Responding to speculation it is considering a hostile bid for Mannesmann, Vodafone said development of joint ventures in Germany, Italy, and France "remains an important strategic priority."
Vodafone and rivals have accelerated efforts to grab a larger share of the European mobile phone market, which is expected to double in value by 2003. Just last month, Mannesmann offered about $34 billion for U.K. cellular operator Orange, while France Telecom agreed to pay almost $9 billion for control of German wireless company E-Plus.
Vodafone, currently in the process of integrating its $74.4 billion takeover of Airtouch Communications, has been forced to readdress its options in Europe following Mannesmann's Orange bid.
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