LSE: VOD · Newbury, United Kingdom

Vodafone

A European telecommunications giant that executed the largest corporate merger in history, now restructuring its empire for a lean digital era.

Founded 1984

By Gerry Whent, Ernest Harrison

Live Price

—

Today

—

Symbol

LSE: VOD

1985

The historic first UK cellular call and Racal spin-off

The company originated as a specialized mobile communication division within Racal Electronics, successfully placing the UK's first-ever commercial cellular mobile telephone call. It was officially spun out as an independent public corporation in 1991 under the name Vodafone, embarking on a massive international expansion strategy.

2000

The historic €180 billion Mannesmann hostile takeover apex

Vodafone executed the single largest corporate merger transaction in global financial history by completing a legendary, highly aggressive €180 billion hostile takeover of German industrial telecom giant Mannesmann. The mega-deal permanently established Vodafone as the absolute king of pan-European cellular network infrastructure.

2013

The colossal $130 billion Verizon Wireless equity cash-out

The company finalized a monumental cross-border agreement to sell its prized 45% indirect minority equity stake in Verizon Wireless back to Verizon Communications for a jaw-dropping $130 billion in cash and stock. Vodafone returned a massive portion of the cash proceeds directly to its shareholders in a historic payout.

2026

The Three UK merger finalization and European structural lean

By mid-2026, Vodafone Group plc advanced through the critical final phases of its landmark structural merger with Hutchison's Three UK, creating a dominant market-leading domestic mobile operator. Guided by CEO Margherita Della Valle, the company prioritized lean operational models across its core European data hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Vodafone?

Vodafone was founded by Gerry Whent, Ernest Harrison.

When was Vodafone founded?

Vodafone was founded in 1984.

Where was Vodafone founded?

Vodafone was headquartered in Newbury, United Kingdom.

Why was Vodafone created?

What does Vodafone do?

A European telecommunications giant that executed the largest corporate merger in history, now restructuring its empire for a lean digital era. Explore the legacy of Vodafone, from the first commercial UK mobile call to the largest hostile corporate takeover in global history. Read the story.

How did Vodafone grow?

Tools & Platforms

For Investors

The market doesn't care about your feelings.
But your broker's fees do.

Most people have a brokerage account. Fewer understand what it really costs them — in spreads, in fees, in missed instruments. Malta-regulated, direct market access, 600,000+ instruments.

Explore platforms

For Entrepreneurs

Opening a US company costs $300.
Most people think it's complicated. It isn't.

Most founders spend weeks on formation, banking and payments. The ones who move fast know which tools to use before they start. A US LLC, a real business account, and a way to pay people — in that order.

Start here

For C-Suite

Your competitor pays $200 less per month for EOR.
You're still on a spreadsheet.

BVNK hired 20% of its workforce through Deel. The smartest operators aren't managing payroll complexity — they're outsourcing it. EOR in 150+ countries, multi-currency accounts, workforce payments at $200 less per month than competitors.