US Investor Seeks to Block MCI Sale to Verizon: Report

NEW YORK (AFP) - A disgruntled US shareholder has reportedly filed a lawsuit against MCI seeking to block the telecom group's potential take-over by Verizon Communications.

The news comes as Qwest Communications mulls what it says will be a better offer for MCI than that made by Verizon's 6.75 billion dollar play which has already been accepted by MCI's board.

The Financial Times said MCI shareholder Joseph Pojanowski has filed suit in Delaware claiming MCI and its board breached their fiduciary duties "by depriving MCI's public stock-holders of maximum value to which they are entitled."

The suit also seeks class action status.

Pojanowski's suit also demands that MCI's board hold an auction of the long-distance telecom group and open negotiations with any genuine bidder.

Some of MCI's biggest shareholders have also recently spoken of their concerns about the value of Verizon's bid.

Wall Street is closed Monday for the Presidents' Day holiday. On Friday, MCI closed up 1.65 dollars at 22.31 dollars while Verizon closed down 37 cents at 35.31 dollars.

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