Zayo Group is Acquiring Education Networks of America

Zayo Group has announced that it entered into a binding agreement to acquire Education Networks of America (ENA). ENA provides security services and managed connectivity to E-Rate-funded school districts. Zayo and ENA are now in the pole position to provide library, education, public sector, and community healthcare customers with state-of-the-art managed services and great customer care.

The President of Zayo, Andres Irlando, said ENA is a market leader in the business of providing security solutions and managed network services to educators, thereby improving academic quality and productivity. He added that Zayo’s plan of expanding its public sector capabilities coincides with what ENA is providing. Irlando finally added that Zayo is committed to expanding the business while supporting ENA’s team and customers.

Zayo's Press Release on March 3rd, 2022

BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zayo Group, a leading global provider of fiber-based communications solutions, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nashville-based Education Networks of America (ENA), a market-leader in providing managed network connectivity and security services to E-Rate-funded school districts and other public sector customers. Previous investor ZMC, a leading private equity firm focused on technology, media and communications investments, will exit its position as part of this transaction.

Together, ENA and Zayo are uniquely positioned to provide education, library, community healthcare and public sector customers with high-quality managed services and exceptional customer care.

“ENA is a leader in delivering comprehensive managed network and security solutions for educators, enhancing academic quality and productivity driven by digital transformation and the growing need for remote learning,” said Zayo president Andrés Irlando. “As Zayo looks to expand its strong public sector capabilities and serve the critical connectivity needs of our nation’s education system, ENA brings the technology, geographic reach, and service delivery we need to help our customers thrive. We are committed to expanding this business, providing enhanced services to ENA customers and supporting the ENA team as we drive growth and innovation together.”

“By joining Zayo, ENA will be combining our high-touch managed services approach and innovative technology solutions with Zayo’s best-in-class fiber network and already robust E-Rate practice. Together we will deliver tremendous value and industry-leading customer experience, and enable faster growth,” said David Pierce, CEO of ENA. “We are excited for this next chapter as part of Zayo.”

Andrew Vogel, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at ZMC, added, "We thank ENA’s outstanding management team and talented group of employees for their partnership during a period characterized by innovation in a rapidly changing environment. We remain excited about the company's future prospects with Zayo’s support.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Skadden and Morgan Lewis are serving as legal counsel for Zayo in connection with the transaction. Evercore is serving as financial advisor for ENA, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as its legal advisor.