Key Takeaways
- • WaveDivision Capital, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization have partnered with EarthLink management to acquire the Atlanta-based internet service provider, according to Private Equity Professional.
- • EarthLink serves more than 500,000 internet and managed services customers across the U.S. and can offer fiber internet to more than 68 million homes, delivering fiber and 5G through partnerships with large network owners rather than building its own lines.
- • Trive Capital, which partnered with management in 2019 to carve EarthLink out of its former public parent, will remain a minority investor.
- • WaveDivision is led by broadband executive Steve Weed; EarthLink CEO Glenn Goad says the company plans to expand into new markets while keeping internet service affordable.
- • Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bank Street Group served as exclusive financial advisor to WaveDivision.
Summary
WaveDivision Capital, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization have partnered with EarthLink management to acquire EarthLink, according to Private Equity Professional. The transaction was announced on October 19, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.
EarthLink sells internet service to homes and small businesses across the United States. Rather than building its own network lines, the company delivers fiber and 5G connections through partnerships with large network owners. The Atlanta-headquartered company serves more than 500,000 internet and managed services customers and can offer fiber internet to more than 68 million homes.
Trive Capital, which partnered with EarthLink management in 2019 to carve the company out of its former public parent, will remain a minority investor in the business. This continued stake gives the existing backer ongoing exposure as the company moves under its new ownership group.
WaveDivision is led by broadband executive Steve Weed. EarthLink CEO Glenn Goad said the company plans to expand into new markets and continue offering affordable internet to consumers and small businesses. Bank Street Group served as exclusive financial advisor to WaveDivision on the transaction.
EarthLink sells internet service to homes and small businesses across the United States. Rather than building its own network lines, the company delivers fiber and 5G connections through partnerships with large network owners. The Atlanta-headquartered company serves more than 500,000 internet and managed services customers and can offer fiber internet to more than 68 million homes.
Trive Capital, which partnered with EarthLink management in 2019 to carve the company out of its former public parent, will remain a minority investor in the business. This continued stake gives the existing backer ongoing exposure as the company moves under its new ownership group.
WaveDivision is led by broadband executive Steve Weed. EarthLink CEO Glenn Goad said the company plans to expand into new markets and continue offering affordable internet to consumers and small businesses. Bank Street Group served as exclusive financial advisor to WaveDivision on the transaction.
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