Acantho (controlled by Hera Group) and Ascopiave have acquired a 92% stake in Asco TLC from Asco Holding

December 2022 — Hera Group, through its subsidiary Acantho, and Ascopiave have won the public tender called by Asco Holding for the sale of 92% of the shares of Asco TLC SpA, held by Asco Holding and by the Chamber of Commerce of Treviso-Belluno.

Asco TLC SpA, a provider of ICT services in Italy since 2001, mainly dealing with corporate clients and public administrations, owns a significant network located in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with over 2,200 km of fibre optic backbone, 56 communications towers and 24 xDSL unbundled stations, and supplies its services to over 2,700 customers.

Hera Group is one of the leading Italian multi-utility companies, operating in the environmental, energy and water sectors and employing over 9,000 people, who are committed every day to responding to the many needs of around five million citizens located mainly in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Tuscany and Abruzzi. Listed since 2003, it is one of the top 40 Italian companies in terms of capitalization (it is listed in the Ftse Mib index) and since 2020, it has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Index.

Acantho, a telecommunications operator, is the digital company of Hera Group. Thanks to the development of a proprietary ultra-broadband optic fiber network extending for over 230,000 Km. and its data centers in Imola and Siziano, it has been offering ICT services and tools in the data & voice communication, hybrid multi cloud, cyber ​​& physical security and smart city fields for over 20 years, contributing to the competitiveness of small and large enterprises and the development and innovation in the territory.

Ascopiave is one of the leading operators in natural gas distribution in the country. The group owns concessions and direct assignments for the management of activities in 308 towns, supplying services to over 890,000 people through a network of about 14,500 Km. Ascopiave is also a partner of Hera Group in the sale of gas and electricity, through a 48% stake in Est Energy, a leading operator in the field holding a portfolio of over one million sales contracts to end users.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in Italy advised Hera Group on the preparation of the business plan and the fairness opinion.