Shares of Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SBGI) rallied on Friday as the television station operator will soon be in a position to gain traction in the Western United States, thanks to its decision to acquire Fisher Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: FSCI).
The acquisition deal, which was announced on Thursday, is estimated to be about $373 million. The offer values Fisher Communications at $41 a share, which represents a premium of 5% over the closing stock price on Wednesday.
According to Reuters, a local television market report prepared by Nielsen for the year 2011-2012 showed that Seattle-Tacoma and Portland are the most important markets for Fisher Communications. These markets were ranked 12th and 22nd respectively by Nielsen.
Sinclair Communications said that it would look to finance the purchase of Fisher Communications through a combination of debt financing and cash-in-hand. The Company said that, if required, it could also raise funds from capital markets.
If the deal materializes then Sinclair would be able access more than a third of the U.S. market. Already, the Company boasts to have an access to around 30% of the U.S. households. Currently, the television group owns 11NBC, 15 CBS, 17ABC, and 27Fox affiliates. Fisher Communications, which owns 20 television stations that cover eight markets and three radio stations, runs ABC and CBS affiliates like KATU TV, KCBY TV and KPIC TV.
Commenting over the deal, Sinclair’s Chief Executive David Smith said in a statement, “We are excited to acquire Fisher and expand our coverage westward, especially in the two key markets of Seattle and Portland.”
Speaking to Reuters, Evercore Partners analyst Doug Arthur said that Sinclair has been able to secure cheap financing for number accusation deals in last one and half year, adding that there was no question of higher bid for Fisher. “I think this is a done deal,” added Arthur.
Shares rallied about 15% by 2:00 p.m. EST to $27.23, a highest level since 1998.
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