Vodafone completes buyout of German cable operator

British telecom firm Vodafone says it has completed its 7.7 billion-euro (USD 10 billion) takeover of Germany's biggest cable operator, Kabel Deutschland.
Vodafone, one of the world's largest cellphone companies, said in a statement Monday that it now holds just over 76 per cent of Kabel Deutschland Holding AG.
The acquisition marks a major step for Vodafone in its goal of dominating media services in Europe, its biggest market.
The British company is awash in cash after US mobile operator Verizon Communications Inc. Bought back its 45 per cent stake held by Vodafone.
The USD 130 billion buyout deal is one of the largest corporate acquisitions ever.

Vodafone was attracted by Kabel Deutschland's extensive cable network in Germany, which the British firm can use to expand its fixed-line, broadband and television business.