Iridium shareholders are due to vote Sept. 24 on Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition. CEO Peter Beck says Iridium’s operating satellite communications network and recurring subscriber revenue would expand Rocket Lab beyond rockets and spacecraft.
The deal carries an $8.1 billion enterprise value and is fully financed through a $1.9 billion share offering, Rocket Lab’s existing liquidity and an amended $1.7 billion term loan at Iridium. If shareholders approve, Rocket Lab targets a mid-2027 closing; regulatory approvals and other closing conditions remain.
The article describes the transaction as large relative to Rocket Lab and notes that the share offering diluted existing shareholders. Iridium’s term loan would remain after closing with a Rocket Lab USA guarantee; combining Iridium’s network, spectrum licenses and technical infrastructure with Rocket Lab’s businesses presents integration risks.
