Vodafone Group Confirms Kabel Deutschland Approach

LONDON -- Vodafone slumped 10 pence, or 5%, to 182 pence during early trade this morning after the shares went ex-dividend and the telecoms group issued a statement about Kabel Deutschland.

The FTSE 100 member confirmed it had made a preliminary approach to Kabel Deutschland regarding a possible offer for the company. Vodafone added there was no certainty any offer would be made.

Bloomberg reported this morning that Vodafone had contacted the German firm last week to discuss a potential offer. Serving more than 8 million households, Kabel Deutschland is Germany's largest cable operator and sports a market cap in excess of 7 billion euros.

Bloomberg claimed formal talks between the companies had yet to start because Vodafone's indicated bid was "too low."

Kabel Deutschland's shares rallied 7% to 79 euros during early Frankfurt trading today. Ongoing speculation of an approach from the British blue chip has helped the German shares surge 79% during the last twelve months.

Last month Vodafone declared a 6.92 pence per share final dividend, which will be distributed to anyone that held the shares before this morning.

Vodafone's 10.19 pence per share full-year payout now supports a 5.6% income for anyone wishing to buy today. However, the blue chip has said it "aims at least to maintain" its next dividend, suggesting next-to-no income growth in the near term.

Still, if you currently own Vodafone shares and are looking for other yield opportunities, this exclusive wealth report reviews five particularly attractive possibilities.

Indeed, all five opportunities offer a rich mix of robust prospects, illustrious histories and dependable dividends. Just click here for your report -- it's free.

The article Vodafone Group Confirms Kabel Deutschland Approach originally appeared on Fool.com.

Maynard Paton has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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.