BT has announced a significant transaction involving the sale of its Irish wholesale and enterprise business unit, BT Communications Ireland Ltd. (BTCIL), to Speed Fibre Group, a leading Irish telecommunications company owned by Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited. The deal, valued at €22 million, is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in 2025.
The transaction includes BTCIL’s domestic network infrastructure, over 400 customers, and associated teams supporting wholesale and enterprise connectivity. However, BT will retain its multinational and large organisation customer base, the Emergency Call Answering Service, and associated employees. Additionally, the recently divested data centre business (pending regulatory approval) is also excluded from the sale.
As part of the agreement, BT and Speed Fibre Group will establish a long-term partnership to secure connectivity for their respective customers.
Peter McCarthy, CEO of Speed Fibre Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce that BT Communications Ireland, which includes wholesale and enterprise connectivity customers, will become part of Speed Fibre Group, marking an exciting milestone in our shared journey. This acquisition enables us to deliver even greater value to our customers by expanding our range of connectivity solutions. It’s a positive development for the Irish market, providing us with the scale and capabilities to better serve our growing customer base.”
Enhancing Ireland’s Telecommunications Market
The acquisition aligns with Speed Fibre Group’s strategy to bolster its standing as a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Ireland. By integrating BTCIL’s complementary capabilities and domestic customer base, the deal strengthens Speed Fibre Group’s ability to deliver advanced connectivity solutions to its growing customer base.
Steve Marshall, Chairman of Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited, said: “This transaction is an important addition to our Irish platform, representing a significant step in our strategy to build scale in key geographies. BT Communications Ireland Ltd’s capabilities complement Speed Fibre Group’s existing operations, enhancing our ability to support the growing connectivity needs of Irish businesses.”
Post-transaction, BT will continue delivering secure multi-cloud connectivity to multinationals and large organisations in Ireland and globally. BT will maintain a strong presence in Ireland, with over 400 employees, offices in Dublin and regionally, and connections to BT’s global network infrastructure.
Bas Burger, CEO, Business, BT, said: “Today’s announcement is another key milestone in focusing our international business on what it does best: providing secure multi-cloud connectivity to large organisations globally and in Ireland. Our Irish wholesale and enterprise business unit, which has been a leading alternative provider for more than 30 years, will enter a new era with Speed Fibre Group. We are confident that Speed Fibre Group will continue to deliver exceptional service to customers, and we look forward to working together with them as our future partner in Ireland.”
Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland, said: “We have transformed our operations in Ireland over the past eighteen months to position our various business units for future growth. This new chapter will see BT focusing on multinationals and large organisations in Ireland, with Speed Fibre Group as its wholesale network and national services partner. Through this transaction, I am confident that the complementary strengths of both entities will unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and sustain long-term growth in the Irish telecommunications market.”