NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. has struck a deal to acquire MSG Networks in an all-stock, fixed exchange ratio transaction.
The merger is expected to be tax-free for both entities.
MSG is an institution across the Empire State and New York Tri-State Area. It is the home of New York Rangers NHL hockey and New York Knicks NBA games.
Upon the closing of the transaction, MSG Networks stockholders would receive 0.172 shares of MSG Entertainment Class A or Class B common stock for each share of MSG Networks Class A or Class B common stock they own.
The exchange ratio is approximately 4% above the ratio of the unaffected closing stock prices of the two companies on March 10, the last trading day before a press report speculated on a potential transaction.
This transaction, MSG Entertainment says, would create “a leading entertainment and media company with a more diversified revenue base that would be well positioned to deliver innovative experiences across all of its assets. The combined company would have a stronger liquidity position to support its live entertainment business, which following the shutdown of its venues due to the pandemic, is now on a path back to normal operations. In addition, the new company would have enhanced financial flexibility to fund current growth initiatives, including its planned state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian, as well as future opportunities across both entertainment and media.”
With the acquisition of MSG Networks, MSG Entertainment anticipates it would capture more of the emerging revenue opportunity related to the potential expansion of legalized sports gaming in its market. The combination of the companies’ media, digital and venue assets creates a powerful platform for potential sports gaming partners, which is expected to generate significant incremental revenue in the years ahead.
As of December 31, 2020, MSG Entertainment had a federal net operating loss (NOL) of approximately $250 million, primarily due to the temporary shutdown of its venues as a result of COVID-19.
Furthermore, MSG Entertainment expects to accelerate the depreciation of significant components of the capital investment for MSG Sphere in Las Vegas in calendar 2023, which is when the venue is expected to open.
As a result of this transaction, the combined company would be able to more efficiently utilize MSG Entertainment’s existing NOL, as well as future bonus depreciation related to MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, to offset the taxable income of all of its businesses, including MSG Networks, which today is a full state and federal income tax cash payer.
For fiscal year 2020, MSG Networks generated revenue of $685.8 million, operating income of $295.0 million, adjusted operating income of $321.4 million, net cash provided by operating activities of $210.0 million, and free cash flow of $207.2 million.
The media company’s two networks, MSG Network and MSG+, also deliver exclusive live local games of the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.
MSG Entertainment’s portfolio features iconic venues, including Madison Square Garden; production assets such as the Radio City Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular and a majority interest in Tao Group Hospitality.
The definitive agreement was exclusively negotiated and unanimously approved by Special Committees of MSG Entertainment’s and MSG Networks’ boards, both of which are comprised entirely of independent directors. The agreement was also unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks.
The transaction, which is also subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed during the third quarter.
Upon the closing of the transaction, a current director of MSG Networks elected by the holders of its Class A common stock would be appointed as a director of MSG Entertainment.
Moelis & Company LLC and The Raine Group are serving as independent financial advisors and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as independent legal counsel to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment. LionTree Advisors LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as independent financial advisors and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as independent legal counsel to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of MSG Networks. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Dolan family.
