Millicom (Tigo) and SBA Communications agree to long-term partnership in Central America
Rhea-AI Summary
Millicom (TIGO) has entered into an agreement with SBA Communications for a sale and leaseback of approximately 7,000 towers across Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua for $975 million, plus performance-based earn-outs. The deal includes a build-to-suit agreement for up to 2,500 additional sites. The transaction, expected to close in mid-2025, aims to optimize operational and capital efficiency while maintaining Millicom's position as the leading mobile network operator in Central America. The deal will make SBA Communications the leading tower company across Central America.
Positive
- Sale and leaseback deal valued at $975 million plus potential earn-outs
- Agreement includes future expansion with 2,500 additional tower sites
- Monetization of non-core assets improves capital efficiency
- Maintains network control while generating significant cash proceeds
Negative
- Long-term lease obligations will create recurring expenses
- Loss of direct tower ownership and associated revenue streams
- Transaction completion delayed until mid-2025
- Deal subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, TIGO gained 0.25%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Millicom (Tigo) and SBA Communications agree to long-term partnership in Central America
Luxembourg, October 28, 2024 – Millicom International Cellular S.A. (NASDAQ: TIGO) announces today that it has entered into an agreement with SBA Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: SBAC) to sell and leaseback a tower portfolio of approximately 7,000 towers in Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua for a total consideration of approximately
In addition, the parties have agreed to enter into a build-to-suit agreement under which SBA Communications will build up to 2,500 additional sites, further solidifying the partnership.
Marcelo Benitez, Chief Executive Officer of Millicom, commented, “We are pleased to partner with SBA Communications in this landmark tower transaction, a key element of Millicom’s strategy to unlock shareholder value. By monetizing non-core assets, we are optimizing our operational and capital efficiency, positioning the company for sustainable growth and long-term value creation. This agreement with SBA Communications strengthens our position as the leading mobile network operator in the region. We are committed to continue building and expanding our mobile coverage to empower communities, foster innovation and create new opportunities for economic development.”
Brendan Cavanagh, President & Chief Executive Officer of SBA Communications, stated “We are happy to join Millicom in announcing this transaction, which significantly enhances the longstanding relationship enjoyed between our companies. As a result of this transaction and the strength of our existing portfolio, SBA Communications will be the leading tower company across all of Central America and we are excited to support Millicom as a leading mobile network operator in advancing their network goals and enhancing connectivity throughout the region.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions and is expected to close in mid-2025.
J.P. Morgan and Lazard Freres acted as financial advisors to Millicom, and Winston & Strawn LLP acted as legal advisor in connection with the transaction. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to SBA, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal advisor.
Regulatory Statement
Certain of this information was, prior to this release, inside information and is information that Millicom is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. This information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 9.01pm CET on October 28, 2024.
About Millicom
Millicom (NASDAQ U.S.: TIGO, Nasdaq Stockholm: TIGO_SDB) is a leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Latin America. Through our TIGO® and Tigo Business® brands, we provide a wide range of digital services and products, including TIGO Money for mobile financial services, TIGO Sports for local entertainment, TIGO ONEtv for pay TV, high-speed data, voice, and business-to-business solutions such as cloud and security. As of June 30, 2024, Millicom, including its Honduras Joint Venture, employed approximately 15,000 people, and provided mobile and fiber-cable services through its digital highways to more than 45 million customers, with a fiber-cable footprint of about 14 million homes passed. Founded in 1990, Millicom International Cellular S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg.
Press: Investors:
Sofia Corral Michel Morin
Director Corporate Communications VP Investor Relations
press@millicom.com investors@millicom.com
About SBA Communications Corporation
SBA Communications Corporation is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure including towers, buildings, rooftops, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells. With a portfolio of more than 39,000 communications sites in 15 markets throughout the Americas, Africa and the Philippines, SBA is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol SBAC. Our organization is part of the S&P 500 and is one of the top Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) by market capitalization. For more information, please visit: sbasite.com
Contact Information:
Mark DeRussy, CFA Lynne Hopkins
Capital Markets Media Relations
561-226-9531 561-226-9431
FAQ
How many towers is Millicom (TIGO) selling to SBA Communications?
What is the value of TIGO's tower sale to SBA Communications?
When will TIGO's tower sale to SBA Communications close?
How many additional towers will SBA build for TIGO under the agreement?
