In April 1996, Orange went public and floated on the London Stock Exchange and NASDAQ,[17] majority owned by Hutchison (48.22%),[18][19] followed by BAe (21.1%).

Shortly thereafter, in February 2000, Vodafone acquired Mannesmann for US$183 Billion and, decides to divest Orange as the EU regulations wouldn't allow it to hold two mobile licences.

[22] France Télécom in May 2000, announced the acquisition of the global operations of Orange from Vodafone for US$37 Billion and the transaction was completed in August 2000.

[23][24][25] With the strategic ambition to become an integrated player in managed data networks and IP-based communication and hosting for multinational and local enterprises,[26] France Telecom in January 2000 bought out its two partner's stake (Sprint Nextel and Deutsche Telekom) in the joint venture founded in January 1996- Global One for US$3.88 Billion.

[31] The rebranding exercise created France Telecom SA's global brand for mobile telephony, as well as all broadband and business connectivity services - Orange.

[32] It is organised in the following geographical divisions: It has five major services centers in Mauritius, Egypt, India, Brazil and France.