Vodafone: Asset swap talks with Liberty Global terminated

Vodafone has announced that talks with cable firm Liberty Global over a potential asset swap have been terminated.
Picture: PAPicture: PA
Picture: PA

Back in June, the telecoms giant had entered discussions with Liberty regarding “a possible exchange of selected assets between the two companies”.

There had even been speculation that the two were considering a merger that would have created a £100 billion telecoms giant, but Vodafone dismissed such talk.

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And now it appears the asset swap talks have come to nothing as well.

Vodafone said in a statement: “On 5 June 2015, Vodafone confirmed that it was in the early stages of discussions with Liberty Global regarding a possible exchange of selected assets between the two companies.

“Vodafone today announces that discussions with Liberty Global have terminated.”

It is the latest development in a telecoms market which in the midst of major changes as the big players try to shore up their positions.

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Three owner Hutchison Whampoa is buying mobile operator O2 in a £10 billion deal while telecoms giant BT is acquiring EE for £12.5 billion in a transaction expected to complete next year.

There has been speculation about Vodafone’s future since its 130 billion US dollar (£78 billion) sale of its 45 per cent stake in US business Verizon Wireless, to joint venture partner Verizon, which completed last year.

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