Windstream Keeping Major Presence in New York After Merger

Windstream will keep a major presence in Rochester, New York after its $2.3 billion buyout of PAETEC Holding Corp.

On Monday (Nov. 14), Little Rock-based Windstream Corp. said it plans to open an office in Rochester’s Midtown Project site that can accommodate up to 335 employees. The building lease is for a 15-year period.

Windstream also will maintain an office in the current PAETEC corporate headquarters in Fairport, New York.

“As we have said consistently since the PAETEC acquisition was announced in August, Windstream intends to maintain a significant presence in the Rochester area for a long time,” said Jeff Gardner, Windstream president and CEO. “We have been engaged in a time-consuming and detailed analysis of our facility needs in Rochester, and I am pleased that we can be part of revitalizing the city’s core. We look forward to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and closing the transaction before the end of the year.”

Additionally, Windstream also announced it is donating $100,000 to assist with the renovation of the David F. Gantt Community Center in Rochester. The contribution also will fund the installation of a computer lab in the center.

PAETEC shareholders approved the Windstream merger earlier this month. The transaction is still not completely finalized.

Also earlier this month, Windstream reported third quarter earnings of $71.5 million and disclosed a ramp-up in its capital expenditures.