Oxford Networks, BayRing Communications Complete Merger
PRESS RELEASE — CLOUD PARTNERS — On September 1, Oxford Networks (Booth 1101) and BayRing Communications announced that they received state and federal approval to merge, and have closed on the transaction, creating the largest competitive telecommunications provider headquartered in Northern New England.
The new organization operates approximately 2,000 route miles of high-capacity fiber optic network providing access to nearly 50,000 commercial buildings, four robust SOC 2 (Service Organization Control) data centers, and direct access to all other major hub data centers throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The companies jointly announced plans to merge back in June, but were required to gain approval from state and federal regulators. The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved the merger in late August. Since Oxford Networks and BayRing are telecom companies, the proposed merger also had to be approved by the Federal Communications Commission.
The merger provides a sound strategic fit for both organizations, as Oxford has a solid footprint in Maine, while BayRing has a strong market presence in Southern Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
The combination of Oxford Networks and BayRing enables both companies to leverage their strengths, including expanding their fiber optic network footprint, increasing the number of data centers it operates, and offering a robust platform of products to enhance services to their existing client base and continue growth throughout New England and beyond.
“We are excited to have this merger approved to begin a new era for both organizations,” explained Craig Gunderson, Oxford Networks’ CEO. “This merger creates a more competitive organization providing customers with greater choices and more solutions. Our customers benefit from two strong organizations that enjoy a solid reputation in their respective markets.
“As I retire from BayRing, I am fully confident that the organization is in good hands with the combined entities of Oxford Networks and BayRing Communications creating a better, stronger organization,” said BayRing Communications’ outgoing President Ben Thayer. “Both organizations share a similar work ethic and a culture that strives to excel for our clients.”
The merger effectively doubles the new organization’s revenue streams. It also creates one of Northern New England’s industry leaders in business Voice over IP and hosted Private Branch Exchange (PBX), telephone systems commonly used in many businesses. For the time being, both entities will keep their respective names since they have recognition and brand equity in their markets, and major operations will continue in Portsmouth and Lewiston offices.
“This merger continues Oxford Networks’ mission to create a worldclass telecommunications, IT solutions and cloud services company that is a dominant player in New England and beyond,” said Ted Mocarski, Novacap partner and Chairman of Oxford Networks’ Board. “These two organizations complement each other in so many ways — ranging from their similar history as telephone companies to their evolution as cloud and data center service providers — yet operate in different markets and niches. We’re confident that the new entity will capitalize on each organization’s similarities and unique strengths.”
BayRing was the first competitive local exchange carrier authorized in New Hampshire and Maine and has been a premier provider of telecom and data center services in New England for over 17 years. Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, BayRing owns a proprietary high capacity fiber network that envelops southern New Hampshire and extends from Portland into metro Boston. Additionally, BayRing operates two data centers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
BayRing’s experience, combined with its extensive network and data center assets, enable BayRing to provide mission critical phone, internet and data center services. For more information, visit www.bayring.com.
Oxford Networks is an award-winning technology solutions provider based in Lewiston, Maine. With a fiber optic network backbone spanning from Bangor to Boston, and high-security data centers located in Brunswick and Bangor, Maine, Oxford Networks provides end-to-end technology solutions for companies in New England and beyond.
The combined companies’ services and products include: Data Center Services, Managed IT Services, Voice, Internet, and Carrier Services. For more information, visit www.oxfordnetworks.com.
