Windstream Secures Future for Long-Term Growth and Technology Leadership

Reduced Debt by More Than $4 Billion and Has Access to Approximately $2 Billion in New Capital to Fuel Sustainable Growth and Value Creation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Windstream Holdings, a communications and software company, today announced that the company has successfully completed its financial restructuring process as a privately held company. Through this process, the company has reduced its debt by more than $4 billion, or approximately two-thirds, and now has access to approximately $2 billion in new capital. With an enhanced capital structure, Windstream is now well-positioned to continue making substantial network and software investments, fuel sustainable growth and drive value for all its stakeholders.

“Today marks the start of a new era for Windstream as an even stronger, more competitive company,” said Tony Thomas, president and chief executive officer of Windstream. “With the completion of our financial restructuring, we now have an enhanced balance sheet and a robust capital investment program to expand 1 Gig Internet service in rural America and maintain our product and software leadership in SD-WAN and UCaaS for enterprise customers. We are also pleased to continue our strategic partnership with Uniti Group and expand our mutually beneficial relationship. With the support of our new owners and current operational momentum, Windstream will continue advancing our long-term growth objectives while providing our customers with quality and reliable services.”

Mr. Thomas continued, “I would like to thank our customers, vendors and business partners for their ongoing support throughout this process. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Windstream team for their dedication to our customers and continued commitment to delivering essential telecommunications services during this unprecedented healthcare crisis.”

Mr. Paul Sunu, chairman of the new Windstream Board of Directors, said, “Tony and the Windstream team have made significant strides in the last 18 months to better position the company to compete for the long term. The new Board and I are confident that we have the right management team and right strategy to accelerate Windstream’s transformation, return to growth and drive sustainable value creation.”

Windstream also today unveiled a new corporate logo, marking the next chapter in the company’s transformative journey.

Windstream will continue to support its customers across the U.S. with an enhanced value proposition, including:

• Windstream Enterprise: Windstream’s nationwide, cloud-optimized network and award-winning software solutions – such as SD-WAN, UCaaS and OfficeSuite UC® – help businesses across the U.S. manage today’s most complex IT and networking challenges through an industry-leading customer portal, WE Connect.

• Kinetic by Windstream: Consumers can experience robust high-speed internet with speeds up to 1 Gig, extensive TV & entertainment options, home network security, optimal Wi-Fi control and reliable voice services through a fiber-based network and 5G fixed wireless service. Small and midsize businesses can choose from cloud-based collaboration and communication tools along with wireless internet backup.

• Windstream Wholesale: Windstream is leading the digital transformation in optical transmission, providing flexible and customized high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to content and media providers, cloud and data center operators, international carriers, cable operators, wireless carriers, traditional network service providers and more.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel, PJT Partners LP served as financial adviser and Alvarez & Marsal served as restructuring adviser to Windstream during the restructuring process.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. The company also provides premium broadband, entertainment and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.

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