August 16 (SeeNews) - Dutch-based multi-play and media provider United Group, active in Southeast Europe (SEE), said on Monday it has signed an agreement with Crystal Almond Holdings Limited to acquire Greek telecoms operator Wind Hellas.
The transaction will enable United Group to combine Wind with its existing Greek pay-TV provider Nova to create a strong converged operator that will be the number two player in both broadband internet and television services, United Group said in a statement.
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"Acquiring and integrating strong local telecom and media businesses onto our platform is a core part of United Group's European growth strategy. Greece is a key market for us and with the acquisition of Wind, we are able to create a leading converged operator and contribute to the development of Greece’s telecoms sector through investments in network infrastructure, content, technology, and innovative products and services and be a leading force in the digitalisation of the country," Nikos Stathopoulos, Partner at BC Partners and Chairman of United Group said in a statement.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in 2022, United Group said.
"This deal confirms United Group’s long-term commitment to the Greek market. Wind, with its strong mobile business, has an amazing fit with the media and the fixed-line expertise of Nova and United Group. In Wind, we are buying a successful business that will enable us to strengthen our presence and offering to customers across Greece," United Group CEO Victoriya Boklag explained.
In an attractive market, with significant potential for growth, the Wind-Nova combination will be better able to deliver converged offers, new technologies, and superior service, increasing value to Greek consumers, United Group noted.
Founded in Serbia and headquartered in Amsterdam, United Group operates in Bosnia, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia through brands such as SBB, Telemach and United Media, and channels such as SportKlub, Nova TV and N1TV, plus a global OTT service.