Vertical Bridge wraps up $3.3bn tower deal in US with Verizon Communications

Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC, the largest private owner and operator of communications infrastructure in the United States, has successfully concluded a landmark transaction with Verizon Communications Inc., valued at approximately $3.3 billion. This agreement grants Vertical Bridge the exclusive rights to lease, operate, and manage more than 6,300 wireless communications towers across all 50 states.

Strategic Milestone in U.S. Communications Infrastructure

The deal, structured as a prepaid lease, strengthens Vertical Bridge’s position as a leader in the communications infrastructure sector. With Verizon maintaining a 10-year anchor tenancy and options to extend up to 50 years, this agreement underscores a long-term collaboration that benefits both parties.

Vertical Bridge’s CEO Ron Bizick described the transaction as a transformative moment, enabling the company to expand its portfolio of “under-tenanted towers” and provide greater accessibility in challenging-to-site areas. He emphasised that these towers will support Vertical Bridge’s ability to deliver innovative colocation solutions for the wireless industry.

For Verizon, the transaction is expected to provide significant financial flexibility. CEO Hans Vestberg highlighted that the deal enhances the company’s ability to reinvest in its network while reducing tower-related costs. He described the collaboration as pivotal in optimising operations and driving long-term shareholder value.

Implications for the Wireless Industry

This transaction is among the largest U.S. tower deals in nearly a decade, setting a precedent for the growing demand for communications infrastructure. The acquisition comes as the industry navigates a surge in demand for 5G networks and AI-driven connectivity.

Vertical Bridge’s partnership with DigitalBridge and CDPQ, two key financial stakeholders, played a crucial role in securing the deal. DigitalBridge CEO Marc Ganzi remarked that the transaction represents a critical step in meeting the evolving needs of industries increasingly reliant on wireless solutions.

The company’s track record as a certified CarbonNeutral® business adds an additional layer of relevance, positioning Vertical Bridge as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable communications infrastructure.

The Competitive Edge of Vertical Bridge

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Vertical Bridge boasts a portfolio of more than 500,000 sites, including over 17,000 owned and master-leased towers. The company’s innovative build-to-suit and colocation solutions have positioned it as a go-to partner for wireless providers.

With the addition of Verizon’s towers, Vertical Bridge reinforces its reputation as a fast and flexible provider of wireless infrastructure, ensuring that carriers can address both current and future connectivity challenges.

The new assets are expected to enhance Vertical Bridge’s ability to deliver high-quality services, particularly in underserved regions. This strategic advantage comes at a time when reliable communication networks are becoming essential for economic growth and societal development.

Future Outlook

The completion of this transaction reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry, where infrastructure investment is being prioritised to meet growing consumer and industrial demands. Analysts anticipate that the partnership between Vertical Bridge and Verizon will accelerate the deployment of 5G technologies while providing a competitive edge in an increasingly consolidated market.

The long-term nature of this deal suggests that Vertical Bridge is well-positioned to maintain its leadership role while supporting Verizon’s operational goals. Additionally, the collaboration strengthens the industry’s ability to address challenges such as cost efficiency, vendor diversity, and environmental sustainability.