Louisiana Broadband Provider PhireLink Expands to Arkansas

(PhireLink)

PhireLink, a rural broadband infrastructure provider based in Farmerville, Louisiana, announced Tuesday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Spectracomm, Inc. of New York and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Arkwest Communications of Danville.

Arkwest is a telecommunications provider with a 100% fiber-to-the-premise network spanning more than 900 route miles. Arkwest has been serving communities across western Arkansas since its founding as Yell County Telephone Company in 1939.

Spectracomm’s chairman, Todd Sanders, said in a press release that Arcwest created its fiber network “entirely” through internally-generated cash flows.

“Our family is ready for a new chapter and knows that our company of more than 85 years is in great hands with the continuing service of exceptionally strong employees and the stewardship of leaders from PhireLink who have a long history of investing in rural America,” Sanders said in the release.

The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of this year and is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Arkwest will continue to operate as Arkwest Communications following closing.

“This acquisition marks a key milestone in our growth journey as we enter the Arkansas market, and I am pleased to partner with a company led by the Sanders family whom I have known and respected for many years,” Glen F. Post III, chairman and CEO of PhireLink, said in the press release. “Arkwest’s extensive, fiber-based network, strong financial profile, experienced employee base and deep community ties formed over several generations of local family ownership, make it the ideal launching point for PhireLink’s planned rural-based, broadband expansion strategy across central and broader Arkansas.”

Kean Miller LLP served as PhireLink’s primary legal counsel on the transaction, and Strategies Law Group, PLLC provided counsel on regulatory matters. Charlesmead Advisors, LLC, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Spectracomm and Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP acted as legal counsel.