A wave of fibre broadband sell-offs is gathering pace across Europe as some of the world’s biggest private equity firms line up to cash in on a new generation of network challengers. As more homes and businesses swap old copper wiring with ultra-fast fibre-optic cables, investors are making large bets on “altnets”, which provide an alternative to traditional networks such as Openreach. Deals involving broadband providers have accelerated in the past two years. KCOM, Manx Telecom and CityFibre have all been taken private on lofty valuations, while Sir Charles Dunstone, the founder of TalkTalk, is seeking outside funding for a broadband challenger to BT. At least half a dozen smaller broadband providers are also likely to change hands, including Somerset-based broadband business Glide. Private equity backer Inflexion has hired bankers to explore a potential sale. The deals coincide with ambitious new plans set out by Boris Johnson, the front-runner in the Conservative Party leadership contest, for a national roll- out of full fibre eight years ahead of the Government’s current goal.
Private sector firms are talking profits in altnet , as the pace at which homes and businesses are swapping copper broadband lines with fibre - optic cables accelerates and Boris Johnson announces plans for national full - fibre coverage ahead of the government ’s current target . Deals in the sector have accelerated with firms including CityFibre , KCOM and Manx Telecom being taken private . Meanwhile TalkTalk searches for external investment to fund its broadband business , Inflexon has asked bankers to explore the sale of Glide , and KKR has mandated Morgan Stanley to sell its controlling stake in Deutsche Glasfaser . Elsewhere , Warburg Pincus is seeking a buyers for Orange , and broadband provider Covage is one of a few assets being sold in France .