TDS Telecom to transfer ownership of four local exchange markets to Direct Communications

TDS Telecom entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Direct Communications headquartered in Rockland, Idaho to transfer ownership of four Incumbent Local Exchange Companies (ILECs). TDS will transfer three Missouri locations including Stoutland, Orchard Farms and New London, and one in Condon, Oregon. Combined the companies represent approx. 2,900 access lines. The agreement was signed on May 2, 2014 and is expected to close on or about August 1, 2014. 

Direct Communications provides voice and Internet services in both Missouri and Oregon today. The company will absorb the TDS Telecom markets into two existing ILEC operating companies, New Florence Telephone Co. in Missouri and Oregon Tel in Oregon. Local TDS Telecom Field Service employees will transfer to the new respective companies as part of the agreement.

“Direct Communications is a lot like TDS Telecom, building their business through acquisition. They were looking to expand and contacted us to see if we’d be willing to sell. We evaluate every opportunity and make decisions based on what is best for our company and our customers alike,” said Group President of Marketing Sales and Customer Service at TDS Telecom Jim Butman.