BCE Advances Fiber Growth Strategy Through Acquisition of Ziply Fiber in the U.S.

BCE Completes Acquisition of Ziply Fiber

BCE Inc. has officially finalized its acquisition of Ziply Fiber, a leading broadband provider in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, for a staggering C$5.0 billion (approximately U.S. $3.65 billion). This strategic move not only enhances BCE's fiber footprint by adding 1.4 million new locations but also solidifies its standing as the third-largest fiber Internet service provider in North America.

The recent acquisition unfolds as part of BCE's ambitious expansion strategy into the U.S. market, aimed at reaching a staggering total of 8 million fiber-enabled locations. This endeavor is set to be bolstered through a strategic partnership with the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) that works hand-in-hand with the Ziply Fiber acquisition to create an infrastructure designed to amplify fiber internet capabilities.

Financial Insights and Strategic Benefits

The financing to support this major acquisition has roots in BCE's earlier sale of its minority stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), completed in July 2025. This sale marks a significant transformation of BCE's involvement in MLSE from a passive investment into a catalyst for future business growth. The assumption of Ziply Fiber’s existing net debt of approximately C$2.6 billion also factors into the acquisition news.

Post-acquisition, Ziply Fiber will function as an exclusive business unit, retaining its headquarters in Kirkland, Washington. This setup allows for the continuation of Ziply's existing leadership and workforce while integrating into BCE’s broader fiber network aspirations. Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE Inc., emphasized that this acquisition represents a key milestone in their fiber growth strategy and is aligned with their commitment to providing superior fiber internet services to both Canadian and U.S. customers.

Leadership Perspectives

Mirko Bibic stated, “Combining Bell's extensive experience in fiber with Ziply's capable management team allows us to foster a platform that not only promotes long-term growth but offers geographic diversification that is essential for creating significant value for our shareholders.”

Similarly, Harold Zeitz, CEO of Ziply Fiber, noted, “The culture and strategic vision of Bell resonate well with our goal to provide comprehensive fiber networks and excellent customer experiences. We are eager to extend our reach and improve the connectivity experience for more communities in both Canada and the U.S.”

Looking Ahead

With BCE looking to update its financial forecasts to reflect the integration of Ziply Fiber, the anticipation surrounding this acquisition is palpable. The market has shown a robust demand for faster, more reliable Internet services, and BCE is positioning itself as a key player ready to answer that call. As they prepare to report their second-quarter financial results on August 7, 2025, the business community is keenly observing the potential impacts of this acquisition on BCE's trajectory.

As BCE embarks on this new chapter of growth and expansion in the highly competitive telecommunication arena, the acquisition of Ziply Fiber exemplifies a pivotal moment in their operational strategy, representing both opportunities for improvement and challenges ahead. The realignment toward fiber infrastructure not only appeals to consumers' increasing demand for high-speed Internet but also marks a strategic step forward in BCE's vision to dominate the North American market.

The future brightens as BCE, now equipped with Ziply's network, prepares to deliver the best possible fiber Internet experience to its users, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing connectivity across North America.

Conclusion

This acquisition is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a strategic alignment aimed at redefining the broadband landscape in North America. The blend of BCE’s vast resources and Ziply Fiber’s local market knowledge is expected to yield a dynamic platform for elevating customer service and connectivity. As BCE charts this evolution, the telecommunications industry stands poised for what comes next in the realm of fiber internet growth.