‘Our companies have complementary strengths’ – Melita CEO on Epic acquisition

Maltese telecommunication operators Melita Limited and Epic Communications Limited today announced that they have entered into an agreement to combine their operations.

Epic has been owned by Monaco Telecom since 2020, meanwhile Melita was acquired by Goldman Sachs alternatives last year.

The latter was founded in 1992, and provides broadband Internet, TV, mobile and fixed line telephone services to over 75 per cent of Maltese homes.

“Our companies have complementary strengths, with leading networks in fixed and mobile. Bringing them together is about building something better for our customers and for Malta,” says Harald Roesch, CEO of Melita Limited.

“The move will bring together two network operators with complementary strengths to deliver better services and more choice for customers and support the long-term development of Malta’s digital infrastructure. This will deliver enhanced connectivity for consumers, businesses, and the public sector across the country,” wrote the companies in a statement.

They add that the demands on telecoms providers are growing, with customers seeking world-class speeds, resilient infrastructure and advanced cyber security capabilities.

“This level of sustained investment is only achievable where organisations meet a certain size. A combined business will be better equipped to meet those needs, investing in enhancing network and service quality across both fixed and mobile at a pace and scale that would be more difficult to achieve independently in a small country like Malta,” they say.

 “At the heart of this agreement is investing in the connectivity Malta depends on. Malta needs serious, sustained investment in its digital infrastructure, and that is harder for smaller operators to fund on their own,” added Mr Roesch.

Pierre-Etienne Cizeron, CEO of Epic, said that the companies’ shared ambition is simple: “To deliver even greater value, choice and connectivity to consumers and businesses across Malta while supporting the country’s continued digital development.”

The proposed combination of the two companies, pursuant to which Melita will acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Epic, and the intended future investment remain subject to customary merger control and other regulatory approvals.

Until the requisite approvals have been obtained, Melita and Epic will continue to operate and compete independently, with continuity for customers and no impact on employees of either company.