Summary
Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) has announced significant strategic cable system transactions with AT&T Broadband, LLC, detailed in their 8-K filing dated February 28, 2001. These agreements are poised to substantially expand Charter's customer base, with an expected net addition of approximately 512,000 customers. The core of the deal involves Charter acquiring cable systems serving around 574,000 customers across Missouri, Alabama, Nevada, and California for a total of $1.79 billion. This substantial acquisition will be financed through a combination of Charter's existing cable systems (valued at $249 million and serving 62,000 customers in Florida), up to $501.5 million in Class A common stock, and the remainder in cash. Charter has secured bridge financing from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs for the cash portion and intends to arrange permanent financing through debt or equity offerings. The transactions are anticipated to close in the second or third quarters of 2001, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
Key Highlights
- 1Charter Communications to acquire cable systems serving approximately 574,000 customers from AT&T Broadband, LLC.
- 2Net customer addition expected to be around 512,000 after accounting for system swaps.
- 3Total transaction value for acquired systems is $1.79 billion.
- 4Transaction involves an exchange of Charter's Florida systems (62,000 customers, $249 million value) for AT&T systems.
- 5Financing will include up to $501.5 million in Charter Class A common stock and cash for the remaining purchase price.
- 6Bridge financing secured from Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs for the cash portion, with plans for permanent financing.
- 7Acquisitions are subject to closing conditions and regulatory review, with expected closing in Q2/Q3 2001.