Lightower Fiber Networks Merges with Fibertech Networks

Ropes & Gray advised Berkshire Partners and Lightower Fiber Networks in the latter’s definitive agreement to merge with Fibertech Networks in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.9 billion. Lightower provides custom, high-capacity network services while Fibertech offers fiber optic-based network services throughout mid-size cities in the eastern and central regions of the United States. Announced April 27, the merger is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015.

The Ropes & Gray team was led by private equity partner Taylor Hart (Boston); tax partner Leo Arnaboldi (New York); benefits partner Renata Ferrari (Boston); private equity associates Minh-Chau Le, and Michael Gilbert (both of Boston); and finance associate Arek Maczka (New York).