(Sharecast News) - Vodafone is reportedly exploring options for its African business as investors ramp up pressure on the UK telecom company to boost performance.

Bloomberg cited people familiar with the matter as saying that the listed firm is working with advisers to study ways to extract more value from its 65% holding in Vodacom Group.

The early-stage considerations range from merging the business with other operators or divesting some assets in certain markets, to selling a stake in the company, sources said.

They told Bloomberg there was no certainty the deliberations will lead to any transaction.

A representative for Vodafone told Bloomberg that Vodacom "is a strong business that is an important part of Vodafone" and there are no ongoing discussions about a potential sale.

A representative for Vodacom declined to comment.