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

Starman buys Lithuania’s KAVA to strengthen Baltic presence

Estonian cable TV company Starman, which earlier this year completed the EUR56.3 million (USD62 million) purchase of Lithuanian operator Cgates, has further strengthened its presence in the Baltic country with the acquisition of fibre-optic cable network operator KAVA. The value of the deal, which is subject to approval from Lithuania’s Competition Council and the Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT), has not been disclosed. KAVA provides telecoms services to around 20,000 customers in Vilnius, Klaipeda, Siauliai and Panevezys, with a network passing around 100,000 households.

In February 2015 Starman acquired 100% of Cgates in a deal that also saw the Estonian cableco’s owner – Swedish investment group East Capital Explorer – increase its ownership in Starman from 51% to 63%. Cgates is one of Lithuania’s largest cable network operators, providing cable and digital television, fixed telephony and fibre-optic broadband internet to around 200,000 customers in twelve cities, including Vilnius, Alytus, Marijampole, Vilkaviskis, Silute, Lentvaris and Kaunas. Its infrastructure currently passes around 300,000 homes. ‘Cgates is now becoming a nationwide operator, which is a milestone in our strategy for the company,’ commented Gert Tiivas, chairman of Starman, adding: ‘The acquisition of KAVA will increase the company’s household coverage by 30% and thereby strengthen its position in the market. Cgates is already a strong number two, but it is still a fragmented market with many growth opportunities.’

Bluesky Group Expands to Cook Islands

The Bluesky Group has welcomed Telecom Cook Islands as its newest operation.On 23 February, 2015 Bluesky’s Cook Islands subsidiary, Teleraro Ltd, completed the purchase of a 60% interest in Telecom Cook Islands from Spark New Zealand. The Cook Islands Government maintains its 40% ownership in Telecom Cook Islands. Teleraro’s ownership structure also includes participation for Cook Islands investors and Telecom Cook Islands employees.

Telecom Cook Islands Limited is a leading telecommunications services company in the South Pacific providing fixed telephony, mobile telephony and Internet services for the population of the Cook Islands.

“We are delighted to have completed this important expansionfor the Bluesky group, which is in line with our regional growth strategy and further strengthens our capability to deliver world class telecommunications services to our Pacific island markets through local partnerships.It is a significant milestone for us, as Bluesky expands its operations to cover threePacific Island territories. With the addition of Telecom Cook Islands to the Bluesky group, we expand our collaboration with our Samoan investment partners and welcome our new Cook Islands partners. ”said Bluesky Group CEO, Adolfo Montenegro.

The 60% stake in Telecom Cook Islands was purchased for approximately NZD$23 million with financing provided by a regional bank.

“We are pleased to have Telecom Cook Islands team join our Bluesky family. As we integrate the operations, we look forward to building upon the delivery of outstanding customer service and high quality telecommunications solutions to the people of the Cook Islands, in line with our vision of being #1 at connecting Pacific people.” said Mr Montenegro.

About Bluesky

Bluesky Communications was established in American Samoa in 1999 and expanded its operations to Samoa in 2011 with a sucessful bid in the privatization of SamoaTel. Bluesky acquired Pacific Island Cable in 2009 and is the sole provider of cable television services to Samoa and American Samoa through Moana TV. Bluesky’s affiliate company, American Samoa Hawaii Cable LLC, brought submarine optic fibre cable connectivity to the Samoan islands in 2009. Bluesky’s commitment to quality, coverage and service has made it a technology driver and leader in Samoa and American Samoa. Bluesky was acquired by eLandia Group in 2006 and now forms part of Amper Group.

Contact Bluesky or Bluesky Samoa

Filifotu Vaai +685-755-1089/ 684-258-1089 marketing@blueskysamoa.com marketing@bluesky.as

This press release and other statements to be made by the Company contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, including but not limited to statements relating to projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, cost-savings, expenses, or other financial items; statements of management's plans, strategies, and objectives for future operations, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved; statements concerning proposed new products and services; and statements regarding future economic, industry, or market conditions or performance. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," expect," anticipate," project," and conditional verbs such as "may," "could," and "would," and other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, beliefs, estimates, and projections regarding the Company, its industry and future events, and are based upon certain assumptions made by management. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and necessarily are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors (many of which are outside the control of the Company) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.