Charter to Buy Cox in $34.5 Billion Deal

Charter to Buy Cox in $34.5 Billion Deal

Charter Communications, and Cox Communications (“Cox”) on Friday announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their businesses in what the companies describe as "a transformative transaction that will create an industry leader in mobile and broadband communications services, seamless video entertainment, and high-quality customer service delivering powerful benefits for American employees, customers, communities, and shareholders."

The deal comes as cord-cutting is rampant and the move from cable viewing to streaming is impacting the cable company model.

If approved by regulators, the deal is likely to impact Rhode Island Cox customers in the long run.

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The proposed transaction values Cox Communications at an enterprise value of approximately $34.5 billion based on, and at parity with, Charter’s recent enterprise value to 2025 estimated Adjusted EBITDA trading multiple. 

The Wall Street Journal values the deal at $21.9 billion.

“We’re honored that the Cox family has entrusted us with its impressive legacy and are excited by the opportunity to benefit from the terrific operating history and community leadership of Cox,” said Chris Winfrey, President and CEO of Charter. “Cox and Charter have been innovators in connectivity and entertainment services – with decades of work and hundreds of billions of dollars invested to build, upgrade, and expand our complementary regional networks to provide high-quality internet, video, voice and mobile services. This combination will augment our ability to innovate and provide high-quality, competitively priced products, delivered with outstanding customer service, to millions of homes and businesses. We will continue to deliver high-value products that save American families money, and we’ll onshore jobs from overseas to create new, good-paying careers for U.S. employees that come with great benefits, career training and advancement, and retirement and ownership opportunities.” 

The Cox family is the longest-continuous operator in the industry, having acquired its first cable television franchise in 1962.

“Our family has always believed that investing for the long-term and staying committed to the best interests of our customers, employees and communities is the best recipe for success,” said Alex Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises. “In Charter, we’ve found the right partner at the right time and in the right position to take this commitment to a higher level than ever before, delivering an incredible outcome for our customers, employees, suppliers and the local communities we serve.”

“Charter’s board and I are excited about this transaction and very supportive of Alex stepping into the board Chairman role,” said Eric Zinterhofer, Chairman of Charter’s Board of Directors. “The combination of Cox Communications with Charter is an excellent outcome for our collective shareholders, customers, employees and the industry.”