OMERS Announces Closing of First Infrastructure Transaction in France


LONDON, March 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OMERS announced today that it has closed its previously announced investment in SFR FttH. OMERS Infrastructure led a consortium, which includes Allianz Capital Partners and AXA Investment Managers, to invest alongside Altice France in the newly created platform.

SFR FttH is the largest alternative fibre-to-the-home (FttH) infrastructure wholesale operator in France, with 5 million homes to be passed in the coming years. SFR FttH operates in the well-developed French telecom market, and benefits from a bespoke contractual structure for rolling out the network with a well-regarded operating partner.

“We are delighted to announce the funding of SFR FttH, an OMERS-led corporate partnership with Altice France. This venture, which enables the deployment of fibre optic networks across French local communities, is OMERS first major greenfield investment in the telecom infrastructure space. This investment fits our strategy of investing alongside high-quality partners in companies that generate predictable returns to help meet our obligations to OMERS pension plan members. The transaction also marks our entrance into the French market, while adding to our diverse portfolio of assets in Europe,” said Philippe Busslinger, Head of Europe for OMERS Infrastructure.

“Having closed on the transaction, we will now focus our efforts on supporting the management team in deploying the network, which will provide households in France with access to ultra-fast broadband and creating value for all stakeholders over the long term,” Mr. Busslinger added.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Neil Hrab
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
nhrab@omers.com
416-369-2418

About OMERS and OMERS Infrastructure  

OMERS Infrastructure manages investments globally in infrastructure on behalf of OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for municipal employees in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Investments are aimed at steady returns to help deliver secure and sustainable pensions to OMERS members.  

OMERS diversified portfolio of large-scale infrastructure assets exhibits stability and strong cash flows, in sectors including energy, transportation and government-regulated services. OMERS has employees in Toronto and other major cities across North America, the U.K., Europe, Asia and Australia. OMERS is one of Canada's largest defined benefit pension funds with net assets of C$97 billion. Visit www.omersinfrastructure.com for more information.