Project description
The EBRD plans to take a minority stake alongside a consortium of investors in the acquisition of 100% of a newly created tower company (“TowerCo”), with the aim of consolidating a portfolio of mobile towers which will be separated from Telekom Srbija in Serbia and Montenegro. and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Completion of the acquisition will be subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.
the project’s objectives
The project supports TowerCo’s independent business model and passive infrastructure sharing in the region, while positively contributing to the development of mobile markets in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Impact of the transition
ETI score: 72
ETI score: 72
The project contributes to the transition impact objectives under the following transition qualities:
Competitive: The main objective concerns the sale of TowerCo’s passive infrastructure assets, which, as a result of the transaction, are transferred into private ownership. In addition, the creation of an independent TowerCo will increase the rental rate of towers.
Well governed: The acquisition of TowerCo through a consortium of international investors will lead to the implementation of international corporate governance standards.
Customer information
TO DEFINE
TowerCo will be a newly established entity and, together with its newly established subsidiaries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, will own 1,863 mobile towers (including 36 sites under construction which will be delivered in 2024) which will be carved out by TSG in Serbia, Bosnia. Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Additionality
The EBRD’s participation is complementary in that it contributes to closing the market financing gap, supporting the acquisition of currently state-owned telecommunications assets and leading to the implementation of international standards of corporate governance.
Environmental and social summary
Categorized B (ESP 2019) with low to medium risk. Environmental and social (E&S) issues associated with the Bank’s equity investment in TowerCo’s acquisition as part of a consortium of investors are limited and can be addressed through standard mitigation measures. TowerCo’s environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) is led by the lead investor and carried out through the services of an external environmental and social consultant, whose scope includes the requirements of TowerCo’s environmental and social policies. the EBRD. The project was assessed with respect to issues related to labor issues, contractor management, occupational and community health and safety risks, stakeholder engagement, procurement of land and the future institutional capacity of TowerCo to implement the PRs. The Bank has worked with the lead investor in previous projects and can confirm that it has substantial in-house expertise in managing long-term infrastructure investments. The ESDD confirms that the assets are currently managed in accordance with the respective national legislations. TSG will support TowerCo during the ownership transition period via a Transition Services Agreement (TSA – expected to be in place for up to 15 months). During this period and until the TowerCo E&S team and ESMS are established, TSG E&S procedures will be implemented. TSG has an integrated management system, certified according to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and 45001 (OHS) standards. The final ESDD report will be submitted to investors after the FRM deadline. However, the EBRD E&S team has had several meetings/interviews with the consortium and its consultant, and an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) largely agreed between the parties is being finalized and will be agreed before the Board . The ESAP includes targeted measures/actions, such as (but not limited to) the development of management systems, health and safety procedures and a stakeholder engagement plan for the transition phase and the operational phase.
Technical cooperation and subsidies
N / A.
PSD latest update
November 17, 2023
Understanding the transition
More information on the EBRD’s approach to measuring the impact of the transition is available. here.
Professional opportunities
For business opportunities or purchases, contact the client company.
For business opportunities with the EBRD (non-purchase related), contact:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
E-mail: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
For public sector projects, visit EBRD purchases:
Tel: +44 20 7338 6794
E-mail: Procurement@ebrd.com
General Information
Specific requests can be made using the EBRD Inquiry Form.
Environmental and Social Policy (PSE)
THE ESP and associated Performance Requirements (PRs) define how the EBRD implements its commitment to promoting “sustainable and environmentally sound development”. The ESP and PR include specific provisions to enable customers to comply with the applicable requirements of national laws on public information and consultation as well as to establish a complaints mechanism to receive and facilitate the resolution of concerns and complaints. stakeholder grievances, particularly regarding environmental and social performance of the client and the project. Proportionate to the nature and scale of the environmental and social risks and impacts of a project, the EBRD further requires its clients to disclose information, where appropriate, on the risks and impacts arising from projects or undertake meaningful consultations with stakeholders and review and respond to their feedback.
Further information on the EBRD’s practices in this regard is presented in the ESP.
Integrity and Compliance
The EBRD’s Office of the Compliance Officer (OCCO) promotes good governance and ensures that the highest standards of integrity are applied to all of the Bank’s activities, in line with international best practices. Integrity due diligence is conducted on all clients of the Bank to ensure that projects do not pose unacceptable integrity or reputational risks to the Bank. The Bank believes that identifying and resolving issues at the approval stages of project appraisal is the most effective way to ensure the integrity of the Bank’s transactions. OCCO plays a key role in these protection efforts and also helps monitor integrity risks in projects post-investment.
OCCO is also responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, corruption and misconduct in EBRD-funded projects. Any person, both inside and outside the Bank, who suspects fraud or corruption should submit a written report to the Compliance Officer by email to the following address: conformity@ebrd.com. All reported issues will be handled by OCCO for follow-up. All reports, including anonymous reports, will be investigated. Reports may be written in any language of the Bank or the Bank’s countries of operations. The information provided must be made in good faith.
Access to Information Policy (AIP)
The AIP sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders to promote greater knowledge and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations following its entry into force on 1 January 2020. Please see the Access to information policy to find out what information is available on the EBRD website.
Specific requests for information can be made using the EBRD Inquiry Form.
Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)
If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (e.g. through the Client’s project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), Individuals and organizations can seek to address their concerns through the EBRD complaints mechanism. Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM).
IPAM independently reviews issues relating to the Project that have caused (or are likely to cause) harm. The objective of the mechanism is: to support dialogue between project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and social policy or Provisions specific to the project of its Access to information policy; and, where applicable, remedy any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.
Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to learn more about IPAM and its mandate; how Submit a request for evaluation; or contact IPAM by email ipam@ebrd.com for advice and more information about IPAM and how to submit an application.
