Clear Channel Communications, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Television Group to Providence Equity Partners Inc.
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Television Group to Providence Equity Partners Inc. for approximately USD 1.2 billion.
The sale includes 56 television stations (including 18 digital multicast stations) located in 24 markets across the United States. Also included in the sale are the stations’ associated Web sites, the Television Operations Center, and Inergize Digital Media, which manages the Television Group’s online and wireless initiatives. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Commenting on the transaction, Mark Mays, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel said: ‘The stations and management of Clear Channel Television have established an outstanding record of achievement, innovation and community service in broadcasting and web development. While we will miss the important role they have played in the Clear Channel family, we are excited that they will be partnered with Providence Equity to continue to pursue growth opportunities in the rapidly changing media environment.’
‘This is a rare opportunity to acquire a premier collection of broadcast television stations with strong positions in many attractive markets across the United States,’ said Al Dobron, a Managing Director of Providence Equity. ‘We are pleased to again partner with Sandy DiPasquale to create value at these local broadcasting stations and identify additional potential high-quality television opportunities.’
‘These are well run, quality television stations,’ said Sandy DiPasquale, a veteran broadcast executive and the President and CEO of BlueStone Television. ‘I look forward to continuing my partnership with Providence Equity and working with the talented CCTV employees to build on their success integrating broadcast and internet services to serve their communities.’
The Television Group currently consists of ten CW, eight FOX, seven NBC, six ABC, six CBS, four My Network TV, two NBC Weather Plus, two Telemundo, five independent stations, and six stations affiliated with Clear Channel’s Variety Television Network (VTV). A chart of the individual broadcast properties, by location and network affiliation, is attached below.
Clear Channel estimates net proceeds after-tax and after customary transaction costs will be approximately USD 1.1 billion for the Television Group. Information on the treatment of tax loss carry forwards relative to this sale is provided below.
About Clear Channel Communications_Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company specializing in "gone from home" entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company’s businesses include radio, television, and outdoor displays.
Providence Equity Partners Inc. is a global private equity firm specializing in equity investments in media, entertainment, communications and information companies around the world. The principals of Providence Equity manage funds with approximately USD 21 billion in equity commitments and have invested in more than 100 companies operating in over 20 countries since the firm’s inception in 1990. Significant investments include Bresnan Broadband Holdings, Casema, Com Hem, Digiturk, Education Management Corporation, eircom, Freedom Communications, Idea Cellular, Kabel Deutschland, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Ono, Open Solutions, PanAmSat, ProSiebenSat.1, Recoletos, TDC, Univision, VoiceStream Wireless, Warner Music Group, Western Wireless and Yankees Entertainment Sports Network. Providence Equity is headquartered in Providence, RI (USA) and has offices in New York and London. The firm is opening offices in Hong Kong and New Delhi.
