• EQT Infrastructure acquires Broadnet, the leading alternative Norwegian provider of fiber-based data communications to businesses, telecom operators and the public sector

• Broadnet operates in the highly attractive fiber infrastructure sector characterized by growing data traffic

• EQT Infrastructure is committed to actively supporting Broadnet in its pursuit of growth and continued operational improvement opportunities

The EQT Infrastructure III fund (“EQT Infrastructure”) has agreed to acquire Broadnet Holding AS (“Broadnet” or the “Company”) from the EQT V and VI funds.

Broadnet controls ~24,000km of fiber through its nationwide backbone network in addition to expansive regional as well as local networks, connecting more than 90 cities across Norway. The Company has grown to become the leading independent fiber-based datacom provider in the Norwegian B2B market (~85% of sales), but also serves the B2C market through its HomeNet brand (~15% of sales). The product offering includes VPN, Internet, Ethernet and dedicated capacity to both the wholesale market and to end-customers. The customer base includes some of the largest Norwegian enterprises as well as other telecom operators and consumers.

EQT Infrastructure will support the continued development of Broadnet and assist the Company in its pursuit of new opportunities to grow and commercialize its extensive fiber network assets. Moreover, the value creation strategy is focused on realization of identified operational improvement opportunities, for instance automation and customer service initiatives.

Daniel Pérez, Partner at EQT Partners and Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure, said: “Broadnet was created under the ownership of EQT V/VI and has developed into a leader in the highly attractive Norwegian fiber infrastructure market under the leadership of CEO Martin Lippert. We are excited about the prospects of the Company and thrilled with the opportunity to support Martin and his team with their growth and development plans going forward.”

Martin Lippert, CEO of Broadnet said: “The sale of Broadnet is another proof of our success over the last years. We have, through hard work from all employees and support from our owners, positioned Broadnet as a market leader within fiber infrastructure. We will continue the journey through further development of infrastructure and by providing outstanding customer experiences in the years to come. Broadnet is ideally positioned to take further market shares in a growing Norwegian fiber market, with the backing of our new owner who has extensive experience from our industry.”

The transaction is expected to close in May 2018.

Contacts:
Daniel Pérez, Partner at EQT Partners and Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure, +46 8 506 554 72

EQT Press office +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 49 billion in raised capital across 26 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About Broadnet
Broadnet is the largest alternative Datacom provider in Norway. The company controls one of two optical fiber networks in Norway in addition to a substantial regional and local network. The group consist of two brands: Broadnet, serving the business and wholesale market, and HomeNet, serving the consumer market

More info: www.broadnet.no