Verizon Wireless

American mobile operator. At the end of March 2013, it served 98.9 million subscribers (1st place in the market). Shareholders – Verizon Communications (55%), Vodafone (45%). pFinancial indicators (US GAAP, 2012): Revenue – $75.9 billion, operating profit – $21.8 billion.

The main co-owner of the largest US mobile operator Verizon Wireless – Verizon Communications has hired financial and legal advisers to prepare a buyout of 45% of the operator's shares from Vodafone, anonymous sources told Reuters. The deal could cost $100 billion.

The American corporation has long been interested in its partner's share. An official buyout offer has not yet been made; according to analysts and investors in the UK, Verizon's goal is to push Vodafone into negotiations. If the negotiations are unsuccessful, Verizon will go the official route and make a public offer. "I am not surprised by this development," one of Vodafone's 15 largest investors told reporters on condition of anonymity. "Negotiations on this deal have been quite active lately. We know that Verizon hopes to buy the assets as profitably as possible, and Vodafone - to sell them with maximum profit."

In the past, Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao said the British company was ready to discuss the possibility of selling a 45% stake in Verizon Wireless. But now this American asset accounts for about 75% of the total value of Vodafone, whose European business has suffered greatly in recent years. Another factor that could discourage Vodafone from the deal could be the need to pay a tax on the sale, which will amount to about $20 billion. This means that for the British side, the deal would only make sense at a very high price. However, Reuters sources note that the parties may formalize the deal in such a way that the tax amount does not exceed $5 billion.

"The tax issue has always been a thorn in this side of things," says one Vodafone investor. "If there is a way around it, the deal will probably go through." One way to avoid the tax bill would be for Verizon and Vodafone to merge themselves, but the US carrier has made it clear that a merger with its British partner is not in its plans.

News of Verizon's plans sent Vodafone's shares up 1.9% in early trading yesterday, while the London Stock Exchange index fell 0.1%. Vodafone shares had gained 2.1% by 19:30 Moscow time. Selling its stake in the US mobile operator would allow the British company to return money to shareholders and acquire assets in the European fixed-line market.

Verizon's financial position is currently quite favorable - its stock prices are high (yesterday by 19:30 Moscow time they added 1.98% and reached $52.83 per share), and the interest rate on debt remains low. In such conditions, Verizon expects to easily raise $50 billion from banks, and pay the remaining part of the deal with its own shares.

Control of Verizon Wireless is worth $100 billion