Vodafone Netherlands said it intends to acquire telecom retailer BelCompany from the MacIntosh Retail Group for EUR 120 million, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The acquisition will add 210 stores to Vodafone's current estate of 86. The transaction is subject to Dutch works council advice and competition authority approval. Vodafone said the takeover will help satisfy growing customer demand for personal advice prompted by the emergence of smartphones, apps, tablets and mobile internet. The rapid developments in the telephony market are pushing the need for face-to-face advice, and support to customers. Vodafone NL will satisfy this need through internal training and its own higher education training courses. By increasing the number of stores and customer contact points, more customers will be able to get personal advice and support.
