IHS and HTN Towers agree the first mobile infrastructure consolidation in Africa
Wendel welcomes the conclusion of an agreement according to which IHS Holding Limited ("IHS") will acquire Helios Towers Nigeria Limited's ("HTN") portfolio of 1,211 diversified tower sites throughout Nigeria.
HTN, the pioneer of tower infrastructure sharing in Africa, and IHS established the mobile telecommunications infrastructure industry in Nigeria in the early 2000s and this transaction will be the first in-market consolidation in Africa. The transaction will allow the continued delivery of best-in-class solutions to customers and additional investment in infrastructure upgrades.
Under the terms of the transaction and subject to requisite regulatory approvals, IHS will acquire the entire issued share capital of HTN from HTN Towers Plc which is ultimately owned by Helios Investment Partners, Pembani Group, First City Monument Bank and other minority shareholders. Upon completion of the transaction, IHS will have full operational control of the underlying business and will market independent infrastructure sharing services to mobile network operators and internet service providers in Nigeria. The transaction is expected to close in Q2 2016.
With a population of nearly 180 million people, increasing smartphone penetration and limited fixed line infrastructure, Nigeria's vibrant wireless industry is poised for a sustained period of network investment and growth. This transaction strengthens IHS's position as the market leading tower company in Nigeria and provides IHS the opportunity to optimise a larger portfolio through innovative green energy solutions and delivery of market leading quality of service. IHS will work to roll out its renewable energy solutions and diesel reduction initiatives whilst maintaining unparalleled network uptime.
This transaction will contribute positively to IHS long-term value creation. Wendel is IHS's largest shareholder, owning 26% of its share capital.
For more information, visit: www.ihstowers.com and www.htntowers.com
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3/31/2016
2015 full-year results / Publication of NAV (pre-market release)
6/1/2016
Shareholders' Meeting / Publication of NAV and trading update (before Shareholders' Meeting)
9/8/2016
H1 2016 earnings / Publication of NAV (pre-market release)
12/1/2016
2016 Investor Day / Publication of NAV and trading update (pre-market release)
About Wendel
Wendel is one of Europe's leading listed investment firms. The Group invests internationally, in companies that are leaders in their field, such as Bureau Veritas, Saint-Gobain, Cromology, Stahl, IHS, Constantia Flexibles and AlliedBarton Security Services. Wendel plays an active role as industry shareholder in these companies. It implements long-term development strategies, which involve boosting growth and margins of companies so as to enhance their leading market positions. Through Oranje-Nassau Développement, which brings together opportunities for investment in growth, diversification and innovation, Wendel is also a shareholder of exceet in Germany, Mecatherm and Parcours in France, Nippon Oil Pump in Japan, Saham Group in Africa and CSP Technologies in the United States.
Wendel is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris.
Standard & Poor's ratings: Long-term: BBB-, stable outlook - Short-term: A-3 since July 7, 2014. Wendel is the Founding Sponsor of Centre Pompidou-Metz. In recognition of its long-term patronage of the arts, Wendel received the distinction of "Grand Mécène de la Culture" in 2012.
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