Vodafone is using its muscle in the wireless sector, by once again upping its offer for AT&T Wireless. The offer has gone from $35 to $38 to a now leading $39.4 billion. Cingular is sticking with its $38 billion all cash offer.
Furthermore, the New York Times is reporting that the AT&T Wireless suits are leaning towards Vodafone. The Times article notes that Vodafone expressed it could increase its bid, giving verification to the above Reuters story.
A benefit of selling to Vodafone is that much of the AT&T Wireless staff will stay in place. Cingular would likely clean house and use its own people.