(CTN News) – The idea of Charter Communications acquiring Cox Communications has been discussed recently. This proposal would result in a merger of $34.5 billion, combining two of the three most successful cable businesses in the United States.

In the television industry, this would be viewed as a positive step forward. As the third-largest cable television provider in the United States, Cox serves 6.5 million customers. The company offers services, including internet and phone service, as well as digital cable-based home security systems.

This business has maintained a strong market presence for a long time by offering services in a range of places, including Virginia and California.

The company is also known as Charter Communications.

These consumers are spread throughout 41 different states. Throughout its history, the cable sector has faced competition from a wide range of sources.

These sources include mobile telecommunications companies’ internet plans as well as streaming services like Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and HBO Max. In November, Comcast, which is nearly as huge as Charter, divided a sizable piece of its cable television networks into independent organisations.

This policy was implemented in response to the growing trend of people abandoning their cable TV subscriptions in favour of streaming alternatives.

Because “cord cutting” resulted in the loss of millions of clients, the sector is currently developing techniques to effectively compete with other firms. As a result, they find themselves in a potentially deadly scenario.

Charter Communications said on Friday evening that it will acquire Cox Communications’ cloud, managed information technology, and commercial fibre operations. Charter Holdings, a Charter subsidiary partnership, will gain access to Cox Communications’ residential cable operation in exchange for a payment from Cox Enterprises.

Over 23% of the shares outstanding will belong to Cox Enterprises.

The authorities and Charter investors must reach an agreement sanction the transaction, which entails thirteen and a half billion dollars in debt.

According to Scott Purdy, KPMG’s U.S. Media Industry Lead for Strategy, this deal exemplifies the strategic consolidation that is driving major change in the media and telecom industries. Purdy released a news release.

By pooling their resources, these enterprises will be able to strengthen their competitive position in a market plagued by operational challenges, allow for scalability, and generate significant cost savings. The organisations in question will be able to attain these objectives on their own.

The anticipated acquisition is one of the most significant events to have occurred over the last eighteen months. As the summer of 2023 neared, Mars announced that it had successfully completed a $30 billion arrangement with Kellanova.

Exxon Mobil successfully finalised its acquisition of Pioneer Natural, valued at around $60 billion, in the latter half of the same year. Within one year of the successful conclusion of the merger, the amalgamated company will be rebranded as Cox Communications.

After the transaction is completed, Charter will keep its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, as well as a substantial presence at the Cox factory in Atlanta, Georgia.

After the merger is completed, Chris Winfrey, who is now the Chief Executive Officer of Charter, will be promoted to President and CEO of the combined business.

Alex Taylor, Cox’s CEO and Chairman, will become chairman.

According to the information presented, Cox will be able to keep two directorships on the board, which currently has thirteen members. Both current board members will continue to serve on the Advance/Newhouse board of directors, a Charter subsidiary.

The acquisition is expected to take place concurrently with the merger of Charter and Liberty Broadband, which was authorised by both companies’ shareholders in February. It is anticipated that the merger will be finalised concurrently with the acquisition.

As the afternoon trading session progressed, Charter shares’ price rose somewhat. Cox is privately owned and operated.

SOURCE: AP