Cellnex could sell the Salt and Sunrise antenna sites

Spanish telecommunications infrastructure giant Cellnex is considering selling off its Swiss unit, comprising more than 6,000 antenna sites, according to recent rumors. This potential move would be part of a broader strategy to reduce the company’s debt, initiated at the end of 2022.

Cellnex, present in Switzerland since 2017, acquired thousands of antenna sites from Sunrise, then from Salt two years later. These transactions allowed mobile operators to collect considerable sums, while forcing them to pay rent for the use of these infrastructures. The possible sale of these Swiss assets raises questions about the long-term viability of this economic model. Cellnex Switzerland.

A major player undergoing rapid change

Founded in 2015 and based in Barcelona, ​​Cellnex has quickly established itself as the leading European telecoms infrastructure operator. Present in 11 European countries, the company has experienced rapid growth thanks to numerous strategic acquisitions.

In France, Cellnex manages more than 28,000 sites through its various subsidiaries, in addition to a 30,000 km fiber optic network and more than 100 local data centers. This massive presence illustrates the importance of the company in the European telecoms landscape.

Financial and strategic challenges

Despite a turnover increasing by 16% in 2023, reaching 4.05 billion euros, Cellnex remains in deficit with a net loss of 297 million euros. This financial situation partly explains the company’s new strategy, focused on reducing its debt.

The possible sale of the Swiss unit would be Cellnex’s fourth stake sale since the end of 2022, after similar operations in Austria, Ireland, Denmark and Sweden. This series of divestments demonstrates a significant change of direction for the company.

Towards a more sustainable future?

Alongside its financial challenges, Cellnex has committed to an ambitious sustainable development approach, according to this text. Its 2021-2025 plan aims to fully integrate the factors of this development into its strategy, with in particular the objective of achieving 100% green energy consumption by 2025.

This evolution of Cellnex’s economic model, between asset sales and environmental commitments, could redefine the landscape of telecoms infrastructure in Europe. It remains to be seen how mobile operators will adapt to these changes and whether the infrastructure rental model will remain relevant in the years to come. What scenario for Switzerland? The financial agency AWP, which reported these rumors, does not provide any leads.

XS