Telecommunications Acquisitions in 2022

Xtel Communications has acquired Global Telecom (GTB), a Maryland-based CLEC and longstanding VoIP/UCaaS provider, expanding Xtel's footprint into the Baltimore–DC–VA region. The acquisition adds GTB's VoIP, UCaaS and managed security capabilities and customer relationships in healthcare, legal and government verticals to Xtel's telecom, cloud and cybersecurity portfolio.

Microsoft has acquired Lumenisity, a U.K. pioneer in hollow-core optical fiber (NANF) technology, following Lumenisity's completion of a new hollow-core fiber manufacturing facility in the United Kingdom. The acquisition is intended to accelerate Microsoft's efforts to reduce latency and increase data throughput across its cloud and distributed computing infrastructure, with potential applications across telecom, finance and healthcare.

Pfingsten, an operationally focused private equity firm, acquired Tempest Telecom Solutions, a US-based provider of network telecommunications equipment distribution and repair services, on December 2, 2022. Pfingsten plans to scale Tempest as a platform, expanding its technical service and product distribution capabilities organically and via add-on acquisitions.

CPT Network Solutions, a national technology services provider, has acquired MConnect, Inc., a Florida-based hosted telecom provider focused on senior living and multi-family properties. The deal expands CPT’s product set and reach in the senior living market while bringing MConnect into CPT’s family of companies alongside KeyCom.

Single Point Communications Group (SPCG) acquired Single Point Solutions of Central Kentucky (SPS of Central KY) as part of SPCG's strategic growth initiative. The transaction was sponsored and advised by Soterra Capital; SPS founder Rob Keelen will lead the transition of his team into SPCG's operations.

NOVA Infrastructure has acquired Xchange Telecom (and its commercial business, Skywire), a New York–based provider of high-speed internet, voice, and unified communications serving New York City, upstate New York and New Jersey. NOVA — which first invested in Xchange in September 2021 — said the acquisition expands its communications portfolio and positions Xchange to scale broadband and voice services into underserved urban buildings and neighborhoods.

Omni Fiber completed the acquisition of Port Clinton–based Ohio Telecom, Inc. on November 30, 2022 to accelerate its FTTP expansion across Northern Ohio. The deal brings Ohio Telecom employees and customers into Omni Fiber, enables upgrades to Omni's 100% fiber network (up to 2 Gbps) in existing and adjacent markets, and positions Omni to speed planned construction in Sandusky, Perkins Township and Fremont.

Mobile Communications America (MCA) has acquired Communications Electronics, Inc. (CEI), a Timonium, Maryland-based full-service communications provider that supports public safety agencies, schools, hospitals and enterprises across the Mid-Atlantic. The transaction expands MCA’s service footprint in the Mid-Atlantic and adds CEI’s mission-critical communications capabilities and customer relationships to MCA’s portfolio.

Ciena Corporation has agreed to acquire the remaining shares of Tibit Communications and has completed the acquisition of Benu Networks, strengthening its broadband access portfolio. The deals add PON hardware capabilities from Tibit and cloud-native subscriber management and vBNG software from Benu, bringing a combined team of ~60+ engineers to advance Ciena's access and edge solutions.

beaconsmind AG has acquired a 51% controlling stake in Hannover-based FREDERIX Hotspot GmbH by issuing 155,500 new shares (EUR 13/share). The deal brings FREDERIX's run-rate ~EUR 3.5M revenues and ~EUR 0.5M EBITDA onto beaconsmind's consolidated financials, extends beaconsmind's value chain into cloud-based Wi‑Fi hotspot services, and brings eKomi and FREDERIX management into beaconsmind as strategic shareholders/board members.

Allbridge, a Raleigh-based property technology solutions provider, has acquired Sonu Satellite, a national dealer of commercial, lodging, and institutional DIRECTV systems. The deal will combine Sonu's hospitality relationships and installation expertise with Allbridge's property-technology offerings to expand Allbridge's footprint in the economy and midscale hotel market.

ENTRUST Solutions Group has completed the acquisition of Magellan Advisors LLC, a provider of turnkey fiber and broadband planning, engineering, grant writing and network operations services. The deal expands ENTRUST's capabilities in fiber broadband and grid modernization and brings Magellan's broadband program experience into the ENTRUST platform backed by Kohlberg & Company.

Renodis, a Saint Paul-based telecommunications and managed services firm, has acquired Fargo-based 12 Points Consulting, a provider of telecom equipment, installation and wireline management for the hospitality industry. The acquisition gives Renodis an entry into the hospitality vertical and expands its on-site hardware, installation and managed services capabilities to serve larger hotel clients and branded prospects.

Alliance Corporation announced a merger with GetWireless, LLC to expand its value‑added distribution footprint for wireless telecommunications and IoT connectivity solutions across the U.S. and Canada. Funds managed by Lee Equity Partners and Twin Point Capital have invested in Alliance; financial terms were not disclosed.

Wireless industry executive Melissa Acosta has acquired a majority stake in Front Range Wireless and will lead the company as President, transitioning the business to a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) in 2023. Founder Aaron Kingstrom remains co-owner and board member; Front Range Wireless provides cell site construction, tower installations and other telecommunications infrastructure services from offices in Centennial and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Northleaf Capital Partners has acquired a controlling interest in Mercury Broadband and will invest up to $230 million to accelerate Mercury's deployment of high-speed fiber and fixed wireless broadband across underserved rural markets in the U.S. Midwest. The capital will support construction of more than 12,000 miles of outside plant and hundreds of fixed wireless access sites across select markets in Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois.

365 Data Centers has agreed to acquire Sungard Availability Services' U.S. colocation and network business, adding eight primarily high-density data centers across key edge markets and roughly 400 customers. The asset purchase expands 365's footprint to 20 network-centric facilities and was funded by 365's existing equity owners (including Stonecourt Capital and Lumerity Capital) and its lending syndicate.

Harmoni Towers, a portfolio company of Palistar Capital LP, has closed its acquisition of Parallel Infrastructure from funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management. The deal combines two tower platforms to create the fifth-largest tower company in the U.S., strengthening the platform’s build-to-suit and 5G deployment capabilities as Palistar plans to deploy over $1 billion for expansion.

Uniguest, a portfolio company of Atlantic Street Capital, has acquired MediaStar Systems, a UK-based provider of IPTV and digital signage hardware and software. The add-on acquisition augments Uniguest’s IP video and digital signage capabilities—strengthening its professional AV offering and expanding its solutions for hospitality and other end markets.

Pfingsten’s portfolio company NEC acquired Eastern Communications, LLC, a Bloomfield, Connecticut-based provider of maintenance, repair and upgrade services for telecommunications infrastructure. The deal—NEC’s third add-on since Pfingsten became majority shareholder in October 2021—closed October 31, 2022; Eastern CEO Steve Slade will retain ownership and join NEC’s executive team as the combined platform expands geographic coverage and service capabilities.

CSL, a PE-backed European provider of critical IoT connectivity, has acquired Caburn Telecom, a UK-based provider of secure IoT connectivity, SIM management and software. The deal brings Caburn’s proprietary SIM management platform and >1 million live IoT connections into the CSL Group to expand IoT capabilities, scale and geographic reach.

Endurance Acquisition Corp. completed its previously announced business combination with SatixFy Communications Ltd., making SatixFy a publicly traded company expected to trade on the NYSE American under the ticker SATX. The deal keeps SatixFy's management in place (David Ripstein continuing as CEO) and brings Endurance's CEO Richard Davis onto SatixFy's board, providing SatixFy access to public markets and capital to scale its satellite communications chipset, antenna and payload business.

Motorola Solutions has acquired Futurecom Systems Group, an Ontario-based designer and manufacturer of in-vehicle, fixed and portable RF repeaters and extenders used to extend land mobile radio coverage for public safety agencies. The acquisition strengthens Motorola Solutions' product portfolio for mission-critical public safety communications; terms were not disclosed.

JSI, a portfolio company of Stone-Goff Partners, has acquired Mitchell Engineering, a Wills Point, Texas-based outside plant (OSP) engineering firm. The add-on expands JSI's fiber network design and OSP capabilities to better support rural broadband providers across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Eastern Texas and nationwide.

ADB Companies, LLC acquired the assets of KDC Wireless, Inc., adding KDC to ADB's Wireless Division to expand its Midwest (Kansas City) wireless construction and maintenance capabilities. The deal transfers ownership from KDC founders Dave and Kristin Campbell and supports ADB's buy-and-build strategy to grow its regional wireless presence.

A CCP Capital Strategies affiliate has acquired 100% of Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) from AT&T and Anuvu; WMS will operate as an independent platform led by its existing management team. The deal was financed with debt and equity support from Brightwood Capital Advisors and PhenixFIN; terms were not disclosed. WMS is headquartered in Miramar, Florida and provides maritime cellular networks for cruise, ferry, yacht and shipping customers worldwide.

Knightscope, Inc. has acquired CASE Emergency Systems in an asset purchase intended to expand Knightscope's product portfolio and nationwide physical footprint. The acquisition gives Knightscope access to CASE's 7,000+ deployed blue light towers and emergency call box devices, relationships with major public-safety clients, and production/logistics facilities across multiple states.

Zadeh Group, a Houston-based holding company, acquired Verge Network Solutions, a telecommunications provider serving community banks, from the selling owner and his family. Verge Network Solutions, headquartered in Oklahoma City, will join Zadeh Group's portfolio of technology companies to expand its telecom and hosted communications capabilities.

Liberty Latin America and América Móvil have combined their Chilean operations, VTR and Claro Chile, to form a 50:50 joint venture named ClaroVTR following approval from the Chilean National Economic Prosecutor's Office (FNE). The new company, led by CEO Alfredo Parot, aims to expand connectivity and accelerate digital development across Chile for both consumer and business customers.

i3 Broadband (Peoria, Illinois) completed an asset purchase and operational merger with VoiceSpring, Inc., a cloud-based VoIP provider headquartered in Illinois. The acquisition adds hosted phone systems and SIP trunking capabilities to i3's commercial product lineup; VoiceSpring operations and employees will remain in place and the transaction closed on October 3.

Accelecom, a Louisville-based wholesale and business fiber provider, has acquired Georgia Public Web, a regional broadband operator with more than 20 years of experience operating carrier-grade fiber networks in the Southeastern United States. The transaction brings Georgia Public Web into Accelecom as Accelecom Georgia and expands Accelecom’s middle-mile and broadband footprint across Georgia and neighboring states to better serve enterprise, carrier and community customers.

Dura-Line, the Connectivity Solutions business of Orbia, has acquired Denver-based Biarri Networks, a provider of fiber-optic network design software and engineering services. The acquisition adds Biarri's data-driven engineering and software capabilities to Dura-Line's infrastructure offerings to deliver more complete end-to-end network design and deployment solutions for telecommunications, transportation and electrical markets.

TriStruX, a Huron Capital-backed telecom infrastructure platform, has acquired Hess Broadband, a fiber optic splicing and specialty construction services provider based in Warwick, Pennsylvania. The deal is an add-on acquisition to expand TriStruX's fiber splicing and fiber network services capacity in the Northeast; Hess founders Fran and Dave Hess will remain in executive roles with a minority equity stake.

OCU Group Limited (an operator in the utilities and telecoms sector and a Triton Fund V portfolio company) has acquired a majority shareholding in Leeds-based fibre-optic specialist InICT. The deal strengthens OCU's fibre-optic installation capabilities and expands its telecoms presence across the north of England as part of the group's regional growth strategy.

Renodis, a Saint Paul, Minnesota-based connectivity consulting and managed services firm, acquired The Eric Ryan Corporation (ERC), a provider of utility and telecommunications management services headquartered in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. The acquisition expands Renodis' footprint to the East Coast and adds utility management services to its service offering. Cherry Tree served as buy-side M&A advisor to Renodis.

Comporium, a Rock Hill, South Carolina-based communications company, acquired Chesnee Communications and its 3,400+ customers from Skyline Telephone Membership Corporation in November 2021 and began rebranding the business under the Comporium name in November 2022. The move integrates Chesnee's employees and customer base into Comporium's operations and positions Comporium to upgrade local network facilities and expand services in northeastern Spartanburg and northwestern Cherokee counties.

HFA Holdings LLC has completed its acquisition of Skyetel (Skye Telecom, LLC), adding the VoIP carrier and reseller platform to HFA's portfolio. The deal expands HFA's CPaaS, SaaS and traditional carrier capabilities, broadening its reach into enterprise and reseller markets while retaining Skyetel's existing team and platform operations.

Stone‑Goff Partners II CF, LP, a GP‑led continuation fund sponsored by Stone‑Goff Partners, acquired a majority interest in John Staurulakis, LLC (JSI) in a secondary/recapitalization transaction. Pantheon was the lead investor in the continuation fund and was joined by abrdn Private Equity and reinvesting Stone‑Goff LPs/GPs; the recapitalization provides capital for JSI to pursue additional acquisitions and organic growth.

3i Infrastructure plc has completed a $512 million acquisition of a 100% stake in Global Cloud Xchange (GCX), a global data communications service provider and owner of a large private subsea fiber optic network. 3i Infrastructure said it will partner with GCX management to invest in the platform—expanding capacity, adding routes and services, and pursuing growth across key markets including India, the Middle East and Europe.

GiGstreem, a national provider of residential and commercial broadband and managed Wi‑Fi, has acquired Boston‑based netBlazr to accelerate its network footprint and local operations in the greater Boston area. The deal brings netBlazr's ~3,500 subscribers and local team into GiGstreem, bolstering local customer support, engineering capabilities and service coverage for multifamily and commercial customers.

Telit has acquired group assets from California-based startup Mobilogix to add custom IoT device design and engineering capabilities. Mobilogix personnel and offices will relocate into Telit's Irvine headquarters, expanding Telit's end-to-end IoT solution offering and speeding customers' time-to-market.

InteractiveTel, a Houston-based provider of AI-driven communications and customer interaction analytics, acquired the assets of TruMobility, a small business VoIP provider, on August 26, 2022. The asset purchase gives InteractiveTel TruMobility's business customer base, a Seattle data-center contract for West Coast coverage, and several TruMobility team members to expand its Hosted VoIP and TotalCX offerings.

UPSTACK acquired ChaseTek Partners LLC, an independent telecom agency and technology consultancy founded in 2004 that serves multilocation businesses. As part of the deal, ChaseTek founders Chris Wolfe and Michael Marlowe will join UPSTACK as Partners and Managing Directors and a team of eight technology specialists will integrate into UPSTACK's support organization; terms were not disclosed.

Pfingsten-backed New England Electrical Contracting, LLC has acquired Atlas Innovative Services, Inc., a provider of maintenance, repair and upgrade services for critical telecommunications infrastructure headquartered in Pembroke, Massachusetts with operations in Punta Gorda, Florida. The add-on expands New England Electrical's service coverage across New England and provides a foothold in the growing Florida telecom services market.

Dallas-based private equity firm Trive Capital has made an investment in Wilson Electronics, a U.S.-based leader in cellular signal amplification and wireless connectivity solutions. The partnership will support Wilson Electronics’ next phase of growth, including expanding its product offerings, target customer base, and geographic coverage while continuing U.S.-based design and manufacturing.

Crestview Partners has made a significant growth investment in Digicomm International, a Colorado-based value-added broadband distributor. Founder Rob Donziger remains a major investor and will continue as CEO; Crestview will support Digicomm's growth through organic investments and M&A to expand product and service offerings.

ENTRUST Solutions Group, backed by Kohlberg & Company, has acquired FiberRise Communications, a Huntsville, Alabama–based provider of utility broadband consulting, engineering and fiber network build/operate services. The acquisition expands ENTRUST's utility broadband and grid modernization capabilities and footprint, enabling support for electric cooperatives, municipalities and investor-owned utilities.

Expereo has acquired Breeze Networks, a UK-based managed SD-WAN/SASE service provider, to strengthen its SD-WAN/SASE practice and expand its managed network services in the UK. The deal is supported by Expereo's majority investor Vitruvian Partners and minority investor Apax Partners SAS; Breeze's CTO Matthew Lea joins Expereo as Technical Portfolio Lead.

Instalcom Limited, a division of Triton-backed OCU Group, has acquired Opals (UK) Limited and Opals Services Limited. The undisclosed deal brings Opals' specialist fibre and civil engineering capabilities and ~200 employees into OCU, strengthening the group's telecoms infrastructure offering across the East Midlands and East of England as part of a broader consolidation strategy.

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has acquired AGNITY Global, a provider of carrier-grade communication application server software and telecom applications. The acquisition expands TNS' Communications Market capabilities, adding AGNITY's channel partnerships, 5G-ready applications and development resources in the US and India to accelerate product rollout and carrier modernization efforts.