29th November 2021 – MS3, a provider of full fibre services to homes and businesses, has announced today its partnership with Asterion Industrial Partners, an independent investment management firm focused on European infrastructure in the mid-market. Asterion and MS3 will work to accelerate the company’s plans to build a full fibre network ultimately serving over 500,000 homes and businesses in the North of England.
As a wholesale-only provider, MS3 will enable its existing and future ISP clients to provide up to 10Gb connections to end-customers, building on their existing fibre ring through Hull and to more than 30 other locations in the region. MS3’s full fibre roll-out will enable access to enhanced digital infrastructure across their footprint and contribute to make fibre more affordable in Hull and surrounding areas, helping to reduce the digital divide.
In addition to the partnership and investment, MS3 also announces the appointment of three new members of the executive team. Guy Miller, formerly of TalkTalk joins as CEO, Zarif Imam, formerly of ZTE joins as CFO and Chris Byrd, formerly of M247 joins as CTO. Founders Tony Hales and Ben Tarbotton will continue to perform an active role in the business.
Founder of MS3, Tony Hales, said: “We are delighted that Asterion have seen the same opportunity that we see in expanding MS3’s network and look forward to working with them as we accelerate our fibre rollout at pace. I also welcome the members of the new management team who I have had the pleasure of working with throughout this process.”
Guy Miller, CEO, MS3, said: “I am excited to join MS3 at this time, a business with an existing network, existing partner contracts and excellent relationships with civil contractors and councils alike. MS3 is well placed to become a major regional player in the full fibre market in the years to come.”
Guido Mitrani, Founding Partner, Asterion Industrial Partners, said: “We are thrilled to partner with a best-in-class management team to bring MS3 to the next level and are also excited to enter the UK fiber to the home market providing additional diversification to our portfolio.”
Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council said: “We are thrilled to see another significant investment coming into a Hull-based business, especially one which supports the aims of our Economic Strategy to position Hull as a leading city in digital technologies.” MS3 Networks was advised by TradeRisks and DLA Piper, Asterion Industrial Partners was advised by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and Alvarez and Marsal.
Notes To Editors:
Asterion Industrial Partners is an independent investment management firm focusing on infrastructure investments in the European mid-market. Headquartered in Madrid and with presence in London and Paris, Asterion combines transactional and operational experience with an industrial approach and active asset management within an independent and nimble platform. Asterion aims to promote operational transparency, responsible investment practices, best-in-class governance and a strong culture both for itself and in the companies in which it invests.
MS3 Networks Ltd is an alternative network service provider with established operations in Hull since 2013, supplying B2B services to both local businesses and national telecommunications providers. MS3’s existing fibre network comprises over 70km of underground, wholly owned duct and fibre which has been providing business services for 8 years.
TradeRisks Ltd is a financial advisory firm and a specialist in arranging financing for infrastructure, housing and renewable energy projects across Europe and the USA. TradeRisks have arranged or negotiated more than £20 billon of funding over the past 20-years. TradeRisks is part of the Gresham House Group since its acquisition in March 2020.
