Bell Canada has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ziply Fiber for approximately C$7.0 billion, marking its first expansion into the U.S. telecommunications market.

Target Information

Bell Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., has recently announced its definitive agreement to acquire 100% ownership of Ziply Fiber, a prominent player in the U.S. Pacific Northwest fiber internet market. Ziply operates in key states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, making it the largest regionally-focused fiber internet service provider in this area. Since its rebranding in 2020, Ziply has established a strong reputation and a robust fiber network, showcasing significant growth potential.

The acquisition, valued at approximately C$7.0 billion, comprises an offer of C$5.0 billion in cash, alongside the assumption of C$2.0 billion in outstanding net debt. The sale has received unanimous support from the investor consortium led by Searchlight Capital Partners, which includes BCI, highlighting the collective confidence in Ziply's future prospects.

Industry Overview in the U.S. Pacific Northwest

The fiber optic industry in the U.S. Pacific Northwest has witnessed substantial growth driven by increasing consumer demand for high-speed and reliable internet services. This r