- 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.