Telefónica Tech Sells Latin American Operations to Hiberus in Strategic Shift

Telefónica Tech Sells Business Units in Colombia, Mexico, and Chile

Telefónica Tech, the digital services arm of Telefónica, has entered into an agreement to sell its operations in Colombia, Mexico, and Chile to Spanish technology company Hiberus. This strategic divestment represents a significant move in Telefónica’s ongoing efforts to streamline its operations in Latin America and focus on core markets. The transaction is part of the group’s broader strategy to reduce capital requirements in regions where returns have been under pressure for years.

Over the past decade, Telefónica has progressively scaled back its operations in several Latin American markets as it shifts its focus toward more lucrative territories such as Spain, Brazil, Germany, and the UK. Previous decisions included exiting Central American markets and reducing stakes in Argentina. This recent agreement allows Telefónica Tech to maintain a presence in these three countries through a commercial partnership with Hiberus, ensuring minimal disruption to existing customer contracts.

Continuity in Digital Operations and Strategic Goals

Despite the sale, Telefónica Tech emphasized that its Digital Operations Center (DOC) in Colombia will remain under its control. The DOC will continue to provide crucial oversight and support, ensuring continuity in delivering quality digital services in the region. María Jesús Almazor, Telefónica Tech’s COO for Spain and the Americas, highlighted that the deal aligns perfectly with the company’s core “Transform & Grow” strategy, which aims to optimize the delivery of digital services in a cost-effective manner.

This marks a key milestone in how the company operates across Latin America, transitioning from direct ownership to strategic partnerships. By leveraging Hiberus’s strengths in cybersecurity and cloud computing, Telefónica Tech positions itself to serve its clients more efficiently while aligning with market trends that demand scalability and specialization.

Hiberus Strengthens Regional Footprint

For Hiberus, the acquisition is a game-changer. The company gains access to a team of experts specialized in advanced digital technologies, including cybersecurity and cloud solutions, which are critical growth areas for businesses in the region. CEO Sergio López expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating that this development would serve as a springboard for Hiberus’s expansion efforts across Latin America.

Moreover, the long-term strategic collaboration with Telefónica ensures that both companies will benefit from shared expertise and resources. This mutually beneficial relationship underscores Hiberus’s position as a formidable player in the technology ecosystem of Latin America while allowing Telefónica to tap into digital services revenue without the burden of direct operational management.

Reshaping Telefónica Tech’s Strategy in Latin America

The divestment underscores Telefónica’s determination to simplify its presence in Latin America while maintaining service continuity through strong partnerships. This approach is rooted in the need to mitigate risk, improve resource allocation, and prioritize profitability in key regions. The sale to Hiberus exemplifies how strategic collaborations can help achieve these objectives without compromising on service delivery.

As the telecommunications industry evolves, companies like Telefónica are adapting to changing market conditions by shifting operational focus and adopting innovative business models. This latest move sets the stage for more agile and collaborative approaches to delivering cutting-edge digital services in competitive global markets.