Norton Rose Fulbright advises lenders on PLN 2.8bn (€ 650m) refinancing of Fiberhost S.A. and INEA sp. z o.o.

The Warsaw office advised a syndicate of financial institutions, including PKO Bank Polski, EBRD, ING Bank, Crédit Agricole, Santander, Bank Pekao SA, mBank, and PZU. In addition to refinancing, the funds made available under the financing will be used for further expansion of fiber optic network.

The Warsaw team, which provided advice on both Polish and English law, was led by counsel Marta Kawecka and associate Karolina Lepakiewicz and included associate Daniel Książek, as well as lawyers Wiktoria Jadczak and Dominika Wojtkowska. The team worked under the supervision of partner Grzegorz Dyczkowski, who heads the Warsaw office and the firm’s Warsaw banking and finance practice.

The Luxembourg law advice was provided by partner Stephane Braun, senior associate Charlene Thibaudon and associate Christina Jovanov.

Fiberhost is a leader in the construction and management of a multi-fiber network, i.e. a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network made available to local and national Internet and TV providers. Fiberhost's mission is to provide access to fast and reliable Internet and digital inclusion to as many Poles as possible. To this end, the company continues to expand the reach of its network, reaching more than one million homes, while actively supporting service providers in increasing interest in multi-fibre offerings among residents. Through its activities, Fiberhost is changing the digital image of our country, bearing in mind not only itself, but also the support of others and actively working in the spirit of sustainable development.

INEA is a key supplier of telecommunications services in the Wielkopolskie Province (west part of Poland). The company is present in the segment of individual clients, services for companies, institutions and schools. INEA mainly provides broadband Internet, television, mobile and fixed-line telephony services, as well as professional services for business and data centers. Thanks to the investments implemented, the operator is a leader in the field of fiber-optic infrastructure in the Wielkopolskie Province.

Marta Kawecka commented:

“The successful negotiation and swift closure of the transaction, despite its complexities involving numerous borrowers and guarantors, highlight our firm commitment to facilitating impactful projects. Fiberhost's mission to deliver rapid and reliable Internet access resonates with our core values of fostering digital connectivity. We take immense pride in our integral role in shaping the digital landscape of our nation.”