Vodafone is in early-stage talks to acquire a 30 percent share in Bangladeshi mobile operator Aktel for around USD 300 million, reports the Telegraph. The talks highlight Vodafone's plans to enter fast-growing mobile markets in Asia as growth slows in Europe. The Bangladeshi regulator is understood to have given Vodafone initial reassurance that it would not block moves to buy the 30 percent stake from AK Khan. Telekom Malaysia controls the remaining 70 percent. The talks with AK Khan are understood to be one of several options being examined by Vodafone to enter Bangladesh's mobile market. They are reportedly being led by Gavin Darby, CEO of Vodafone's non-European affiliates. Vodafone declined to comment on the report.
