January 15, 2013

Deals Of The Day...

Rogers, Shaw Sales Include Cable, Wireless
Rogers Communications plans to buy Shaw Communications’ Hamilton, Ontario-based cable system (to be added to Rogers’ adjacent cluster), with an option on Shaw's nationwide AWS spectrum holdings, perhaps writing that check in 2014 (pending regulatory approval). Shaw also will buy Rogers' one-third interest in TVtropolis for $59 million, giving it 100-percent ownership, and it will negotiate with Rogers for the provision of certain services in Western Canada. When all is said and done, Rogers will end up spending some $700 million (a $250 million deposit for the Ontario property as well as a $50 million payment for the AWS holdings. The total cost of the Ontario deal could reach $400 million).

Sony Expands PMC Patent Agreement
Texas-based Personalized Media Communications LLC, which develops, owns and licenses patents for enhanced media delivery and content, just wrapped an expanded licensing agreement with Sony Corporation that includes 58 patents, all with either 1981 or 1987 priority dates issued since 2010; these patents will not begin to expire until 2027. PMC’s patents have spawned inventions for cable or satellite TV and the Internet, and for other gear like wireless devices and set-top boxes. Other licensees have included Cisco and Motorola Mobility.

Globecomm On The Block?
It looks like Globecomm Systems Inc. may be thinking about putting itself up for sale, judging from its retention of Needham & Company as a financial advisor to help it boost overall value. As the financials stand now, Globecomm has ratcheted back consolidated revenues by some $20 million, and the top end of GAAP diluted net income per common share is being dropped by about $0.05. It’s looking to Needham to help it strategize, perhaps coming up with a plan prior to releasing its next round of financials Feb. 5.