Tratos Acquires Telnet and AFL Telecommunications Europe

Italy-based Tratos Cavi S.p.A. acquired Spanish manufacturer Telnet and all shares of AFL Telecommunications Europe Ltd. (AFL TE), a unit of AFL Telecommunications LLC. Together, these acquisitions expand Tratos’ portfolio in fiber optics and specialized infrastructure solutions.​

For more information about Tratos, readers can visit https://www.tratosgroup.com, and for AFL, they can go to https://www.aflglobal.com.​​​

Telnet Strengthens Fiber and GPON Portfolio

Telnet, founded in 1996, supplies fiber optic cables, antennas, passive components, and GPON equipment to customers in Europe, South America, and Asia. Moreover, Tratos acquired this unit through a judicial process, kept the plant open, and preserved more than 100 direct jobs.​

As a result, the deal unlocks Telnet’s fiber optic cable and passive optical component division and gives that business new momentum. Telnet also cleaned up its balance sheet, reversed earlier operational decline, and improved profitability, with turnover of about €20 million.​​​​

AFL TE Adds Utility, Rail, and Energy Solutions

With the AFL TE acquisition, Tratos now gains key fiber optic cable product lines for power utilities, rail, and oil and gas markets. Specifically, these lines include SkyWrap attached fiber optic solutions for overhead power lines, ruggedized trackside fiber optic cables, and subsea umbilical optic cable components.​

Furthermore, AFL TE will continue to operate from its expanded facility in Swindon, U.K., and this site now complements Tratos’ electrical cable plant in Knowsley. Consequently, Tratos increases its manufacturing capacity and strengthens its service presence in the U.K.​​​

Leadership Highlights Strategic Synergies

Tratos CEO Elisabetta Bragagni Capaccini stated that AFL TE’s product capabilities, technical staff, and EMEA sales team will strengthen Tratos’ market position. In addition, she highlighted the strong strategic fit between Tratos’ cable expertise and AFL TE’s established customer network.​

Meanwhile, AFL Vice President of Cable Solutions Jeff Schmerbeck called Tratos a synergistic match for the AFL Swindon facility. Therefore, he described the transaction as exciting news for European utility, renewables, and rail industries that rely on high-performance fiber and cable systems.​​​​