Tele Columbus looking at ‘new structure’ and external investor for network

Tele Columbus HQ

German cable operator Tele Columbus has said it is mulling the possibility of bringing an external investor into a new structure that could see its network assets spun off.

Responding to “recent media speculation”, the operator said that it is “in the very early stages of evaluating options to take advantage of value creating fibre opportunities in the German market”.

According to Tele Columbus, this could involve crating an new structure that would allow the participation of an investor into Tele Columbus’ network assets.

“However, at this point in time, the investigation remains preliminary and no decisions have been made,” the operator said.

Tele Columbus said that it would only look at a transaction that is “compelling” and “creates value” for shareholders.

Tele Columbus appears to be looking at something akin to the deal announced by international service provider Altice Europe in November, when it agreed to sell half its French FTTH business to a consortium comprising Allianz Capital Partners, AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets and OMERS Infrastructure.

That deal is expected to bring €1.8 billion in cash to Altice France. Altice hailed the deal as the first of its type in Europe and said that it would lead to the creation of one of the biggest European wholesalers of FTTH.