Colt Technology Services has finalised its $1.8bn acquisition of Lumen EMEA, marking a significant milestone in the digital infrastructure industry.
The move expands Colt’s global capabilities, making it one of the world’s largest business-to-business telecoms companies. Customers across North America will benefit from Colt’s award-winning digital infrastructure as part of a partnership agreement with Lumen.
The acquisition also extends Colt’s technology portfolio and reach into new markets across Eastern Europe, UAE, and parts of Africa. CEO Keri Gilder emphasises Colt’s commitment to sustainable networks and meaningful industry change.
- Colt Technology Services has completed the acquisition of Lumen EMEA for $1.8bn, making it one of the world’s largest business-to-business-only telecoms companies.
- The acquisition allows Colt to expand its digital infrastructure and services in Eastern Europe, the UAE, and parts of Africa.
- Colt’s customers will benefit from an extended portfolio of services, including new security technologies, market-leading SASE products, and managed hosting and professional services.
Colt Technology Services Seals the Deal
In a strategic move that holds significant implications for the European telecoms sector, Colt Technology Services has just finalised its $1.8bn purchase of Lumen EMEA. This finalises an exclusive agreement with Lumen Technologies for the acquisition of their Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) business.
What This Means for Colt
This transaction is more than a simple business expansion; it’s a moment of transformation for Colt. With this acquisition, Colt evolves into one of the world’s largest B2B-only telecoms companies. It is a move that gives the company a more influential global standing. Keri Gilder will continue as the company’s CEO, leading a diverse executive team.
Impact on North American Businesses
As part of this deal, Colt and Lumen Technologies have entered into a partnership. This partner agreement brings benefits to North American businesses, providing them access to Colt’s award-winning digital infrastructure and services both within and outside of North America.
A Word from Colt’s CEO
Keri Gilder, CEO, Colt Technology Services, expressed her thoughts on the acquisition:
“Closing this acquisition brings us to a momentous point in our growth journey and marks our deep commitment to our customers, helping them scale and grow. It brings us amazing new talent; extends our technology portfolio and our partner ecosystem; and significantly expands our digital infrastructure as we enter new markets across Eastern Europe, the UAE and parts of Africa.”
Benefits for the Customers
Customers of Colt will see benefits from the company’s existing suite of award-winning technologies, featuring On Demand and SD-WAN. The extended portfolio of services includes new security technologies, market-leading SASE products, managed hosting and professional services.
New Markets and Extended Reach
The acquisition opens up new markets for Colt, with Points of Presence (PoPs) in Dubai, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, and Turkey. This expansion comes at a time when Colt’s latest brand research indicates businesses planning to extend their digital infrastructure outside their existing markets.
Final Thoughts
Colt’s acquisition of Lumen EMEA is a strategic move that solidifies its position in the global telecommunications industry. With a clear focus on customer success and a commitment to driving sustainable digital infrastructure, Colt is setting the stage for a future where scale, adaptability, and purpose define success. It’s a future that Colt seems ready to seize, and we’ll be watching its progress with keen interest.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of Colt’s acquisition of Lumen EMEA?
A: The acquisition marks a pivotal point for Colt, elevating them to one of the world’s largest business-to-business-only telecoms companies and an influential global player. It brings renewed optimism to the European telecoms industry, offering greater choice and expansive global capabilities to enterprises investing in powerful, sustainable digital infrastructure.
Q: Who will remain as Colt’s CEO after the acquisition?
A: Keri Gilder will remain as Colt’s CEO, leading the company with the support of a skilled and diverse executive leadership team.
Q: What is the partnership agreement between Colt and Lumen Technologies?
A: As part of the acquisition, Colt and Lumen Technologies will enter into a partnership agreement. This agreement allows businesses in North America to access Colt’s award-winning digital infrastructure and services within and outside of North America.
Q: How does Colt plan to expand its reach after the acquisition?
A: The acquisition brings Colt an extended portfolio of services and an expanded network infrastructure. This includes 1,300 new customer-focused employees across 16 countries, 1,630,031 kilometres of fibre connecting 125 European cities in 34 EMEA countries, 11,000 kilometres of metropolitan network in 23 countries and the UAE, 12 cable landing stations in six countries, and 10 subsea cable systems. Colt will also establish PoPs in Dubai, Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, and Turkey.
Q: What are some of the technology services Colt offers to its customers?
A: Customers will benefit from Colt’s existing suite of award-winning technologies, including On Demand and SD-WAN. The acquisition also brings new services such as new security technologies, market-leading SASE products, managed hosting, and professional services.
Q: How many customers does Colt gain through the acquisition?
A: The acquisition brings Colt 2,700 customers, including blue-chip corporations, leading enterprises, and public sector customers.
Q: What are the regions that businesses plan to extend their digital infrastructure to, according to Colt’s brand research?
A: Colt’s brand research found that 44% of businesses plan to extend their digital infrastructure to Europe, 40% to APAC, 35% to the Americas, 29% to the Middle East, and 24% plan to expand their network to Africa.
Q: How does Colt view its role in the industry after the acquisition?
A: Colt sees itself as a pioneer for sustainable networks and aims to be one of the most powerful voices in the industry. They are committed to driving purposeful and meaningful change to protect people and the planet.
