By Ruth Bender 

PARIS--France's Xavier Niel has agreed to buy Orange Switzerland from Apax Partners in a deal worth EUR2.3 billion ($2.8 billion), as the French technology entrepreneur continues to expand his telecom assets across Europe.

Apax Partners said it has agreed to sell Orange Communications SA to NJJ Capital, Mr. Niel's private holding company, for a total value of EUR2.3 billion, roughly two years after the private-equity fund took control of the Swiss mobile operator.

The move highlights Mr. Niel's growing interest in expanding his telecom ownerships outside of France. Earlier this year, the founder of French telecom firm Iliad SA also bought Monaco Telecom.

Mr. Niel's latest deal comes after Iliad this year failed in its attempt to buy U.S. mobile company T-Mobile US.

Write to Ruth Bender at Ruth.Bender@wsj.com

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