FirstWorld Communications Inc. announced
Thursday that it will acquire Transport Logic, a Portland-based Internet service
provider, for $7.4 million.
The deal marks FirstWorld’s second acquisition in Oregon during the past
eight months. The acquisition will expand the Denver-based company’s
ability to provide digital subscriber line and telephony services in the
Northwest U.S.
FirstWorld expanded its Internet services to Oregon in November last year
when the company acquired Optec, Inc., a
subsidiary of Enron Communications. As
part of the deal, FirstWorld acquired a 40-mile fiber network around
Portland and access to Enron Communications’ broadband network connecting
up to 15 cities nationwide. FirstWorld plans to combine these assets with
Transport Logic’s network to offer a wide range of Internet solutions.
Sheldon S. Ohringer, FirstWorld president and chief executive officer, said
that the Transport Logic deal is a natural partnership among ISPs providing
services to the business market.
“FirstWorld and Transport Logic are two companies joining
forces to provide small- and medium-sized businesses a superior level of
customer service and a full range of Internet solutions,” Ohringer said.
Tony Schwartz, Transport Logic president, said the company’s reputation for
quality customer care would contribute to the companies’ expansion plans.
“Over the last four years we have successfully built a reputation of
providing superior Internet service and customer care to businesses and
consumers,” Schwartz said.
“By combining Transport Logic with FirstWorld, we will create an Internet
solutions company offering a complete end-to-end solution to businesses of
all sizes throughout the region.”
Transport Logic is a regional Internet service provider serving over 9,000
subscribers in the Northwest United States.
FirstWorld Communications, Inc. is an Internet solutions and
telecommunications provider offering bundled voice and data services
through a combination of owned and managed facilities. FirstWorld
currently serves businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington.
