KEOSAUQUA — Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative has entered into an agreement to acquire Van Buren Telephone Company in an all-cash transaction, combining two community-based fiber broadband providers serving southeast Iowa.
The cooperative, known as CM Tech, said the deal involves the purchase of 100% of Van Buren Telephone Company’s stock and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending required shareholder and regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Following a post-closing transition period, Van Buren Telephone subscribers are expected to become members of the cooperative, CM Tech said.
Founded in 1903 and converted to a member-owned cooperative in 2004, CM Tech provides fiber-to-the-premises service across parts of Davis, Wapello, Monroe, Appanoose and Van Buren counties. Van Buren Telephone Company, incorporated in 1923 and headquartered in Keosauqua, serves customers in Van Buren, Jefferson and Lee counties.
With the acquisition, CM Tech said it will operate approximately 1,365 square miles of fiber network, serving nearly 6,100 residential and business customers across southeast Iowa.
“VBT has always placed a premium on making life better for the customers and communities we serve,” said Kevin Hranicka, interim general manager and chief operating officer of Van Buren Telephone Company. He said CM Tech is positioned to continue investing in and maintaining the company’s fiber network.
CM Tech General Manager Vince Tyson said the acquisition aligns with the cooperative’s long-standing focus on providing high-quality communications services in rural areas and continuing local investment.
Charlesmead Advisors LLC served as exclusive financial adviser to Van Buren Telephone Company, and Dentons Davis Brown PC acted as its legal counsel. CM Tech was represented by Lynch Law Office and Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP.