AT&T says no plans for Vodafone takeover
Recent rumors suggested that AT&T might attempt to buyout Vodafone, but that's not the case, the company tells a UK regulator.
AT&T won't be making any attempt to acquire Vodafone, the company confirmed Monday.
At the request of the UK's Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, AT&T said in a statement Monday that it "does not intend to make an offer for Vodafone." That's in the here and now -- the future being an unpredictable beast, AT&T did say that it "reserves the right to announce or participate in an offer or possible offer for Vodafone."
The statement comes as Vodafone's shares jumped on news that AT&T was considering a buyout. Such rumors have cropped up from time to time for months. Last April, for instance, a rumor suggested AT&T and Verizon would combine forces to buy Vodafone. Back in October, another rumor said AT&T would buy Vodafone on its own.
Vodafone is the world's second-largest wireless carrier.