Vodafone, Idea Welcome CCI’s Green Signal for the Merger

Vodafone and Idea have welcomed the CCI’s green signal for the merger ahead.

Jointly commenting on the clearance, Vittorio Colao, CEO, Vodafone Group Plc. and Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said:

“We welcome the decision of the Competition Commission of India approving the proposed merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, following its comprehensive review of the transaction. It is expected that other statutory approvals will be forthcoming and we anticipate completing the transaction during 2018.

The proposed combination of Vodafone India and Idea will create a new champion of Digital India. We remain fully committed to fulfilling the Digital India vision of the Honourable Prime Minister and the government and will connect villages, towns and cities across India with world class 4G/4G+ networks. The continuing ease of doing business in the country helps ensure that this vision for a digitally connected India is fast becoming a reality.”

Vodafone Group is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications.

Vodafone Group has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 49 more, and fixed broadband operations in 19 markets. As of 30 June 2017, Vodafone Group had 523.5 million mobile customers and 18.5 million fixed broadband customers, including India and all of the customers in Vodafone’s joint ventures and associates.

The Aditya Birla Group is a US$41 billion conglomerate with operations in more than 36 countries. The Aditya Birla Group has been operating in India and globally for over 5 decades. Its businesses range among others, mobile telecommunications, metals and mining, cement, carbon black, textiles, garments, chemicals, fertilizers, life insurance and financial services industries.