Infratil Limited (NZSE:IFT) entered into a conditional agreement to acquire 80% stake in Console Connect Inc. from HKT Trust and HKT Limited (SEHK:6823) for $160 million on July 10, 2023. Infratil will initially acquire an 80% stake in Console Connect from HKT for $160 million. The purchase price includes an earnout and is subject to usual completion adjustments for cash, net debt, and net working capital. Infratil’s initial investment implies a 3.4x EV / FY2022A revenue multiple for Console Connect, with target returns of 15 – 25% over 10 years. Infratil will also enter into a strategic partnership with HKT, with both jointly investing up to $295 million over a 2-year period following completion of the acquisition to accelerate Console Connect’s growth. Following this initial period of growth investment, Infratil will own between 60-80% of Console Connect, with HKT holding the remainder.

Completion of the acquisition is conditional on telecommunication, foreign investment regulatory approvals and merger approvals in Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and the USA. Assuming those approvals are granted, completion is currently expected by Q3 2024. Bank Street acted as exclusive financial advisor and Herbert Smith Freehills acted as legal counsel to Infratil. Moelis acted as exclusive financial advisor and Gibson Dunn acted as legal counsel to HKT.