Windstream Buys ICP

Despite a big drop in earnings and revenue for the first quarter 2009, Windstream still managed to buy some more lines and customers by snatching up D&E Comm.

D&E Communications is an ICP, an  integrated communications provider, offering residential Voice, Video, Broadband and On-Site Computer Support services as well as business-class Networking, Business Continuity, IT, Security, Voice and Training solutions. D&E is an ILEC and a CLEC.

This stock-and-cash deal (worth about $330M)  "nearly doubles the company's operating presence in Pennsylvania with the addition of approximately 165,000 access lines and about 44,000 high-speed Internet customers."  That's about $2000 per subscriber.

"D&E Communications generated $148 million in revenue and $64 million in operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) in the twelve months ended March 31, 2009."  So the buy is about 2x Annual Revenue for those hoping to play at home.

"The transaction also includes six wireless licenses for 700 MHz spectrum covering a population of approximately 1.3 million in central Pennsylvania," according to the press release. 

While Windstream isn't having a strong quarter with dipping revenue, it is doing okay selling Internet and TV. It passed 1 million high-speed Internet subs by adding net 31,000 this quarter. In addition, more than 21,000 digital TV customers were added, bringing the total TV count to about 295,000. "It also recently finalized an agreement with DISH Network to sell digital TV to Windstream's commercial customers, Gardner said."