Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD) stocks dropped following the Verizon communications (NYSE:VZ) denial of the full takeover. The question, whether both the telecom giants can lock in a deal over their Verizon Wireless joint venture has risen again.
The shares of Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD) took an upward rally expecting that it would sell its 45 percent stake in Verizon wireless for approximately $115 billion, which will mark the end of the rocky relationship.
Analysts and investors, however, had a different view in the wake of the tax bill, which would be incurred on Vodafone in the region after this sale. The tax will amount to as much as $20 billion. Verizon denied the proposal, and Vodafone’s shares slipped down by 3.6 percent.
As per the analyst from Olivetree Securities, Verizon has repeatedly echoed its intention of purchasing 45 percent stake held by Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD) in Verizon wireless, but it currently has no intention to acquire it, “whether alone or in conjunction with others.” The purpose of this statement is to make the Vodafone shareholders that their management team is holding up the deal and the shareholders should ask them to engage more intensely.
The statement from Verizon came after the Financial Times Alphaville blog displayed that Verizon and its intense competitor were working in close coordination on a joint bid. According to blog, the Verizon would acquire the Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD)’s US assets and the rest will be taken over by AT&T.
Before this report, there have been numerous reports and estimates, over the past, seeking whether Vodafone will let go its best performing asset, Verizon Wireless, and restructure itself. As reported by Reuters, there has been held numerous rounds of talks between the partners at senior levels discussing over the best course of action to be taken.
According to the experts Vodafone has lawyers from Linklaters, bankers from UBS and consultants from McKinsey who are currently reviewing the deal alternatives and structures.
Bernstein analyst Robin Bienenstock said in a note that the statement of Verizon clear it out that Verizon wireless has conveyed their interest in acquiring the 45 percent stake, which is currently held by Vodafone but have been denied by the Vodafone.
London based analysts hold the view that both the firms will not be able to agree over a common price, and there will be a struggle. The struggle over a common price will affect both the companies as Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) (LON:VOD) is the owner of a minority stake in the most profitable asset, and Verizon is not capable of owning all of a business.
