DigitalBridge sells stake in UK fiber operator Netomnia to nexfibre

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 20, 2026

Sale Data Center announced United Kingdom Feb 20, 2026

GBP2B

Deal Value

Netomnia

Project

DigitalBridge is selling its interest in Substantial Group, the parent company of Netomnia and its retail brand YouFibre, to nexfibre, a joint venture owned by Liberty Global, Telefónica, and InfraVia Capital Partners, in a transaction valuing the business at £2 billion.

Deal Analysis

DigitalBridge Investment Management is divesting its stake in Substantial Group, the parent company of UK fiber operator Netomnia and its retail brand YouFibre, to nexfibre. Nexfibre is a joint venture owned by Liberty Global, Telefónica, and InfraVia Capital Partners. The transaction values Substantial Group at £2 billion. This sale represents a significant shift in ownership within the UK's rapidly expanding fiber optic infrastructure market, with established players consolidating their positions through strategic acquisitions.

The deal involves a £2 billion valuation, indicating substantial investment in the UK fiber market.
Nexfibre, backed by Liberty Global, Telefónica, and InfraVia Capital Partners, is the buyer, showcasing the involvement of major telecommunications and infrastructure investment firms.
DigitalBridge, a leading digital infrastructure investor, is the seller, suggesting a portfolio realignment or realization of investment gains.
The acquisition strengthens nexfibre's position as a key player in expanding full fiber access across the UK.

Market Context: The UK fiber optic market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for high-speed internet and government initiatives to expand broadband access. This deal reflects the ongoing competition and consolidation within the sector, as companies strive to build and control critical digital infrastructure.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

During the consortium's ownership, Netomnia aggressively expanded its network footprint, building out fiber infrastructure to more than three million premises and securing approximately 460,000 customers. "During the consortium's ownership, Netomnia aggressively expanded its network footprint, building out fiber infrastructure to more than three million premises and securing approximately 460,000 customers."

“

Deal Size

The transaction values the business at £2 billion

“

Location

DigitalBridge Group is realigning its European infrastructure holdings with the sale of its stake in UK fiber operator Netomnia.

“

Announcement

20.02.26 08:42

“

Expected Close

Regulatory approvals are pending, with the deal's closure anticipated in the third quarter of 2026.