Verizon is considering a $100 billion bid for Vodafone’s stake in its wireless business, according to Reuters. The parent company owns 55 percent of Verizon Wireless at present, but has reportedly been looking to “resolve its relationship” with its British partner through a variety of options. If the report is accurate, Verizon appears to have decided that taking control of its wireless venture is the best path forward — a view it has expressed repeatedly in the past. News of the bid comes as little surprising, then, but the report notes that no proposal has been put forward, and there is little indication of how prepared Vodafone might be to accept. One source says that Verizon’s board is likely to discuss the move next week ahead of the company’s annual shareholder meeting; while the plan is to start private discussions for a “friendly deal” soon, Verizon is said to be prepared for public talks if Vodafone proves unreceptive.
