(Mishawaka, IN) – Following all regulatory approvals, Schurz Communications announced today that they have closed the transaction to acquire Winona-based, Hiawatha Broadband Communications serving communities in Southeast Minnesota. The acquisition supports Schurz strategic plans by expanding its broadband operations in growing communities. Schurz plans on maintaining local management and is focused on deploying the latest technology with the best service for residents and businesses in the community. The company will continue to be based in Winona and operate under the Hiawatha Broadband Communications name.
Hiawatha (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 fiber-optic 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.
“Hiawatha is thrilled to join the Schurz family. We share the same vision, values and commitment to the community which was essential to us as we considered potential partners.
The Schurz investment allows us to continue to deploy the latest technology for our customers and grow the HBC business,” said Dan Pecarina, CEO Hiawatha Broadband Communications.
“We are pleased to welcome HBC to the Schurz family of companies,” said Todd Schurz, President and CEO Schurz Communications. “HBC offers the winning combination of great customers, talented employees, growing communities and strong brand equity. We look forward to our future together, “said Schurz.
Schurz Communications Inc. is a Mishawaka, Indiana-based news and information company that consists of broadband, newspaper publishing, cloud managed services, and digital media operations. It owns 3 broadband companies servicing over 75,000 subs, publishes 11 daily and 7 weekly newspapers in medium and small markets with a daily circulation of 129,467 and weekly circulation of 95,800, various niche publications, and multiple minority investments. Geographically, Schurz Communications has a presence in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. For more information, visit www.schurz.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. For more information, visit www.hbci.com