Market Chatter: Vodafone to Lose Up to EUR1.1 Billion in Potential Payments From Drahi's OXG Exit

04:39 AM EDT, 09/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- British telecommunications company Vodafone (VOD.L) could forgo up to 1.1 billion euros in potential payments after billionaire Patrick Drahi sold his stake in German broadband joint venture OXG, the Financial Times reported Wednesday. Under the 2023 joint venture, Vodafone was due 487 million euros in deferred payments and up to 595 million euros in earnout payments from Drahi's Altice, subject to certain milestones and performance targets. Drahi sold his 50% stake in OXG to lender Societe Generale (GLE.PA), which reportedly refuses to shoulder the payment commitments, according to the report, which cited people familiar with the deal. A Vodafone representative told MT Newswires that Societe Generale replacing Altice as OXG's investor "materially enhances" the venture's funding capacity. "Ultimately, we chose SG as the best option between roll out funding certainty and strategic flexibility, and that was reflected in the terms that were agreed," the representative added. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)