#USA #Phoenix #Carlyle #Oak Hill Capital #Wyyerd

Oak Hill Capital's Strategic Move in Fiber Internet

In a significant strategic investment, Oak Hill Capital, known for its proficiency in middle-market private equity, has finalized an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Wyyerd Group Holdings, LLC, a leading fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) provider based in Arizona and Southern California. This acquisition symbolizes Oak Hill's commitment to enhancing high-speed internet accessibility across key regions, aiming to leverage its deep-rooted expertise in scaling fiber businesses.

Since its inception, Wyyerd has been at the forefront of delivering high-speed fiber connectivity, catering to both residential and commercial customers. The company has gained acclaim for its robust performance, evidenced by awards from Ookla for Top-Rated Internet Provider, Fastest Internet Speeds, and Most Reliable Internet Speeds. Moreover, Consumer Reports recognized Wyyerd as one of the highest-rated internet service providers in 2026.

Under Carlyle Group's ownership since 2021, Wyyerd has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its operational footprint by over twentyfold through strategic acquisitions and disciplined network enhancements. Carlyle’s management has played an instrumental role in bolstering Wyyerd’s leadership capabilities, ensuring its evolution into a formidable player in the regional fiber broadband market.

Justin Freesmeier, Wyyerd's CEO, expressed enthusiasm about this new partnership with Oak Hill, highlighting their extensive experience in fiber infrastructure as a driving force behind the company's future growth. Freesmeier noted, “Carlyle has been an invaluable partner in helping us build and scale the business, and we are grateful for their support over the past five years. The combined backing of Oak Hill and Carlyle strengthens our capital foundation, enabling us to accelerate network expansion and deliver high-speed fiber internet to even more customers across the region.”

Echoing Freesmeier's sentiments, Jeff Butler, a Principal at Oak Hill Capital, acknowledged Wyyerd's established reputation as a leader in the fiber sector of Arizona and Southern California. He emphasized the immense potential for further expansion and expressed eagerness to collaborate closely with Freesmeier to enhance Wyyerd’s fiber network offering, focusing on delivering exceptional connectivity service to more communities.

The deal is set against the backdrop of a demanding digital landscape that increasingly hinges on robust fiber infrastructure to meet the surging demand for high-speed connectivity. Wyyerd's positioning has been fortified by the combined expertise and capital from both Carlyle and Oak Hill, which is pivotal as they navigate the competitive telecommunications landscape.

The acquisition will initiate in January 2027, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. This marks Oak Hill’s 25th transaction in the broadband communications sector, further solidifying its footprint in the industry. Wyyerd is expected to benefit from Oak Hill's robust strategies to build enduring franchises aligned with essential services, an ethos that has characterized Oak Hill's investing philosophy over its storied 40-year history.

As Oak Hill embarks on this new venture, the future trajectory of Wyyerd looks promising, with potential expansions to meet the demands of a digitally connected age poised on the horizon. With high-speed fiber internet increasingly recognized as a fundamental utility for households and businesses alike, Wyyerd stands to not only maintain its competitive edge but to also redefine connectivity standards in its operational areas.

In conclusion, the successful acquisition of Wyyerd by Oak Hill Capital marks a transformative moment for both the companies involved and the communities they serve. The collective efforts of both firms hint at a future of enhanced fiber infrastructure, essential for powering the next wave of digital growth in Arizona and Southern California.