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MTN engages global bond investors as IHS Towers acquisition nears

07 Sep 2026, 05:27 pm
Financial Nigeria
MTN engages global bond investors as IHS Towers acquisition nears

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MTN said the investor engagements were part of ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue with both debt and equity investors and were not tied to a specific fundraising transaction.


MTN Group has re-engaged international fixed-income investors as the telecommunications giant assesses funding options ahead of a major acquisition and the maturity of its remaining Eurobond next month, according to Bloomberg.

The company recently held meetings with bond investors in London in a non-deal roadshow organised by several international banks. The discussions provided an opportunity for MTN to update investors on its financial performance and strategic priorities following the release of its latest earnings.

According to the company, the investor engagements were part of ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue with both debt and equity investors and were not tied to a specific fundraising transaction.

MTN has not tapped the international bond market since 2016. Its sole outstanding Eurobond, valued at $500 million, is scheduled to mature in October. The company has stated that it has sufficient liquidity to meet the repayment obligation and is not under immediate pressure to refinance the debt.

However, attention remains focused on MTN's proposed acquisition of IHS Towers, a telecommunications infrastructure company with operations across several African markets. Earlier this year, MTN announced plans to acquire the shares it does not already own in IHS Towers in a transaction valued at approximately $2.2 billion.

The group currently holds a stake of nearly 25% in the tower operator and has indicated that debt financing will form part of the funding package for the acquisition. The transaction is expected to strengthen MTN's infrastructure position and support its long-term growth strategy across the continent.

The investor outreach has fuelled speculation that the company could return to the Eurobond market after a decade-long absence, particularly as it seeks financial flexibility to support strategic investments and growth initiatives.

MTN remains Africa's largest mobile network operator, serving nearly 320 million subscribers across its markets. The company generated more than R115 billion ($70 billion) in revenue during the first half of the year, underlining its scale and strong market position.

For investors, MTN's engagement with bondholders signals a proactive approach to capital management as the group balances upcoming debt obligations with one of the largest acquisitions in its recent history.


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