Investor centreSpecialist growth capital investor Oxford Capital has exited mobile network optimisation business, Arieso, in an US$85 m deal, realising returns of up to 4.7x for investors.
The sale to JDSU gives the US-headquartered communications network developer access to Arieso’s advanced technology that allows mobile operators to fine tune their phone networks to improve coverage and connection quality for subscribers.
Oxford Capital led the growth capital funding round in 2008 which enabled Arieso to scale up and roll out its proven technology on a global basis. Arieso is now operating on five continents. Clients include mobile operator groups such as América Móvil, AT&T, MTN, Telefónica and Vodafone. Its technology helps operators address the network data capacity issues that are a result of the growth in use of smartphones and the continually accelerating demand for data vs voice traffic from users.
David Mott, Investment Director, Oxford Capital Partners said:
“Arieso is a great example of an innovative UK business that has developed world-leading technology. We backed the management and business at a key point in its development to enable it to scale up and roll, out its proven technology global basis. The deal delivers excellent returns for investors in Oxford Capital’s Gateway Portfolios who will receive up to 4.7x their original investment.”
Shirin Dehghan, Chief Executive Officer:
“We’re excited about the complementary fit between Arieso and JDSU and the opportunity to extend the customer-centric location aware approach into the service and application domains, allowing mobile network operators to take a truly holistic approach to driving customer experience improvements.”
Arieso raised capital from private equity investors including Oxford Capital Partners, DFJ Esprit (formerly Top Technologies), Carbon Trust and Qualcomm Ventures. The acquisition was supported by Hogan Lovells International LLP and Arma Partners LLP, representing sellers, and DLA Piper, LLP, who worked with JDSU and Arieso to complete the transaction in less than 12 weeks.
