EC extends Vodafone-Mannesman takeover investigation

NEWS The European Commission has extended the deadline for its investigation into Vodafone AirTouch's E180bn (£110bn) buyout of Mannesmann. The EC will now not rule on the case until 12 April the previous date was 3 April. According to reports, the delay is largely down to Mannesmann's ownership of Orange, the UK's third largest mobile phone operator. This is the second time the ruling has been delayed, despite assurances made by Vodafone that it will sell Orange.