Forming one of the largest pure-play fiber providers in the U.S. networking market, 
Lightower Fiber Networks announced today that it has closed the merger with Sidera Networks that was first announced on December 27, 2012. Effective today, the new company operates under the Lightower brand.
The merged company delivers a more broad, dense and unique fiber-optic network throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Chicago metro areas. Lightower now offers customers over 20,000 route miles of network providing access to more than 7,500 service locations. Lightower 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 & CEO of Lightower.
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.
A map of the new Lightower Network as well as details on the company’s full portfolio of services are available on the Lightower web site at www.lightower.com. The full news release can be found here.
