CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CKHH) today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire VEON’s 50% stake in Wind Tre for a total cash consideration of €2.45Bn. Completion remains subject to regulatory approval in the EU and Italy. The deal is expected to close in Q3 2018.
CKHH becomes this way the sole owner of a leading mobile telecommunications operator in an attractive market. This is a key step in consolidating an important part of CK Hutchison’s telecom assets, which are being built into a globally relevant platform for the delivery of next generation products and services.
Building on the successful merger of Wind with Tre in 2016, this transaction allows CKHH to continue driving synergies from the integration of the combined businesses. It will be immediately and strongly accretive to earnings and free cash flow for CK Hutchison shareholders.
In 2017, ownership of 50% of the Wind Tre business contributed over EUR 1 billion attributable EBITDA and over EUR 800 million attributable EBIT for the CK Hutchison Group. By acquiring 100% of Wind Tre, CK Hutchison will secure strong recurring earnings for the years ahead, materially increasing EPS and representing excellent value for CK Hutchison shareholders.
Canning Fok, Group Co-Managing Director of CK Hutchison, said: “We are delighted to become sole owners of Wind Tre, which gives us the strongest possible platform to drive increased and recurring value for our shareholders. Having pioneered mobile technology and digital leadership in Italy for over 15 years, CK Hutchison looks forward to continuing to invest in Italy’s digital future, benefitting consumers and businesses across the country.”
Image over the headline.- Wind Tre headquarters. © HK Hutchinson.
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