Blue Interactive
Nature of Business
Blue Interactive is a Brazilian cable TV and broadband provider. The company was formed by Marcelo Lacerda, Silvia de Jesus and Sérgio Pretto in 2009 as an acquisition platform in the rapidly growing pay TV and broadband markets. Blue’s vision is to become a leading Brazilian company in the distribution of digital content and services to residential and business clients.
Since 2009, the company has acquired majority stakes in cable TV companies, becoming the largest independent cable provider in Brazil with operations in 14 cities and 9 Brazilian states.. From 2009 to 2011, both Blue's subscriber base and margins have more than doubled.
The company focuses on mid-size cities with high pent-up demand for its services.
Investment Overview
We invested in Blue for a significant minority stake in July 2012. We will support the management team with its expertise in the telecommunications sector and its substantial M&A experience, which is critical in a sector where scale is a differentiating factor. Going forward, the company plans to continue to grow its penetration levels in cities in which it currently operates as well as expand its network into other mid-sized cities where cable TV is currently unavailable. Where attractive, Blue will also look to grow through acquisitions.
Through our Business Leader Network, we introduced Richard Alden as chairman who brings considerable experience from his time as CEO of ONO, a leading cable operator in Spain. Marcelo Di Lorenzo has joined the board for 3i.
Regulatory notice: This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc, advised by 3i Brazil.
3i office contact
28th Floor Spazio Faria Lima,
Rua Iguatemi Street,
151 Sao Paulo,
Brasil 01451-011
Tel: +55 11 2050 5656
Fax: +55 11 2050 5657