Olympus Partners Acquires Network Connex Majority Stake

Olympus Partners has entered into a definitive agreement on April 14, 2026, to acquire a majority ownership stake in NTI Connect, LLC, operating as Network Connex, from ORIX Capital Partners, the private equity division of ORIX Corporation USA. The transaction, which awaits customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, marks a strategic investment in a leading fiber installation and digital infrastructure services provider.

Network Connex, headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, specializes in fiber installation and mission-critical digital infrastructure services. It serves hyperscalers, cloud operators, and large enterprises, supporting the buildout of AI infrastructure and next-generation data centers. The company maintains a nationwide footprint with a strong presence in the largest and fastest-growing data center markets across North America.

Matt Boyd, partner at Olympus Partners, highlighted Network Connex’s reputation as a trusted partner to hyperscalers and data center operators, emphasizing its unique combination of scale, speed, and quality. “We are thrilled to partner with the entire Network Connex team to support their continued growth and expansion,” Boyd said. Matt Bujor, principal at Olympus, added that Network Connex is well-positioned to capitalize on the explosive growth in AI and data center markets.

Christopher Larocca, president and CEO of Network Connex, described the partnership as an exciting new chapter. He noted Olympus’s extensive experience in investing in and scaling infrastructure businesses and expressed confidence that their strategic support would accelerate growth, expand capabilities, and strengthen Network Connex’s leadership in the data center ecosystem.

Matt Scullion, managing director at ORIX USA, reflected on the sale as a significant achievement for ORIX Capital Partners, aligning with the interests of the business and investors. He expressed optimism about Network Connex’s future under Olympus’s ownership.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Olympus’s transaction team included Matt Boyd, Matt Bujor, Marty Durkin, and Jack Denning. Legal counsel was provided by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, represented by Matt Goulding and Mark Keohane, with KPMG LLP’s Candice Lockhart advising on the deal. Lazard Frères & Co. served as sole financial advisor to ORIX Capital Partners and Network Connex, while Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer acted as legal advisor to the sellers.

The acquisition aligns with Olympus Partners’ strategy to scale and enhance fiber installation and digital infrastructure services amid rising demand driven by AI and next-generation data center buildouts. Network Connex’s established relationships with hyperscalers and cloud operators provide cross-selling opportunities and access to new contracts. Operational synergies include streamlining procurement, consolidating administrative functions, and optimizing project management to improve service delivery speed and quality.

Market trends indicate accelerating investment in data center infrastructure and AI technologies, intensifying competition among fiber installation providers. This deal strengthens Network Connex’s market position and scale, increasing competitive pressure on peers and potentially accelerating industry consolidation.

Looking ahead, Olympus plans to leverage its infrastructure investment expertise to support Network Connex’s operational scaling and workforce development. Integration challenges include maintaining service quality during expansion and aligning organizational cultures. The transaction is expected to close following regulatory approvals, with both parties committed to a smooth transition.

Overall, the acquisition positions Network Connex to capitalize on robust growth opportunities in the digital infrastructure sector, supported by Olympus’s strategic resources and industry experience.