KKR and Oak Hill Capital Make New Investments in MetroNet

KKR and T‑Mobile JV Acquires Metronet from Oak Hill and Cinelli Family

July 24, 2024

Telecommunications

KKR and T‑Mobile have completed the acquisition of Metronet through a joint venture, buying the leading independent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) operator from majority shareholders Oak Hill Capital and the Cinelli family. Metronet will operate as a wholesale network builder and commercial services provider while T‑Mobile Fiber takes responsibility for residential customers; Oak Hill and the Cinelli family will remain minority investors in the new JV. The transaction is intended to accelerate fiber deployment across underserved U.S. markets and leverage Metronet’s network engineering and build capabilities alongside T‑Mobile’s retail and customer experience capabilities.

Oak Hill Capital Invests in NetSpeed LLC to Accelerate Northeast Fiber Deployment

January 21, 2021

Telecommunications

Oak Hill Capital has formed a partnership with NetSpeed LLC to provide capital and support to accelerate NetSpeed's expansion of fiber-to-the-premises networks across the Northeastern United States. NetSpeed's founder Frank Chiaino and management remain significant investors in the business while Oak Hill will contribute operational and financial expertise to scale deployments.

Oak Hill Capital Backs Omni Fiber with $250M to Expand Midwest Fiber Broadband

July 22, 2022

Telecommunications

Oak Hill Capital committed $250 million from its Oak Hill Capital Partners VI fund as the majority investor in newly formed Omni Fiber to accelerate construction of 100% fiber-to-the-premises networks serving small and mid-sized markets in the U.S. Midwest. Omni Fiber, an Ohio-based FTTP internet service provider led by CEO Darrick Zucco, will offer up to 2 Gbps symmetrical service with no data caps and initial projects in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan targeting underserved communities.

Oak Hill Capital Makes Majority Investment in Lit Communities to Accelerate Fiber Expansion

May 4, 2023

Telecommunications

Oak Hill Capital committed $150 million in primary capital for a majority investment in Lit Communities to fund expansion of Lit's fiber-to-the-home networks in unserved and underserved U.S. communities. Existing shareholders including Stephens Capital Partners, The Pritzker Organization and Lit management remain shareholders; the funding will support construction to reach more than 200,000 locations over the next few years.

MetroNet Acquires Vexus Fiber

January 27, 2022

Telecommunications

MetroNet announced a merger with Lubbock-based Vexus Fiber, combining their fiber-to-the-home networks to accelerate FTTH expansion across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. The companies will continue to operate under their current brands and leadership teams; terms were not disclosed.

KKR Acquires Majority Stake in Hyperoptic

October 14, 2019

Telecommunications

KKR has acquired a majority stake in Hyperoptic Ltd, the UK’s largest residential gigabit full-fibre broadband provider, from funds managed by Newlight Partners LP and Mubadala Investment Company. The investment by KKR is intended to support Hyperoptic’s national roll-out and aggressive network expansion to reach millions of homes over the coming years.