Network Long Distance Inc, Baton Rouge, Louisiana has engaged Seruus Ventures LLC, an investment banking firm with experience in the purchase and sale of telecommunications companies to explore various options for maximizing shareholder value, which makes it sound as if the phone capacity reseller is about to be acquired rather than to buy. With more than 950 independent long distance companies currently operating across the US, it is obvious that this is an industry ripe for consolidation, said Michael Ross, Network Long Distance chief executive.