Windstream, EarthLink announce USD 1.1 bln all-stock merger

(Telecompaper) The board of directors at both Windstream and EarthLink have unanimously approved an all-stock merger deal valued at about USD 1.1 billion, including debt. Upon closing, Windstream shareholders will own 51 percent and EarthLink shareholders 49 percent of the combined company. The new entity will have a national footprint of 145,000 fibre route miles and provide advanced network connectivity, managed services, voice, internet and other value-added services, and will benefit from Wi