I=7 Vodafone suffers court setback in 1&1 dispute, clearing way for Federal Cartel Office decision
The Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Düsseldorf declined to give Vodafone preventive legal protection against the Federal Cartel Office.
Vodafone aimed to stop the Federal Cartel Office from making a decision in Vantage Towers-1&1 dispute.
In April 2025, the Federal Cartel Office said preliminary findings indicate that Vodafone and its subsidiary, Vantage Towers are liable for the failure by 1&1 to meet its antenna obligations at the end of 2022 and added that it is considering ordering the provision of the relevant sites within three years, with additional measures to follow in mid-2025.
Vantage was also supposed to provide two-thirds of the 1,000 sites at the end of 2022 and 3,800 antenna sites by 2025 (Notion).
Assessment
I strongly expect the Federal Cartel Office to issue a final decision in favor of 1&1. However, Vodafone could once again challenge the decision in court, potentially delaying the final resolution of the dispute.
I=8 1&1 announces restructuring program at 1&1 Versatel, resulting in around €60m of one-off expenses in 2026 and €25m annual earnings contribution from 2028
1&1 has approved a comprehensive overhaul of 1&1 Versatel, including streamlining of organisational and workforce structures.
The restructuring will result in workforce reduction from the current levels of around 1,350 to about 1,000 full-time employees.
As a result, 1&1 will incur one-off expenses of around €60 million in 2026, reducing the guided EBITDA to around €740 million.
The company expects the restructuring to contribute around €25 million annually to earnings from the 2028 financial year onward.
1&1 shares fell 2.3% while United Internet shares are little changed following the announcement.
There was also a recent report indicating 1&1 is reducing the number of employees as AI drives “enormous” efficiency gains.