CenturyLink and Level 3 Communications will combine in a deal valued at approximately $34 billion, including debt.
Level 3 shareholders will receive a premium of approximately 42 percent based on Level 3’s unaffected closing share price of $46.92 on October 26, 2016, the last trading day prior to market speculation about a potential transaction.
Once complete CenturyLink shareholders will own approximately 51 percent and Level 3 shareholders will own approximately 49 percent of the combined company.
The consolidation will see CenturyLink’s larger enterprise customer base offered Level 3’s global footprint.
“The digital economy relies on broadband connectivity, and together with Level 3 we will have one of the most robust fiber network and high-speed data services companies in the world,” said Glen Post, CenturyLink Chief Executive Officer and President.
“This transaction furthers our commitment to providing our customers with the network to improve their lives and strengthen their businesses. It is this focus on providing fiber connectivity that will continue to distinguish CenturyLink from our competitors. CenturyLink shareholders will benefit from the significant synergies and financial flexibility provided by the combined company’s revenue growth and strong cash flow. For employees, this combination will bring together two highly customer-focused organizations and provide employees growth and advancement opportunities the companies could not offer separately.”
“This is a compelling transaction for our customers, shareholders and employees,” said Jeff Storey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Level 3. “In addition to the substantial value delivered to shareholders, the combined company will be uniquely positioned to meet the evolving and global needs of enterprise customers.”
This transaction increases CenturyLink’s network by 200,000 route miles of fiber, which includes 64,000 route miles in 350 metropolitan areas and 33,000 subsea route miles connecting multiple continents.
CenturyLink’s on-net buildings are expected to increase by nearly 75 percent to approximately 75,000, including 10,000 buildings in EMEA and Latin America. Cost efficiencies are expected to fund capital investment on increasing capacity and extending the reach of the combined company’s high-bandwidth fiber network.
The combined company will have significantly improved network capabilities, creating a world-class enterprise player with approximately $19 billion in pro forma business revenue and$13 billion in business strategic revenue, for twelve months ended June 30, 2016.
CenturyLink’s and Level 3’s revenue will be 76 percent derived from business customers, and 65 percent of the combined company’s core revenue will be from strategic services. Given the complementary nature of the portfolios, the combined company will offer an even broader range of services and solutions to meet customers’ demand for more bandwidth and new applications in an increasingly complex operating environment.
This transaction will provide the combined company with increased opportunity to invest in its broadband infrastructure and enhance broadband speed for small businesses and consumers.
Management
After the close of the transaction, Glen Post will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer and President and Sunit Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Level 3, will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company.
The Chairman of CenturyLink’s Board at the time of the closing of the transaction will continue to serve as Chairman of the combined company.
