Milestone Communications Inc. Activities 2016

Press Release

December 1, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Zito Central PA, LLC in their purchase from Tele-Media Company of Zion, LLC of the cable television systems serving approximately 4,300 RGU’s in the communities of Snow Shoe and Zion, Pennsylvania.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Zito Central PA, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

October 1, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Grayson Cable Rocket, LLC in the sale of their cable television systems serving approximately 2,000 RGU’s in Pottsboro, Ector, East Grayson and Sherwood Shores in Grayson and Fannin Counties, Texas to Cable One, Inc.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Grayson Cable Rocket, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

August 10, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Southern Cayuga County Cablevision, LLC in the sale of their cable television system serving approximately 1,850 RGU’s in the Village of Moravia and the Towns of Moravia, Locke and Genoa in Cayuga County, New York to Zito New York, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Southern Cayuga County Cablevision, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

February 29, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Buford Media Group, LLC in the sale of their cable television systems serving Haskell, Munday, Stamford, Knox City and Crowell, Texas to WesTex Telco, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Buford Media Group, LLC in the transaction.

FCC Designates Spot On Networks As A Lifeline Broadband Provider

Spot On Networks receives Federal Communications Commission approval for its petition seeking designation as a Lifeline Broadband Provider

NEW HAVEN, CT (PRWEB) DECEMBER 05, 2016

Spot On Networks (“SON”) has been designated as a Lifeline Broadband Provider (“LBP”) by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) after filing a petition earlier in the year. The FCC Order was adopted on December 1, 2016 and granted LBP designation to four broadband providers including Spot On Networks (Spot On), LLC.

Lifeline Broadband Providers are eligible to be reimbursed through the Lifeline program for Broadband Internet Access Services they are providing to eligible qualifying subscribers. SON initially applied for designation as a LBP due to its being chosen as the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) for the New York Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) Queensbridge Houses multifamily housing development located in Long Island City, NY. NYCHA Queensbridge is the largest affordable housing development in the United States with 3,149 units and an estimated 7,000 residents across 26 clusters of 95 buildings in two adjacent complexes.

“We are thrilled that the FCC has designated Spot On Networks as a Lifeline Broadband Provider so that we can continue to provide our Wireless Internet Services to all who need Internet access,” stated Spot On Networks CEO, Richard “Dick” Sherwin. Sherwin continued, “The Lifeline Program offers an avenue for companies like ours to provide Internet services where they are most needed and protects consumers from being priced-out of essential broadband services. Additionally, with the implementation of WiFi Calling, residents of buildings with poor cellular services get the added benefit of voice services using smartphones. We are honored to be a part of this program.”

Lifeline Broadband is an expansion of the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance program which helps to make communications services more affordable for those in need. Initially the Lifeline program, established in 1985, focused primarily on telephone services but has been expanded to include cellphones and now internet services. To be designated as an LBP, an applicant needs to meet service standards, function in emergency situations and meet technical and financial requirements among other requirements. SON has a long-standing reputation in the multifamily industry as being the largest and most trusted provider of managed, carrier-grade, high speed wireless access and has differentiated itself by using in-house network management, monitoring and support services as well as designing networks that are customized to the needs of a building and its residents.

In his statement regarding the reform and modernization of the Lifeline program, Chairman Tom Wheeler stated, “In modernizing the program, we were guided by the principles of competition and choice. Reforms are designated to encourage more providers to participate in the program so that competition in the marketplace can increase the value of the subsidy and provide choices for consumers”. SON has long supported the FCC’s efforts to modernize the Lifeline Program in today’s digital age where the average American relies primarily on their smartphone and Internet access for communication, education and work.

About Spot On Networks

Spot On Networks (“SON”) is a wireless internet service provider and wireless consulting company representing tens of thousands of residential and commercial tenants nationwide. SON designs, deploys and manages carrier grade WiFi, WiFi Calling and CellBoost® networks to multifamily, senior living, hospitality, retail and commercial buildings. Spot On’s wireless networks are backed by patent-pending network architecture and UserSafe® technology.

SON is the leading provider of managed WiFi networks and in-building voice solutions to the U.S. multitenant housing market and is a trusted leader in wireless since 2004. SON develops WiFi-backed solutions to solve the most pressing problems facing today’s building owners.

WOW! Closes Acquisition of NuLink to Provide High-Speed Internet, Cable TV and Phone Service to Metro Atlanta

Acquisition brings 34,000 customers to WOW!'s existing network of three million residential, business and wholesale consumers

DENVER, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone (WOW!), one of the nation's leading broadband providers, today announced it has finalized its acquisition of NuLink systems in Newnan, Georgia. The acquisition will extend WOW!'s unmatched customer support and high-speed Internet, cable TV and phone service to more than 34,000 additional homes and businesses.

The acquisition close comes on the heels of WOW!'s continued national expansion of high-speed Internet service, including 600 Mbps across its footprint and 1 Gig speeds in five new U.S. markets.

In connection with the transaction, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to WOW!, while Waller Capital Partners LLC, Garrett M. Baker Advisors LLC and Locke Lord LLP acted as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to NuLink.

About WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone
WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with a service area that passes over three million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides service in 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services the company is dedicated to provide outstanding customer service at affordable prices. Visit wowway.com or wowforbusiness.com for more information. 

Horizon Capital Increases Its Stake in Datagroup to Over 70%

Horizon Capital announced today that it has increased its stake in Datagroup, a leading independent telecom operator in Ukraine, from significant minority to over 70%. Following completion of this transaction, Horizon Capital has assumed operational control of the company. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Lenna Koszarny, Horizon Capital’s Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the deal: “We are very pleased to increase our stake to a significant majority position in a company that we believe in and are proud to back.  Horizon’s additional financial commitment, together with the appointment in July of highly-respected McKinsey senior manager with strong telecom expertise Mykhailo Shelemba as Chief Executive Officer, truly mark the start of an exciting chapter for Datagroup.  The Company has achieved significant results to date, with leading positions in business-to-business data transmission, international traffic and satellite communication services.  Its services are delivered via an unrivaled infrastructure, including over 19,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable.  We look forward to Datagroup continuing to offer value-added solutions and services to its esteemed clients and introducing innovative new products and technologies to the market.”

Mykhailo Shelemba, Datagroup Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am truly honored to lead Datagroup at the dawn of a new era.  I want to thank our valued clients across Ukraine, our superb team and committed shareholders for contributing to Datagroup’s success over the last 16 years.  Flexibility and customer focus have always been at the core of our DNA.  Evolving with the market, we are becoming more agile, innovative and efficient.  We look forward to expanding our product line with a focus on new value-added services and end-to-end solutions for our clients.  I am confident that the talented Datagroup team, the trusted partnerships with our customers and strong backing of Horizon Capital, will take the Company to the next level of development, efficiency and profitability.”

About Horizon Capital

Horizon Capital (www.horizoncapital.com.ua) is the leading private equity firm in Ukraine, managing over $600 million in three funds. We invest in visionary entrepreneurs transforming the business landscape in Ukraine and the Region, offering the prospect of superior returns in good times and preserving capital during economic downdrafts. We are known for our integrity, transparency, governance, value creation and successful exits.

About Datagroup

Datagroup (www.datagroup.ua) is a national telecom operator holding leading positions in key segments: data transmission, international traffic transit, satellite communication. The core business of the Company is the organization of data transmission channels and connection to the Internet, fixed-line and digital telephone services, installation of equipment, radio and satellite communications, videoconferencing and video surveillance. Datagroup has established a nationwide network in Ukraine, with an emphasis on the regions, and is a leader coverage of telecom services provided.

For more information, please contact:

Tetyana Bega

Investor Relations Manager

Horizon Capital

Tel. +380 44 490 5580

e-mail: tbega@horizoncapital.com.ua

WOW! to Acquire NuLink, a Leading Provider in Metro Atlanta of High Speed Internet, Cable TV and Phone Services

WOW!’s acquisition of NuLink continues WOW!’s commitment to growth and investing in faster Internet

NuLink adds 34,000 homes passed to WOW!’s existing network which passes over 3 million residential, business and wholesale consumers

DENVER, CO – Aug. 2, 2016 – WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone, a leading provider of highspeed Internet, digital cable TV, and phone services, today announced that it will acquire NuLink’s systems in Newnan, Georgia, located 34 miles southwest of Atlanta. NuLink is a local provider of high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, and phone services to residential and business customers. NuLink offers services to over 34,000 homes and businesses. NuLink was acquired from Halyard Capital, a New York based private equity firm.

“NuLink’s long-standing commitment to the Newnan community is why this is a great acquisition for WOW!,” said Steven Cochran, CEO of WOW!. “We plan to continue investing in the local network infrastructure to bring even faster Internet to residential and business customers with speeds as high as 1 Gbps. All of us at WOW! are committed to providing an outstanding customer experience and we look forward to serving the community.”

“We are excited to become a part of the WOW! family. Since our start in 1997, we have continued to invest in the NuLink system and joining WOW! is the right next step for the Newnan community,” said Dan Shoemaker, CEO of NuLink. NuLink, a spin-off from Newnan utilities in 2008, upgraded its network in 2011 to provide a full suite of Internet, cable TV and phone services.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2016.

In connection with the transaction, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to WOW!, while Waller Capital Partners LLC, Garrett M. Baker Advisors LLC and Locke Lord LLP acted as financial and legal advisors respectively to NuLink.

About WOW!

WOW! is one of the nation’s leading broadband providers, with a service area that passes over three million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides service in 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services the company is dedicated to provide outstanding customer service at affordable prices. WOW! is privately owned by Avista Capital Partners and Crestview Partners. Visit wowway.com or wowforbusiness.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Actual results may differ materially from those expected because of various risks and uncertainties. You should review our filings with the SEC, including the section titled "Risk Factors" contained in our Form 10-K Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 17, 2016.

WOW! Media Contact

Paul Lonnegren Pulse8 PR (720) 470-7488 plonnegren@pulse8pr.com

EBRD sells stake in Moldova’s Sun Communications as Orange takes over

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is selling its 28 per cent stake in Moldova’s leading cable and digital TV operator Sun Communications to Orange Moldova, which is taking ownership of the company. Orange Moldova is a subsidiary of Orange S.A., the French telecommunications group.

The EBRD invested in Sun Communications in 2007 in an effort to consolidate the fragmented Moldovan cable TV market. It provided US$ 4 million in equity and a US$ 4.6 million loan to finance the company’s plans for acquisition, expansion and modernisation. Sun Communications now has a 36 per cent share of the market as measured by the number of subscribers.

The company is currently owned by Lekert Management Ltd and Neocom Ltd, the investment vehicles controlled by Sun Communications founder Alexandru Sirbu (65 per cent), the EBRD, and the senior management of the company, including John Maxemchuk, the CEO (5 per cent).

Dimitri Gvindadze, Head of EBRD office in Chisinau, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support Sun Communications and to have taken part in its successful development. We are equally pleased that the company is now being taken over by Orange Moldova, a strong strategic investor and the country’s largest mobile operator, providing 4G coverage to over 80 per cent of the population.”

The completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of competition authorities.

Helping successful private sector companies such as Sun Communications develop and expand is part of the EBRD’s efforts to boost the Moldovan economy and attract much-needed, job-generating foreign investment.

The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in the country; since the start of its operations in Moldova, the Bank has invested close to €1 billion in more than 100 projects in the country. Its operations in Moldova are headed by Dimitri Gvindadze.

Moorgate Capital Partners Acquires ITC Service Group, Inc.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. and NEW YORK, June 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Moorgate Capital Partners, LLC ("Moorgate"), a middle market merchant bank focused on the technology, media, and communications industries, is pleased to announce that an affiliate has partnered with management to acquire substantially all of the assets of ITC Service Group, Inc. ("ITC") from its founding shareholders.

ITC is a leading provider of planning, design, installation and maintenance services to the telecommunications and IT industries.  Most recently, the company has been focused on designing, installing, maintaining and providing operational management services for fiber–to-the-home networks, an area that is expected to grow dramatically over the next several years as major industry participants deploy significant capital to build and upgrade networks.  ITC currently employs approximately 700 people across the United States.

Tim Sauer, ITC's founder, who will remain an owner and the President of ITC, said "We are excited to partner with Moorgate and leverage their financial and industry expertise in order to accelerate the growth of the company."

"ITC has a strong heritage in the telecommunications industry.  With a reputation for quality and innovation, ITC has become a leading service provider to a number of major fiber-to-the-home and broadband operators," commented Michael Alexander, Partner at Moorgate.  "We are delighted to be partnering with ITC's experienced management team and look forward to working together to strengthen the company's position in this rapidly evolving industry."

Debt financing for the transaction was provided by Credit Suisse Park View BDC, Inc., QS Capital Strategies L.P. (Quilvest), and California Bank & Trust.

Wollmuth Maher & Deutsch LLP and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as legal advisors to Moorgate in connection with the transaction.  The Independence Group acted as financial advisor and Meissner Joseph & Palley, Inc. acted as legal advisor to ITC.

About ITC Service Group

ITC Service Group provides broadband installation, design, and staffing services to the telecommunications and IT industries.  ITC is headquartered in Citrus Heights, CA. For more information, visit www.callitc.com. 

About Moorgate Capital Partners

Moorgate Capital Partners is an independent merchant bank and advisory firm focused on the technology, media, and communications industries.  Moorgate partners with industry leading executives and management teams to source and invest in middle market growth opportunities. Moorgate has offices in New York, NY and San Francisco, CA.

MOORGATE ADVISES FOUNDING MANAGEMENT TEAM ON ACQUISITION OF SALARY.COM FROM IBM

Wellesley, MA -- Salary.com, the technology leader in employee compensation data, software and services, today announced that it has been acquired from IBM by its founding team. Under the leadership of the returning management team, Salary will deliver next generation analytical tools that further enable companies to manage their compensation expenditures as well as provide the market at large with the most accurate, objective information related to employee compensation.

"Compensation is complex, and for today's employers to be successful, they need the tools and data that enable them to simplify the connections between people and pay," said Kent Plunkett, CEO of Salary.com. "Salary is the most widely recognized and trusted source for employer-reported compensation data to facilitate decision-making around employee compensation. On behalf of the founding team, we are thrilled to provide our customers with the high-touch service and expertise that they expect in the compensation space."

Founded in 1999, Salary.com grew rapidly to become one of the most widely recognized sources for reliable information about employee-reported pay levels and compensation-related best practices, trends and policies. Following its move to IPO in 2007, Salary.com was acquired by Kenexa in 2010, and IBM acquired Kenexa in 2012. The original team, in partnership with co-investors H.I.G. Capital and Prudential Capital Group, have reacquired Salary.com from IBM, along with related compensation offerings. The returning team has the goal of enhancing the company's current product offerings and creating additional solutions that help consumers and customers make well-informed, data-based compensation decisions.

Moorgate Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to the founding management team in connection with the transaction.  For additional information on this transaction, please see the company's press release.

Milestone Communications Inc. Activities 2015

Press Release

November 30, 2015

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Zito Midwest, LLC, LLC in their purchase from Herr Cable Company Partnership of the cable television system serving portions of Lycoming and Sullivan Counties in Pennsylvania. LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Zito Midwest, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

September 30, 2015

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Atlantic Broadband (Penn), LLC in the sale of their cable television system serving Moorefield, WV to Hardynet. LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Atlantic Broadband (Penn), LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

March 31, 2015

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Buford Media Group, LLC in the sale of their cable television system serving approximately 1,067 RGU’s in Pryor and portions of Mayes County, Oklahoma to Vyve Broadband A, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Buford Media Group, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

January 28, 2015

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Buford Media Group, LLC and Buford Communications I, LP in the sale of their cable television systems serving approximately 4,549 RGU’s in Serving Lonoke, Lewisville, Greenbrier, Plumerville, Marshall and Lee County, Arkansas, Bernice and Kentwood, Louisiana and NAS Meridian, Sumrall and Coahoma, Mississippi to CableSouth Media III, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Buford Media Group, LLC and Buford Communications I, LP in the transaction.

Press Release

January 15, 2015

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Mid Missouri Broadband and cable, LLC in the sale of its cable television systems serving approximately 740 RGU’s in Linn and Loose Creek, Missouri to Cable America Missouri LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Mid Missouri Broadband and Cable, LLC in the transaction.

Bluesky launches as mobile service operator in New Zealand

Bluesky today launched as Spark’s second prepay Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in New Zealand, with competitive prepay mobile cellular plans to serve the Samoan community in New Zealand.

Bluesky is a leading Pacific regional telecommunications operator providing mobile, broadband, TV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

“This is an exciting time for Bluesky and it’s about connecting our Pacific people. We are a growing Pacific operator, and we want to be the preferred network for Pacific people globally” says Bluesky Pacific Group CEO and President, Aoe’e Adolfo Montenegro.

Bluesky has been looking for some time at how to best service the communication needs of Samoans in New Zealand. Following on from extensive research with the New Zealand Samoan community, Bluesky has developed a range of plans tailored specifically for them that include competitive rates within NZ and to Samoa. All plans are prepay, rather than contract, with customers having the option of Topping-Up online on the Bluesky website for New Zealand (www.blueskynz.co.nz) and at convenience stores.

In line with Bluesky’s deep commitment to serving local communities, it is also partnering with Samoan Churches to support their fundraising initiatives.

Toleafoa Tiafau Douglas Creevey, Director and New Zealand Country Manager for Bluesky, commented that market research confirmed the majority of New Zealand-based Samoans already recognise and relate to the Bluesky brand. And with most Samoans calling their friends and family back home at least once a month, they want a service that allows them to do this in a more affordable and convenient way.

As a Spark prepay MVNO, Bluesky customers will enjoy the reliability and coverage of Spark’s nationwide network. Bluesky will have coverage in over 97% of places where Kiwis live and work and have access to Spark’s Super fast 4G network.

Lindsay Cowley, Spark GM Product Wholesale and International has welcomed the partnership, saying it highlights Spark New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific. “Spark New Zealand’s size and scale, our industry knowledge and our deep-rooted connections to the Pacific put us in the perfect place to help propel innovative new services like Bluesky forward. We have a tried and true prepaid MVNO platform and they have a unique new approach to service the needs of a market segment - it’s a great combination.”

To join Bluesky in New Zealand, customers’ will need a Bluesky SIM card. They will have the option of a new ‘0204’ Bluesky number or transferring over their existing local New Zealand number. Bluesky will also offer a range of affordable device options, however customers can use any unlocked mobile phone compatible with Spark’s network.

About Bluesky

Bluesky Group is a leading regional telecommunications operator providing various combinations of mobile, broadband, TV and landline services in American Samoa, Samoa, Cook Islands, and New Zealand.

Bluesky Communications was launched in American Samoa on July 10, 1999. As a mobile phone company, Bluesky subsequently grew to encompass ISP and cable TV operations. Since 2009, Bluesky Pacific Group has operated the only submarine fibre cable into American Samoa and Samoa from Hawaii.

Expanding into Samoa in March 2011, Bluesky Group purchased 75% of SamoaTel. Bluesky subsequently expanded into the Cook Islands in February 2015 through purchasing 60% of Telecom Cook Islands from Spark NZ. Bluesky Holdings NZ Limited is now part of the Bluesky Pacific Group of companies.

Since its inception, Bluesky has accomplished a number of technical achievements through a determination to enable Pacific people and businesses to access new technologies, reduce costs, empower employees and thrive as a business.

Bluesky is an active contributor to its communities in all the countries it operates in and is a major supporter of rugby throughout the region. Recent activities include being the jersey sponsor for Rugby 7s in Samoa and American Samoa as well as the exclusive Telecommunications Sponsor and Associate Sponsor for the historic Manu Samoa vs All Blacks game hosted in Apia on July 8th, 2015.

Bluesky believes in local ownership being critical to the success of its operations. 46% of Bluesky Samoa is owned by Samoan investors with profits being returned to Samoans. A similar ownership structure is in place in its Cook Islands operation with shares reserved allowing local staff and Cook Islands investors to participate in the ownership of Blueskly in the Cook Islands.

For media enquiries contact:

Nicole Crump, +64 9 215 7858 / +64 21 898 307, ncrump@blueskypacificgroup.com