BT sells wholesale and enterprise division in Ireland

BT has agreed to sell its wholesale and enterprise business unit in Ireland to Speed Fibre Group.

The transaction, valued at €22 million, represents a shakeup in Ireland’s telecoms landscape. It is expected to complete in 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The deal encompasses the acquisition of BT Communications Ireland Ltd (BTCIL), which includes BT’s domestic network infrastructure, a customer base of over 400 businesses, and the associated teams supporting wholesale and enterprise operations.

However, certain key elements of BTCIL’s portfolio — such as its multinational and large Irish organisation clients, the Emergency Call Answering Service, and a recently divested data centre business — are excluded from the sale. 

As part of the agreement, BT and Speed Fibre Group will also establish a long-term partnership to source connectivity from each other for their respective customers, ensuring ongoing collaboration between the two entities. 

A strengthening of Speed Fibre Group’s market position

Speed Fibre Group — which operates Irish telecom companies Enet and Magnet+ — is backed by Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited, a global specialist investor focused on digital infrastructure.

This latest acquisition will expand Speed Fibre Group’s foothold in Ireland, solidifying its position as a leading provider of telecoms infrastructure and bolstering its offerings in the wholesale and business-to-business (B2B) markets.

“This acquisition enables us to deliver even greater value to our customers by expanding our range of connectivity solutions,” remarked Peter McCarthy, CEO of Speed Fibre Group.

“It’s a positive development for the Irish market, providing us with the scale and capabilities to better serve our growing customer base.”

Steve Marshall, Chairman of Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited, added: “This transaction is an important addition to our Irish platform, representing a significant step in our strategy to build scale in key geographies.

”BT Communications Ireland Ltd’s capabilities complement Speed Fibre Group’s existing operations, enhancing our ability to support the growing connectivity needs of Irish businesses.”

Ireland move part of a broader international transformation for BT

The sale of BTCIL comes as part of BT’s broader transformation of its international business. The telecoms giant is zeroing in on its core capabilities—primarily delivering secure, multi-cloud connectivity to multinational customers and large enterprises globally.

Bas Burger, CEO of BT’s Business division, commented: “Today’s announcement is another key milestone in focusing our international business on what it does best: providing secure multi-cloud connectivity to large organisations globally and in Ireland.

”Our Irish wholesale and enterprise business unit, which has been a leading alternative provider for more than 30 years, will enter a new era with Speed Fibre Group. We are confident that Speed Fibre Group will continue to deliver exceptional service to customers.”

Although selling its wholesale and enterprise unit, BT will maintain a robust presence in Ireland. The company will retain over 400 employees and continue its connections to a global network infrastructure from regional offices across Dublin and beyond.

This new restructuring enables BT to focus on servicing multinationals and larger organisations, supported by Speed Fibre Group as its wholesale network and national services partner.

Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, explained: “We have transformed our operations in Ireland over the past eighteen months to position our various business units for future growth.

”Through this transaction, I am confident that the complementary strengths of both entities will unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and sustain long-term growth in the Irish telecommunications market.”

Speed Fibre Group’s move to integrate BTCIL’s infrastructure and customer base is expected to increase the range and quality of services available to Irish businesses, while BT’s strategic focus on multinationals ensures that it remains a relevant force in key global markets.

While the deal remains subject to regulatory approval, enthusiasm from both sides suggests a shared confidence in the potential benefits for customers and the wider industry.

(Image credit: BT)

See also: FullFibre and Zzoomm merger creates a UK full-fibre leader

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Tags: broadband, bt, Enterprise, ireland, wholesale