PLDT's Voyager seals USD 175-million deal with KKR, Tencent

PLDT Inc. has sealed $175-million deal with foreign investors to strengthen its digital unit Voyager Innovations. 

KKR, Tencent invest in Voyager Innovations

The telco said in a statement it enticed US-based investment firm KKR and Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings to purchase new shares amounting to up to USD 175 million.

KKR

The transaction is projected to be done by fourth quarter of 2018. Once the deal is completed, the two groups would have a minority stake in Voyager, while the Pangilinan-led telco would still hold the majority ownership.

Tencent

Voyager, which has long sought for partners, is into digital marketing, e-cash payments through PayMaya, and e-commerce.

PLDT

PLDT claimed the new external funding in Voyager was considered as the "largest investment to date in a Philippine technology company."

PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan embraced the latest development of Voyager with KKR and Tencent.

Having global powerhouses such as KKR and Tencent as investors in Voyager Innovations demonstrates not only their confidence in the company’s ability to execute its vision, but also their confidence in the Philippine technology industry as a whole.

Voyager President and CEO Orlando Vea also said the new investment could "trigger an inflection point in digital adoption and financial inclusion in the country."

Exciting times for Voyager!

What do you think of this news?