BDO acted as financial and legal advisor to the City of Mariehamn in connection with the sale of Mariehamns Centralantennaktiebolag (MCA) to Ålands Telekommunikation Ab (Ålcom).
MCA is an Åland-based provider of television services that has formed an important part of Åland’s TV infrastructure for decades, serving households throughout the region. The company is also an established provider of Swedish-language TV channels in Finland and offers a broad range of TV services to its customers.
Ålcom is Åland’s leading telecommunications operator, providing broadband, mobile, TV, and corporate communications services to both private and business customers. The company generates annual revenue of approximately EUR 25 million and employs around 60 people. In addition to its operations in Åland, Ålcom also offers TV and communications solutions in other Nordic markets.
Through the transaction, MCA became part of the Ålcom Group, strengthening Ålcom’s position in the Åland telecommunications market and creating favourable conditions for the long-term development of TV and streaming services.
BDO acted as financial and legal advisor to the City of Mariehamn throughout the entire sale process. The City selected BDO as its advisor based on a long-standing and well-functioning relationship. Over the years, BDO has assisted both the City and its companies with audit and advisory services, giving us a strong understanding of the owner’s objectives, circumstances, and expectations ahead of the transaction.
In addition to its local knowledge, BDO contributed extensive experience in M&A transactions and deep sector expertise within the telecommunications, broadband, and infrastructure industries. This enabled a well-informed assessment of both the market and potential buyers.
As advisor, BDO was responsible for planning and executing the entire sale process, including the preparation of transaction materials, contacting potential buyers, coordinating the due diligence process, and supporting the parties in negotiations and contractual matters. Throughout the process, the City’s objectives and the specific requirements of municipal decision-making were carefully taken into consideration.
“The cooperation with BDO has been valuable, constructive and efficient. As a municipality, we do not frequently divest subsidiaries, and it has provided great reassurance to have BDO involved in the process, contributing expertise and experience.”
Emma Dahlén, City Manager, City of Mariehamn