16:00 - 11.07.2026

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July 11, Fineko/abc.az. French billionaire Xavier Niel has emerged as the largest individual shareholder in the British telecommunications conglomerate Vodafone Group.

According to ABC.AZ, Niel has finalized an agreement to acquire a substantial equity stake from Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&) in a transaction valued at approximately USD 6 billion. The joint corporate statement indicates that Vega, an investment vehicle controlled by the Niel family, will acquire over 16% of Vodafone's shares at roughly 112.5 pence per share. Direct ownership transfers are scheduled to conclude by year-end, pending standard regulatory clearances.

Through his telecom venture Iliad, Niel already commands over 50 million subscribers across France, Italy, and Poland. This landmark acquisition effectively expands his operational footprint into the highly lucrative UK and German markets. In an official email response, Vodafone stated that they welcome the Niel family as a supportive, long-term partner and look forward to close strategic collaboration.