H.I.G. Capital Completes Strategic Sale of Desktop to Claro in Brazil
On March 26, 2026, H.I.G. Capital, a major global investment firm, announced a crucial development in the Latin American telecommunications market. An affiliate of the firm has signed a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company, Desktop S.A., a prominent internet service provider based in São Paulo, to Claro Telecom Participações S.A. This move, subject to standard regulatory approvals, has a transaction valuation of R$4.0 billion (approximately $750 million), including debt obligations, which equates to about R$20.82 per share based on Desktop's net debt as of September 30.
H.I.G. Capital, which manages around $74 billion in assets, acquired Desktop with the intent to implement a robust growth strategy. Under H.I.G.'s guidance, Desktop executed an expansive growth initiative that not only focused on organic growth but also on strategic acquisitions. Results of this approach have been substantial, as Desktop's subscriber base surged from about 150,000 to over 1.2 million in a relatively short period, connecting over 200 cities in São Paulo through a fiber network that spans more than 58,000 kilometers.
The partnership between H.I.G. and Desktop has proven fruitful, leading to the company's initial public offering (IPO) in February 2021. This IPO was noteworthy, marking Desktop as the first publicly traded internet service provider in Brazil, now listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3) under the ticker symbol B3 DESK3. According to Fernando Marques Oliveira, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Latin America, the successful trajectory of Desktop exemplifies H.I.G.'s commitment to a hands-on approach in fostering growth. He emphasized how close collaboration between H.I.G. and Desktop's management team facilitated their evolution into a leading fiber platform, making Desktop an attractive asset for potential acquirers in the telecommunications industry.
Desktop, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Sumaré, São Paulo, has carved out a significant position within Brazil's competitive internet service market. With a robust fiber infrastructure, the company provides high-speed internet connectivity for both residential and commercial clients. By the end of 2025, Desktop had established a remarkable footprint, serving over 1.2 million subscribers across more than 200 cities and reaching around 4.8 million homes through its network.
Claro, the acquirer in this transaction, is itself a major player in the Latin American telecommunications landscape, providing a full range of services including mobile, broadband, pay TV, and digital services. The company has established a comprehensive network across Brazil and holds a competitive position among the leading telecommunications providers in the region. Claro was formed in 2003 through the consolidation of several regional operators and today operates under subsidiaries of América Móvil, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.
With this acquisition, Claro is set to enhance its market presence and service offerings, contributing to the ongoing transformation of telecommunications in Brazil and, indeed, across Latin America. H.I.G. Capital's involvement in Desktop not only showcased its investment strategy but emphasized its expertise in navigating the complexities of the market while generating considerable value for its investors.
As this sale closes, it stands testament to H.I.G. Capital’s operational focus and strategic investment philosophy in the fast-evolving telecom sector. Observers of the market will be keen to watch the ramifications of this transaction unfold, as companies like Claro continue to reshape the landscape of internet service in Brazil, ensuring that competition and service quality are at the forefront of consumer experience.
For more detailed insights about H.I.G. Capital, visit their official website at hig.com, where you can also discover more about Desktop's strategic initiatives and Claro's robust service portfolio.
H.I.G. Capital, which manages around $74 billion in assets, acquired Desktop with the intent to implement a robust growth strategy. Under H.I.G.'s guidance, Desktop executed an expansive growth initiative that not only focused on organic growth but also on strategic acquisitions. Results of this approach have been substantial, as Desktop's subscriber base surged from about 150,000 to over 1.2 million in a relatively short period, connecting over 200 cities in São Paulo through a fiber network that spans more than 58,000 kilometers.
The partnership between H.I.G. and Desktop has proven fruitful, leading to the company's initial public offering (IPO) in February 2021. This IPO was noteworthy, marking Desktop as the first publicly traded internet service provider in Brazil, now listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange (B3) under the ticker symbol B3 DESK3. According to Fernando Marques Oliveira, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G. Latin America, the successful trajectory of Desktop exemplifies H.I.G.'s commitment to a hands-on approach in fostering growth. He emphasized how close collaboration between H.I.G. and Desktop's management team facilitated their evolution into a leading fiber platform, making Desktop an attractive asset for potential acquirers in the telecommunications industry.
Desktop, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Sumaré, São Paulo, has carved out a significant position within Brazil's competitive internet service market. With a robust fiber infrastructure, the company provides high-speed internet connectivity for both residential and commercial clients. By the end of 2025, Desktop had established a remarkable footprint, serving over 1.2 million subscribers across more than 200 cities and reaching around 4.8 million homes through its network.
Claro, the acquirer in this transaction, is itself a major player in the Latin American telecommunications landscape, providing a full range of services including mobile, broadband, pay TV, and digital services. The company has established a comprehensive network across Brazil and holds a competitive position among the leading telecommunications providers in the region. Claro was formed in 2003 through the consolidation of several regional operators and today operates under subsidiaries of América Móvil, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world.
With this acquisition, Claro is set to enhance its market presence and service offerings, contributing to the ongoing transformation of telecommunications in Brazil and, indeed, across Latin America. H.I.G. Capital's involvement in Desktop not only showcased its investment strategy but emphasized its expertise in navigating the complexities of the market while generating considerable value for its investors.
As this sale closes, it stands testament to H.I.G. Capital’s operational focus and strategic investment philosophy in the fast-evolving telecom sector. Observers of the market will be keen to watch the ramifications of this transaction unfold, as companies like Claro continue to reshape the landscape of internet service in Brazil, ensuring that competition and service quality are at the forefront of consumer experience.
For more detailed insights about H.I.G. Capital, visit their official website at hig.com, where you can also discover more about Desktop's strategic initiatives and Claro's robust service portfolio.
Topics Business Technology）
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