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
Access Investor Kit for Orange SA
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=FR0000133308
Access Investor Kit for Iliad SA
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=FR0004035913
Access Investor Kit for Iliad SA
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US45173Y1010
Access Investor Kit for Orange SA
Visit
http://www.companyspotlight.com/partner?cp_code=P479&isin=US6840601065
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires