International fiber-optic network service provider Zayo Group, LLC, reports that it has acquired London-based Geo Networks Ltd., which specializes in dark fiber. The acquisition will add over 2100 route miles and connectivity to 587 on-net buildings to Zayo’s European network.
Founded in 2002 by Jonathan Watts and Chris Smedley, Geo owns and operates a high-capacity fiber-optic network in the UK, with extensive connectivity within London itself. Geo’s 100-route-mile London network is housed in the London sewer system, which it says minimizes the threat of physical faults, boosts reliability and security, and enabled rapid deployment with minimum disruption.
Over this network, Geo provides managed services, dark fiber, and co-location services to a variety of high-bandwidth sectors including media companies, service providers, financial services, data centers, and gaming organizations.
Zayo says the Geo acquisition will significantly increase the firm’s fiber footprint in the UK, adding over 1800 miles of national fiber connecting 130 data centers, telehouses, and key Internet exchanges. It also will provide direct access to major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and other significant commercial regions.
In addition, Geo’s fiber will enable Zayo to establish a presence in Ireland through a submarine cable system, the East-West Ring, that provides diverse connectivity to Dublin, a strategic hub for data centers and cloud service providers.
“Geo’s extensive fiber and conduit assets complement our existing London footprint and bring an increased breadth to our UK network” said Dan Caruso, CEO of Zayo Group. “Additionally, diverse connectivity to Dublin is critical as it continues to develop as an international data centre hub.”
“Zayo is a bandwidth Infrastructure leader with a growing international presence,” said Chris Smedley, chief executive of Geo Networks. “Our customers will not only benefit from the expanded reach of the combined network, but also the opportunity to access Zayo’s full suite of services.”
The deal will close immediately and will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and a draw from Zayo’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
Following the integration of the two networks, customers will have access to 79,000 miles of fiber in eight countries, and connectivity to more than 650 data centers, Zayo says.
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