Zayo Group completed its $127 million cash purchase of regional fiber provider Spread Networks, and has created a new business segment focused on low-latency networks.
The service provider said the standalone unit, known as Spread Networks by Zayo, will leverage Spread’s well-known brand, unique network and experienced customer support services.
Zayo has been scooping fiber assets, and the Spread acquisition is helping the company reach coast-to-coast. Through the deal, Zayo can combine Spread Networks’ fiber routes between Chicago and New York with its existing routes for coast-to-coast, low latency dark fiber and lit fiber-based solutions. Zayo said it can now offer a fully owned, low-latency wavelength route from Seattle to New York.
International markets are also involved, as traffic to and from Asia, which connects via cable landing stations in the Pacific Northwest, are express connected through the combination of existing Zayo fiber routes and the Spread route.
Zayo Chairman and CEO Dan Caruso said in a statement that the Spread deal will help Zayo provide customers in the financial, content and other sectors with ultra low-latency network solutions.
“We acquired Spread Networks because of their leadership in ultra low-latency network solutions for the financial and trading sectors,” Caruso said. “Spread Networks by Zayo will build on this flagship network, providing customers with additional fiber and microwave options for fast, high-bandwidth connectivity. For customers in finance and other sectors, including content, media and cloud providers, millisecond improvements in network speed can provide a powerful competitive advantage.”
Spread employees will join Zayo and be led by Brandon Gouin, general manager of Spread Networks by Zayo. The new business unit will be reported under the Fiber Solutions business segment.