Vodafone Discussing Merger With Idea, Could Create Largest Indian Telco

Vodafone and Idea are negotiating a merger that could create the largest telecommunications provider in India. A statement to the London Stock Exchange confirms Vodafone is speaking with Aditya Birla Group, the owner of Idea Cellular.

Any merger would be effected through the issue of new shares in Idea to Vodafone and would result in Vodafone deconsolidating Vodafone India,- Vodafone

The companies occupy the second and third place market positions in the Indian cellular market. Airtel is currently the leader with 258 million. A merger would leave the larger entity with an estimated 377 million customers.