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e& Carrier & Wholesale Achieves Dual Wins at
CC-Global Awards in Berlin
e& Carrier & Wholesale has secured two transformation, being recognized by e&’s transformative impact on the digital
notable awards at the eighth annual industry experts at the CC-Global Awards landscape. The recognition reflects e&’s
Carrier Community Global Awards (CCGA) in Berlin for both our operational excellence dedication to driving digital innovation and
in Berlin, achieving ‘Best Regional Data and impactful digital infrastructure inspires connectivity, setting new standards, and
Center Operator’ and ‘Middle East Regional us to innovate further, empowering our contributing to the broader advancement of
Operator of the Year’. Nabil Baccouche, global partners for substantial growth.” the industry. e& has evolved from a leading
Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, Being honored as the Middle East telecom operator into the fastest-growing
e&, said: “In a landscape driven by Regional Operator of the Year highlights tech brand in the Middle East and Africa
(MEA) region. Its strategic expansion and
presence across continents positions e&'s
as a key global player in both telecom and
technology sectors. By embracing cutting-
edge technologies and deploying advanced
tools and solutions, e& drives operational
efficiency and effectiveness to deliver
exceptional value to its customers. e&
Carrier & Wholesale was also recognized
in the ‘Best Regional Data Center Operator’
category for its SmartHub Data Centers,
reflecting its commitment to innovation,
connecting digital communities, and
supporting its sustainability agenda. This
combination of advanced technology,
strategic locations, and a focus on
security, efficiency, and connectivity makes
SmartHub Data Centers a powerful asset
for major hyper-scalers, content providers,
CDNs, gaming platforms, financial service
providers, and telcos in today's digital
landscape.
e& Mulls €8bn European Expansion Via United Group Purchase
United Group owns telecoms operations announced next month, according to the under scrutiny from the UK government,
in Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & sources. Discussions remain in the early however, with regulators worried that the
Herzegovina, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and stages, with according to the sources stake represents a risk to the UK’s national
Greece. According to anonymous sources suggesting that United could ultimately security.
speaking to Bloomberg, Abu Dhabi- be sold piecemeal to multiple buyers.
based operator group e& is looking to This is not e&’s first foray into Central and
expand into eastern Europe through the Eastern Europe. Last year, e& purchased
acquisition of international telco United a controlling stake in PPF Telecom, which
Group. The sources say e& is evaluating a has operations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia
potential purchase, noting United Group’s and Slovakia. The stake, worth €2.15
majority owners, BC Partners, would seek billion, was e&’s first major investment in
a valuation of the company of around $8 Europe, following an announced strategic
billion. United Group reportedly has Serbia, shift to focus more heavily on the region,
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, rather than their existing markets in Asia.
Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Greece. BC e& also has a 14.6% stake in Vodafone
Partners are themselves already working Group, with its CEO Hatem Dowidar taking
with advisors to explore the sale of United a place on the UK-headquartered group’s
Group, with a formal sale expected to be board earlier this year. This stake has come
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