Truespeed and Freedom Fibre Announce Strategic Combination

Core Viewpoint - Truespeed Communications and Freedom Fibre have announced a strategic merger to create a capital-efficient full fibre platform, enhancing their position in the UK alternative network sector [1] Company Overview - Truespeed, founded in 2014, provides full fibre broadband with capabilities of up to 10 Gbps, focusing on hard-to-reach areas in the South-West and East of England [2] - Freedom Fibre operates as a full-fibre wholesaler in the North-West and West Midlands, known for its open-access network and partnerships with national providers [2] Merger Details - The merger will combine the businesses' complementary networks, resulting in a combined footprint of 412,000 premises ready for service and 70,000 customers [1] - Truespeed has previously merged with County Broadband in 2025, while Freedom Fibre merged with VX UK in 2024, showcasing a strong track record in M&A execution [1] Strategic Goals - The combined entity aims to scale efficiently, enhance service quality, and achieve sustainable growth, leveraging Truespeed's retail brand and Freedom Fibre's wholesale platform [1] - Long-term investors Aviva Investors, InfraBridge, and Equitix are backing the merger, indicating confidence in the combined business's potential [1] Leadership Comments - Nathan Vautier, proposed CEO of the merged group, emphasized the merger as a strategic step towards industry consolidation and growth [1] - Nelson Missier, proposed Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, highlighted the merger as a logical next step to drive commercial growth and exceptional service [1] Market Position - The merger is expected to position the new entity to capitalize on UK market trends, improving performance prospects through enhanced operational depth and geographic reach [1]