The owner of WJBR in north Wilmington is acquiring radio stations in Philadelphia and other markets from another family-controlled company.
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. and Greater Media, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement inwhich Beasley will acquire all of the outstanding stock of Greater Media for $240 million.
The Philadelphia stations include long-time rock station, WMMR, classic rocker WMJK and sports talk station 97.5 The Fanatic.
Beasley earlier acquired WIP-AM, after the popular sports talk station was moved to the FM dial.
The sale comes as CBS plans to spin off its radio holdings that include WIP and AM news station KYW.
Under the terms of the agreement, Greater Media shareholders are expected to receive approximately $100 million in cash and approximately $25 million in shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (at a fixed value of $4.61 per share). In addition, the shareholders of Greater Media will receive the net cash proceeds from the sale of its tower assets, estimated to be approximately $20 million.
Beasley will refinance approximately $80 million of debt of Greater Media. In connection with the acquisition, Beasley will initially acquire 21 radio stations in seven markets including four new markets (Detroit, MI; Middlesex, NJ; Monmouth, NJ; and, Morristown, NJ) and three markets where the company has existing operations (Philadelphia; Boston, MA; and, Charlotte, NC).
Excluding transaction costs, the transaction is expected to add to Beasley’s operating results immediately upon closing (inclusive of expected financial and operating synergies and the planned divestiture of certain stations).
The acquisition of Greater Media is expected to significantly broaden Beasley’s local radio broadcasting and digital platform, scale and revenue base by adding stations that are geographically complementary to the Company’s operating base while presenting the opportunity for significant financial and operating synergies with its existing station portfolio and digital operations. Upon closing, Beasley’s portfolio of stations that it owns and operates (prior to planned divestitures) is expected to expand to 73 stations (52 FM and 21 AM) in 16 markets. Giving effect to the transaction on a pro forma basis as of December 31, 2015, Beasley’s net revenue would have increased from approximately $106 million to approximately $247 million. Beasley intends to divest certain radio stations in Charlotte, NC to obtain FCC approval of the proposed transaction.
Caroline Beasley, Interim Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, commented, “The acquisition of Greater Media’s broadcasting and related digital assets represents a transformational growth opportunity for Beasley and is strategically and financially compelling for our shareholders. The transaction increases our broadcast portfolio by approximately 40% and more than doubles our audience reach, giving us both market leading stations and great brands.
“Throughout Beasley Broadcast Group’s 55-year history, we have actively managed our station portfolio with the goal of providing our local communities with great entertainment and critical information, diversifying our operations, managing risk and improving financial results. Similarly, Greater Media and the Bordes family have a 60-year track record of serving local communities and developing new technology and services to improve media communications. A focus on strong core programming and targeted localism has been the foundation of both companies’ operating philosophies, ratings strength and market leadership. As such, we intend to implement our proven strategy of focusing on local programming and effective digital media marketing solutions across the two companies as well as best practices from our existing operations with those from Greater Media.”
The transaction, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both Beasley and Greater Media, is subject to FCC approval and other regulatory approvals (including the termination or expiration of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period) and other customary closing conditions.
Upon completion of the transaction, expected in the fourth quarter of 2016, Beasley shareholders and Greater Media shareholders will hold approximately 81% and 19%, respectively, of Beasley’s outstanding shares. In addition, Greater Media shareholders will have the right to appoint one member to the Beasley Board of Directors which will expand the size of the Board to nine members.
