LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN) announced today that it has been named to the 2013 FORTUNE 500 list of largest U.S. companies ranked by revenue. Windstream was No. 414 in its inaugural ranking on the magazine's list based on revenues of $6.2 billion in 2012.

"We are proud to reach this milestone in the transformation of our company into a nationwide enterprise-focused communications and services provider," said Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream. "I want to thank our entire team for the progress we have made executing our strategic vision. As we move forward, we will work to maximize enterprise growth opportunities while maintaining our stable consumer business to continue producing solid cash flow long term to support our dividend."

Windstream was formed in 2006 through the spinoff of Alltel Corp.'s wireline business and merger with VALOR Communications. At the time, the company operated in 16 states and had less than 24,000 miles of fiber, a modest business sales organization and a handful of lower-tier data centers.

Windstream has since completed eight acquisitions, expanding its operations to 48 states, and made nearly $4 billion in capital investments to drive organic growth. Windstream's local and long-haul fiber network today spans approximately 115,000 miles, offering up to 10 Gbps of Ethernet managed services. The company has more than 200 business sales offices throughout the country and 23 data centers.  

The full FORTUNE 500 list and related stories appear in the magazine's May 20 issue and at www.fortune.com/500.

About Windstream

Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN), a FORTUNE 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas.www.windstream.com.

The Windstream Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=8314

CONTACT: Media Contact:

         David Avery, 501-748-5876

         david.avery@windstream.com


         Investor Contact:

         Mary Michaels, 501-748-7578

         mary.michaels@windstream.com
Source: Windstream Corporation

News Provided by Acquire Media

distributed by