Lightower completes Sidera Networks merger

Lightower Fiber Networks has closed its previously announced merger with fellow fiber-optic network services provider Sidera Networks (see “Lightower Fiber Networks, Sidera Networks to merge”). The result is one of the largest metro fiber providers in the United States, the company asserts.

The merger expands Lightower’s footprint throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Chicago metro areas of the U.S. The company’s fiber network now stretches throughout New England, the New York metro region, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and Virginia, then west to Chicago. The company also can offer connections to landing points in London and Toronto. The network comprises more than 20,000 route miles of fiber-optic cable that provides access to more than 7,500 service locations. The new Lightower network also connects more than 130 data centers, over 115 carrier hotels and central offices, 40 financial exchanges, and 18 Lightower colocation centers.

“The new Lightower emerges as a leader in the metro fiber industry focused on best-in-class services and a strong commitment to a customer-first approach,” stated Rob Shanahan, president and CEO of Lightower. “Customers can now enjoy an even broader set of solutions as well as a network with wider and deeper reach and unique assets. The combined workforce, knowledge base, network, and service portfolio of Lightower and Sidera have truly created the premier metro fiber provider in the region. We’ve combined the best of both companies to ensure our customers continue to receive world-class network solutions and support.”

The company aims to fulfill a wide variety of requirements, including application connectivity, backup and recovery, content carriage, media distribution, medical imaging, distance learning, and cloud connectivity. Lightower’s services include Ethernet, wavelengths, dark fiber, Internet access, video transport, and colocation.

The transaction, valued at more than $2 billion, was led by Boston-based Berkshire Partners. Pamlico Capital, a significant Lightower investor, and ABRY Partners, a significant Sidera investor, will remain as investors in the new company. Further details of the financial transaction have not been disclosed.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, please visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.