WideOpenWest (WOW!), Inc. to be Taken Private by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Crestview Partners in $1.5 Billion Transaction

Core Viewpoint - WideOpenWest, Inc. (WOW!) has entered into a definitive agreement for an all-cash acquisition by DigitalBridge Investments and Crestview Partners, valuing the company at approximately $1.5 billion, with stockholders receiving $5.20 per share, representing a 37.2% premium to the unaffected price prior to the initial offer [1][2]. Company Overview - WOW! is a leading broadband provider in the U.S., serving nearly 2 million customers across 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast [7]. - The company offers a range of services including high-speed internet, cable TV, and cloud services, and has been recognized for its exceptional human resources practices [7]. Transaction Details - The acquisition price of $5.20 per share represents a 63% premium to WOW!'s closing price on August 8, 2025 [1]. - Crestview, as WOW!'s largest stockholder, will roll over all shares it owns, which constitutes approximately 37% of WOW!'s outstanding shares [4]. - The transaction has been unanimously approved by WOW!'s Board of Directors and is expected to close by the end of 2025 or in the first quarter of 2026, pending stockholder and regulatory approvals [3][5]. Strategic Implications - The partnership with DigitalBridge and Crestview is expected to enhance WOW!'s growth, allowing for investments in network expansion and technology upgrades, thereby improving service delivery and customer experience [2][8]. - The transaction is seen as a significant opportunity for WOW! to strengthen its market position as a trusted broadband provider [2].