KINCARDINE, Ont. – Halifax-based Eastlink has purchased southwestern Ontario independent telecom operator Bruce Telecom, Cartt.ca has learned.
According to sources, Eastlink will issue a press release January 23rd but made the announcement to employees late Monday afternoon, noting the acquisition strengthens its presence in the region. Bragg family-owned Eastlink already owns cable/telecom/ISP network assets in Aylmer, Palmerston, Hanover, Listowel, Walkerton, Wiarton and numerous other small southwestern Ontario communities. It also has a significant presence in northeastern Ontario.
The acquisition will close in the coming months.
(UPDATE: According to the Saugeen Times, Eastlink purchased Bruce Telecom for $26.5 million. Mayor Larry Kraemer made the announcement at a council meeting Monday evening.)
The independent telco with about 80 employees is owned by the Municipality of Kincardine and got its start 104 years ago. It now provides phone, Internet, digital TV and wireless to the people of Kincardine, Port Elgin, Paisley, Tiverton, Southampton, Owen Sound and surrounding areas.
