Mobile phone operator reveals merger plans

Orange and T-Mobile owner Deutsche Telekom have agreed to merge their UK businesses to create a mobile phone giant with around 28.4 million customers, it was announced today.

France Telecom’s Orange and T-Mobile confirmed they were in “exclusive” talks to join forces in a 50/50 joint venture.

The tie-up will form the UK’s biggest mobile phone operator with a market share of around 37%, the pair said.