Verizon Communications Gains Full Ownership of Verizon Wireless With $130 Billion Vodafone Deal

Verizon Communications and Vodafone today announced an agreement that will see Verizon gaining full control over Verizon Wireless after buying Vodafone’s 45 percent stake in the company for $130 billion.

The deal, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, consists of both cash and stock. It will give Verizon 100 percent ownership of the company, allowing it to be "better equipped to take advantage of the changing competitive dynamics in the market." Verizon chairman and CEO Lowell McAdam had the following to say about the deal:

"This transaction will enhance value across platforms and allow Verizon to operate more efficiently, so we can continue to focus on producing more seamless and integrated products and solutions for our customers. We believe full ownership will provide increased opportunities in the enterprise and consumer wireline markets."

For Verizon, the deal will mean that the company has full access to the wireless unit's cash, allowing it to to expand further within the United States. Reuters has noted that a major focus of this expansion will be on 4G networks. Verizon's 4G network is currently the largest in the United States and is available in over 500 markets across the country, with a potential 298 million subscribers, or 95% of the U.S. population.

Following the sell to Verizon, Vodafone plans on a £6 billion investment plan nicknamed "Project Spring", which will speed up the introduction of 4G networks in the United Kingdom, which up till now has been a relatively slow process, as well as increase investment in installing fibre optic cables, providing faster broadband services to customers. The plan will also strengthen Vodafone's retail presence in the United Kingdom and develop mobile payment services, which are currently not offered on the carrier.

The deal between the two companies is expected to close during the first quarter of 2014 and should have little impact on Verizon and Vodafone customers.