Telecom Archives - DIF Capital Partners

22 November 2022 | London

DIF strengthens digital infrastructure team with two senior hires

DIF Capital Partners has expanded the European team to support its growth and ambitions in the digital infrastructure space. Digital assets are one of the key focus areas of DIF’s CIF fund strategy, headed by Willem Jansonius.

On 1 November, Simon Rozas started as Head of European Digital Infrastructure based in London. Simon will be supported by Jan Angenendt, who joined DIF as a Director in Frankfurt in October.

Simon will lead the origination and investments in digital infrastructure across Europe. Previously, he worked at Cube Infrastructure Managers, where he led greenfield fiber projects across Europe for the Connecting Europe Broadband Fund. Simon’s career includes over two decades of experience in investing, lending and investment banking at the EBRD, Citigroup and HSBC. He started his studies in Vilnius University and holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Economics and Finance from Brandeis University in Massachusetts.

Jan joined DIF from InfraRed Capital Partners, where he covered origination in the DACH region, including digital infrastructure projects. Prior to that, Jan worked as a senior associate for KPMG Corporate Finance, as a policy advisor at HM Treasury and as a UK government economist. He holds Master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Warwick and the Free University of Berlin.

Willem Jansonius, partner and Head of CIF at DIF Capital Partners says: “I’m delighted with the appointment of Simon and Jan. This further boosts the strength of our digital infrastructure team in Europe, which is an area where DIF is quickly expanding its footprint and sees ample room for growth. I am looking forward to working closely together with our new team members and am confident that our investors and the companies we invest in will benefit from the team’s enhanced capabilities.”

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with more than EUR 15 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia.

DIF follows two strategies: its traditional DIF funds invest in lower risk mid-sized infrastructure projects and companies in the energy transition (incl. renewables) and utilities sector, as well as PPPs and concessions. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector.

With a team of over 200 professionals in 11 offices, DIF Capital Partners offers a unique market approach combining global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and investment capabilities. DIF is located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto.

For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact: Diederik Heinink, d.heinink@dif.eu

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6 September 2022 | Schiphol

Willem Jansonius in Mid Market Roundtable | Infrastructure Investor September 2022

The magic of the mid-market.

In the 2022 edition of the Infrastructure Investor Mid Market Roundtable DIF’s Head of CIF Willem Jansonius explains why the mid market is such an interesting part of the infrastructure space, continuing to offer highly attractive investment opportunities for the DIF strategies.

To read the complete article, please open Willem Jansonius in Mid Market Roundtable (September 2022)

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10 August 2022 | New York

DIF CIF II portfolio company Joink has signed an agreement to acquire CTI

DIF Capital Partners is pleased to announce that its DIF CIF II portfolio company Joink, LLC, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Computer Techniques, Inc. (CTI). This acquisition will provide additional management and capital resources to support the current CTI team and significantly increase the speed of CTI’s fiber-to-the-home deployment in Central Illinois. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval.

CTI co-founders Adam Vocks and Billy Williams founded the company in 1998. Over the years the company has transformed from a computer sales and service business into a facilities-based provider that now exclusively services its connectivity customers with fiber optics. The CTI network passes over 12,000 homes across Christian County and Montgomery County, supported by staff from its offices in Taylorville and Hillsboro in Illinois. CTI provides internet, voice, and video to residential customers and internet, voice, and private transport data solutions to business customers.

“We are very pleased to see Joink executing on the growth plan and adding new markets in Illinois, through the acquisition of CTI,” stated Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of Investments for the DIF CIF strategy. “The strategic rationale of the CTI acquisition is fully aligned with our fiber-to-the-home roll out strategy to ensure that the residents in Indiana and Illinois have reliable high-speed internet access. This highly complementary acquisition by Joink will allow it to serve customers better and continue to further bridge the digital divide.”

“We look forward to integrating CTI’s operations and team led by Bobbie Dean, CTI’s CEO, who will be part of the senior leadership team of Joink, after the transaction closes. Central Illinois had a great day today as we announce our plans to accelerate the expansion of CTI’s fiber network.” stated Josh Zuerner, President and CEO of Joink. “We recognize the importance of high-quality broadband and look forward to providing a best-in-class fiber-optic connectivity experience to end users in Illinois and Indiana.”

Pinpoint Capital Advisors served as financial advisor to CTI. Agentis Capital served as financial advisor to Joink and DIF.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent investment manager, with ca. EUR 14 billion in assets under management across eleven closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in infrastructure companies and assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australia through two complementary strategies:

Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure VI is the latest vintage, target core infrastructure equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and energy transition projects (incl. renewable energy).
DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF III is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized core-plus infrastructure companies in the telecom, energy transition, and transportation sectors.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 190 professionals, based in eleven offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact: Thijs Verburg, t.verburg@dif.eu.

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19 May 2022 | Paris

DIF Capital Partners to sell French fibre company ADTIM

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that DIF Core Infrastructure Fund I (“CIF I”) signed an agreement to sell its 55% ownership stake in ADTIM SAS (“ADTIM”), a French fibre company, to HICL Infrastructure PLC (“HICL”), the listed core infrastructure fund managed by InfraRed Capital Partners. This will be the first exit for CIF I.

ADTIM operates an independent wholesale broadband network that focuses on low-density areas in the Ardèche and Drôme departments. ADTIM was awarded two complementary concession contracts by the public local authority Syndicat mixte ADN, under the French PIN (Public Initiative Networks) scheme. The company operates two infrastructure networks providing broadband access to telecom operators serving both residential and business retail markets.

During DIF’s ownership, ADTIM has realised over 100,000 new rolled-out connections in the low density household areas of the Drôme and Ardèche departments, and established a very robust BtB platform with over 2,000 enterprises served by the ADTIM network. It has maintained its network to a high standard with an overall availability of its network reaching over 99%. DIF has exercised its oversight authority effectively as majority shareholder of ADTIM to ensure that ADTIM complies responsibly with its concession agreements with ADN as well as to its clients and end users.

Andrew Freeman, Head of Exits, said “This is the first exit for CIF I, an important milestone for our CIF strategy. Benefitting from the strong momentum in the European fibre market, this exit is expected to yield attractive returns to our CIF I investors. We believe InfraRed is an excellent counterparty and is very well placed to manage the company going forward.”

DIF was advised on the transaction by DC Advisory (financial), Orrick (legal), Analysys Mason (commercial), KPMG and Denjean & Associés (tax & accounting), Currie & Brown (technical), as well as Marsh (insurance).

Closing of the transaction is subject to the receipt of customary approvals and consents.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent investment manager, with ca. EUR 11 billion in assets under management across ten closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in infrastructure companies and assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australia through two complementary strategies:

DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF III is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized core-plus infrastructure companies in the telecom, energy transition, and transportation sectors.
Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure VI is the latest vintage, target core infrastructure equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and energy transition projects (incl. renewable energy).

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 190 professionals, based in eleven offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact: Thijs Verburg, t.verburg@dif.eu.

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4 May 2022 | New York

DIF Capital Partners makes strategic investment in US wireless digital infrastructure platform Airtower Networks

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) and Airtower Networks (“Airtower”), a leading developer, owner, and operator of wireless digital infrastructure, are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement for DIF to be Airtower’s growth capital partner and support the management team in achieving its strategic vision in building a nation-wide platform. This transaction will be the first investment in the DIF CIF III fund.

DIF is a leading global independent fund manager that invests in a broad range of greenfield and operational infrastructure companies and assets worldwide. The investment will enable Airtower to rapidly expand its cutting-edge wireless network solutions to customers.

Airtower designs, builds, owns, and operates a full suite of network solutions and managed services that enable in-building wireless and smart building connectivity. The timing of this investment coincides with the increasing market demand for high-quality wireless service within the vast number of buildings that require improved coverage and capacity. Airtower’s vision is to become the nation’s largest in-building neutral host 5G and wireless network provider. The company will achieve this by delivering innovative solutions that help building owners, property developers, enterprises, and mobile network operators manage their wireless infrastructure investments, while also helping them to produce an attractive return on their investment. With clients ranging from the largest commercial real estate developers to the most technologically advanced government and private organizations, Airtower consistently provides leading edge customized solutions to meet each client’s wireless needs.

“DIF believes that the ongoing trend of cloud migration, where companies store their data and interact with their customers, vendors, and partners in the cloud, will further increase the need for high-speed wireless internet connections. Similarly in the residential and office space, ubiquitous 5G is essential for the new generation of smart buildings. DIF is excited to partner with a well-established in-building wireless company such as Airtower and its experienced management team” said Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of Investments for the DIF CIF strategy.

“Airtower has experienced record-breaking growth over the past couple of years in terms of revenue, new bookings, networks deployed, and profitability. DIF is a world class infrastructure investment fund manager, and we’ve greatly enjoyed getting to know the DIF team. We are looking forward to partnering with DIF to continue scaling the business” said Oliver Valente, Airtower’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We’re excited about the injection of investment capital and sector expertise provided by DIF. The additional resources and broad support will give Airtower the capability to rapidly scale the success we’ve had providing innovative wireless and smart building solutions for commercial real estate and cellular carriers” said Manny Dureja, Airtower’s Founder and President.

Greenhill & Co served as financial advisor and DLA Piper acted as legal counsel to Airtower. Bank Street Group served as exclusive financial advisor and White & Case acted as legal counsel to DIF.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent investment manager, with ca. EUR 10 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in infrastructure companies and assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australia through two complementary strategies:

DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF II is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized core-plus infrastructure companies in the telecom, energy transition, and transportation sectors.
Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure VI is the latest vintage, target core infrastructure equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and energy transition projects (incl. renewable energy).

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 190 professionals, based in eleven offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact: Thijs Verburg, t.verburg@dif.eu.

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8 March 2022 | Schiphol

Keynote Interview Wim Blaasse in Annual Review Infrastructure Investor 2022

Infrastructure as an asset class has grown very quickly in the past years and opportunities for growth remain significant.

In the 2022 edition of the Infrastructure Investor Annual Review DIF Managing Partner Wim Blaasse explains why infrastructure as an asset class is so attractive, what’s the DIF approach towards tapping opportunities in the midmarket segment of the global infrastructure market and what’s his outlook for 2022 and beyond.

To read the complete article open Keynote Interview Wim Blaasse – Infrastructure Investor Annual Review (March 2022)

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11 November 2021 | Schiphol

DIF Capital Partners closes its ESG equity bridge facility

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce that it has increased its equity bridge facility with ESG linked performance criteria to EUR 900 million. The facility was closed by DIF Infrastructure VI (“DIF VI”) and is provided by a club of banks comprising ABN AMRO, Rabobank, BMO, CIBC, ING Bank and CBA, with ABN AMRO acting as agent.

This is DIF’s first ESG equity bridge facility, evidencing the company’s desire to positively contribute to a sustainable future for the environment and society in general. The facility contains a set of ESG KPIs related to the ESG performance of DIF as a manager and the ESG performance improvement of the underlying portfolio on key ESG areas such as safety, environment, climate resilience and community, including third party assurance.

In return, DIF VI benefits from a reduction in margin on the facility upon meeting those KPIs, reflecting the lenders’ own ESG support and commitment to a sustainable future.

“We are delighted to be working again with our long term partners ABN AMRO, Rabobank, BMO, CIBC, ING Bank and CBA in relation to this very innovative facility with clearly described ESG KPIs. This closing confirms and strengthens DIF’s position as leader in the ESG space within the private equity community and we continue to be committed to deliver a positive contribution to a sustainable future” said Robert Doekes, CFO at DIF Capital Partners.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with more than €9.0 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure Fund VI is the latest vintage, target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.
DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF II is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy, and transportation sectors.

DIF supports the goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in-line with global efforts as a result of the Paris Agreement to have net zero emissions by 2050, or sooner.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 170 professionals, based in ten offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact:
Allard Ruijs, IR & BD
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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9 November 2021 | New York

DIF Capital Partners to invest in US fiber platform Joink

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”), via DIF CIF II (the “Fund”), is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Joink, LLC (“Joink” or the “Company”) to be its growth capital partner, opening the door to significantly more investment and growth. Joink is a telecommunications infrastructure company that currently provides enterprise fiber, residential fiber, and fixed wireless services in Western Indiana and Eastern Illinois. Subject to regulatory approval, the partnership with DIF will allow Joink to expand its fiber optic network to residential and enterprise customers at a much faster pace.

Joink started providing internet service to residents and businesses in Eastern Illinois and Western Indiana in 2001 using fixed wireless. Since 2014, the Company has expanded to serve thousands of end users in West Central Indiana with fiber, including priority infrastructure for education, healthcare, enterprise, and other telecommunications carriers. It has always been Joink’s intention to further extend its fiber to the single-family home and multi-dwelling unit offerings. Joink currently has 88 employees and growing.

“DIF believes the future fiber-to-the-home roll out is critical to ensure that residents in Indiana and Illinois have reliable high-speed internet access through Joink’s fiber network. DIF is excited to partner with a well-established fiber and fixed wireless company such as Joink and its experienced management team. Joink’s approach to investing in residential fiber infrastructure fits DIF’s ambition to invest in the US fiber industry. In addition to creating local jobs, this investment helps bridge the digital divide in online education, remote employment opportunities, telemedicine and other prospects afforded by broadband access” said Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of Investments for the DIF CIF strategy.

“We are grateful for the support in growing our business from our team members and their families, our customers, vendors, long-term investors and financing partners, permitting authorities, state and local government, and the communities in which we live and work,” says Josh Zuerner, Joink President and CEO. “That support has enabled us to attract the investment from DIF – a world-class infrastructure investment fund. We don’t take the trust we’ve gained over the last twenty years for granted and will continue to build upon it by showcasing our unwavering commitment to high-quality Internet access.”

While DIF is investing in Joink, all existing investors will continue to remain invested in the Company. Hank Stephens, one of the earliest investors in Joink, notes, “When Brian Wick and I decided over 20 years ago to invest in a startup company in Terre Haute called Joink, we were excited about the potential Joink had to provide Internet service to people with limited or no options. As we look back today, I don’t think either of us could have envisioned the tremendous impact that Joink would ultimately have on the residents and businesses of West Central Indiana. We are grateful to the Joink employees as well as our fellow investors who have helped get Joink to where it is today and are excited about this new partnership and opportunity to expand further.”

Cowen and Company served as financial advisor to Joink. Agentis Capital served as financial advisor to DIF.

About Joink

Joink is Midwest’s leading providers of wireless Internet service in rural markets in Indiana and Illinois. Joink has installed over 540 miles of fiber in the five-county area and offers service to enterprise, commercial, carrier, and residential customers. Joink’s main fiber network ring connects Vigo, Vermillion, Parke, and Clay County. It also has fiber-optic assets throughout Sullivan County. Joink operates over 100 fixed-wireless transmit points. Building and maintaining a large network requires tremendous knowledge and expertise, and customers grew to recognize and count on that expertise. As a result, they increasingly leaned on Joink to assist them when faced with technology challenges. Joink addresses these challenges through its Hosting, Technology Services, and Managed Services divisions. Last year, the State of Indiana awarded seven Indiana Next Level Connects Projects to Joink. Additionally, Vigo County Government and the City of Terre Haute supported the Vigo County School Corporation in extending Joink’s network to 84 community access locations. More info: http://www.joink.com

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with more than €9.0 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure Fund VI is the latest vintage, target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.
DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF II is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy, and transportation sectors.

DIF supports the goal of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in-line with global efforts as a result of the Paris Agreement to have net zero emissions by 2050, or sooner.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 170 professionals, based in ten offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact:
Allard Ruijs, IR & BD
Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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9 August 2021 | Toronto

DIF Capital Partners signs agreement with Canada Infrastructure Bank for further investments in rural Manitoba in partnership with Valley Fiber

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”), is pleased to announce that DIF Core Infrastructure Fund II (“DIF CIF II”) and its portfolio company Valley Fiber Ltd. (“Valley Fiber”) have formalized the agreement to invest in the Manitoba Fiber Project together with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (“CIB”). This agreement will significantly grow DIF CIF II’s investment in Manitoban rural communities and Valley Fiber.

Valley Fiber is a telecommunications infrastructure company and internet services provider that specializes in the development, construction, and operations of fiber and fixed wireless infrastructure for residential and commercial use. Valley Fiber was incorporated in 2016 and has successfully built a presence in Manitoba, constructing high-quality telecommunications infrastructure to service historically underserved rural Manitoban communities. Based in Winkler, Manitoba, Valley Fiber operates in more than 20 municipalities.

In April 2020, DIF CIF II completed a majority investment into Valley Fiber. Since this investment, Valley Fiber has expanded and enhanced its product offering and further grown its geographical footprint. The agreement with CIB will enable a broadband infrastructure project that supports the economic growth for the benefit of Canadians. Furthermore, this project will expand Valley Fiber’s reach by targeting to connect 48,500 households with dedicated fiber-to-the-home in Manitoban rural municipalities over the coming years.

Willem Jansonius, Head of DIF CIF, said: “The collaboration with Valley Fiber and CIB have proven to be very successful and this investment represents our next step into the fast-growing telecom infrastructure sector.”

In addition, DIF CIF II has extended its capital commitment to Valley Fiber to fund future organic growth and add-on opportunities in the near term. Valley Fiber and DIF are committed to the partnership of bringing broadband to underserved communities in Canada.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with more than €9.0 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure Fund VI is the latest vintage, target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.
DIF CIF funds target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy, and transportation sectors.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 160 professionals, based in nine offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For further information please visit www.dif.eu

Contact:

Allard Ruijs, Partner

Email: a.ruijs@dif.eu

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27 May 2021 | Schiphol

DIF CIF II reaches final close above €1.0 billion target size

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”) is pleased to announce the final close of DIF Core Infrastructure Fund II (“DIF CIF II”) at €1,012 million, exceeding its €1,000 million target.

DIF CIF II targets equity investments in the small- and mid-sized economic infrastructure market in pre-dominantly telecom, transportation and energy. DIF CIF II focuses on resilient companies and platforms that have a clear buy-and-build strategy – all with an asset-heavy business model. Its investments typically have medium-term contract cover and strong value enhancement potential. The fund targets both greenfield and operational investments, with a key focus on Europe and North America.

DIF CIF II is the successor fund of DIF CIF I, which held its final close in November 2017 at €450 million and invested in 13 companies and platforms in the telecom, energy and transportation sectors. DIF CIF II has seen strong backing from existing (both CIF and Traditional DIF funds) and new investors to the DIF platform, receiving commitments from leading institutional investors from EMEA and North America.

Allard Ruijs, Partner at DIF Capital Partners said: “We are thankful for the strong support received from investors for the DIF CIF II partnership. The CIF strategy is a relatively young strategy for DIF and the success of the fundraising of this second fund, especially during unprecedented and challenging Covid-19 times, shows the strength of the DIF platform and the attractiveness of the DIF CIF II proposition. The fact that many of our existing investors, from both DIF CIF I and the Traditional DIF funds, have backed this strategy proves that our investors value the complementarities of the two strategies. The fund will be leveraging DIF’s large global office network and dedicated local teams to source and manage attractive investment opportunities and build a resilient and diversified portfolio.”

DIF CIF II has made a strong start, having committed to five investments to date thereby deploying ca. 35% of the fund. This includes investments in (i) Valley Fiber, a Canadian telecom infrastructure platform, (ii) IELO, a French B2B wholesale fiber operator and developer, (iii) Touax Rail, a French railcar leasing company, (iv) 4^th Utility, a UK fiber developer, and (v) Bartolomeo, an Irish container leasing platform. Furthermore, the fund has a strong pipeline of investments across its target sectors and geographies.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent fund manager, with €9.0 billion of assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF CIF funds target equity investments in small to mid-sized economic infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy and transportation sectors.
Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure Fund VI is the latest vintage, target equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and (renewable) energy projects.

DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 160 professionals, based in nine offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto. For further information please visit www.dif.eu.

Contact: Allard Ruijs, Partner; a.ruijs@dif.eu.

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19 August 2020 | London

DIF Capital Partners acquires majority stake in UK fibre broadband operator

DIF Capital Partners, through its DIF Core Infrastructure Fund II (“DIF CIF II”), is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of a majority stake (54%) in 4th Utility, a fibre-to-the-premise (“FTTP”) infrastructure developer and internet service provider based in Hale, Manchester (UK).

4th Utility partners with residential and commercial landlords, property developers and house builders to design, install and upgrade their properties with state-of-the-art FTTP infrastructure.

4th Utility currently operates FTTP networks within a number of residential property developments in the North of England. DIF CIF II will provide significant capital to fund a large pipeline of opportunities generated by 4th Utility with their development partners throughout the UK.

“We are excited to partner with DIF Capital Partners who share our desire to invest in high-quality fibre infrastructure providing ultrafast internet access to properties across the UK. This long-term investment allows us to expand our current platform and provide ‘full fibre’ connectivity to a significant number of new customers” comments Tony Hughes, CEO of 4th Utility.

The transaction is the first investment for DIF CIF II in the UK and its third investment in the digital infrastructure sector following recent acquisitions in Canada and France. “We are pleased to bring our experience in digital infrastructure to support 4th Utility and their management team in delivering FTTP infrastructure investment to underserved properties in the UK” comments Willem Jansonius, Head of DIF CIF.

Please visit www.the4thutility.co.uk for further information.

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent infrastructure fund manager, with €7.5 billion of assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF CIF funds target equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy and transportation sectors.
DIF Infrastructure funds target equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, utilities and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams.

DIF has a team of over 145 professionals, based in nine offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit www.dif.eu for further information.

Contact: Thijs Verburg, IR & BD; t.verburg@dif.eu.

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21 July 2020 | Paris

DIF Capital Partners acquires a stake in French digital infrastructure company IELO

DIF Capital Partners (“DIF”), through its DIF Core Infrastructure Fund II (“DIF CIF II”), is pleased to announce that it will invest in the French independent fiber optic operator IELO with the aim of contributing to its network roll-out in the coming years. DIF will enable IELO to build a nationwide footprint and become a leading fiber optic infrastructure operator in France, while remaining fully independent and a pure infrastructure player.

Resulting from the merger between IELO and LIAZO in 2016, the IELO group is positioned as a key player in the telecommunications sector in France. IELO’s fiber network is the highest quality urban optical network equipped with the latest technologies. It currently represents nearly 2,000 km of fiber, covering 30 metropolitan areas and connects more than 1,000 companies. Due to the significantly growing digitalisation requirements of companies the market is rapidly expanding. DIF’s capital injections will further accelerate the strong development of the fiber network of IELO in France.

As a long-term shareholder, DIF and IELO founders plan to invest together €90 million over the next few years to triple the size of IELO’s network by deploying more than 4,500 km of fiber (increasing it to 6,500 km total) in 95 French cities and economic zones. This acquisition perfectly fits CIF II’s strategy to invest in high-quality telecom infrastructure businesses.

Arthur Fernandez IELO co-founder and CEO said: “IELO is now at a turning point in its development and the long-term support provided by DIF represents a tremendous accelerator to achieve our ambitions of scaling up the strategy we have been successfully implementing in recent years. We intend to consolidate our position as a key independent wholesale operator in the fiber optics business with the aim of expanding our French client base to further gain market share.”

Thomas Vieillescazes, partner and head of DIF France added: “DIF has been investing heavily in the telecommunications sector in Europe and North America for several years, particularly in projects related to data centers and fiber optics. This investment is therefore in line with our strategy of investing in the high-potential digital infrastructure market, especially in the growing B2B business. We believe IELO, being a dedicated wholesale infrastructure provider, and the only one with a nationwide development strategy, is a perfect fit for DIF CIF II: it’s a pure infrastructure play with a greenfield component, for which DIF will bring to bear its longstanding experience in the French market. We have particular trust in IELO’s managers and their teams and are delighted to support the group in its development to become a key player in a growing market.”

About IELO

The IELO group markets enterprise access products through offers exclusively for telecom operators (the so-called “wholesale only” market). Operating its own optical cable network, IELO has an extensive coverage area covering some thirty of France’s largest conurbations, i.e. 161 municipalities in 23 departments. Since 2014, IELO has been implementing a strong strategy of rolling out its own network through an investment plan and a sustained pace of deployment, in order to extend its position in France. To find out more: www.ielo.com

About DIF Capital Partners

DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent infrastructure fund manager, with €7.5 billion of assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF Capital Partners invests in greenfield and operational infrastructure assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas and Australasia through two complementary strategies:

DIF CIF funds target equity investments in small to mid-sized infrastructure assets in the telecom, energy and transportation sectors.
DIF Infrastructure funds target equity investments in public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI/P3), concessions, utilities and renewable energy projects with long-term contracted or regulated income streams.

DIF has a team of over 140 professionals, based in nine offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Paris, Santiago, Sydney and Toronto. Please visit www.dif.eu for further information.

Contact: Thomas Vieillescazes, Partner; t.vieillescazes@dif.eu and Thijs Verburg, IR & BD; t.verburg@dif.eu.

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