Level 3 Completes Acquisition of Global Crossing

Level 3 Communications completed its previously announced acquisition of Global Crossing Limited. The merger combines Level 3's U.S. and European footprint with Global Crossing's extensive international, intercity network.


Level 3 now will operate a services platform for medium to large enterprise, wholesale, content and government customers, anchored by extensive owned fiber networks on three continents in more than 45 countries as well as substantial undersea facilities. The combined business had pro forma 2010 revenues of $6.2 billion and pro forma 2010 Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion before synergies and $1.6 billion after expected synergies. Corporate headquarters will remain in Broomfield, Colorado. James Q. Crowe is CEO of the company.


The deal was structured as a tax-free, stock-for-stock exchange. The combined business had pro forma 2010 revenues of $6.2 billion and pro forma 2010 Adjusted EBITDA of $1.3 billion before synergies and $1.6 billion after expected synergies. Total synergies are expected to be approximately $300 million of run-rate EBITDA, of which the company expects to realize the substantial majority within 18 months.


The company also announced plans to transfer the listing of its common stock to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and expects to begin trading on the NYSE on Oct. 20, 2011, under its current ticker symbol "LVLT". The company will continue to trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market until the transfer is completed. In conjunction with listing on NYSE, the company will affect a 1-for-15 reverse stock split of the Level 3 common stock.


"The integration planning effort has been very productive, and we are ready to begin integrating our operations today," said Jeff Storey, president and chief operating officer of Level 3. "Business remains strong, and we continue to feel confident about the synergy targets we identified when we announced this transaction. Our number one objective is to maintain our focus on providing an industry-leading customer experience, while also achieving our expected synergies."http://www.level3.com/