Osborne Clarke advises Voneus on Airband Community Internet acquisition out of administration

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised longstanding client Voneus Limited on its acquisition of the business and assets of Airband Community Internet Limited out of administration, further extending Voneus's position as one of the UK's leading provider of rural broadband connectivity.  

This acquisition further consolidates Voneus's mission to close the digital divide and bring ultrafast, reliable broadband connectivity to rural and hard-to-reach communities across the UK. The acquisition follows Voneus' significant growth in recent years, including its merger with SWS Broadband and Cadence Networks, and its acquisition of the Broadway Partners business.

The transaction reinforces Osborne Clarke’s position as a leading TMT and digital infrastructure adviser, showcasing our ability to deliver complex deals. It further strengthens our longstanding relationship with Voneus and highlights the depth of our cross‑practice expertise in telecoms, restructuring and strategic M&A.

We are delighted to have supported Voneus once again on this strategically important acquisition. Voneus is a valued longstanding client and a genuine champion of rural connectivity in the UK. Working closely alongside Voneus Chief Legal Officer, Raj Sharma, and the rest of the executive team, we were able to move quickly and efficiently to get this deal over the line. The acquisition of Airband's business and assets is a further significant step in Voneus' ambition to bring high-quality broadband to communities across the country that have historically been underserved.

Douglas Hawthorn, Partner, Restructuring & Insolvency, Osborne Clarke.

The cross-practice Osborne Clarke team was led by partner Douglas Hawthorn, supported by legal director Claire Bundy (Restructuring & Insolvency), partner Mike Freer and associate director James Archer (Corporate), senior associate Joe Blackburn (Real Estate), partner Jon Fell, associate director Matt Suter and senior associate TK Spiff (Commercial), associate directors Nick Haywood and Alexandra Farrell-Thomas (Employment), partner Emily van Schalkwyk (Property Disputes), and associate Freddie Carter (Competition).