European operator heavyweight groups Vodafone and Telenor agreed a strategic partnership between their respective procurement organisations, with the aim to build on combined scale to generate savings and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Together, Telenor Procurement Company and Vodafone Procurement Company’s annual spend amounts to more than €26 billion and the duo stated they plan to use this budget to unlock savings by combining purchasing power and expertise across complementary geographies.

The partnership will aim to further deepen supplier and partner engagement, while boosting supply chains “amid a rapidly changing geopolitical global landscape”, read Vodafone’s statement.

There is also a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices and continued promotion of high standards of environmental and social responsibility within respective supply chains.

Ninian Wilson, Vodafone’s supply chain management director and CEO of its Procure and Connect division, said the deal will “drive sustainable efficiencies and greater innovation for our customers”.

He continued: “At the same time, we will simplify engagement for our partners, reducing the administrative burden and duplication in an increasingly complex environment.”

CEO of Telenor Procurement company Thomas Skjelbred added the collaboration will enable it to expand its reach, address common challenges and “navigate a reshaped global supplier landscape driven by ongoing geopolitical and technological shifts”.