Rumour Mill: Vodafone denies MTN talks

While Vodafone spokesmen furiously denied that the company was talking with Africa's largest mobile operator, MTN, takeover rumours continue to circulate that the two firms would make an ideal match.

At the centre of this 'speculation' is Vodafone's likely interest in acquiring MTN's international operations which span across Africa and stretch into the Middle East. Any proposed deal would seem to exclude MTN's South African assets, where Vodafone already has Vodacom which it part owns with Telkom South Africa.

Industry analysts believe it's only a matter of time before a major European or Chinese cell phone operator strikes a merger deal--despite the absolute denials from within MTN and Vodafone.

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