A pair of investment firms have agreed to acquire Alltel Corp., the fifth-biggest U.S. wireless company and owner of the nation's largest geographic network, in a deal worth $27.5 billion.

The telecommunications company announced Sunday that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by TPG Capital, formerly Texas Pacific Group, and GS Capital Partners, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, TPG Capital and GSCP will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Alltel for $71.50 per share in cash. The purchase price per share represents a 23% premium over Alltel's closing share price prior to media reports of a potential transaction published on December 29, 2006. Alltel intends to pay its regular quarterly common share dividend until closing.

Alltel's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement after a comprehensive review of the company's strategic options, and has recommended the approval of the transaction by Alltel's shareholders.

Completion of the transaction, which is currently expected to occur by the fourth quarter of 2007 or by the first quarter of 2008, is contingent upon customary closing conditions, including approval by Alltel's shareholders and certain regulatory approvals. Shareholders will be asked to vote on the proposed transaction at a special meeting that will be held on a date to be announced. Scott Ford, Alltel's chief executive officer, will remain in his current role.

TPG Capital is the global buyout group of TPG, a private investment firm founded in 1992, with more than $30 billion in assets under management, according to the Alltel release.

GSCP is the "private equity vehicle" through which The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. conducts privately negotiated acquisitions.