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UK Approves £16.5B Vodafone-Three Merger, Creating Largest Mobile Operator

Dec 5, 2024, 10:11 AM

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the £16.5 billion merger between Vodafone and Three, creating Britain's largest mobile operator by revenue. The merger, which will combine Vodafone's operations with Three UK, a subsidiary of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison, has been conditionally approved with the stipulation that both companies commit to significant investments in the UK's digital infrastructure. The CMA's decision was influenced by the companies' promises to invest billions of dollars, despite concerns about potential price hikes for consumers. The merger is expected to serve 50 million customers and improve the UK's 5G network.