BT Ireland has reached an agreement to sell its wholesale and enterprise business in Ireland to Speed Fibre Group in a deal worth €22 million. This move marks a significant shift in Ireland’s telecoms industry, reinforcing Speed Fibre Group’s market presence while allowing BT to refine its focus on multinational enterprises.
Details of the BT Ireland Sale
The acquisition includes BT Communications Ireland Ltd (BTCIL), which operates domestic network infrastructure, a customer base of over 400 businesses, and supporting teams. However, some key elements—such as services for multinationals, large Irish corporations, and the Emergency Call Answering Service—are not part of the sale.
Despite divesting its wholesale and enterprise division, BT will retain a strong presence in Ireland, keeping over 400 employees and regional offices in Dublin and beyond. The deal is expected to close in 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Strengthening Speed Fibre Group’s Position
Speed Fibre Group—parent company of Enet and Magnet+—is backed by Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited, an investor focused on digital infrastructure. With this acquisition, Speed Fibre Group is set to expand its role in Ireland’s telecoms market, particularly in the wholesale and business-to-business (B2B) sectors.
Peter McCarthy, CEO of Speed Fibre Group, highlighted the strategic benefits:
“This acquisition enables us to enhance our connectivity solutions and strengthen our ability to serve a growing customer base. It’s a major step forward for Ireland’s telecoms industry.”
Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Chairman Steve Marshall added:
“This transaction expands our Irish operations and aligns with our strategy to build scale in key markets.”
BT’s Strategic Transformation
The BT Ireland sale is part of a wider international transformation as the company streamlines operations to focus on secure multi-cloud connectivity for large enterprises.
Bas Burger, CEO of BT’s Business division, stated:
“We are sharpening our focus on what we do best: delivering secure, multi-cloud connectivity to global organisations. While we are transitioning our wholesale and enterprise unit, BT remains deeply committed to Ireland.”
BT will continue operating in Ireland, leveraging Speed Fibre Group as a wholesale network partner while concentrating on multinational clients.
Future Impact on Ireland’s Telecom Market
This acquisition is expected to:
- Increase connectivity options for Irish businesses
- Enhance competition in the telecom sector
- Strengthen Speed Fibre Group’s ability to offer robust infrastructure solutions
Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, expressed confidence in the transition:
“The complementary strengths of both entities will drive innovation, unlock new opportunities, and sustain long-term industry growth.”
Pending regulatory approval, the deal signals a new era for Irish telecommunications, with Speed Fibre Group expanding its influence and BT refining its global strategy.
