Vodafone Group Plc ("Vodafone") announces that following the second payment of JPY 125.1 billion (£700 million), theacquisition 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) ws made on 31 January 2001.

For further information contact:

Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations
Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager
Darren Jones, Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310

Lulu Bridges
Tavistock Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7600 2288