Rocket Lab Clears US Antitrust Review for Iridium Acquisition

M&A · Partnership
โดย GuruFocus·US·Read original
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Rocket Lab said the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period on its proposed acquisition of Iridium Communications expired yesterday, clearing US antitrust review. The company holds a $3.6 billion 364-day senior secured bridge term loan committed from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo, and intends to replace it with permanent debt and equity. Rocket Lab is asking lenders to let Iridium's existing term loan facility, $1.775 billion outstanding at June 30, stay in place after closing at what it calls more attractive rates than the bridge, though there is no assurance the consents come through. The equity piece is a replacement distribution agreement allowing sales of up to $1.94 billion of stock at the market, carrying forward the unsold amount from a May 20 program that has been terminated. Rocket Lab stresses no shares beyond that unsold balance are on offer, and if the deal falls through the proceeds would fund future growth and possible acquisitions instead.

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Antitrust clearance advances acquisition of Iridium, with financing arranged.

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