French telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel has become Vodafone's largest shareholder after buying a 16% stake worth £4.4bn through his investment vehicle Vega, following the exit of Emirati group e&.
Key facts
- Xavier Niel bought a 16% stake in Vodafone for £4.4bn.
- The purchase was made through his investment vehicle Vega.
- Emirati telecoms group e& sold its entire shareholding at 112.5p a share.
- e& first took a stake worth £3.3bn in Vodafone in 2022.
- Niel now becomes Vodafone's largest shareholder.
The French telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel has become Vodafone’s largest shareholder after buying a 16% stake for £4.4bn, according to the Guardian.
The purchase was made through Niel’s investment vehicle, Vega. It positions the French entrepreneur at the top of the shareholder register of one of the UK’s best-known telecoms companies.
The move follows the exit of the Emirati telecoms group e&, which announced on Friday the sale of its entire shareholding. The shares were sold at 112.5p each.
e& had first taken a stake in Vodafone in 2022, a holding that was worth £3.3bn at the time. Its full withdrawal cleared the way for Niel to take the leading position among the company’s investors.
The Guardian reported the transaction as a significant reshaping of Vodafone’s ownership, with one major international backer stepping out as another steps in as the dominant shareholder.
Why it matters
A change in a major telecoms company's largest shareholder can influence its strategic direction, investment decisions and future deals. Vodafone serves millions of customers, so shifts at the top of its ownership are closely watched by investors and the wider market.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Vodafone's new largest shareholder?
French telecoms billionaire Xavier Niel, who bought a 16% stake for £4.4bn through his investment vehicle Vega, according to the Guardian.
Why did e& sell its Vodafone stake?
The source states that the Emirati telecoms group e& announced the sale of its entire shareholding at 112.5p a share, but it does not give a stated reason for the exit.
When did e& first invest in Vodafone?
e& first took a stake in Vodafone in 2022, which was worth £3.3bn at the time, according to the Guardian.