Fox Corporation to acquire Roku in $22 billion cash-and-stock deal - bestmediainfo.com
π€ Fox Corporation announces a $22 billion cash-and-stock deal to acquire streaming giant Roku.
π° The transaction values at $160 per Roku share, split between $96 cash and stock components.
π Combined entity projects to become the third-largest US television player by viewing share.
π± Integration merges Fox's news/sports content with Roku's platform reaching 100M+ households.
πΈ Fox expects $400 million in run-rate cost synergies and revenue upside from the merger.
π¦ Deal funded via new debt and cash, backed by $12 billion bridge financing from Morgan Stanley.
π Transaction expected to be accretive to free cash flow per share by year two post-close.
ποΈ Closing anticipated in the first half of calendar year 2027 pending regulatory approvals.
π₯ Anthony Wood will join Fox's board while maintaining his ongoing role at the combined company.
π Post-merger ownership structure sees Fox shareholders holding ~73% and Roku shareholders ~27%.
- The acquisition creates a powerful synergy by combining Fox's live news and sports content with Roku's direct relationship to over 100 million global streaming households.
- Fox expects the deal to be accretive to free cash flow per share starting in the second full year after closing, enhancing shareholder value.
- The combined company is projected to become the third-largest player in US television by share of viewing, significantly expanding market reach.
- Fox anticipates approximately $400 million in run-rate cost synergies, providing a clear path to improved profitability and operational efficiency.
- Roku will continue to operate as an open and partner-friendly platform, ensuring wide distribution for Fox content and maintaining ecosystem health.
- The deal offers a significant premium to Roku shareholders while allowing them to participate in the future upside of the combined media and technology platform.
- Fox has secured $12 billion in fully committed bridge financing, demonstrating strong financial commitment and ability to execute the large-scale transaction.
- The deal is subject to customary closing conditions including approvals from both Fox and Roku shareholders, as well as US and certain non-US regulatory bodies.
- Post-transaction pro forma net leverage is expected to be about 2.8 times, indicating a significant increase in debt load to fund the acquisition.