Status: Upcoming/New Filing
Acquirer: MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (Canada)
Acquired: DigitalGlobe, Inc. (U.S.)
Value: US$3.6 billion (C$4.7 billion)
Industry: Satellite Telecommunications
On February 24, 2017, DigitalGlobe, Inc., a Colorado based satellite imagery data and analysis company, and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”), a communications and information company based in Canada, announced that they have “entered into a definitive merger agreement, pursuant to which SSL MDA Holdings, the U.S. operating company of MDA, will acquire DigitalGlobe for US$35.00 per share in cash and stock.” (Supplemental Prepared Remarks, DigitalGlobal, EX-99.3, Form 8-K, Feb 24, 2017, SEC Filing.) MDA stated that “[t]he combination will bring together complementary space-related capabilities, creating a stronger company uniquely positioned to capture growth in the U.S., Canadian and global Earth observation and geospatial services markets given its ability to provide complete, end-to-end space systems, earth imagery and geospatial solutions. (See MDA Press Release, MDA to Acquire DigitalGlobe, Creating Industry Leader in End-to-End Space Systems, Earth Imagery and Geospatial Solutions, Feb. 24, 2017.) Jeff Tarr, President & CEO of DigitalGlobe, noted that the transaction will require customary regulatory approvals, such as “Antitrust, CFIUS, [and] DSS,” and that he has “a high degree of confidence that this deal or this transaction will be approved and closed against a timely schedule.” MDA and DigitalGlobe Joint Conference Call, DigitalGlobe, EX-99.2, Form 8-K , Feb 24, 2017, SEC Filing.)
