2025

mobilezone has agreed to sell its German operations to freenet

mobilezone Germany

mobilezone Germany comprises the German operations of mobilezone holding ag, the leading independent telecommunications specialist listed on the Swiss Exchange. In Germany, mobilezone achieved revenue of €774 million in 2024 through its e-commerce platforms Sparhandy, Deinhandy and Handystar; its B2B business “mobilezone Handel”; and its activities as mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) featuring the brands HIGH and Simyo. mobilezone initially entered the German market in 2015 through the acquisition of einsAmobile.

The Deal

mobilezone was keen to focus on its core business in Switzerland and therefore was looking to find a suitable new owner to continue to develop the German business. Lincoln undertook a bespoke process led by an experienced cross-border transaction team, leveraging sector insights and deep e-commerce expertise to identify an appropriate new partner. The deal is subject to competition clearance.

Our Perspective

“We are delighted to have found in freenet a future partner for mobilezone’s German business, whose customers and partners will benefit from freenet’s customer-centric and digital-first approach to delivering digital lifestyle services. We very much enjoyed working closely with the mobilezone team across borders and across workstreams to ultimately deliver a win-win solution for both sets of public shareholders,” commented Harry Kalmanowicz & Monika Nickl, Lincoln International Managing Directors.

mobilezone holding ag

Founded in 1999, mobilezone holding ag is the leading independent telecoms specialist in Switzerland and Germany, with reported 2024 turnover of CHF 1.0 billion and consolidated operating income of CHF 52.7 million. mobilezone’s registered shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd.

mobilezone employs nearly 1,000 people and operates more than 125 shops in Switzerland. For more information, visit www.mobilezoneholding.ch.

freenet AG

freenet AG offers a comprehensive portfolio of mobile communications, internet and TV entertainment, helping customers find the ideal solution for their digital lifestyles. Across approximately 500 shops in Germany, freenet employees provide expert advice and services on plans and smartphones from numerous providers. In addition to its online presence and retail stores, freenet is represented in specialist retail outlets, ensuring it remains close to its customers. freenet is one of Germany’s leading market players with around 9,5 million subscribers.

For more information, visit www.freenet.ag.

Connect with a Senior Team Member
The Lincoln team provided expert guidance throughout the process, demonstrating remarkable dedication and putting in tremendous effort to deliver exceptional client service and successfully secure the ideal next home for mobilezone’s German operations.
Markus Bernhard
Executive Delegate of the Board of Directors, mobilezone Holding ag.

Meet our Senior Team

Any information or testimonials contained in this post may not be representative of the experience of other clients and is no guarantee of future performance or success.