Leading Canadian Telecommunications Infrastructure Provider Secures C$255 Million in Financing to Support Growth and Increase Scale
Company Acquires Metro Network from Aptum Technologies, Enhancing Connectivity Network and Fiber Reach in Toronto and Montreal
BOCA RATON, Fla. & TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Digital Colony, the global digital infrastructure investment platform of Colony Capital, Inc. (NYSE: CLNY), today announced a strategic recapitalization of Beanfield Metroconnect (“Beanfield” or the “Company”), an independent telecommunications infrastructure provider in Canada. In connection with this transaction, the Company has acquired the metro network of Aptum Technologies (“Aptum”), a global hybrid cloud and managed services provider.
The strategic recapitalization includes C$255 million of financing, positioning Beanfield to capitalize on a variety of new segment and revenue opportunities. Through the acquisition of Aptum’s metro network, Beanfield will enhance connectivity services and fiber solution capabilities in Toronto while expanding its presence in Montreal following the recent acquisition of regional telecom fiber services provider OpenFace Inc.
In partnership with Digital Colony, Beanfield has significantly scaled its platform to seamlessly connect individuals and businesses in Canada’s two largest urban markets. Since Digital Colony made a substantial investment in 2019, the Company has grown its network footprint ten-fold from approximately 400 route KM to more than 4,000 across both markets. The Company’s ability to service on-net buildings has also increased almost six-fold from approximately 550 buildings to 3,200 buildings.
“This transaction exemplifies our approach to underwriting and our commitment to fostering growth in exceptional businesses with strong management teams,” said Steven Sonnenstein, Managing Director at Digital Colony. “Today’s recapitalization underpins our confidence in the continued opportunities for growth that result from the unrelenting focus on the customer experience and high quality services that are at the core of Beanfield’s business.”
Leveraging existing relationships with leading institutional lenders, Digital Colony secured the financing, which includes a first lien term loan and a revolving credit facility. TD Securities served as joint lead arranger, joint bookrunner and administrative agent, while RBC Capital Markets and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey served as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner.
Sadiq Malik, Managing Director at Digital Colony, added, “We appreciate the support of our lenders, who didn’t hesitate to provide this crucial financing despite the challenging market. Through this strategic recapitalization, Beanfield has added financial flexibility and is positioned for continued growth in its markets.”
“In today’s environment, the need for connectivity has only grown as networks experience unprecedented demand,” said Dan Armstrong, CEO of Beanfield Metroconnect. “At Beanfield, we have always invested in building communities – not just networks. We expect our employees, customers and valued partners in Canada’s two largest regions will see numerous benefits from this strategic recapitalization as we expand our offerings and increase our investment in robust fiber networks.”
About Digital Colony
Digital Colony is the world’s largest digital infrastructure investment firm with over US$20 billion in assets under management. Launched in 2018 by Digital Bridge and Colony Capital, Digital Colony brings together Digital Bridge’s industry, operational and investment expertise, and Colony Capital’s (NYSE: CLNY) global operating platform and capital markets access. Digital Colony is a leading investor, owner and operator enabling the next generation of mobile and internet connectivity through investments in mission-critical infrastructure around the globe. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London and Singapore, the firm closed its first discretionary fund dedicated solely to investing in digital infrastructure with US$4.05 billion in commitments in 2019. For more information, please visit www.digitalcolony.com.
About Beanfield Metroconnect
Founded in 1988, Beanfield is a privately held and 100% Canadian-operated company. Beanfield provides comprehensive telecom services to over 3,200 commercial and residential buildings and operates four boutique colocation facilities at key connection points within its fiber network. The company is facilities-based, maintaining and managing its own in-house construction and fiber maintenance teams. Beanfield’s residential services include Fiber-to-the-Suite Internet, TV and Home Phone. Its business services include Fiber Internet, Business Phone, TV, Dark Fiber, Private Line and Colocation. Beanfield is a portfolio company of Digital Colony, a global investment firm dedicated to strategic opportunities in digital infrastructure. For more information visit www.beanfield.com.
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Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Jon Keehner / Julie Oakes
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