Eurocom Ups Israeli DTH Stake

Tel Aviv, Israel - Eurocom DBS, a local telecommunications company, wants to add an additional 7 percent stake in direct-to-home startup YES: DBS Satellite Services to its current 30 percent holding.

But another partner in YES opposes those plans. State-owned telco Bezeq, which owns 30 percent of the DTH platform, doesn't want another owner to take a stake larger than its own. Bezeq has government permission to own up to 39 percent of YES, and some expect the telco to buy up to that limit.

Eurocom would buy the additional 7 percent from Gilat Communications Ltd., which owns about 15 percent of the direct-broadcast satellite company.

Other YES shareholders include Poalim Investments, with about 12.5 percent; Lidan Investments, with 6.25 percent; and Kardan Communications, which owns 6.25 percent.