Vertical Bridge Receives $1.5 Billion Strategic Equity Investment

“The convergence of 5G densification, edge compute, and surging data demand is creating a structural need for more and better located wireless infrastructure,” said Waldemar Szlezak, Global Head of Digital Infrastructure at KKR. Vertical Bridge has built a scaled, high-quality tower platform with a strong track record of execution and a differentiated, partnership-oriented approach, all underpinned by a best-in-class management team. This investment builds upon KKR's foundation as a leading investor in mission-critical digital infrastructure, and we look forward to supporting the company's next phase of growth.”

To date, KKR has invested over $40 billion in digital infrastructure worldwide. This deal adds to its tower portfolio, including Vantage Towers in Europe and Pinnacle Towers in the Philippines, as well as earlier investments like Telxius and Hivory Towers. KKR is mainly funding this investment through its core infrastructure strategy.

“This transaction provides us with the resources to continue developing our portfolio at scale while maintaining our disciplined, returns focused approach to capital deployment,” said Ron Bizick, President and CEO of Vertical Bridge. “We are pleased to have KKR as an experienced, long term investor as we expand our platform, advance organic development and selectively pursue M&A opportunities that strengthen our portfolio, while continuing to deliver the agile, customer‑focused approach that defines Vertical Bridge.”

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“DigitalBridge is proud to continue supporting Vertical Bridge alongside our long standing investment partner La Caisse and now KKR,” said Marc Ganzi CEO of DigitalBridge. “Vertical Bridge’s disciplined growth strategy, operational excellence, and focus on partnership have consistently positioned the company to meet increasing demand for communications infrastructure. We remain confident in the platform and committed to supporting the team as they continue to scale.”

“Vertical Bridge has experienced phenomenal growth these last few years, both organically and through acquisitions, reaching a high level of scale and operating maturity,” said Emmanuel Jaclot, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure and Sustainability at La Caisse. “Since our initial investment alongside DigitalBridge, the company has consistently executed through market cycles, and the addition of a strategic partner like KKR reinforces a capital base built for the long term and aligned with the needs of critical connectivity infrastructure.”

About Vertical Bridge

Founded in 2014, by Alex Gellman, Vertical Bridge REIT is the largest private owner and operator of wireless communication towers in the US with more than 17,000 sites nationwide. It provides tower development and leasing solutions to telecom companies.

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