MTN buys controlling stake in Afrihost

South Africa’s MTN has acquired a controlling 50 per cent plus one share stake in internet service provider (ISP) Afrihost, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.

MTN said the deal – which is for an undisclosed amount and subject to regulatory approvals – would “add scale” to its existing online ICT services offering, which is focused on the consumer and SME market.

“MTN South Africa expects to leverage off Afrihost’s strong customer service, value proposition and agility, thereby boosting MTN South Africa’s presence in the SME, Corporate/Consumer and Connected Home segments. MTN South Africa will in addition be able to supply Afrihost with products for its existing customer base and vice versa,” MTN said.

Afrihost confirmed the deal in an email to customers today, though it said the deal would not change the way it operated and in fact allow it to innovate more.

“We have all agreed that we’ll keep running Afrihost exactly as we have been,” chief executive officer (CEO) Gian Visser said in the email.

“The way you deal with us stays the same. Our management team stays the same. The entire Afrihost team stays the same. Our passionate focus on service stays the same. Our brand stays the same. We keep working out of our own premises.”

According to Visser, the only change is that Afrihost now has “a big brother” standing by its side and supporting its vision.

“I sincerely believe that joining MTN is the best thing we can do for you, our clients and our team. We’re going to do amazing things,” he said.