Birch Finalizes Agreement to Acquire DayStar Communications Assets

ATLANTA, Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Birch Communications, a leading IP-based telecom and managed services provider to small- and medium-sized businesses, announced today that it has finalized an agreement to acquire the assets of DayStar Communications ("DayStar").  DayStar is a facilities-based telecommunications service provider that serves customers throughout several major markets in southwest Florida and services their locations in other states.  Birch expects the transaction, which involves the purchase of customer and network assets, to close later in the third quarter of 2012.

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"Through this acquisition, Birch continues its recent expansion into southwest Florida.  DayStar's Metaswitch-based facilities network, and many thousands of SMB customers, fit very well into our growing facilities-based enterprise.  We are excited to introduce the former DayStar customers to our award-winning customer service, as well as to our expanded product portfolio of leading-edge IP-based services," said Vincent M. Oddo, Birch president and CEO.  "In the coming months and years, we plan to continue the expansion of our customer base, our service footprint and the scope of our products and services to better serve our SMB customer base."

"Birch Communications has significant experience and success transitioning new customers to our IP-based network with minimal delay," said Chris Aversano, Birch chief operating officer.  "We welcome the former DayStar customers, employees and dealers, and are committed to making this a smooth transition for all."

This transaction marks the 16th major acquisition Birch has completed since 2006.  It also continues its dual strategy to increase customer density and expand the footprint of its state-of-the-art, private IP-based network through both "tuck-in" acquisitions and organic growth.

About Birch Communications

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Birch Communications provides managed communications and information technology services to a target market of small and medium-sized businesses in select metropolitan areas within 38 states across the United States.  Birch services include local and long distance voice, broadband Internet access, T1, PRI, bonded T1, mobile voice and data, e-mail, voicemail, prepaid, and many other communications and information technology services.  Birch voice and data services are, in most cases, delivered using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology on the company's secure IP-Network rather than over the public Internet. 

According to Inc. 500|5000 magazine in its 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2004 rankings, Birch is one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.  In 2010, Birch was also named the 7^th fastest growing private business in Atlanta, and in 2011 as one of the Top 100 Private Companies in Atlanta, by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.  Please visit www.birch.com for more information.

About DayStar Communications

Headquartered in Port Charlotte, FL, DayStar Communications provides telecommunications services to a target market of small and medium-sized businesses in several metropolitan areas across SW Florida.  DayStar services include local and long distance voice, broadband Internet access, T1, PRI, bonded T1, hosted services and voicemail.  DayStar voice and data services are, in most cases, delivered using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology on the company's secure IP-based network over both wireline or wireless last-mile infrastructure. 

SOURCE Birch Communications