Charges are likely soon following an inquiry into whether illegal payments were made in the takeover of German mobile phone company Mannesmann by British rival Vodafone, a lawyer for a top union official who is under investigation said today.

The first strike by Germany's biggest industrial union in seven years has moved into full gear.

Germany's main industrial union is poised to begin a wage strike after workers expected to boycott the night shift at DaimlerChrysler's flagship car plant.

Vodafone boss Chris Gent is being investigated by Germany's public prosecutor over alleged irregularities in the company's takeover of Mannesmann.