Tillman FiberCo, a developer and owner of symmetrical gigabit broadband, and Northleaf Capital Partners, a private markets investment firm, entered into a partnership, with funds managed by Northleaf making an initial investment of $200 million in Tillman FiberCo with the potential to invest up to $300 million more.
The investment will enable Tillman FiberCo to accelerate its open access network with future-forward technologies, systems and a next-generation network architecture that will deliver internet access to both residential and business customers, offering symmetrical gigabit broadband internet access service speeds underpinned by a long-term contract.
Founded in 2021 and based in New York, Tillman FiberCo designs, builds and owns high-speed internet infrastructure and aims to provide network access on a wholesale basis to enterprises and wholesale customers across all industries. Tillman FiberCo is part of the Tillman Global Holdings portfolio, a holding company focused on investing in and operating telecommunications and energy infrastructure businesses in developed and emerging markets.
“We’re delighted to partner with Tillman Global Holdings and the Tillman FiberCo management team, both of which have deep industry relationships and decades of operational expertise,” Chris Rigobon, managing director at Northleaf Capital Partners, said. “Tillman FiberCo’s wholesale business model, which is supported by a large anchor customer order, ensures the long-term revenue stability that our investors look for in our infrastructure portfolio. This investment is an excellent fit with Northleaf’s communications infrastructure strategy, providing our investors with exposure to an attractive sector while mitigating downside risk.”
“Adding the support of a global investor like Northleaf is a tremendous endorsement of our model and the market opportunity ahead of us,” Ken Dixon, CEO of Tillman FiberCo, said. “We’re confident that Northleaf’s infrastructure experience, sector expertise and extensive resources will enable us to accelerate our growth, execute our business plan and ensure the highest quality of service to our customers.”
“Tillman FiberCo is building a best-in-class fiber network to support underserved neighborhoods across the U.S.,” Sachit Ahuja, president of Tillman Global Holdings, said. “We are excited to partner with Northleaf, who shares in our ambition to build a market-leading business over the long term.”
TD Securities served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to Northleaf on this transaction. TAP Advisors served as financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell acted as legal counsel to Tillman FiberCo.
