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Vodafone invites advisers for IPO

written by Bella Palmer
vodafone

Wireless infrastructure has been drawing interest from investors because of the steady, long-term nature of the assets

Vodafone Group Plc has invited advisers for a role on the planned initial public offering (IPO) of its European towers unit, which could raise more than 2 billion euros (£1.81 billion), people with knowledge of the matter said.

The UK carrier asked potential underwriters to submit proposals next month, according to the people, who asked not to be identified. It plans to list the business as early as 2021 and is considering seeking a valuation of 10 billion euros (£9.06 billion) to 20 billion euros (£18.12 billion), the people said.

Rothschild is managing the IPO preparations for Vodafone, according to the people. The role typically involves overseeing the selection of deal arrangers as well as making recommendations on other aspects of the listing.

Telecom operators are increasingly seeking ways to extract value from their tower portfolios. Wireless infrastructure has been drawing interest from investors because of the steady, long-term nature of the assets.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Vodafone's listing could help revive the European IPO market, which is on track for the slowest first half since 2012.

Vodafone is considering Frankfurt as a listing venue, though no final decisions have been made, the people said.

Deliberations are at an early stage, and the amount it ultimately raises will depend on market conditions and the percentage stake it sells in the offering, according to the people.

A representative for Vodafone declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Rothschild didn't immediately respond.

Vodafone announced last year that it had plans to carve out its towers business and consider it for an IPO or minority stake sale. The new unit was expected to include about 61,700 masts in 10 countries, Vodafone said at the time, with operations likely to generate about 900 million euros of annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

London and Frankfurt are both strong contenders for a listing venue, Vodafone's Chief Executive Officer Nick Read said on a May media call.

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