Latin America – Page 17
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M&A
Telefónica remains open to Hispam M&A
Group says it remains focused on “modulating exposure” to unpredictable regional markets. Executives will consider further deal opportunities, despite appearing much more comfortable with exposure levels. Turnaround programme launched in 2019 providing “very solid results”. Hispam still not seen as ‘core’ territory.
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M&A
Vivo 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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Venturing & Investments
Telefónica takes stake in deep-tech investment fund
Leadwind, launched between Telefónica and K Fund last year, raises €140m in first closing. Telefónica named largest private backer, with Spanish government’s innovation fund among public support.
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M&A
Oi sale completed following two-year wait
Consortium featuring Telefónica|Vivo, América Móvil’s Claro Brasil, and TIM Brasil concludes BRL 14.5bn deal for Brazilian operator’s mobile assets. Move will bring a “new infrastructural balance” to the market. Initial interest was mooted in March 2020, with Oi having filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Telefónica|Vivo to net 12.5 million ...
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: advisory swaps at Tech
Telefónica Tech adds Jaime Bergel and Eva Fernández to its Advisory Board, taking membership to 14. New operations lead added to Technology functions in Brazil and Germany. Jaime Smith Basterra replaces long-serving Telefónica non-executive Peter Erskine on the O2 Germany Supervisory Board. VM O2 commits to establishing a FinOps ...
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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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Premium
Telefónica sets vision for rural connectivity
Internet para Todos joint venture inspires regional, rural manifesto. Proposed changes include calls for regulatory change and investment incentives. Lessons learnt in neighbouring markets implemented in IpT’s Peru home.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: Eco Rating Scheme introduced across markets
Eco Rating system extended to Hispam; Chile preparing for 5G auction; FTTP rival Mundo acquired by DigitalBridge.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica’s Cerdán eyes M&A in Brazil, Germany
Telefónica Tech will also look at moving into markets outside Group footprint. Tech division now has about 4,000 employees. CEO downplays 2019 aims, but highlights unit’s double-digit revenue growth in 2021. No open processes on potential sale of minority stake in division to a financial investor.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Brazil: Vivo goes Solar
Vivo opens new solar energy plant; invites 150 staff to participate in DNA in Action CX programme.
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Premium
Telefónica FY21: ‘Core Four’ keep playing to strengths
Telefónica|Vivo making headway on digital services and premium propositions. O2 Germany reaping success of investment in network upgrade. Telefónica España defending high-value customers, but wants a TV market rethink. VM O2 focused on fibre to deliver a convergence challenge.
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Premium
Vivo calls on old friends for “5G-ready” IP transport
Selects Cisco, NEC to build “converged” transport network supporting fixed and wireless traffic. Network slicing capabilities to be part of unified architecture, using segment routing IPv6. Deployment timeframe unclear, but operator under regulatory orders to launch standalone 5G in main cities by August 2022.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Vodafone Partner Markets: VfNZ exploring tower sales
Entel sells four data centres to Equinix; VfNZ kicks off towers sale process, and acquires majority share in cybersecurity provider DEFEND.
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Strategy & Change
Telefónica lays out circular economy plans
Group pledges zero waste to landfill and refurb of 500,000 mobile phones by 2030. Backed by MAIA equipment reuse platform. Plans follow GSMA call to action for telecoms sector.
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Premium
Telefónica people moves: VM O2 signings target cultural transformation
VM O2 gives Culture Transformation titles to Brian Høi and Julie Sofie Thomsen, while Digital domain gets new People Director. Group-wide IT and networks procurement swaps. Integrated Telefónica Tech UK&I cements healthcare focus with new account director. Vivo names IT directors for Operations and Cloud & Infrastructure leadership. Data ...
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People
Vivo stalwarts exit in board reshuffle
Telefónica’s Brazilian operator proposes changes to its Board of Directors, with Group shareholders BBVA and CaixaBank represented via newcomers Gual and Moreno. Former CEO Valente to leave, along with ex-Group COO Linares, and others. Political figures also on the way out.
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M&A
Former Telefónica business Atento seeks sale — reports
LatAm contact centre operator hires Goldman Sachs to advise on options, with sale on the table, according to Bloomberg. Telefónica partner and former subsidiary sees share price spike on news.
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Financial & Performance
Movistar Prosegur Alarmas revs customer growth
Telefónica’s home security joint venture partner Prosegur pleased with performance and value created from MPA in Spain. Good start for Telefónica partnership in Colombia, as Prosegur looks to replicate Spanish JV model in Latin America.
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Premium
Elsewhere in Vodafone Partner Markets: Cyta’s bold 5G claims
Cyta claims Cyprus will be first to reach 100% 5G population coverage in EU; Rogers’ Q4 FY21 profits down 10% on last year; Vodafone Qatar builds submarine cable station to extend Vodafone Group-backed 2Africa subsea cable.
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Financial & Performance
Telefónica’s FY21 comms decrypted: anticipating a new, asset-light dawn
Solid organic performance fuels management confidence in Telefónica’s ability to maintain growth and regain traditional swagger. New Spain and UK FibreCos to round off Group infrastructure monetisation programme. Near-term growth may still be dependent on inorganic activity in Brazil and JV success in UK.