Zayo Group to acquire Education Networks of America
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Zayo Group to acquire Education Networks of America

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Zayo Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Education Networks of America (ENA), a Nashville-based provider of internet services to public schools and libraries.

“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 Andrés Irlando, president at Zayo.

“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.”

Specifically, former investor ZMC, a private equity firm focused on technology, media and communications investments, will exit the company as part of this transaction.

Once the deal is completed, together ENA and Zayo will be uniquely positioned to provide education, library, community healthcare and public sector customers with high-quality managed services and customer care.

“By joining Zayo, ENA will be combining our high-touch managed services approach and innovative technology solutions with Zayo’s best-in-class fibre network and already robust E-Rate practice," said David Pierce, CEO of ENA.

"Together we will deliver tremendous value and industry-leading customer experience and enable faster growth. We are excited for this next chapter as part of Zayo.”

Skadden and Morgan Lewis are serving as legal counsel for Zayo, with Evercore serving as financial advisor for ENA, and Kirkland & Ellis as its legal advisor.

"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," added Andrew Vogel, co-chief investment officer and managing partner at ZMC.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions and comes following Zayo's recent acquisition of QOS Networks to bolster its edge and SD-WAN capabilities.

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