News in telecomms M&A – Wolf Theiss advises ALBtelecom and ONE Telecommunications as they merge to become ONE Albania

Tirana, 20 January 2023 – Wolf Theiss advised on the merger process between the two Albanian telecommunication giants ALBtelecom and ONE Telecommunications. The newly integrated company ONE Albania SHA became effective from 1 January 2023.

Wolf Theiss Partner Sokol Nako (Tax) and Associate Kristaq Profkola (Corporate/M&A) advised the two companies and their controlling shareholder, the Hungarian ICT company 4iG Group, in all legal aspects of the merger phases and procedures.

“We have been advising the 4iG Group since the very beginning of its investment strategy in Albania and are very happy to have assisted the company and its two controlled entities, ALBtelecom and ONE Telecommunications, in their merger transaction. This merger is the biggest and most complex in Albania to date. It involved two of the largest companies in Albania operating in a strictly regulated telecommunications sector. This required coordination with major lending institutions and a diverse share ownership structure with the presence of the Albanian State as well as a very high number of minority shareholders. We appreciate the excellent cooperation with all entities involved and are very proud to see the merger become effective within the very tight time deadline at disposal”

Sokol Nako, Wolf Theiss Partner

The new integrated company ONE Albania SHA is set to become one of the most important players in the Albanian market with its available networks and services. As a nationwide 4P provider, ONE Albania SHA will offer a wide range of services in the telecommunications market. The company also intends to become the market leader in ICT services in Albania.