Winstar Communications Growth with Microsoft and IDT

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Winstar Communications was able to expand its operations significantly with the help of Microsoft and IDT.

This partnership allowed Winstar to leverage Microsoft's technology and expertise to streamline its operations and improve customer service.

Winstar's growth was also fueled by its acquisition of IDT's assets, which gave the company a significant boost in terms of resources and capabilities.

As a result, Winstar Communications was able to increase its market share and establish itself as a major player in the telecommunications industry.

Company History

Winstar Communications was founded in 1993 by William J. Rouhana as a reseller of long-distance service.

The company's early success led to it winning auctions for radio spectrum, which allowed it to become a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier and start selling wireless broadband service.

In 1994, Winstar completed its first initial public offering, listing its stock on Nasdaq under the symbol "WCII".

Financial Status

Winstar Communications has a strong financial foundation, with a revenue of $1.3 billion in 2007. This significant revenue was likely a result of the company's extensive network of over 1,000 cell towers.

The company's financial status was further solidified by its $1.2 billion in assets, which included a significant amount of property, plant, and equipment.

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Investment and Acquisitions

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Winstar Communications received a significant boost from Microsoft's $900 million investment, which will help the company expand its services and pay debt. This investment also includes a joint sales and marketing program with Microsoft, where they will market multimedia services for the Internet to businesses.

Microsoft will license its products to Winstar, and in return, Winstar will provide Office 2000 and other application services to its customers using its network and Internet data centers. Winstar will also use the investment to expand its services in cities.

IDT Corporation acquired Winstar Communications for $42.5 million, paying $30 million in cash and $12.5 million in IDT Class B Common Stock.

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Idt Corp. Acquires Inc

IDT Corp. has made a significant acquisition, buying Winstar Communications for $42.5 million.

The purchase price includes $30 million in cash and $12.5 million in IDT Class B Common Stock.

This deal is a great example of a company taking advantage of a distressed asset, as Winstar was in bankruptcy proceedings.

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IDT has agreed to invest $60 million into Winstar to be used as working capital.

The acquisition gives IDT a foothold in the competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) market, allowing it to offer a full spectrum of voice and data services to business customers.

Winstar's fixed wireless technology provides a solid last mile solution, which is a key challenge in the telecom industry.

IDT will retain 95% of the equity in the new Winstar operations, with 5% going to a group of creditors of Winstar during the bankruptcy.

Boost from Microsoft Investment

WinStar gets a significant boost from a $900 million investment from Microsoft and other investors. This investment will help WinStar expand its services.

The investment comes with preferred stock that's convertible into common shares at 67.5 each, which is 25 percent more than WinStar's average price over the last month. WinStar's shares peaked at a record high of 81.5 after the investment news.

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WinStar plans to use the money to expand its services in cities and pay off debt. The company competes against larger firms like Bell Atlantic.

Microsoft is pushing phone and cable companies to use its software more, partly by investing in those firms. The Microsoft investment is a significant endorsement of WinStar's technology.

WinStar will use the capital to expand its services, and the company is testing Microsoft Office Online products. In return, Microsoft will license its products to WinStar, and WinStar will provide Office 2000 and other application services to its customers using its network and Internet data centers.

Microsoft and WinStar will pursue a joint sales and marketing program, which will include a national seminar program, sales referrals, and participation at trade shows.

Recent Developments

In January 2011, Oak Point Partners acquired the remnant assets of Winstar Communications.

The acquisition happened after Winstar Communications filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001.

Cassandra Bednar

Assigning Editor

Cassandra Bednar serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of articles that delve into the intricate world of European banking. Her expertise spans cooperative banking, bankers associations, and various European trade associations. Cassandra has a keen interest in historical and contemporary financial institutions, particularly those established in the 1970s.

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