Vega buys e&'s 16.2% Vodafone stake for $5.95 billion

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Vodafone shares jumped over 12% after Vega, an investment vehicle owned by Xavier Niel's family, agreed to buy e&'s entire 16.2% stake for about $5.95 billion, pricing shares at 112.5 pence each (roughly 110.5p cash plus a 2.02p final fiscal 2026 dividend). The move displaces e& as the largest individual holder and yields e& about $1.3 billion net, ending its tie with Vodafone and triggering a board resignation. Market reaction reflected optimism about Niel's telecom track record, even as Wall Street still rates Vodafone ADRs a hold with downside to the $10.90 mean target.

Vega acquires a 16.2% Vodafone stake for about $5.95 billion