TORONTO – Rogers Communications is buying Atria Networks LP, owner and operator of one of Ontario’s largest fibre-optic networks. The deal, announced Tuesday, is for a cash consideration of $425 million.
Atria Networks is privately owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners and based in Kitchener, ON. Rogers said in the announcement that the acquisition will augment its business solutions offering by enhancing its ability to deliver on-net data centric services within and adjacent to the company’s cable footprint.
"The business-to-business market represents a significant opportunity for Rogers. The acquisition of Atria strategically fits with our enterprise strategy to offer on-net, high growth data services to small and medium sized businesses", said president and CEO, Nadir Mohamed, in a statement. "Atria brings a highly experienced and dedicated management team with a strong track record of success. We are pleased to welcome Atria’s 130 employees to the Rogers team."
Atria’s network includes 5,600 fibre route kilometers and over 3,800 on-net buildings in "high-growth territories" including Ottawa, Cornwall, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Barrie, Orillia, Peterborough and Vaughan. Atria’s customer base of over 1,100 customers spans the public sector, enterprise and carrier providers.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Rogers said that it expects the transaction to close prior to the end of its first quarter, 2011.
www.rogers.com
www.atrianetworks.com
