Windstream just added another arrow to its respective service quiver as it completes its acquisition of privately-held CLEC NuVox for $647 million.
Following earlier acquisitions of some smaller independent ILECs last year--a list that includes D&E Communications, Lexcom and Iowa Telecommunications--NuVox was the first acquisition of a CLEC that Windstream has made in its ongoing M&A fest.
With the acquisition of NuVox complete, Windstream gains about 90,000 business customers in what it calls "complementary markets" in 16 Southeast and Midwest states, giving the ILEC greater reach into the burgeoning SMB market segment.
"NuVox is a great strategic fit for Windstream. The NuVox markets are contiguous to our properties, and the transaction bolsters our strategy to focus more on the business customer," said Jeff Gardner, Windstream president and CEO in a release.
But as the new year progresses, speculation will likely linger around when Windstream will make an even bigger purchase of either another large CLEC or perhaps a fellow tier 2 ILEC such as Consolidated Communications or maybe the beleagured FairPoint.
For more:
- see the release here
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