DLA Piper advises Ooredoo on first closing of Middle East regional tower platform

Global law firm DLA Piper has advised Ooredoo Q.P.S.C. (Ooredoo) on the first closing of its regional tower transaction with Mobile Telecommunications Company K.S.P.C. (Zain Group). The deal brings together the initial tower portfolios within a regional platform jointly owned by Ooredoo and Zain Group, each holding a 50% stake. The first closing combines the tower assets of Ooredoo Qatar (Al Abraj) and Zain Kuwait (ITK) within the platform. Together, these portfolios comprise approximately 4,000 towers.

The transaction is expected to create significant value through greater scale, capital efficiencies and a dedicated operating model focused on passive telecommunications infrastructure. As it expands, the platform will support the delivery of infrastructure-as-a-service. It will create opportunities for operators to access infrastructure in a more capital-efficient manner, while supporting the continued development of the region’s digital infrastructure and a lower carbon footprint.

Additional tower portfolios are expected to be integrated progressively into the platform, subject to applicable closing conditions and required regulatory and other approvals.

Ooredoo and Zain Group will retain their respective active telecommunications infrastructure, including the technology, software and intellectual property required to operate and manage their telecommunications networks.

The global DLA Piper team advising Ooredoo, led by partners Ben Forgiel-Jenkins, Mike Conradi and Ehab Elsonbaty, comprised legal directors Paul Routledge and Elias Al-Far, senior associate Philippa Parkinson, associate William Barrett and senior associate Chris Rennie.

Commenting on the transaction, Ben Forgiel-Jenkins said: “The scale and complexity of this transaction required us to bring together a closely coordinated international and cross-practice team to support Ooredoo in reaching this important milestone. It is an excellent example of how our global network, sector knowledge and M&A experience can be brought together to support clients on complex cross-border transactions.”

Dr. Ehab Elsonbaty, DLA Piper partner and Leader of the Middle East/US Initiative, and Ooredoo global relationship partner, added: “Congratulations to all parties on this first closing, and the positive impact it will have on the region’s digital infrastructure landscape. We are delighted to have once again supported our longstanding client Ooredoo on another successful project, as they continue to evolve and expand.”

The Ooredoo legal team was led by Georges Abi Saab, Group General Counsel.

Georges Abi Saab said: “This is a significant step in advancing our ambitions for digital infrastructure and creating platforms equipped to support long-term growth. Working alongside partners with complementary strengths enables us to build greater scale, realise more value from our assets and establish the foundations needed for emerging technologies, including AI, and the next generation of connectivity. Thank you to the DLA Piper team for their close support and effective cross-border advice. Their deep experience in complex infrastructure projects was invaluable in finalising this first closing.”