Charges 'likely' over mobile phone takeover

A lawyer in the inquiry into whether illegal payments were made in Vodafone's takeover of a German mobile firm, says charges are likely.

Under investigation are Vodafone chief Chris Gent, Deutsche Bank's Josef Ackermann and German IG Metall union chief Klaus Zwickel.

Prosecutors began examining the takeover of Mannesmann last year.

Mr Zwickel's lawyer has admitted: "The intention to bring charges in fact exits, and it seems to be unshakable."

But he has rejected accusations against his client as a "malicious distortion of the facts."

Mr Esser has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing, arguing the majority of Mannesmann shareholders favoured a takeover by the time he gave up the fight.