Deutsche Telekom has agreed to acquire Polish fibre network operator Fiberhost and retail telecom provider INEA from Macquarie Asset Management and minority investors for an enterprise value of around €1bn.
Once completed, Deutsche Telekom will integrate both companies into T-Mobile Polska, adding INEA’s customer base of over 300,000 to T-Mobile’s operations alongside Fiberhost’s open-access fibre network, which reaches more than 1.4m homes.
Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5 acquired INEA in 2018, before demerging its infrastructure and telecommunications operations in 2021 to establish Fiberhost.
Cord Von Lewinski, managing director at Macquarie Asset Management, said: “Poland has been an important market for Macquarie for more than 20 years, from the development of the deepwater container terminal in Gdańsk through to Fiberhost and INEA.
“Over the past eight years we have partnered with management to support the development of Fiberhost and INEA, helping to create one of Poland’s leading fibre infrastructure platforms. Together, we expanded network coverage, increased wholesale access, and improved connectivity for communities and businesses across the country.”
Dominique Leroy, CEO Europe, Deutsche Telekom, said: “This is an important milestone in T-Mobile Polska’s continuous growth story. By bringing together strong mobile and fiber capabilities, we are creating an even better foundation for simple, reliable services for our customers.
“At the same time, it will allow T-Mobile Polska to extend its contribution to the digitalisation of Poland and its economy. Investments like this matter beyond one market. Strong digital infrastructure is essential for Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and future growth.”
Andreas Maierhofer, T-Mobile Polska CEO, said: “We are opening a new chapter in T-Mobile Polska’s journey. Our award-winning mobile network, nationwide backbone, data centres and fibre infrastructure will now be complemented by our own fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network reaching 1.4m households.
“Owning an FTTH network will allow us to further develop our already successful portfolio of convergent products.”
Marta Wojciechowska, CEO of Fiberhost, said: “Fiberhost has grown into a leading player in Poland’s open-access market with Macquarie’s partnership, strategic support and shared ambition.
“Together, we have built a resilient business positioned for continued growth. We thank everyone at Macquarie for their contribution to this journey and look forward to building on this strong foundation with Deutsche Telekom.”
Maciej Piechociński, CEO of INEA, said: “Macquarie’s trust and partnership have played a pivotal role in INEA’s growth over the past eight years, helping us expand our operations, strengthen our market position, and evolve into a nationwide operator with network access reaching 4m households.
“We are thankful for Macquarie’s support on our journey to date and look forward to the next chapter with Deutsche Telekom.”
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