InfraBridge-backed VX UK Holdings Limited and Freedom Fibre Limited, two of the leading UK alternative local fiber providers, have agreed to combine their businesses.
Following the transaction’s completion, InfraBridge will control the combined entity. Neil McArthur, Freedom Fibre’s founder and CEO, will lead the new company, which will be known as Freedom Fibre Limited. Darren Woods, currently the Chief Financial Officer of Freedom Fibre, will take on the same role in the expanded company.
The transaction brings together adjacent fiber to the premises (“FttP”) networks primarily focused on the North West of England and the Midlands. The combined business will have more than 285,000 premises and will combine the operations of VX UK and Freedom Fibre into a single group following Freedom Fibre’s acquisition of VX UK’s UK assets and operations.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close
by the end of Q1 2024.
Damian Stanley, Managing Partner, InfraBridge, said, “The combination of VX UK and Freedom Fibre, with the backing of our shareholders, brings together two of the UK’s leading altnets into a new, stronger company. Our businesses are highly complementary, including our geographic proximity, the quality of our network build and our retail and wholesale go-to-market strategies, and we now have a platform with the support of TalkTalk to provide ongoing connections across the enlarged business.”
