Vodafone has said talks regarding the sale of its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless in the US are "advanced" and it has put a value on the stake.
It has confirmed it is discussing selling the stake to Verizon Communications for $130bn (£84bn).
The company said last week that the talks were taking place and the sale is expected to be confirmed on Monday.
But BBC business editor Robert Peston said no UK tax would be paid on the enormous transaction.
He said that as the deal would involve the sale of a stake in a US group, the holding company for which is in the Netherlands, the UK taxman would not be entitled to anything.
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Although this disposal has been encouraged by investors, one or two big investment institutions have egg on their face over it”
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This could prove to be controversial, with Vodafone's tax affairs having been subjected to scrutiny in the past.
Second most valuable
Vodafone warned there was still no certainty an agreement would be reached.
In a brief statement in response to what it called media speculation, it said: "Vodafone confirms that it is in advanced discussions with Verizon Communications Inc regarding the disposal of Vodafone's US group whose principal asset is its 45% interest in Verizon Wireless for $130bn."
"The consideration would substantially comprise a mixture of Verizon common stock and cash."
If the deal goes through it will be the second most valuable corporate deal, after Vodafone's own takeover of Mannesmann of Germany in 2000.
An announcement is expected on Monday, despite US markets being closed for Labor Day.
It would bring to an end a long-running saga, with both Vodafone and Verizon trying to take full control of Verizon Wireless over the years, but having been unable to agree a price.
Robert Peston says that at least half of the proceeds of the deal will be returned to Vodafone shareholders. source : http://www.bbc.co.uk
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