Vodafone: Just assets swap, no merger

Vodafone said yesterday it was in talks with Europe’s largest cable operator Liberty Global about an exchange of assets but was not discussing a full-blown merger.

Vodafone employs over 1,600 people here, including at its head office in Sandyford, Co Dublin and in Cork.

“Vodafone is not in discussions with Liberty Global concerning a combination of the two companies,” the company said in a statement responding to media speculation. Vodafone’s shares were down at one stage yesterday at 243.8p (219.38c) following the statement.