FirstLight Acquiring BestWeb to Strengthen Fiber Footprint

FirstLight, a provider of fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud computing and unified communications services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BestWeb.

This transaction enhances FirstLight's capabilities in Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties and deepens its existing fiber network throughout the lower Hudson Valley.

"BestWeb is an ideal match for FirstLight. The organizations have worked together for many years, and in fact, BestWeb currently leverages FirstLight's fiber network to help serve its clients," said Kurt Van Wagenen, President and CEO of FirstLight. "The acquisition will deepen our fiber footprint in this region by adding approximately 170 route miles of fiber and builds upon our collective success serving K-12 schools under the federal e-rate program."

"This is a positive development for BestWeb, its employees and clients. The companies have complementary services and are both focused on providing high quality support to clients. Now as part of FirstLight, we have a broader service portfolio and enhanced capabilities to continue to support the needs of our clients," said Mark and Andrew Dickey, the co-owners of BestWeb.

This is the sixth transaction that privately held FirstLight has announced since being acquired by Antin Infrastructure Partners in 2018. Antin provides the support and guidance necessary to support FirstLight's impressive growth.

Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to BestWeb in connection with this transaction. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to FirstLight. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020, following the satisfaction of customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.