Phoenix Tower International Engages in Strategic Talks for Major Site Acquisition from Bouygues Telecom and SFR

Phoenix Tower International Expands Its Portfolio in France

In a bold move to strengthen its presence in France, Phoenix Tower International (PTI) has officially entered exclusive negotiations with Bouygues Telecom and SFR for the acquisition of approximately 3,700 wireless sites. This proposed acquisition, if finalized, is set to elevate PTI's total French portfolio to nearly 10,000 sites, positioning it as a dominant player in the country's telecommunications landscape.

Founded in 2013, PTI has made significant strides since entering the French market in 2020. Initially focused on enhancing connectivity in underserved rural areas through the New Deal mobile network build-out, PTI broadened its scope in 2023 by acquiring several dense urban rooftop site portfolios. The prospective deal with Bouygues and SFR could prove to be a watershed moment in PTI’s growth strategy, enhancing its capacity across various geographical areas in France, particularly in medium-density suburban locales.

"This transaction represents an exciting opportunity for growth in collaboration with strong partners in a key market where we already boast an excellent local team," stated Dagan Kasavana, CEO of PTI. The acquisition would not only deepen PTI's engagement with major telecom providers but also facilitate their ongoing 5G rollouts, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service.

Long-term contracts backing the sites targeted for acquisition with Bouygues and SFR are a testament to the potential stability and revenue stream associated with this deal. Benoît Torloting, CEO of Bouygues Telecom, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, emphasizing their commitment to reinforcing their longstanding partnership with PTI.

The deal would mark a pivotal transition in the ongoing joint venture operations between Bouygues and SFR, which have collaborated since 2014 to create high-quality telecom infrastructures throughout France. Olivier Tailfer, the Executive Director of Networks at SFR, noted that this shift signals a new chapter for this portion of the telecommunications network.

Should the negotiations reach a successful conclusion, PTI will expand its ownership and operational footprint to about 33,000 towers distributed across Europe, the United States, as well as Latin America and the Caribbean. This ambition aligns with PTI's broader strategic objective of partnering with elite mobile operators to furnish top-notch infrastructure solutions designed to adapt to the future of connectivity.

PTI's ongoing investment actions in France signify a firm commitment to enhancing high-quality digital infrastructure across the country, reinforcing its dedication to best-in-class service and customer experiences.

Legal advisory for this transaction is being provided by Freshfields, a top-tier law firm known for its expertise in complex, cross-border transactions. As PTI gears up for this transformative phase, all eyes will be on the French works council consultation and the required regulatory approvals needed to propel this acquisition forward.

In conclusion, if successful, this acquisition will not only solidify PTI’s standing in France but also illustrate the significant dynamics of the telecommunications industry as it seeks to evolve and meet the expansive demands of modern consumers.