French billionaire Xavier Niel agreed to buy e&’s entire 16.2% Vodafone stake for £4.4 billion, acquiring 3.9 billion shares at £1.1048 each. The deal makes Niel the FTSE 100 telecom’s largest shareholder and ends Abu Dhabi’s investment, raising questions over future governance and strategic direction.
Xavier Niel’s acquisition vehicle Vega has signed a binding agreement with Abu Dhabi’s operator e& to purchase its entire 16.2% Vodafone stake, comprising 3.9 billion shares, at £1.104792 per share for total consideration of £4.4 billion.
The purchase elevates Niel to Vodafone’s largest individual shareholder, surpassing existing major investors and positioning his family vehicle to influence the operator’s board composition and strategic priorities, particularly in network infrastructure and service expansion.
The transaction remains subject to shareholder approval and relevant UK regulatory clearances, with completion expected in the coming months, after which Vodafone will reflect the new ownership structure in its share register and governance disclosures.
