Liberatis

Helping businesses to fund their growth ambition by providing better solutions for customers.

Liberatis (trading under the 4th Utility brand) has developed a niche offering in the broadband market providing quick, easy and flexible broadband solutions challenging the traditional models. Needing investment to fuel growth, Shoosmiths advised on the capital investment by DIF Capital Partners and the subsequent bolt-on acquisition of Vision Fibre Media.

Liberatis (trading under the 4th Utility brand) has developed a niche offering in the broadband market providing quick, easy and flexible broadband solutions challenging the traditional models. Needing investment to fuel growth, Shoosmiths advised on the capital investment by DIF Capital Partners and the subsequent bolt-on acquisition of Vision Fibre Media.

“

Shoosmiths understanding of the market and our business meant that they could provide some excellent solutions to help us reach our strategic aims. We worked well with the team who are experts at what they do but approachable and friendly to work with. They have listened to what we want to do and been proactive in guiding us to achieve them. 

Tony Hughes, CEO

Client offering

Liberatis provide business grade fibre service to consumers, working with property developers to give tenants an alternative to traditional broadband. There are no fixed contracts or phone line requirements and customers can control their own settings. With a great service proposition and opportunities for fibre only to be on the increase, they are in a great position to continue their fast-track growth.

The market

Traditional providers are not supplying what the market now demands and consumers are not willing to pay for fixed-term broadband and phone bundles. 88% of people cite a major priority when moving house is what their broadband speed will be and are not willing to accept underperformance. Fibre is the answer and the market has seen some significant investments in this space. More consolidation is expected with potential big players coming in and lots of new entrants means there are opportunities for investment.

Solution

Shoosmiths has a team focusing on venture capital and private equity investments. Coupled with the knowledge and insight from the infrastructure team they were able to provide the support that Liberatis needed. Their extensive telecoms expertise enabled them to provide commercial advice on risk issues and ensure Liberatis were achieving their aims.

Result/ Delivery

The investment by DIF means that Liberatis has the equity to deliver growth ambition. Liberatis are looking for companies with under-utilised assets – those where the Liberatis model can move the offering to automated and can drive take-up with consumers. They will develop their geographic footprint and Shoosmiths/ DIF will be helping them to unearth new opportunities.

The future

It is an exciting time for Liberatis with the significant scope for fibre - as the only real option in high density urban areas and even with the 5G roll-out it is needed as a back wall in rural areas so the opportunities outweigh the threats. The digital drive means they are in a great place to capitalise on the market. Collaboration is key as they look to work with partners and Shoosmiths and DIF will be with them every step of the way.

Get in touch

Not sure who to contact? Let us help you find the right lawyer.