As the summer of 1999 neared an end, so, too, did the independent life of Telalink Corporation. A “novel-thick” merger agreement with PSINet was nearing its final draft stage. Amidst the fine details being reviewed and re-reviewed, the Telalink leadership had to settle on a few things before we could sign the agreement and close the deal.

In the summer of 1999, PSINet was performing its due diligence prior to the acquisition of Telalink and it provided our first insight into one of PSINet's more colorful personalities - our soon-to-be new boss.

Fourteen years after Telalink was sold to PSINet, the story behind the deal offers an intriguing look into how a a Nashville-based Internet service provider navigated its way through the "speed-dating" process that ultimately resulted in its acquisition.  

It's kind of like high school- who likes whom; who's doing what to get whose attention; whose parents are allowing whom to do what and when with each other. Except no curfews and everyone wanted the geeks.