The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Feb. 17, edition that Desjardins Securities analyst Maher Yaghi says BCE is closing its $3.1-billion takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services in a "favourable position." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that on Wednesday, the Competition Bureau and the federal department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) approved the transaction more than nine months after it was proposed. Mr. Yaghi says in a note: "Overall, we estimate the deal should generate 3.3 per cent free cash flow per share accretion (versus our prior 2018 estimate), down from the 4.1 per cent we had initially estimated nine months ago. The difference is due to the additional remedies that were agreed upon by BCE. It is important to note, however, that on an NAV [net asset value] basis, the finalized deal is higher than if the subscriber plus spectrum transfer had been made to Shaw instead." Mr. Yaghi reiterated his "buy" on BCE stock. His share target rose by a loonie to $65. Analysts on average target the shares at $59.66. "Although the stock may not have the highest organic growth in the sector, we believe it should be attractive to low-beta or income funds."