Viasat Aquires Inmarsat

Carlsbad, Calif., Nov. 8, 2021-- Viasat Inc., (NASDAQ: VSAT) and Inmarsat, a today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Viasat will acquire Inmarsat in a transaction valued at US$ 7.3 billion, comprised of US$ 850.0 million in cash, approximately 46.36 million shares of Viasat common stock valued at US$ 3.1 billion based on the closing price on Friday November 5, 2021, and the assumption of US$ 3.4 billion of net debt.

The combined company intends to integrate the spectrum, satellite and terrestrial assets of both companies into a global high-capacity hybrid space and terrestrial network, capable of delivering superior services in fast-growing commercial and government sectors. This advanced architecture will create a framework incorporating the most favorable characteristics of multi-band, multi-orbit satellites and terrestrial air-to-ground systems that can deliver higher speeds, more bandwidth, greater density of bandwidth at high demand locations like airport and shipping hubs and lower latency at lower cost than either company could provide alone.

The combined company will be able to offer:

• A broad portfolio of spectrum licenses across the Ka-, L- and S-bands and a fleet of 19 satellites in service with an additional 10 spacecraft under construction and planned for launch within the next three years.
• A global Ka-band footprint, including planned polar coverage, to support bandwidth-intensive applications, augmented by L-band assets that support all-weather resilience and highly reliable, narrowband and IoT connectivity.
• The ability to unlock greater value from Inmarsat's L-band spectrum and existing space assets by incorporating Viasat's state-of-the-art beamforming, end-user terminal and payload technologies and its hybrid multi-orbit space-terrestrial networking capabilities.
• Viasat's highly vertically-integrated technology and service offerings, along with Inmarsat's extensive eco-system of technology, manufacturing and service distribution.

"This is a transformative combination that advances our common ambitions to connect the world. The unique fusion of teams, technologies and resources provides the ingredients and scale needed for profitable growth through the creation and delivery of innovative broadband and IoT services in new and existing fast-growing segments and geographies," said Viasat's Executive Chairman Mark Dankberg. "Inmarsat's dual-band global mobile network, unique L-band resources, skills and capabilities in the U.K. and excellent technical and operational talent worldwide, are powerful complements to Viasat's business. Together, we can advance broadband communications and create new hybrid space and terrestrial networks that drive greater performance, coverage, speed, reliability and value for customers. We look forward to welcoming the Inmarsat team into the Viasat family."

"Joining with Viasat is the right combination for Inmarsat at the right time," said Rajeev Suri, CEO of Inmarsat. "Viasat is a terrific innovator and Inmarsat brings some powerful additions: global reach, a broad distribution channel, robust business momentum and a presence in highly attractive global mobility segments. Together, the two companies will create a new global player with the scale and scope to help shape the future of a dynamic and growing industry. The combination will create a strong future for Inmarsat and be well-positioned to offer greater choice for customers around the world, enhanced scope for partners and new opportunities for employees. The industrial logic is compelling and ensures that the U.K. has a strong and sustainable presence in the critical space sector for the long term."

Rick Baldridge, Viasat's president and CEO added, "This strategic move gives Viasat the scale to increase the pace of innovation that drives new and better services for our customers, broadens the opportunities for our employees and provides a foundation for significant positive free cash flow, with potential upside from a revitalization of L-band and IoT service growth. Plus, we will have expanded scale and presence in the US$ 1.6 trillion broadband and IoT sectors. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and looking forward to setting up the combined organization for long-term success."

Driving increased innovation and sustainability in the U.K. space sector

Viasat plans to build on Inmarsat's presence in the U.K. and is committed to preserving and growing the investment of the combined company in U.K. space communications, as well as supporting the recently published National Space Strategy. The combined company will cooperatively engage with the U.K. government with a view to operating in the U.K. consistent with the commitments previously made by Inmarsat/Connect BidCo, and expects continued constructive engagement across the U.K.'s thriving innovation ecosystem. It further intends to work closely with the U.K. government to bring additional space capabilities and other advanced technologies to the country as well as long-term, highly skilled engineering and related jobs for U.K.-based employees. Viasat plans to preserve and grow Inmarsat's London headquarters, as well as its footprint in Australia and Canada and across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Transaction terms and financial highlights

Under the terms of the agreement, Inmarsat's shareholders will receive US$ 850 million in cash, subject to adjustments, and approximately 46.36 million newly issued Viasat shares valued at US$ 3.1 billion, based on the closing price of $67.00 per Viasat share on November 5, 2021. At closing, on a pro forma basis, Inmarsat shareholders are expected to be issued shares representing an aggregate of 37.5% of Viasat stock on a fully diluted basis, with each of the existing Inmarsat shareholders receiving shares representing less than 10%.

The combined company's revenue and earnings profile is expected to be more diverse, resilient and global. Viasat estimates that the combined company has the potential for mid-teens percentage revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth with a fully funded path to positive free cash flow, with upside from new IoT applications and greater utilization of global space assets.

This transaction is expected to deliver meaningful and enduring capital, operating and cross-selling revenue synergies, with operating  and capital expenditure synergies alone expected to drive value creation of US$ 1.5 billion on an after-tax NPV basis. In addition, both companies are nearing the end of unusually intensive capital investment cycles within the next 24 to 36 months and expect significant subsequent benefits from converging their respective architectures into a joint, high-performance global network. 

Financing overview

Viasat has obtained financing commitments for US$ 2.3 billion of new debt facilities required to complete this transaction, a portion of which is to be raised between signing and closing to fund Viasat's standalone growth expenditures. Viasat also plans to assume US$ 2.1 billion in principal amount of Inmarsat senior secured bonds and $1.7 billion outstanding under Inmarsat's US$ 2.4 billion of senior secured credit facilities.   Viasat has also obtained commitments of $3.2 billion to backstop certain amendments required under Viasat's $700 million credit facility, $88.4 million outstanding under Viasat's Ex-Im credit facility and Inmarsat's $2.4 billion of senior secured credit facilities. Upon closing, the combined company is expected to have a fully funded path to generating positive free cash flow on a timeline substantially consistent with Viasat's previous standalone guidance. Assuming closing occurs during the second half of calendar year 2022, Viasat's pro forma net leverage ratio at December 31, 2022 is projected to be approximately 5.0x LTM Adjusted EBITDA and is expected to decline to less than 4.0x within 24 months thereafter
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Viasat and Inmarsat. In addition, The Baupost Group, L.L.C., Viasat's largest shareholder, has agreed to vote in favor of the transaction. At the closing of the transaction, Viasat intends to expand its board of directors from eight to ten members, with Andrew Sukawaty, current chairman of Inmarsat, being appointed as one of the two new board members. A second new board member will be appointed at transaction closing by the current Inmarsat shareholders.

During the period prior to the closing of the transaction, Viasat expects members of Inmarsat's management team to continue to execute its strategy and provide leadership, in-depth industry knowledge and customer relationship support. Decisions regarding management of the combined company following the closing of the transaction will be made as part of the integration planning process.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2022, subject to the approval of Viasat stockholders, the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and clearances and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Advisors

PJT Partners is serving as financial advisor to Viasat, provided a fairness opinion to the board of directors of Viasat, and is also serving as capital markets advisor, arranging the committed financing for the transaction. Latham & Watkins LLP and Linklaters are serving as legal advisors to Viasat. Barclays, J.P. Morgan Securities plc and Trinity Advisers are acting as financial advisors to Inmarsat. Kirkland & Ellis, Clifford Chance and Steptoe & Johnson LLP are serving as legal advisors to Inmarsat and its majority shareholders.