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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 18, 2026
Liberty Global Ltd.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bermuda | | 001-35961 | | 98-1750381 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | | (Commission File Number) | | (IRS Employer Identification #) |
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
+1.303.220.6600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | | | | | | | | |
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| | |
| Class A common shares | LBTYA | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
| Class B common shares | LBTYB | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
| Class C common shares | LBTYK | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☑ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 8.01 OTHER EVENTS
On February 18, 2026, Liberty Global Ltd. issued a press release (the “Spin Press Release”) announcing, among other things, its intent to distribute its entire equity interest in Ziggo Group, a new holding company owning, directly or indirectly, all the equity interests in Telenet Group Holding NV/SA and VodafoneZiggo Group Holding BV to Liberty Global’s shareholders and list the shares of Ziggo Group on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange (the “Spin Transaction”). The full text of the Spin Press Release, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, on the same day, Liberty Global held its quarterly earnings call (the “Earnings Call”). During the Earnings Call, Liberty Global’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael T. Fries, and other members of Liberty Global’s management team discussed the Spin Transaction. A copy of the relevant portions of the Earnings Call presentation and the associated transcript, which provide additional context and rationale for the Spin Transaction, are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and Exhibit 99.3, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. On the same day, Liberty Global’s posted an announcement on LinkedIn, and both Liberty Global and VodafoneZiggo issued internal emails to their employees announcing the Spin Transaction. A copy of the relevant portions of each such announcement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.4, Exhibit 99.5 and Exhibit 99.6, respectively, and each is incorporated herein by reference. Finally, on February 18, 2026, VodafoneZiggo issued a public press release announcing the Spin Transaction and providing additional financial and operational results of such company (the “VodafoneZiggo Release”). A copy of the VodafoneZiggo Release, attached hereto as Exhibit 99.7 is incorporated herein by reference.
The Spin Transaction is subject to customary conditions, including final approval by Liberty Global’s board of directors, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission declaring effective a registration statement with respect to the shares to be distributed to Liberty Global’s shareholders, approval of the Spin Transaction by Liberty Global’s shareholders and satisfaction of certain other conditions.
No Offer to Sell or Solicit
This communication is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe for shares or a solicitation of any vote or approval. Copies of this document may not be sent to, distributed in or sent from jurisdictions in which this is barred or prohibited by law. The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction and there shall be no sale of securities in any such jurisdiction.
This announcement is only addressed to and directed at specific addresses who: (A) if in member states of the European Economic Area (the EEA) are people who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended) (the Prospectus Regulation) (Qualified Investors); and (B) if in the U.K., are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK version of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law in the U.K. by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the UK Prospectus Regulation) who are: (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the Order); or (ii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (C) are other persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended)) in connection with the sale of any securities of the Company or any member of its group may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons referred to in (B) and (C) being Relevant Persons). This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the U.K., by persons who are not Relevant Persons and (ii) in any member state of the EEA by persons who are not Qualified Investors. Any investment activity to which this announcement relates (i) in the U.K. is available only to, any may be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons; and (ii) in any member state of the EEA is available only to, and may be engaged only with, Qualified Investors.
This communication is an advertisement for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended) and underlying legislation. It is not a prospectus. A copy of any prospectus published by the Company will, if approved and published, be made available for inspection on the issuer’s website at www.libertyglobal.com subject to certain access restrictions.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
As previously announced, Liberty Global intends to combine its interests in VodafoneZiggo and Telenet into a new holding company to be named Ziggo Group, with Liberty Global planning to list Ziggo Group on Euronext Amsterdam and to spin off its equity interest in Ziggo Group to Liberty Global shareholders (the “Transaction”). In connection with the Transaction, a
registration statement on Form F-4 that will include a preliminary proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) will be filed and mailed to the Liberty Global shareholders. LIBERTY GLOBAL SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION THAT LIBERTY GLOBAL AND ZIGGO GROUP WILL FILE WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION. Liberty Global shareholders and investors may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials (when they become available) and other documents filed by Liberty Global and Sunrise at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus (and other relevant materials when they become available) and the filings that will be incorporated by reference therein may also be obtained, without charge, by contacting Liberty Global’s Investor Relations at ir@libertyglobal.com or +1 (303) 220-6600.
Participants in the Solicitation
Liberty Global and its directors, executive officers and certain employees, may be deemed, under rules of the SEC, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed Transaction. Information regarding Liberty Global’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Liberty Global’s filings with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC (when they become available). These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.
Forward Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Transaction, the listing of the Ziggo Group shares for trading on the Euronext Amsterdam Exchange (“Euronext”) and other information and statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include the risk that we do not receive shareholder approval for the Transaction and/or related matters, our ability to satisfy the other conditions to the Transaction on the expected timeframe or at all, the approval of the shares of Ziggo Group for listing on Euronext and the development of a trading market for them, the Liberty Global Board of Directors’ discretion to decide not to complete the Transaction for any reason, our ability to realize the expected benefits from the Transaction, unanticipated difficulties or costs in connection with the Transaction, Ziggo Group’s ability to successfully operate as an independent public company and maintain its relationships with material counterparties after the Transaction and other factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K, as it may be supplemented from time to time by our quarterly reports and other subsequent filings.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.
Item 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d) Exhibits.
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| Exhibit No. | | Exhibit Name |
| | |
| | |
| 99.1 | | |
| | |
| 99.2 | | |
| | |
| 99.3 | | |
| | |
| 99.4 | | |
| | |
| 99.5 | | |
| | |
| 99.6 | | |
| | |
| 99.7 | | |
| | |
| 101.SCH | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| | |
| 101.DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 101.LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 101.PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| | |
| 104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
| | LIBERTY GLOBAL LTD. |
| | |
| | By: | /s/ RANDY L. LAZZELL |
| | | Randy L. Lazzell |
| | | Vice President |
Date: February 18, 2026
Exhibit 99.1
LIBERTY GLOBAL TO ACQUIRE VODAFONE’S STAKE IN VODAFONEZIGGO AND TRANSFER REGIONAL BENELUX ASSETS INTO NEW COMPANY CALLED ZIGGO GROUP
•Liberty Global to acquire Vodafone’s 50% stake in VodafoneZiggo for €1.0 billion in cash and a 10% equity interest in new Ziggo Group
•Ziggo Group to hold Liberty Global’s interests in VodafoneZiggo and Telenet
•Transaction creates a regional telecommunications powerhouse in Benelux, with significant free-cash-flow potential underpinning a compelling equity story
•Enables Liberty Global to accelerate strategic execution and unlock long-term shareholder value
•Expected to deliver synergies (financial and operational) and incremental services with a combined NPV of €1bn
•Clear path to deleveraging through asset sales, mid-term Adj EBITDA growth and Adj FCF generation
•Plans to list Ziggo Group in Amsterdam during 2027 and spin off 90% of shares to Liberty Global shareholders subject to shareholder approval
Denver, Colorado and London, United Kingdom – February 18, 2026
Liberty Global Ltd (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Vodafone Group plc to acquire Vodafone’s 50% shareholding in their Dutch telecommunications joint venture, VodafoneZiggo.
Under the terms of the agreement, Vodafone will receive €1.0 billion in cash and a 10% stake in a new Benelux company to be named Ziggo Group which will hold Liberty Global’s interests in VodafoneZiggo and Telenet in Belgium.
Both VodafoneZiggo and Telenet will continue to operate under their current brands and credit silos, with their experienced management teams focused on delivering their respective strategic growth plans.
The transaction will enable Liberty Global to fully unlock the value of its Benelux operating businesses for shareholders, supported by plans to list Ziggo Group locally in 2027 on Euronext in Amsterdam and to spin-off the 90% held by Liberty Global to its shareholders. In addition, Liberty Global and Vodafone Group have entered into long-term service agreements relating to VodafoneZiggo, ensuring continued operational alignment and stability throughout the transition.
Mike Fries, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Global, said: “This transaction marks a significant milestone in our decades-long commitment to the Benelux region and is fully aligned with our strategy of unlocking long-term value for shareholders. By combining these assets, we are creating a regional powerhouse comprised of two converged national FMC champions operating in rational markets — an attractive platform with strong prospects for sustained free-cash-flow generation. We are excited about giving shareholders the opportunity to participate directly in Ziggo Group’s future growth and value creation.”
Highlights of the transaction include:
•Attractive equity story: Provides direct exposure to leading regional telecoms operators, with strong potential for meaningful free cash flow generation, targeting combined Adj FCF of ~€500m by 2028E.
•Synergies: Expected to deliver synergies (financial and operational) and incremental services with a combined NPV of €1bn (net of integration).
•Deleveraging roadmap: to ~4.5x by 2028E supported by mid-term Adj EBITDA growth, Adj FCF generation, ECM optionality and asset sales. Liberty Global is in the process of selling ~50% of its stake in Wyre, with proceeds earmarked to support deleveraging of Telenet. The remaining stake in Wyre will be retained 100% by Liberty Global.
•Consumer benefits: Ongoing investment and innovation will continue to benefit consumers in the Netherlands and Belgium, with increased scale strengthening the ability to develop and deliver cutting-edge products and services.
•Broader investor base: The planned spin creates an opportunity to broaden and deepen the investor base by establishing two distinct, simplified and compelling investment profiles — one for Ziggo Group and one for Liberty Global, as we did with the spin-off of Sunrise in late 2024.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Goldman Sachs and LionTree are acting as financial advisers to Liberty Global on the transaction.
ABOUT LIBERTY GLOBAL
Liberty Global Ltd. (Nasdaq: LBTYA, LBTYB, LBTYK) delivers long-term shareholder value through the strategic management of three complementary platforms: Liberty Telecom, Liberty Growth and Liberty Services.
Liberty Telecom is a world leader in converged broadband, video and mobile communications, providing approximately 80 million fixed and mobile connections across Europe through advanced fiber and 5G networks that empower customers and strengthen national economies. The business generates aggregate revenue of $21.6 billion, including approximately $18 billion from nonconsolidated joint ventures and $3.7 billion from consolidated operations.
Liberty Growth invests in scalable businesses across the technology, media, sports and infrastructure sectors, with a portfolio of roughly 70 companies and funds valued at $3.4 billion.*
Liberty Services delivers innovative technology, operational, and financial services to both Liberty affiliated companies and third parties, generating approximately $700 million in annual revenue.**
Together, these platforms position Liberty Global as a leading international converged connectivity and investment company focused on creating sustainable, long-term value for shareholders.
*As independently valued as of December 31, 2025.
** Represents full year 2025 revenue of Liberty Services, substantially all of which is derived from our consolidated businesses and nonconsolidated joint ventures.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Liberty Global’s intended purchase of equity interests in VodafoneZiggo, the combination its interests in VodafoneZiggo and Telenet into a new holding company to be named Ziggo Group, the potential listing of the Ziggo Group shares for trading (together, the “Transaction”), the performance of Ziggo Group following the Transaction and other information and statements that are not historical fact. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include the risk that we do not receive shareholder approval for certain aspects of the Transaction and/or related matters, our ability to satisfy the other conditions to the Transaction on the expected timeframe or at all, the approval of the shares of Ziggo Group for listing on the relevant stock exchange and the development of a trading market for them, the Liberty Global Board of Directors’ discretion to decide not to complete the Transaction for any reason, our ability to realize the expected benefits from the Transaction, unanticipated difficulties or costs in connection with the Transaction, Ziggo Group’s ability to successfully operate as an independent public company and maintain its relationships with material counterparties after the Transaction and other factors detailed from time to time in Liberty Global’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, as it may be updated or supplemented from time to time by our quarterly reports and other subsequent filings.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement.
For more information, please visit www.libertyglobal.com or contact
Investor Relations Corporate Communications
Michael Bishop +44 20 8483 6246 Pádraig McGarrigle +44 7474 736967
mediarelations@libertyglobal.com