On December 31, 2025, DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a prominent global alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure investments, and Crestview Partners, a leading private equity firm, successfully finalized their previously announced acquisition of WideOpenWest, Inc., commonly known as WOW!. This take-private transaction removes WOW! from public markets and positions the company for accelerated growth in the competitive fiber-broadband industry.
The deal carries an enterprise value of approximately $1.5 billion. Under the terms, WOW! shareholders received $5.20 in cash for each share of common stock. Following the completion of the acquisition, WOW! common stock ceased trading and was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, marking the end of its status as a publicly traded entity.
This comes after WOW! announced in 2023 that it would shut down its cable TV service and replace it with YouTube TV.
WOW! serves as a key provider of fiber-broadband internet services and advanced connectivity solutions across various regions in the United States. The company operates high-performance networks that deliver reliable, high-speed internet to residential and business customers in multiple markets. As consumer demand for faster and more dependable broadband continues to rise—driven by remote work, streaming services, online education, and emerging technologies like smart homes and 5G integration—WOW! has been actively expanding its fiber infrastructure to meet these needs.
The partnership between DigitalBridge and Crestview brings significant resources and expertise to WOW!. DigitalBridge specializes in digital infrastructure, with a track record of managing substantial assets in areas such as fiber networks, data centers, and related technologies. This focus aligns closely with WOW!’s core operations, enabling targeted investments in network upgrades and expansions. Crestview, with its experience in media and communications investments, provides strategic guidance to enhance operational performance and market positioning.
The new ownership structure allows WOW! greater flexibility to prioritize substantial capital investments without the short-term pressures often associated with public company reporting of being publicly traded. Plans include enhancements to network infrastructure, improvements in customer service and experience, and efforts to achieve greater operational efficiency. These initiatives aim to strengthen WOW!’s ability to compete effectively in its service areas and deliver superior connectivity to customers.
The process leading to the acquisition began earlier in 2025, when the companies entered into a definitive agreement in August. A special committee of independent directors from WOW!’s board oversaw the evaluation to ensure fairness and proper consideration of shareholder interests. Various financial and legal advisors supported the parties throughout the deal. Centerview Partners LLC served as the sole financial advisor to WOW!’s special committee, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz providing legal counsel. LionTree Advisors acted as the sole financial advisor to DigitalBridge and Crestview, while Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs contributed as structuring advisors. Legal representation included Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP for DigitalBridge and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for Crestview.
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