Gannett Completes Its Acquisition Of Belo

Gannett Co. announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Belo Corp. for $13.75 per share in cash, in addition to the assumption of $715 million of outstanding debt, for a total transaction value of $2.2 billion.

The company said its combination with Belo nearly doubles Gannett’s broadcast portfolio and “creates the largest independent station group of major network affiliates in the top 25 markets, including stations to be serviced by Gannett under shared services and similar arrangements. Gannett now reaches approximately one-third of all television households in America. It also significantly expands the company’s geographic reach and revenue diversity. Gannett will become the No. 1 CBS affiliate group, the No. 4 ABC affiliate group, and will expand its already No. 1 NBC affiliate group position.

Gracia Martore, the company’s president-CEO, said: “We are thrilled to combine these two storied media companies, both of which are known for award-winning journalism, operational excellence and strong brand leadership. The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone in Gannett’s ongoing transformation into a higher-margin and more highly diversified company in the rapidly evolving media business.”

The closing of the transaction follows the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and approval of the transaction by Belo shareholders. With the closing of the transaction, Belo common stock will cease trading and will no longer be listed on the NYSE.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC provided financial advice and Nixon Peabody LLP, Covington & Burling LLP, and Paul Hastings LLP served as legal advisers to Gannett on the transaction. RBC Capital Markets, LLC provided financial advice and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Wiley Rein LLP served as legal advisers to Belo.