Today VodafoneZiggo announced that it has reached a conditional agreement to sell its passive mobile infrastructure to an entity to be jointly owned by funds managed by DigitalBridge, TD Greystone Infrastructure and L&G for approximately €669 million. VodafoneZiggo will continue to own and remain responsible for its mobile network and retains full control over its active network equipment, spectrum, network strategy and the quality of service delivered to customers.
The transaction is a next step in the company's strategy to create more focus, simplicity and strategic flexibility in the run-up to the planned listing of Ziggo Group. The proceeds will be used to reduce debt across Ziggo Group, the new Benelux telecommunications company that holds Liberty Global's interests in VodafoneZiggo and Telenet, supporting Ziggo Group's intended listing in Amsterdam in the middle of 2027.
Ritchy Drost, CFO of VodafoneZiggo: "Great connectivity does not depend on owning every piece of infrastructure. It is about the best network quality and the assurance that customers can always count on a reliable connection. With this partnership we retain full control over our mobile network and its quality, while allocating our capital more efficiently. Reducing our debt position in the run-up to Ziggo Group is an important benefit of that step, and it follows a period in which our strategy is delivering visible results."
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global: "This transaction represents another important step towards the compelling listing of Ziggo Group next year. Through this disposal and others that are underway, we are creating a stronger platform for long-term growth and value creation for existing Liberty Global shareholders and local investors who want to own part of this regional telecoms powerhouse."
Network quality and customer experience
By placing the passive infrastructure with a specialized party, both companies can focus on what they do best: the new owner manages and optimizes the tower infrastructure, while VodafoneZiggo continues to focus on delivering a connection that always works, ongoing technological innovation and an excellent customer experience.
For customers, nothing changes; they will not notice any difference in the service they receive. VodafoneZiggo remains responsible for the quality, performance and innovation of its mobile network. Continuity of the passive infrastructure is safeguarded through long-term agreements with the new owner. These include continued access to the sites, as well as predictable long-term growth through arrangements on the build-to-suit construction of new sites (BTS projects).
The transaction is subject to customary competition clearance and to the consultation of VodafoneZiggo's Works Council, and is expected to complete by the end of this year (2026).