Macquarie Asset Management to Acquire South American Tower Operations of IHS Towers
MWN-AI** Summary
Macquarie Asset Management has announced its agreement to acquire the South American wireless tower operations of IHS Mauritius BR Limited, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, for an enterprise value of approximately R$3.55 billion (US$685 million). The deal, which is set to close later in 2026, involves the acquisition of over 8,500 sites in Brazil and 270 in Colombia. This strategic investment reflects Macquarie’s nearly two-decade history of managing mobile tower infrastructures throughout the Americas, responding to the increasing demand for advanced telecommunications networks.
Fernando Lohmann, Brazil Country Lead for Macquarie Asset Management, emphasized the necessity for further investments in wireless and digital infrastructure, particularly to facilitate the 5G network rollout in Brazil and Colombia over the coming years. He expressed pride in contributing to the enhancement of critical infrastructure in these regions through the acquisition of IHS’s tower platform.
Sam Darwish, Chairman & CEO of IHS Towers, noted the sale signifies the company's exit from the Latin American market and expressed gratitude to stakeholders who supported the growth of IHS's tower portfolio during its operation in the region.
This acquisition will not only expand Macquarie Asset Management's infrastructure portfolio, which includes holdings in digital infrastructure, waste management, transportation, and green energy sectors but also underscores the firm’s commitment to sustainable development and long-term growth in South America. Macquarie Asset Management is a prominent global asset manager overseeing approximately US$477 billion in assets, making it a key player in responsibly managing financial investments across diversified areas.
Overall, this strategic acquisition aligns with Macquarie’s focus on capitalizing on emerging opportunities in critical infrastructure across the Americas.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Macquarie Asset Management’s recent acquisition of IHS Towers' South American operations is noteworthy for investors focused on infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. The $685 million deal, encompassing over 8,500 sites in Brazil and 270 in Colombia, positions Macquarie to capitalize on the anticipated growth in wireless and digital infrastructure driven by 5G deployment in these key markets.
Given the increasing demand for mobile connectivity, this investment aligns with broader trends in telecommunications where tower operators are critical enablers of network expansion. With the rapid urbanization and the expansion of digital services across Latin America, Macquarie can expect steady cash flows from leasing these assets to mobile network operators, making this a strategic move in diversifying its infrastructure portfolio.
Investors should note Macquarie's strong historical performance in managing mobile tower platforms for nearly two decades, which enhances its credibility and operational expertise in this domain. This track record is vital as it suggests that the company is adept at navigating the unique challenges of infrastructure development in emerging markets.
Furthermore, the geographical focus on Brazil and Colombia is significant as both countries are undergoing transformative growth in their telecommunications landscapes. Regulatory reforms and rising consumer demand for better connectivity present favorable conditions, potentially yielding higher returns on investment over time.
However, potential investors must consider the inherent risks, including political stability, regulatory changes, and competition in these markets. It’s essential to monitor how Macquarie intends to integrate these assets and drive operational efficiencies.
In summary, this acquisition reflects Macquarie's commitment to long-term growth and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving market. Investors should regard this development as a positive signal of Macquarie's strategy and a potential growth opportunity within the infrastructure sector.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Macquarie Asset Management, on behalf of a privately managed infrastructure fund, has agreed to acquire the South American wireless tower operations of IHS Mauritius BR Limited, part of IHS Holding Limited, (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”). The transaction implies an enterprise value of approximately R$3,550 million (US$685 million) 1 .
IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world, by tower count. Under the terms of the agreement executed today, Macquarie Asset Management will acquire over 8,500 sites in Brazil and 270 sites in Colombia. Towers are critical infrastructure supporting mobile networks, and this investment continues MAM’s nearly 20-year track record of managing mobile tower platforms in the Americas.
“We expect further wireless and digital infrastructure investment will be required to support 5G network buildout in Brazil and Colombia over the next several years,” said Fernando Lohmann, Brazil Country Lead for Macquarie Asset Management. “We are proud to contribute to the strengthening of Brazil and Colombia’s critical infrastructure through the acquisition of the IHS tower platform in our region.”
Sam Darwish, Chairman & CEO, IHS Towers, commented, “We are today announcing the sale of our Latam tower operations to Macquarie Asset Management, marking our exit from the Latam region. We are deeply grateful to our colleagues, customers and other stakeholders who have enabled us to scale our Latam tower portfolio .”
The acquisition will broaden Macquarie Asset Management’s portfolio of infrastructure in Brazil and Colombia, which already includes investments in the digital infrastructure, waste management, transportation and green energy sectors. This investment continues Macquarie Asset Management’s commitment to driving long-term growth, sustainable development and social impact as we continue to build specialist expertise across all our businesses in South America.
The transaction is expected to close later in 2026, subject to, among other things, the satisfaction of certain conditions being met.
About Macquarie Asset Management
Macquarie Asset Management is a leading global asset manager, trusted by institutions, individuals and communities to responsibly manage US$477 billion in assets. Macquarie Asset Management provides clients with a diverse range of investment solutions that seek to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns.
Macquarie Asset Management is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory, and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity and commodities. Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group employs over 19,000 people in 34 markets and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
All figures as at 30 September 2025, excluding assets acquired by Nomura on 1 December 2025.
Important Notices (Macquarie Asset Management): None of the entities noted in this media release is an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia) and the obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of Macquarie Bank Limited ABN 46 008 583 542 (Macquarie Bank). Macquarie Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities. In addition, if this media release relates to an investment (a) each investor is subject to investment risk including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested and (b) none of Macquarie Bank or any other Macquarie Group company guarantees any particular rate of return on or the performance of the investment, nor do they guarantee repayment of capital in respect of the investment.
About IHS Towers
IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The Company has over 37,000 towers across its seven markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com
1 Enterprise value on a US GAAP basis, excluding cash and capitalization of IFRS 16 lease liabilities.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260213571670/en/
Lee Lubarsky
lee.lubarsky@macquarie.com
+1-347-302-3000
Rachel Waxman
rachel.waxman@macquarie.com
+1-310-800-4512
FAQ**
How does Macquarie Asset Management plan to leverage the acquisition of IHS Holding Limited IHS's wireless tower operations to enhance its existing infrastructure portfolio in Brazil and Colombia?
What specific growth opportunities does Macquarie Asset Management foresee in the Brazilian and Colombian markets following the acquisition of the IHS Holding Limited IHS tower platform?
Can you elaborate on the potential operational synergies between Macquarie Asset Management and IHS Holding Limited IHS that may arise from this transaction?
How will the acquisition of IHS Holding Limited IHS’s tower operations support Macquarie Asset Management's commitment to sustainable development and social impact in South America?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS).
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