Feb 27 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers,

acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1030 GMT on

Thursday:

** Australia approved Qatar Airways buying a 25% stake in Virgin

Australia from U.S. private equity firm Bain

Capital, posing a challenge for national flag carrier

Qantas that has long dominated Australian air routes.

(Compiled by Rajarshi Roy and Kamal Choudhury in Bengaluru)