Blackstone/CVC Capital Partners/Providence in a bid for the state’s 51% stake in CT. It said that if it was successful it would enter into a strategic partnership with CT supported by a minority stake in the consortium. The entry of France Telecom into the consortium creates a strong group and should increase the competition among other bidders (Swisscom, Belgacom, Telefonica and PPF/J&T/Tiscali). According to earlier information, Blackstone offered CZK 411 / share in the preliminary bid. Note that final bids are due by March 29.