Telecommunications Acquisitions

Lyse has agreed to bring HitecVision in as a co-owner of Altibox Carrier, with HitecVision acquiring a 50% ownership stake in the business. Altibox Carrier, carved out from Lyse via a joint venture structure, will operate as an independent company focused on expanding high-speed fiber infrastructure serving data centers across the Nordics and Northern Europe.

Visionary Broadband acquired Montana-based internet service provider MTWeb to expand its broadband presence in and around Whitehall, Montana, including Twin Bridges, Pipestone, and Cardwell. MTWeb owner Joel Andrews and two employees will join Visionary Broadband; financial terms were not disclosed.

The Cook & Boardman Group LLC announced the acquisition of Brymer Communication Services, LLC dba BryComm, a Texas-based provider of infrastructure network design engineering, installation, and maintenance services. BryComm will continue operating under its existing name, and transaction terms were not disclosed. The deal represents Cook & Boardman’s seventh acquisition since Platinum Equity acquired a majority interest in the company in 2023.

Ceragon Networks Ltd. completed its previously announced acquisition of Siklu, a provider of multi-gigabit “wireless fiber” connectivity solutions. The combination is intended to expand Ceragon’s end-to-end 5G wireless transport offering, strengthening its presence with small service providers and private networks, particularly in North America. Ceragon expects the deal to add approximately $25–$29 million of revenue in 2024 and to be accretive to non-GAAP earnings by the second half of 2024.

Fengate Asset Management announced the financial close of its acquisition of a significant portfolio of wireless communications towers in the United States from TowerCom, LLC. The towers span 11 U.S. states and expand Fengate’s communications tower holdings to more than 200 towers across 15 states. TowerCom, which originally developed the towers, will continue to manage the newly acquired portfolio for Fengate.

TeleCloud acquired DiRAD's Nextphone customer base to expand its reach in cloud-based telecommunications services. The transaction strengthens TeleCloud’s market presence and extends its cloud-based phone services to DiRAD’s existing clients.

Mobile Communications America, Inc. (MCA) announced the acquisition of Communications Services, Inc. (CSI), a Motorola Service Shop founded in 1993 and based in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The deal expands MCA’s wireless communications and related services presence and strengthens its footprint in Tennessee.

Bluewave Technology Group acquired Resource Communication Group (RCG), a telecommunications advisory agency providing telecom lifecycle management services. The deal expands Bluewave’s presence into the Nashville metro area, and financial terms were not disclosed.

Hunter Communications, backed by Grain Management, announced the acquisition of Origin Networks LLC, the parent company of InfoStructure. The deal expands Hunter’s ability to deliver fiber-based internet, voice, data, and cloud services to business customers across Oregon and aligns the two providers around a shared growth and service vision.

UPSTACK acquired Sidepath Global Inc., a telecom services provider headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, to expand its digital infrastructure and network/cloud solutions capabilities. In conjunction with the acquisition, UPSTACK also formed a strategic partnership with Sidepath Global’s sister company, Sidepath Inc., an IT value-added reseller based in Laguna Hills, California. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Thompson Street Capital Partners-backed BCM One acquired Pure IP, a London-headquartered provider of cloud-based voice services integrated with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, and Zoom. The deal expands BCM One’s NextGen Communications portfolio and international footprint across Western Europe and Asia-Pacific. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Transaction Network Services (TNS) acquired BornTec's managed hosting and colocation business to expand TNS’ global connectivity and managed hosting strategy for financial markets customers. BornTec divested the unit to focus on its CrossCheck trading data analytics platform. The transaction closed on March 21, 2023.

Wafra Inc. and Post Road Group announced an investment in Intermountain Infrastructure Group LLC (IIG), a fiber infrastructure developer and operator serving hyperscale, cloud, carrier, and content customers. The partnership is intended to provide capital to accelerate IIG’s network deployment, including a new long-haul route in the Intermountain Region of the western United States.

Tahoe Network Infrastructure LLC acquired Wisconsin-based regional fiber and fixed wireless provider E-Vergent for $11.2 million. The deal was financed through $6.5 million of senior debt, a seller note, and equity from Tahoe, with Tahoe also committing an additional $10 million to expand E-Vergent’s regional footprint.

Pfingsten completed the acquisition of Tempest Telecom Solutions as its latest platform investment on December 2, 2022. Tempest is a multi-vendor provider of network telecommunications equipment and related repair and technical services, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California with additional operations in Dallas, Texas.

CCP Capital Strategies LLC announced that a newly formed affiliate acquired 100% of Wireless Maritime Services, LLC (WMS) from AT&T and Anuvu. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, WMS provides maritime cellular networks delivering secure connectivity at sea and will continue under its existing management team. The deal positions WMS to operate as an independent platform; financial terms were not disclosed.

i3 Broadband announced it has acquired the assets of and merged operations with VoiceSpring, Inc., a cloud-based VoIP provider serving commercial businesses. VoiceSpring will continue operating as-is and its employees will remain in place following the closing on October 3.

Huron Capital-backed TriStruX acquired Hess Broadband, a fiber optic splicing and specialty construction services provider. The transaction expands TriStruX’s fiber splicing and fiber network services capacity in the Northeast. Hess founders Fran and Dave Hess will remain in executive leadership roles and retain a minority equity position.

In September 2022, Renodis, a telecommunications and mobility management services company, acquired The Eric Ryan Corporation (ERC), a utility and telecommunications management services provider headquartered in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Following the deal, ERC will operate as an entity under the Renodis umbrella, expanding Renodis’ footprint to the U.S. East Coast and adding utility management services to its offerings.

Pfingsten-backed New England Electrical Contracting, LLC acquired Atlas Innovative Services, Inc., a provider of maintenance, repair, and upgrade services for critical telecommunications infrastructure. Atlas is headquartered in Pembroke, Massachusetts with operations in Punta Gorda, Florida, and the deal strengthens New England Electrical’s service coverage in New England while expanding into Florida. The transaction closed on August 5, 2022, and Atlas leadership will remain with the business and become shareholders in New England Electrical.

Crestview Partners made a significant strategic investment in Digicomm International, a Colorado-based value-added broadband distributor and reseller serving global broadband, HFC, and fiber (FTTx) markets. Digicomm founder Rob Donziger will remain a major investor and continue as CEO, and Crestview will support the company’s growth through organic investment and potential M&A. Financial terms were not disclosed.

BAI Communications has agreed to acquire ZenFi Networks, an East Coast digital infrastructure provider focused on small cell deployment, fiber connectivity, and network edge colocation in the New York–New Jersey metro area. The acquisition expands BAI’s U.S. capabilities (alongside its Mobilitie and Transit Wireless operations) and supports its strategy to scale connected 5G infrastructure across North America, subject to customary regulatory approvals and expected to close in Q4 2022.

Circumference Group acquired a majority stake in The Computer Works (TCW), an Arkansas-based provider of fiber and fixed wireless internet services for residential and commercial customers. The investment is intended to support TCW’s continued expansion of broadband connectivity across urban and rural Arkansas, with TCW President Pat Wilson continuing in his role. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Pfingsten-backed New England Electrical Contracting, LLC ("New England Electrical") has partnered with Modern Link Communications, LLC ("Molicom"), a provider of maintenance, repair, and upgrade services for critical telecommunications infrastructure in New England. The transaction is New England Electrical’s first strategic partnership to expand its telecom services platform, with Molicom’s owner Keith Barnard retaining an ownership stake and joining the executive team.

Cloudli Communications, a Montreal-based provider of voice, data and messaging solutions, acquired ConnectMeVoice, a New Jersey-based provider of hosted VoIP, UCaaS and CCaaS. The deal expands Cloudli’s cloud business communications offering and strengthens its presence in the US and broader North American business communications market. Cloudli will retain the ConnectMeVoice team, with ConnectMeVoice CEO Scott Seltzer continuing to run day-to-day operations as General Manager.

SEMPRE.ai announced the acquisition of NewSpace Networks to expand and safeguard terrestrial, maritime, airborne, and space-based wireless communications, including secure satellite communications. The combined company will integrate SEMPRE’s private 5G, edge compute, and hardware hardening capabilities with NewSpace Networks’ software, virtualization, and satellite networking expertise, with early products tested with the U.S. Department of Defense. Financial terms were not disclosed, and NewSpace Networks’ founders will join SEMPRE’s executive team.

Lumine Group, a division of Volaris Group, acquired TOMIA, a provider of connectivity monetization software for communications service providers. TOMIA’s platform supports inter-carrier processes such as data and financial clearing, roaming, real-time campaign management, and interconnect solutions. Arma Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to TOMIA on the transaction.

Visionary Broadband received a strategic investment from funds affiliated with GTCR LLC. The investment will support Visionary’s continued buildout of new fiber networks across Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, including expanding fiber-to-the-premise broadband to rural and underserved communities.

Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Education Networks of America (ENA), a provider of managed network connectivity, communications, and cybersecurity services for K-12 districts and other public sector customers in the United States. ENA was previously owned by private equity firm ZMC, and the combination expands Zayo’s managed services offerings for schools, libraries, and other public sector entities.

Thayer Infrastructure Services, LLC (TIS) announced it has completed the acquisition of J. Lee Associates, Inc., a wireless communications construction company serving the New England area. J. Lee will operate as part of American Cell Enterprises, LLC, one of TIS’s operating companies, with current leadership continuing to oversee the business. Financial terms were not disclosed.

CTI Towers, Inc., a portfolio company of Palistar Capital LP, completed its acquisition of SCI Towers, LLC, an independent communications tower developer that had been in a joint venture with CTI Towers since 2016. The deal expands CTI Towers’ wireless tower portfolio with recently built towers and sites in development, strengthening its telecommunications infrastructure footprint across the United States.

AVANT acquired PlanetOne, combining the two IT and telecom channel leaders under the AVANT brand. The deal brings PlanetOne’s proprietary SENTIENT platform and team into AVANT to expand partner enablement capabilities and accelerate growth for channel partners and providers worldwide.

Unitas Global, a portfolio company of Digital Alpha Advisors, acquired INAP’s Network Business assets, including INAP Japan. The deal expands Unitas Global’s network service offerings for hybrid cloud environments, adding patented routing technology (MIRO), additional global network footprint, and more than a thousand multinational enterprise customers. INAP will remain a strategic customer of Unitas Global following the transaction.

Funds managed by SDC Capital Partners acquired a majority interest in Consolidated Smart Systems, LLC (dba Smartaira) to provide capital for growth and acquisitions in the multifamily internet and entertainment market. SDC also committed up to an additional $100 million to support Smartaira’s continued organic expansion and acquisition strategy. With SDC’s backing, Smartaira recently completed two add-on acquisitions: a multifamily account portfolio from Just In Time Technology Solutions and the technology, assets, and customer accounts of Blue Rim Networks.

Grain Management, LLC acquired LightRiver’s Technologies & Software entities, an optical network integration solutions provider serving telecommunications, utilities, datacenter, and cloud customers. The transaction expands Grain’s activity across network services and software, and positions LightRiver to grow its services and software platform. Grain acquired the business from CVF Capital Partners and Plexus Capital; financial terms were not disclosed.

BCM One acquired the assets of Flowroute from Intrado Corporation to further expand its NextGen Communications portfolio, particularly in SIP trunking and cloud-based voice and messaging services. Flowroute’s cloud communications platform and APIs enhance BCM One’s automated solutions for channel partners, dealers, and end users. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Stone-Goff Partners exited its investment in Centerline Communications LLC following a new investment in the company by Audax Private Equity. Centerline provides design, build, and maintenance services for wireless and wireline network infrastructure across its Wireless Services, Technical Infrastructure Solutions, and Facilities Management divisions.

QualTek, LLC acquired Urban Cable Technology, a regional telecommunications services provider. Urban Cable, headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, provides aerial and underground construction, engineering, MDU wiring/rewiring, and fiber placement services to broadband and telecom cable operators. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

LightEdge announced it has acquired Cavern Technologies, a Kansas City-based enterprise-grade colocation data center provider. The deal is LightEdge’s first acquisition under its new ownership by GI Partners and expands LightEdge’s footprint and capacity in the Kansas City market.

GI Partners completed its all-cash acquisition of ORBCOMM Inc., valuing the industrial IoT solutions provider at approximately $1.1 billion including net debt. ORBCOMM shareholders received $11.50 per share, and the company became privately held and was delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Horizon, a fiber-optic broadband provider based in Columbus, Ohio, acquired Consolidated Cooperative's commercial fiber business to expand its Midwest network footprint. The deal adds approximately 450 miles of fiber to Horizon’s existing Columbus network and extends reach into Delaware, Marion, and Richland counties. Consolidated Cooperative will retain its residential fiber internet services.

Congruex, a national provider of broadband network design, engineering, construction, and maintenance services, announced it has acquired A&M Communications. Headquartered in Boring, Oregon, A&M provides wireless telecommunications solutions including installation and maintenance of cell tower equipment, expanding Congruex’s footprint across the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, and Texas regions. The deal marks Congruex’s fourteenth acquisition since partnering with private equity firm Crestview Partners; financial terms were not disclosed.

QualTek, LLC acquired Broken Arrow Communications Inc. (BACOM), expanding QualTek’s geographic footprint and West Coast operations. Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, BACOM provides installation, construction, and maintenance services for wireless communication facilities across 11 Western U.S. states. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

I Squared Capital, through its ISQ Global Infrastructure Fund III, formed Ezee Fiber as a new digital infrastructure platform focused on fiber networks in underserved U.S. markets. As Ezee Fiber’s inaugural investment, it acquired ICTX WaveMedia, a carrier-grade all-fiber connectivity provider serving the Houston metropolitan area.

MSouth Equity Partners sold Source Broadband Services, LLC (dba "Tachyon") to NextEdge, a Bow River Capital-backed telecommunications services platform. Tachyon provides design, construction, optimization, and maintenance services for fiber and wireless network infrastructure across the Southeastern United States. The transaction represents MSouth’s exit from its investment in Tachyon.

Somos, Inc. announced it has acquired XConnect, a London-based provider of global telephone number information services. XConnect will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Somos, expanding the combined portfolio of numbering administration, routing data, and identity verification/management solutions for the telecommunications industry.

Telarus, LLC announced it has acquired Comtel Communications, a telecom and technology master agency founded in 1991. The acquisition is intended to strengthen partnerships, support growth, and enhance earning potential and resources for Comtel’s subagents and selling partners.

Lightpath announced its entry into the Greater Boston fiber connectivity market, accelerated by three acquisitions in the region. The company acquired Cambridge Network Solutions (CNS) and another local connectivity provider (name not disclosed), and also agreed to purchase fiber network assets from Hub Fiber, with that asset purchase expected to close within 30 days. The acquisitions were funded with cash on Lightpath’s balance sheet and add more than 80 route miles of high-count fiber serving over 100 locations across the Boston area.

Grain Management, LLC acquired Network Wireless Solutions, LLC (NWS), a solutions and logistics provider serving carriers and telecommunications contractors. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, NWS sells custom hybrid and fiber optic cables to broadband providers and provides related services such as cell site development, inventory management, and material distribution.

Funds managed by KKR will join long-time partner Oak Hill Capital and MetroNet management as investors in MetroNet, with Oak Hill and KKR each making new investments. The new funding is intended to accelerate MetroNet’s expansion of fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) broadband, television, and telephone services across U.S. communities. Financial terms were not disclosed and the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to customary approvals.

Brookside Capital Partners made an investment in Lynn Electronics, LLC, an Ivyland, Pennsylvania-based assembler and distributor of fiber optic and copper cable components used in data centers and communications connectivity. The investment consisted of senior debt and an equity co-investment to support the recapitalization of Lynn, which is a portfolio company of NewSpring Mezzanine Capital (NewSpring).

Spireon acquired CalAmp’s LoJack U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) business, expanding Spireon’s aftermarket telematics and connected-vehicle offerings for automotive dealers and consumers. CalAmp will retain LoJack International (its subscription-based SaaS business) as well as the LoJack patents and trademarks, and the parties entered into a cooperative service arrangement to support an orderly customer transition.

Horizon acquired Infinity Fiber, LLC to expand its fiber-optic network footprint in Indiana, enhancing connectivity to multiple data centers and strengthening coverage in Indianapolis and Bloomington. Infinity Fiber adds approximately 450 route miles of long-haul fiber and enables a unique route connecting Chicago to South Bend and Indianapolis, tying back into Horizon’s Columbus, Ohio backbone. The deal has closed, with the network expected to be service-ready by Q2 2021.

Soterra Capital announced the acquisition of Engaged Pro, an IT/telecom solutions firm, as part of its strategic growth initiative. Engaged Pro will combine with Soterra’s portfolio company SinglePoint Solutions to form SinglePoint Communications Group (SCG) to expand market reach and broaden technology and communications services for customers.

thinQ, a cloud communications platform, acquired the assets of Commio, LLC, an Austin-based cloud voice technology company. The acquisition adds redundancy for inbound voice origination, enhances capabilities to combat illegal robocalls (including support for STIR/SHAKEN), and expands thinQ’s nationwide reach.

Marlink Group, a portfolio company of Apax, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of ITC Global, a US provider of enterprise satellite communications solutions. The deal is intended to strengthen Marlink’s managed satellite network capabilities and expand its leadership in energy and enterprise connectivity markets, with closing expected in the first quarter of 2021 subject to regulatory approvals.

IntelliSite Corporation, a portfolio company of DFW Capital, announced the acquisition of Broad Sky Networks, a national wireless connectivity provider. Concurrent with the deal, IntelliSite formed a new international technology holding company, EPIC IO Technology, under which IntelliSite and Broad Sky will operate as independent subsidiaries.

Equistone-backed Amadys has agreed to acquire Infraconcepts B.V. in an add-on transaction to strengthen Amadys’ presence in the Netherlands. Breda-based Infraconcepts supplies passive network equipment solutions primarily for the telecommunications sector and will combine with Amadys, subject to competition authority approval.

Wren House Infrastructure Management Limited has agreed to acquire i3 Broadband from Seaport Capital and Countrywide Broadband. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, i3 provides fiber-to-the-home broadband, video, and voice services across Central Illinois and select markets in Rhode Island. Wren House’s investment is intended to support i3’s continued expansion in existing markets and buildout into new communities.

Mobileum Inc. announced that it has acquired SIGOS, a provider of active end-to-end testing, monitoring, and anti-fraud solutions for mobile networks. The deal expands Mobileum’s telecom analytics and security capabilities by combining SIGOS’ testing infrastructure and engineering expertise with Mobileum’s Active Intelligence platform. SIGOS was previously owned by private equity firm Thoma Bravo.

Great Plains Communications (GPC) entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Enhanced Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), a family-owned telecommunications provider serving Southeastern Indiana. Backed by its partner Grain Management, GPC expects the deal to expand its fiber network footprint and support future strategic growth. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020, subject to customary regulatory approvals, and financial terms were not disclosed.

ElectriCom acquired DataWatt Solutions, a fiber optics installation, maintenance, and emergency restoration services provider based in Linwood, North Carolina. The deal expands ElectriCom’s presence in the Carolinas and adds new customers and field capabilities. ElectriCom is backed by KLH Capital, which partnered with the company in 2019 to support acquisition-driven growth.

QualTek, a portfolio company of Brightstar Capital Partners, completed the acquisition of Vinculums Services, LLC; financial terms were not disclosed. The deal expands QualTek’s wireless services capabilities and strengthens its ability to support 5G rollout services across the Western United States.

QualTek acquired Vertical Limit LLC, a provider of infrastructure services to the wireless telecommunications industry. Vertical Limit, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Wanamingo, Minnesota, expands QualTek’s presence across the Midwest and supports growing demand driven by nationwide 5G expansion.

Sentinel Capital Partners acquired Mobile Communications America (MCA), a provider of communications and network solutions and services and a major Motorola Solutions channel partner. MCA, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, serves more than 10,000 customers with land mobile radio products, network infrastructure, and lifecycle services including design, installation, and maintenance. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bertram Capital partnered with BearCom’s executive management team to acquire BearCom, a communications solutions value-added distributor, from LKCM Headwater Investments. BearCom, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Garland, Texas, serves over 20,000 commercial, industrial, and government customers across North America. Financial terms were not disclosed, and Bertram intends to support continued expansion and a buy-and-build strategy leveraging Bertram Labs.

Digital West Networks Inc. acquired Norcast Telecom Networks, creating the California Central Coast’s largest business infrastructure provider. Farragut Capital Partners supported the deal with a mezzanine debt and minority equity investment, while Auctus Capital Partners/ Auctus Group served as exclusive advisor to Digital West.

BroadSoft, Inc. has acquired VoIP Logic, a wholesale provider of BroadWorks-based cloud communications services to internet and other service providers in the United States. The VoIP Logic cloud wholesale model will be integrated into BroadSoft’s BroadCloud UCaaS portfolio to expand offerings for service providers seeking greater platform control and flexibility.

Moorgate Capital Partners, through an affiliate and in partnership with management, acquired substantially all of the assets of ITC Service Group, Inc. from its founding shareholders. ITC provides planning, design, installation, maintenance, and operational management services for telecommunications and IT networks, with a recent focus on fiber-to-the-home networks. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by Credit Suisse Park View BDC, QS Capital Strategies (Quilvest), and California Bank & Trust.

Atlantic Street Capital announced the sale of A Wireless, a reseller agent and retailer of wireless voice and data communications services, to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds. A Wireless is headquartered in Greenville, North Carolina and operates more than 600 stores across 31 states.

GENBAND completed its acquisition of Cedar Point Communications, an IP switching solutions provider serving cable service providers. The deal expands GENBAND’s cable VoIP leadership and adds Cedar Point’s IP switching solutions and tier 1 customer base to GENBAND’s product portfolio.