Mobile phone giant Vodafone's interests in Japan were strengthened today following a shake-up of operations at J-Phone.
Vodafone, which is J-Phone's largest shareholder, is backing a move to merge the three regional businesses of Japan's third largest mobile phone company.
Sir Christopher Gent, chief executive of Vodafone, described the merger as essential to building Vodafone's position in the Japanese market.
He added: "This merger will create a stronger national competitor and promises to generate significant synergy benefits and efficiency gains."
The three regional operations currently set their own tariffs and have their own management structures.
Following the merger of the businesses, Vodafone will hold a 39.67 per cent shareholding in J-Phone with Japan Telecom owning 45 per cent.
The merger of the businesses, which is dependent on shareholder and regulatory approvals, should be completed on November 1st.
PA