Vodafone Merges With Three UK to Form VodafoneThree, UK’s Largest Mobile Network Operator

Vodafone has merged with Three UK, operated by the CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings Limited, to form VodafoneThree, the UK’s largest mobile network operator.

The merger of Vodafone UK and Three UK was completed on 31 May 2025, with the new business being 51% owned by Vodafone and 49% owned by CKHGT. Vodafone will now fully consolidate VodafoneThree in its financial results.

About The Merger

As a result of the merger, VodafoneThree will invest £11 billion over the next 10 years to create one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks, offering customers a vastly superior mobile experience. In its first year alone, VodafoneThree plans to invest £1.3 billion in capital expenditure to enable the company to accelerate its network deployment.

Speaking on the merger, Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said: “The merger will create a new force in UK mobile, transform the country’s digital infrastructure and propel the UK to the forefront of European connectivity.

“We are now eager to kick off our network build and rapidly bring customers greater coverage and superior network quality. The transaction completes the reshaping of Vodafone in Europe, and following this period of transition we are now well-positioned for growth ahead.”

Canning Fok, Deputy Chairman of CK Hutchison and Executive Chairman of CKHGT, on his part said: “As we have demonstrated in other European markets, scale enables the significant investment needed to deliver the world-beating mobile networks our customers expect, and the Vodafone and Three merger provides that scale.

“In addition, this transaction unlocks significant shareholder value, returning approximately £1.3 billion in net cash to the Group.”

New Company Leadership

The new entity’s Chief Executive Officer is Max Taylor, who currently leads Vodafone UK while Three UK’s Darren Purkis would serve as the Chief Financial Officer.

Other members of the new leadership group includes:

• Kelly Barlow, head, Strategy and Portfolio
• Clare Corkish, Head, HR
• Andrea Dona, Head, Networks
• Nick Gliddon, Head, Business
• Stephen Lerner, Head, Regulatory, Government Affairs & Company Secretary
• Nicki Lyons, Head, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
• Stephen Reidy, Head, IT
• Jon Shaw, Head, Consumer Operations
• Rob Winterschladen, Head, Consumer
• Andy Yorston, Head, Legal, Security, Compliance & Risk

With this merger, it is hoped that the significant investment in a 5G Standalone network will propel the UK’s mobile infrastructure to the forefront of European connectivity.

 

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