I knew rightaway that I should've put "or" before oligopolies. Of course oligopolies are not the same as monopolies. And I actually never said state run or state sponsored monopolies. What I said was "state sanctioned" - a big difference. Is BT or Tata global companies? HSBC is I agree with that one, but it is well represented both in US and Canada, so you can cross it off of your list. Not sure how much water HT stirs but your list is rather the exception and not the rule.