Duluth-based CP Internet has purchased the assets of Prairie Lakes Internet, based out of Mankato.

Monday, February 04, 2002

Duluth-based CP Internet has purchased the assets of Prairie Lakes Internet, based out of Mankato. The sale was finalized on Thursday, Jan. 31 and CP Internet took over operations of Prairie Lakes on Friday, Feb. 1.

The purchase price was reported to be just under $1 million. CP Internet began notifying customers of Prairie Lake about the sale via email on Friday.

Prairie Lakes had been one of southern Minnesota’s oldest and largest Internet service providers, beginning service in January 1995, and serving more than 60 counties in Minnesota, North and South Dakota. It had been struggling financially throughout 2001, filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection last July. It employs about 60 people at its Mankato location. Those employees will keep their jobs, said Chad Braafladt, owner of CP Internet.

CP Internet is the largest privately owned dialup Internet service provider in Minnesota, and has been in business since 1994. It’s primary focus is providing telecommunications services to communities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

&uot;We have a particular interest in serving the residents and businesses of rural communities.&uot; said Braafladt. The purchase of Prairie Lakes allows CP Internet to expand into new markets in new areas, he said.

CP Internet plans to continue operating Prairie Lakes as Prairie Lakes Internet for the foreseeable future, under its own on-site supervision in Mankato. There are no immediate changes planned to service, access numbers, payment plan or schedule, or computer settings, according to Braafladt. However, some changes may be implemented in the coming weeks and months, he said.

Albert Lea area customers with any questions about the sale or any potential changes to their service should call Prairie Lakes at 888-386-0444.