Ritter and Great Plains to combine and become Rightfiber

Grain Management, a private investment firm focused on digital infrastructure and communications, on Tuesday (June 16) said it will combine two portfolio companies, Jonesboro-based Ritter Communications and Blair, Neb.-based Great Plains Communications under the Rightfiber brand.

The combination by Washington, D.C.-based Grain Management brings together two telecommunications providers with more than 100 years of history each. The transaction remains subject to customary approvals and regulatory review. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

Ritter CEO Heath Simpson will be CEO of the combined company and Todd Foje, CEO of Great Plains Communications, will be executive chairman.

“Ritter and Great Plains share a deep commitment to customers, communities, and our amazing employees,” said Simpson. “By coming together as Rightfiber, we are building on the strengths of both organizations to create new opportunities for growth while continuing to deliver the fast, reliable services and local relationships our customers value.”

The newly formed Rightfiber company will operate in more than 400 communities with a network spanning 20 states. It will connect 300,000 homes and businesses across its 28,000-mile regional fiber network.

“Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications share remarkably similar values, cultures, and commitments to the communities they serve,” said Foje. “Together, Rightfiber will combine deep local relationships with expanded capabilities and investment to accelerate growth and continue bringing advanced fiber connectivity to underserved communities.”

Grain Management was founded in 2007.