Vodafone's Chris Gent will head up the company, while, contrary to expectations, Klaus Esser will stay with the merged company.

BBC: Vodafone seals Mannesmann merger

Although Mannesmann chairman Klaus Esser has not ruled out an amicable settlement, he insists that Vodafone's offer is far less than Mannesmann's potential value.

BBC: World's biggest takeover bid

Although Mr Gent was in Dusseldorf, the headquarters of Mannesmann, there were no official plans for him to meet with Klaus Esser, Mannesmann's boss.

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