UAE’s e& Expands Central Europe Presence with €825M Deal

UAE-based telecom giant e& (formerly Etisalat) is extending its reach in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) through a significant €2.3 billion ($2.3 billion) deal. This strategic move involves acquiring a controlling stake in PPF Telecom Group’s assets across Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. The acquisition underscores Abu Dhabi’s ambition to grow in foreign markets, enhance operational capabilities, and strengthen resilience by entering the competitive European telecommunications sector. Scaling Operations in Europe The acquisition has allowed e& to extend its influence in a strategically pivotal region. Operating under the brand names Yettel and O2, the newly formed “e& PPF Telecom” aims to capture over ten million customers across Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. The acquisition brings the company’s commitment to growth into sharp focus, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s increasing clout in international markets through investments in critical sectors like telecommunications. e&’s acquisition of PPF Telecom’s assets includes the infrastructure arm CETIN, which is expected to boost operational efficiency