Neutral Connect Networks Acquires Connectivity Wireless Solutions Extending its Leadership in the Growing Neutral-Host Infrastructure and Services Business

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BOSTON, March 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Neutral Connect Networks announced today the acquisition of Connectivity Wireless Solutions by M/C Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm which is the leading equity investment firm for Neutral Connect Networks. M/C Partners acquired Connectivity Wireless Solutions and its subsidiaries, including Simplifi DAS Holdings, with a plan to consolidate the businesses to accelerate growth in the neutral-host infrastructure and in-building wireless services business.

“These businesses are natural complements to one another and create a combined entity with enhanced scale, industry-leading technical expertise, and the operational capacity to support the growth in this market,” said Brian Clark, Managing Partner at M/C Partners. “M/C Partners has a long and successful heritage in the wireless industry, and we believe the neutral-host infrastructure and in-building wireless business represents a significant growth opportunity, particularly with the planned deployments of CBRS, private LTE networks and the transition to 5G, which we are keen to participate in.”

As part of the acquisition, Stephen Bye has assumed the role of CEO of the newly combined companies. The senior leadership teams of Neutral Connect Networks and Connectivity Wireless Solutions will report directly to Bye, a wireless industry veteran with more than 27 years of experience working for wireless, cable and wireline service providers in the U.S. and abroad.

Over the coming weeks, the companies will reorganize to improve operating efficiencies to create a world-class organization. “Our team members represent the most important capability we have,” Bye said, “and we will work together to ensure we operate as efficiently as possible to deliver best-in-class solutions and services to our customers, supporting managed Wi-Fi, CBRS, private LTE networks, and the evolution to 5G and beyond.”

During the transition, the companies will remain focused on serving customers, which is their highest priority. “The combination of Neutral Connect Networks and Connectivity Wireless Solutions will enable us to pursue an acceleration of growth in the neutral-host infrastructure and in-building wireless services business, supporting wireless service providers, cable companies, venue owners, property developers and enterprise customers,” said Bye. “Our core strengths of integrity, reliability, technology leadership, operational excellence and time-to-market allow us to deliver enhanced value to all of our customers and their end customers.”

About Neutral Connect Networks: A Leading Provider of Neutral-Host Wireless Networks
Founded in 2016 and based in Boynton Beach, Florida, Neutral Connect Networks is a leading provider of wireless communications networks (including in-building wireless, managed Wi-Fi and small cells) used by major service providers to improve the quality of coverage with increased throughput and capacity in buildings, at sports and entertainment venues, in parks, transportation hubs, and business shopping districts around the U.S. For more information, visit www.neutralconnect.com.

About Connectivity Wireless Solutions: A Leading In-Building Wireless Systems Integrator
Connectivity Wireless Solutions, based in Duluth, Georgia, was founded in 2008 by Greg Jacobs, Blake Maffei and Clayt Mason with a mission to simplify the complexities of designing, installing, and maintaining in-building wireless distributed antenna systems. Over the course of 10 years, Connectivity Wireless Solutions has successfully engineered and deployed more than 2,700 in-building wireless networks which provide more than 500 million square feet of coverage across the U.S. The company remains committed to its original vision: to make world-class, high-quality in-building wireless coverage a more achievable reality for its customers. As part of the leadership transition, Greg Jacobs will join the board of the consolidated company. For more information, visit www.connectivitywireless.com.   

About M/C Partners
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on the communications, information technology services and media sectors. The firm has invested over $2.2 billion of capital into nearly 100 companies, generally investing in companies with enterprise values of $25 million to $250 million. Related current and prior investments include Cavalier Telephone, Ensono, Everstream, Fusepoint, Denovo, ICG Communications, Involta, Lightower, MetroPCS, NuVox, Thrive Networks and Zayo Group. The firm has strong institutional backing from the nation’s leading pension funds and endowments as well as a long track record of success. For more information, visit www.mcpartners.com.

MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT:
Brittanie Boyd
1-888-591-9418 x 124
bboyd@connectivitywireless.com

View source version here: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/03/25/1760041/0/en/Neutral-Connect-Networks-Acquires-Connectivity-Wireless-Solutions-Extending-its-Leadership-in-the-Growing-Neutral-Host-Infrastructure-and-Services-Business.html

Zack Halpryn

Zack Halpryn is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. Prior to joining MC, Zack worked at HarbourVest Partners, where he was focused on buyout and growth equity investments. Previously he worked at Performance Equity Management and Credit Suisse. Zack received a B.B.A in Finance (summa cum laude) from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. He currently lives in Boston’s West End and in his spare time enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, golf), reading and watching the Celtics.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

AccessParks
Ascend Technologies
Carbon60
Denovo
TowerCom

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BOARD POSITIONS

celito

Established in 1999 and based in Raleigh, is a trusted, local communications and managed services provider to businesses leveraging its fully owned fiber network. celito creates technology solutions for businesses across all sectors both large and small. From supplying high-speed Internet service, to providing quality VoIP telecom service, to setting up your office network, they offer turnkey solutions from the desktop to the cloud

 

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

Jason P. Stutman

Jason Stutman is a Senior Fund Accountant at M/C Partners, responsible for the cash management of co-investment vehicles, preparing quarterly financial statements, and communication with Limited Partners. Prior to joining the firm in 2023, Jason worked in the Portfolio Analytics Group at HarbourVest Partners. He earned a BSBA with honors in Finance with a minor in Computer Information Science from The Ohio State University. Jason lives in South Boston and enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams, playing hockey and golf and traveling.

Joined

2023

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

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Cuba Burch Berner

Cuba Burch Berner is an Associate at M|C Partners, where he focuses on investment opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology services. Prior to joining the firm in 2022, Cuba was an Equity Research Associate at Citi covering infrastructure companies within the telecommunications industry, including data centers and wireless towers. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a specialization in Economics from the University of Chicago. Cuba currently lives in Boston’s West End and enjoys  a myriad of outdoor activities including running, swimming, hiking, and skiing.

Joined

2022

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AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Ascend Technologies
Consortium Networks
C3 Integrated Solutions
SoniqWave

 

AccentHealth

AccentHealth operates an out-of-home advertising network that reaches over 12,000 physician office waiting areas in the U.S. – JOHN WATKINS

TEAM MEMBERS

SECTOR

IT SERVICES

James F. Wade

Jim Wade co-founded M/C Partners in 1986 with Dave Croll. He has been investing in communications and technology services since the advent of wireless and broadband, cornerstones of the firm’s sector focus. As Chairman, he manages the firm’s investment process, and continuously seeks out management teams, company prospects and financial resources to grow the portfolio. Jim’s successful track record includes MetroPCS (IPO), Lightower Holdings (acquired by Berkshire Partners), Cavalier Telephone (acquired by PAETEC), NuVox Communications (acquired by WindStream), Attenda (acquired by Darwin Private Equity), Melita (acquired by Apax Partners), PR Wireless (joint venture with Sprint affiliate in Puerto Rico), Thrive Networks (acquired/recapitalized by Court Square) and Involta (acquired by Carlyle Group). Today he serves as a director on the Board of Connectivity Wireless and has responsibility for Omega Wireless. Jim graduated from the University of Notre Dame a B.B.A in Finance and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives outside Boston with his wife and four children. Jim was an avid boater and is now an average golfer.

JOINED

1986

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BOARD POSITIONS
Connectivity Wireless

 

Abhishek Rampuria

Abhishek (A.B.) is a Partner at M/C Partners, where he leads origination, deal diligence and portfolio company support for investments in a variety of communications and technology services segments. He currently serves on the Board of Ascend Technologies, Connectivity Wireless, Edafio Technology Partners, TowerCom and serves as a Board Observer for Thrive Networks. A.B. previously served as a Board Observer for Ensono (acquired by KKR) and QOS Networks (acquired by Zayo). Prior to joining M/C Partners in 2015, A.B. worked at Altman Solon (formerly Altman Vilandrie), a technology, media & telecommunications focused strategy consulting firm, where he completed projects for both operating companies and private equity investors. A.B. received a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He lives in Boston’s South End and outside of work, enjoys skiing, cycling, traveling and cheering on his home-town Patriots and Celtics.

Joined

2015

AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO

Thrive Networks

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BOARD POSITIONS

Ascend Technologies
Connectivity Wireless
Edafio Technology Partners
TowerCom