Austar shares gained 3 cents, or 2.3 per cent, to $1.32 after Foxtel secured its $2.5 billion takeover of the regional pay TV broadcaster. ''This is one essential step in the process, although they still require regulatory approval and shareholder vote but its a significant step towards completing the deal,'' Mr Fraser said. Preliminary national turnover reached 2.89 billion shares worth $5.98 billion, with 236 shares up, 867 down and 306 unchanged.