AT&T officially has no intention to bid on Vodafone at this time

USA's second largest wireless carrier,AT&T, officially refuted thewidely circulating rumors that the company is looking to buyBritish telecom Vodafone for as much as $82 billion (£54.3 billion).In a statement released today, AT&T confirmed that "it doesnot intend to make an offer for Vodafone".

However, Rule 2.8 of the UnitedKingdom's Takeover Code gives AT&T the right to announce orparticipate in an offer for Vodafone within six months after the dateof this announcement, January 27.

This turn of events certainly comes as asurprise, as the rumors around the sunken deal described it asalready in motion.

source: AT&T(PR)