Vodafone has agreed a €18.4 billion deal to acquire Liberty Global’s cable networks in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania in a move that will accelerate its converged network vision and make it Europe’s largest ‘next generation network’ (NGN) provider. Vodafone said the "transformative" purchase, which adds to existing operations in Germany and Spain, would make it the leading "next generation network" in Europe with 54 million cable and fibre homes on its network. Vodafone chief executive officer Vittorio Colao said: “This transaction will create the first truly converged pan-European champion of competition.”

CCS Insight multiplay and media vice president Paolo Pescatore believes the move deal will be blocked by regulators. He added: 'We are committed to accelerating and deepening investment in next generation mobile and fixed networks, building on Vodafone's track record of ensuring that customers benefit from the choice of a strong and sustainable challenger to dominant incumbent operators. “We have delivered synergies in Spain, and the Netherlands, so we’re confident about [Germany and Central & Eastern Europe].”

The transaction is expected to close in 2019 subject to regulatory approval, but Vodafone is confident there will be no obstacles to overcome.
Vodafone acquires Liberty Global's European operations, including German cable operator Unitymedia, for €18.4 billion.