Symbio Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Aussie Broadband's acquisition of Symbio, valued at $262 million, marks a significant consolidation in the Australian telecommunications sector. This strategic move not only positions Aussie Broadband as the fourth-largest internet provider in the country but also enhances its capabilities in the unified communications-as-a-service (UCaaS) market. The merger is expected to drive substantial growth and innovation for both companies.

What Is Symbio?

Symbio provides cloud communication services and infrastructure tailored for both enterprises and service providers. Their core offerings include Enterprise SIP Trunking, Enterprise Mobility, and Call Termination, among others. Symbio stands out with its infinitely scalable infrastructure, extensive regional coverage across the Asia-Pacific, and cloud-ready solutions that simplify compliance and integration with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex. Their services are designed to eliminate common telecom bottlenecks, ensuring reliable and efficient communication.

Who Acquired Symbio?

Aussie Broadband is a leading telecommunications and technology provider in Australia, recognized as the most trusted telco in the country. They offer a wide range of services, including high-speed nbn® plans, mobile SIM plans, mobile broadband, nbn® modems, and home phone services. For businesses, they provide 4G Backup, business nbn® plans, and ultrafast Aussie Fibre internet. Their strong market position is underscored by their emphasis on customer satisfaction and support, as evidenced by numerous five-star reviews and industry accolades.

When Was Symbio Acquired?

Aussie Broadband completed the acquisition of Symbio on February 19, 2024. This acquisition comes amid a wave of consolidation in the telecommunications industry, reflecting a broader trend of strategic mergers aimed at enhancing service offerings and expanding market presence. The timing is particularly significant as it follows other major industry moves, such as Vocus' $3.3 billion takeover of TPG Telecom's fibre and fixed assets, highlighting the competitive landscape and the drive for growth and innovation.

Why Was Symbio Acquired?

• Market Expansion: The acquisition of Symbio by Aussie Broadband significantly expands their market presence, particularly in the unified communications-as-a-service sector. This move positions Aussie Broadband as Australia's fourth-largest internet provider, with its wholesale telecommunications business now accounting for almost a third of its operations.
• Technology Integration: Aussie Broadband benefits from Symbio's advanced communications technologies, including their proprietary software platform. This integration enhances Aussie Broadband's service offerings and operational efficiency, supporting the continued growth of their wholesale, enterprise, and government segments.
• Competitive Advantage: By acquiring Symbio, Aussie Broadband strengthens its competitive position against rivals like the Vocus Group. The merger creates a more diversified telecommunications company with enhanced product capabilities and a larger customer base, positioning it as a stronger competitor in the market.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: $262 million
• Payment Method: The transaction involved a mix of cash and stock, with Symbio shareholders receiving AUD 2.36 in cash and 0.192 Aussie Broadband shares for each Symbio share held. This was structured as 75% cash and 25% scrip, with the option for shareholders to elect a greater proportion of cash or scrip subject to a fixed cash and scrip pool.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • The acquisition was completed through a scheme of arrangement.
  • Symbio shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition.
  • The transaction required completion of confirmatory due diligence satisfactory to Aussie Broadband.
  • Entry into a Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) in a mutually acceptable form.
  • Unanimous recommendation from the Symbio Board.
  • A commitment from all Symbio Directors to vote any Symbio shares they hold or control in favor of the indicative proposal.
  • If Symbio paid a fully franked dividend of up to 35 before the acquisition was completed, the cash component of the offer would be reduced by that amount.

Impact on Symbio

The acquisition of Symbio by Aussie Broadband has led to notable changes in operations and management. Initially, Symbio will operate as a standalone business, with plans for gradual integration into Aussie Broadband's broader operations. This approach aims to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational stability. The executive team at Symbio, including CEO Rene Sugo, is focused on planning this integration, aligning with Aussie Broadband's vision and culture. Additionally, the merger has resulted in a combined entity with a market capitalization of approximately AUD 1.3 billion, creating a more diversified telecommunications company.

In terms of product offerings and services, the acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Aussie Broadband's capabilities. By integrating Symbio's advanced software and communication technologies, Aussie Broadband can offer improved and expanded services, particularly in the unified communications-as-a-service sector. This expansion is anticipated to add roughly 30% to Aussie Broadband's turnover, bolstering their wholesale, enterprise, and government segments. Employee reactions have been positive, with acknowledgments from leadership for their contributions, while customer reactions remain to be fully seen as the integration progresses.

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