Birch announces expansion
By Gwendolynne Larson
Originally published 02:36 p.m., July 10, 2008
Updated 02:36 p.m., July 10, 2008
Birch Communications is expanding into the southeast and southwest United States under an acquisition agreement announced today.
The company agreed today to acquire about 30,000 business lines from Navigator Telecommunications. The agreement, which should close in October, will increase Birch’s customer base to more than 325,000 access lines, company officials said in a news release.
“We have worked hard over the past 12 years to establish a strong reputation for excellent customer satisfaction and reliable network service.” said Vincent M. Oddo, Birch president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to welcoming these new customers to our digital network and introducing them to the award-winning Birch customer experience.”
In another change announced last week, the company took the name Birch Communications and designed a new logo that built on the old Birch Telecom logo. Birch Telecom was purchased in February by Access Integrated Networks of Atlanta. The combined company is headquartered in Atlanta but also maintains operations in Emporia and Kansas City, Mo.
The planned acquisition of Navigator lets Birch expand into Arkansas and California. It already operates in markets in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Missouri.
ON THE NET:
Birch Communications: www.birch.com
Navigator Telecommunications: www.navtel.com