INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology

The carved-out portfolio is comprised of approximately 1.8k macro towers ( of which c . 1.0k is in Serbia , c . 0.7k in Bosnia & Herzegovina , c . 0.1k in Montenegro ) and is well placed for further commercialisation and expansion .

As part of the transaction , an independent tower company has been established , fully controlled by Actis , which has entered into a long-term master services agreement ( MSA ) with Telekom Srbija as the tower company ’ s anchor tenant and important partner for future growth ; the MSA contemplates buildto-suit ( BTS ) commitments to further expand the platform ’ s reach and to accommodate new telecommunications technologies that will be rolled out in the region .

This landmark investment for digital infrastructure in the region is Actis ’ eighth investment in the digital infrastructure space , with well over US $ 1 billion currently committed in the sector , and is intended to be its cornerstone platform investment for towers in the region .

The towers market in the CEE and Western Balkans region is forecast to expand significantly over the coming years , driven by the increasing consumer demand for mobile data , the rollout of new technologies such as 5G and 6G , as well as changing mobile capacity and coverage requirements . Independent tower companies have a significant role to play in efficiently investing in , improving , and mutualising passive infrastructure to support mobile growth and overall development of local economies .

Jaroslava Korpanec , Partner and Head of Central and Eastern Europe at Actis , said : “ We are very proud to lead this groundbreaking investment , marking the first transaction of its type in the Balkans . This investment strengthens Actis ’ strategic decision to expand its strategy into the CEE region following on investments made in 2022 in the energy sector in Romania and Bulgaria . We look forward to a long-term relationship with Telekom Srbija in developing a first-class tower portfolio in the region .”

David Morley , Partner , Vice Chairman at Actis , commented : “ Actis continues to develop a track-record in digital infrastructure , a sector where we see significant potential for future growth in our portfolio . We are excited to deploy capital in the CEE region , where Actis has committed to deploy more capital in the future .”

Actis was advised by BNP Paribas ( sole financial advisor ) and White & Case , CMS and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett ( legal advisors ) on this transaction . �

WE ARE VERY PROUD TO LEAD THIS GROUNDBREAKING INVESTMENT , MARKING THE FIRST TRANSACTION OF ITS TYPE IN THE BALKANS .

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