Zayo acquires Geo Networks

Zayo Group, LLC has acquired Geo Networks Ltd (“Geo”), a London-based dark fibre provider. The acquisition will add over 2,100 route miles to Zayo’s European network, and connectivity to 587 on-net buildings.

Founded in 2002 by Jonathan Watts and Chris Smedley, Geo owns and operates a high capacity fibre network in the UK, providing managed networks, dark fibre and co-location services to a variety of high-bandwidth sectors including media companies, service providers, financial services, data centres and gaming organisations. Geo’s 100 route mile London network is housed in the London sewer system which minimises the threat of physical faults, boosting reliability and security, and enabling rapid deployment with minimum disruption.

The Geo acquisition will significantly increase Zayo’s fibre footprint in the UK, adding over 1,800 miles of national fibre connecting 130 data centres, telehouses and key internet exchanges. It also will provide direct access to major cities including Manchester, Birmingham and other significant commercial regions. In addition to enhancing Zayo’s UK network, Geo’s fibre enables Zayo to establish a presence in Ireland through the diverse optical fibre subsea system, East-West Ring, providing diverse connectivity to Dublin, a strategic hub for data centres and cloud service providers.

“Geo’s extensive fibre and conduit assets complement our existing London footprint and bring an increased breadth to our UK network” said Dan Caruso, CEO of Zayo Group. “Additionally, diverse connectivity to Dublin is critical as it continues to develop as an international data centre hub.”

“Zayo is a Bandwidth Infrastructure leader with a growing international presence,” said Chris Smedley, Chief Executive of Geo Networks. “Our customers will not only benefit from the expanded reach of the combined network, but also the opportunity to access Zayo’s full suite of services.”

The deal will close immediately and will be funded by a combination of cash on hand and a draw from Zayo’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price has not been disclosed.