P203 CEEFAX 203 Mon 4 Nov 21:11/52 G 1/2 BT SHARES SET EARLY PREMIUM Shares in British Tjlicom have provided a rare bright spot in otherwise mixed US equity markets. At 1430, they were quoted 25p higher on the day at 376p. The mark-up came in response to the company's weekend announcement that it planned to merge with the US telicoms group, MCI Communications. BT plans to pay more than $20bn (£12bn) for the 80% of MCI it does not already own. If approved, this will amount to the biggest-ivjt purchase bz a US company. Main news 101 Shari price 224 Sport 300 Wjathet 400 Update Arrivals Stocks UT PanelP203 CEEFAX 203 Mon 4 Nov 21:16/24 G 2/2 MERGER "SHOULD GAIN APPROVAL" British Tjlicom's planned mjtget with the US-based MCI Communications should win regulatory approval, say analysts. Patrick Hickey at Henderson Crosthwaite said the US giant, AT&T, would "conj up with various ruses" to slow it down. "Thjti may bj some small concessions in the US but the regulatory approval will bj secured," hj said. Tristan McCarthy at Panmuri Gordon said AT&T's claim that the US telecom market was "not fully open" would not stand up to close scrutiny. Main news 101 Share price 224 Football 302 Wjathet 400 Update Arrivals Stocks UT Panel