Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Lebara Group (Lebara), has been acquired by Waterland Private Equity for an undisclosed amount.
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, has been under discussion by Lebara’s parent company, Alchemy, Triton Partners, and their advisors since January 2024, all of which have focused on ensuring a smooth transition and continued growth for the MVNO.
The MVNO group currently provides telecommunication services to over four million customers across France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Telecom Review Europe Analysis: Europe’s Resilience: Fueling the Next IoT Innovation Hotspot
A Value-Focused Challenger Brand
Through this acquisition, Waterland Private Equity aims to support Lebara’s growth ambitions in each of its markets, the company stated.
According to Waterland, “Lebara’s strategic positioning as a value-focused challenger brand in the mobile SIM markets presents significant growth opportunities as consumers across Europe increasingly seek high-quality services at competitive prices.”
Stephen Shurrock, CEO of Lebara, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Waterland Private Equity, noting their extensive experience and successful track record in the telecommunications industry. He indicated that Waterland’s support would provide the resources and strategic backing necessary to accelerate Lebara’s growth and improve its service offerings, ultimately benefiting customers across all its markets.
Also Read: GSMA Pushes for European Reform to Ignite Digital Revolution
“It has also been our pleasure to work with Alchemy and Triton over the last few years. They have been hugely supportive of the Lebara turnaround and have invested in the company to achieve significant growth. Lebara now has the latest digital platform, a focus on customer experience and strong team to continue its growth story,” Shurrock continued.
“We are thrilled to partner with Lebara and its talented management team. Lebara has built a strong brand and loyal customer base by providing high-quality mobile telecommunications services at competitive prices. We look forward to working closely with the management team to continue on Lebara’s growth journey together, leveraging our expertise in the telecommunications sector,” said Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland Private Equity.
Read More: Europe’s Fight for Technological Domination
