Belgium-based operator Proximus has agreed to acquire youth-oriented mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Mobile Vikings from DPG Media for 130 million (US$158 million), adding two brands to its mobile services portfolio.
Mobile Vikings also includes the Jim Mobile brand, and currently serves a total of 335,000 customers in Belgium. It will continue to operate as a separate entity within the Proximus Group and is expected to generate revenue of over 50 million ($60.7 million) and EBITDA of 15 million ($18 million) in 2020. The deal is set to close in 2021, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.
Proximus noted that the acquisition will enable it to target a different market segment from the core Proximus and Scarlet brands, providing a boost to its "multi-brand positioning" in the Belgian residential market. Proximus also offers services in Luxembourg under the Tango and Telindus brands, and in the Netherlands under Telindus.