Lightower to Acquire Fibertech, Extending Footprint

Lightower Fiber Networks agreed to acquire Fibertech Networks, a leading provider of fiber-optic based network services throughout mid-size cities in the eastern and central regions of the United States, for $1.9 billion in cash.


The combined company will own and operate over 30,000 route miles of fiber network providing access to nearly 5,000 wireless towers and almost 13,000 on-net service locations, including commercial buildings, data centers, financial exchanges, content hubs and other critical communications facilities.

Lightower’s existing financial backers, Berkshire Partners, Pamlico Capital and ABRY Partners, will each provide additional equity to support the transaction.

“The combination of Lightower and Fibertech is a win for customers by enabling us to serve more locations, across a wider area, and with more service options – all with the same superior level of reliability and customer support,” stated Rob Shanahan, CEO of Lightower. “Lightower and Fibertech have built distinct networks in their respective regions that will be very complementary when merged. In addition, we plan to continue to invest capital in these regions for additional network expansion.”

“This merger between our two high growth companies is a very positive development for both organizations, both customer bases and both sets of employees,” said John Purcell, CEO of Fibertech. “Bringing together these two talented teams under an integrated leadership group will be a great cultural fit, while also broadening opportunities and career growth for employees.”

http://www.lightower.com/company/news/press-releases/lightower-fiber-networks-to-merge-with-fibertech-networks/#.VT8N2CH484k

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Lightower Fiber Networks Expands in Virginia

Lightower Fiber Networks, which operates a network spanning 20,000 route miles throughout the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Chicago metro markets, announced a major 1,500-mile expansion throughout Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metro region.

In May 2012, Lightower began constructing over 1,100 route miles of high fiber-count network blanketing most of Virginia and into North Carolina. Additionally, Lightower is announcing the addition of almost 400 route miles in the Washington, D.C. metro region, including parts of northern Virginia and southern Maryland.

The company noted that its unique route between Washington, D.C. and New York is geographically diverse from the I-95 corridor.

“This expansion dramatically increases the number of customers Lightower can serve in the Washington, D.C. metro and Virginia markets,” stated Rob Shanahan, CEO of Lightower.

http://www.lightower.com/

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Lightower and Sidera Complete Merger -- 20,000 Fiber Route Miles

Lightower Fiber Networks completed its merger with Sidera Networks, creating one of the largest metro fiber providers in the United States.

The new Lightower operates a broad, dense and unique fiber-optic network throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Chicago metro areas. The fiber footprint extends 20,000 route miles  throughout New England, the New York metro region, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Virginia and west to Chicago, with additional connectivity to landing points in London and Toronto. Lightower provides access to over 7,500 service locations, including more than 130 data centers, over 115 carrier hotels and central offices, 40 financial exchanges and 18 Lightower colocation centers.

The transaction, valued at more than $2 billion, was led by Boston-based Berkshire Partners. Pamlico Capital, a significant Lightower investor, and ABRY Partners, a significant Sidera investor, will remain as investors in the new company. 

Lightower is headquartered in Boxborough, MA.  The company is led by Rob Shanahan, President & CEO.

http://www.lightower.com/

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