T-Mobile USA And MetroPCS To Combine, Creating Value Leader In U.S. Wireless Marketplace
Business Wire
10/03/12 - 08:48 AM EDT
Deutsche Telekom (XETRA: DTE) (“Deutsche Telekom”) and MetroPCS
Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) (“MetroPCS”) today announced that they
have signed a definitive agreement to combine T-Mobile USA (“T-Mobile”)
and MetroPCS. This transaction will create the leading value carrier in
the U.S. wireless marketplace, which will deliver an enhanced customer
experience through a wider selection of affordable products and
services, deeper network coverage and a clear-cut technology path to one
common LTE network. The combined company, which will retain the T-Mobile
name, will have the expanded scale, spectrum and financial resources to
aggressively compete with the other national U.S. wireless carriers.
Deutsche Telekom’s supervisory board and MetroPCS’ board of directors
approved the transaction. The transaction is structured as a
recapitalization, in which MetroPCS will declare a 1 for 2 reverse stock
split, make a cash payment of $1.5 billion to its shareholders
(approximately $4.09 per share prior to the reverse stock split) and
acquire all of T-Mobile’s capital stock by issuing to Deutsche Telekom
74% of MetroPCS’ common stock on a pro forma basis. Deutsche Telekom has
also agreed to roll its existing intercompany debt into new $15 billion
senior unsecured notes of the combined company, provide the combined
company with a $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility and
provide a $5.5 billion backstop commitment for certain MetroPCS
third-party financing transactions.
The combined company will be a stronger competitor and will be
well-positioned to drive future growth. Based on analyst consensus
estimates for 2012, the combined company is expected to have
approximately 42.5 million subscribers, $24.8 billion of revenue, $6.3
billion of adjusted EBITDA, $4.2 billion of capital expenditures and
$2.1 billion of free cash flow (defined as EBITDA less capital
expenditures) in 2012.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with MetroPCS,
which enhances Deutsche Telekom’s position in the expanding U.S.
wireless market,” said René Obermann, Chief Executive Officer of
Deutsche Telekom. “The T-Mobile and MetroPCS brands are a great
strategic fit – both operationally and culturally. The new company will
be the value leader in wireless with the scale, spectrum and financial
and other resources to expand its geographic coverage, broaden choice
among all types of customers and continue to innovate, especially around
the next-generation LTE network. We are committed to creating a
sustainable and financially viable national challenger in the U.S., and
we believe this combination helps us deliver on that commitment.”
The transaction significantly accelerates T-Mobile’s Challenger Strategy
and the combined company will be a strong, national competitor by:
-
Combining T-Mobile and MetroPCS’ complementary spectrum to provide
greater network coverage, deeper LTE network deployment and a path to
at least 20x20 MHz of 4G LTE in many areas. Existing MetroPCS
customers will be migrated to a common LTE-based network as they
upgrade their handsets;
-
Increasing scale, which allows the combined company to secure more
compelling handsets, content and applications;
-
Projecting approximately $6-7 billion (net present value) of cost
synergies and additional upside from revenue synergies;
-
Capitalizing on its leading position as a provider of fast growing
no-contract services;
-
Offering a wider selection of attractive, competitively priced plans
to better serve the marketplace, including contract, no-contract
monthly, SIM-only, pay-as-you-go and mobile broadband services;
-
Introducing MetroPCS’ plans and services to a larger number of new
areas to complement T-Mobile’s offerings; and
-
Using its stronger network to advance its B2B offerings and MVNO
platform.
The transaction will enhance the financial position of the combined
company. Highlights include:
-
Delivering expected five-year compounded annual growth rates in the
range of 3% to 5% for revenues, 7% to 10% for EBITDA and 15% to 20%
for free cash flow;
-
Targeting an EBITDA margin in the range of 34% to 36% at the end of
the five-year period and achievable projected cost synergy realization
with an annual run-rate of $1.2-1.5 billion; and
-
Having increased financial flexibility with direct access to the debt
and equity capital markets.
John Legere, President and Chief Executive Officer of T-Mobile, said:
“The combination with MetroPCS is another logical and significant step
that will accelerate our Challenger Strategy and enable us to deliver
amazing, affordable and trusted 4G services, while providing
opportunities to expand geographic territories and serve more customers.
Our enhanced spectrum position will be the foundation for a faster and
more reliable network, and will allow us to deploy a deeper and more
robust LTE rollout, particularly in major metropolitan areas. We will be
a stronger, value-focused competitor, providing customers with offerings
such as our Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data and ‘bring your own device’
plans. These features, along with our ability to react with greater
speed and effectiveness to customer and market opportunities, will
deliver value to our customers, business partners, employees and
shareholders.”
Roger D. Linquist, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS,
said: “We are excited about this agreement to combine with T-Mobile,
which, upon closing, provides our shareholders with an immediate cash
payment and allows them to participate in the significant upside
potential of the combined company. Through the convergence of both
companies to LTE technology, the combined company will provide
cutting-edge 4G LTE services and accelerate its roll-out of 4G LTE. In
addition, this combination will allow MetroPCS to expand its no-contract
offerings into new major metro areas and enhance our combined spectrum
portfolio, which provides the potential to offer 4G LTE over at least a
full 20x20 MHz in many metro areas. Importantly, MetroPCS and T-Mobile
have the same network strategies and LTE networks in the same spectrum
bands, which we believe will accelerate the deployment of advanced
services to our customers. Ultimately, this combination will create a
stronger wireless provider nationally with broader value offerings to
better serve our combined customers and drive shareholder value.”
Upon consummation of the transaction, the combined company is expected
to continue trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Legere,
currently President and Chief Executive Officer of T-Mobile, will serve
as President and CEO of the new company and J. Braxton Carter, currently
Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chairman of MetroPCS, will be the CFO.
The company will operate T-Mobile and MetroPCS as separate customer
units, led by Jim Alling, currently Chief Operating Officer of T-Mobile,
and Thomas Keys, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of
MetroPCS, respectively.
After closing, the company’s headquarters will be in Bellevue,
Washington and it will retain a significant presence in Dallas, Texas.
The combined company will have an 11-member board of directors,
including a number of members appointed by Deutsche Telekom consistent
with its equity ownership.
The transaction is subject to MetroPCS shareholder approval, regulatory
approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is
expected to close in the first half of 2013.
Morgan Stanley acted as lead financial advisor and issued a fairness
opinion to the supervisory board of Deutsche Telekom. Lazard acted as
financial advisor to Deutsche Telekom. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz,
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, K&L Gates, and Wiley Rein LLP are
serving as legal counsel to T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom.
J.P. Morgan acted as lead financial advisor to MetroPCS and also advised
MetroPCS with regard to post transaction capital structure. Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC also acted as a financial advisor to
MetroPCS. Evercore Partners acted as financial advisor to the special
committee of the Board of Directors of MetroPCS and issued a fairness
opinion. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Paul Hastings and
Telecommunications Law Professionals are serving as legal counsel to
MetroPCS. Akin Gump and Fulbright & Jaworski served as counsel to
MetroPCS’ special committee.
Investor Conference Call / Webcast Information
Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile and MetroPCS will host a conference call for
investors on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at 3:00 PM (Central Europe) /
9:00 AM (Eastern) / 6:00 AM (Pacific) to discuss the transaction. A
slide presentation and live audio webcast of the call will be available
at
http://www.telekom.com/investor-relations
and
http://investor.metropcs.com.
Investors and analysts can access the teleconference by calling one of
the following numbers and providing the Conference ID: 36687728.
U.S.: 866-382-9489 or +1 706 679-4287France: 0800909322 or +33 17
080 7153Germany: 0800 181 5287 or +49 69 2222 4703Italy:
800786829 or +39 023 601 9660Netherlands: 08000232838 or +31 20
707 5535Spain: 900971520 or +34 93 492 3253U.K.: 08000288438
or +44 20 3107 0289
A replay of the conference call will be available as soon as possible
following the conference call, but no earlier than the afternoon of
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, and can be accessed by calling one of the
following numbers and providing the password 36687728.
U.S.: (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406France: 0800909829 or +33 17
080 7179Germany: 0800 180 2475 or +49 69 2222 4729Italy:
800780997 or +39 023 601 9680Netherlands: 08000235160 or +31
207075524Spain: 900967044 or +34 91 414 2529U.K.:
08009172646 or +44 20 3107 0235Replay passcode: 36687728
Media Conference Call / Webcast Information
Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile and MetroPCS will host a conference call for
media on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at 4:30 PM (Central Europe) / 10:30
AM (Eastern) / 7:30 AM (Pacific) to discuss the transaction. A live
audio webcast of the call can be accessed at
http://www.telekom.com/media,
newsroom.t-mobile.com/news
and
http://www.metropcs.com.
Media can access the teleconference by calling one of the following
numbers and providing the Conference ID: 36690366.
U.S.: (866) 382-9489 or +1 706 679-4287France: 0800909322 or +33
17 080 7153Germany: 0800 181 5287 or +49 69 2222 4703Italy:
800786829 or +39 023 601 9660Netherlands: 08000232838 or +31 20
707 5535Spain: 900971520 +34 93 492 3253U.K.: 08000288438 or
+44 20 3107 0289
A replay of the conference call will be available as soon as possible
following the conference call, but no earlier than the afternoon of
Wednesday, October 3, 2012, and can be accessed by calling one of the
following numbers and providing the password 36690366.
U.S.: (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406France: 0800909829 or +33 17
080 7179Germany: 0800 180 2475 or +49 69 2222 4729Italy:
800780997 or +39 023 601 9680Netherlands: 08000235160 or +31
207075524Spain: 900967044 or +34 91 414 2529U.K.:
08009172646 or +44 20 3107 0235Replay passcode: 36690366
About Deutsche Telekom
Deutsche Telekom is one of the world’s leading integrated
telecommunications companies with almost 130 million mobile customers,
33 million fixed-network lines and more than 17 million broadband lines
(as of June 30, 2012). The Group provides fixed-network, mobile
communications, Internet and IPTV products and services for consumers,
and ICT solutions for business and corporate customers. Deutsche Telekom
is present in around 50 countries and has over 233,000 employees
worldwide. The Group generated revenue of EUR 58.7 billion in the 2011
financial year - over half of it outside Germany (as of December 31,
2011).
About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless
operation of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCQX: DTEGY). By the end of the
second quarter of 2012, approximately 130 million mobile customers were
served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom
group — 33.2 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology
platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42.
T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower
people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent
research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in
numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call
quality.
In order to provide comparability with the results of other US wireless
carriers, all financial amounts are in US dollars and are based on
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
T-Mobile USA results are included in the consolidated results of
Deutsche Telekom, but differ from the information contained herein as,
among other things, Deutsche Telekom reports financial results in Euros
and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS).
For more information, please visit
http://www.T-Mobile.com.
T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For
further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit
www.telekom.de/investor-relations.
About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of
no annual contract, unlimited wireless communications service for a flat
rate. MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based wireless carrier
in the United States based on number of subscribers served. With Metro
USA(SM), MetroPCS customers can use their service in areas
throughout the United States covering a population of over 280 million
people. As of June 30, 2012, MetroPCS had approximately 9.3 million
subscribers. For more information please visit
www.MetroPCS.com.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This document
relates to a proposed transaction between MetroPCS
Communications, Inc. (“MetroPCS”) and Deutsche Telekom AG (“Deutsche
Telekom”) in connection with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (“T-Mobile”). The
proposed transaction will become the subject of a proxy statement to be
filed by MetroPCS with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”). This document is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any
other document that MetroPCS may file with the SEC or send to its
stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction.
MetroPCS’
investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement
(including all amendments and supplements thereto) and all other
relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction filed with the SEC
or sent to MetroPCS’
stockholders as they become available
because they will contain important information about the proposed
transaction. All documents, when filed, will be available free of
charge at the SEC’s website (
www.sec.gov).
You may also obtain these documents by contacting MetroPCS’ Investor
Relations department at 214-570-4641, or via e-mail at
investor_relations@metropcs.com.
This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or
approval.
Participants in the Solicitation
MetroPCS and its directors and executive officers will be deemed to be
participants in any solicitation of proxies in connection with the
proposed transaction, and Deutsche Telekom and its directors and
executive officers may be deemed to be participants in such
solicitation. Information about MetroPCS’ directors and executive
officers is available in MetroPCS’ proxy statement dated April 16, 2012
for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Other information regarding
the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their
direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will
be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be
filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when they become
available. Investors should read the proxy statement carefully when it
becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of
the “safe harbor” provisions within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Any statements
made in this document that are not statements of historical fact,
including statements about our beliefs, opinions, projections, and
expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as
such. These forward-looking statements often include words such as
“anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,”
“estimates,” “targets,” “views,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,”
“may,” “become,” “forecast,” and other similar expressions.
All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally
outside the control of MetroPCS, Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile and are
difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to, the possibility that the proposed transaction is
delayed or does not close, including due to the failure to receive the
required MetroPCS stockholder approvals or required regulatory
approvals, the taking of governmental action (including the passage of
legislation) to block the transaction, the failure to satisfy other
closing conditions, the possibility that the expected synergies will not
be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period,
the significant capital commitments of MetroPCS and T-Mobile, global
economic conditions, disruptions to the credit and financial markets,
fluctuations in exchange rates, competitive actions taken by other
companies, natural disasters, difficulties in integrating the two
companies, disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to
maintain business and operational relationships, possible disruptions or
intrusions of MetroPCS’ or T-Mobile’s network, billing, operational
support and customer care systems which may limit or disrupt their
ability to provide service, actions taken or conditions imposed by
governmental or other regulatory authorities and the exposure to
litigation. Additional factors that could cause results to differ
materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be
found in the MetroPCS’ 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 and other
filings with the SEC available at the SEC’s website (
www.sec.gov).
The forward-looking statements speak only as to the date made, are based
on current assumptions and expectations, and are subject to the factors
above, among others, and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions,
many of which are beyond our ability to control or ability to predict.
Neither MetroPCS’ investors and security holders nor any other person
should place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Neither
MetroPCS, Deutsche Telekom nor any other party undertake any duty to
update any forward-looking statement to reflect events after the date of
this document, except as required by law.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is not intended to and does not constitute an offer
to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an
invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the
solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the
acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or
transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of
applicable law.