Europe – Page 18
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M&A
Spain shields Telefónica as KKR’s TI bid makes waves
Spanish government reinforcing restrictions that would halt hostile bids for Telefónica until 2023. Europe’s telco sector awash with bid speculation as KKR pursues TI, and Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries is linked to a BT bid.
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Network & Infrastructure
DT’s Jacobfeuerborn gives ‘flying towers’ up to ten years to take off
DT-backed SPL is seeking Series B funding. Second edition of GSMA white paper on HAPS due to be published in early 2022. Jacobfeuerborn sees HAPS as the ‘missing link’ between terrestrial and satellite networks.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodafone CEO open to fibre JVs in Germany
Read exploring off-balance sheet financing and infrastructure partnerships to meet FTTP demand. Retains the love for HFC, however; believes network upgrades across cable footprint will meet consumers’ broadband requirements for some time yet. Della Valle pointedly notes that mid-term capex fixed guidance does not include FTTP buildouts.
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Premium
DT heads down under for fibre mate
Australia’s IFM named as Gigabit investment partner following long period of speculation. Move adds to TDE CEO Gopalan’s box of tricks as he seeks to pragmatically accelerate the Group’s slow-building fibre deployment. Startup JV embedded with various protective measures for DT, such as balance sheet deconsolidation, and long-term/standalone strategic ...
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Network & Infrastructure
DT said to be closing in on partner for fibre JV
Report names Brookfield, CDPQ, and IFM as among potential investment partners. In the region of €6bn could be injected into Telekom Deutschland’s FTTP funding pot.
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Network & Infrastructure
Citi said to be charged with Telefónica Spanish infra sale
Rumours continue to circulate around Telefónica’s fibre monetisation plans in Spain. Investment bank understood to have valued Spanish fibre infrastructure at €14bn. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”. Report suggests Group is seeking resources to finance investments in 5G and digitisation. ...
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Deutsche Telekom Group: Deutsche Funkturm flags mast deal
DT adds TripleA to tower-building team; real estate “right-sizing” takes effect.
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M&A
Telefónica mulling Spanish infra stake sale?
Rumours circulate that Group is discussing fibre monetisation in Spain. Between five and ten funding vehicles reportedly put hats in the ring, as Group sounds out market interest. Sale speculation comes despite Telefónica classing its Spanish fibre infrastructure as a “strategic asset”.
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Public Affairs
Telekom Deutschland’s regional fibre JV rocked by court ruling
Düsseldorf court backs claims by Vodafone and rival altnet that Deutsche Glasfaser is “hindering competition” in FTTP space. 2019 regulatory clearance overturned. Operations progressing as normal, however.
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People
Telekom Deutschland’s fibre JV fills co-CEO vacancy
Glasfaser Nordwest taps co-parent EWE for new leadership appointment. Former incumbent swaps one German FTTP specialist for another. Telekom–EWE business expands product marketing to new locations.
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Premium
Telekom taps utilities for fibre expansion
German NatCo is intent on using existing infrastructure to accelerate fibre build. Gopalan set on forming good relations with German municipalities.
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Suppliers & SCM
Greek TowerCo ramps up tenancies with Sigfox deal
Sigfox taps Vantage’s Greek business for infra support in “nationwide” IoT deployment programme. Ten-year strategic agreement to increase mast tenancies by more than 250 over next three financial years.
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M&A
Vodafone Italy hands highways infra to INWIT JV
OpCo’s divestment bulks-up INWIT portfolio, as TowerCo continues spending spree. INWIT to equip portion of new assets with IoT capabilities in “smart road” drive. Acquisition expected to be green-lighted before end-2021.
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M&A
Vantage back in shop window as Vodafone builds revival
M&A remains a lever to help Vodafone revive growth, says CEO Read. New Chairman van Boxmeer lighting a fire under Group strategy and ambition. Another chunk of Vantage could be sold off to “like-minded” partner. Hint made of some UK deal-making in pipeline. Egyptian and Spanish assets remain in ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Vantage Towers CEO dismisses bond proxy tag
Vivek Badrinath enthuses about “exciting business model”. Sees scope for innovation and expansion through greater non-operator engagement. Always on the lookout for M&A opportunities, but existing markets take priority if going down consolidation route.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica Infra-Tech: Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT
Telefónica Tech Ventures expands into IoT; roads, manufacturing, and tourism targeted as Group continues to build “smart” business-to-business alliances.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: Prautzsch takes helm at German FibreCo
Telefónica Infra’s fibre JV with Allianz fills out management positions, drawing on Telefónica insiders. Ayucar and Martínez take CTO roles in the Digital Consumer & Data Office. Vivo rotates Operations and Wholesale leadership.
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Network & Infrastructure
Telefónica España sticks by Ericsson, Nokia for ‘real’ 5G
Scandinavian duo reportedly selected for 5G SA rollout. No real surprise as Ericsson, Nokia already ensconced in 5G NSA RAN. Spanish government offers sweeteners for rescheduled 700MHz spectrum sale.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Systems Solutions: IFF helps T-Systems to operate critical infrastructure
Research contractor supporting greater energy efficiency at DCs.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Associates and JVs: Vi and Vantage on 5G
Vi and Vantage Towers Greece get involved in 5G trials.