Data Center POST interview with Michael C. Morey, President & Chief Executive Officer, Bluebird Network
By Contributing Editor Amber Anguish
Michael C. Morey is President & Chief Executive Officer of Bluebird Network, LLC, (“Bluebird” or the “Company”) a Midwest telecommunications company. Mr. Morey has more than 34 years of telecommunications experience, having served in leadership and management roles at Voxitas, NuVox, Electric Lightwave, Inc. and 13 years at AT&T. During his tenure at Bluebird, the company has more than doubled in size and made the INC 5000 for 4 consecutive years – 2014-2017. Bluebird was also named as one of the fastest growing companies in Missouri in 2015. Mr. Morey serves on the Board of Directors of INDATEL and the Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association.
Recently, Bluebird announced it will be acquired by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (“MIP”), a long-term infrastructure investment fund that is managed by the Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (“MIRA”) division of Macquarie Group.
Data Center POST recently sat down with Michael to discuss Bluebird’s recent acquisition and what their objectives are for taking this step as we move into 2019.
Data Center POST, Amber Anguish (DCP-AA) Question: We saw the recent announcement that Bluebird Network (Bluebird) is to be acquired by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (MIP). Can you provide details on this acquisition and what it means for Bluebird?
Bluebird Network, Michael C, Morey (BBN-MM) Answer: Bluebird Network, LLC (“Bluebird”) has announced an intent to be acquired by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (“MIP”).
As part of the transaction, Bluebird will also acquire Uniti’s Midwestern fiber business , which consists of approximately 2,500 miles of network predominantly in Illinois. Upon completion of the transactions the two adjacent networks will be combined and operated as one company under the Bluebird name. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by end of third quarter 2019, or sooner, subject to regulatory approval, and other customary terms and conditions.
DCP-AA Q: How does Macquarie Infrastructure plan to work with the Bluebird team to grow the platform in the coming years?
BBN-MM A:The first step will be to integrate the Illinois assets of Uniti that have been acquired. Upon completion of the transactions the two adjacent networks will be combined and operated as one company under the Bluebird name. The second step will be to accelerate the deployment of fiber to densify Bluebird’s existing fiber network in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier cities. The third step is to augment this growth with complimentary fiber network acquisitions within the Midwest.
DCP-AA Q: How does the investment by MIP and the addition of the adjacent network uniquely position Bluebird as a scaled strategic network and data center provider in the Midwest?
BBN-MM A: Bluebird is focused on strategic network expansion. We entered into this transaction to allow for Bluebird to accelerate its infrastructure growth and to position Bluebird for future growth in the Midwest and beyond. MIP has shown their faith in the Bluebird employee team and are supportive of the Bluebird platform expansion plan.
DCP-AA Q: Does Bluebird plan to expand beyond the Midwest region?
BBN-MM A: Not currently. Through our strategic partner INDATEL, Bluebird Network currently has an expanded fiber footprint of over 100,000 fiber route miles across the United States.
DCP-AA Q: What are you most looking forward to accomplishing at Metro Connect 2019?
BBN-MM A: Educating the fiber community on the Macquarie transaction and solidifying business relationships that can be a foundation for Bluebird’s growth as a major player in the Midwest.
To learn more about Bluebird Network, please visit https://bluebirdnetwork.com.
