FirstLight Completes Acquisition of BestWeb

FirstLight, a U.S. provider of fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud computing and unified communications services, has completed its acquisition of BestWeb. This transaction would enhance FirstLight‘s capabilities in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess in counties and deepen its existing fiber network throughout the lower Hudson Valley.

Based in Westchester County, New York, BestWeb is a facilities-based service provider offering Internet, data and telephone services to businesses and organizations. In addition to private entities, BestWeb provides service to more than 30 public school districts in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

“We are pleased to have successfully concluded this transaction,” said Kurt Van Wagenen, President and CEO of FirstLight. “The BestWeb network builds upon our previously announced network expansion into this region by adding approximately 170 route miles of fiber and builds upon our collective success serving K-12 schools under the federal e-rate program.”

This was the sixth transaction that privately held FirstLight announced since being acquired by Antin Infrastructure Partners in 2018. Antin would provide the support and guidance necessary to support FirstLight’s growth.

Expanded Network Reach

“Over the past 25 years, we have built a successful business and a fiber network that spans approximately 170 miles in lower Hudson Valley serving our customers with the broadband services that are core to support their business objectives,” said Mark Dickey, the co-owner of BestWeb.

With the transaction now approved, FirstLight will kick off integration activities, incorporating the best practices of each organization, in order to enhance FirstLight’s centers of excellence and customer support.

“Over the past 25 years, we have built a successful business and a fiber network that spans approximately 170 miles in lower Hudson Valley serving our customers with the broadband services that are core to support their business objectives,” said Mark and Andrew Dickey, the co-owners of BestWeb. “Now as part of FirstLight, our network and capabilities will be more fully leveraged to continue to serve our clients with a more expansive network reach and broader portfolio of services.”

Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to BestWeb in connection with this transaction. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP served as legal counsel to FirstLight.

Headquartered in Albany, New York, FirstLight provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. They connect more than 9,000 locations in service with more than 30,000 locations serviceable by their more than 20,000-route mile network.