American Mobile Satellite Corporation has completed its acquisition of ARDIS Company, which owns and operates the nation’s largest terrestrial, two-way wireless data communications network. With the merger, American Mobile is positioned to leverage an integrated terrestrial and satellite network to advance its leadership in wireless data services.
The combined company serves more than 80,000 subscribers, and has annual
service revenue in excess of $60 million. The new American Mobile has proven
nationwide wireless communications services, including data and voice dispatch communications for the transportation, field services, maritime and emergency response markets, as well as two-way messaging, and telemetry services.
“This transaction solidifies our position as a single-source for a broad
range of cost-effective nationwide wireless communications services,” said
President Walt Purnell. “It represents the culmination of a long-term
partnership between ARDIS and American Mobile, and enables us to provide the
first fully-deployed and owned terrestrial/satellite network that provides
complete U.S. coverage. We have the expertise, products and financial strength to leverage our integrated network to meet accelerating market demand for wireless communications services.”
Walt Purnell, formerly president and chief executive officer of ARDIS, was
named president of American Mobile. Purnell joined ARDIS as chief financial
officer in 1990 and was named president in 1995. Gary Parsons, previously
president of American Mobile, continues as chief executive and becomes
chairman of the board, while former board Chairman Jack Shaw continues to
serve as a director of the company and chairman of the executive committee.
In a simultaneous transaction, the company closed a $335 million high
yield debt offering that consists of 335,000 units of 12/ percent senior notes due 2008 and warrants to purchase 1.26 million shares of the company’s common stock at an exercise price of $12.51.
The offering was made pursuant to regulation 144A in the private market,
with proceeds used to fund the cash portion of the ARDIS acquisition, pay down the company’s existing debt, purchase a portfolio of government securities sufficient to fund three years of interest payments, and provide for the working capital needs of the company.
“We are clearly pleased with the successful financing and the strategic
position of the combined company,” said Gary Parsons. “The strength of the
combined network technologies, customer base and market strategy was
recognized by the bond investors, and Wall Street in general.”
Also completed today was a restructuring of the company’s existing $200
million guaranteed bank financing. The new facility is underwritten by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company, Toronto Dominion Bank and Bank of America NT&SA, and is guaranteed by Hughes Electronics Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. and Baron Capital Partners, L.P., three of the company’s largest shareholders.
