Infracapital, the infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G Prudential, have reached an agreement with SSE plc to buy a 50 per cent stake in Neos Networks for a total consideration of up to £380m. The consideration comprises:
- £215m to be paid on completion of the transaction which is expected by the end of June 2019; and
- up to £165m to be paid in a series of instalments, subject to future performance
Neos Networks is one of the UK’s leading connectivity suppliers, with a growing 12,000km UK-wide fibre network. It is committed to helping the UK realise its digital ambitions through infrastructure investment and innovation. Neos Networks will retain the SSE Group as a key funder and anchor customer whilst gaining from Infracapital’s experience of driving rapid growth, deep telecoms expertise and access to additional capital.
Infracapital invests in, builds and manages a range of essential infrastructure to meet the changing needs of society – such as the demand for high-speed internet. Infracapital is an active investor in the telecoms infrastructure sector having managed businesses throughout the UK and continental Europe, with a focus on delivering fibre networks.
The transaction will create a shared ownership structure designed to accelerate Neos Networks’ plans for growth in the fibre sector, reaffirming its ambition to establish itself as a leading UK telecoms provider. The partnership supports Neos Networks’ commitment to innovation and new technologies which are re-defining the market. The business will be in an ideal position to propel its existing projects and partnerships in areas such as 5G, SD-WAN and smart cities. The investment also provides an opportunity to further enhance the company’s customer service and delivery approach which is already a core differentiator in the market.
This transaction aligns with the SSE Group’s strategy to create value for shareholders and society by giving each of its businesses, such as Neos Networks, the best platform from which to realise its full potential and maximise its future success.
Colin Sempill, Neos Networks Managing Director, said: “Infracapital’s investment in Neos Networks shows the confidence it has in the future growth of the business. It recognises the success we have achieved to date, building out a great network, winning notable contracts and being relentlessly focused on customer satisfaction. Both parties see this as an opportunity to help develop the network infrastructure that this country needs to turn the vision of the UK’s digital economy into reality.”
James Harraway, Infracapital Director, said: “High-speed connectivity is vital to economic growth and prosperity and we are delighted to announce this partnership with SSE plc. Neos Networks is an established telecoms infrastructure provider and is well positioned to support growth in this critical sector. Infracapital has considerable expertise of investing in digital infrastructure and we look forward to working closely with our new partners as the business continues to grow, deliver new projects and expand its networks”.
“Infracapital’s investment in Neos Networks shows the confidence it has in the future growth of the business. It recognises the success we have achieved to date, building out a great network, winning notable contracts and being relentlessly focused on customer satisfaction. Both parties see this as an opportunity to help develop the network infrastructure that this country needs to turn the vision of the UK’s digital economy into reality.”
Colin Sempill, Managing Director of Neos Networks
