Re: Japan Telecom Stake

Vodafone Group PLC
12 April 2001




12 April 2001



          CLOSING OF VODAFONE'S ACQUISITION OF 15% OF JAPAN TELECOM

Vodafone Group Plc ('Vodafone') announces that following the second payment of
JPY 125.1 billion (£700 million), the acquisition of a 15% stake in Japan
Telecom from West Japan Railway Company and Central Japan Railway Company has
closed. The initial payment of JPY 124.6 billion (£730 million) was made on 31
January 2001.

                                   - ends -



For further information:

Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director

Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations

Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager

Darren Jones, Investor Relations Manager

Tel:  [phone]



Lulu Bridges

Tavistock Communications

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