Vodafone takes control of mobile coupon firm

The increasing importance of cash-back and coupon sites in modern society has been underlined by Vodafone, which has taken a controlling stake in mobile coupon provider Vouchercloud.

Telecoms giant Vodafone has increased its stake from 21% to 57% in Invitation Digital Limited (IDL), the parent company of Vouchercloud, and has first option to increase its stake in the future.

Vouchercloud, which offers discounts, codes and vouchers for daily shopping via a mobile phone, announced its launch in Ireland on Wednesday, and the plans are for Vodafone and IDL to co-operate on launches in other parts of the world.

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"Mobile couponing is set to grow rapidly across Vodafone's businesses as cost-conscious consumers increasingly turn to their smartphones to hunt for bargains and collect loyalty points. We look forward to working more closely with Vouchercloud in future as m-commerce services become ever more central to consumers' daily lives," said Vodafone Group Commercial Development Director Tobin Ireland.

Financial details of Vodafone's increased stake were not divulged.

JH