Cencom Cable Associates

Feb 19, 2018

Cencom Cable Associates, Inc.Cencom was co-founded by Centennial Ventures in 1982 to acquire, expand and operate cable television properties throughout the United States. Cencom was the first company Centennial Ventures founded and also the firm’s first investment to generate a significant investment return. Centennial introduced the strategic planning process to Cencom early in the company’s history, and the program eventually became a cornerstone of the company’s success. Centennial was the sole outside investor in the start-up round of financing and, at the time of the sale of the company in 1991, still held over 22 percent. OneComm Corporation Centennial Ventures founded OneComm in 1989 to become a leading provider of specialized mobile radio (SMR) services in the Rocky Mountain region and the Midwest. Centennial Ventures provided both seed and start-up funding and interim management. Centennial crafted the initial business and strategic plans, actively recruited management and board members, and led several equity and debt financings. OneComm grew primarily through strategic acquisitions, ultimately covering 25 states and a population of over 50 million people, making it the third largest provider of mobile telephone services in its operating region. The company successfully completed its IPO in 1993, and merged with Nextel Communications, Inc. in 1995 at a $750 million valuation. Crown Castle was founded in 1994 to create the world’s leading antenna site services company by acquiring existing communications towers throughout the U.S. and selected foreign countries. Two major acquisitions in 1997 propelled Crown Castle into a leadership position in this industry. Crown Castle initially approached Centennial Ventures both for their telecommunications industry expertise and their consolidation experience. While completing due diligence on the communications tower market, Centennial Ventures provided the seed capital to launch Crown Castle. As a direct result of Centennial’s active role in financing and strategic planning, Crown Castle is a leading U.S. and international provider of wireless communications and broadcast transmission infrastructure and related services. The company successfully completed a $182 million IPO in 1998. Verio Inc. Verio was co-founded by Centennial Ventures to build a successful Internet access and service company through a national consolidation of regional Internet service providers (ISPs). Centennial Ventures led the analysis of an early consolidation opportunity, developed an acquisition model and strategic financing plan, formed the company and attracted the management team. Verio delivers connectivity and a full range of Internet applications to small and mid-sized businesses and institutional customers. During a three-year period, Verio integrated over 30 ISPs under its national banner covering 41 of the top 50 MSAs in the U.S. Verio subsequently expanded its strategy to focus on enhanced Internet-based services. Prior to its merger with NTT at a $5.5 billion valuation, Verio was the largest Web hosting company in the world.