PPF acquires Telefónica Czech Republic for €2.5m
November 5, 2013
Telefónica has reached an agreement with PPF Group to sell 65.9 per cent of Telefónica Czech Republic, which includes its operations in Slovakia. The total cash consideration for the operation is €2,467 million with €2,063 million in cash payable upon completion of the transaction and a deferred payment of €404 million over a period of four years. Before transferring the shares, Telefónica will receive an additional payment €of 260 million in November for the dividend declared.
Although it is expected that PPF will launch a mandatory tender offer for the remaining capital, Telefónica will maintain a stake of 4.9 per cent in Telefónica Czech Republic and will remain as an industrial and commercial partner for a period of four years. Under the terms of the agreement, Telefónica may dispose of its shares subject to certain conditions once the mandatory offer is over.
Telefónica Czech Republic and Telefónica Slovakia will change their company names but will continue to trade under the successful O2 Brand for a maximum of four years. The company will also join Telefónica’s Partners Programme, an initiative offering other operators the opportunity to benefit from Telefónica’s scale and cooperate on key business areas.
The announcement follows the previous agreements reached in Ireland and Germany and builds on a series of initiatives that have allowed for a significant strategic shift in Telefónica Group. This has been a decisive year for Telefónica’s transformation process, as it continues to successfully execute its strategy of increasing financial flexibility and strengthening the operations in its core markets.
It is anticipated that this transaction will have a positive impact reducing Telefónica Group’s net debt by approximately €2,685 million which will enable Telefónica to meet its net financial debt guidance by year end.
Telefonica started operating in the Czech Republic in 2005 and founded Telefónica Slovakia in 2007. Telefónica Czech Republic operates the commercial brand O2 in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and has a combined total of 9.3 million mobile, fixed-line and IPTV customers in both territories as of June 2013.
The closure of the transaction is subject to obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals.