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Czech Tel sees ratings untouched by Eurotel buy

PRAGUE, June 5 (Reuters) - Czech operator Cesky Telecom (SPTTsp.PR) expects rating agencies to keep their ratings of the company steady despite a planned large aquisition and generous dividends, Chief Financial Officer Juraj Sedivy said on Thursday.

The transactions have been discussed with main rating agencies," he told reporters during a conference call. "Their answer was clear that they do not see any significant change in our ratings.".

Cesky's board approved earlier on Thursday a $1.05 billion acquisition of a 49 percent stake in mobile unit Eurotel, now held by AT&T Wireless Inc. (NYSE:AWE - News) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ - News) of the U.S..

It also proposed a windfall dividend of 18.5 billion crowns ($694 million) from retained profits of the company.