AMP Capital to buy Spain’s Axion


AMP Capital's global infrastructure equity platform is set to buy one of Spain's leading independent broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure providers, Axion.
AMP Capital agreed to buy 100 per cent of the company from the current asset owner, Antin Infrastructure Partners.
Axion provided broadcasting, transport, site hosting, and operation and maintenance services to the radio, regional television and telecommunications sectors, with 70 per cent of its business being in Andalusia, in Southern Spain.
AMP Capital Global Infrastructure Fund managing partner, Boe Pahari, said Axion well placed to capture the growth opportunity in telecommunications, particularly as mobile network operators were increasingly looking to outsource infrastructure to reduce costs and increase network coverage.
"Axion fit perfectly into the strategy of our global infrastructure platform, with its strong cash generation supported by a contracted businesses model. Axion has an infrastructure network of 584 sites and an established customer base, making it an attractive acquisition."
Antin infrastructure Partner chief executive and managing partner, Alain Rauscher, said: "After five years of partnership with management, we have completed our value creation plans for the business and felt now was the right time to exit. Axion has found a strong new partner in AMP Capital who will support the company's next phase of development".
The transaction was expected to be completed by the end of 2016, subject to approvals and clearance by the Spanish competition authority.
Recommended for you
Australian fund managers are actively seeking to launch Cayman versions of their funds to attract offshore flows, with Regal Partners set to launch its latest offering this month.
As private markets gain traction in Australia but only a limited pool of talent is available, three recruiters explore whether fund managers should consider looking overseas to find top talent.
With an explosion of private credit managers appearing in the market, two alternatives experts believe a consolidation is needed to maintain the quality of the sector.
Bentham Asset Management has become the latest fund manager to expand its distribution team as it reports increased interest in its credit strategies.