NEWS
Actis acquires fibre business in South Africa for US $ 140 million
Actis , a leading investor of private capital into global emerging markets , has entered into agreements to acquire a controlling interest in Octotel , a fibre-tothe-home operator in South Africa for an enterprise value of 2.3 billion rand ( US $ 140 million ). Actis has also signed agreements to acquire a non-controlling interest in RSAWEB , an internet service provider ( ISP ) in South Africa . The transactions are subject to regulatory approval .
Octotel is a fibre network operator in the Western Cape region of South Africa . Founded in 2016 , its open access fibre network has passed more than 175,000 premises .
Through this network , Octotel provides line rental services to ISPs on a fully vendor neutral basis allowing high speed data connectivity in homes and businesses across the region . The businesses , both founded by Rob Gilmour and Mark Slingsby who will remain as shareholders , will continue to be run by the existing management teams .
Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers Limited and the Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund will fully exit their respective positions in the two entities .
David Cooke , Actis Partner , said : “ Octotel and RSAWEB are the latest Actis investments into the high growth digital infrastructure sector . We have a growing portfolio of data centre investments and are delighted to now be making our first investment in the fibre sector .”
Liquid Telecom names Deon Geyser as CEO for South Africa
Liquid Telecom South Africa has announced that Deon Geyser has been appointed as its new CEO , effective from January 1st 2021 .
Geyser will be responsible for overseeing the strategic repositioning of the company as Liquid Intelligent Technologies and the execution of the new strategic direction of providing an integrated technology capability that enables customers to transform their business through new intelligent technologies .
Ahmad Mokhles , Group Chief Operating Officer , Liquid Telecom South Africa , said : “ We are delighted to welcome Deon to Liquid Telecom South Africa . sector and the track records in digital transformation makes him ideally placed to continue Liquid ’ s next chapter of growth and sustainability , as well as to achieve its successful repositioning .”
Geyser said : “ Liquid is a very strong company and I am truly honoured to be chosen to lead the business into the next stage of its strategic development .
“ Liquid has a ground-breaking view on transforming business through technology , supported by a strong and talented team , a solid customer base and an exciting customer value proposition .”
“ He is a proven leader and his strong knowledge of both the local market and the continent , extensive management experience in both the public and private
Deon Geyser , CEO , Liquid Telecom South Africa www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO
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