Published: July 02, 2009 09:57 am      

With merger, CenturyTel becomes CenturyLink

The company formerly known as CenturyTel announced on Wednesday that its merger with Embarq Corporation has been completed.

With the move, CenturyLink now has more than 2.1 million broadband customers, more than 440,000 video subscribers and approximately 7.5 million access lines in 33 states, company officials said.

“The completion of this merger is a significant event for our customers, communities, investors and employees,” Glen F. Post III, president and chief executive officer, said. “CenturyLink has the advanced networks, the people and the financial stability to deliver the reliable and innovative services that our customers want and need. We look forward to this exciting new chapter in our company's history.”

CenturyLink expects to generate annual full run-rate operating and capital synergies of approximately $400 million by 2011, offiials said.

While the company's corporate identity will immediately change to CenturyLink, customer-facing operations and communications will continue under the CenturyTel and EMBARQ brand names until a full brand conversion occurs later this year.

The company reported it intends to formally change its name to “CenturyLink, Inc.” upon receipt of shareholder approval, which it expects to solicit in May 2010. The company's stock continues to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “CTL.”

The corporate headquarters of the company will remain in Monroe, La. Regional operating headquarters will be located in Las Vegas, Nev., Wentzville, Mo., Orlando, Fla., Wake Forest, N.C., and La Crosse, Wis. The company also maintains a significant presence in the Overland Park, Kan. area, the former location of EMBARQ's corporate headquarters.

Kenny Wyatt, former vice president of Business Center Sales and Customer Care for EMBARQ, has been named region leader for the combined company overseeing seven states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

“This is a great day for our customers and employees. As a combined company, customer service will remain a top priority for us and the foundation of our success,” Wyatt said . “Our combined strengths will lead to new investments in our communities and a continued partnership in future growth through advanced technologies.”