EQT Infrastructure’s Broadnet, GlobalConnect to merge

Sept. 17, 2018
Investment firm EQT says it plans to merge Broadnet Holding AS and GlobalConnect A/S, two fiber-optic network services holdings within its EQT Infrastructure III portfolio. Martin Lippert, CEO of Broadnet since 2013, will serve as CEO of the combined company. The effective date of the merger was not disclosed.

Investment firm EQT says it plans to merge Broadnet Holding AS and GlobalConnect A/S, two fiber-optic network services holdings within its EQT Infrastructure III portfolio. Martin Lippert, CEO of Broadnet since 2013, will serve as CEO of the combined company. The effective date of the merger was not disclosed.

Broadnet, which EQT Infrastructure acquired this past May, operates more than 24,000 km of fiber in Norway. The fiber backbone and metro network infrastructure links more than 90 cities across the country. The company serves both businesses and consumers, the latter via its HomeNet brand (see, for example, "Norway’s Broadnet to deliver SD-WAN private line offerings via Huawei").

GlobalConnect, which EQT Infrastructure bought in February 2017, provides fiber-based data communication services to business customers in Denmark and Germany; it also is the largest data center provider in Denmark, EQT asserts. The company operates 15,300 km of fiber-optic network and 13,000 sqm of secure co-location space in Denmark and Northern Germany.

Combining the two companies will expand their respective international offerings, EQT asserts. Last year, the two companies had combined revenues of approximately EUR 310 million and an EBITDA of EUR 110 million.

“We are proud to announce the combination of Broadnet and GlobalConnect, creating a true challenger to the incumbent telecom operators in Norway, Denmark and Northern Germany,” commented Lippert. “The combined company will be a prominent Northern European fiber-based communication provider, helping local and multinational companies in accelerating its digital transformation by offering and making further investments in advanced digital platforms, services and customer support.”

For related articles, visit the Business Topic Center.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.

Contact Stephen to discuss:

  • Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
  • The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
  • Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
  • Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
  • Coverage of announcements
  • General questions of an editorial nature

Sponsored Recommendations

Transforming the metro network and the evolution of the "Digital Service Provider"

March 4, 2025
Join experts at EXFO and Ekinops in this webinar that will review the evolving metro-centric requirements and the technologies emerging to meet them.

Unveiling the Synergy Between AI and Optical Networking

March 12, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with industry experts on the intersection of AI and optics. Moderated by Sean Buckley, editor-in-chief of Lightwave+BTR, this panel will explore...

On Topic: Tech Forecast for 2025/ What Will Be Hot

Dec. 9, 2024
As we wind down 2024, Lightwave’s latest on-topic eBook will examine the hot topics for 2025. AI is at the top of the minds of optical industry players supporting...

ON TOPIC: Filling Coverage Gaps, Enhancing Public Safety

Jan. 30, 2025
With the ongoing drive to support AI and the need for high-speed data center interconnection, the call for higher-speed 800G optical technology is emerging. Initially focused ...