The path to approval opening up? Vodafone/H3G merger
4 May 2023
An announcement about the mooted merger of Vodafone’s UK operations with Three appears imminent, paving the way for an ultimate CK Hutchison exit.
The combination has the potential to transform the fortunes of two struggling operators, with deal upside predicated on cost synergies rather than on rising prices (which we do not foresee).
It is all to play for in regulatory clearance terms, with Ofcom expected to take a neutral stance and a seemingly open mind from DSIT, but the CMA is not yet demonstrating the more pro-business approach that was hoped for with the new regime.