DigitalGlobe and GeoEye Agree to Merge

In March 2010, I highlighted two companies in the satellite image sector — GeoEye ($GEOY) and DigitalGlobe ($DGI). These companies provide satellite images for customers like Google Earth. The two stocks have performed very poorly since I first wrote about them. Today, both companies announced that they’re going to merge:

Under the terms of the agreement, GeoEye shareowners will have the right to elect either 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock and $4.10 per share in cash, 100% of the consideration in cash ($20.27) or 100% of the consideration in stock (1.425 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock), for each share of GeoEye stock they own, with the amount of cash and stock subject to proration depending upon the elections of GeoEye shareholders, such that aggregate consideration mix reflects the ratio of 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock and $4.10 per share in cash. Based upon the closing prices of DigitalGlobe and GeoEye as of July 20, 2012, the transaction delivers a premium of 34% to GeoEye’s July 20, 2012 closing price of $15.17 per share. Upon completion of the transaction, DigitalGlobe shareowners are expected to own approximately 64% and GeoEye shareowners are expected to own approximately 36% of the combined company. The transaction structure will allow both DigitalGlobe and GeoEye shareowners to participate in the substantial value creation opportunity resulting from this combination.

I don’t think the stock is an attractive buy but this is a good one to watch.

Posted by on July 23rd, 2012 at 8:28 am


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