Telecom
LocalTel Communications Has Been Acquired by Ziply Fiber
Published October 1, 2024
LocalTel Communications Has Been Acquired by Ziply Fiber
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – October 1, 2024 – Meridian Capital (“Meridian”), a leading independent middle market investment bank and M&A advisory firm, is pleased to announce the completion of regulatory approvals and closing of the acquisition of its client, LocalTel Communications (“LocalTel” or the “Company”) by Northwest Fiber, LLC, Ziply Fiber Northwest, LLC and Ziply Wireless, LLC, doing business as Ziply Fiber (“Ziply”).
LocalTel is a major provider of telecommunications services for Central Washington, offering high speed fiber and wireless internet, telephone, television, cloud data storage, backup services, and security services to more than 40,000 homes and businesses.
The Company serves local towns and rural areas, with customers in Grant, Douglas, Chelan and Lincoln counties. Additionally, with assistance from the FCC’s CAF II and RDOF programs, LocalTel continues to expand its high-speed broadband network, reaching unserved and underserved low density locations across Central Washington.
Kirkland, WA based Ziply Fiber acquired the Northwest assets of Frontier Communications in 2020, serving customers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Most of Ziply Fiber’s executive team are former executives from AT&T, CenturyLink, and Wave Broadband, and either grew up in the Northwest or have spent the better part of 30 years living there. That local ownership and market familiarity is an important part of the company mindset and culture.
Patrick Ringland, President & Managing Director at Meridian, stated “We are thrilled to have acted as advisors to LocalTel, helping its owners define the Company’s path forward, as existing management will continue to operate the business under the Ziply banner.”
Pete Sokoloff, Meridian’s Senior Advisor for Telecommunications, talks about the process, “From the start, we worked to achieve a transaction which met the owners’ high standards. After 20+ years, it was important to preserve LocalTel’s legacy of community involvement and excellent customer service. This legacy includes retaining the LocalTel name, providing the same great service and operating the business with management and employee base intact.”
Dimitri Mandelis, President of LocalTel said, “We are grateful for the support and expertise provided by Meridian and are excited about joining forces with Ziply. Our objective has always been to provide the very best service and support for our customers. This transaction allows us to continue this; plus, we will benefit from multiple growth opportunities presented by Ziply’s strong presence in Central and Eastern Washington.”
LocalTel’s counsel was Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn & Atlward P.S., FCC Counsel was Lerman Senter.
Ziply’s counsel was Cairncross & Hempelmann, FCC Counsel was The CommLaw Group of Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC.
For additional information, please contact one of the members of the transaction team:
Patrick Ringland
President & Managing Director
[email protected]
(206) 224-6155
Pete Sokoloff
Senior Advisor, Telecommunications
[email protected]
(818) 442-4741
Greg Ryan
Associate
[email protected]
(206) 278-1734
For more information, please contact:
About Meridian Capital
Meridian Capital LLC is a leading independent middle market M&A advisory firm with locations in Seattle, Salt Lake City, the Bay Area, and Portland. Meridian has served as a trusted advisor to business owners on complex corporate finance, M&A and strategic challenges for over 29 years. The firm differentiates itself through its deep industry insights, highly customized service approach, and end-to-end commitment to execution. With a unique combination of financial, transactional, and operational professionals on your side, Meridian offers the depth and breadth of experience required to serve leading middle market companies in multiple sectors including aerospace defense & space, food, beverage & agribusiness, business services, consumer, diversified industrials, engineering & construction, building products, technology, and telecommunications. Meridian also offers clients unparalleled cross-border capabilities through its REACH M&A Partners network.
