Hutchison Telecom says been approached over Essar

NEW YORK, Dec 22 (Reuters) Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd. said on Friday it has been approached by various parties regarding a possible sale of its interests in Hutchison Essar, its mobile operations in India.

No agreement has been entered into, the company added.

Hutchison Essar, India's number four mobile services provider, is 67 percent owned by Hutchison Telecoms.

Earlier on Friday The Economic Times reported that India's Reliance Communications Ltd. will move to bid for smaller rival Hutchison Essar only after Britain's Vodafone reveals its strategy. The Financial Times newspaper has reported that Vodafone's board had given the go-ahead for an offer to be made.

REUTERS PV DS1438