WCTA to acquire Bancroft and Lakota exchanges

Consolidated Communications to Sell Iowa-based Heartland Telecommunications Company–WCTA to acquire Iowa exchanges of Bancroft and Lakota
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (CNSL) (“Company”) has entered into a definitive agreement with Mutual Telephone Company of Sioux Center, Iowa (Premier) and Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (Winnebago) to divest its Heartland Telecommunications Company of Iowa (Heartland) in order for the Company to focus on its core regions.
“Both Premier and Winnebago are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional service to customers in the rural areas of northwest Iowa,” said Bob Udell, president and chief executive officer of Consolidated Communications.  “We expect this transaction will benefit customers, who can count on continued high levels of service and investment in their community from Premier and Winnebago.”
Premier will acquire the Iowa exchanges of:  Akron, Boyden, Doon, Hawarden, Hull, Ireton, Rock Rapids, Rock Valley and Sibley.  Winnebago will acquire the Iowa exchanges of Bancroft and Lakota. The acquisitions are pending FCC approval.
“This acquisition is a positive development for Bancroft and Lakota customers and our customer-owned company which will bring a cooperative’s dedication to serving its customers and providing important benefits to the communities,” said Mark Thoma, general Manager of Winnebago.  “We look forward to serving the customers of Bancroft and Lakota who will become members of our cooperative.
WCTA is a telecommunications company headquartered in Lake Mills, Iowa. Since the Cooperative’s inception in 1950, more than 70 companies have merged into WCTA. Today, WCTA utilizes the latest digital switching and fiber optic technologies to deliver advanced telecommunications service, Internet access, digital TV service, wireless service, computer and data back-up services and long distance service to 25 communities in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. WCTA strives to be an important part of each and every community we serve. As a cooperative, WCTA is owned and governed by its members and a member-elected Board of Directors.