Arqiva Acquires National Grid Wireless

Arqiva, owned by Macquarie Bank, has completed the acquisition of National Grid Wireless for £2.5 billion.

National Grid Wireless, which is headquartered in Warwick, comprises a national communications infrastructure network that provides broadcast transmission services for BBC television and radio, hosts wireless sites for major mobile network operators, and owns and operates two Freeview digital TV multiplexes.

Last week it submitted its bid for the second national digital multiplex, offering a service of 12 stations (see National Grid Wireless Bids On Multiplex).

Tom Bennie, Arqiva’s chief executive officer, said: “We firmly believe that combining Arqiva and National Grid Wireless will result in a stronger entity which is better positioned to serve the needs of the UK’s broadcast and mobile communications industries in the future.

“We will be able to deliver large-scale projects of national importance, such as digital switchover, much more effectively and efficiently. This will also enhance our prospects in the mobile outsourcing market.

“Having a single broadcast transmission service provider brings the UK into line with most of the rest of the world. The UK’s terrestrial broadcast transmission network will be in a much better position to ensure that terrestrial broadcasting remains a powerful and innovative service in the future.”

Edward Astle, National Grid’s executive director for non-regulated business, added: “The sale of National Grid Wireless to Arqiva represents the most attractive outcome for our shareholders and offers a good future for the business.

“Combined with Arqiva, the business will remain at the centre of digital broadcasting during digital switchover and play a key role as wireless and broadcasting services converge.”

The transaction will be subject to a review by the UK Competition authorities, with the review process is expected to last up to 12 months.

Arqiva: www2.arqiva.com National Grid Wireless: www.nationalgrid.com/uk/wireless