According to Reuters, which cited five sources close to the matter, internal discussions at Vodafone have intensified following last week’s news that BT Group was in preliminary discussions to acquire O2 or EE.
The report stated that Vodafone view Liberty Global’s European operations as a strong fit for its business. In particular, a move would give Vodafone access to Liberty’s Virgin Media, which operates a broadband network across half of the UK.
This would seem in line with Vodafone’s M&A strategy in Europe, where it has also acquired fixed-line infrastructure through moves for Ono in Spain and Kabel Deutschland in Germany.
News that BT was eyeing a move for a UK mobile operator also prompted speculation that Hutchison Whampoa was preparing a bid for EE or O2.
