Leighton Enterprises has announced the acquisition of Paradis Broadcasting of Alexandria and its three stations.
The acquisition brings Classic Rock “KX92” 92.3 KXRA-FM, Hot AC “Z99” KXRZ and News/Talk 1490 KXRA/100.3 K262AT/105.7 K289CL. In its announcement, Leighton states that Paradis Broadcasting owner Brett Paradis will remain with the company as General Manager and they intend to retain all of their employees.
Alexandria will become the sixth market in Minnesota that Leighton operates in joining their stations in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls/Pelham, Grand Forks, St. Cloud, and Winona.
Leighton Enterprises, Inc. announced today it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the radio stations of Paradis Broadcasting of Alexandria, Inc. Paradis is recognized locally as being the Voice of Alexandria and consists of three radio stations: KXRA-AM, KXRA-FM, and KXRZ-FM.
“Expanding to Alexandria is a natural fit for us with our stations in St. Cloud, Fergus Falls, Perham, and Detroit Lakes,” says Bob Leighton, CEO of Leighton Enterprises, Inc.
Leighton plans to keep the stations operating as usual with local programming and maintaining all Paradis employees including Brett Paradis as General Manager.
Leighton added, “We are excited to expand to Alexandria and Brett Paradis joining our team. His knowledge, experience in the industry, and commitment to serve the local community will be an asset to our company. We look forward to Brett helping Leighton Broadcasting’s continued growth.”
“My team and I have worked with Leighton for 10+ years as colleagues, so we are very familiar with their operation and excited about the future. After 31 successful years here in Alexandria, I can tell you that I am so proud of my team, and now I am proud to bring them along and join the family at Leighton Enterprises” says Brett Paradis, President of Paradis Broadcasting of Alexandria, Inc. “We are both second-generation broadcast companies and share the same values. By joining forces, we will be able to provide new resources to our customers and provide better benefits to our employees.”
The transaction is subject to FCC review and approval which normally takes 90-120 days. The last radio acquisition Leighton Enterprises, Inc. made was in 2015 when the company purchased 10 stations in Winona, Fergus Falls, and Perham.