Millicom (Tigo) Successfully Concludes Tender Offer for Telefónica’s Controlling Stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. (Coltel)
Millicom (NYSE:TIGO) has concluded a tender offer to acquire Telefónica’s controlling 67.5% stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A.
Rhea-AI Summary
Millicom (NYSE:TIGO) has concluded a tender offer to acquire Telefónica’s controlling 67.5% stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. (Coltel) for USD 214.4 million. Closing is expected on February 6, 2026, and Millicom awaits Phase 2 of the privatization around April 2026 to pursue remaining shares.
The company says the acquisition will create a larger, financially solid operator to accelerate nationwide fiber and 5G rollout, expand digital services, and support competition and digital inclusion in Colombia.
Positive
- Acquired 67.5% of Coltel for USD 214.4 million
- Transaction closing expected on February 6, 2026
- Aims to accelerate nationwide fiber and 5G rollout
- Positioned to create a second large-scale, financially viable operator
Negative
- Remaining shares acquisition depends on Phase 2 privatization expected around April 2026
- Full ownership and control contingent on a future process and timing uncertainties
Details
News Market Reaction – TIGO
On Feb 6, the first trading day after this news, TIGO closed 2.67% above the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Feb 6 session.
Key Figures
- Acquisition price
- USD 214.4 million
- Tender offer for Telefónica’s 67.5% equity stake in Coltel
- Equity stake acquired
- 67.5%
- Telefónica’s controlling equity stake in Coltel
- Closing date
- February 6
- Expected closing of Telefónica stake acquisition in Coltel
- Phase 2 timing
- around April
- Expected timing for Phase 2 privatization to acquire remaining shares
- Countries of operation
- 11 countries
- Millicom operations across Latin America
Historical Context
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Won public auction for EPM’s remaining UNE shares, nearing full ownership.
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Resolved historical DOJ investigation via DPA, clarifying legal overhang.
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Strong Q3 results with record Adjusted EBITDA and reiterated 2025 targets.
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Closed USD 380M purchase of Telefónica Ecuador, adding a new market.
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Announced timing and details for upcoming Q3 2025 earnings release.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
tender offer financial
privatization regulatory
5g technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Millicom (Tigo) Successfully Concludes Tender Offer for Telefónica’s Controlling Stake in Colombia Telecomunicaciones S.A. E.S.P. (Coltel)
Luxembourg, February 5, 2026 – Millicom International Cellular S.A. (“Millicom”) today announced it has successfully concluded a tender offer for the acquisition of Telefónica’s controlling
The tender offer was conducted in accordance with the terms publicly disclosed, with a price of USD 214.4 million for Telefónica’s controlling
As previously disclosed, this transaction is intended to strengthen Colombia’s telecommunications sector by creating a financially solid operator with the scale and investment capacity required to deliver critical upgrades in networks, spectrum, and technology. At a pivotal moment for the industry, the acquisition aims to consolidate a second large-scale, financially viable operator, expanding access to advanced digital services and accelerating the nationwide rollout of fiber and 5G—resulting in faster, more reliable connectivity and an enhanced customer experience.
Through the combination of the two businesses, Millicom seeks to build a stronger and more resilient telecommunications platform in Colombia, well positioned to advance the country’s digital inclusion goals. This strengthened operator is expected to reinforce competition, accelerate investment in next-generation infrastructure, and support Colombia’s digital transformation and long-term sustainable development.
Marcelo Benitez, CEO of Millicom, said: “This acquisition marks a decisive step in strengthening our long-term commitment to Colombia. It gives us greater scale, resilience, and investment capacity at a moment when the sector needs focus and conviction. With this platform, we can move faster in deploying fiber and 5G, expanding coverage, and raising service quality for millions of Colombians. Colombia is a core market for Millicom, and we will continue to work closely with regulators and all stakeholders to ensure that our investments foster competition, accelerate digital inclusion, and support sustainable growth.”
With operations across 11 countries in Latin America, the company reaffirms its long-term commitment to the region by advancing inclusive connectivity and digital infrastructure that enable economic growth and create opportunities for millions of people and businesses.
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For further information, please contact
| Press: Sofía Corral, Director Corporate Communications press@millicom.com | Investors: Luca Pfeifer, VP for Investor Relations investors@millicom.com |
About Millicom
Millicom (NASDAQ: TIGO) is a leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Latin America. Through its TIGO® and Tigo Business® brands, the company provides 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, highspeed data, voice, and business-to-business solutions such as cloud and security. As of September 30, 2025, Millicom, including its Honduras Joint Venture, employed approximately 14,000 people and provided mobile and fiber-cable services through its digital highways to more than 46 million customers, with a fiber-cable footprint over 14 million homes passed. Founded in 1990, Millicom International Cellular S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg with principal executive offices in Doral, Florida.
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