Digital Bridge today announced it has completed an institutional investment round of US$150mn to support growth for Andean Tower Partners (ATP). The Andean Region requires significant investment in telecommunications infrastructure to meet the needs associated with significant mobile data demand growth. ATP owns and operates passive telecom infrastructure solutions through towers, rooftops, small cells, and DAS (distributed antenna systems) that enable mobile connectivity in the Andean region.
Following ISA’s recently announced investment agreement of US$80mn, Digital Bridge closed additional equity commitments for ATP with three leading global institutional investors bringing a total of US$23mn of new capital to ATP. Participating Investors include ISA, The Olayan Group, a private multinational enterprise that is a major international investor as well as a diversified commercial and industrial business in the Middle East, Equity International, Sam Zell’s investment firm focused on the emerging markets, and TC Latin America Partners, private equity firm focused on real estate investments in Colombia, Peru and Mexico.
Founded by the leadership team at Digital Bridge, ATP is a leading owner and operator of mobile and internet infrastructure with an extensive two-decade proven track record in the sector in the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Peru. Digital Bridge previously founded and capitalized Mexico Tower Partners in 2013 and Vertical Bridge in 2014.
“We are extremely delighted with the success of ATP’s first institutional capital raise, which is anchored by experienced and very knowledgeable investors in the sector. With partners, such as ISA, The Olayan Group, Equity International, and TC Latin America Partners, ATP will continue its expansion and strategic goal to become the leading telecom infrastructure provider in the Andean region.” said Marc C. Ganzi, ATP’s Chairman.
“With the experience and know-how in telecommunication infrastructure of the ATP team and Digital Bridge, we believe ATP has substantial capacity to successfully grow its footprint and is well positioned to capitalise on the region’s opportunities,” said David Syriani, Head of the Americas Private Equity at The Olayan Group.
Sam Zell, founder and chairman of Equity International commented, “In the telecom sector, the emerging markets look a lot like the U.S. did fifteen years ago. Demand for mobile and internet service has overwhelmed supply. We see this as a terrific opportunity to apply our ability to institutionalise companies to an asset class that expands the traditional definition of real estate. We’re pleased to be doing it with a leading player in the space and exceptionally strong partners.”
Gregorio Schneider, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at TC Latin America Partners, explains, “as the penetration of smartphones increases in the Andean region, investment in cellular towers is key to meeting growing data consumption needs. As part of our real estate investment strategy, we are excited to partner with Digital Bridge in this opportunity, and believe in ATP’s growth plans to fill this gap in the region.”
