e& and PPF Group (PPF) have finalised a landmark partnership, granting e& a controlling stake (50% plus one economic share) in PPF Telecom Group’s service and infrastructure operations across Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. This acquisition expands e&’s global reach to 38 countries, marking a pivotal moment in its growth strategy, with a particular focus on the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. The move is anticipated to reshape the telecom industry in CEE, bringing enhanced services to over 10 million customers.

Mutual Strengths Drive the Partnership

The completion of this acquisition promises future growth by leveraging e&’s extensive telecom expertise and digital innovations with PPF Telecom’s regional knowledge and history of operational excellence. Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, stated that the partnership is transformative for e&, broadening its telecom influence to 20 countries while strengthening its market presence across the Middle East, Asia, and now Central and Eastern Europe. Dowidar further expressed enthusiasm about integrating PPF Telecom’s team, praising CEO Balesh Sharma’s insights into local markets, which he believes will be crucial to accelerating this new growth phase.

Similarly, Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of e& International, highlighted the potential for “cross-pollination of ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions,” stating that the partnership would empower both companies to deliver advanced telecom and digital services, boosting digital inclusion and economic growth across CEE.

PPF Telecom’s Unique Asset Separation Model to Enhance Operations

PPF Telecom’s asset separation model, a distinct structure in the telecom world, will remain a cornerstone of the joint venture. This innovative framework allows for greater focus on both infrastructure and service provision, boosting performance and facilitating streamlined decision-making. PPF’s commitment to lean management practices, combined with e&’s global resources, will drive operational efficiencies that benefit customers and position the new joint entity, e& PPF Telecom, as a leading player in the region.

Jiří Šmejc, CEO of PPF, underscored the potential value creation this partnership brings to the region’s rapidly evolving telecom markets. He affirmed that PPF’s telco assets in the Czech Republic would remain separate, fully owned by PPF, while PPF Telecom’s management would continue leading the new joint venture, ensuring operational continuity.

Strategic Synergies to Enhance Customer Experience

The partnership aims to drive synergies in network operations, procurement, and customer service, enhancing efficiency and broadening customer offerings. e&’s digital service expertise, including its capabilities in artificial intelligence and IoT, will enrich PPF Telecom’s portfolio, creating a seamless transition to top-tier products and services. Balesh Sharma, CEO of PPF Telecom, expressed that customers would soon benefit from improved international roaming, better service offerings, and a broader selection of digital solutions.

The collaboration also promises extensive career growth and learning opportunities for both companies’ employees, as e&’s global footprint offers avenues for talent development across continents. Operating as a standalone entity, e& PPF Telecom will continue under the current management structure, supporting a smooth integration process.

  Balesh Sharma, Bulgaria, Central and Eastern Europe, e&, Hatem Dowidar, Hungary, Jiří Šmejc, Khalifa Al Shamsi, PPF Group, PPF Telecom, Serbia