09.29
Shaw Communications
$1.25 Billion Bond Offering To Repay Debt, Possible
Cable Tuck-In Acquisitions
Shaw Communications has announced the completion of a $1.25 billion
offering of 5.65% senior unsecured notes due 2019. Originally, Shaw had
wanted to raise $750 million, but due to strong institutional demand, the
size of the bond deal was increased.
The proceeds from this offering will be used to repay near-term maturing
debt (redemption of Shaw’s US$440 million 8.25% Senior Notes due April
11, 2010, and US$225 million 7.25% Senior Notes due April 6, 2011) and
fund the recent Mountain Cablevision acquisition (~$300 million).
Taking into account the size of the deal and the resulting excess funds,
there is some speculation that Shaw may pursue other tuck-in deals,
including cablecos in Hamilton (Source Cable) and British Columbia (Delta
and Coast Cable).
Given that the Canadian cable sector has already seen considerable
consolidation, there is a high scarcity value attached to the remaining
targets, as reflected in Shaw’s Mountain Cablevision deal. The speculation of
additional, potentially pricey tuck-in deals could create noise for Shaw.
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