Telecommunications Acquisitions in Canada

OptConnect has acquired Canada-based DPL Wireless to expand engineering capabilities and add AI-based device intelligence to its global managed IoT connectivity platform. DPL will operate as a division of OptConnect with headquarters in Moncton, New Brunswick, and its Hercules AI platform will be integrated with OptConnect's ConnectIQ to improve uptime and analytics for ATMs and other IoT deployments.

RapidSOS has acquired Northern911, a Canada-based backup provider of 911 call-taking and dispatch services. The deal integrates Northern911’s APCO‑certified telecommunicators and backup/VoIP 911 capabilities into RapidSOS’ safety network to strengthen mutual aid, outage resilience, and AI-enabled data sharing for public safety agencies across North America.

Northleaf Capital Partners has committed an initial C$100 million to Shared Tower to accelerate the company's build-out of carrier‑neutral telecommunications infrastructure across Canada. Shared Tower, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, will use the capital to scale its network and serve existing and new customers; Northleaf was advised by CIBC Capital Markets and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg.

ETL Systems has acquired Canadian satellite-communications manufacturer IRT Technologies to broaden its RF amplifier and uplink/downlink product portfolio. The acquisition preserves IRT’s Canadian facility and is intended to strengthen ETL’s technical capabilities and North American go-to-market presence for broadcasting, telecom and defence customers.

Aliter Holding, a.s. (parent of Aliter Technologies) has acquired a controlling interest in Canadian communications specialist 3C Information Solutions Incorporated (3CIS), including its U.S. subsidiary. The acquisition strengthens Aliter's presence in Canada and the United States and expands its portfolio of communications and infrastructure services for government and commercial customers.

E.C.I. Networks, a Canadian provider of open networking solutions, has acquired NoviFlow, a Montreal-based leader in SRv6, service chaining and programmable networking software. The deal bolsters E.C.I.'s portfolio with NoviFlow's high-performance programmable service networking and cybersecurity technology to accelerate innovation and expand capabilities for data center and carrier customers.

Main Street Capital Corporation provided $41.4 million in a debt and equity investment to support a minority recapitalization of Connect Telecommunications Solutions Inc., a Kitchener, Ontario-based value-added distributor of fiber management solutions. Main Street and an unnamed co-investor partnered with the company’s founders to complete the transaction, enabling liquidity and capital to support the business.

Network Innovations has acquired Infosat Communications, a satellite services business formerly owned by Telesat Corporation, with the first closing of the sale occurring on September 1, 2024. The acquisition adds Infosat’s remote connectivity expertise (including maritime and enterprise services) to Network Innovations’ global technology integration capabilities and will be closed in phases pending regulatory approvals.

PomeGran Inc. has acquired ROCK Networks Inc., bringing the telecom systems integrator and broadband service provider into PomeGran as a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal is intended to accelerate PomeGran's expansion of fibre, fixed wireless and other broadband services across underserved rural and Indigenous communities in Canada (and support efforts in the Northeastern US), with ROCK founder Joe Hickey named President of PomeGran.

Pavlov Media has acquired NetExperience, the developer of the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi Cloud Controller, and will run it as an independent division to accelerate global OpenWiFi deployments. NetExperience will remain based in Canada and continue serving its existing customers while enabling Pavlov to expand its open, disaggregated Wi‑Fi capabilities for multifamily, MSP and ISP customers.

Centerline Communications, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity, has acquired Pearson Pelletier Telecom (PPT) to expand its Canadian operations and service capabilities. The deal strengthens Centerline's footprint in Quebec and Ontario and adds specialized wireless network and antenna services to support major Canadian carriers.

DIF Capital Partners has closed a growth investment in Canadian internet service provider RFNOW Inc. via its CIF III fund to accelerate expansion of RFNOW's 1,500 km fiber network and tower portfolio across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. RFNOW, based in Virden, Manitoba, serves more than 170 communities with residential and enterprise fiber, fixed wireless and voice services and employs over 120 people.

TRG, a global managed solutions provider focused on enterprise mobility, point of sale and payments, acquired Ontario-based Real World Communications Inc. (RWC). The acquisition expands TRG's Canadian footprint (including a larger Toronto/Scarborough facility) and adds RWC's wireless, mobility device and network solutions expertise to TRG's service offering, supporting growth across Canada and Europe.

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.

Semtech Corporation agreed to acquire Sierra Wireless for US$31 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$1.2 billion. The deal combines Semtech's LoRa capabilities with Sierra Wireless' cellular modules, gateways and cloud services to create a chip-to-cloud IoT platform, expand Semtech's addressable IoT market and add meaningful recurring cloud revenue and operational synergies.

Ripley Tools, a Hubbell brand and global manufacturer of tools and test equipment, has acquired Canadian geolocation and antenna-alignment specialist Multiwave Sensors (Bolton, Ontario). The acquisition expands Ripley’s product portfolio for wireless infrastructure installation by adding Multiwave’s Smart Aligner GNSS-based antenna alignment technology and related imaging/optical engineering capabilities.

Aviat Networks (Nasdaq: AVNW) has entered into an arrangement agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Redline Communications Group (TSX: RDL) for CAD 0.90 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately CAD 16.2 million. The acquisition, to be funded from Aviat's cash on hand and subject to customary regulatory and court approvals, will add Redline's wireless access capabilities (including Private LTE/5G and industrial PTP/PTMP) to Aviat's wireless transport portfolio to expand its private networks offerings and serve Oil & Gas, mining and transportation customers.

Bell has acquired Longueuil-based internet, telephone and television service provider EBOX. EBOX will continue to operate under its brand and leadership in Québec and parts of Ontario, with Bell citing the acquisition as a way to strengthen its presence in Québec and support EBOX growth with Bell's scale and network resources.

Network Wireless Solutions (NWS), a portfolio company backed by Grain Management, acquired Canada-based Gap Wireless to expand NWS's presence in Canada and broaden its North American scale. Gap Wireless, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is a distributor of wireless infrastructure and test & measurement products and will be integrated in partnership with its existing management team.

Convergint, a global systems integrator, has acquired Dramis Communications Solutions Ltd., a Canadian telecommunications and networking reseller that provides security, VoIP, UCaaS and network services across Atlantic Canada. The acquisition expands Convergint's direct service coverage to every province in Canada and adds regional capabilities in telephony, nurse call, audiovisual and electronic security.

Beanfield Metroconnect, the owner and operator of a large independent fibre-optic network in Toronto and Montreal, acquired FibreStream, an ISP serving condominium residents in the GTA, Ottawa and Vancouver. The deal expands Beanfield’s residential footprint and customer base while retaining FibreStream’s plans and pricing for existing customers.

Lee Equity Partners and Twin Point Capital have acquired a controlling interest in Alliance Corporation from Ironbridge Equity Partners. Alliance, a Mississauga-based value-added distributor of wireless communications technology with cable termination capabilities and a growing U.S. presence, will be led by existing management who retain a meaningful equity stake.

Xplornet Communications Inc. has acquired Swift High Speed, a facilities-based rural broadband provider headquartered in Steinbach, Manitoba, including its customers, operations, 218 km of fibre and 119 broadcast towers. The deal transfers Swift High Speed's customers and network to Xplornet while the existing ownership is spinning out employees and equipment into a new fibre installation business, Swift Underground, to continue working with Xplornet on regional FTTH buildout.

The Wesbell Group of Companies (Wesbell) closed a significant equity investment led by FirePower Equity with participation from Crédit Mutuel Equity and Trilogy Capital. The capital will fund geographic expansion across Canada and the United States, expand service offerings and support Wesbell’s build-to-own cell tower strategy and targeted M&A activity.

Vertu Capital led a $60 million minority recapitalization of Dejero Labs Inc., partnering with Ubicom Ventures (a special-purpose investment vehicle formed with Dejero management) to complete the transaction. The capital is intended to accelerate Dejero's product development and global market expansion for its resilient connectivity and live-video transport solutions; Dejero remains headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Videotron has acquired Cablovision Warwick Inc., a family-owned regional cable and internet provider serving Warwick, Kingsey Falls and Saint-Félix-de-Kingsey in Centre-du-Québec. Videotron said it will invest in the acquired network and migrate customers to its Helix platform to offer expanded services to residents and local businesses.

Rogers Communications agreed to acquire all outstanding Class A and Class B shares of Shaw Communications in a transaction valued at approximately $26 billion (including Shaw debt), paying $40.50 per share in cash (with a portion of consideration to the Shaw family in Rogers shares). The deal, supported by the Shaw family, is intended to create a national network, accelerate 5G rollout and drive significant investments and job creation in Western Canada.

Montreal-based private equity firm Kairos Capital Management has acquired Comprod Inc., a Quebec-headquartered designer and manufacturer of antennas, RF filters and in‑building DAS solutions. Kairos said it will support Comprod’s management team to accelerate growth and invest in R&D to expand the company’s product and service offerings; terms were not disclosed.

NOVA Infrastructure, alongside Quintana Infrastructure & Development (QID), completed an investment in telMAX Inc., with NOVA acquiring a majority interest. The capital will be used to accelerate telMAX's buildout of a 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in targeted suburban markets across the Greater Toronto Area, with first FTTH customers expected in Q2 2021.

Xplornet Communications Inc. has acquired Ocdotus Inc., which operates as Metro Loop, a fibre-to-the-premise provider serving Hamilton and Haldimand County in southern Ontario. The transaction transfers Metro Loop's customers and operations to Xplornet as the Metro Loop team (including its president) joins Xplornet to support expanded fibre deployments in rural Ontario.

Telesat Canada reached an agreement with Loral Space & Communications and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) to form Telesat Corporation, a new publicly traded Canadian company. Under the transaction Telesat Canada and Loral will become subsidiaries of Telesat Corporation, which will list on the Nasdaq to provide access to public equity to support growth initiatives including Telesat's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

Cogeco Connexion, a Canadian subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DERYtelecom for $405 million. DERYtelecom — based in Saguenay, Quebec — serves roughly 100,000 customers across 200+ municipalities and reported estimated FY2020 revenue of $105 million and adjusted EBITDA of $44 million; the deal is expected to close by Q2 FY2021 subject to regulatory approvals.

Beanfield Metroconnect has acquired Toronto-based Epik Networks, a telecommunications provider that serves roughly 200 Canadian business clients across Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The acquisition expands Beanfield’s business communications and managed connectivity offerings and broadens its customer base across major Canadian markets.

Xplornet Communications Inc. has completed the acquisition of Corridor Communications Inc., which operates CCI Wireless, expanding Xplornet’s operational presence across western Canada. The deal will deepen Xplornet’s rural broadband footprint in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan while retaining CCI Wireless’ team and network assets to accelerate delivery of higher-speed and affordable services to rural communities.

Westbridge Capital Ltd. has acquired the business of Toepoke Software Inc., the owner/operator of VoIP Spear, a 24/7 VoIP call-quality monitoring and alerting service. Financing for the transaction was arranged by Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust, and Toepoke President Henry Fernandes will continue to work with Westbridge as the business is grown.

Leonovus Inc. signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Ottawa-based colocation provider PureColo Inc. for CAD 3,000,000 plus assumption of approximately CAD 500,000 of debt, with payment in cash and units and contingent equity tied to revenue milestones. The acquisition is intended to add colocation and edge computing capabilities to Leonovus's data management software portfolio and generate recurring revenue through multi-year customer contracts.

Beanfield Technologies has acquired Openface Inc., expanding Beanfield's fiber footprint into Montreal. The transaction was funded through an equity commitment from Digital Colony Partners; Openface's employees will join Beanfield and the company will continue to operate from Montreal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Digital Colony Partners, the digital infrastructure investment platform of Colony Capital, has acquired Beanfield Technologies Inc., an independent fiber and bandwidth provider in Canada. The acquisition expands Digital Colony's fiber footprint in Toronto and Montreal—adding hundreds of route kilometers, tens of thousands of strand kilometers and over 500 on-net locations—to serve enterprise, carrier (MNO) and data center customers. Financial terms were not disclosed.