𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑡 7,506
Globe (PSE:GLO), a leading digital platform in the Philippines with major interests in telecommunications, financial technology, virtual healthcare, digital marketing solutions, corporate venture building, and most recently, climate technology, announced today the signing of the sale and leaseback agreement with Unity Digital Infrastructure (Unity), a partnership between Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) and Partners Group for the sale of 447 towers.
The tower assets consist of 84% ground-based towers and 16% rooftop towers. The sale comes with a commitment to build over 200 towers across Visayas and/or Mindanao. Globe expects to raise total proceeds of ₱5.4 billion from executing this transaction.
The towers, which are all located in Luzon, will be leased back to Globe for an initial period of 15 years.
The first close for this portfolio is targeted to occur in the third quarter of 2023, with subsequent closings
happening as and when closing conditions are met. Globe estimates the pre-tax net transaction gain from
this transaction to be ₱1.8, reporting and recognition of which will be according to the timing of
the transaction closings.
“Signing this agreement with Unity is consistent with our endeavor to promote capital efficiency and
prudence in our transactions. We keep our shareholders and customers’ welfare in mind by finding the
right balance of funding sources and transformational projects designed to steer the company towards the digital forefront,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe’s Chief Finance Officer.
The sale to Unity brings Globe’s total tower sold from 7,059 towers to 7,506 towers and the expected
proceeds will be used to finance capital expenditures and maturing debts. This tower deal will strengthen
Globe’s balance sheet, thus providing sufficient flexibility to compete in this dynamic market as well as
propel Globe’s shift into becoming the Philippines’ leading digital solutions platform.
“Positioning ourselves as leaders in digital infrastructure brings us a step closer to our vision of becoming
the Philippines’ first Techglomerate. Through the digital portfolio expansion of Aboitiz InfraCapital, we
are empowering the country to stay connected and adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape, driving
progress and advancement for all,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive
Officer.
Robin Sarmiento, Unity Digital Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer commented, “At Unity, our
commitment is focused on supporting the country’s digital infrastructure initiative. We partner with all
mobile network operators to address the growing demand for expanded coverage and improved
connectivity, with the goal of reaching unserved and underserved areas.”
Ernest L. Cu, Globe’s President and Chief Executive Officer added, “We are confident that our
partnership with Unity will enable us to further streamline our operations and promote technology as a
tool to upgrade the standard of living across the nation especially in Visayas and Mindanao, consistent with our vision of digital inclusivity. Reliable infrastructure cannot be stressed enough for a digital
company like Globe especially now that our deliberate shift from telco to techco is robustly underway.”
UBS AG acted as exclusive financial advisor to Globe on the transaction.
