EB Capital, a Brazilian private equity firm, acquired a controlling interest in Wirelink, a dark fiber provider in Brazil, according to TeleSíntese. Specifically, Wirelink owns 21.7k+ route miles (35.0k+ route kilometers) of fiber optic backbone network, covering 360+ cities, in 16 states across four regions of Brazil.
Fiber Network – Wirelink Acquired by EB Capital
Long-Haul “Backbone” (Inter-City) Network Sections
Wirelink operates a neutral backbone network with redundancy and high-capacity. Indeed, this network connects to major points-of-presence (PoPs) in the North, Northeast, West, and Southeast regions of Brazil and key international hubs.
In Brazil, Wirelink’s long-haul network connects together major cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, Fortaleza, and Belo Horizonte. Internationally, Wirelink’s network reaches Miami, New York, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.
Notably, Wirelink’s network connects with many of the largest internet exchange points (IXPs) in Brazil, such as IX.br São Paulo.
Metro (Intra-City) Network Sections
Wirelink has its own metropolitan networks which allow it to offer backhaul services. For example, the company has routes with optical fiber in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, within the state of Ceará.
Data Center Connectivity
Wirelink’s network connects to important data centers and subsea cable landing stations in Brazil. Specifically, operators of these sites include Equinix, Ascenty (Digital Realty), Lumen Technologies, GlobeNet, and Telxius.
Expansion Plans – Wirelink Prior to EB Capital
In 2021, Wirelink plans to invest R$100m ($20m U.S. dollars) to expand its network in the Southwest and Midwest of Brazil. Additionally, the company’s goal is to reach all of Brazil by 2022, with its expansion into the South region.
Customers – Wirelink
Wirelink targets business-to-business (B2B) customers, including major Brazilian and international carriers, internet service providers (ISPs), governments, and enterprises. The company’s value proposition to these customers is to be a high-quality, neutral alternative to telecommunications infrastructure from traditional carriers.
EB Capital – Overview
EB Capital is a Brazilian private equity firm, which is led by four co-founders:
- Pedro Parente (Chairman): former CEO of BRF, Petrobras, Bunge Brazil, and Grupo RBS
- Eduardo Sirotsky Melzer (CEO): former CEO and Chairman of Grupo RBS
- Fernando Iunes (Managing Partner): former Partner/Executive Director for Banco Itaú BBA in charge of Investment Banking
- Luciana Antonini Ribeiro (Managing Partner): formerly led strategy and business development for Grupo RBS
In addition to Wirelink’s fiber network in Brazil, EB Capital’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure investments include Mob Telecom, Sumicity, and VIP BR Telecom.
