TDS continues regional provider buying spree with Merrimac Communications acquisition

TDS Metrocom, a TDS Telecom subsidiary, has gone to the M&A well again by reaching a deal to acquire Merrimac, Wis.-based Merrimac Communications’ network and business assets.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. After meeting customary regulatory approvals at both the federal and local levels, TDS said it expects to close the acquisition in the first quarter of 2018.

Merrimac’s network passes more than 6,000 homes in three counties located near neighboring communities currently served by TDS.

RELATED: TDS Telecom has 23% of its addresses covered by fiber

Like other regional acquisitions TDS has made over the past year, Merrimac appears to be another tuck-in acquisition that complements its existing network.

TDS Telecom
Jim Butman

“Merrimac Communications services areas nestled between communities TDS already serves, which will allow us to easily connect our network and infrastructure in Dane County with Merrimac’s local operations,” said Jim Butman, chief operating officer at TDS, in a release.

After the purchase is complete, TDS plans to launch TDS TV and further build out fiber-based connections to more customers.

Merrimac Communications provides cable TV, internet, phone, and security products to thousands of area residents and businesses in parts of Sauk, Columbia, and Dane counties. Areas served include:

  • Towns of Merrimac, Caledonia, Sumpter, Prairie du Sac, Roxbury, Mazomanie, Greenfield, and West Point
  • Villages of Sauk City, Prairie du Sac, and Merrimac

The Merrimac acquisition caps off what has been an active time of purchases. Previously, TDS purchased two other providers: Crestview Cable Communications in Central Oregon and K2 Communications in Mead, Colo.

In September, the company launched new fiber- to-the-home services in Sun Prairie, Wis., following the purchase of Sun Prairie Utilities fiber network in May.