| Key Points: – Charter to acquire Liberty Broadband in a $280M all-stock transaction. – Acquisition reduces Charter’s outstanding shares by 11.5 million. – Key shareholders, including John Malone, support the strategic merger. |
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) has entered into an agreement to acquire Liberty Broadband Corporation (NASDAQ: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP) in an all-stock transaction valued at $280 million. This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance Charter’s reach in the U.S. broadband market, bringing together key assets and expanding its operational scale.
The terms of the agreement specify that Liberty Broadband shareholders will receive 0.236 shares of Charter common stock per share held, while preferred shareholders will gain new Charter preferred stock mirroring their current terms. A crucial aspect of the acquisition is Liberty’s plan to spin off its GCI subsidiary, Alaska’s largest communications provider, which serves remote and challenging regions. Charter will assume the tax liability for this spin-off if it exceeds $420 million, with closing anticipated by mid-2027 pending regulatory approvals and shareholder votes.
Charter expects to benefit from a net reduction of approximately 11.5 million shares by retiring the 45.6 million shares currently held by Liberty Broadband. Liberty’s existing debt of $2.6 billion will be addressed through repayment or assumption, alongside $180 million of preferred equity that will convert to Charter preferred equity upon closing.
Support from key shareholders, including John Malone and Greg Maffei, will play an essential role, with both expressing optimism for the merger’s potential. “This transaction simplifies our corporate structure, aligning with Charter’s long-term strategic goals,” said Malone. Greg Maffei, Liberty Broadband’s CEO, stated that the partnership offers substantial growth potential and value creation for both Charter and Liberty shareholders.
The Boards of both companies, alongside independent legal and financial advisors, have approved the merger, noting that the transaction will enhance market competitiveness while increasing liquidity for Liberty shareholders. Centerview Partners and Citi are advising Charter, while J.P. Morgan advises Liberty Broadband.
As Charter moves forward with this acquisition, the merger is expected to enhance shareholder value, increase access to communications services, and streamline governance processes for both companies.
