CBRE Caledon to buy K-12 fiber network provider WANRack

CBRE Caledon Capital Management has agreed to acquire WANRack, a Lenexa, Kansas-based provider of fiber networks to K-12 school and libraries. No financial terms were disclosed. CBRE Caledon is the Toronto-based infrastructure and private equity arm of CBRE Group.

PRESS RELEASE

TORONTO – April 8 , 2021 – CBRE Caledon Capital Management Inc. (“CBRE Caledon”), the private infrastructure investment arm of CBRE Global Investors, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WANRack LLC, a fiber operator and developer providing broadband connectivity services, primarily to K-12 school districts across the United States. CBRE Caledon is making the investment on behalf of a fund sponsored by the firm as well as one of its separately managed accounts.

WANRack specializes in developing custom-built private fiber Wide Area Networks under long-term contracts backed by the U.S. Government. The company’s dedicated private fiber networks dramatically enhance the education experience of over 300,000 students today, with the opportunity to also address the “Homework Gap.”

With more than 600 miles of newly constructed, 100%-owned fiber network infrastructure, WANRack currently serves more than 450 schools with tailored fiber lease solutions. The company plans to leverage its network in core markets to expand into the commercial segment.

“WANRack has established itself as a vital player in the U.S. fiber space by building and owning dedicated fiber networks, which connect K-12 schools in underserved communities with private, high-speed broadband connectivity,” said Noi Spyratos, Partner at CBRE Caledon. “We are delighted to partner with an experienced management team to support the continued growth in E-Rate and build out the company’s commercial fiber strategy.”
WANRack’s management will retain an equity stake in the company, and the business will continue to be led by its original founder and CEO, Rob Oyler.

“We are excited to join with CBRE Caledon at this stage of our growth,” Oyler said. “This investment from one of the leading infrastructure investors will allow WANRack to continue our aggressive growth plans across the U.S. for the foreseeable future.”

Stephen Dowd, Chief Investment Officer, Private Infrastructure Strategies for CBRE Global Investors, added: “We are excited to complete this investment on behalf of one of our funds and separately managed account clients as we continue to invest in digital assets and infrastructure for the new economy. We believe the business, supported by the long-term nature of the contracts, will provide the resilient and non-cyclical characteristics that our investors are seeking.”

The acquisition of WANRack is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. CBRE Caledon was advised in this transaction by financial advisor RBC Capital Markets, legal counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, commercial advisor ACM Atlantic and technical advisor Broadband Success Partners.

About CBRE Caledon
CBRE Caledon Capital Management Inc. is a leading infrastructure and private equity solutions provider. We create long-term value for clients by accessing and managing high-quality investment opportunities and building comprehensive infrastructure and private equity portfolios. Today, our dedicated team of 55 professionals represents $8.5 billion on behalf of institutional investors globally. CBRE Caledon is a separate business unit within CBRE’s independently operated investment management subsidiary, CBRE Global Investors. For more information about CBRE Caledon, please visit www.cbrecaledon.com.