Vodafone Group CEO Targets "One-Stop Shop"
LONDON -- Vodafone chief executive officer Vittorio Colao has affirmed the group's intention to broaden its offerings to include bundles of wireless, web, television, and phone service across Europe.
However, despite saying, "I'd like to provide pan-European unified services," he made no specific mention of the recent rumors of a bid for Germany's Kabel Deutschland, and kept those keeping a keen eye on the company in the dark after stating: "Some services can be rented, we don't have to own everything." Acquisitions would be made "not just because we can afford them," but only if they make sense to Vodafone's strategy.
Colao was speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where he said that the company was pleased with developments in Turkey and in India, but concerned about southern Europe amid its turbulent economy.
The Vodafone CEO has previously spoken of how its mobile users have become more savvy and are less likely to trigger additional costs by exceeding their tariffs, so there is an argument that instead of cutting prices to become more competitive with its rivals, a mooted move to a one-stop shop would enhance its prospects, especially in Europe, with Colao commenting, "It's obvious to any chief executive who works in the telecom business, Europe has a fantastic opportunity."
He also responded to questions regarding its U.S. joint-venture with Verizon Communications, saying that a partial sale of its stake in Verizon Wireless was not necessary to fund the necessary acquisitions to drive Vodafone's European push. Colao stated: "The two things are not totally linked. Of course, having... a very profitable, dividend-generating asset in Verizon helps," referring to Vodafone's ability to invest when it requires thanks to the company's healthy balance sheet.
Vodafone has hardly been out of the news lately, so if you're after a less-volatile stock on a similar yield, then you may wish to read this exclusive free in-depth report. The FTSE 100 company in question offers a 5.7% income, and might be worth 850 pence versus around 700 pence currently. Just click here to download the report -- it's absolutely free.
The article Vodafone Group CEO Targets "One-Stop Shop" originally appeared on Fool.com.
Sam Robson owns shares of Vodafone. The Motley Fool recommends Vodafone. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
