Africa’s largest telecommunications operator, MTN Group, is in advanced discussions to acquire the roughly 75 % stake in IHS Holding Limited (IHS Towers) that it does not currently own, in a move that could see it take full control of one of the world’s leading tower infrastructure companies.
The discussions, disclosed in a cautionary statement to investors, do not yet represent a final agreement, and there is no certainty that a transaction will be concluded.
IHS Towers Corporate MTN already holds a significant minority share in IHS and has deep operational ties with the company across several African markets, where IHS manages tens of thousands of telecommunications towers that support mobile network deployments, including MTN’s networks.
The proposed acquisition, if it materialises, would represent a strategic pivot for MTN, which has historically operated an “asset‑light” model through sale‑and‑leaseback arrangements, selling tower assets and leasing back access.
In its announcement, MTN said any potential offer would be priced close to IHS’s most recent trading levels on the New York Stock Exchange, where IHS shares have rallied recently.
MTN also cautioned that the transaction, if concluded, could have a material effect on its share price, and advised shareholders to exercise caution when dealing in its securities until further updates are released.
No binding deal has been reached, and both companies noted that discussions may not ultimately lead to a transaction.
IHS Towers itself confirmed that it has noted MTN’s approach but stressed the ongoing nature of discussions without any guarantee of a final agreement.
Established as one of the world’s largest independent owners and operators of shared communications infrastructure, IHS operates over 40,000 towers across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, serving multiple mobile network operators.
Market observers see the potential acquisition as a significant strategic shift for MTN, potentially reintegrating infrastructure that the company had previously divested in order to unlock capital and focus on network expansion.
Such a move, if completed, would give MTN enhanced control over critical network infrastructure and could influence competition and investment patterns in the telecom tower sector.
Image Credit: The Guardian
Source: The Guardian
