EQT Infrastructure Acquires GlobalConnect A/S

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Dec 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

• EQT Infrastructure acquires GlobalConnect A/S, the leading alternative provider of B2B data communication services in Denmark
   
• GlobalConnect operates in the highly attractive fiber infrastructure sector, a core market for EQT where it holds significant industry expertise
   
• EQT Infrastructure is committed to actively support GlobalConnect in its pursuit of growth opportunities in Denmark and Germany

The EQT Infrastructure investment strategy ("EQT Infrastructure") has agreed to acquire GlobalConnect A/S ("GlobalConnect" or the "Company") from its current shareholders. The founding Zibrandtsen family, will reinvest part of its proceeds and enter into a strategic partnership with EQT Infrastructure. Following the transaction, it will own 20% of the Company and Founder Niels Zibrandtsen will be appointed to take place in the new Board of Directors of the Company.

GlobalConnect is Denmark's leading alternative provider of B2B data communication services, owning and operating 12,500 km of fiber. The Company's fiber infrastructure passes more than 30,000 companies in Denmark and 9,000 companies in Germany. GlobalConnect is also the largest Danish data center provider with a capacity of c. 13,000 sqm of secure co-location space.

EQT Infrastructure will support the continued development of GlobalConnect and actively assist the company in its pursuit of new opportunities to grow and commercialize its extensive fiber network assets. The Company is expected to benefit from the underlying trend of growing data traffic.

Masoud Homayoun, Partner at EQT Partners and Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure, said: "EQT has actively followed GlobalConnect's journey over the years and its growth into the leading alternative provider of digital infrastructure in Denmark. We are deeply impressed by GlobalConnect's development and believe that GlobalConnect represents an exciting fiber opportunity for EQT in a sector where we have significant experience".

Niels Zibrandtsen, founder and representative of majority shareholder Zibra A/S, said: "It is a great pleasure to have such a professional partner as EQT as the new owner of the GlobalConnect Group. EQT and the Zibra Group will jointly bring GlobalConnect into the next growth phase with focus on its existing business in Denmark, but also the opportunities in the fast growing market in Germany. Zibra Group and the family Zibrandtsen will continue as a proud investor and an active Board Member in GlobalConnect. We are confident that the potential for the company and employees have been significantly improved with this partnership".

Christian Holm Christensen, CEO of GlobalConnect, said: "The significant financial resources and industry experience EQT brings can be utilized to accelerate growth and invest in new fiber infrastructure. We are very pleased to have EQT as our new majority owner and partner in this exciting growth phase for GlobalConnect".

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, such as clearance from competition authorities, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2017.

Citigroup Global Markets acted as exclusive financial advisor and Moalem Weitemeyer Bendtsen as legal advisor to EQT Infrastructure. Deloitte acted as exclusive financial advisor to Zibra A/S, while Accura acted as legal advisor.

Contacts:
Masoud Homayoun, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to EQT Infrastructure, +46 8 506 55 348
Niels Zibrandtsen, Founder GlobalConnect, +45 535 38 888
Kerstin Danasten, EQT Press Officer, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is a leading alternative investments firm with approximately EUR 31 billion in raised capital. EQT Funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 15 billion and approximately 100,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

More info: www.eqtpartners.com

About GlobalConnect
GlobalConnect is the leading alternative provider of fiber network, data center and managed hosting services in Denmark. The Company's 12,500 km owned optical fiber network covers Denmark and Germany and it has approximately 13,000 sqm of data center space. GlobalConnect was founded in 1998 by Niels Zibrandtsen and employs more than 200 employees.

More info: www.globalconnect.dk

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SOURCE EQT AB