In a significant move, Brookfield Asset Management-sponsored Data Infrastructure Trust has inked a deal to acquire 100% equity interests in ATC India, the Indian business of American Tower Corporation, for a staggering $2 billion. This strategic acquisition positions Brookfield as the leading operator of telecom towers in India, surpassing Indus Towers.
The transaction marks American Tower Corporation’s exit from the country, and with an enterprise value of ₹16,500 crore, it stands as one of the largest telecom infrastructure deals in India. The deal is set to strengthen Brookfield’s presence in the Indian telecommunications space, adding to its existing portfolio of 175,000 towers acquired in 2020.
The acquisition is expected to diversify Data Infrastructure Trust’s revenues and enhance its touchpoints with major mobile network operators in India. The deal includes approximately 78,000 sites across the country, consolidating Brookfield’s position as a key player in advancing the rollout of 5G and extending telecom coverage in challenging areas.
This move comes on the heels of Brookfield’s 2022 acquisition of 5,000 indoor business solution sites and small cell sites, further contributing to the development of 5G infrastructure.
The transaction is currently pending regulatory approvals and is anticipated to conclude in the second half of this year. As part of the deal, ATC will retain economic benefits associated with optionally converted debentures issued by Vodafone Idea, with proceeds potentially being utilized to repay American Tower’s existing indebtedness.
