Vodafone in Talks to Merge India Unit With Idea Cellular

Vodafone Group Plc is in discussions to merge its Indian unit with Idea Cellular Ltd. in a deal that would create the country’s largest cellular carrier and ease a worsening headache for Chief Executive Officer Vittorio Colao. The talks with Idea controlling holder Aditya Birla Group could lead to Vodafone splitting off its Indian business into a separate entity, Vodafone said Monday in a statement.