Goldlink

Verizon Wireless (VZ) and Optum (OTCQB:OQAP) announced a merger that will create the largest U.S. wireless provider.

Verizon’s U.K. and Ireland operations will become part of Optum, while the two companies are partnering on the U.N. wireless spectrum.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2017.

The company said in a statement that the deal will create a global leader in the industry with more than 300 million customers, including over 100 million in the U