31 July 2024
Zegona Communications plc
Vodafone Spain and Telefonica agree terms to create a joint FibreCo
Zegona Communications plc (LSE: ZEG) ("Zegona") is pleased to announce Vodafone ONO, S.A.U. ("Vodafone Spain") and Telefónica de España, S.A.U. ("Telefonica") (together the "Parties") have signed a confidential non-binding term sheet setting out the proposed key terms to create a new fibre network company ("FibreCo Transaction").
The FibreCo Transaction will involve Vodafone Spain and Telefonica creating a joint fibre network company in Spain ("FibreCo"). This will cover approximately 3.5 million premises and will provide fibre access services to both companies within this footprint. The initial ownership split of the FibreCo between the Parties will be based on their customer numbers within the footprint. The Parties plan to bring a third-party financial investor into the share capital of the new company. Telefonica is expected to retain majority ownership and Zegona to retain 10%.
The new FibreCo will provide access to the highest quality fibre optic network and support the rapid adoption of new technologies, benefiting Vodafone Spain and Telefonica customers. This network will be a benchmark for sustainable development, meeting high ESG standards through energy savings.
The combination of this new FibreCo with Telefonica (3.5 million premises) and the recently announced MasOrange FibreCo1 (11.5 million premises) will give Vodafone Spain cost efficient access to extensive all-fibre networks across Spain. These networks will deliver market leading high-speed services with the most advanced technologies.
The proposed transaction is subject to final agreement between the Parties and any required regulatory approvals.
Eamonn O'Hare, Chairman and CEO of Zegona, commented "Creating a new FibreCo in partnership with Telefonica is another key milestone in our plan to transform Vodafone Spain. This transaction fully complements the MasOrange FibreCo we announced last week and gives Vodafone Spain guaranteed access to future-proof networks with attractive economics. Moving Vodafone Spain to these new FibreCo structures is expected to create significant incremental value for all Zegona stakeholders."
For further information contact:
Lulu Bridges / Katie Hopkins / Ruairi Millar
Tavistock
Tel: 020 7920 3150
About Zegona
Zegona was established in 2015 with the objective of investing in businesses in the European Telecommunications, Media and Technology sector and improving their performance to deliver attractive shareholder returns. Zegona is led by former Virgin Media executives Eamonn O'Hare and Robert Samuelson.
On 31 May 2024, Zegona completed the 100% acquisition of Vodafone Spain for €5.0 billion.
About Vodafone Spain
Vodafone Spain is a national provider of fixed, mobile and TV services in Spain, serving consumer, business and public administration customers. It was acquired by Zegona in May 2024.
About Telefonica
Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications service providers globally. It offers fixed and mobile connectivity, as well as a wide range of digital services for residential and business customers. With around 388 million customers and more than 100,000 employees, Telefónica operates in Europe and Latin America. Telefonica is a listed company with its shares trading on the Spanish Stock Exchange and those of New York and Lima.
Note 1: On 24th July 2024, Zegona Communications plc announced Vodafone ONO, S.A.U. and MasOrange, S.L. had signed a confidential non-binding term sheet to create a joint fibre network company covering c.11.5 million premises in Spain
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