Battle of wireless titans makes business history
Published: 25 Nov 1999 15:28 GMT
Vodafone AirTouch (VOD: quote ), the world's largest mobile phone carrier, is seeking to secure its future in Europe with an historic E124bn (£78bn) hostile takeover offer for Germany's Mannesmann. If it goes through, this will be the largest hostile takeover in history and Germany's first hostile acquisition.
The bid is Vodafone's response to Mannesmann's move in October to buy Orange (ORA: quote ), the UK's third-largest mobile operator and a direct Vodafone competitor. From soon after the Orange acquisition became known, industry observers predicted that a hostile bid for Mannesmann might be the only way out for Vodafone: Mannesmann is currently Vodafone's German partner, and an alliance with Orange could throw Vodafone's Continental ambitions into doubt.
Vodafone is set to launch its hostile bid by the end of December, and in the meantime Mannesmann is doing everything in its power to stay independent. The two countries' heads of state have even become involved, with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder criticising hostile deals and Prime Minister Tony Blair defending Vodafone's actions.
Here are some of the major headlines on the history of the battle, as it has unfolded.
Cash might swing it for Vodafone's Mannesmann bid
Vodafone's Mannesmann bid to start end-December
Vodafone offers Mannesmann job promise
Politics buffet Vodafone, Mannesmann shares
Mannesmann CEO to go on 'charm offensive'
Vodafone makes record Mannesmann bid
Mannesmann shares set high as sales jump
Mannesmann grabs early Orange stake
Mannesmann to seek London listing
Mannesmann on road to win over investors
Name change, bid talk surround Mannesmann
Mannesmann shares fall on Orange deal
Orange chief to pocket £45m bonus
Mannesmann to pay £19.8bn for Orange
What do you think? Tell the Mailroom . And read what others have said.
See techTrader for more technology investment news, plus quotes and research.
Did you find this article useful?
31 out of 71 people found this useful
- Share this article:
