Block buys MetroCast cable systems in Mississippi

Block Communications has agreed to buy MetroCast cable systems serving 45,000 subscribers across the Mississippi from Harron Communications.

Terms were not announced for the deal, which is expected to close by the end of 2014.

Harron's MetroCast Mississippi provides video, broadband and landline phone services to 45,000 residential and commercial customers throughout northern and central Mississippi.

MetroCast systems in New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina were not included in the deal. 

"The acquisition supports our cable and broadband growth strategy and enhances our geographic diversification," said Allan Block, chairman of Block Communications, in a statement. "Harron has invested a significant amount of capital over the last five years to upgrade the systems and we believe there is now a tremendous opportunity to increase penetration levels. We look forward to serving these communities and continuing to improve the services and products being offered." 

The deal, announced Monday, marks the second acquisition of the week for Block, which already owns the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and just purchased Line Systems Inc., a suburban Philadelphia business communications provider. 

For more:
- read this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story
- read this Block Communications press release

Related links:
Source: Comcast-TWC merger could kill American Television Alliance
Synacor helps MetroCast take one big step toward TV Everywhere
Cable One, NBC Sports Network avert blackout, sign six-month carriage extension