Vodafone has inked a deal for the purchase of one of its retail partners, First Mobile, which currently operates 77 retail stores throughout New Zealand.

Upon completion First Mobile, owned and operated by Sean Hannan, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Vodafone. No store closures or job losses are expected as a result of the deal.

Vodafone's Director of Sales, Grant Hopkins, told the Herald, “First Mobile operates a world-class retail chain and the opportunity to bring that into Vodafone enhances our future plan in the market.

The transition will be overseen by former Vodafone Australia Chief Executive Russell Hewitt.

Customers are “unlikely to see any changes” says Vodafone.