Vodafone in ‘active discussions’ about Italy deal as German recovery slows

Vodafone said on Monday it was in “active discussions” about a deal in Italy, its worst performing major market, as it reported a slowdown in growth in its biggest, Germany, in the third quarter.

The British group rejected a merger offer from rival Iliad in Italy last month in favour of pursuing other options.

Sources have said that Vodafone, which last year agreed to merge with Hutchison’s Three in Britain and sell its Spanish operation, is exploring a deal with Swisscom’s Italian unit Fastweb.

Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle said the group was “engaged in live discussions” in Italy.