Press release

Axione and funds managed by Mirova join forces to create a leader in fixed and mobile very high speed infrastructures in France and other countries

01-02-2019

Convinced of the impact of digital networks on regional attractiveness and economic development, Axione, a subsidiary of Bouygues Energies & Services (Bouygues Construction Group), and Mirova, a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers (BPCE Group), announced today that Mirova is acquiring a 49% stake in Axione through its general infrastructure funds[1]. This strategic alliance will create a leader in financing, constructing, maintaining and operating very high speed infrastructures in France and other countries.
 
January 31, 2019 – The rollout of FTTH[2] and new 4G and 5G radio networks calls for more and more industrial and financial know-how. A leading player in France’s very high speed broadband strategy, Axione has successfully developed a large number of shared optical fibre networks in rural areas, especially public initiative networks. Axione is also increasingly establishing itself as a key partner of mobile operators in designing, rolling out and maintaining their networks. In December 2018, Axione and Mirova extended the model of shared FTTH infrastructure from rural areas to large French cities with the creation of the FTTH infrastructure operator, CityFast.

In view of the growth prospects of the digital infrastructure market and to ensure that Axione has all the resources it requires for its development in France and other countries, Mirova is acquiring a 49% interest in Axione through its general infrastructure funds. Bouygues Energies & Services (a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction) will remain the reference shareholder of Axione with a 51% stake, and will continue to provide operational support. 

For the past ten years, Bouygues Energies & Services and Mirova, through its general infrastructure funds, have shared the conviction that open, shared digital infrastructures are the best way of meeting one of the essential needs of all regions. Axione is already committed to achieving as a minimum the installation and operation of 6 million FTTH sockets in France (equivalent to 13 million inhabitants), accessible by all operators, and representing an investment of over €3 billion.
 
[1] FIDEPPP2, BTP Impact Local, Mirova Core Infrastructure Fund and Core Infrastructure Fund II
[2] FTTH: “Fibre To The Home”