The acquisition forms part of a network of independent wireless telecommunications infrastructure operators.

Last 1 April, Australia Tower Network (ATN) expressed interest to acquire Axicom at $3.58 billion. ATN is owned by Singtel, a telco company based in Singapore.

In a statement, ATN says it wanted to integrate Axicom under its operations. ATN CEO Cameron Evans be leading efforts to bring the two companies together as one.

Evans says the strong synergies between the two will usher long-term growth.

“ATN and Axicom bring together complementary portfolios of more than 4,000 sites, and a pipeline of a further 700 sites in development, creating value and opportunities for our broad group of current and potential future customers,” Evans claims.

The acquisition is backed by ATN’s shareholders, AustralianSuper and Singtel, which, Evans says, had a strategic investment approach that allowed the business to build on its strong foundation.

“Our new business will offer solutions that complement our existing infrastructure footprint and value add with additional data services. This will ultimately benefit our customers and the broader community.”

Evans is now focusing on finalising the integration and steering both organisations ahead for the future.

“Over the next few months, we will be harmonising processes, systems, and technology to get the best of both companies for the benefit of our customers and our people.”

“We will be investing in designing for the future, leading the way with new designs and technology, leveraging AI & machine learning to achieve carbon neutral outcomes, optimising operations and improving customer experience,” Evans concludes.

A new name and brand for the merged company will be launched later in 2022.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 11 May 2022.