CenturyLink-Qwest Merger Approved


Completing final hurdle for the merger between CenturyLink, Inc. and Qwest Communications, the Public Utility Commission of Oregon approved the transaction. With this approval complete, the companies said that they expect to begin the process of combining their operations as early as April 1st.

To get the approval needed, the companies agreed to invest at least $45 million over the next five years to improve the broadband access in Oregon, expanding on the 800,000 lines the combined company will serve in the state. 

“With the PUC’s approval, CenturyLink and Qwest are another step closer to completing the merger and leveraging their combined strength to develop and deploy innovative communications services for Oregon customers,” said John F. Jones, vice president of State Government Affairs at CenturyLink.

At the conclusion of the merger, the combined company will use the name CenturyLink and will keep its New York Stock Exchange symbol, CTL. Qwest shareholders will revceive 0.1664 share of CenturyLink for each share of Qwest.