Press Release

May 19, 2025 – Boston, Massachusetts – Manulife Investment Management, through certain affiliates, (“collectively, Manulife IM”) today announced the formation of Lakefront Fiber, LLC (“Lakefront Fiber”), a joint venture with Midwest Fiber Networks (“MWFN”).

“We are pleased to partner with MWFN, with whom we have had a long-standing relationship, to support the build-out of Lakefront Fiber’s extensive pipeline,” said Recep Kendircioglu, Global Head of Infrastructure, Manulife Investment Management.

Lakefront Fiber will facilitate connectivity for hyperscale, carrier and municipal customers, building upon the long-standing relationships established by MWFN’s multi-decade position as a leading regional fiber developer and operator.

“This partnership represents the extension of our digital infrastructure strategy into critical fiber assets supported by long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties,” said Eddie Dunn, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Manulife Investment Management.

Nik Ivancevic, Managing Partner of Midwest Fiber Networks, said “Our relationship with the Manulife IM team extends many years, and we are excited to expand MWFN’s scale to better serve our customers through Lakefront Fiber.”

Concurrently, Lakefront Fiber has also announced the closing of its first transaction, the acquisition of select network assets in the state of Illinois from Everstream. This strategic acquisition adds nearly 650 route miles, supporting Lakefront Fiber’s ability to deliver high-capacity fiber connectivity and customer-focused solutions across key markets in the Midwest.

About Midwest Fiber Networks

Midwest Fiber Networks designs and delivers secure, high-speed fiber connectivity across the Midwest with a focus on reliability, redundancy, and customer satisfaction. With deep roots in telecommunications infrastructure and decades of experience, MWFN supports mission-critical operations for businesses, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and government entities. Through strategic partnerships and a rapidly growing footprint, MWFN is building the future of fiber—one mile at a time. For more information, visit midwestfibernetworks.com.

About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management 

As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering people today to invest for a better tomorrow. As a committed partner to our clients and as a responsible steward of investor capital, we offer a heritage of risk management, deep expertise across public and private markets, and comprehensive retirement plan services. We seek to provide better investment and impact outcomes and to help people confidently save and invest for a more secure financial future. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit  manulifeim.com.