AT&T’s cable television subsidiary Liberty Media Group Tuesday announced the acquisition of wireless communications firm The Associated Group, Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued
at approximately $3 billion.
The transaction is subject to approval from Associated’s stockholders and from various governmental authorities, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state regulatory agencies.
With approval, the transaction is expected to be completed in
early 2000, the companies said.
The acquisition was made to bulk up Liberty’s interests in Internet infrastructure. Associated has a controlling interest in Teligent LLC, a provider of broadband wireless competitive local exchange carrier networks for voice, high-speed data, Internet access and video conferencing facilities and services. It will be integrated into Liberty’s holdings.
Other assets include TruePosition, Inc., a wholly-owned wireless subsidiary, an interest in a Mexican cellular telephone company, ownership of radio broadcasting properties and a portfolio of
marketable equity securities.
Liberty Media Group holds interests in a broad range of video programming,
communications, technology and Internet businesses in the United States,
Europe, South America and Asia.
“The Associated transaction is a unique opportunity for Liberty,” said
Robert Bennett, president and CEO of Liberty. “It allows us to obtain an
attractive investment in the very exciting and rapidly growing business of
Teligent. In addition, Associated has been a pioneer in the development and
commercialization of wireless location systems.”
