Officials with Marne and Elk Horn Telephone Company and Walnut Communications, who announced their plan to merge in July, have completed the transaction, according to General Manager Janell Hansen. Hansen said Monday, “We have finalized the paperwork, made the necessary filings and have received the necessary approvals from the FCC, so now we continue on with the best part of the merger – the people, which include all our employees and all our customers.”

While the merger keeps the brands for both companies, it still allows the company the opportunity to share staff resources, reduce combined operating expenses, and provide customers with the excellent products and services they deserve, according to Hansen.

She said “Transitions take time to do well and we plan to do this right. I formed a transition team in July and they have been meeting to do all the things you’d expect. Together, we’re continuing to learn about each other’s processes, procedures, vendor relationships and technology platforms. Soon we can decide on how to use our combined resources to best serve customers and make plans for the future. We have great people and we plan to use our collective expertise to benefit customers.”

Both Marne Elk Horn and Walnut Communications have served customers in western Iowa for more than 100 years. Today, each company provides Internet, digital TV, and voice services to residential and business customers in the areas they serve. The companies serve customers in Avoca, Brayton, Elk Horn, Exira, Kimballton, Marne, Minden, Neola, Persia, Shelby, Underwood and Walnut with Internet, TV and phone.

They are in several cellular partnerships in western Iowa, and serve Atlantic with wireless Internet.