Vodafone to take a stake in Swisscom

NEWS Vodafone is likely to obtain a 25 per cent stake in the mobile phone business of Swisscom, according to reports. The deal, yet to receive government approval, is dependent on Swisscom Mobile taking up public company status. Swiss UMTS licences are due to be awarded on 13 November and it is hoped that revenue from the 'beauty contest' will reach several thousand million Swiss francs. Swisscom and Vodafone are each considered favourites to obtain one of the four available licences. By Asmira Veletanlic