Reports suggest the deal is just a matter of time

Could Vodafone be involved in another big deal?

Could the UK see four operators become three?

The JV received approval from the European Commission last month

The operator is keen to simplify its operations in Africa

The stake could fetch an estimated $3.21 billion

But it could be good news to push forward its merger with Three

The UAE-based operator has upped its stake for the third month in a row

The UAE-based operator now holds a 12 percent stake in the company

Telecel to snap up Vodafone's 70 percent stake in the telco

The UAE telco scooped a 9.8 percent stake in Vodafone earlier this year

Both companies have implemented cost-saving measures recently

Sets up joint venture and deconsolidates its majority stake - subject to approval

Vodafone has been looking to shift its Vantage Towers for some time

Conditions for the transaction were met

A merger between the two would create the UK's biggest mobile operator

Several potential buyers lining up bids

Will his arrival lead to consolidation opportunities?

The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year