Company Will Develop Independent Tower Operations Across Africa
LONDON--(Business Wire)--
A group of investors including Soros Strategic Partners LP, RIT Capital Partners
plc and Lord Rothschild`s family interests, Albright Capital Management LLC, and
funds advised by Helios Investment Partners LLP announced today the signing of a
letter of intent to form Helios Towers Africa Ltd. ("HTA").
HTA will build and maintain telecommunications towers and lease space on those
towers to wireless telecommunications services providers across Africa. The
company will execute a business plan that has been successfully deployed in
Nigeria by Helios Towers Nigeria Ltd. ("HTN"), which was also formed by HTA`s
lead sponsor, Helios Investment Partners. HTN, Africa`s first and largest
independent telecom towers operator, recently secured a $250 million IFC-led
investment to increase its Nigerian network to 2,000 tower sites nationwide. HTN
will continue to focus its own operations on the Nigerian market where
opportunities remain significant.
With the launch of HTA`s operations across Africa, operators will be able to
outsource non-core activities and passive infrastructure, allowing them to focus
capital and managerial resources on improving their core products and services.
The deployment of HTA`s tower sites will increase telecommunications coverage,
helping wireless operators roll out their services more economically and
enabling the extension of affordable mobile services to semi-urban and rural
areas. While Africa`s telecommunications sector has developed significantly in
recent years, penetration remains at 45 percent, indicating the significant
potential for growth that remains in the market.
With an initial equity commitment of $350 million upon launch, the financial
flexibility of its shareholders, and the in-region operating experience of
Helios Investment Partners, HTA anticipates establishing itself as the most
experienced, operationally capable and best capitalized independent tower
operator in Africa.
About the Investor Group
Soros Strategic Partners LP
Soros Strategic Partners LP ("SSP") is a private investment vehicle managed by
Soros Fund Management LLC. SSP focuses on capital-intensive start-ups, buyouts,
and growth equity transactions, and seeks to acquire world class assets that can
generate strong and growing cash flows.
RIT Capital Partners plc
RIT Capital Partners ("RIT") is a FTSE-listed investment trust. RIT invests in a
widely diversified, international portfolio across a range of asset classes,
both quoted and unquoted, including allocations to exceptional managers.
Albright Capital Management LLC
Albright Capital Management LLC ("ACM") is an emerging markets investment firm
consisting of a team of seasoned investment professionals and the principals of
The Albright Stonebridge Group LLC, a leading global strategy firm. ACM utilizes
networks and partnerships across the emerging markets to deliver attractive
long-term returns while integrating environmental, social and governance
factors.
Helios Investment Partners, LLP
Helios Investment Partners is an Africa-focused private investment firm. Helios
manages funds and related co-investment entities on behalf of private and public
institutions, global investment funds and high net worth individuals. Helios
pursues a full range of investment types, including business formations, growth
equity investments, structured investments in listed entities and large
leveraged acquisitions across Africa.
Helios Investment Partners
Tope Lawani, +44 (0) 207 318 5820
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