All Christian Gebara articles
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M&AVivo eyes convergence options as Oi integration begins
Cross‑selling to new Oi customer base a focus for CEO Christian Gebara as migration and integration gets underway, set to be completed in 2023. Synergies of BRL 5.4bn (£870m/€1bn) expected via efficiencies in costs, investments, and integration. Spectrum and mobile site tidy‑up due this year, with half of the ...
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Operations
Vivo refocuses M&A strategy with CVC launch
Vivo Ventures expected to become one of the largest CVCs in Brazil. Plans to invest BRL 320m across a number of startups over the next five years.
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M&A
Telefónica preps new vehicle for digital M&A in Brazil
Local operating business Vivo indicates it may channel deals through a new platform as it seeks to build out its digital services ecosystem. Move would extend Vivo’s control over M&A and provide an alternative route to Telefónica’s central Wayra and Tech divisions.
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Operations
Vivo to begin sunsetting 2G this year
Brazilian operator says cogs starting to move in convoluted 2019 network-sharing tie-up with rival TIM. Switch to a single shared grid set to move beyond pilot phase, enabling operators to begin re-farming 2G frequencies.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vivo adds five million to FTTP target
2024 target upped to 29 million premises passed thanks to multi‑pronged deployment strategy and cut‑price rollout costs. Partnerships highlighted as key to increased ambition.
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M&A
FiBrasil straight into M&A action with Phoenix Fiber buy
Vivo said to have been collaborating with the Phoenix fibre unit since March 2019. Deal brings in a further 170,000 premises, with 310,000 to come.
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M&A
Telefónica finalises Telxius tower sale as infra deals flow
American Tower acquires last tranche of 31,000 Telxius towers for €7.7bn, with deal set to reduce Telefónica net debt by €4.6bn. Fibre InfraCos in Latin America ramp up, with KKR expanding its relationship with the Group. Digital businesses also restructuring with Telefónica Tech spreading its influence.
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M&A
Vivo open to fibre M&A via new FiBrasil JV
CEO Christian Gebara signals interest if the price and quality is right. Brazilian fibre market becoming increasingly competitive.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vivo taps CDPQ for fibre spin out, as KKR invests in Chile
Telefónica|Vivo signs a 50:50 deal with Quebec‑based investor to launch FiBrasil. Wholesale fibre provider will expand Vivo’s geographic reach, while the OB focuses on upgrading its existing fixed‑network footprint. Long‑heralded $1bn Chilean InfraCo plans culminate with KKR taking 60% stake.
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M&A
Telefónica drops AxisMed
Group offloads care management specialist to Atrys Health. A pivot from ‘provider’ to ‘partner’ in Telefónica’s healthcare strategy.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vivo launching 5G DSS in Brazil, semi-committing to Huawei infra
Telefónica’s NatCo to launch 5G network on refarmed spectrum this week, as COVID-19 holds up frequency auctions. DSS employed but workaround deemed “not ideal” . Vivo VP gives tentative green light to Huawei, despite increasing regulatory threat to Chinese-backed networks. ...
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Suppliers & SCM
Telefónica in a bind as US pressures Brazil on Huawei
US Ambassador warns of financial cost to Brazil of permitting Huawei 5G presence, while talking up favourable loans for Ericsson and Nokia kit. Comments follow fulsome praise for Chinese vendor from Telefónica|Vivo CEO as an innovative and trusted partner.
