euNetworks expands with The Loop Manchester purchase
euNetworks Fiber UK Ltd. says it has purchased The Loop Manchester Ltd. from Gamma Telecom Holdings Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. The deal strengthens the fiber network services company’s presence in the UK city (see "euNetworks deploys fiber-optic network in Manchester, UK").
Launched in 2012, The Loop operates a unique duct network of more than 87 km across the commercial areas of Manchester, Salford, and Trafford in the UK. The duct network supports more than 180 km of fiber cable that connects 20 data centers, two exchanges, and more than 70 multi-tenant commercial buildings. euNetworks asserts that about 48 km of the duct network offers routing unique from alternative operators in the city. Customers of The Loop include media companies as well as data center operators, enterprises, and public sector organizations.
“We have developed The Loop into a successful and growing business which is now ready for its next phase and we’re really pleased that euNetworks has chosen to be its ensuing owner,” commented Andrew Taylor, Gamma’s CEO. “euNetworks’ extensive fiber footprint across Europe and the UK coupled with their customer-centered approach to network development and investment is both impressive and innovative.”
“Manchester is an important and growing digital hub and we have been keen to develop our presence in the city for some time. It also enhances our Super Highway that runs from Dublin through to Manchester, London, and Lowestoft,” added euNetworks CEO Brady Rafuse. “The acquisition of The Loop network strengthens our customer proposition in the bandwidth infrastructure market. As well as adding unique routes to our Manchester metro, The Loop provides us with a more local presence, the flexibility to connect more data centers and buildings, and the opportunity for further expansion.
“Prior to this acquisition, our Manchester metro consisted of 42 km of duct network, 276 chambers, and direct connection into 17 data centers. The combined footprint will deliver immediate value to both existing customers and our new customers that we welcome from The Loop,” Rafuse concluded.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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