Staff Report
Published Nov. 3, 2009

Greenville-based NuVox Inc. has been sold to Windstream Corp. of Little Rock, Ark., for $643 million, the companies announced today.

In a news release, Windstream said it “expects to maintain a significant employment presence in Greenville to manage sales and service for the company’s combined competitive local exchange properties after the transaction closes.”

Windstream President and CEO Jeff Gardner said the transaction is expected to close next year and will allow the company to significantly grow its business and broadband revenues.

NuVox employs 700 people locally and 1,700 across its markets in the Southeast and Midwest. It is a privately held company. Investors include MC Venture Partners, Columbia Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Wachovia Capital Partners.

NuVox has 48 locations in 16 contiguous Southeastern and Midwestern states. The company offers advanced IP-based voice and data services to about 90,000 business customers.

Windstream Corp. is an S&P 500 company that provides phone, high-speed Internet and high-definition digital TV services to customers in 16 states. The company also offers a wide range of IP-based voice and data services and advanced phone systems and equipment to businesses and government agencies.