Niel Becomes Vodafone's Top Shareholder in $6 Billion Deal

By EC Assets · Published 10 July 2026

French tycoon Xavier Niel has become Vodafone’s largest shareholder. A company owned by Niel's family group will acquire a significant stake in the telecommunications operator. This transaction is valued at nearly $6 billion. UAE telecoms operator E& Group will sell its 16.21% stake in Vodafone. The sale to Niel's family group is for $5.95 billion. This transaction means Niel has purchased a £4.4 billion stake. The deal makes French billionaire Xavier Niel the top shareholder in Vodafone. E& Group is exiting its holding in Vodafone. A company backed by Xavier Niel agreed to buy the shares. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.