(Mishawaka, IN) – On October 3, Schurz Communications completed the purchase agreement to acquire Winona-based, Hiawatha Broadband Communications serving communities in Southeast Minnesota. The acquisition is consistent with Schurz’ focus on expanding its broadband operations in communities that are growing and committed to deploying the latest technology with the best service for residents and the business community. The company will continue to be based in Winona and operate under the Hiawatha Broadband Communications name. Pending regulatory approvals, the purchase is expected to close on December 31, 2017.
“HBC has been an integral part of Southeast Minnesota for 20 years, and that’s not going to change. We plan to continue investing in the business and the employees because we know that our success is at the local level where the day-to-day business will be run. On behalf of Schurz, we want to welcome HBC to our family of companies and look forward to growing together,” said Todd Schurz, President and CEO Schurz Communications.
“The board and management of HBC carefully evaluated whether Schurz was the right company to carry forward the true spirit and intent of what the HBC team has worked hard to create in Minnesota. Schurz believes, as we do, that a good company is actively engaged in and cares about the communities they serve. Schurz focuses on employees and customers and believes that local employees making the day-to-day decisions serve the customer best. We’re pleased to join Schurz as they share our vision of not just what HBC is today but also what we believe HBC can be in the future,” said Dan Pecarina, CEO Hiawatha Broadband Communications.
HBC operates an advanced fiber optic network serving gigabit broadband, feature-rich telephone, and video service with a selection of more than 300 channels, video on demand and extensive local high school and college sporting events produced by HBC Studios. HBC’s data transport network in southern Minnesota connects more than 20 cities to a protected fiberoptic network ring. The company also has wholesale, construction, business consulting and engineering divisions and is the operator of the RS Fiber Cooperative gigabit fiber-to-the-farm project in Minnesota.
About Schurz Communications www.schurz.com Schurz Communications, Inc., is a Mishawaka, IN-based news and information company that consists of cable, newspaper publishing and digital media. The company publishes daily and weekly newspapers in medium and smallmarkets. It also owns cable companies and phone directories. Geographically, Schurz Communications has a presence in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
About HBC www.HBCI.com Hiawatha Broadband Communications is a Winona, MN-based telecommunications company providing service to residential and business customers in cities including: Altura, Cannon Falls, Dover, Elgin, Eyota, Goodview, Homer, Kellogg, Lake City, Lewiston, Miesville, Minneiska, Minnesota City, New Trier, Plainview, Red Wing, Rollingstone, Rural Winona County (Cedar Valley, East Burns Valley, Elba, Ridgeway, Wilson, and Witoka), St. Charles, Stockton, Utica, Wabasha, Wacouta, and Winona. HBC Air offers rural broadband services in surrounding areas.