mynth
03/2014

ONO acquired by VODAFONE SPAIN

SPAIN Telecom / Operators EV 3b - 100b EUR

Context

The transaction involves the 100% equity carve-out of Grupo Corporativo Ono, S.A. by Vodafone on a debt-free and cash-free basis. Ownership changes as a planned initial public offering is preempted by the buyer's corporate cash proposal, allowing institutional private equity shareholders to secure an immediate liquidity exit. The structural combination accelerates Vodafone's unified communications timeline in Europe by replacing a slow urban fiber roll-out scheme with an established nationwide high-speed footprint. Technical integration involves transferring Ono’s mobile virtual network traffic onto Vodafone's native cellular grid to capture immediate operational margin upside. Management targets run-rate cost and capital expenditure synergies alongside substantial revenue cross-selling opportunities derived from the combined subscriber bases. The acquisition is funded through the buyer's balance sheet cash resources and committed undrawn bank facilities.

ONO, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2013, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , representing a to the average currently observed in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector (14.9x).

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Target

Grupo Corporativo Ono, S.A., based in Spain, operates as a next-generation telecommunications infrastructure provider delivering high-speed broadband and fixed-line connectivity to residential and corporate end-users. The operational architecture utilizes an extensive hybrid fibre-coaxial cable network passing through major autonomous regions to distribute multi-play services. Revenue generation relies on monthly recurring subscription contracts combining ultra-fast internet access, fixed telephony, and premium digital television packages. Customer lock-in is underpinned by the company's direct ownership of nearly all underground access ducts and civil engineering conduits within its municipal footprint. This proprietary physical network insulates the business from traditional copper infrastructure competitors and creates high capital barriers to entry against alternative local loops. The technical layout is fully upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 protocols, allowing for subsequent capacity expansion without significant incremental excavation costs. The high fixed cost required to replicate this regional civil grid ensures structural market protection and stabilizes long-term market shares.

Ent. Value

Equity Value

Multiples

EV / Revenue

EV / EBITDA

EV / EBIT

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2013
2012

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 3b - 100b EUR

Revenue range: 1b - 3b EUR

EBITDA range: 450M - 900M EUR

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of ONO by VODAFONE SPAIN are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Acquirer: vodafone spain