Shaw Communications (TSX:SJR.B) and ViaWest announced an agreement under which Shaw will acquire a 100% interest in ViaWest for an enterprise value of $1.2 billion. The acquisition is intended to provide Shaw a growth platform and enhance Shaw Business' data services and cloud capabilities. The acquisition is expected to close in September, pending regulatory approval.

Based in Denver, ViaWest is a provider of data center infrastructure, cloud technology and managed IT solutions in North America. ViaWest employs more than 350 people and serves more than 1,300 customers across seven states. The current management team will continue to operate ViaWest from its Denver headquarters as a stand-alone wholly owned subsidiary of Shaw.