Xavier Niel Acquires 16.2% Vodafone Stake for $6 Billion

French billionaire Xavier Niel is set to become the largest shareholder of Vodafone Group Plc after agreeing to purchase a 16.2% stake from the UAE-based telecommunications group E&. The transaction, executed through Niel's investment vehicle Vega, is valued at approximately $5.95 billion. The deal prices shares at 112.5 pence each, consisting of 110.5 pence in cash plus the final fiscal year 2026 dividend of 2.02 pence per share.

This pricing represents a premium of 13% to 15% over previous closing levels. Following the announcement, Vodafone's shares and American Depositary Receipts rose by more than 12%. E& described the exit as a strategic move to focus on core businesses and unlock cash. Vodafone welcomed the transition, stating it has confidence in the Niel family group as a supportive long-term shareholder.

The acquisition follows a restructuring period at Vodafone led by CEO Margherita Della Valle, focusing on markets in Britain, Germany, and Africa. While the deal is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close by the end of the year, Vega has explicitly stated that the investment is a strategic minority shareholding and that it has no intention of making a full takeover offer.