Carlyle closer to Verizon purchase
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Carlyle Group yesterday got the green light from the Federal Communications Commission to proceed with the purchase of Verizon Hawaii.
People interested in submitting comments on the proposed Carlyle purchase of Verizon Hawaii can write to: Public Utilities Commission, State of Hawai'i, 465 S. King St., Room 103, Honolulu, HI 96813, or e-mail comments to Hawaii.PUC@hawaii.gov. All comments should reference Docket No. 04-0140. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 30. The PUC has not yet set a date for public hearings on the proposed purchase.
The Washington-based investment firm, which in May announced plans to buy Verizon Hawaii for $1.65 billion, still needs approval from the U.S. Justice Department and the Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission.
Comments?
"This is a significant milestone in our efforts to purchase Verizon Hawaii," Carlyle managing director WIlliam Kennard said.
Verizon competitor Pacific LightNet Communications opposed the deal, contending it would adversely affect rates and service. The FCC rejected those concerns
As part of the deal Carlyle plans to move certain back-office operations now conducted on the Mainland to Hawai'i. Carlyle also has said it will not raise rates at Verizon, which is Hawai'i's main telephone company and a major employer with 1,700 workers.
The PUC plans to hold public hearings on the matter, though dates and locations have not been set.
The proposed transaction between Verizon Communications and Carlyle includes Verizon Hawaii's local telephone operations and print directory, long-distance and Internet service provider businesses, but excludes Verizon Wireless.
Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.
