Vodafone will buy remaining 49% of UK VodafoneThree from CK Hutchison for £4.3 billion, giving it 100% control. The merger originally launched in 2023, cleared Dec 2024, and began May 31 2025 with a 51/49 split. Regulators must still approve the buyout, expected in H2 2025. The acquisition also positions Vodafone to fully integrate the two networks, simplifying backend operations and reducing duplicated costs.

The deal accelerates Margherita Della Valle's plan to concentrate on Vodafone's biggest markets, namely the UK and Germany. Under the original agreement, Vodafone held an option to acquire full ownership three years after the merger, but it exercised that right a year early. Both Vodafone and Three will retain their separate brand identities, meaning customers see no immediate change to plans or pricing.

With full control, Vodafone can streamline network investments and negotiate wholesale agreements without a joint‑venture partner. Analysts expect the unified ownership to improve spectrum efficiency and potentially boost 5G rollout speed across Britain. The £4.3 billion price tag also signals confidence in the UK’s mobile market despite recent price‑cap pressures. Customers could see faster data speeds as network harmonisation progresses.