WideOpenWest Shares Leap 48% on $1.5 Billion Acquisition Deal with DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners

WideOpenWest (WOW) shares surged 48% after a $1.5 billion acquisition announcement, offering a 63% premium per share. Analysts forecast an average 67.16% upside with a "Hold" recommendation. The deal is expected to close by early 2026, with a GF Value of $4.60 after one year, implying a 36.09% upside from the current price.

WideOpenWest (WOW) shares surged by 48% following the announcement of a $1.5 billion acquisition by DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and Crestview Partners. The transaction, which represents a 63% premium per share, is expected to close by early 2026. Analysts forecast an average 67.16% upside with a "Hold" recommendation. The deal is anticipated to deliver a GF Value of $4.60 after one year, implying a 36.09% upside from the current price.

WOW, a leading broadband provider in the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement under which affiliated investment funds of DigitalBridge Investments, LLC and Crestview Partners will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock not already owned by Crestview and its affiliates for $5.20 per share. The price represents a premium of 37.2% to the unaffected price of $3.79, prior to the initial non-binding offer of $4.80 submitted by the purchaser group on May 2, 2024, and a 63% premium to the closing price on Friday, August 8, 2025.

The WOW! Board of Directors has unanimously approved the proposed transaction, upon the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent and disinterested directors. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year or in the first quarter of 2026, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions, including receipt of WOW! stockholder approval and of required regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, WOW! will no longer be traded or listed on any public securities exchange.

DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners intend to invest in expanding and upgrading WOW!'s networks, adopting new technologies, and ensuring the organization has the resources and support needed to continue delivering fast, reliable internet service and a high-quality customer experience at competitive prices.

The acquisition offers significant and immediate value to stockholders. Phil Seskin, Chair of the special committee of the WOW! Board of Directors, stated, "The consideration offered in this transaction, which represents a significant premium to WOW!'s trading price, offers the best available value to WOW! stockholders."

Jonathan Friesel, Senior Managing Director and Head of Fiber at DigitalBridge, said, "We are excited to partner with Crestview to support this next phase of growth at WOW!. We believe this transaction positions the company to deliver meaningful benefits to its customers and the communities it serves."

Brian Cassidy, President and Head of Media at Crestview Partners, said, "This is an exciting day for WOW!, its customers, and team members. Through this transaction, the company will deliver immediate value to WOW! stockholders, while bringing in an ideal capital partner in DigitalBridge to support WOW!'s long-term strategy, including geographic expansion and network technology upgrades."

References:
[1] https://ir.wowway.com/investor-relations/news/press-release-details/2025/WideOpenWest-WOW-Inc--to-be-Taken-Private-by-DigitalBridge-Group-Inc--and-Crestview-Partners-in-1-5-Billion-Transaction/default.aspx