Rogers Communications Acquires BLACKIRON Data to Expand Data Centre and Cloud-Based Business Solutions

The addition of eight state-of-the art data centre facilities in five major metros across Canada significantly enhances Rogers Business Solutions' capacity and capabilities

TORONTO, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Rogers Communications announced today that it has purchased BLACKIRON Data from Primus Telecommunications Group for cash consideration of $200 million, subject to certain adjustments. BLACKIRON Data, a pure-play provider of data centre and cloud computing services in Canada with approximately 4,000 customers.

The purchase of BLACKIRON Data enables Rogers Business Solutions' to enhance its suite of enterprise-level data centre and cloud computing services along with Canada's leading fibre-based network connectivity services.  Canadian businesses will benefit from a single provider able to ensure end-to-end security and reliability of mission-critical business applications.

In 2012, BLACKIRON Data reported revenue of US$33.7 million and EBITDA of US$13.0 million. In addition, the business recently opened a state-of-the-art Tier III design and construction certified data centre in Markham, Ontario providing the capacity to readily expand current operations by more than 45 percent.

"The cloud continues to enable businesses to innovate and evolve in a dynamic market. This acquisition presents Rogers with a significant growth opportunity in the business-to-business market that aligns with our overall enterprise strategy," said Terry Canning- SVP Rogers Business Solutions, "BLACKIRON brings an experienced and skilled team of professionals to advance data centre and cloud business services and we are pleased to welcome BLACKIRON's 132 employees to the Rogers team."

BLACKIRON is a strong facilities-based national player with eight data centre facilities in five major cities across Canada including Toronto, Ottawa, London, Edmonton and Vancouver. Over the past fifteen years, BLACKIRON Data has constructed maintained and upgraded state-of-the-art and largely expandable facilities to service thousands of businesses across Canada. Today, the organization's eight data centres are located within 200 km of 80 percent of all Canadian businesses supporting the rapidly growing need for hosted and cloud-based applications.

"We are extremely proud of BLACKIRON's employee contribution in building this great company," said AJ Byers, President, BLACKIRON Data. "As part of Rogers Business Solutions going forward, we are confident that BLACKIRON will continue to grow and flourish as a customer-focused and best-in-class data centre and cloud-based services provider".

Rogers Business Solutions (RBS), a division of Rogers Communications, provides Canadian enterprises and partners with network connectivity using its fibre, cable and wireless assets to support a range of leading-edge voice,  data and networking services solution. Rogers Business Solutions owns and operates a transcontinental network with a 100 percent digital fibre optic backbone and strategic interconnect points to the United States and overseas for seamless, cross-border and international coverage. With an extensive customer base including commercial, government and  financial enterprises, RBS offers scalable business communications services backed by a team of industry leading technical experts.

To learn more about Rogers Business Solutions, visit www.rogersbusinesssolutions.com.

About Rogers
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless voice and data communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony. Through Rogers Media we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, sports entertainment, and digital media. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

SOURCE: Rogers Communications Inc.

Media
Allison Fitton, Rogers Communications
416-935-8860
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Investment Community
Bruce M. Mann, Rogers Communications
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