Fiberklaar Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Proximus has acquired full ownership of Fiberklaar from EQT Infrastructure for EUR 246 million. This strategic move is significant for the telecommunications industry, enhancing Proximus' ability to streamline fiber deployment in Flanders. The acquisition underscores the ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, crucial for improving connectivity and digital inclusion in Belgium.

What Is Fiberklaar?

Founded in 2025, Fiberklaar specializes in providing high-speed internet through fiber optic technology. Their core services include laying fiber cables in streets, connecting them to homes and businesses, and installing fiber sockets inside properties. Unique selling points include a 100% fiber connection from street to home, interference-free stable connections, an open network allowing users to choose their internet service provider, and dedicated fiber cables for each user, ensuring consistent performance and speed.

Who Acquired Fiberklaar?

Proximus Group is a leading telecommunications and ICT company in the Benelux region. It provides essential infrastructure, solutions, trust, and security for a digital society. Key services include telecom and ICT solutions, global digital communication, cloud and AI solutions, and cybersecurity. Proximus holds a significant market position, evidenced by strategic partnerships and a high-performance fiber network. The company is committed to sustainability and digital trust, solidifying its influence in the industry.

When Was Fiberklaar Acquired?

Proximus announced its acquisition of Fiberklaar on July 25, 2024. This move aligns with the broader industry trend of consolidating digital infrastructure to enhance fiber deployment capabilities. The timing is significant as it follows Fiberklaar's successful establishment as a leading fiber-to-the-home provider in Flanders, marking a strategic step for Proximus to increase its market presence and operational efficiency in the telecommunications sector.

Why Was Fiberklaar Acquired?

• Market Expansion: Proximus' acquisition of Fiberklaar significantly enhances its market presence in the Flemish region. By becoming the sole owner, Proximus can leverage Fiberklaar's established position as the leading independent fiber-to-the-home provider in Flanders, which has numerous active construction projects and is on track to bring fiber to households throughout the region.
• Technology Integration: The acquisition allows Proximus to integrate Fiberklaar's advanced fiber deployment technology more closely with its own operations. This integration will optimize financing costs and share best practices, improving the efficiency and quality of fiber rollout. Fiberklaar's efficient rollout engine, developed with EQT's experience, will be a valuable asset for Proximus.
• Competitive Advantage: By acquiring full ownership of Fiberklaar, Proximus gains strategic autonomy and flexibility, which will help accelerate fiber deployment and maintain a competitive edge in the telecommunications market. The consolidation of Fiberklaar's financials and future capital expenditures within the Proximus Group will streamline operations and potentially reduce costs, further strengthening its market position.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: EUR 246 million
• Payment Method: The specific payment method was not publicly disclosed.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Proximus will acquire the remaining shares of Fiberklaar, making it the 100% owner.
  • Fiberklaar will continue to operate as an independent entity within the Proximus Group.
  • The current management team of Fiberklaar will remain in place.
  • Proximus will have 100% representation on the Board of Directors of Fiberklaar.
  • The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming days.
  • The future capital expenditure (capex) requirements for fiber will be consolidated within the Proximus Group.
  • The total expected group capex for 2024 is approximately EUR 1.36 billion, with a similar profile expected for 2025-2027.
  • The acquisition is expected to generate synergies by optimizing financing costs and allowing the exchange of best practices for efficient fiber rollout.

Impact on Fiberklaar

The acquisition of Fiberklaar by Proximus is expected to bring several operational changes. Fiberklaar will continue to operate as an independent entity within the Proximus Group, maintaining its current management team. This structure aims to ensure continuity while leveraging Proximus' strategic autonomy and flexibility in fiber deployment. Proximus will have full representation on Fiberklaar's Board of Directors, facilitating closer collaboration and increased efficiency in fiber roll-out operations. This operational synergy is anticipated to optimize financing costs and enhance the overall quality of fiber deployment in Flanders.

Regarding product offerings and services, the acquisition is not expected to alter Fiberklaar's core mission of rolling out high-quality fiber networks. The focus will remain on expanding fiber-to-the-home services across Flanders, with an emphasis on digital inclusion. Employee reactions have been positive, with Fiberklaar's CEO expressing optimism about the future with Proximus. While specific customer reactions are not detailed, the emphasis on improved efficiency and quality suggests a favorable impact on customer experience. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly and efficiently.