BROOMFIELD, Colo. -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:LVLT) today announced that it is beginning a search for a new CFO for the company. Current CFO Sunit Patel is expected to remain with the company during the transition.

"Sunit is both a trusted colleague and a close friend," said James Q. Crowe, CEO of Level 3. "As many have observed, over the last two years the improvement in our financial strength has been nothing short of spectacular. Sunit and his team can be rightly credited with a leading role in this outstanding achievement.

"As the company focuses on ensuring we take full advantage of the opportunities presented by our marketplace, we believe we need a CFO with skills and experience which emphasize both operational and financial management.

"I am particularly pleased that Sunit has agreed to stay with us while we are conducting the search. During this period, I plan to work hard to convince Sunit to remain with Level 3 in a new role. Whatever Sunit decides to do, I know that he will be a great success."

Level 3 Communications Inc. (NYSE: LVLT)