United States: Unity Group and Windstream Holdings announce merger agreement

Uniti Group Inc. and Windstream Holdings II, LLC last week announced a merger agreement which combines Uniti's wholesale-owned fiber network with Windstream's Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) business. The companies note that this merger will create a "premier insurgent fiber provider in the US," to compete in the Tier II and III markets across the country.

“As a combined company, we will continue our disciplined growth trajectory while expanding FTTH buildouts and significantly improving our overall financial profile," said Kenny Gunderman, president and CEO of Uniti.

"The demand for fiber broadband has never been greater, and Uniti is now expanding its reach into FTTH with an attractive scaled platform. The combination of Uniti and Windstream also removes several dis-synergies that exist in the current landlord/tenant relationship and greatly enhances Uniti’s optionality for strategic initiatives. We look forward to working with Windstream to create a national fiber powerhouse that will continue to bridge the digital divide for our customers."