Slaughter and May advised Vodafone on competition clearance of its combination with Liberty Global in the Netherlands

Slaughter and May advised Vodafone on the competition clearance of its 50-50 joint venture with Liberty Global in the Netherlands, VodafoneZiggo Group Holding B.V. (“VodafoneZiggo”). VodafoneZiggo combines Ziggo’s broadband network with Vodafone’s mobile operation to create a provider of converged communications services with a full suite of TV, broadband, fixed-line and mobile products.

Antitrust clearance was obtained at Phase I from the European Commission. The approval was conditional on the divestment of Vodafone’s consumer fixed business in the Netherlands, and Slaughter and May advised Vodafone on the divestment and purchaser approval processes.

NautaDutilh also advised Vodafone, while Allen & Overy advised Liberty Global.