Axia NetMedia and Partners Group complete going private transaction

CALGARY, July 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Axia NetMedia Corporation ("Axia") (TSX: AXX) and Partners Group AG ("Partners Group") are pleased to jointly announce the completion of the plan of arrangement announced on March 9, 2016 (the "Arrangement") involving Axia, the holders ("Shareholders") of common shares ("Shares") of Axia and Digital Connection (Canada) Corp. (the "Purchaser"), an entity owned by investment vehicles managed and/or advised by Partners Group, or its affiliates. Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Purchaser has acquired all of the outstanding Shares in exchange for cash consideration of $4.25 per Share.  It is anticipated that the Shares will be delisted from trading at the close of markets on the Toronto Stock Exchange on or about August 2, 2016.

Axia understands that beneficial shareholders can typically expect payment approximately five to seven business days after closing.  Beneficial holders hold their Shares through an intermediary such as a bank, broker or investment firm.

Registered Shareholders who have not already done so should submit their certificates representing Shares to Computershare Investor Services Inc., the depositary pursuant to the Arrangement, together with a completed letter of transmittal in accordance with the instructions set out therein in order to receive the cash consideration that they are entitled to receive pursuant to the Arrangement.  Registered Shareholders hold a certificate representing their Shares.  Letters of transmittal were previously sent to Shareholders and additional copies may be obtained by contacting Computershare Investor Services Inc. by telephone at 1-800-564-6253 (North America toll free) or 1-514-982-7555 (outside of North America) or by email at [email protected] and are also available under Axia's profile on www.sedar.com.

Further details regarding the Arrangement can be found in Axia's management information circular dated April 7, 2016, which is filed on Axia's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and is available on Axia's website at www.axiafibrenet.com.

About Axia

Axia owns, operates and sells services over fibre optic communications infrastructure.

About Partners Group

Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 49 billion (USD 55 billion) in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, and has offices in San Francisco, Denver, Houston, New York, São Paulo, London, Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 850 people and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a major ownership by its partners and employees.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and which are based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of Axia as of the date of this news release unless otherwise stated. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated date of delisting of the Shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the anticipated timing for the receipt of cash consideration by beneficial Shareholders. In respect of the forward-looking statements and information, the parties have provided such information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time. The anticipated date of delisting of the Shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the timing for the receipt of cash consideration by beneficial Shareholders may change for a number of reasons beyond the control of Axia. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release.  Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the parties undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Shareholders are advised to review any documents that may be filed with securities regulatory authorities, including the management information circular of Axia dated April 7, 2016, which contains important information regarding the Arrangement and the terms and conditions thereof.

SOURCE Axia NetMedia Corporation

Media Contact: Please visit Axia's website at www.axiafibrenet.com, or contact: Art Price, Chief Executive Officer, Axia NetMedia Corporation, [phone], [email protected]; Please visit Partners Group's website at www.partnersgroup.com, or contact: Jenny Blinch, Public Relations, Partners Group, [phone], Email: [email protected].