DoCoMo Interested in AT&T; Wireless

NTT DoCoMo Inc. of Japan stepped forward as the first potential buyer of AT&T; Wireless Inc. to formally acknowledge its interest, increasing the likelihood that Cingular Wireless may encounter a bidding war to acquire the third-largest U.S. cellphone company.

The Japanese wireless company, which already owns a 16% stake in AT&T; Wireless, also disclosed in a federal filing that AT&T; Wireless had set a deadline of Feb. 13 for any would-be acquirers to submit offers.

AT&T; Wireless shares rose 24 cents to $11.17 on the NYSE.