Verizon to Buy Straight Path for Nearly $3.1 Billion

Telecommunications conglomerate Verizon Communications Inc. is set set to buy wireless spectrum holder Straight Path Communications Inc. for around $3.1 billion, roughly double of rival AT&T's initial offer. Verizon aims to gain an advantage in the race towards a 5G network.

Straight Path holds licenses to use high-frequency radio waves that some engineers believe would form the foundation of next-generation networks. The company is one of the biggest holders of millimeter wave spectrum. Furthermore, 5G is expected to boast higher speeds, shorter response times and more capacity.

Verizon will pay $184.00 per share in Verizon stock for the firm. The $184 a share all-stock offer represents a discount of 17.8 percent to Straight Path's close on Wednesday and an equity value of $2.3 billion. The stock jumped almost five-fold since April 7.

Back in April, AT&T announced it would buy Straight Path for $1.25 billion in an an all stock deal. Straight Path then said that it received a bid from an unnamed bidder that Reuters reported was actually Verizon, citing sources. In January, Straight Path placed itself on the block.

On behalf of Straight Path, Verizon will pay a termination fee of $38 million to AT&T. The deal is seen to close within nine months. As part of an earlier settlement, Straight Path will also have to pay the U.S. government a 20 percent cut from the sale of its spectrum licenses.

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