(Telecompaper) Lightower Fiber Networks announced an agreement to acquire Fibertech Networks for USD 1.9 billion, creating a major fibre network provider across the eastern US. Fibertech connects mid-size cities in the Eastern and Central regions of the US, while Lightower's network focuses on the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Chicago Metro areas. Both operators serve enterprise, government and wholesale customers with a range of Ethernet, dark fibre and co-location services. Lightower's existing financial backers, Berkshire Partners, Pamlico Capital and Abry Partners, will each provide additional equity to support the transaction. The combined company will be led by current Lightower CEO, Rob Shanahan. Pending regulatory approvals, the merger is expected to close in the third quarter.