Crown Castle to Sell Small Cells Solutions for $4.25 Billion to EQT
Deal News | Mar 13, 2025 | EQT

EQT has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions business for approximately $4.25 billion. Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions, a core component of digital infrastructure, specializes in deploying small cell networks across the United States to enhance wireless connectivity. The acquisition, under EQT's Active Core Infrastructure fund, aligns with EQT's strategy to invest in stable, high-growth infrastructure platforms. As the demand for bandwidth escalates due to advances in 5G, IoT, and AI technologies, the role of small cell networks becomes increasingly significant in the digital infrastructure landscape. EQT's acquisition, underpinned by long-term contracts and strong operational capabilities, positions the company to capitalize on these digital trends and expand its market footprint. EQT plans to leverage its expertise in digital infrastructure to further enhance the Company’s growth, deepening its relationships with major mobile network operators and expanding its asset base. Concurrently, EQT Infrastructure IV-backed Zayo will acquire Crown Castle’s Fiber Solutions business, with a total combined transaction value of $8.5 billion. This transaction, expected to conclude by the first half of 2026, is contingent on regulatory approval. TD Securities and Kirkland & Ellis advised EQT in this significant deal.
Sectors
- Digital Infrastructure
- Private Equity
- Telecommunications
Geography
- United States – The primary market of Crown Castle’s Small Cells Solutions business and the location of the vast network coverage.
Industry
- Digital Infrastructure – EQT's acquisition targets a small cell network operator, critical for enhancing wireless connectivity and supporting digital technology advancement.
- Private Equity – Involves EQT, a private equity firm, executing a strategic acquisition to enhance its infrastructure-focused investments.
- Telecommunications – Relates to improving mobile network capacity and efficiency across the U.S. through small cell networks.
Financials
- 4.25 billion – Valuation of the Crown Castle's Small Cells Solutions business in the acquisition by EQT.
- 8.5 billion – Total combined value of the Fiber Solutions and Small Cells transaction, including the acquisitions by EQT and Zayo.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EQT | Acquirer | Company | A global investment organization with extensive expertise in the infrastructure sector, executing the acquisition through its Active Core Infrastructure fund. |
Crown Castle Inc. | Seller | Company | A leading provider of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., selling its Small Cells Solutions business. |
Zayo | Other Company | Company | Backed by EQT Infrastructure IV fund and Digital Bridge, acquiring Crown Castle's Fiber Solutions business. |
TD Securities | Financial Advisor | Company | Provided financial advisory services to EQT for the transaction. |
Kirkland & Ellis | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to EQT for the transaction. |