Liberty Global, Inc. ("Liberty Global” or the "Company”) (NASDAQ: LBTYA,
LBTYB and LBTYK) today announced that, following receipt of regulatory
approval, it has consummated the purchase of Kabel BW GmbH ("KBW”), the
third largest cable TV operator in Germany, in accordance with the terms
of its previously announced acquisition agreement. The acquisition of
KBW, when combined with Unitymedia, the country’s second largest
operator, will significantly increase the scale of Liberty Global’s
operations in what is now Europe’s largest and fastest growing cable
market.
KBW provides television, broadband internet and telephony services in
the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, which is one of the most
prosperous regions in Europe. As of September 30, 2011, KBW’s broadband
communications network served 2.4 million customers who subscribed to
3.8 million video, telephony and broadband internet services.1
Mike Fries, President and CEO of Liberty Global said: "This is a major
step forward for German consumers and our Company. The combination of
Unitymedia and KBW creates a powerful platform for innovation and
growth. Together, our German operations pass over 12 million homes,
provide over 10 million subscription services and generate approximately
€1.6 billion in annualized revenue.2 It’s well known that the
cable industry in Germany is the primary source of infrastructure-based
competition with the incumbent Deutsche Telekom, and we intend to
capitalize on the opportunity to bring German consumers the most
advanced broadband and digital TV products available.”
The consideration paid by Liberty Global to acquire KBW was based on an
agreed upon enterprise value of €3.16 billion ($4.10 billion).
About Liberty Global, Inc.
Liberty Global is the leading international cable operator offering
advanced video, voice and broadband internet services to connect its
customers to the world of entertainment, communications and information.
As of September 30, 2011, Liberty Global operated state-of-the-art
networks serving 18 million customers across 14 countries principally
located in Europe, Chile and Australia. Liberty Global’s operations also
include significant programming businesses such as Chellomedia in Europe.
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1
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Information related to KBW’s customers and services (revenue
generating units) is according to and as defined by KBW, with the
exception that KBW’s pay TV and mobile services have been excluded
from the total services figure.
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2
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Operating statistics are as of September 30, 2011 and include KBW
statistics on the same basis as discussed in footnote 1 above.
Annualized revenue is based on the combined revenue of KBW and
Unitymedia for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 under
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS”). The revenue of
KBW will be included, and the revenue of Unitymedia is included, in
Liberty Global’s consolidated financial statements under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States. ("U.S. GAAP”).
There are differences between the IFRS and U.S. GAAP presentation of
Unitymedia’s and KBW’s revenue.
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Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including the impact of the transaction on our operations and financial
performance, and other information and statements that are not
historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and
uncertainties include factors detailed from time to time in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including
our most recently filed Forms 10-K/A and 10-Q. These forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date of this release. The Company
expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any
updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein
to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto
or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such
statement is based.
For more information, please visit www.lgi.com.
