Serbia's SBB Acquired for $891 Million by UAE Telecom
Deal News | Apr 03, 2025 | Zawya
Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&) has announced the successful acquisition of Serbia Broadband (SBB), achieving a full ownership stake for EUR 825 million ($891 million). Facilitated through debt financing, this strategic move is aimed at amplifying e&'s presence in Central and Eastern Europe and enhancing its revenue diversification. The acquisition was completed jointly by e& PPF Telecom, a division of the Emirates Telecommunications conglomerate, in collaboration with Czech-based partner PPF. Initial agreements were secured with United Group, a Balkan telecom and media firm, in February to oversee this strategic takeover. This acquisition will enable e& to integrate SBB into its operations, alongside its current mobile operator, Yettel, in Serbia, thereby consolidating its market footprint in the region.
Sectors
- Telecommunications
- Media and Entertainment
- Finance
Geography
- Serbia – Serbia is where the acquired company, SBB, operates, demonstrating geographic expansion in the telecommunications market.
- United Arab Emirates – e& is based in the UAE, highlighting the origin of the acquiring firm in this transaction.
- Central Eastern Europe – The acquisition is expected to enhance e&'s presence and operations in this geographical region.
Industry
- Telecommunications – The acquisition involves major telecoms companies e& and Serbia Broadband (SBB), highlighting an expansion and strategic investment in the telecommunications industry.
- Media and Entertainment – United Group, a media and telecom company, is involved in the transaction, indicating the media and entertainment sector's engagement.
- Finance – The transaction was financed through debt, indicating the importance of financial strategies in facilitating acquisitions.
Financials
- EUR 825 million ($891 million) – The total transaction amount for the acquisition of Serbia Broadband (SBB) by e&.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&) | Acquirer | Companies | A UAE-based telecommunications giant, involved in the acquisition transaction. |
| Serbia Broadband (SBB) | Target Company | Companies | A Serbian cable television and broadband internet service provider being acquired. |
| PPF Telecom | Joint Venture Partner | Companies | Czech-based telecom group partnering with e& on the acquisition. |
| United Group | Vendor | Companies | A Balkan-based telecom and media company from which SBB was acquired. |
| Yettel | Subsidiary | Companies | Subsidiary of e&, involved in integrating operations with SBB in Serbia. |