Digital Colony Enters the U.K. Market with an Investment in Stratto Ltd
- Rapidly growing, premium DAS and small cell operator in the U.K. wireless market
- Transaction provides committed capital for the continued deployment of Stratto's robust pipeline of indoor DAS network opportunities across the U.K.
- First step of a broader strategy to create a U.K. digital infrastructure platform across towers, fiber and small cell networks
BOCA RATON, Florida and LONDON, Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Colony, a global investment firm focused on enabling the next generation of mobile and internet infrastructure, today announced that an affiliate has made an investment in Stratto Ltd ("Stratto" or the "Company"). Digital Colony will become the majority shareholder in the Company, while existing investors, including BiscayneAmericas Advisers, LLC ("BAA") and certain members of management have rolled equity into the new investment. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Stratto is a leading provider of DAS and small cell networks in the U.K. offering an all inclusive Infrastructure-as-a-Service ("IaaS") model delivering indoor mobile coverage. Stratto solves in-building mobile service problems for its customers working closely with all mobile network operators ("MNOs") in the U.K. with the capacity and expertise to connect its in-building systems to MNOs' networks across different frequencies. Stratto is well positioned for continued growth as a robust DAS and small cell footprint is key to achieving the network densification required for MNOs to successfully operate 5G network technology.
"Our investment in Stratto is an excellent first step for Digital Colony in the U.K. market as we seek to build a small cell platform and expand our European footprint," said Marc Ganzi, Managing Partner of Digital Colony. "Stratto was attractive because of the strong operational track record of its management team, its core focus and expertise and its competitive market position including relationships with the U.K. MNOs. We look forward to working closely with the management team to position Stratto as a leader in the development of 5G digital infrastructure across the U.K."
"We're incredibly proud of what our team has achieved by making connectivity simple and providing flexible solutions to our customers and MNOs as they densify their networks," said Richard Bourne, CEO of Stratto. "This investment will allow us to better serve our customers' requirements and address the ever growing need for outstanding in-building mobile coverage. We are very excited to partner with Digital Colony as we enter this new phase of growth, where the proven track record and operational expertise of the Digital Colony network will be key to meeting our business objectives."
"We are very excited to partner with Digital Colony on this investment," said Robert Koffler, CEO of BAA. "With the additional support of Digital Colony and their experience and industry relationships, we have the opportunity to build this company into the largest indoor DAS network provider in Europe."
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal advisor to Digital Colony. MVP Capital Advisors, LLC served as financial advisor to Stratto. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP served as legal advisor to Stratto and management, while Winston & Strawn LLP served a legal advisor to BAA.
About Digital Colony
Digital Colony is focused on investing in the next generation of digital infrastructure. The firm invests in the mobile and internet infrastructure landscape worldwide, including macro cell towers, data centers, small cell networks, and fiber networks. Digital Colony's strategic investments help meet the demand for digital infrastructure capacity which is driven by growth in mobile data and video consumption, and the mega-trends of cloud computing, big data analysis, IT outsourcing and e-commerce. Digital Colony brings together the industry and investment expertise of its co-sponsors: Digital Bridge Holdings, LLC, which has raised $7.5 billion of debt and equity capital to build and acquire six digital infrastructure businesses across the United States, Mexico and South America, and Colony Capital, Inc. (NYSE: CLNY) which has 26 years of experience as a global investment manager and $43 billion of assets under management across real assets and private equity in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America. The Digital Colony executive leadership team has a history of successful investments and operations in digital infrastructure across multiple platforms and continents for over two decades.
About Stratto
Stratto was established in October 2016 to meet the growing demand for in-building mobile voice and data connectivity. By working closely with the MNOs, Stratto provides a solution to enterprise customers, industry verticals and property developers, owners and managers. Stratto's executives are veterans of the industry and have significant expertise of launching and scaling telecom, technology, network and service companies. Stratto delivers a simple to consume, all-inclusive service which supports all mobile operators: Great Mobile Service. Simply Delivered.
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