Rautenberg & Company advises metrofibre on the sale of a majority stake in ruhrfibre Essen to DIF Capital Partners.
Our team advised metrofibre GmbH on the preparation of a sale of a majority stake in ruhrfibre Essen Holding GmbH and ruhrfibre Essen Netz KG to DIF Capital Partners and of a minority stake in ruhrfibre Essen Netz KG to Essener Versorgungs- und Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH (EVV). Signing of the transaction took place in November 2022.
metrofibre develops, finances, builds and operates state-of-the-art fibre optic networks, bringing high-performance digital infrastructure to urban areas. A passive open network concept creates non-discriminatory access for telecommunications operators. metrofibre relies on close cooperation with municipalities, regional partners and investors and thus makes a valuable contribution to the digital transformation of German cities - privately financed and without government subsidies.
ruhrfibre is a partnership between the City of Essen, renowned infrastructure investor DIF Capital Partners and metrofibre to roll-out a full-coverage FTTH network in the Ruhr area. Objective is to provide c. 150,000 households as well as businesses, hospitals and public institutions with gigabit internet access via an ultra-modern fibre network. The ruhrfibre partnership model is a pioneering concept in Germany for fibre roll-out in urban areas.
DIF Capital Partners is an independent infrastructure fund manager, with more than EUR 15 billion of AUM. DIF was founded in 2005 and has built a leading position in managing mid-market investments, primarily in Europe, North America and Australia. The firm’s CIF funds invest in small to mid-sized companies that will thrive in the new economy. These companies are typically active in the digital, energy transition and sustainable transportation sector. With a team of over 200 professionals in 11 offices, DIF offers a unique market approach combining global presence with strong local networks and investment capabilities.
Our team supported metrofibre in the development of the ruhrfibre concept and with continued strategic advice.
Quick Facts
Datum
- November 2022
metrofibre GmbH
- Developer of digital infrastructure in urban areas
- Founded in Duesseldorf in 2022
ruhrfibre Essen
- Partnership between metrofibre, DIF and EVV
- Developer and owner of a full-coverage FTTH network in Essen
- Goal is to build c. 150,000 homes passed in next three years
DIF Capital Partners
- Independent infrastructure fund manager with EUR 15bn AUM
- Founded in 2005 in Amsterdam
Dealgröße
- Undisclosed
Leistungen
- Strategic concept development
- M&A and strategic advice
Team
- Arndt Rautenberg, Managing Partner
- Eike Gerrit Büllingen, Senior Director
- Sebastian Morck, Director
- Lars Klinger, Senior Associate