Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. and FairPoint Communications, Inc.

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNSL) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FairPoint Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRP), a business/ broadband communications provider, in an all-stock merger transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including debt.  The agreement and the proposed merger have been unanimously approved by the boards of directors at both companies.

Morrow Sodali is acting as the Proxy Solicitor for Fairpoint Communications.