e& PPF Telecom, a joint venture between e& and PPF, has acquired full control of SBB’s operations in Serbia, marking a significant milestone in its European expansion strategy. The €825 million deal, funded through external debt, will see e& PPF focus on SBB’s cable TV and broadband businesses, while divesting its direct-to-home (DTH) satellite business to Telekom Srbija. The acquisition is valued at an enterprise value of around €1.5 billion.
Under the agreement with SBB’s parent company, United Group, the media assets of SBB, including news and entertainment channels N1 and Nova S, will remain with United. The transaction allows e& PPF to integrate SBB’s services with its own Yettel brand, enhancing its offerings in the Serbian market.
Balesh Sharma, CEO of e& PPF Telecom, expressed confidence that the deal would drive synergies, benefiting both Yettel and SBB customers with a wider range of services. He also highlighted the quality of SBB’s brand and its employees, looking forward to the integration of the two companies. This acquisition aligns with e&’s ambitions to expand its European presence, diversify revenue streams, and accelerate growth.
United Group, which has been expanding rapidly across Southeastern Europe, stated that the sale is part of its strategy to refocus on EU markets and streamline operations. With e& securing a strong foothold in Europe, industry experts are watching closely for the operator’s next moves.
