8 December 2017 – In May 2017, Apax Partners, Fortino Capital et Vodafone Group Plc announced their intention to combine Melita with Vodafone Malta to create a fully integrated communications company in Malta.
Since then, the parties have cooperated extensively with the Maltese Competition Authority (the “MCCAA”) in order to obtain approval for the transaction. However, it has now become clear that the parties are unable to satisfy the MCCAA’s requirements and consequently they have decided to terminate the project and withdraw the notification.
Apax Partners and Fortino, Melita’s shareholders, remain committed to their objective of structuring a unique network that will place Malta ahead of all other European countries in terms of telecom infrastructure. They confirm their support to a very fast upgrade of Melita’s mobile network to the latest generation 4.5G standards and a progressive nationwide roll out of the recently launched Gigabit Internet service.
About Apax Partners
www.apax.fr
Apax Partners is a leading private equity firm in Europe. With 45 years of experience, Apax Partners provides long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. Funds managed and advised by Apax Partners exceed €3 billion. These funds invest in fastgrowing small and mid-market companies across four sectors of specialisation: TMT, Consumer, Healthcare and Services
About Fortino Capital
www.apax.fr
Belgian based Investment company Fortino Capital invests in small and medium-sized businesses with growth potential. Fortino Capital believes in the potential of visionary entrepreneurs with a focus on technology, E-commerce and digital transformation. Fortino Capital brings strengthening of capital, expertise and experience in the areas of innovation, strategy and growth.