Australian PE group to buy Finland’s Digita from TDF

Australian private-equity group First State Investments is to acquire Finnish digital-terrestrial pay TV operator Digita from France’s TDF.

TDF said the sale of the operator was in line with its strategy to focus on its two largest core markets, France and Germany, and to develop its media services business unit.

Marcus Ayre, head of infrastructure transactions at First State Investments, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to make Digita our first infrastructure investment in Finland. Digita provides an important service, operating a high quality nationwide broadcast network and we look forward to working closely with the Digita management, employees and stakeholders to ensure the continued success and sustainable growth of Digita’s business over the long term.”

Sirpa Ojala, CEO of Digita, said: “We are delighted to welcome First State Investments’ ownership being an organisation that has a strong track record of high quality service and one which is committed to further develop our capability for the long-term. This new partnership will enable further investment in the network and the opportunity to create value for all our stakeholders.”

The deal is subject to approval by the Finnish ministry of employment and economy and the Council of State.