Maxar Technologies is acquired for $6.4 billion by private equity firm Advent International … a win-win for all

The following is an announcement released by Maxar Technologies.

Maxar Technologies (“Maxar” or the “Company”), provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, in an all-cash transaction that values Maxar at an enterprise value of approximately $6.4 billion. Advent is headquartered in the United States and has a demonstrable track record as a responsible owner of defense and security businesses. Following the close of the transaction, Maxar will remain a U.S.-controlled and operated company. 

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Advent has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Maxar common stock for $53.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 129% over Maxar’s closing stock price of $23.10 on December 15, 2022, the last full trading day prior to this announcement, an approximately 135% premium to the 60-day volume-weighted average price prior to this announcement, and a premium of approximately 34% over Maxar’s 52-week high.  

Following the closing of the transaction, Maxar will benefit from the significant resources, operational expertise and capacity for investment provided by Advent. As a private company, Maxar will be able to accelerate investments in next-generation satellite technologies and data insights that are vital to the Company’s government and commercial customers, as well as pursue select, strategic M&A to further enhance the Company’s portfolio of solutions.

This includes supporting the successful delivery of the new Legion satellite constellation, accelerating the launch of Legion 7 and 8 satellites and further growing the Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure businesses through investments in next-generation capabilities, such as advanced machine learning and 3D mapping. With approximately $28 billion invested across the defense, security and cybersecurity sectors in the last three years, Advent’s portfolio companies have substantial expertise supporting many satellite and defense platforms which serve the U.S. government and its allies as well as companies across the globe.  

“This transaction delivers immediate and certain value to our stockholders at a substantial premium,” said General Howell M. Estes, III (USAF Retired), Chair of Maxar’s Board of Directors. “Maxar’s mission has never been more important, and this transaction allows us to maximize value for stockholders while accelerating the Company’s ability to deliver its mission-critical technology and solutions to customers over the near and long term.” 

“Today’s announcement is an exceptional outcome for stockholders and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, the value Maxar has created and the reputation we have built in our industry,” said Daniel Jablonsky, President and CEO of Maxar. “Advent has a proven record of strengthening its portfolio companies and a desire to support Maxar in advancing our long-term strategic objectives. As a private company, we will have enhanced flexibility and additional resources to build on Maxar’s strong foundation, further scale operations and capture the significant opportunities in a rapidly expanding market.” 

“We have tremendous respect and admiration for Maxar, its industry-leading technology and the vital role it serves in supporting the national security of the United States and its allies around the world,” said David Mussafer, Chairman and Managing Partner of Advent. “We will prioritize Maxar’s commitment as a core provider to the U.S. defense and intelligence communities, and allies, while providing Maxar with the financial and operational support necessary to apply its technology and team members even more fully to the missions and programs of its government and commercial customers.” 

“In our view, Maxar is a uniquely positioned and attractive asset in satellite manufacturing and space-based high-resolution imagery, with an incredible workforce and many opportunities ahead,” said Shonnel Malani, Managing Director and global head of Advent’s aerospace and defense team. “We have strong conviction in the growing need for the differentiated solutions Maxar provides, and our goal is to invest in expanding Maxar’s satellite constellation as well as supporting Maxar’s team to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring mission success for its customers.”  

Transaction Details 

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Maxar’s Board of Directors, Maxar stockholders will receive $53.00 in cash for each share of common stock they own.  

Advent has arranged committed debt and equity financing commitments for the purpose of financing the transaction, providing a high level of closing certainty. Funds advised by Advent have committed an aggregate equity contribution of $3.1 billion and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (“BCI”) is providing a minority equity investment through a committed aggregate equity contribution equal to $1.0 billion, both on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the signed equity commitment letters. 

The agreement includes a 60-day “go-shop” period expiring at 11:59 pm EST on February 14, 2023. During this period, the Maxar Board of Directors and its advisors will actively initiate, solicit and consider alternative acquisition proposals from third parties. The Maxar Board will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that this “go-shop” will result in a superior proposal, and Maxar does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or otherwise required. The Company, Advent and BCI will contemporaneously pursue regulatory reviews and approvals required to conclude the transaction. 

The transaction is expected to close mid-2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Maxar stockholders and receipt of regulatory approvals. The transaction is not subject to any conditionality related to the launch, deployment or performance of Maxar’s WorldView Legion satellite program. Upon completion of the transaction, Maxar’s common stock will no longer be publicly listed. It is expected that Maxar will continue to operate under the same brand and maintain its current headquarters in Westminster, Colorado. 

The foregoing description of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full terms of the merger agreement, which Maxar will be filing on Form 8-K. 

Advisors 

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to Maxar and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as lead counsel to Maxar. Milbank LLP is serving as Maxar’s legal advisor with respect to certain space industry and regulatory matters. 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to Advent and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as lead counsel to Advent. Covington & Burling LLP is serving as Advent’s legal advisor with respect to certain regulatory matters. 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as lead counsel to BCI. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is serving as BCI’s legal advisor with respect to certain regulatory matters.