BCE makes foray into U.S. with US$3.6 billion Ziply deal
BCE Inc., Canada’s largest telecommunications company, agreed to buy an internet provider in the Pacific Northwest, making a rare and surprising move into the U.S. market.
BCE Inc., the largest telecommunications company in Canada, has announced its agreement to acquire an internet provider in the Pacific Northwest, marking a rare and unexpected entry into the U.S. market.
BCE will purchase Northwest Fiber LLC, operating under the name Ziply Fiber, for $5 billion (US$3.6 billion). Ziply Fiber serves 1.3 million fiber locations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
The majority of the acquisition will be financed through the proceeds from BCE's sale of its stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and other sports franchises, to Rogers Communications Inc.
