-- Amazon.com (AMZN) agreed to buy mobile satellite services operator Globalstar (GSAT) as the e-commerce giant aims to add direct-to-device services to its Leo satellite network, the companies said Tuesday.
Globalstar's investors may opt to receive $90 in cash for every share owned, or 0.3210 shares of Amazon with a $90 valuation cap. Total cash elections can't exceed 40% of Globalstar's shares. The total consideration may be adjusted downward by up to $110 million if Globalstar fails to meet certain operational milestones, according to the joint statement.
Globalstar had a market capitalization of $9.37 billion as of Monday, according to FactSet data. Its shares were up 9% intraday, while Amazon's rose 2.8%.
"By combining Globalstar's proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon's customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places," Panos Panay, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon, said.
Upon completion, Amazon Leo will be able to provide D2D services via its low Earth orbit satellite network and extend cellular coverage beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, the companies said. The plan is to deploy Amazon Leo's own D2D satellite system beginning in 2028.
"(Amazon) is effectively solving its (Federal Communications Commission) deadline problem by acquiring a functioning satellite operator while also leapfrogging into D2D connectivity, a market SpaceX's Starlink has been targeting," Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Piccolo said in a note e-mailed to.
SpaceX is a private company owned by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (TSLA).
The transaction, which requires regulatory approvals, is anticipated to complete in 2027.
"The combination with Amazon Leo will advance innovations in digital connectivity that will benefit our customers and advance us toward a more intelligent, continuously connected world," Globalstar Chief Executive Paul Jacobs said.
Amazon said that it agreed to provide satellite connectivity for Apple's (AAPL) current and future iPhone and its smartwatch features. Currently, Globalstar provides satellite service that powers iPhone 14 or newer models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 3.
"Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon's core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo," Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide product marketing at Apple, said.
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