There's a big merger in the works involving a local telecom company.
Fibertech Networks, a Brighton-based company which provides fiber optic network services throughout parts of the Eastern and Central U.S., is merging with Massachusetts based Lightower Fiber Networks. The deal is valued at $1.9 billion.
Fibertech has around 340 employees in total, with about 220 of those in the Rochester area. The company's CEO and co-founder John Purcell says even after the deal is completed, current employees will stay on board with the possibility of growing that workforce.
"We’re definitely going to keep the operations here because we serve all these cities, in mid-sized cities, and in fact we've talked and they've talked to us about an expansion of the Rochester operation to serve those."
After the merger Purcell and co-founder Frank Chiano will step down from day to day operations but will remain on as advisers and board members.
