Microsoft wooing Ericsson CEO; Slim consolidates Telekom Austria stake

> Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg is reportedly in the running to take the reins as chief executive at Microsoft from Steve Ballmer, who is retiring within the next few months. Article

> The European Commission has approved the takeover by investment group PPF of Telefónica Czech Republic, said reports. Article

> Carlos Slim is consolidating his company and family stakes in Telekom Austria, and will then own 26.8 per cent of the company. Article

> Manx Telecom is reported to be seeking a listing on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in London. Article

> Shareholders in Poland's largest media group Cyfrowy Polsat agreed to a 6.15 billion zloty ($2 billion) share issue to buy the country's third-largest mobile operator Polkomtel in a share-swap deal. Article

> Mobily, Saudi Arabia's second-largest operator, beat analysts' forecasts with an 8.6 per cent rise in fourth-quarter net profits. Article

> TeliaSonera said its fourth-quarter profit will be weighed down by one-off items totalling 2.5 billion Swedish crowns ($386 million), mostly made up of non-cash write-downs. Article

And finally…The term "couch potatoes" is taking on a whole new meaning in the UK: Brits are increasingly shunning the need to actually walk to shops and are making more purchases from the sofa, the train and in bed using their tablets and smartphones. Article