Advisers to Sonera, the Finnish telecoms group, look set to have to wait till next year before any deal can be struck on the sale of the company.

The government, which owns a 53% stake in Sonera, has signalled that a decision on a partner for the flagship telecoms company will not take place this year. Pauli Saapunki, chairman of Sonera's supervisory board and a member of Parliament, said he did not expect a decision this year. Sonera's supervisory board is to meet next week to discuss the question.