Iridium shareholders voted for Rocket Lab’s acquisition, with votes representing 81% of Iridium’s outstanding common shares. The deal values each share at $54, remains subject to regulatory approval, and the companies expect to complete it by mid-next year.
Iridium investors are to receive $27 in cash per share plus a number of Rocket Lab shares, still to be determined, to reach the fixed $54-per-share acquisition price. The transaction’s enterprise value is about $8 billion. Rocket Lab says it has secured commitments for the non-stock portion.
Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said the combination would bring together Iridium’s network, spectrum and operating experience with Rocket Lab’s launch and space-systems capabilities. Iridium CEO Matt Desch described the companies’ capabilities as complementary.
