Proximus Group unveils Proximus Global to transform digital communications

Proximus Group has announced the creation of Proximus Global, a transformative initiative that integrates three key subsidiaries—BICS, Telesign, and Route Mobile—under one streamlined umbrella. The consolidation is set to strengthen the company’s position as a leader in digital communications while unlocking significant commercial opportunities and operational efficiencies. Proximus Global has been valued at approximately €3.1 billion in equity, with no direct impact on the company’s cash or debt position, according to an official statement released on 17 December 2024.

This strategic reorganisation represents the latest step in Proximus Group’s evolution towards becoming a global leader in digital communications services. The company highlighted that this move not only simplifies its organisational structure but also aligns its resources for global scale and market leadership. Proximus Global will leverage its unified leadership team and a new operating model to bolster innovation, expand global reach, and enhance value for stakeholders.

A Pioneering Role in Digital Communications

In recent years, Proximus Group has significantly expanded its footprint in digital communications. Initially, by acquiring full ownership of BICS and Telesign, the company tapped into new markets outside its traditional telecom base, achieving consistent organic growth. The acquisition of Route Mobile earlier this year marked another milestone, enabling Proximus to scale up as a world leader in Communication Platforms as a Service (CPaaS) and Digital Identity (DI).

The company’s international activities now span the entire digital communications value chain, from messaging and mobility services to fraud protection and CPaaS. In 2023, these global operations generated €1.9 billion in revenue, supported by Proximus’ 2,500 employees across more than 100 countries. The new Proximus Global organisation aims to enhance this growth trajectory with an expected international direct margin increase to €600–€650 million by 2026 and annual EBITDA synergies surpassing €100 million.

Structural Changes and Leadership Updates

Under this revamped structure, BICS will transfer to Proximus Opal, which holds Telesign and Route Mobile. Proximus Opal, set to be rebranded as Proximus Global by the end of December, will have 91.3% of its shares owned by Proximus nv/sa, with the remaining 8.7% held by Clear Bridge Ventures LLP, the investment arm of Route Mobile’s founders.

Proximus Global’s unified leadership team, spearheaded by Guillaume Boutin as CEO, will steer the integrated operations. Rajdip Gupta, reappointed as Managing Director of Route Mobile, will focus on leveraging the group’s global reach and product diversity. Newly appointed CEO Gautam Badalia will drive Route Mobile’s strategic growth initiatives. Meanwhile, Christophe Van de Weyer and Surash Patel will continue leading BICS and Telesign, ensuring continuity and synergy across brands.

Customers of all three subsidiaries will experience no disruption in services, but they will benefit from enhanced collaboration and innovation stemming from this integrated approach.

Outlook and Market Position

Proximus Group envisions Proximus Global as a major driver of international growth and innovation in digital identity and customer engagement platforms. By combining BICS’ connectivity expertise, Telesign’s leadership in digital identity solutions, and Route Mobile’s proficiency in CPaaS, the company is poised to deliver holistic solutions to businesses worldwide.

Proximus CEO Guillaume Boutin underscored the transformative potential of the new entity, highlighting its agility and capability to fuel future growth. He expressed confidence in the talent and expertise across Proximus Global, describing it as a “powerful and agile engine” for market leadership in digital communications.