Ooredoo, Zain and TASC Towers create largest $2.2bn tower company in Mena region

Ooredoo and Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Group) have announced the signing of definitive agreements between Ooredoo Group, Zain Group, and TASC Towers Holding (TASC) to create the largest tower company in the Mena region in a cash and share deal.
The enlarged tower company, comprising approximately 30,000 towers, has a combined estimated current enterprise value of $2.2bn. Ooredoo and Zain will equally retain a substantial stake of 49.3% each in the newly restructured entity, through an asset and cash equalisation process. The founders of TASC will retain the remaining shareholding, through Digital Infrastructure Assets, and will continue to manage the business operations.
The tower entity is expected to achieve run-rate revenues close to $500mn annually, with an EBITDAaL (after leases) of more than $200mn annually upon the completion of closings in all individual countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Algeria, and Tunisia. This financial position underpins the promising prospects and profitability of the newly restructured tower company.
The signing of this landmark transaction constitutes a major milestone towards realising key aspects of both Ooredoo and Zain’s strategies, focused on evolving into smart telcos and creating a value-focused portfolio. It also reaffirms the commitment of Ooredoo, Zain, and TASC to drive growth and value for shareholders.
In a joint commentary, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, MD and Group CEO, Ooredoo; Bader al-Kharafi, Zain vice-chairman & Group CEO; and Iyad Mazhar, founder & CEO of TASC, said: “This pioneering deal embarks us on an exciting journey together as it results in the establishment of the region’s largest independent tower company, placing the Mena region on the world telecom tower map.
“It also positions the region as an advanced player in the global telecoms landscape, and we anticipate wide-ranging positive implications for the region – from economic growth and upgraded connectivity to technological improvements and increased global relevance.”
The CEOs added: “This strategic transaction will unlock significant shareholder value through higher earnings multiples and ensure capital efficiency, optimising balance sheets for our respective companies and creating new possibilities for investors.
“The deal also demonstrates our joint dedication to supporting the reduction of the region’s carbon footprint, contributing to our vision of reshaping the telecommunications sector by building a more sustainable ecosystem and ensuring a better-connected future for our communities across the region.”
As an independent tower company, leveraging the combined assets of Ooredoo and Zain, TASC will offer Passive Infrastructure as a Service (PIaaS) in a partnership model. This creates unprecedented opportunities for all mobile network operators, offering a capital-efficient alternative to building, owning and managing their passive infrastructure in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
This partnership model is well-equipped to meet the needs of other mobile network operators seeking to reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and address the increasing demand for sites driven by double-digit growth in mobile data consumption across the region.
Both Ooredoo and Zain will retain their respective active infrastructure, including wireless communication antennas, intelligent software, and intellectual property with respect to managing their telecom networks.
The expected timeline for the completion of this transaction contemplates initial market closings in 2024.
The phased implementation, tailored for each market and adhering to the regulatory environment, is subject to regulatory approvals, ensuring a seamless transition of operations. Ooredoo’s tower network in Oman is following a stand-alone process.
Morgan Stanley acted as the exclusive financial adviser to the Ooredoo Group and
Citigroup Global Markets acted as the exclusive financial adviser to Zain Group and TASC Towers Holding on this transaction. DLA Piper acted as the legal advisers for Ooredoo and both Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) jointly acted as the legal advisers of Zain Group and TASC Towers Holding. Shearman & Sterling (S&S) acted as the legal advisers of Digital Infrastructure Assets.