Kuala Lumpur – MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. and Classica Asia GmbH i.Gr. announced that a five-year agreement has been signed for MEASAT to distribute the Unitel Classica HD channel via the MEASAT-3 satellite. The Unitel Classica’s HD channel features premium audiovisual classical music productions with the leading artists and the best orchestras in high definition format. Based on one of the world’s largest HD film stocks, the channel broadcasts the greatest operas and concerts as well as documentaries and live recordings from international music events and festivals. Earlier in the week, MEASAT Global Bhd surged in Kuala Lumpur trading amid continuing speculation a merger may be planned for the unit, reported The Business Times. The stock jumped 20 percent to RM2.08, set for the highest close since 31 July 2007. MEASAT is controlled by billionaire T. Ananda Krishnan, who also controls Astro All Asia Networks Plc and mobile-phone operator Maxis Communications Bhd. MEASAT said on June 4 it could not give a reason for the 53 per cent surge in its stock price, while Astro said the same day that reports that Maxis will be injected into the company are “unfounded and highly speculative.” But talk about forming the ultimate telco remains rife. Speculation includes a merger of MEASAT with Astro, or an injection of Maxis into Astro.