Vodafone Group has agreed to sell its 50 % ownership of the Dutch joint venture VodafoneZiggo to Liberty Global for €1 billion in cash. In addition, Vodafone will receive a 10 % shareholding in a newly formed Benelux entity, Ziggo Group, which will own 100 % of VodafoneZiggo and Liberty Global’s Belgian subsidiary, Telenet. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
The deal is part of Vodafone’s broader portfolio transformation strategy, which seeks to divest lower‑return European assets and concentrate on core markets and its African fintech engine. The €1 billion proceeds will be used to reduce debt and fund continued investment in the company’s UK and German operations, while the 10 % stake in Ziggo Group offers potential upside as the new entity prepares for a 2027 IPO. By exiting its Dutch exposure, Vodafone streamlines its European footprint and reinforces its focus on higher‑margin connectivity assets.
The market reacted positively to the announcement, reflecting confidence in Vodafone’s strategic shift and the value created for Liberty Global through the consolidation of its Benelux assets.
"We’re pleased to have agreed the sale of our 50 % share in VodafoneZiggo at an attractive valuation. This transaction delivers €1 billion in cash to Vodafone, and we have the potential for further value creation through our 10 % stake in Ziggo Group, a business with greater scale," said Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle. "This transaction marks a significant milestone in our decades‑long commitment to the Benelux region and is fully aligned with our strategy of unlocking long‑term value for shareholders," added Liberty Global Chairman and CEO Mike Fries. Stephen van Rooyen, CEO of VodafoneZiggo, noted that the transaction provides additional stability and long‑term commitment to the joint venture, strengthening its foundation and allowing accelerated investment for customers.
VodafoneZiggo was created in 2016 as a 50/50 joint venture between Vodafone and Liberty Global. The sale completes a series of divestments that include Vodafone’s Italian and Spanish operations, and it positions Vodafone to focus on its core markets and high‑growth African fintech business. Liberty Global’s plan to merge VodafoneZiggo and Telenet into Ziggo Group and pursue a 2027 IPO is expected to unlock shareholder value and create a regional powerhouse in the Benelux.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.