Boston, MA 02/17/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Vodafone Group Plc (ADR) (NASDAQ:VOD) is fighting its out in the Indian sub-continent. It is expected to spend almost $3 billion to acquire spectrum. Its nearest rival is also spending the same amount as the Indian government auctions spectrum for 3G and 4G services. Vodafone has already signaled that it is digging in for a long haul after purchasing a minority stake in its Indian arm. It is also fighting a tax dispute worth $2 billion with the Indian government. Talks between the two parties broke down recently. The Indian courts had refused to judge in this dispute and instead asked both the parties to speak with each other to resolve it amicably. With elections around the corner, a constructive discussion can only be expected after a new government is in place.
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) is fighting a different battle. The embattled smartphone manufacturer is changing its key management team to focus on enterprise solutions. But the loss of Andrew Bocking, said to be responsible for the company’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) software, will be difficult to digest. BlackBerry had launched the application on rival Android and iOS platforms and also offered it for free to these users. The turnaround strategy of John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry, continues to attract institutional investors. Third Point LLC, a hedge fund managed by Daniel Loeb has disclosed that it has amasses a 1.9% stake in the company in the fourth quarter.
Another company facing the heat from activist hedge funds is Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARIA) after Sarissa Capital Management, the second largest shareholder, wanted two seats on the company’s board. The company is already facing safety issues on its sole drug, Iclusig. It is available for unrestricted sales in Europe but the American FDA has asked doctors and physicians to prescribe only to patients who have no other option available.
The hedge fund amassed 6.2% stake in the company in October, 2013. Both parties have refused to comment on this development.
