Vodafone Is Said to Have Explored Acquisition of Three UK (2)

British wireless carrier Vodafone Group Plc has recently explored a potential purchase of Three UK from CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd., people with knowledge of the matter said.

Vodafone expressed interest late last year in acquiring its smaller rival, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The approach didn’t lead to an agreement, and it isn’t currently in active negotiations with CK Hutchison, the people said.

Representatives for Vodafone and CK Hutchison declined to comment.

A combination of Vodafone and Three UK has been speculated for years, and Vodafone has teamed up ...