All Deals (M&A) articles – Page 21
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M&A
hubraum-backed Flexperto sold to RGI
The software provider, one of hubraum’s first investments, is acquired by insurance tech specialist RGI Group. Communications SaaS provider Flexperto claims to have seen significant growth during lockdowns.
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Strategy & Change
Safaricom: deadline for Ethiopia entry bid pushed back (again)
ECA grants Kenyan operator and other interested parties more time to consider ins and outs of Ethiopian expansion. Deadline revised for the second time in as many months. Laws blocking Safaricom from operating fintech service in country remain in place (for now).
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M&A
CMA doubts bundle demand as it greenlights VM-O2
Provisional clearance of merger based on limited ability of the partners to manipulate wholesale pricing and services in their favour. Creation of a new fixed-mobile giant not expected to unleash a sudden surge towards single-contract multi-play bundles in the UK market.
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M&A
Vodafone’s Icelandic affiliate divests Hey
Sýn sells minority stake in Faroese sister company. Icelandic operator seeking cost efficiencies (in more ways than one). Partner Market relationship remains active in service and tech development.
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M&A
BT absorbs Local Business agent Fourfront
Reseller relationship brought in-house in small transaction. BT says no shift in strategy for SME go-to-market.
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People
Schüler coronated as VM-O2 CEO
Lutz Schüler, dynamic Virgin Media chief, with a track record at O2 Germany, is to lead the new VM-O2 joint venture, subject to competition clearance. O2 CFO and experienced merger overseer Patricia Cobian to take on the JV finance role. No room for O2 CEO Mark Evans.
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Network & Infrastructure
T-Mobile Netherlands bulks up on fibre via new KKR venture
Dutch NatCo builds on Primevest investments as first anchor tenant of Open Dutch Fiber. New fibre venture taps former CEO and CCO of Vodafone Germany partner Deutsche Glasfaser. Move raises further questions over Group plans for its Dutch business.
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M&A
Vantage Towers buys out partner in Greek TowerCo
Vodafone TowerCo signals its independence with first acquisition since its IPO in Frankfurt. Vodafone Greece and Wind Hellas to remain anchor tenants of Greek TowerCo. Rival OTE bides its time.
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M&A
Vodafone readies cheque for Egyptian fintech players
Vodafone Egypt signs MoU for minority stakes in digital payment players Bee and Masary. New Vodafone Egypt CEO Abdallah seeks to paint deal as part of “promising” strategic investment plan, following Group’s failed exit.
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M&A
Telefónica to swap more data centres for Nabiax stake
Four data centres are said to be on the table, with a 20%-stake in Asterion subsidiary Nabiax the price. Nabiax-Telefónica JV reportedly in the pipeline to manage the estate.
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M&A
Oi firms up mobile deal, Vivo reinforces its market lead
Oi finalises mobile asset sale to three-strong consortium of Claro, TIM Brasil, and Vivo. Oi CFO: regulatory approval expected within the year. Trifecta of assets now divested by in-administration Oi as it seeks route to recovery via fibre.
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Premium
Telefónica agrees to monetise Cornerstone
Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK give each other freedom to “commercialise” their 50% stakes in Cornerstone JV. Uncertain how Group’s top brass will proceed, but partial or full sale seems likely.
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M&A
Wholesale power under scrutiny as CMA reviews VM-O2
Proposed JV’s ability to tilt backhaul market in its favour and limit opportunities for MVNOs will be central to competition review. The impact of the deal on the development of providers offering fixed-mobile bundles will receive particular scrutiny. CMA wields new powers post-Brexit, but this is accompanied by greater ...
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M&A
Caching out: Vodafone’s long-range storage play exited
Group’s corporate venturing portfolio continues to dwindle as Caringo, an investment made back in late-2000s, gets absorbed by storage peer.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Group: R&D goes quantum
Group R&D enters quantum realm; Discovery tied on streaming; Vodafone Fiji eyeing regional expansion.
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M&A
Vodafone abandons Egypt exit talks
Long-awaited deal falls through, with STC apparently failing to reach an agreement with minority-owner Telecom Egypt. Vodafone Group CEO Nick Read remains philosophical after trekking to Egypt for talks with the President.
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Premium
Vodafone seeks end to Elliott battle over KDG
Group attempts to put more than seven years of hurt behind it at a cost of up to €2.12bn.
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M&A
Credit Suisse to lead Hrvatski Telekom’s Optima exit
Investment bank brought in to lead stake sale for Hrvatski Telekom and ZABA, with deadline of mid-2021 looming. Contractual obligations satisfied, but divestment not yet complete.
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Premium
T-Systems blockchain goes mainstream with Flow tie-up
T-Sys MMS seeks to tap plans to create “blockchain for the masses”. Unit expands blockchain portfolio to support consumer apps on Flow. Deal builds on array of blockchain initiatives emerging across DT.
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M&A
Telefónica sells infra biz to American Tower
Telxius finds a home at US infrastructure giant. Transaction expected to wipe €4.6bn off Telefónica net debt.