Update - Novacap TMT Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Horizon Telcom

"We are excited about the outstanding performance Horizon has delivered for its stakeholders resulting from the company's strategic vision to become Ohio's premier provider of fiber-based services, and we are looking forward to participating in the next phase of the company's growth," said Ted Mocarski, a Senior Partner at Novacap. Horizon began as a local telephone company over 120 years ago.  Over the past decade, Horizon has transitioned itself into a leading regional provider of fiber-optic based services through significant investments in its state-of-the-art network and facilities.

Upon completion of the acquisition and the finalization of new fiber builds, Horizon will operate 550,000 strand miles of fiber and 4,500 route miles of fiber in six states. With additional capital, Horizon intends to enhance its presence in the Columbus, Ohio market and extend its existing network closer to customer premises.

"Horizon has constructed a first-rate fiber-optic network and developed an outstanding reputation with customers," said Ted Mocarski. "The acquisition of Horizon will represent the stepping-stone for Novacap's vision of creating a multi-state fiber-optic provider in the Midwest. Horizon will continue to strive to offer comprehensive solutions to regional enterprises and telecommunications carriers, while also maintaining focus on providing the highest levels of customer service to the company's local business communities."

 "This transaction is a very positive development for Horizon," said Bill McKell, President and CEO of Horizon. "Together with Novacap, we will have access to sufficient capital to increase our scale, extend our network and enhance our capabilities to the benefit of our customers, our employees and the local communities we serve. Our management team looks forward to working with Novacap and leveraging its deep experience of investing in regional fiber-optic providers such as Oxford Networks, FirstLight Fiber and Fibrenoire."

Antares Capital is acting as Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent in support of the transaction.

Charlesmead Advisors, LLC served as financial advisor to Horizon in the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018, following the satisfaction of customary regulatory approvals, Horizon shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions. Pursuant to a voting agreement with Horizon and Novacap, certain shareholders owning, collectively, 46.9% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock of Horizon have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the transaction. 

The per share merger consideration upon and in the event of closing of the transaction is expected to be $350.27 per share (rounded to the nearest $0.01).  Of that amount, $9.00 per share (rounded to the nearest $0.01) is expected to be held in escrow and is subject to offset for potential indemnification claims by Novacap, resulting in a net per share merger consideration payable to stockholders upon and in the event of closing that is expected to be equal to $341.27 per share (rounded to the nearest $0.01).  Any amounts not required to satisfy indemnification claims will be paid to shareholders upon resolution of any such claims but not earlier than one year following closing.

About Novacap
Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with $2.26 billion of assets under management. Novacap's unique investment approach, based on deep operational expertise and an active partnership with entrepreneurs, has helped accelerate growth and create long-term value for its numerous investee companies. With an experienced management team and substantial financial resources, Novacap is well positioned to continue building world-class companies. For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.

About Horizon Telcom
With corporate offices in Chillicothe, Ohio, and a regional office in Columbus, Ohio, Horizon Telcom is a leading provider of advanced broadband services throughout much of Ohio and into surrounding states. Utilizing its extensive network of fiber optic cable, Horizon delivers advanced high-speed data services, Internet, voice, digital video, security and monitoring services. Horizon's entrepreneurial heritage and long-standing commitment to remarkable customer care ensures a partnering relationship with its customers using cutting-edge broadband technology and proven telecommunication systems. For more information about Horizon, visit www.horizontel.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements", which relate to future events, the future performance, or financial condition of Horizon following the acquisition of Horizon by Novacap. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, condition, or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results and condition may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors.

SOURCE Novacap Management Inc.