BOULDER, Colo. -- Zayo Group, LLC announces that it has executed a definitive agreement to purchase Access Communications, Inc., a provider of metro Bandwidth Infrastructure services in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., for a purchase price of $40 million, subject to certain adjustments.

Access owns and operates a 1,200 mile metropolitan fiber network that covers the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, connecting more than 500 on-net buildings, including the area’s major datacenters and carrier hotel facilities. Access is primarily focused on providing dark fiber services to a concentrated set of Minneapolis area carrier, enterprise and governmental customers, particularly within the education segment.

The acquisition will further enhance Zayo’s fiber network in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Zayo’s extensive network is a result of prior acquisitions, new network construction as a part of a federal stimulus grant and a substantial customer contract to deliver fiber to a large number of the area’s cell towers. Zayo will be positioned to offer Access customers a broader set of Bandwidth Infrastructure products across an expanded fiber network, as well as offer greater network reach for Zayo’s current and prospective customers.

With Access’ concentrated network geography and focused product set, Zayo anticipates a quick network and operations integration process. The transaction, subject to customary approvals, is expected to close quickly and will be funded with cash on hand. SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Access Communications, Inc.

Zayo Group Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO)