Exhibit 1.2
Vodafone Group Plc
U.S.$1,000,000,000 4.800% Notes due June 2031
U.S.$1,000,000,000 5.350% Notes due June 2036
U.S.$1,500,000,000 6.100% Notes due June 2056
I, Jamie Stead, Group Treasury Director of Vodafone Group Plc (the
“Company”), pursuant to resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on May 6, 2026 and other
internal approvals duly granted, and pursuant to and in accordance with Section 301 of the Indenture (as defined below), HEREBY
APPROVE AND CONFIRM the terms set forth below and in Exhibit H hereto:
U.S.$1,000,000,000 4.800% Notes due June 2031 (the “Tranche
1 Notes”)
The terms set forth with respect to the Tranche 1 Notes in Exhibits
A and B.
The Tranche 1 Notes will be issued in fully registered form and will
be represented by two Global Securities, which will be registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company’s nominee, Cede &
Co.
U.S.$1,000,000,000 5.350% Notes due June 2036 (the “Tranche
2 Notes”)
The terms set forth with respect to the Tranche 2 Notes in Exhibits
C and D.
The Tranche 2 Notes will be issued in fully registered form and will
be represented by two Global Securities, which will be registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company’s nominee, Cede &
Co.
U.S.$1,500,000,000 6.100% Notes due June 2056 (the “Tranche
3 Notes” and, together with the Tranche 1 Notes and the Tranche 2 Notes, the “Notes”)
The terms set forth with respect to the Tranche 3 Notes in Exhibits
E, F and G.
The Tranche 3 Notes will be issued in fully registered form and will
be represented by three Global Securities, which will be registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company’s nominee, Cede &
Co.
| Terms applicable
to each tranche of the Notes: |
| |
| Place of Payment,
Paying Agent: |
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10286
United States of America
The Bank of New York Mellon
160 Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4LA
United Kingdom
|
| Notices and Demands
to Company: |
Vodafone Group Plc
Vodafone House
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire RG14 2FN
United Kingdom
|
| |
Or
|
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C T Corporation System
28 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10005
United States of America
|
| Electronic Means: |
“Electronic Means” shall mean the following communications
methods: e-mail, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued
by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.
The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions,
including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to the Indenture and delivered using Electronic
Means; provided, however, that the Company shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority
to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers,
which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Company whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the
Company elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such
Instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Company understands and agrees
that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively
presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to
the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The Company shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers
transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the Company and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the
use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Company.
The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance
upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written
instruction. The Company agrees: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions
to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception
and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods
of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected
by the Company; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions
provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to
notify the Trustee immediately upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures
|
| Electronic signing: |
Anything in the Indenture or the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding,
the words “execute,” “execution,” “signed” and “signature” and words of similar import
used in or related to any document to be signed in connection with the Indenture, the Notes, or any of the transaction documents
contemplated hereby or thereby (including the Notes, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication on the Notes, any Company
order, Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel and amendments, supplements, waivers, consents and other modifications
to any documents) shall be deemed to include signing by manual signatures that are scanned or photocopied or other electronic format
(including “pdf,” “tif” or “jpg”) or other electronic signatures created on an electronic platform
(such as DocuSign) or by digital signature (such as Adobe Sign), in each case that is approved by the Trustee, and the keeping of
records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature
in ink or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as applicable, to the fullest extent and as provided for in any applicable
law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and
Records Act and any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
|
| Other Terms of the Notes: |
The other terms of the Notes
shall be substantially as set forth in the Indenture, dated as of February 10, 2000 (the “Indenture”), the Base
Prospectus dated July 26, 2023, and the Prospectus Supplement, dated June 15, 2026 (the “Prospectus Supplement”),
relating to the Notes and the forms of the notes attached hereto as Exhibits A through G and the Notes shall be substantially in
the form of such forms |
The undersigned has read all of the covenants and conditions contained
in the Indenture, and the definitions in the Indenture relating to such covenants and conditions, in respect of compliance with which
this certificate is made;
The statements contained in this certificate are based upon the familiarity
of the undersigned with the Indenture, the documents accompanying this certificate, and upon discussions by the undersigned with officers
of the Company familiar with the matters set forth herein;
In the opinion of the undersigned, he has made such examination or
investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenants and conditions
have been complied with; and
In the opinion of the undersigned, such conditions and covenants have
been complied with.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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|
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
| |
Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
[Signature page to the Officer’s Certificate
pursuant to Section 301]
Exhibit A
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
4.800% Notes due JUNE 2031
| No. 001 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CC2
ISIN NO. US92857WCC29
|
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR
TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2031 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18
of each year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 4.800% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized
or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action
shall be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law,
regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had
been made or taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall
be, for interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date
for payment, where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1.
The regular record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on
the date that is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record
Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of
this series not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and
State of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company
payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security
Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon
has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
instrument to be duly executed electronically or manually.
| Dated:
June 18, 2026 |
|
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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|
Name: |
Jamie Stead |
| |
|
Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| Dated:
June 18, 2026 |
|
| |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
| |
as Trustee |
| |
|
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By: |
|
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|
Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue
of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated
and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided
in the Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,000,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to May 18, 2031
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 15 basis
points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after May 18, 2031 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series,
together with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such
Security on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption
amount or purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional
Redemption Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption
or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain
whether a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change
of Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price
of any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully
protected in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50
per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying
more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change
of Control”); provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted
a Change of Control occurs or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of
Control Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment
Grade Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade
or withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms
in writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30
days after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s
Investors Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such
successor Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present
or future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a
Security (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and
payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy
any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary
or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder
of such Security or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive
Registered Securities to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
and at the time payment is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of
the Predecessor Securities. The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of
any present or future taxes, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person
to the Company is organized, or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as
any deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or
any regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another
jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing
such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of
the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this
Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon
the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made
upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions
of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of
a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee
to institute such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal
of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding
within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the
enforcement of payment of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only
in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and
subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the
Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument
of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor
any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit B
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
4.800% Notes due JUNE 2031
| No. 002 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CC2
ISIN NO. US92857WCC29
|
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR
TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2031 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18
of each year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 4.800% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized
or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action
shall be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law,
regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had
been made or taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall
be, for interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date
for payment, where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1.
The regular record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on
the date that is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record
Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of
this series not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and
State of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company
payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security
Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon
has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
instrument to be duly executed electronically or manually.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
|
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue
of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated
and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided
in the Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,000,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to May 18, 2031
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 15 basis
points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after May 18, 2031 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series,
together with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such
Security on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption
amount or purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional
Redemption Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption
or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain
whether a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change
of Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price
of any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully
protected in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50
per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying
more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change
of Control”); provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted
a Change of Control occurs or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of
Control Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment
Grade Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade
or withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms
in writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30
days after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s
Investors Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such
successor Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present
or future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a
Security (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and
payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy
any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary
or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder
of such Security or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive
Registered Securities to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
and at the time payment is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of
the Predecessor Securities. The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of
any present or future taxes, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person
to the Company is organized, or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as
any deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or
any regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another
jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing
such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of
the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this
Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon
the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made
upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions
of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of
a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee
to institute such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal
of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding
within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the
enforcement of payment of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only
in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and
subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the
Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument
of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor
any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit C
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
5.350% Notes due JUNE 2036
| No. 001 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CD0
ISIN NO. US92857WCD02
|
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR
TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2036 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18
of each year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 5.350% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized
or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action
shall be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law,
regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had
been made or taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall
be, for interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date
for payment, where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1.
The regular record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on
the date that is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record
Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of
this series not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and
State of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company
payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security
Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon
has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
instrument to be duly executed electronically or manually.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue
of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated
and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided
in the Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,000,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to March 18, 2036
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 15 basis
points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after March 18, 2036 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series,
together with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such
Security on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption
amount or purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional
Redemption Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption
or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain
whether a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change
of Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price
of any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully
protected in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50
per cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying
more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change
of Control”); provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted
a Change of Control occurs or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of
Control Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment
Grade Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade
or withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms
in writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30
days after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s
Investors Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such
successor Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present
or future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a
Security (where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and
payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy
any information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing
authority thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary
or a member of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder
of such Security or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive
Registered Securities to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
and at the time payment is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of
the Predecessor Securities. The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of
any present or future taxes, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person
to the Company is organized, or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as
any deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or
any regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another
jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing
such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of
the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this
Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon
the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made
upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions
of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of
a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee
to institute such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal
of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding
within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the
enforcement of payment of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only
in registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and
subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of
Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the
Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument
of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor
any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit D
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
5.350% Notes due JUNE 2036
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No. 002 |
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CUSIP NO. 92857W CD0 |
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ISIN NO. US92857WCD02 |
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR
TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2036 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18
of each year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 5.350% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized
or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action
shall be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law,
regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had
been made or taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall
be, for interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date
for payment, where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1.
The regular record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on
the date that is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually
paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the
Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record
Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of
this series not less than ten days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent
with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and
State of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as
at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company
payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security
Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon
has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this
instrument to be duly executed electronically or manually.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
| Dated: June 18, 2026 |
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of
securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided in the
Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,000,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to March 18, 2036
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points;
or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after March 18, 2036 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together
with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Security
on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption amount or
purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional Redemption
Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether
a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of
Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of
any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully protected
in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50 per
cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying more than
50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change of Control”);
provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted a Change of Control occurs
or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of Control
Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment Grade
Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or
withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in
writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30 days
after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s Investors
Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such successor
Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding Interest
Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present or
future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a Security
(where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or
the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any
information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder of such Security
or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive Registered Securities
to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment
is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.
The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company is organized,
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as any
deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations
thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating
the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding,
on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture
and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall
be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of
the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding
Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days;
provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment
of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in
registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject
to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. As provided
in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of
and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor any
such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit E
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
6.100% Notes due JUNE 2056
| No. 001 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CE8
ISIN NO. US92857WCE84 |
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO
SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2056 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most recent
date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18 of each
year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 6.100% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or
obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action shall
be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation
or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had been made or
taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one
or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be, for
interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date for payment,
where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1. The regular
record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on the date that
is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided
for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this
Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than ten
days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all
as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State
of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment
of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has
been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument
to be duly executed electronically or manually.
Dated: June 18, 2026
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated: June 18,
2026
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of
securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided in the
Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,500,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to December 18, 2055
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points;
or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after December 18, 2055 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together
with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Security
on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption amount or
purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional Redemption
Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether
a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of
Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of
any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully protected
in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50 per
cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying more than
50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change of Control”);
provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted a Change of Control occurs
or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of Control
Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment Grade
Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or
withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in
writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30 days
after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s Investors
Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such successor
Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding Interest
Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present or
future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a Security
(where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or
the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any
information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder of such Security
or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive Registered Securities
to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment
is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.
The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company is organized,
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as any
deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations
thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating
the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding,
on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture
and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall
be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of
the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding
Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days;
provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment
of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in
registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject
to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. As provided
in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of
and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor any
such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit F
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
6.100% Notes due JUNE 2056
| No. 002 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CE8
ISIN NO. US92857WCE84 |
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO
SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2056 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most recent
date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18 of each
year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 6.100% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or
obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action shall
be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation
or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had been made or
taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one
or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be, for
interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date for payment,
where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1. The regular
record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on the date that
is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided
for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this
Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than ten
days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all
as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State
of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment
of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has
been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument
to be duly executed electronically or manually.
Dated: June 18, 2026
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated: June 18,
2026
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of
securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided in the
Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,500,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to December 18, 2055
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points;
or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after December 18, 2055 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together
with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Security
on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption amount or
purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional Redemption
Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether
a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of
Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of
any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully protected
in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50 per
cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying more than
50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change of Control”);
provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted a Change of Control occurs
or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of Control
Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment Grade
Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or
withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in
writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30 days
after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s Investors
Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such successor
Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding Interest
Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present or
future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a Security
(where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or
the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any
information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder of such Security
or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive Registered Securities
to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment
is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.
The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company is organized,
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as any
deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations
thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating
the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding,
on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture
and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall
be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions
of the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of
a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee
to institute such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal
of the Outstanding Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding
within 60 days; provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the
enforcement of payment of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in
registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject
to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. As provided
in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of
and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor any
such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit G
VODAFONE GROUP PLC
U.S.$500,000,000
6.100% Notes due JUNE 2056
| No. 003 |
CUSIP NO. 92857W CE8
ISIN NO. US92857WCE84 |
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL REGISTERED SECURITY WITHIN
THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY
MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED
IN THE INDENTURE.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE
IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”), A NEW YORK CORPORATION, TO THE
COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO
SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE
BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
VODAFONE GROUP PLC,
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (herein called the “Company”, which term includes
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co.,
or registered assigns, the principal sum of five hundred million U.S. dollars (U.S.$500,000,000) on June 18, 2056 (the “Stated
Maturity Date”), and to pay interest thereon from June 18, 2026 (the “Original Issue Date”), or from the most recent
date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on June 18 and December 18 of each
year, commencing December 18, 2026, up to and including the Stated Maturity Date (each, an “Interest Payment Date”),
at the rate of 6.100% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest will be calculated based on
a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. If any Interest Payment Date (other than the Interest Payment Date scheduled for the
Stated Maturity Date) would otherwise fall on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), then such Interest Payment Date shall
be the next day that is a Business Day. “Business Day” means any day that is a New York Business Day. “New York Business
Day” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City
generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close. If any day on which any payment or other action
is to be made or taken at any place of payment outside New York City is a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or
obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close in the place of payment, such payment shall be made or such other action shall
be taken on the next succeeding day that is not a day on which banking institutions generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation
or executive order to close in the place of payment with the same force and effect as if such payment or other action had been made or
taken on the day as originally scheduled.
The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly
provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one
or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be, for
interest on global securities in registered form, the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date for payment,
where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday, inclusive, except December 25 and January 1. The regular
record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on the date that
is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a Business Day. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided
for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this
Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than ten
days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all
as more fully provided in said Indenture.
The Trustee shall act as Paying Agent with respect
to the Securities of this series.
Payment of the principal of and interest on this
Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in the Borough of Manhattan in the City and State
of New York, or at such other agency as the Company may determine, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment
of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions
of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth
at this place.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has
been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof, directly or through an Authenticating Agent by manual or PDF or other
electronic image scan signature of the Trustee created by an electronic platform (such as DocuSign) or by digital signing (such as Adobe
Sign) of an authorized signatory, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for
any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument
to be duly executed electronically or manually.
Dated: June 18, 2026
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VODAFONE GROUP PLC |
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By: |
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Name: |
Jamie Stead |
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Title: |
Group Treasury Director |
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This is one of the Securities of the series designated
therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
Dated: June 18, 2026
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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, |
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as Trustee |
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
Reverse
of Note
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of
securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture,
dated as of February 10, 2000 (herein called the “Indenture” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”, which term includes
any other successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto
for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities of this series and of the terms upon which the Securities of this series are, and are to be, authenticated and
delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited (subject to additional issuances as provided in the
Indenture) in aggregate principal amount to U.S.$1,500,000,000.
The Securities of this series are subject to redemption
as a whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at the election of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, at a Redemption Price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to December 18, 2055
the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together with accrued interest to the Redemption
Date, and (y) as determined by the Quotation Agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal
and interest thereon (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption
Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate plus 20 basis points;
or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after December 18, 2055 100% of the principal amount of such Securities of this series, together
with accrued interest to the date of redemption.
The definitions of certain terms used in the paragraph
above are listed below.
“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury
Price for such Redemption Date.
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the
U.S. Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this
series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing
new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with
respect to any Redemption Date, the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date.
“Quotation Agent” means the Reference
Treasury Dealer appointed by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any
primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by the Company.
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations”
means with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the
bid and ask prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing
to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City Time on the third Business Day preceding such
Redemption Date.
If at any time while any of the Securities of this
series remain outstanding, a Change of Control Put Event occurs, then the Holder will have the option (a “Change of Control Put
Option”) (unless, prior to the giving of the relevant Change of Control Put Event Notice, the Company has otherwise given valid
notice of redemption) to require the Company to redeem or, at the Company’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Security
on the date which is seven days after the expiration of the Put Period (the “Put Date”) at an optional redemption amount or
purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Holder’s interest in this Security (the “Optional Redemption
Amount”), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Holder’s interest in this Security to the date of redemption or repurchase.
The Trustee is under no obligation to ascertain whether
a Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or any event which could lead to the occurrence of or could constitute a Change of
Control Put Event or Change of Control has occurred, and until it shall receive an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to the indenture
to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no Change of Control Put Event or Change of Control or other such event has occurred.
The Issuer will notify the Trustee and the Principal
Paying Agent of the redemption price of Securities to be redeemed promptly after the calculation thereof, and none of the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Agent Bank shall have any responsibility for any calculation or determination in respect of the redemption price of
any Securities, or any component thereof, including any Make Whole Redemption Amount, and shall be entitled to receive, and be fully protected
in relying upon, an officers’ certificate from us that states such redemption price.
A “Change of Control Put Event” will
be deemed to occur if:
(i) any person or any persons acting in concert
(as defined in the United Kingdom's City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), other than a holding company (as defined in Section 1159
of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) whose shareholders are or are to be substantially similar to the pre-existing shareholders of the
Company, shall become interested (within the meaning of Part 22 of the Companies Act 2006 as amended) in (A) more than 50 per
cent. of the issued or allotted ordinary share capital of the Company or (B) shares in the capital of the Company carrying more than
50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of the Company (each such event, a “Change of Control”);
provided that, no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if the event which would otherwise have constituted a Change of Control occurs
or is carried out by an extraordinary resolution; and
(ii) the long-term debt of the Company has
been assigned:
(A) an investment grade credit rating (Baa3/BBB–,
or their respective equivalents, or better) (an “Investment Grade Rating”), by any Rating Agency (as defined below) at the
invitation of the Company; or
(B) where there is no rating from any Rating
Agency assigned at the invitation of the Company, an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency of its own volition,
and;
(x) such rating is, within the Change of Control
Period, either downgraded to a non-investment grade credit rating (Ba1/BB+, or their respective equivalents, or worse) (a “Non-Investment
Grade Rating”) or withdrawn and is not, within the Change of Control Period, subsequently (in the case of a downgrade) upgraded
or (in the case of a withdrawal) reinstated to an Investment Grade Rating by such Rating Agency;
(y) and there remains no other Investment Grade
Rating of the long-term debt of the Company from any other Rating Agency; and
(iii) in making any decision to downgrade or
withdraw an Investment Grade Rating pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, the relevant Rating Agency announces publicly or confirms in
writing to the Company that such decision(s) resulted, in whole or in part, from the occurrence of the relevant Change of Control.
Further, if at the time of the occurrence of the
relevant Change of Control the long-term debt of the Company is not assigned an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency, a Change
of Control Put Event will be deemed to occur upon the occurrence of a Change of Control alone.
If 80 per cent. or more in nominal amount of the
Securities of this series then outstanding have been redeemed or purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Put Option, the Company may,
on giving not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holders (such notice being given within 30 days after the Put Date),
redeem or purchase (or procure the purchase of), at its option, all of the remaining outstanding Securities of this series at the Optional
Redemption Amount, together with interest (if any) accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for such redemption or purchase.
The definition of certain terms used in the three
preceding paragraphs above are below:
“Change of Control Period” means the
period commencing upon a Change of Control and ending 90 days after the Change of Control (or such longer period for which the debt securities
are under consideration (such consideration having been announced publicly within the period ending 90 days after the Change of Control)
for rating review, such period not to exceed 60 days after the public announcement of such consideration);
“Change of Control Put Notice” means
a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying
Agent or security registrar, as the case may be;
“Put Period” means the period of 30 days
after a Change of Control Put Event Notice is given; and
“Rating Agency” means Moody’s Investors
Service Limited (“Moody’s”) or Standard & Poor's Credit Market Services Europe Limited (“S&P”)
or any of their respective affiliates or successors or any rating agency (a “Substitute Rating Agency”) substituted for any
of them by the Company from time to time.
The Securities of this series may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole but not in part, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’
notice given as provided in the Indenture, on any Interest Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest to the Redemption Date if (a) as a result of any change in, execution of or amendment to the laws or any regulations
or rulings promulgated thereunder of the jurisdiction (or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) in which
the Company is incorporated (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, of the jurisdiction in which such successor Person
is organized or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) or any change in the official application or interpretation
of such laws, regulations or rulings, or any change in the official application or interpretation of, or any execution of or amendment
to, any treaty or treaties affecting taxation to which such jurisdiction or such political subdivision or taxing authority (or such other
jurisdiction or political subdivision or taxing authority) is a party, which change, execution or amendment becomes effective on or after
June 18, 2026 (or, in the case of a successor Person to the Company, the date on which such successor Person became such pursuant
to the applicable provisions of the Indenture) or (b) as a result of any delivery or of any requirement to deliver definitive Registered
Securities (having used all reasonable efforts to avoid having to issue such definitive Registered Securities), the Company (or such successor
Person) is or would be required to pay additional amounts with respect to the Securities of this series on the next succeeding Interest
Payment Date as set forth below.
The Securities of this series may also be redeemed
in whole but not in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice given as provided in the Indenture on any Interest
Payment Date at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the Redemption Date if the Person formed
by a consolidation of the Company or into which the Company is merged, to which the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties
and assets substantially as an entirety which guarantees the obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of this series is
required to pay a Holder additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge imposed on any such Holder or required
to be withheld or deducted from any payment to such Holder as a consequence of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease
or guarantee.
The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of the entire indebtedness on this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security,
in each case, upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series do not have the benefit
of any sinking fund obligations.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities
of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner
and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
If any deduction or withholding for any present or
future taxes, assessments or other governmental charges of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof
or therein) in which the Company is incorporated shall at any time be required by such jurisdiction (or any such political subdivision
or taxing authority) in respect of any amounts to be paid by the Company under the Securities of this series, the Company will pay to
the Holder of this Security such additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the net amounts paid to such Holder of such Security
who, with respect to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge, is not resident in such jurisdiction, after such deduction
or withholding, shall be not less than the amounts specified in such Security to which such Holder is entitled; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts (i) for or on account of any such tax, assessment
or governmental charge imposed by the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (ii) in
respect of FATCA Withholding (as defined below) or (iii) for or on account of:
(1) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which would not have been imposed but for (i) the existence of any present or former
connection between such Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member or shareholder of, or possessor of a power over,
such Holder, if such Holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation) and the taxing jurisdiction or any political subdivision
or territory or possession thereof or area subject to its jurisdiction, including, without limitation, such Holder (or such fiduciary,
settlor, beneficiary, member, shareholder or possessor) being or having been a citizen or resident thereof or being or having been present
or engaged in trade or business therein or having or having had a permanent establishment therein or (ii) the presentation of a Security
(where presentation is required) for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or
the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever occurs later;
(2) any
estate, inheritance, gift, sale, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
(3) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge which is payable otherwise than by withholding from payments of (or in respect of) principal
of, or any interest on, the Securities of this series;
(4) any
tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure to comply by the Holder or the beneficial
owner of this Security with a request of the Company addressed to the Holder (i) to provide information concerning the nationality,
residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or (ii) to make any declaration or other similar claim or satisfy any
information or reporting requirement, which, in the case of (i) or (ii), is required or imposed by a statute, treaty, regulation
or administrative practice of the taxing jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such tax, assessment or other
governmental charge; or
(5) any
combination of items (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;
nor shall additional amounts be paid (i) with
respect to any payment in respect of any Security to any Holder who is a fiduciary or partnership or other than the sole beneficial owner
of such payment to the extent such payment would be required by the laws of the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision or taxing authority
thereof or therein) to be included in the income for tax purposes of a beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary or a member
of such partnership or a beneficial owner who would not have been entitled to such additional amounts had it been the Holder of such Security
or (ii) in the event that the obligation to pay additional amounts is the result of the issuance of definitive Registered Securities
to a Holder of a Predecessor Security at such Holder’s request upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at the time payment
is made definitive Registered Securities have not been issued in exchange for the entire principal amount of the Predecessor Securities.
The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes,
assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature of any jurisdiction in which any successor Person to the Company is organized,
or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
“FATCA Withholding” is defined as any
deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations
thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating
the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders
of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also
contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding,
on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture
and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall
be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As set forth in, and subject to, the provisions of
the Indenture, no Holder of any Security of this series will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture,
this Security or for any remedy thereunder, unless (i) such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of this series shall have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding as trustee, and (iii) the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal of the Outstanding
Securities of this series a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days;
provided, however, that such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by the Holder hereof for the enforcement of payment
of the principal or any interest on this Security on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision
of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay
the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed
or to convert this Security as provided in the Indenture.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in
registered form without coupons in denominations of U.S.$1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject
to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities
of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same. As provided
in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of
and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing,
and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration
of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable
in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration
of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is
registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company or the Trustee nor any
such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
The Indenture and the Securities shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (except for the Events of Default described in Sections 501(5),
501(6) and 501(7) of the Indenture, which shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law). For avoidance
of doubt, the payment of the costs, charges, expenses, indemnities, liabilities or remuneration of the Trustee or the agents shall be
governed by the laws of the State of New York.
All terms used in this Security which are defined
in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
Exhibit H
| U.S.$1,000,000,000 4.800% Notes due 2031 (the “Tranche 1 Notes”) |
| Expected Ratings(1) |
Baa2 / BBB / BBB (Moody’s / S&P / Fitch). |
| Maturity Date |
We will repay the Tranche 1 Notes on June 18, 2031 at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. |
| Issue Date |
June 18, 2026. |
| Benchmark Treasury |
4.125% UST due May 31, 2031. |
| Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield |
99-24+, 4.177%. |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury |
T+67 bps. |
| Reoffer Yield |
4.847%. |
| Issue Price |
99.794% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, from and including June 18, 2026 to the date the Tranche 1 Notes are delivered to investors. |
| Interest Rate |
4.800% per annum. |
| Interest Payment Dates |
Semi-annually on June 18 and December 18 of each year, commencing December 18, 2026 up to and including the maturity date for the Tranche 1 Notes, subject to the applicable business day convention. |
| Business Day Convention |
Following, Unadjusted. |
| Day Count Fraction |
30/360. |
| Optional Make-Whole Redemption |
We have the right to redeem the Tranche 1 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to May 18, 2031, the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption and (y) as determined by the quotation agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on such notes (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the adjusted treasury rate, plus 15 basis points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after May 18, 2031, 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. |
| Underwriting Discount |
0.300%. |
| CUSIP Number |
92857W CC2. |
| ISIN |
US92857WCC29. |
| U.S.$1,000,000,000 5.350% Notes due 2036 (the “Tranche 2 Notes”) |
| Expected Ratings(1) |
Baa2 / BBB / BBB (Moody’s / S&P / Fitch). |
| Maturity Date |
We will repay the Tranche 2 Notes on June 18, 2036 at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. |
| Issue Date |
June 18, 2026. |
| Benchmark Treasury |
4.375% UST due May 15, 2036. |
| Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield |
99-10, 4.461%. |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury |
T+92 bps. |
| Reoffer Yield |
5.381%. |
| Issue Price |
99.763% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, from and including June 18, 2026 to the date the Tranche 2 Notes are delivered to investors. |
| Interest Rate |
5.350% per annum. |
| Interest Payment Dates |
Semi-annually on June 18 and December 18 of each year, commencing December 18, 2026 up to and including the maturity date for the Tranche 2 Notes, subject to the applicable business day convention. |
| Business Day Convention |
Following, Unadjusted. |
| Day Count Fraction |
30/360. |
| Optional Make-Whole Redemption |
We have the right to redeem the Tranche 2 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to March 18, 2036, the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption and (y) as determined by the quotation agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on such notes (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the adjusted treasury rate, plus 15 basis points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after March 18, 2036, 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. |
| Underwriting Discount |
0.400%. |
| CUSIP Number |
92857W CD0. |
| ISIN |
US92857WCD02. |
| U.S.$1,500,000,000 6.100% Notes due 2056 (the “Tranche 3 Notes” and, together with the Tranche 1 Notes and the Tranche 2 Notes, the “Notes”) |
| Expected Ratings(1) |
Baa2 / BBB / BBB (Moody’s / S&P / Fitch). |
| Maturity Date |
We will repay the Tranche 3 Notes on June 18, 2056 at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. |
| Issue Date |
June 18, 2026. |
| Benchmark Treasury |
4.750% UST due February 15, 2056. |
| Benchmark Treasury Price and Yield |
96-21+, 4.965%. |
| Spread to Benchmark Treasury |
T+115 bps. |
| Reoffer Yield |
6.115%. |
| Issue Price |
99.795% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, if any, from and including June 18, 2026 to the date the Tranche 3 Notes are delivered to investors. |
| Interest Rate |
6.100% per annum. |
| Interest Payment Dates |
Semi-annually on June 18 and December 18 of each year, commencing December 18, 2026 up to and including the maturity date for the Tranche 3 Notes, subject to the applicable business day convention. |
| Business Day Convention |
Following, Unadjusted. |
| Day Count Fraction |
30/360. |
| Optional Make-Whole Redemption |
We have the right to redeem the Tranche 3 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to: (i) if redemption occurs prior to December 18, 2055, the greater of (x) 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption and (y) as determined by the quotation agent, the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on such notes (excluding any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the adjusted treasury rate, plus 20 basis points; or (ii) if redemption occurs on or after December 18, 2055, 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. |
| Underwriting Discount |
0.750%. |
| CUSIP Number |
92857W CE8. |
| ISIN |
US92857WCE84. |
|
The following terms apply to each tranche of the Notes: |
| Adjusted Treasury Rate |
“Adjusted treasury rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the comparable treasury issue, assuming a price for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the comparable treasury price for such redemption date. |
| Comparable Treasury Issue |
“Comparable treasury issue” means the U.S. Treasury security selected by the quotation agent as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining terms of the Notes. |
| Comparable Treasury Price |
“Comparable treasury price” means, with respect to any redemption date, the average of the reference treasury dealer quotations for such redemption date. |
| Quotation Agent |
“Quotation agent” means the reference treasury dealer appointed by us. |
| Reference Treasury Dealer |
“Reference treasury dealer” means any primary U.S. government securities dealer in New York City selected by us |
| Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations |
“Reference treasury dealer quotations” means with respect to each reference treasury dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and asked prices for the comparable treasury issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by such reference treasury dealer at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the third business day preceding such redemption date. |
| Optional Tax Redemption |
We may redeem the Notes before they mature if we are obligated to pay additional amounts due to changes on or after the date of this final term sheet in UK withholding tax requirements, a merger or consolidation with another entity or a sale or lease of substantially all our assets and other limited circumstances described under “Description of Debt Securities We May Offer—Payment of Additional Amounts” in the prospectus. In that event, we may redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part, on any interest payment date, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. |
| Redemption or Repurchase Following a Change of Control |
If a Change of Control Put Event (as defined in the prospectus) occurs, then the holder of a Note will have the option, as described under ‘‘Additional Mechanics—Redemption or Repurchase Following a Change of Control” in the prospectus, to require Vodafone to redeem or, at Vodafone’s option, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Note at an optional redemption amount or purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Note, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Note to the date of redemption or repurchase, according to the terms and limitations described under ‘‘Additional Mechanics—Redemption or Repurchase Following a Change of Control’’ in the prospectus. |
| Business Days |
New York. |
| Ranking |
The Notes will rank equally with all present and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Vodafone Group Plc. Because we are a holding company, the Notes will effectively rank junior to any indebtedness or other liabilities of our subsidiaries. |
| Regular Record Dates for Interest |
With respect to each interest payment date, the regular record date for interest on global securities in registered form will be the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day prior to the date for payment, where “Clearing System Business Day” means Monday to Friday inclusive except December 25 and January 1. The regular record date for interest on debt securities that are represented by physical certificates will be the close of business on the date that is 15 calendar days prior to such date, whether or not such date is a business day. |
| Payment of Additional Amounts |
All payments on the Notes will be made without deducting United Kingdom (“UK”) withholding taxes, except as required by law. If any such deduction is required on payments to non-UK investors, we will pay additional amounts on those payments to the extent described under “Description of Debt Securities We May Offer—Payment of Additional Amounts” in the prospectus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amounts to be paid on the Notes by us, or on our behalf, will be paid net of any deduction or withholding imposed or requirement pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement) (and any such withholding or deduction, a “FATCA Withholding”). Neither we, nor any person, will be required to pay any additional amounts in respect of FATCA Withholding. |
| Listing |
We will file an application to list the Notes on the Nasdaq Global Market. We expect that the Notes will be eligible for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market within 30 days after delivery of the Notes. |
| Use of Proceeds (after deducting underwriting discounts but not estimated expenses) |
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. |
| Risk Factors |
You should carefully consider all of the information in this final term sheet, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus, which includes information incorporated by reference. In particular, you should evaluate the specific factors under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement dated June 15, 2026, “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 of the prospectus and “Principal risk factors and uncertainties” beginning on page 60 of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 for risks involved with an investment in the Notes. |
| Trustee and Principal Paying Agent |
The Bank of New York Mellon. |
| Timing and Delivery |
We currently expect delivery of the Notes to occur on or about June 18, 2026. |
| Underwriters |
BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC |
| Prohibition of Sales to EEA Retail Investors |
Applicable. |
| Prohibition of Sales to UK Retail Investors |
Applicable. |
| Singapore Sales to Institutional Investors and Accredited Investors only |
Applicable. |