Liberty Latin America and Millicom Agree to Combine Operations in Costa Rica
TRANSACTION TARGETS GREATER INVESTMENT IN FIBER NETWORKS TO DELIVER ENHANCED SERVICES AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Denver, Colorado and Luxembourg - August 1, 2024: Liberty Latin America Ltd. (“Liberty Latin America” or “LLA”) (NASDAQ: LILA and LILAK, OTC Link: LILAB) and Millicom International Cellular S.A. (“Millicom”) (NASDAQ U.S.: TIGO, Nasdaq Stockholm: TIGO_SDB) today announced that the parties have entered into an agreement to combine the companies’ respective operations in Costa Rica. Under the terms of the all-stock agreement, Liberty Latin America and its minority partner in Costa Rica will hold an approximate 86% interest and Millicom 14% in the joint operations, with the final ownership percentage confirmed at closing.
As of December 31, 2023, the combined operations had Adjusted OIBDA1 of approximately $255 million2, more than 440,000 broadband subscribers, and net debt of $533 million3.
The transaction reinforces the parties’ commitment to Costa Rica by creating the opportunity for a scaled platform and accelerated investments in fiber network expansion. In a market that is undergoing rapid technological advancements with the deployment of fiber networks by multiple operators, this combination would increase fiber competition and promote high-quality, good value services and access to the digital economy for all Costa Ricans.
Balan Nair, President and CEO of Liberty Latin America, commented, “Costa Rica is a great country to operate in and Liberty Costa Rica is a strong business for us. By combining Liberty and Tigo, the fixed operations will accelerate the transition to FTTH and will enable us to deliver exceptional high-speed services for consumers, provide enhanced customer experiences, drive innovation, and offer growth opportunities for our people. With this transaction, Liberty Costa Rica will continue to be a leading connectivity operator in the market.”