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Is Metronet Owned by T-Mobile?

Published in Company Ownership 2 mins read

No, Metronet is not currently owned by T-Mobile. However, a significant change in ownership is on the horizon, with T-Mobile planning to acquire Metronet as part of a joint venture.

Metronet, a fiber internet provider based in Evansville, Indiana, is presently owned by Oak Hill Capital and the Cinelli family. KKR holds a minority investor stake in the company. This ownership structure has been in place as Metronet expanded its fiber optic network across various states.

Metronet's Current Ownership Structure

To provide a clear overview of Metronet's current ownership:

Owner Relationship to Metronet
Oak Hill Capital Primary owner, a prominent private equity firm
Cinelli Family Founding family, maintaining a significant ownership
KKR Minority investor, a global investment company

This structure highlights Metronet's independence from major telecommunication giants like T-Mobile.

The Upcoming T-Mobile and KKR Joint Venture Acquisition

While not currently owned by T-Mobile, this is set to change in the near future. T-Mobile, in partnership with current minority investor KKR, is in the process of acquiring Metronet.

Key details of this upcoming deal include:

  • Planned Acquisition: T-Mobile is forming a joint venture with KKR to purchase Metronet. This strategic move signifies T-Mobile's intent to significantly expand its footprint in the fiber internet market, moving beyond its traditional wireless services.
  • Anticipated Closure: The sale is scheduled to close in 2025. This timeline is crucial, indicating that the ownership transfer is not immediate but is a planned future event.
  • Regulatory Approval: Like all large mergers and acquisitions, the deal is contingent upon receiving the necessary regulatory approval. This process ensures fair competition and adherence to market regulations.
  • Strategic Expansion: T-Mobile's acquisition of Metronet, reportedly a $4.9 billion deal, is part of its broader strategy to offer more diverse connectivity solutions to customers, integrating fiber internet alongside its 5G wireless services. This allows T-Mobile to compete more directly with established wireline internet providers.

Implications for Metronet Customers and the Market

For Metronet customers, the transition in ownership is expected to be gradual. While the company's operations are likely to continue under the new joint venture, potential long-term changes could include rebranding, integration with T-Mobile's broader service offerings, or new bundle options combining wireless and fiber internet. This acquisition also marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the U.S. internet service provider market, as T-Mobile aims to become a more comprehensive connectivity provider.