Verizon (VZ) and Vodafone are reportedly actively discussing ways to resolve their relationship this year, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The companies, which jointly own top U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Wireless, have discussed merging as well as the possibility of a full or partial buyout of Vodafone’s 45% stake. Disagreements regarding leadership and the location of the merged entity’s headquarters have reportedly made a merger unlikely. “Verizon is eager to take full control of the unit this year, giving the New York-based company greater influence over its most profitable division,” Bloomberg’s Jeffrey McCracken, David Welch and Matthew Campbell wrote. According to the report, Vodafone has raised issues regarding valuation as well as how proceeds from the sale might be used. Vodafone’s stake is currently valued at about $115 billion according to the report, and the most likely outcome of the talks is said to be either a full or partial sale.
Bloomberg: Verizon and Vodafone in talks over possible merger or buyout
Published Mar 5th, 2013 12:20PM EST
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