Windstream finishes EarthLink merger

Windstream Holdings on Monday announced the completion of its merger with EarthLink Holdings Corp.

Shareholders of both companies approved the transaction. Windstream will remain based in Little Rock and will add three EarthLink directors — Julie Shimer, Marc Stoll and Walter Turek — to the Windstream board, bringing the total number of directors to 12.

With the deal closed, Windstream shareholders own about 51 percent and EarthLink shareholders about 49 percent of the combined company.

Windstream’s Tony Thomas will remain chief executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer Bob Gunderman will maintain that title.