$1.4 Billion Transaction Led by Digital Bridge and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners Accelerates ExteNet's Growth, Ensures Continued Leadership in Distributed Networks
CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — ExteNet Systems, Inc., the leading independent provider of distributed networks enabling outdoor and indoor wireless connectivity, today announced the successful completion of its recapitalization efforts, initially announced in July. The acquisition is led by Digital Bridge Holdings (Digital Bridge) and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners (Stonepeak), which together head the consortium that invested or arranged over $1.4 billion capital, inclusive of equity and debt. These arrangements will enable ExteNet to continue pursuing strategic deployment of outdoor and indoor distributed networks, including Small Cells, to meet the network densification and the advanced connectivity needs of its customers, which include the nation's leading wireless carriers and real estate owners.
"We're thrilled to announce the deal is closed and believe we're well positioned to both execute our long-term growth plans and meet the future needs of communications carriers across our target market segments," said Ross Manire, President and CEO of ExteNet. "With the Internet of Things a reality and 5G in the near horizon, wireless infrastructure must advance with a focus on innovative, pragmatic solutions to enable anytime, anywhere broadband connectivity. As the largest privately held distributed network provider in the U.S., ExteNet remains well positioned to provide the vital infrastructure needed to meet the growing demand for both indoor and outdoor wireless connectivity. I welcome our new board members and have deep gratitude for those exiting."
Digital Bridge CEO Marc Ganzi will assume the position of Chairman of the Board at ExteNet effective immediately, with Mr. Manire remaining on the Board. Other Board members will include Ben Jenkins and Warren Roll from Digital Bridge; Trent Vichie, Brian McMullen and Spencer Ryan from Stonepeak; Edward Pallesen from Goldman Sachs; and David Schaller from Delta-V Capital. Both Goldman Sachs and Delta-V Capital will also be investors in the new holding company. Key members of the ExteNet Executive Management Team, including Mr. Manire, will remain with ExteNet and will also be investors in the new holding company.
"Distributed networks are a key component of the future for wireless network densification. We value the market leadership position and scale ExteNet has attained and we want to elevate its critical role in the industry even further," said Mr. Ganzi. "Small Cells, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Wi-Fi are key focus areas for Digital Bridge and represent a multi-billion dollar opportunity with annual growth rates of 25 percent."
"We're excited about the prospects for the wireless infrastructure market. We believe Ross and his team have built a true market leader well-positioned to support customer needs. We're delighted to be partnering with ExteNet and Marc and his team at Digital Bridge on this investment and look forward to continuing to support the growth of the business," said Mr. Vichie, Co-founder of Stonepeak.
Digital Bridge, based in Boca Raton, Florida, was formed in 2013 through a partnership between Mr. Jenkins, formerly of The Blackstone Group, and Mr. Ganzi, formerly founder and CEO of Global Tower Partners (GTP). In 2013, GTP was sold for $4.8 billion. Digital Bridge owns interests in a range of communications infrastructure companies. Stonepeak, based in New York, is a private equity firm focused on investments in North American infrastructure assets.
About ExteNet Systems, Inc.
Lisle, Ill.-based ExteNet Systems, Inc. designs, builds, owns and operates distributed networks for use by wireless carriers and venues in key markets. Using distributed antenna systems (DAS), remote radio heads (RRH), Small Cells, Wi-Fi, software-defined network (SDN) based Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and other technologies, ExteNet deploys solutions to enhance wireless service and network performance across both outdoor and indoor environments. Primary markets include outdoor distributed networks in a variety of densely occupied urban, suburban and rural environments, and various indoor verticals, including sports and entertainment venues, hotels and convention centers, commercial office space, healthcare facilities and transit systems. For more information, please visit www.extenetsystems.com.
"ExteNet" is a registered trademark of ExteNet Systems, Inc.
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