A media report claims that AT&T is exploring strategies for a potential takeover of British telecoms firm Vodafone Group. Citing people familiar with the situation, Bloomberg reported on Thursday that AT&T was examining how it could divide Vodafone up after a deal, keeping some assets and disposing of others.

AT&T has expressed its interest for the mobile broadband market in Europe. Chief Executive Randall Stephenson has said there is a "huge opportunity" to invest in mobile broadband in Europe and he would buy wireless assets if they were available at the right price.

AT&T is the second-largest mobile provider in the United States after Verizon Wireless.

Vodafone sold its stake in Verizon Wireless to its joint venture partner Verizon Communications Inc for $130 billion in September, a move that offers Verizon access to the European market but also to Middle East and Africa, where Vodafone had its business expanded.