US wireless communications infrastructure firm Vertical Bridge REIT has secured a $1.5bn (€1.3bn) equity investment from KKR to support the firm’s future growth and expansion plans.
Ron Bizick, president and CEO of Vertical Bridge, said: “This transaction provides us with the resources to continue developing our portfolio at scale while maintaining our disciplined, returns-focused approach to capital deployment.
“We are pleased to have KKR as an experienced, long‑term investor as we expand our platform, advance organic development and selectively pursue M&A opportunities that strengthen our portfolio, while continuing to deliver the agile, customer‑focused approach that defines Vertical Bridge.”
KKR said it is funding the investment primarily through its core infrastructure strategy, building upon the firm’s global portfolio of mission-critical digital infrastructure.
Waldemar Szlezak, global head of digital infrastructure at KKR, said: “The convergence of 5G densification, edge compute and surging data demand is creating a structural need for more and better located wireless infrastructure.
“Vertical Bridge has built a scaled, high-quality tower platform with a strong track record of execution and a differentiated, partnership-oriented approach, all underpinned by a best-in-class management team.”
To date, KKR has committed more than $40bn in equity to the sector worldwide. The latest commitment expands its existing tower platform, which includes Vantage Towers in Europe and Pinnacle Towers in the Philippines, and follows previous investments in Telxius and Hivory Towers.
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