The merger, valued at around £16.5 bn, was first announced in June last year. Together, Vodafone and Three serve 27 million customers.
The deal will create the largest mobile phone operator in Britain by customer numbers. (Photo credit: Getty and Three.ie)
By EasternEyeDec 05, 2024
VODAFONE and Three, the UK division of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, have received approval from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for their planned merger.
The deal will create the largest mobile phone operator in Britain by customer numbers.
The CMA announced its decision on Thursday, stating the merger could proceed after Vodafone and Three pledged to invest billions of pounds to expand the UK’s high-speed 5G network.
The merger, valued at around £16.5 bn, was first announced in June last year. Together, Vodafone and Three serve 27 million customers. Vodafone stated the deal is expected to be completed in the first half of next year.
Following the merger, the new entity will surpass BT EE and Virgin Media O2 as the UK’s largest mobile operator in terms of customer numbers.
Stuart McIntosh, who led the CMA inquiry into the merger, said, “We believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed -- but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures.”
Vodafone described the merger as a move to create “a new force in UK mobile, unleashing more competition and investment to transform the UK telecoms landscape.”
In a joint statement, Vodafone and Three committed to investing £11 bn to develop an advanced 5G network in Europe. The network will cover 99 per cent of the UK population, benefiting over 50 million customers. The companies noted that demand for data is expected to grow with increased adoption of new technologies like AI.
Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle said, “Approval releases the handbrake on the UK's telecoms industry, and the increased investment will power the UK to the forefront of European telecommunications.”
Canning Fok, deputy chairman of CK Hutchison, added that his group will “fully support the merged business in implementing its network investment plan.”
Ranveer Singh’s rugged new look anchors the high-energy music video.
Rapper Hanumankind makes his official Bollywood début with a fierce verse.
Modern take on the classic Punjabi folk tune 'Jogi'.
Glimpses of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in the mix.
The full trailer lands next month.
The Dhurandhar title track just hit the internet, and the noise around this spy thriller just went up a few notches. This is the track that pulls rapper Hanumankind into his first proper Bollywood playback moment. They have taken the old folk number 'Jogi' and built a power-packed version around it, a mix of earthy roots and straight-up aggressive energy that hits like a truck. It fits, honestly. It mirrors the film's whole gritty vibe and Ranveer Singh's battle-hardened look with that wild beard.
Hanumankind brings raw rap fire while Ranveer Singh owns 'Dhurandhar' music video Getty Images/ Youtube Screengrab/Saregama Music
What is the Dhurandhar title track about?
You get a proper blast of the film’s atmosphere from this track. The music video cuts fast between shots of a heavily bearded and muscular Ranveer Singh, looking every bit the part of a hardened operative. The video cuts to the other big names in the cast as well. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal are all there in what appears to be a tense, dark situation. The music includes traditional Punjabi folk with a stronger, cinematic rhythm.
How did Hanumankind get involved in the Dhurandhar song?
It turns out his involvement was a pretty organic, almost spontaneous thing. Music composer Shashwat Sachdev opened up about how the rap section came together. Apparently, it happened during a late-night studio session with director Aditya Dhar and Hanumankind himself. They captured an impromptu performance that just clicked, bringing what Sachdev called a "raw, instinctive fire" to the whole track. For an artist known for his independent work, this Dhurandhar feature is a major step into the mainstream film scene.
All this build-up is heading towards a definite date. The makers confirmed it right at the end of the title track video. Dhurandhar is locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 December of this year. For those who need more than a song to tide them over, the official trailer is promised for 12 November.
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