EQT Infrastructure is investing in the Italian mobile network by acquiring a 60% stake in a €3.4bn company created to own and operate Wind Tre’s mobile and fixed network infrastructure.
EQT, through its EQT Infrastructure VI fund, has agreed to buy the interest in the new company to become a shareholder alongside Wind Tre’s current owner, CK Hutchison.
The spun-off company, which has a €3.4bn enterprise value, will own and operate Italy’s largest mobile network and a portfolio of assets, including radio antennas, base stations, transport network and associated contracts.
The new entity will be the first independent access network in Europe primarily focused on mobile and dedicated to the provision of wholesale services to mobile operators, EQT said.
Matthias Fackler, partner and head of Europe for EQT Infrastructure’s advisory team, said: “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, the incoming CEO of the new 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.”
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