Sector performance
2024 was a strong year for telecoms M&A activity, with deal value in the sector rebounding after a slow 2023. Consolidation was a key theme, with several significant mergers announced in Europe and the United States.
As in previous years, many telecoms companies looked to expand and move into adjacent sectors to augment long-term capabilities, while financial and infrastructure investors acquired data centers and tower assets. Portfolio optimization drove deal activity in the sector and is likely to lead to further M&A opportunities for telecoms businesses in 2025, especially those focused on fiber assets, satellites, and data centers.
Hogan Lovells activities
In 2024, our Telecoms team advised clients across the carrier, fiber, infrastructure, and tower sectors. We engaged with industry leaders at major global conferences, including CES, London Tech Week, and the annual Mobile World Congress events in Barcelona and Las Vegas. In partnership with Space and Satellite Professionals International, we hosted events exploring the UK commercial space sector and strategies for mitigating orbital debris.
Our thought leadership covered hot topics such as telecoms infrastructure, AI, standard essential patents, data centers, and net neutrality. The annual Winnik International Tech & Telecom Forum, our flagship telecoms event, focused on geopolitical risk and investment in the sector, featuring panels on the impact of high-profile global elections, online safety, AI, and evolving regulatory challenges.