ROGERS, SHAW AND QUEBECOR EXTEND OUTSIDE DATE
OF PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS TO FEBRUARY 17, 2023
Companies remain committed to pro-competitive transactions,
continue to work with ISED for approval of spectrum license transfer
from Shaw to Videotron
TORONTO,
CALGARY and MONTREAL January 30, 2023 Rogers Communications Inc., Shaw Communications Inc., the Shaw Family Living Trust, and Quebecor Inc. today announced an agreement to extend the outside date of the proposed merger
of Rogers and Shaw and the acquisition of Freedom Mobile by Videotron Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quebecor, to February 17, 2023.
All parties
remain committed to the pro-competitive transactions, which will deliver significant benefits to Canada and Canadian consumers.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) must approve the transfer of spectrum licenses from Shaw to Videotron in connection with the
proposed acquisition of Freedom Mobile by Videotron before the combination of Rogers and Shaw can proceed. The companies continue to work with ISED to secure the final approval needed to close the
pro-competitive transactions.
Transactions Update:
In a ruling from the bench on January 24, 2023, the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal by the Commissioner of Competition (the
Commissioner) of the December 31, 2022, decision of the Competition Tribunal. The Tribunal had rejected the Commissioners challenge of the proposed acquisition of Freedom Mobile by Videotron and the subsequent combination of
Rogers and Shaw (the Transactions).
In addition to the decisions of the Federal Court of Appeal and the Competition Tribunal, the Rogers-Shaw
merger has already been approved by the common shareholders of Shaw and the Court of Kings Bench of Alberta, and the transfer of Shaws broadcasting licences to Rogers has been approved by the Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission.
The Transactions are subject to customary closing conditions.
Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news
release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements about the expected completion of both the sale of Freedom to Videotron (the Freedom
Transaction) and the Rogers-Shaw merger, statements about the outstanding approval from Innovation,