** Ventia Services Group trades 3.9% higher at A$3.46, after hitting a near 1-year low earlier in the day

** Stock hovers around more than 9-month low hit on Thursday

** Australia's competition regulator begins civil proceedings against infra services provider's unit for alleged price fixing for services at Department of Defence bases

** Macquarie cuts PT by 9% to A$4.26, citing greater uncertainty over proceedings

** Says Department of Defence important client, contributed ~18% to co's H1 FY24 rev

** Adds Department not awarding any or less contracts for renewal a key risk

** Stock rated "buy" on avg; median PT is A$4.45 - LSEG

** VNT up 6.1% this year, as of last close

(Reporting by John Biju in Bengaluru)

((John.Biju@thomsonreuters.com;))