The transaction is expected to close early next year.

Aster is Poland's first triple-play provider, offering television, broadband Internet and telephony services. Aster was the first operator to introduce digital CATV services and is among Poland's largest CATV operators with leading positions in Warsaw, Krakow and Zielona Gora. 

Thierry Baudon, the Managing Partner of Mid Europa Partners, said: "Aster represents an excellent platform for consolidation of the Polish CATV market and, with our intimate knowledge of the Polish cable sector, we are uniquely-positioned to lead this consolidation in partnership with Aster's management." 

"We look forward to reuniting with the management team, with whom we have enjoyed a strong working relationship and who are making a significant investment in the deal," said Matthew Strassberg, a Director of Mid Europa Partners who led the transaction.

John Arciszewski, Aster's CEO said: "Under the ownership of Hicks Muse, Aster became the undisputed innovator in the Polish cable market, having been the first to introduce digital TV, broadband Internet and telephony services on a single platform. We are delighted to welcome back Mid Europa Partners as an investor, and look forward to a constructive partnership with Mid Europa Partners, as we continue to grow the company. Management's expected significant stake in the company underscores our belief and confidence of even greater value creation in the future".

Goldman Sachs International acted as exclusive financial adviser to Hicks Muse Tate & Furst in connection with the transaction.

Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited has acted as financial adviser to Mid Europa Partners in connection with the acquisition and Credit Suisse First Boston International has provided a financing commitment to Mid Europa Partners in connection with the acquisition.

Mid Europa Partners is the investment manager to Emerging Europe Convergence Fund II, L.P. whose fund manager and general partner is EMP Europe Management (CI) LP.

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For further information, please contact:

Mid Europa Partners: 
Matthew Strassberg, Mid Europa Partners
+44 (0) 20 7886 3628

Michelle Carlsson, Mid Europa Partners
+44 (0) 20 7886 3611

Aster:   
John Arciszewski, Aster
+48 (22) 411 5003

Notes to editors:

About Mid Europa Partners

Mid Europa Partners is a private equity firm investing in Central and Eastern Europe. Mid Europa Partners advises and manages funds with committed capital in excess of €1 billion. The Mid Europa Partners team has been investing in Central and Eastern Europe since 1999. For additional information on Mid Europa Partners please visit: www.mideuropa.com.

Goldman Sachs International is acting for Aster's shareholders and no one else in connection with the acquisition and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of Goldman Sachs International or for providing advice in relation to the transaction.

Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited is acting for Mid Europa Partners LLP and no one else in connection with the acquisition and will not be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to clients of Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited or for providing advice in relation to the acquisition.