Tag Archives: Telecom

CapMan Infra’s portfolio company Valokuitunen Oy successfully closes a €400 million refinancing

Capman

CapMan Infra’s portfolio company Valokuitunen Oy successfully closes a €400 million refinancing

Valokuitunen Oy, a joint venture between CapMan Infra and Telia Company, is the largest fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) company in Finland. Valokuitunen Oy deploys fibre networks to residential neighbourhoods on a national scale. The funding sets the company up for the next phase of expansion in the Finnish market.

CapMan Infra has secured a financing package close to €400 million for Valokuitunen Oy, its portfolio company, of which €285 million is committed at closing. The debt package has been provided by a group of banks consisting of KfW, SEB, Société Générale, Crédit Industriel et Commercial, and NIBC. Valokuitunen Oy was advised on the financing by Rothschild & Co, Latham & Watkins, and Avance Attorneys.

Established in 2020 as a joint venture between CapMan Infra and Telia Company, Valokuitunen Oy’s open fibre network gives customers the opportunity to choose the network services and service providers they prefer. With a network that currently reaches over 120,000 households, Valokuitunen intends to expand its footprint to around 300,000 households by 2026.

“The funding gives Valokuitunen, the largest player in Finland in its sector, the opportunity to deliver on the next phase of growth of its fibre-to-the-home network across the country, which is largely built on already sold contracts. Finland has an ambitious national digital road map in which fast network connections for households and businesses are seen as key for advancing the digital transformation, and CapMan Infra and Valokuitunen Oy are involved in making this happen,” comments Harri Halonen, Partner at CapMan Infra.

“The volume of data traffic is growing exponentially. Households in Finland need better infrastructure to meet current and future demand. Optical fibre will answer this need as a long-lasting solution for decades. This financing will secure the build-out of our large portfolio of already made investment decisions and provides a basis for future expansion of the network. Our solution not only provides our customers with an excellent infrastructure, but also the possibility of selecting an internet service provider from various options now and in the future,” says Juho Ansio, CFO of Valokuitunen Oy.

For more information, please contact:

Harri Halonen, Partner, CapMan Infra, tel. +46 768 71 0062

Juho Ansio, CFO, Valokuitunen Oy, tel. +358 40 557 7223

About CapMan Infra

CapMan Infra invests in energy, transportation and digital infrastructure assets generating predictable cash flows. CapMan Infra is a dedicated and active owner seeking to drive operational improvements and offers tailored solutions to local infrastructure asset owners and partners in the Nordic countries. The team of twelve infrastructure professionals is based in Helsinki and Stockholm. CapMan Infra has two funds, one established in 2018 and one in 2022. In addition to the fund, the team also manages two investment mandates.

CapMan Infra is part of CapMan Group, a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and over €5 billion in assets under management. CapMan’s objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. We have set greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover minority and majority investments in portfolio companies and real estate, and infrastructure assets. We also provide wealth management solutions. Our service business includes procurement services. Altogether, CapMan employs approximately 190 professionals in Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Luxembourg. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. www.capman.com

About Valokuitunen

Valokuitunen is a fast-growing Finnish company building and rolling-out fibre networks to homes and businesses in residential areas nationwide. We provide reliable and sustainable fibre connections, on market terms, connected to Telia’s fibre-optic network (Avoin Kuitu), which allows customers to select services and service providers. Valokuitunen is a joint venture between CapMan Infra (60%) and Telia Company (40%) established in 2020. We employ over 100 professionals and approximately 300 people through partners. In 2023 alone we have invested €100 million in fiber networks in Finland. Learn more at www.valokuitunen.fi.

 

Categories: News

Tags:

DIF Capital Partners leads €250 million+ funding round to expand Valoo’s Finnish fibre rollout

DIF

Investment will bring fibre connectivity to 300,000 Finnish households

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it is leading a debt and equity funding round worth in excess of €250 million for Valoo (Adola Oy), which will help it expand its optical fibre rollout to underserved regions and municipalities in Finland. DIF’s equity investment is made through its CIF III fund. The funding is a follow-up to the initial investment made by DIF’s CIF I fund which supported the first part of the growth trajectory of the company.

While DIF acts as the lead investor, the funding round is also backed by Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) and other investors. Senior debt has been provided by a banking group of SEB, NORD/LB and NIBC.

The funding will allow delivery of long-awaited high-speed fibre connectivity to areas that to date have had to rely mainly on mobile connectivity for internet access. The package will bring fibre to over 300,000 households and secure close to 1,000 jobs within the company and the wider market.

Valoo builds and operates fibre-optic networks across Finland. It does not charge customers for the construction of network connections to their homes, instead basing its business model on long-term customer relationships to provide internet services.

Valoo is set to continue its evolution into Finland’s leading platform for fibre connectivity, thanks to its expanding footprint and a strong national brand. The investment will also help to create the conditions for a future wholesale fibre access market in Finland, strengthening consumer choice. This will allow multiple operators to connect to their consumers through a single infrastructure.

DIF Capital Partners is an independent global infrastructure fund manager and a leading investor in optical fibre rollouts, having funded major projects in Canada, Germany, France, the UK and the USA among others.

“Our follow-up investment in Valoo enables it to connect a much larger number of underserved areas in Finland to fibre broadband infrastructure,” says Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of CIF Investments at DIF Capital Partners.

“Finnish households have long struggled to access state-of-the-art broadband connectivity, especially outside of major urban areas. That shortfall was highlighted during the lockdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic. This investment will provide a significant improvement to those people’s and communities’ ability to work and participate in the global digital economy.”

“DIF’s investment in Valoo further underscores our position as a major investor in the Finnish market and our continued focus on digital infrastructure across Europe and North America. It’s also a vote of confidence in the successful transformation of Valoo’s business over recent years.”

 

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with ca. EUR 16 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.

DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in lower risk mid-sized infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as PPPs and concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector.

With a team of over 225 professionals in 11 offices, DIF Capital Partners offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.

For more information, please visit www.dif.eu

 

Contact DIF Capital Partners: press@dif.eu

Share

Categories: News

Tags:

KKR Invests in Perú’s First Open Access Fiber Optic Network to Bridge the Digital Divide and Increase Competition in the Market

KKR
  • Leading global investment firm KKR agrees to acquire a majority interest in PangeaCo and the fiber optic networks of Telefónica del Perú and Entel Perú
  • KKR plans approximately US$200 million of additional investment to accelerate expansion of ultra-fast digital infrastructure to more than double the network to at least 5.2 million homes passed across Perú by the end of 2026
  • KKR will own a 54% controlling interest in Perú’s first independent open access wholesale fiber optic network, with 36% owned by Telefónica Hispanoamérica and 10% owned by Entel Perú

LIMA, Peru & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR, Telefónica Hispanoamérica, and Entel today announced agreements under which KKR will acquire a majority interest in PangeaCo and the existing fiber optic networks of Telefónica del Perú and Entel Perú to build Perú’s first nationwide open access wholesale fiber optics company with the mission to bring greater access to fiber optics connectivity across the country. The transaction will combine the existing fiber optic networks of PangeaCo, Telefónica del Perú, and Entel Perú into an independent company controlled by KKR. The newly formed network will be open access, allowing usage to all internet service providers for the first time. KKR plans to make approximately US$200 million of additional investment to more than double the ultra-fast fiber network from more than 2 million homes passed today to reach 5.2 million homes passed across 86 provinces by the end of 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, KKR will acquire a controlling interest in PangeaCo, which will subsequently acquire the existing fiber optic networks of Telefónica del Perú and Entel Perú. Through the combination of these networks, KKR will establish ON*NET Fibra de Perú as the new name for the platform which will independently build and operate the nation’s largest fiber optic network with world-class quality standards. KKR will own a 54% interest in ON*NET Fibra de Perú alongside Telefónica Hispanoamérica, which will own 36%, and Entel Perú, which will own 10%.

The entire ON*NET Fibra de Perú fiber optic network will be open to use by all internet service providers, increasing competition in the wholesale market. Telefónica del Perú and Entel Perú will be anchor tenants on the expanded open access network, enabling both providers to reach a greater number of customers with ultra-high-speed offerings. The transaction does not impact the services provided by existing customers of PangeaCo, Telefónica del Perú or Entel Perú. Upon closing of the transaction, customers will benefit from the scale of the larger network.

In Perú, approximately 88% of households have mobile or fixed internet service, but less than 35% have access to high-speed fiber optic networks.1 KKR, as the controlling shareholder, intends for ON*NET Fibra de Perú to more than double the households reached by fiber optic network, including reaching municipal areas outside of Lima as well as middle- and low-income households. This transaction demonstrates continued investor confidence in Peruvian infrastructure and the commitment of the companies to contribute to the sustainable development of the digital connectivity in the country.

Today’s announcement builds on KKR’s success in expanding nationwide connectivity and increasing competition in Chile and Colombia. ON*NET Fibra de Chile has expanded access from 2.4 million homes passed to 3.7 million homes passed since KKR signed the acquisition in February 2021 and ON*NET Fibra de Colombia has increased homes passed from 1.2 million to 2.4 million since signing in July 2021.2 Both companies have attracted multiple internet service providers to utilize their open access networks.

KKR is making the investment through its KKR Global Infrastructure Investors III fund and plans to provide operational support to ON*NET Fibra de Perú through NEXO LatAm, a digital infrastructure business supporting KKR’s Infrastructure strategy across Latin America. KKR and NEXO LatAm have significant experience supporting the successful expansion of open access fiber optic investments.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Peruvian antitrust agency (INDECOPI).

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

About Telefónica Hispanoamérica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications service providers in Spanish America. The company operates under the Movistar trademark and offers fixed broadband connectivity -with FTTH solutions- and mobile services with 4G and 5G networks (the latter in Chile and Mexico), as well as a wide range of digital services for more than 110 million residential and business customers across the region. Telefónica Hispam offers its services in: Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Perú, Ecuador, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina.

About Entel

With more than 58 years of experience, Entel is a leader in technology and telecommunications with operations in Chile and Perú, where it has more than 20 million mobile subscribers. The company offers mobile and fixed connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital and IT services in the consumer (B2C), business and large corporate (B2B) segments. In both countries it also provides wholesale and call center services. For all its services, it offers simple and efficient experiences, backed by a robust, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a solid brand image and customer service.

_________________
1 Sources: OSIPTEL “Residential Survey of Telecommunications Services” (December 2021) and Omdia Fiber Development Index 2022 (October 2022).
2 Figures as of December 2022.

Media Contacts:

For KKR:
Azerta (For KKR Peru):
Leslie Salas
lsalas@azerta.pe
KKR@Azerta.pe

For KKR Americas:
Miles Radcliffe-Trenner and Emily Cummings
media@kkr.com

For Telefónica:
Dulce Jiménez
prensa.hispam@telefonica.com

For Entel:
Press Contact (Entel Perú):
Estrella Malpica
emalpica@tocasociados.com

Investor Contact (Entel Chile):
Paula Raventós – Santiago Uauy
ir@entel.cl

Source: KKR

Categories: News

Tags:

Ardian acquires a 50% stake in MXT Holdings, a leading Mexican telecommunications infrastructure company

Ardian

Ardian enters into co-control of MXT alongside existing shareholder Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP), Mexico’s largest energy and infrastructure asset manager
• Multi-faceted deal marks Ardian’s first direct investment in Mexico

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announced that the Infrastructure team has signed an agreement to acquire a 50% co-control equity interest in MXT Holdings (MXT), a telecommunications infrastructure company based in Mexico. Ardian’s investment will be used by MXT Holdings to support its asset acquisition completed in 2022 for ~200 towers and ~1,800 km of metro fiber previously owned by Telefónica, as well as strategic acquisitions which will materially increase MXT’s portfolio. The transactions will be funded using primary equity raised from Ardian and existing shareholder Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP), a leading asset manager in the infrastructure and energy sectors across Latin America. Going forward, Ardian will be 50/50 partners in MXT alongside MIP.

Closing of Ardian’s investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining required regulatory approvals.

Headquartered in Mexico City, MXT develops, acquires, owns and operates neutral-host communication infrastructure assets across Mexico, offering wireless and fiber services. As part of the transaction, Antoine Delaprée, Founder and CEO of MXT, will continue to head the company. Since 2015, and under Mr. Delaprée’s leadership, MXT and the management team have established a strong track record and key relationships with major telecom players.

With Ardian’s investment, MXT is positioned for compelling growth opportunities, including advanced greenfield fiber projects in areas of Mexico that currently lack long-haul connectivity and consolidation in the Mexican tower sector. With a population of 130 million and the second largest economy in Latin America, the Mexican market offers enormous opportunity for telecommunications growth. Furthermore, Mexico is the second largest trading partner to the US with increased nearshoring trends, which will benefit MXT.

“MXT is Ardian’s first direct investment in Mexico, continuing our opportunistic approach in Latin America and complementing our overall Americas Strategy. Its growing economy and dynamic telecommunications market gives us confidence in our ability to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns to our investors.” Stefano Mion, Co-Head of Infrastructure Americas, Ardian

“The Mexican telecommunications sector offers notable consolidation opportunities. Coupled with a growing middle class, increasing mobile penetration, and a standout management team, MXT is poised for meaningful expansion opportunities. We are also grateful to partner with Mexico Infrastructure Partners, a prestigious asset manager with deep local business expertise and a thorough understanding of this fast-growing market. We are excited about the next chapter of growth for MXT.” Michael Obhof, Senior Managing Director Infrastructure, Ardian

“We are glad to partner with Ardian Infrastructure, a global asset manager, widely recognized for its excellent track record. Ardian’s understanding of the infrastructure sector and in particular the telecom industry, will contribute to a more ambitious business plan for MXT and bring the company to the next level of growth.” Mario Gabriel Budebo, Partner and CEO, MIP

“MXT is thrilled with Ardian’s equity investment to pursue the continued growth of our digital infrastructure platform, and to drive the expansion of our footprint across Mexico at this unique time. We are grateful to have Mexico Infrastructure Partners’ support since 2018, and we are delighted to partner with Ardian, to leverage its impressive track record and global expertise in telecom infrastructure to accelerate the next stage of MXT’s expansion.” Antoine Delaprée, Founder and CEO, MXT Holdings

The transaction is expected to close in 2H 2023. It is the second transaction from the Ardian Americas Infrastructure Fund (AAIF) V. No additional financial details were disclosed.

Parties to the transaction

  • MXT Holdings

    • Financial advisors: BTG Pactual, BBVA
    • ernational and Mexican Legal: Greenberg Traurig

  • Ardian

    • Financial advisor: Rothschild & Co.
    • International Legal: Gibson Dunn
    • Mexican Legal: Galicia Abogados

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $150bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,400 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks, family offices and private institutional investors worldwide. Ardian is part-owned by its employees and places great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1,050+ employees, spread across 16 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.

At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

ardian.com

ABOUT MEXICO INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS

Mexico Infrastructure Partners (MIP) is Mexico’s largest energy and infrastructure asset manager with $3.3bn assets under management and 28 investments across the infrastructure and energy sectors. MIP was founded in 2012 and has since raised 5 equity funds, 4 of which are in Mexico and 1 in Colombia, as well as 2 infrastructure REITs (FIBRAs) with the objective of investing in long-term productive projects. MIP through its EXI Funds, seeks to consolidate investments in core, core plus, and value-add infrastructure sectors across 8 platforms: roads, social, telecom, water, airports, ports, power generation and midstream. Each platform is managed by specialized teams under MIP, benefiting from the experience, synergies, and scale of its platforms and investments across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.

mexicoinfra.com

ABOUT MXT HOLDINGS

Founded in 2015 by CEO Antoine Delaprée, MXT Holdings is a diversified platform dedicated to owning and operating telecom infrastructure assets in Mexico. The company operates as a neutral-host solutions provider, focusing on two sector divisions: Wireless and Fiber Networks. As of June 2023, MXT’s assets are comprised of ~650 telecom towers, ~3,500 km of optic fiber networks and 11 indoor DAS systems.

mxtholdings.com

US Media Contact

ARDIAN

THE NEIBART GROUP Rachelle Gaynor

ardian@neibartgroup.com +1 631 278 2046

LATAM Media Contact

ARDIAN

LLORENTE Y CUENCA Fernando Aspillaga

faspillaga@llorenteycuenca.com

Categories: News

Tags:

Ardian and Adamo strengthen the company’s financing to consolidate growth in rural areas of Spain

Ardian

The 350 million euro increase in financing is in addition to the 600 million euros that Adamo secured in September 2021
• This financing will support the continuing extension of the operator’s fibre optic network to reach more than 3.4 million homes in rural areas of Spain
• Bank interest in the deal was 1.8 times oversubscribed
• Ardian became a leading shareholder in Adamo in 2022 to support the company’s growth in rural areas with poor broadband internet coverage

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, and fiber optic operator Adamo are strengthening the company’s financing. Adamo, which has been majority owned by Ardian, has recently signed a €350 million extension to its financing. This is in addition to the existing €600 million financing secured by the company in September 2021, and includes an option to extend by a further €50 million, to reach a total of €1 billion through an uncommitted facility.

This agreement will enable Adamo to continue to grow its network organically, as well as by acquiring other networks, to reach 3.4 million homes in rural Spain in the next few years. This activity will consolidate its position as the leading and fastest-growing fibre optic operator in rural Spain.

The financing will also be used to continue the roll out a new fibre network across rural areas, which was initially supported in 2021 – 2022 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation’s Universalization of Digital Infrastructure for Cohesion (UNICO) programme. Adamo will also continue to contribute to bridging the digital gap through its high-speed internet services.

Since its initial investment, Ardian has worked closely with Adamo’s management team to achieve the company’s ambitious objectives and take advantage of growth opportunities in the telecommunications market.

Both this new financing plan and the initial financing secured in 2021, include a “sustainable financing” component, linked to the company’s contribution to reducing the digital divide, improving equality in employment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The transaction was carried out by ING and Société Générale as financial advisors and is supported by a consortium of 11 banks with extensive experience in the financing of fibre optic and telecommunications projects: ING and Société Générale as Bookrunners and Mandated Lead Arrangers; ABN AMRO, HCOB, ICO, Infranity, KFW, Kommunalkredit and SMBC as Mandated Lead Arrangers; EDRAM as Lead Arrangers; and SCOR Investment Partners as Arranger.

Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) and the German banks HCOB and KFW became the new lenders to Adamo. ING and Société Générale acted as financial advisors and Allen & Overy as legal advisor to the company. Clifford Chance acted as legal advisor to the banks. Apex acted as agent.

Evolution of Adamo

In recent years, Adamo has experienced exceptional growth, providing fibre to 2.5 million homes by the end of 2022, and being the first Spanish company to offer 1,000 Mbps fibre-optic services.

The company’s strategy is to roll out its network in rural areas where there is poor high-speed internet access and where other operators often cannot reach. As such, Adamo’s network is open to other operators and currently provides connectivity services via its FTTH network to four of the country’s leading operators and more than 200 local operators.

This unique deployment model, using agreements with local partners, enables it to minimise implementation costs and expand its network at a rapid pace, connecting 30,000 new homes in rural areas every month. Adamo currently has coverage in Catalonia, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, Valencia, Navarre, La Rioja, Galicia, Madrid, Castilla-León, Extremadura, Asturias, Murcia and the Basque Country.

“The market’s enthusiasm and the high level of oversubscription to this financing underline the strength and relevance of Adamo’s business model. This new support will enable us to keep on growing and implementing our strategy to strengthen internet coverage in rural areas of Spain.” Martin Czermin, CEO, Adamo

“We are determined to keep working shoulder to shoulder with a strong management team that fully understands the current fibre needs of rural Spain. We are proud to enter into this new funding agreement which will enable Adamo to continue its strong commitment across the country and help bridge the digital divide where others are failing.” Juan Angoitia, Co-head of Infrastructure Europe, Ardian

ABOUT ADAMO

Based in Barcelona, Adamo is a fibre optic operator present in regional and local areas. Operating in Spain since 2007, the company focuses on rural areas. Adamo was the first operator in Spain to offer 1,000 Mbps fibre-optic services. Using its own infrastructure, Adamo offers internet, fixed and mobile telephony services to residential customers, as well as services to businesses and wholesalers.

adamo.es

ABOUT ARDIAN

Ardian is a world-leading private investment house, managing or advising $150bn of assets on behalf of more than 1,400 clients globally. Our broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs. Through Ardian Customized Solutions we create bespoke portfolios that allow institutional clients to specify the precise mix of assets they require and to gain access to funds managed by leading third-party sponsors. Private Wealth Solutions offers dedicated services and access solutions for private banks and family offices worldwide. Ardian is part-owned by its employees and places great emphasis on developing its people and fostering a collaborative culture based on collective intelligence. Our 1050+ employees, spread across 16 offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Middle East are strongly committed to the principles of Responsible Investment and are determined to make finance a force for good in society. Our goal is to deliver excellent investment performance combined with high ethical standards and social responsibility.
At Ardian we invest all of ourselves in building companies that last.

ardian.com

Press contact

ARDIAN

HEADLAND

ardian@headlandconsultancy.com

Categories: News

Tags:

EQT Infrastructure to acquire a majority stake in Italy’s largest mobile network from Wind Tre

eqt

EQT Infrastructure to acquire a majority stake in Italy’s largest mobile network from Wind Tre

  • EQT Infrastructure to acquire a 60 percent stake in newly created company which will own and operate the Italian telecom provider Wind Tre’s mobile and fixed network. The transaction gives the new company an enterprise value of EUR 3.4 billion
  • The Company will provide wholesale connectivity services to Wind Tre and other Italian mobile operators, becoming the country’s largest provider of mobile network coverage and capacity, and an essential part of its nation-wide digital infrastructure
  • EQT Infrastructure will invest in the Company’s network and pursue innovative growth opportunities to better serve the Italian digital ecosystem, while executing on its sustainability agenda

EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Infrastructure VI fund (“EQT Infrastructure”) has signed an agreement to acquire a 60 percent stake in a newly created entity (the “Company”), which will own and operate Wind Tre’s mobile and fixed network infrastructure. Wind Tre’s current owner, CK Hutchison, will remain invested alongside EQT Infrastructure and own a 40 percent stake in the Company. The transaction gives the new company an enterprise value of EUR 3.4 billion.

There is a growing need for robust and reliable digital infrastructure all over Europe, accelerated by a surge in mobile data traffic, 5G densification of cell towers, IoT (Internet of Things), and new technologies. The Italian mobile network is in need for investments and expansion over the coming years to meet this increasing demand.

Following the carve-out from the Italian telecommunications provider Wind Tre, the Company will own and operate the country’s largest mobile network and a portfolio of assets, including radio antennas, base stations, transport network and associated contracts. The Company will be the first independent access network in Europe primarily focused on mobile and dedicated to the provision wholesale services to mobile operators through its state-of-the-art network, which at the end of 2022 covered approximately 67 percent of Italy with 5G reception.

EQT Infrastructure will leverage its long track record of developing digital infrastructure companies to support the Company’s strategy. This will primarily consist of developing the Company’s network and service offering, while pursuing additional growth opportunities in areas such as fixed wireless access, IoT and private networks.

Matthias Fackler, Partner and Head of Europe for EQT Infrastructure’s advisory team, said, “EQT Infrastructure is excited to partner with CK Hutchison and the Company’s management team in this bespoke transaction. We are committed to investing in the continued development of Italy’s digital backbone and leveraging the know-how we have developed in this unique transaction to explore similar partnership opportunities globally”.

Benoit Hanssen, incoming CEO of the Company, said “We are excited to partner with EQT Infrastructure to drive the development of one of the first independent multi-tenant radio access network owners and operators globally. We are proud to be one of the first operators in Europe to have designed such an innovative transaction in partnership with an experienced and reputed investment firm.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in six to nine months.

With this transaction, EQT Infrastructure VI is expected to be 15-20 percent invested based on target fund size (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable and less any expected syndication).

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of EQT Infrastructure VI will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial information. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 119 billion in assets under management within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtgroup.com
Follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram

Categories: News

Tags:

CapMan Infra invests in Dutch IT infrastructure provider Serverius with an ambition to build a northern European data centre platform

CapMan Infra press release
9 May 2023 at 9:00 am EEST

CapMan Infra invests in Dutch IT infrastructure provider Serverius with an ambition to build a northern European data centre platform

Serverius represents the first investment of CapMan Infra in a planned data centre platform providing European-wide connectivity. The platform seeks to expand into the Nordic countries by utilising CapMan Infra’s local market knowledge.

Serverius has three operating data centres in the Netherlands with a total of ~8 MW available power, and advanced inhouse technical IT infrastructure expertise. The company also offers additional IT infrastructure services such as one of the largest Dutch IP networks and interconnectivity from the third largest Dutch internet exchange “SpeedIX”. Serverius was founded in 2008 by its current CEO and owner, Gijs van Gemert, and today employs approximately 30 people.

This investment is the first in a data centre platform that CapMan Infra is looking to build throughout Northern Europe, providing European wide connectivity. With CapMan’s local market presence, the company seeks to expand into the Nordic countries. The company will focus on optimising energy usage, increasing the use of renewable energy and establishing high operating standards for its operations and value chain.

“We are looking forward to start working with the Serverius team on ways to position the company for further growth in this exciting market. This is an important first step of building a larger international platform”, says Harri Halonen, Partner at CapMan Infra. “Together with Serverius we are set to develop the governance, administration and client focus of the business in order to accelerate growth,” Halonen continues.

“We are thrilled to have CapMan on board and welcome their institutional and professional approach to support in the next phase of growth for Serverius. Over the past few years, Serverius has undergone an amazing transformation. This new partnership with CapMan is a logical next step to further optimize our business processes and build a strong northern European platform together. To serve our European customer base in the years to come, our team looks forward to expanding our unique range of data center services. Given the strong collaboration with CapMan, I will continue to invest in our new European platform of the future. I will remain closely involved in the daily business as I have been doing up to now,” says Gijs van Gemert, CEO of Serverius.

The investment is CapMan Nordic Infrastructure II fund’s third investment, following investments in Skarta Energy and Napier.

For more information, please contact:

Harri Halonen, Partner, CapMan Infra, p. +46 768 710 062

About CapMan

CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation. As one of the private equity pioneers in the Nordics we have built value in unlisted businesses, real estate, and infrastructure for over three decades. With €5 billion in assets under management, our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors. We have set greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario. We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams. Our investment strategies cover minority and majority investments in portfolio companies and real estate, and infrastructure assets. We also provide wealth management solutions. Our service business consists of procurement services. Altogether, CapMan employs approximately 180 professionals in Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Luxembourg. We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001. Learn more at www.capman.com. 

About Serverius

Serverius is an IT infrastructure supplier in the Netherlands with its own carrier, data center colocation, DDoS protection, and S3 Object Storage services. Our users are large internet platforms, European data centers, internet providers, cloud providers, and many more. All kinds of companies use Serverius as their base to deliver high-quality and protected internet infrastructure services to their users.

Categories: News

Tags:

Wireless Logic continues global expansion with acquisition of Blue Wireless

Montagu

Wireless Logic strengthens geographical reach across Asia Pacific and the United States, and bolsters global service offering through a managed service provider for wireless network solutions.

Wireless Logic, the leading global IoT connectivity platform provider has acquired Singapore-headquartered Blue Wireless, a global service provider for managed wireless solutions. This agreement follows the company’s 2022 acquisitions of IoThink Solutions, Mobius Networks and Jola, continuing Wireless Logic’s strategy of strengthening its global footprint, service offering and routes to market.

Blue Wireless was founded in late 2015 in Singapore with the single focus of delivering Wireless WAN Solutions to the enterprise. Since then, it has rapidly expanded in coverage and capabilities, becoming the first provider of Fixed Wireless Access services on a global scale. Its team of 70 professionals operates across six offices in Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States, offering 24/7 managed network connectivity for businesses across all industries – including energy, retail, logistics and the maritime sector.

With the acquisition, Wireless Logic not only strengthens its presence in Asia Pacific and the United States, but also enhances its product and service offering around fixed wireless access. Blue Wireless offers fixed-price LTE/5G connectivity in over 80 countries, underpinned by speed guarantees and service SLAs, making it an ideal underlay alternative for global SD-WAN deployments.

Ivan Landen, CEO of Blue Wireless, said: “This is a major milestone, and we are truly excited for the journey ahead. With the support of Wireless Logic, we will be able to accelerate our innovation and connectivity roadmap to benefit our customers and teams around the world, supporting new use cases while maintaining our hands-on service culture.”

With the support of Wireless Logic, we will be able to accelerate our innovation and connectivity roadmap to benefit our customers and teams around the world, supporting new use cases while maintaining our hands-on service culture.

Ivan Landen, CEO, Blue Wireless

Joop Gerlach, COO of Blue Wireless, said: “We will continue to deliver wireless network solutions to our global enterprise customers, only now it will be backed by Wireless Logic’s strong position in core Mobile IoT networking.”

We will continue to deliver wireless network solutions to our global enterprise customers, only now it will be backed by Wireless Logic’s strong position in core Mobile IoT networking.

Joop Gerlach, COO, Blue Wireless

Oliver Tucker, CEO of Wireless Logic commented: “We are hugely excited to announce our ninth acquisition in two years, as we continue to strengthen our global footprint and routes to market through the global service provider channel. We welcome the talented Blue Wireless team and look forward to setting new standards in the connectivity marketplace.”

We welcome the talented Blue Wireless team and look forward to setting new standards in the connectivity marketplace.

Oliver Tucker, CEO, Wireless Logic

 

Back to News

Categories: News

Tags:

Arcus agrees to acquire SDC SpaceNet DataCenter

Arcus

London, United Kingdom 6 December 2022 – Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP (“Arcus”) announces that Arcus European Infrastructure Fund 3 SCSp (“AEIF3” or the “Fund”) has agreed to acquire SDC SpaceNet DataCenter GmbH & Co, KG (“SDC”), one of Europe’s most modern data centres, from SpaceNet AG.

SDC, located in Kirchheim, Munich, owns a modern, high specification data centre which has been built to an extremely resilient design, and is certified to the EN50600 VK4 standard, the highest availability standard.

Arcus is focused on ensuring that its investments have a positive ESG impact. The acquisition of SDC fits well into its long-term sustainable investment strategy thanks to SDC’s market leading energy efficiency characteristics and 100% of its energy being renewably sourced.

SpaceNet AG is a full-service internet provider which has been supplying the German market for around 30 years. SpaceNet will continue to be a long-term customer of SDC, which will house the IT servers and equipment of SpaceNet’s business customers.

Arcus is pursuing a regional edge co-location platform strategy focused on serving tier two German cities and selected adjacent European countries on an opportunistic basis. Arcus identified SDC as a target investment for AEIF3 via a detailed market screening and outreach process and entered into bilateral discussions with SpaceNet AG which culminated in the acquisition agreement being announced today.

John Shea, Arcus Partner, who led the transaction, said: “We have evaluated numerous data centre businesses across Germany and Europe over the past few years. SDC stood out as a very suitable first acquisition for our data centre aggregation strategy due to its great location, high-specification design, market leading energy efficiency characteristics, high quality anchor customers, and development potential. We look forward to our partnership with the SpaceNet team going forward as we work on delivering the next phase of growth for this business and our broader platform strategy.”

Michael Emmer, COO of SpaceNet AG, said: “Arcus is a partner we very much see eye to eye with, which was important to us in the sale context as well as with a view to our future long-term partnership. The development of SDC fulfilled our ambition to create a data centre with the highest availability, physical security and the most energy-efficient characteristics possible. On this basis we have the fullest confidence in SDC to house both our servers and those of our valued customers.”

 

Commenting on the acquisition, Ian Harding, Managing Partner at Arcus said: “We are really pleased to announce our agreement to acquire SDC by our third fund, AEIF3. Data centres are essential infrastructure to support the growth in demand for data processing services and business continuity solutions and we are delighted to be making our first acquisition in this space. We look forward to working with SDC and expanding into this sector further.”

 

“Our decision to sell SDC to Arcus was the logical consequence of continuing to focus strategically on our core competencies as an internet provider. Basically, nothing changes for our customers,” says Sebastian von Bomhard, Managing Director of SDC and member of the SpaceNet Board of Directors. “The on-site team will remain the same. A smooth continuation of data centre services for all SpaceNet customers is ensured by a long-term lease agreement.”

 

The transaction is expected to complete in Q1 2023.

 

Arcus was advised by Noerr (Legal), Arup (Technical adviser) BDO (Financial and tax adviser), and AON (Insurance).

 

SpaceNet was advised by Poellath (Legal).

About Arcus

Arcus Infrastructure Partners LLP is an independent fund manager focused solely on long-term investments in European infrastructure. Arcus invests on behalf of institutional investors through discretionary funds and special co-investment vehicles and, through its subsidiaries, currently manages investments with an aggregate enterprise value in excess of EUR 19bn (as of 30 September 2022). Arcus targets mid-market, value-add infrastructure investments, with a particular focus on businesses in the digital, transport, logistics & industrials, and energy sectors.

www.arcusip.com

About SpaceNet AG

With its more than 120 employees, SpaceNet supports IT managers and managing directors in building up a strong corporate IT operation, keeping it running and developing digital opportunities. In doing so, it offers managed IT services, support and management for non-standard applications, 24×7 services, personal consulting and secure cloud services.

SpaceNet operates its cloud and IT services in three redundant high-security data centres in Munich. SpaceNet is certified according to the ISO 27001 security standard and works according to ITIL. The Munich-based company has placed great emphasis on training for 20 years and was awarded the 2019 Training Company Certificate by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

SpaceNet serves around 1,200 customers such as Antenne Bayern and the Munich Transport and Tariff Association (MVV). The SpaceNet family of companies includes SDC and brück IT GmbH, a systems house specializing in services and software for lawyers. The Munich-based company is one of the Internet pioneers in the industry and was founded in 1993 by current CEO Sebastian von Bomhard, who now runs it together with Michael Emmer.https://www.space.net/

Arcus Media Contacts:

Debbie JohnstonE: debbie@sprengthomson.com

T: +44 7532 183811

 Callum SprengE: callum@sprengthomson.com

T: +44 7803 970103

Categories: News

Tags:

Antin to invest in OpticalTel, a leading fiber broadband provider in Florida

Antin

The investment will support OpticalTel’s accelerated growth

New York, Paris, London

Antin Infrastructure Partners and OpticalTel today jointly announced that Antin has acquired a majority interest in OpticalTel, a leading fiber broadband provider in Florida. OpticalTel is Antin’s sixth investment through its mid cap fund.

Founded in 2004 by Mario Bustamante, OpticalTel is a fast-growing provider of essential high-speed internet and telecommunication services, with a focus on residential bulk contracts to customers located in homeowners and condo-owners associations. Antin’s investment will support the next chapter of OpticalTel’s growth as it deepens its customer relationships in existing markets and further expands its geographic footprint throughout the region, while continuing to deliver exceptional service to its valued customers.

Mr. Bustamante will retain an ownership stake in OpticalTel and remain on the board of directors. Luis Rodriguez, CEO and President, will continue to lead the company with the support of its long-tenured management team. As an experienced fiber investor, Antin will leverage its expertise to support OpticalTel’s business plan.

Kevin Genieser, Senior Partner at Antin, stated: “We see this partnership with the OpticalTel team as an immense growth opportunity. Fiber is at the core of modern infrastructure, providing mission-critical, low-latency bandwidth services to a customer base that has increasing demand for data. We believe OpticalTel is very well-positioned to meet this need in the fast-growing Florida market.”

Luis Rodriguez, CEO and President of OpticalTel, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Antin as we enter the next chapter of OpticalTel’s journey. The strength of our relationships in the region speaks to our ability to deliver best-in-class technology and connectivity to our customers. With Antin’s support, we are excited to scale and continue executing at the highest level for those we serve.”

Mario Bustamante, Founder of OpticalTel, added: “Since founding OpticalTel 18 years ago, I have sought to provide essential connectivity services to those in my community. I am grateful to all those that helped build OpticalTel over the years and for Antin’s commitment to support the team going forward.”

Lazard and RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisors to OpticalTel while Latham & Watkins served as legal advisor. TD Securities served as financial advisor to Antin while Greenberg Traurig served as legal advisor. Citizens (administrative agent), CIT (a division of First Citizens Bank) and TD Securities acted as lead arrangers on the debt financing.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2023, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

 

About OpticalTel

Founded in 2004 and based in Coral Gables, Florida, OpticalTel is a regional fiber broadband provider serving large areas of South and Central Florida. OpticalTel offers a wide range of products and services, including high-speed internet, cloud-based video, and digital telephony services. OpticalTel serves a variety of communities including homeowners and condo-owners associations, student housing and assisted living facilities.

 

About Antin Infrastructure Partners

Antin Infrastructure Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on infrastructure. With over €29 billion in assets under management across its Flagship, Mid Cap and NextGen investment strategies, Antin targets investments in the energy and environment, digital, transport and social infrastructure sectors. With offices in Paris, London, New York, Singapore and Luxembourg, Antin employs over 190 professionals dedicated to growing, improving and transforming infrastructure businesses while delivering long-term value to portfolio companies and investors. Majority owned by its partners, Antin is listed on Euronext Paris (Ticker: ANTIN – ISIN: FR0014005AL0).

 

Media Contacts

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Nicolle Graugnard, Communication Director

Email: nicolle.graugnard@antin-ip.com

 

Ludmilla Binet, Head of Shareholder Relations

Email: ludmilla.binet@antin-ip.com

 

Brunswick

Email: antinip@brunswickgroup.com

Tristan Roquet Montegon +33 (0) 6 37 00 52 57

Gabriel Jabès +33 (0) 6 40 87 08 14

Categories: News

Tags: