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Shares in Vodafone rise 3.9 percent after the Financial Times Alphavilleblog cites "usually reliable people" as saying that Verizon Communications and AT&T have been working together on a breakup bid for theBritish group.
Vodafone, the world's second largest mobile operator, has been at the centreof deal speculation in recent months, linked to its ownership of a 45 percentstake in U.S. mobile operator Verizon Wireless.
Analysts and investors have speculated that Vodafone could sell its stake tojoint venture partner Verizon Communications, or sell itself to the U.S. groupto avoid a costly tax bill. A third scenario would enable AT&T to enter theEuropean market, while Verizon would snap up the rest of Verizon Wireless.
"The usual story with Vodafone is the Verizon saga. I just think that thisstory has got legs to run on it," says Central Markets chief strategist RichardPerry.
The FT said the offer under discussion, should it happen, would be pitchedat around a 40 percent premium to Vodafone's current price, or about 260 pence ashare. Vodafone shares were up 3.9 percent to 194 pence at 0729 GMT.
Reuters messaging rm://kate.holton.reuters.com@reuters.net
