"Print media assets are being liquidated, not part of the restructured company as I understand it, deal looks interesting to me." -Griz_Onine
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That is correct. My bad for jumping to conclusions and apologies for potentially misleading others.
Questions: I downloaded the investment summary fact sheet on the Shaw web-site.
Shaw is buying 20% but will have an 80% controlling interest in the Restructred CanWest. Debt holders are converting debt into equity.
How will this work exactly? Will the Restructured CanWest continue to trade publicly? Private or public, will this process result in dual or multiple class shares, e.g., voting shares and non-voting shares?
I'm warming to the notion that this deal does look attractive. (With this market, I reckon I have time on my side with respect to slowly accumulating more Shaw.) I like the strategic goals. There also seems to be an implicit recognition of the importance of playing to the national socio-political context. Pasted:
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
+ Unique Opportunity: acquisition of effective control of one of the premier broadcasters and owners of content in the
Canadian broadcasting industry at a reasonable valuation
+ Ownership of Content: content ownership (including broadband /mobile rights) is becoming increasingly important
as customers use a variety of platforms to view traditional programming
+ Wireless: a key strategic growth opportunity for Shaw, as mobile content streaming increases, content ownership will
enable Shaw to fully develop an integrated wireless platform
+ Increased Brand Awareness: opportunity to leverage broadcasting assets to create additional brand awareness
+ Regulatory Benefits: acquisition results in several benefits to the broadcasting system including an ability to
strengthen local programming, ensure the ongoing viability of a major Canadian network and sustain a dynamic and
competitive conventional television market