Vodafone to merge with Three to create UK giant
Virgin Media O2 has around 24 million mobile customers while EE, which is owned by BT Group, has 20 million users.
Vodafone's UK boss, Ahmed Essam, who will retain his role in the merged firm, said: "We're very confident on our case."Vodafone will own 51% of the new business while Three UK-owner CK Hutchison will control the remaining stake. Consumer group Which? said reducing the number of major UK telecoms firms from four to three "risks reducing the choices available to consumers, raising prices and lowering the quality of services available".
She added that the companies were "making a strong case" for approval of the deal, although getting there would be "a long and tortuous road" and could take up to 18 months.
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