Grain Management acquires American Arctic broadband leader Quintillion
Grain Management, LLC, a prominent solutions provider to the broadband and communications industry, has officially completed its acquisition of QSH Parent Holdco LLC, commonly known as Quintillion. This strategic acquisition integrates Quintillion, a leading fiber-based connectivity provider in Alaska and the North American Arctic, into Grain Management’s extensive network of mission-critical broadband infrastructure and communications businesses.
Quintillion is at the forefront of offering broadband connectivity, satellite ground station, and edge processing services, primarily catering to government and commercial telecommunication providers in the North American Arctic. In a significant development in June 2023, Quintillion secured an $89 million grant through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program. This funding aims to enhance the redundancy and reliability of Alaska’s broadband network infrastructure, marking a pivotal step towards advanced connectivity solutions in the region.
George Tronsrue III, Quintillion’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized Alaska’s strategic position in bolstering the United States’ defense capabilities. Under Grain’s management, Quintillion is poised to play a vital role in enhancing national defense and closing the digital divide in Alaska. The partnership with Grain Management is set to accelerate the connectivity of Alaskans, fostering greater integration with the global digital landscape.
Grain Management Acquires Quintillion, Boosting Connectivity in Alaska and the Arctic
Chad Crank, Managing Director at Grain, expressed enthusiasm for working with Quintillion’s leadership team. He highlighted Quintillion’s unique competitive edge and its unparalleled market position, pointing towards future expansions in Alaska and the Arctic region.
The transaction saw the Bank Street Group LLC acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Quintillion, with Cooper Investment Partners alongside Alston & Bird LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP serving as legal advisors to Grain and Quintillion, respectively.
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, Quintillion operates a high-speed fiber optic network that traverses the Alaskan Arctic, connecting to the continental United States. The company’s ambitious three-phase subsea cable system is designed to connect Asia with the American Pacific Northwest and Western Europe, bridging continents through the Northwest Passage and the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic.
Grain Management, founded in 2007, stands as a leading investment firm specializing in digital infrastructure. With a focus on fiber networks, data centers, wireless spectrum, cell towers, and various managed and infrastructure services, Grain Management leverages its sector knowledge and operational experience to drive significant advancements in the broadband and communications industry.