Vodafone’s acquisition activity increased today with news that it has acquired a European social networking company and is reportedly set to gain complete control of its German broadband and fixed-line subsidiary, Arcor. Vodafone is to pay €31.5 million in cash for Denmark-based ZYB, a privately-owned social networking and online mobile content back-up specialist that enables users to share information and messages between friends and colleagues in a mobile address book. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Vodafone is on the verge of acquiring full ownership of Arcor after minority stakeholders agreed to sell their combined 26 percent stake. Vodafone has been linked to the buyout for months, which analysts believe would fit with Vodafone’s intention to offer both fixed-line and mobile services in its markets. The report states that the supervisory board of German railroad operator Deutsche Bahn has approved selling its 18 percent stake for around €330 million. Deutsche Bank will get around €145 million for its 8 percent stake, the report sites sources as stating.

The two deals come at the end of a week that has seen Vodafone deny speculation it is bidding for MTN. Vodafone has also been linked to a potential acquisition of Ghana Telecom and is believed to be a strong candidate in the first round of bids for Anglo-Italian ISP Tiscali, which put itself up for sale last month.