Indicative Proposal to C&W

Vodafone Group PLC 8 February 2001 VODAFONE SUBMITS INDICATIVE PROPOSAL TO CABLE & WIRELESS OPTUS Proposed combination of mobile businesses of Vodafone Pacific and CWO Vodafone Group Plc ('Vodafone') announces today that its subsidiary Vodafone Pacific Limited ('Vodafone Pacific') has submitted an indicative proposal to acquire Cable & Wireless Optus Limited ('CWO'), in order to combine its own mobile business with that of CWO. CWO, which operates in Australia, comprises three core businesses: mobile; data and business services; and consumer and multimedia. As a key part of Vodafone Pacific's proposal it has entered into a detailed memorandum of understanding with Hutchison Telecommunications (Australia) Limited ('Hutchison') which could facilitate the emergence of Hutchison as a significant third national mobile operator in Australia. A detailed submission regarding the proposed arrangements with Hutchison is being made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ('ACCC'). Vodafone Pacific's proposal involves the merger of its mobile operations with those of CWO to create a new enlarged Australian listed mobile group. The proposal will not involve the issue of any shares in Vodafone Group Plc and will be funded primarily by the issue of Vodafone Pacific shares. Vodafone Pacific's proposal is subject to a number of conditions including completion of due diligence and a satisfactory conclusion to discussions with the ACCC. Implementation of Vodafone Pacific's proposal will require the simultaneous disposal of the other business units of CWO to third parties. Vodafone Pacific's proposal has been submitted to CWO as part of CWO's previously announced process to review strategic options for the company. Discussions between Vodafone Pacific and CWO remain at an early stage and there can be no assurance that any agreement will be reached. No further announcements should be expected for a number of weeks. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vodafone Group Plc Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1635 33251 Tavistock Communications Lulu Bridges Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288
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