HomeLatest NewsSiriusXM to acquire Pandora for $3.5B

SiriusXM to acquire Pandora for $3.5B

SiriusXM will acquire music streaming service Pandora in an all-stock transaction valued at $3.5 billion U.S.

The subscription satellite radio service says its acquisition of the music platform will create the world’s largest audio entertainment company, with more than $7 billion in expected pro-forma revenue in 2018 and strong, long-term growth opportunities.

SiriusXM says acquiring the platform will also allow it to expand its presence beyond vehicles into the home and other mobile areas. There will be no immediate change in listener offerings following completion of the transaction which is expected in the first quarter of 2019.

“We believe there are significant opportunities to create value for both companies’ stockholders by combining our complementary businesses,” Jim Meyer, CEO of SiriusXM, said in a press release. “The addition of Pandora diversifies SiriusXM’s revenue streams with the U.S.’s largest ad-supported audio offering, broadens our technical capabilities, and represents an exciting next step in our efforts to expand our reach out of the car even further. Through targeted investments, we see significant opportunities to drive innovation that will accelerate growth beyond what would be available to the separate companies, and does so in a way that also benefits consumers, artists, and the broader content communities. Together, we will deliver even more of the best content on radio to our passionate and loyal listeners, and attract new listeners, across our two platforms.”

SiriusXM says the combined company will drive long-term growth by capitalizing on cross-promotion opportunities between SiriusXM’s base of more than 36 million subscribers across North America and 23 million-plus annual trial listeners and Pandora’s more than 70 million monthly active users, representing the largest digital audio audience in the U.S.

It also plans to leverage SiriusXM’s exclusive content with Pandora’s ad-supported and subscription tiers to create unique audio packages, and use SiriusXM’s extensive automotive relationships to drive Pandora’s in-car distribution.

Pursuant to the agreement, the owners of the outstanding shares in Pandora that SiriusXM does not currently own will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 1.44 newly-issued SiriusXM shares for each share of Pandora they hold. Based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of $7.04 per share of SiriusXM common stock, the implied price of Pandora common stock is $10.14 per share, representing a premium of 13.8 per cent over a 30-day volume-weighted average price. The transaction is expected to be tax-free to Pandora stockholders. SiriusXM currently owns convertible preferred stock in Pandora that represents a stake of approximately 15 per cent on an as-converted basis.


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. Itís your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Letís get started right now.

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

Validate: Revitalizing Radio Advertising Measurement & Attribution in the Digital Age

The radio industry is facing a significant challenge in proving its return on investment (ROI) in today's digital age. Advertisers, drawn to the measurable...

Corus makes cuts across news/talk radio properties

Corus Entertainment made numerous cuts in its radio news division on Wednesday across stations in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver, as well as some...

Events / Conferences