Baltcom, an entertainment and telecommunication services company in Latvia, has completed the acquisition of IZZI, the second largest cable television operator in the country.
Baltcom completed this acquisition with the full support of its shareholders AXA Private Equity, the European diversified private equity firm, and Resource Partners, a consumer-focused investor in Central and Eastern Europe.
Baltcom and IZZI will continue to operate as independent legal entities. The clients of both companies will continue to receive the services they had previously and will also have the opportunity to access the wider, combined offering of the companies, broadened with new offers.
This transaction accelerates Baltcom’s growth strategy, which includes the continuous development of new services and offers through an increased network reach throughout Latvia.
Vojko Rovere, chief executive, Baltcom says: “Following this transaction, we will be able to increase the reach of Baltcom’s telecommunications services by approximately 30 per cent, and will offer clients an even wider range of services. This ensures continued growth and further strengthens Baltcom’s position in the market, while also enhancing the healthy competitive environment in the telecommunications industry.”
Andris Zelonka, board member, IZZI, says, “IZZI clients will also greatly benefit from this transaction. As a more powerful company, we will be able to strengthen the quality of our existing services and develop our expertise to offer the newest telecommunications services available in Latvia.”
Marton Hunek, director at AXA Private Equity, says: “We are delighted to support Baltcom as it moves into the next stage of its development. This acquisition will create a significant player in the Latvian entertainment and telecommunication services market. The combination with IZZI is the sixth build-up acquisition completed by Baltcom since our initial investment in 2011 and is a major step in terms of market consolidation.”
Piotr Noceń, managing partner of Resource Partners, says: “Consolidating the Latvian cable TV market is an important part of our investment strategy. The combination of the two companies will broaden product offering and allow them to deliver the best services to their clients.”
