Softbank encases beleaguered Japanese Vodafane unit

Japan's largest broadband Internet provider, Softbank,on Friday procured Vodafone’s endeavoring Japanese segment with imbursement valued 1.8 trillion Yen (8.8 billion pounds) including debt.

Vodafone agreeing to sell a 97.68 per cent stake in Vodafone KK to the Japanese internet group, divulged that the firm had received other takeover bids too but the SoftBank offer laid a cut above the others. Under the deal Softbank will acquire all of the common equity in Vodafone Japan via its wholly-owned Bidco subsidiary.

Vodafone's mobile venture in Japan has been striving hard from last few chaotic years during which the firm witnessed the ever dropping sales of its third-generation (3G) phones and recurrent changes in leadereship. The hasty rate at which the firm lost its customers setting a monthly record high for the industry aided to firm’s demise at the Japan forefront.

Arun Sarin, Vodafone’s chief executive commenting on the progress said “It has become increasingly clear that the greatest operational benefits come from strong local and regional scale . . . Given the relative competitive position of the business, the reduced prospects for superior long-term returns and a good offer from SoftBank, the board took the decision to sell. ”Arun has long been castigated by the company’s authorities for Vodafone’s collapsing venture at Japan and its diminishing share market valuations.

Vodafone authorities have averred return of 6 billion pounds to its shareholders accounting to 10 pence per share. And expect the transaction to close in the first quarter of the financial year ending March 31, 2006.

Following the deal Vodafone shares were up 1.5 percent at 132 pence, against a 0.7 percent rise in the FTSE 100 index. Shares of Softbank closed up 4 percent at 3,140 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The transaction imparting Softbank dominance over country’s third-largest mobile carrier with 15 million subscribers will place the firm as the broadcasting colossal in Japan.