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☆ Wireless cellular service to be made available to all Toronto subway riders from October
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] The Rogers Building, the green-topped corporate campus of Canadian media conglomerate Rogers Communications is seen in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 14, 2022. François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, also said all carriers operating in Toronto must expand their existing network coverage to provide full voice, text and data services throughout the subway system. The lack of reliable cellular connectivity across the transit system has been a pain point for metro riders in Toronto, hampering access to emergency services when commuting via public transit, leaving passengers frustrated. Currently, only some carriers, including Rogers Communications (RCIb.TO) and Freedom Mobile, provide customers with wireless service in the subway system. "Cellular connectivity on the subway is about more than just convenience.

Persons: Chris Helgren, Philippe Champagne, Champagne, Deborah Sophia, Shailesh Organizations: Rogers, Rogers Communications, REUTERS, Canadian, Monday, Champagne, Freedom Mobile, Thomson Locations: Toronto, Ontario, Canada, François, Bengaluru

[1/2] Ethernet cables are seen in front of Rogers and Shaw Communications logos in this illustration taken, July 8, 2022. Rogers' deal for Shaw was politically sensitive due to the sky-high wireless bills Canadians pay, which are among the highest in the world. Yet, the competition bureau failed to block the merger, losing their protracted battle when a federal court dismissed the case. Now, dealmakers worry the government could intervene in other politically sensitive M&A. "There are not a lot of things people in competition law disagree on.

☆ Timeline: Canada gives final nod on C$20 bln Rogers-Shaw merger
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

March 31 (Reuters) - Canada on Friday gave the final approval for Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($15 billion) buyout of Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), clearing the deal that will create the country's No. 2 telecoms company. The green light came as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne agreed to the transfer of wireless licenses held by Shaw's Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor Inc (QBRb.TO) under some conditions. Here is the snapshot of key events in Rogers-Shaw merger:Reporting by Yuvraj Malik, Aditya Soni, Tiyashi Datta and Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Arun KoyyurOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Canada clears C$20 billion Rogers-Shaw deal to create No.2 telecom company
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) -Canada on Friday granted the final approval for Rogers Communications Inc’s C$20 billion ($15 billion) buyout of Shaw Communications Inc, clearing the deal that will create the country’s No. FILE PHOTO: Ethernet cables are seen in front of Rogers and Shaw Communications logos in this illustration taken, July 8, 2022. Freedom Mobile’s proposed C$2.85 billion sale to Quebecor-owned Videotron has been crucial in addressing the antitrust concerns over the deal, given the overlap between Rogers and Shaw’s wireless divisions. It is the biggest in the Canadian telecoms industry since BCE’s spinoff of its stake in Nortel Networks in a transaction valued at C$88.7 billion in 2000. Canada’s top telecom company by market value is BCE Inc.U.S.-listed shares of Shaw were up 3% in premarket trading.

☆ Canada's decision on Rogers-Shaw deal may come on Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne is set to rule on Rogers Communications Inc’s C$20 billion ($15 billion) deal to buy Shaw Communications Inc on Friday, The Globe and Mail reported on Thursday, citing two sources. FILE PHOTO: Ethernet cables are seen in front of Rogers and Shaw Communications logos in this illustration taken, July 8, 2022. The announcement relates to the minister’s review of the takeover deal, The Globe and Mail reported. Both Rogers and Shaw did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report. Champagne’s approval is needed to transfer spectrum licenses of Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor’s Videotron.

☆ Canada's decision on Rogers-Shaw deal may come on Friday -source
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) -The Canadian government is set to announce on Friday a decision on Rogers Communications Inc’s C$20 billion ($15 billion) bid for Shaw Communications Inc, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: Ethernet cables are seen in front of Rogers and Shaw Communications logos in this illustration taken, July 8, 2022. The announcement is about the government’s decision on whether to allow the transfer of Shaw’s wireless licences to Quebecor Inc’s Videotron Ltd., which has agreed to acquire Shaw’s Freedom Mobile wireless carrier for C$2.85 billion, the source told Reuters. To address the issue, Rogers and Shaw agreed to sell Freedom Mobile to Quebecor, which is also expected to close by March 31. Rogers, Shaw and Quebecor did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

☆ Canada clears C$20 billion Rogers-Shaw deal with tough conditions
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Aditya Soni | Chavi Mehta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The deal was opposed by consumer advocates and politicians on worries it could lead to higher prices due to an overlap between Rogers and Shaw’s wireless divisions. Rogers made 21 conditions, including setting up a western headquarters in Calgary, creating 3,000 new jobs in Western Canada and investing C$5.5 billion to expand 5G coverage and services. If it breaches the commitments, Rogers will have to pay a fine of as much as C$1 billion, Champagne said at a news conference in Ottawa. And it’s subject to arbitration.”Champagne said if wireless prices do not go lower, he would seek further legislative and regulatory powers. The combined company will benefit from Rogers’ strong presence in urban Ontario and Shaw’s dominance in the sparsely populated regions of Western Canada.

☆ Canada set to approve Rogers takeover of Shaw with transfer -Globe and Mail
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 31 (Reuters) - Canada is set to approve on Friday a transfer of wireless licenses that will finally settle Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($15 billion) bid for Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), the Globe and Mail reported. Rogers and Shaw agreed to sell Freedom Mobile to Quebecor for C$2.85 billion to win government approval for the merger. The minister will approve the transfer of Shaw's licenses to Quebecor's Videotron Ltd with a number of conditions attached, as well as financial penalties associated with breaking those conditions, the Globe and Mail said. The sale of Freedom Mobile to Quebecor is expected to close by March 31. Rogers in February extended the deadline for the deal to March 31 for the fourth time, as the companies awaited the final nod from Champagne.

The deal was opposed by consumer advocates and politicians on worries it could lead to higher prices due to an overlap between Rogers and Shaw's wireless divisions. Rogers reaffirmed its conditions, including setting up a western headquarters in Calgary, creating 3,000 new jobs in Western Canada and investing C$6.5 billion to upgrade connectivity. If it breaches the commitments, Rogers (RCIb.TO) will have to pay a fine of as much as C$1 billion, Champagne said at a news conference in Ottawa. Champagne said if wireless prices do not go lower, he would seek further legislative and regulatory powers. Rosa Addario, a spokesperson for internet advocacy group OpenMedia, said the concessions sought by the government were unlikely to result in lower prices.

☆ Factbox: Canada clears Rogers-Shaw deal but with conditions
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

March 31 (Reuters) - Canada on Friday granted the final approval for Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($15 billion) buyout of Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), clearing the deal that will create the country's No. 2 telecoms company. Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne agreed to the transfer of wireless licenses held by Shaw's Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor Inc's (QBRb.TO) Videotron under some conditions. CONDITIONS ACCEPTED BY ROGERS* Will have to create 3,000 new jobs in Western Canada and maintain them for a minimum of 10 years after the closing date* Invest at least C$2.5 billion to enhance its 5G network in Western Canada, and C$3 billion in additional network service expansion projects* Expand access to low-cost broadband internet plans and launch a new low-cost mobile offering for low-income Canadians* Invest C$1 billion to expand broadband internet access, at speeds of at least 50/10 megabits per second, and 5G mobile service in areas where it is not currently available* Establish a western headquarters in Calgary and maintain it for a minimum of 10 years after the closing date* To report to Innovation, Science and Economic Department and to the public every year on specific progress it has made towards commitments in the agreement* Will have to offer wireless plans to Shaw Mobile customers at Shaw's current prices for 5 years after deal close* To pay C$100 million for every year in which any "material element" of any commitment is not metCONDITIONS ACCEPTED BY VIDEOTRON* Will need to offer plans that are comparable to those currently available in Quebec, and offer options at least 20% cheaper than that of major players* Cannot transfer Freedom Mobile licenses for 10 years* Will have to expand its 5G wireless network in Freedom Mobile's pre-existing operating territory within 2 years* Will increase data allotments of existing Freedom Mobile customers by 10% as a near-term bonus, while investing to bring down prices overall* Will expand mobile service into the Canadian province of Manitoba via the use of a signed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) agreement and offer plans comparable to what it offers in Quebec* To pay C$25 million for every year in which any "material element" of any commitment is not metCompiled by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; Edited by Shounak DasguptaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

While law firms sometimes negotiate fixed fees on transactions, market participants said such deals would be unlikely on transactions that faced the amount of legal uncertainty of Rogers-Shaw. The Rogers-Shaw deal is expected to be the tenth-largest deal in Canadian history since 1995, according to data from Dealogic. Law firms Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb represented Rogers, while Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg and Wachtell are lawyers for Shaw. None of the law firms responded to Reuters queries on the legal fee. Rogers and Shaw on Friday extended the closing deadline for the fourth time to March 31.

☆ Rogers' bid for Shaw boosted after court rejects antitrust effort to block deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TORONTO, Jan 24 (Reuters) - A Canadian court on Tuesday dismissed the competition bureau's effort to overturn an approval of Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($14.9 billion) bid to buy Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO). Rogers and Shaw shares extended gains on the decision, and both closed about 3% higher, while the benchmark Canadian share index (.GSPTSE) was flat. The Federal Court of Appeal in Ottawa swiftly dismissed the antitrust regulator's appeal to overturn a Dec. 30 decision by the Competition Tribunal to approve the deal. Justice David Stratas told the court that many of the points of law the antitrust agency had raised were "without merit." Shaw, Rogers and Quebecor said in a joint statement on Tuesday that "we welcome this clear, unequivocal, and unanimous decision by the Federal Court of Appeal."

☆ Rogers-Shaw on cusp of final nod for protracted C$20 bln deal, shares rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Its decision is widely seen as paving the way for the C$20 billion ($14.98 billion) transaction to clear ahead of its Jan. 31 deadline. It now awaits final clearance from Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who will be considering the transfer of Freedom Mobile Inc's spectrum license to Quebecor Inc's Videotron unit. "This is essentially a done deal, barring any surprises from Minister Champagne," Aaron Glick, analyst with New York-based investment firm Cowen, told Reuters. The House of Commons industry committee in March said the deal should not proceed, although its recommendations are non-binding. Rogers-Shaw have agreed to sell Freedom Mobile, a wireless business owned by Shaw, to Quebecor Inc (QBRb.TO) in order to alleviate competition concern.

☆ Rogers-Shaw on cusp of final nod for protracted C$20 bln deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The bureau late on Tuesday accepted the verdict of the Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) and said it would not pursue an appeal. Its decision is widely seen as paving the way for the C$20 billion ($14.98 billion) transaction to clear ahead of its Jan. 31 deadline. It now awaits final clearance from Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who has previously expressed support for the transaction if certain conditions are met. The House of Commons industry committee in March said the deal should not proceed, though, its recommendations are non-binding. Rogers-Shaw have agreed to sell Freedom Mobile, a wireless business owned by Shaw, to Quebecor Inc (QBRb.TO) in order to alleviate competition concern.

☆ Rogers' bid for Shaw gets boost after court rejects antitrust effort to block deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TORONTO, Jan 24 (Reuters) - A Canadian court on Tuesday dismissed the competition bureau's effort to block Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($14.9 billion) bid to buy Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), in a boost to the companies' efforts to close a deal struck nearly two years ago. Shaw and Rogers intend to finalize the deal by Jan. 31, though the deadline can be extended in agreement with Quebecor. Judges spent the morning grilling competition bureau counsel on their case against the transaction and delivered their verdict in the afternoon without hearing from Rogers and Shaw. The bureau previously failed to convince the competition tribunal, a quasi-court that handles merger disputes, that the deal is harmful for Canadian consumers. Canada's Competition bureau, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

☆ Canada judge calls into question regulator's argument to block Rogers-Shaw deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Maiya Keidan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

TORONTO, Jan 24 (Reuters) - A Canada federal judge called into question the competition bureau's argument to block Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($14.9 billion) bid for Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO) as the court hearing kicked off on Tuesday. But the bureau failed to convince the competition tribunal, a quasi court that handles merger disputes, that the deal is harmful for Canadian consumers. "According to the tribunal, this was not a particularly close case," the judge told the court on Tuesday. "I think the appeal is going to be dismissed," said Michael Osborne, a competition lawyer at law firm Cozen O'Connor. A spokesperson for the competition bureau declined to comment while the matter was before the court.

☆ Rogers-Shaw, Canada regulator to duke it out in federal court over C$20 bln bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But the bureau failed to convince the competition tribunal, a quasi court that handles merger disputes, that the deal is harmful for Canadian consumers. Rogers offered to sell Shaw's Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor's (QBRb.TO) Videotron for C$2.85 billion to address anti-competition concerns, but the competition bureau argued that a merged Rogers-Shaw would not have a viable competitor in Quebecor. "I think the appeal is going to be dismissed," said Michael Osborne, a competition lawyer at law firm Cozen O'Connor. For that reason, I think the Court of Appeal will make sure to do it in time for the parties to close." A spokesperson for the competition bureau declined to comment while the matter was before the court.

Rogers-Shaw and Quebecor await approval from Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne to transfer Freedom Mobile Inc's spectrum license to Videotron. However, in its Thursday ruling, the tribunal said acquiring Freedom Mobile would allow Videotron to expand in new markets and ensure robust competition. The antitrust commissioner could still appeal after the tribunal details its decision over the next couple of days. The objection by the Competition Bureau was the main hurdle to overcome," Cormark Securities analyst David McFadgen said. He said there are "significant" revenue synergies for Rogers from bundling services, while Quebecor has better growth prospects from the Freedom Mobile deal.

The two companies had appealed the tribunal after the competition bureau rejected Shaw's proposal to sell Freedom Mobile Inc to rival Quebecor Inc's (QBRb.TO) Videotron unit for C$2.85 billion to facilitate the deal. However, in its Thursday ruling, the tribunal said such a sale would allow Videotron to expand in new markets and ensure competition remains robust. "I am very disappointed that the Tribunal is dismissing our application to block the merger between Rogers and Shaw," Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition, said. The antitrust commissioner could still appeal after the tribunal lays out the details of its decision over the next couple of days. Rogers-Shaw and Quebecor now await approval from Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne to transfer Freedom Mobile's spectrum license to Videotron.

☆ Canada competition tribunal rules in favor of $14.8 bln Rogers-Shaw deal
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Dec 29 (Reuters) - Canada's competition tribunal approved on Thursday Rogers Communications Inc's (RCIb.TO) C$20 billion ($14.77 billion) bid for Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO), ending the companies' 20-month-old dispute with the antitrust authority. Canada's competition bureau had blocked the merger - one of the country's biggest - on grounds that it would reduce competition. In a ruling late on Thursday, the Competition Tribunal dismissed the Commissioner of Competition's request to oppose the deal, saying that the deal is "not likely to prevent or lessen competition substantially." The panel also ruled that the proposed deal is not likely to lead to "materially higher" prices or a decline in service, quality or innovation. "I am very disappointed that the Tribunal is dismissing our application to block the merger between Rogers and Shaw.

☆ Canadian watchdog yet to decide on Roger-Shaw merger, to give notice ahead of decision
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 22 (Reuters) - Canada's competition tribunal said on Thursday it had not arrived at a decision regarding the C$20 billion ($14.7 billion) merger between Rogers Communications Inc (RCIb.TO) and Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO). "The Tribunal wishes to advise the public that it intends to provide 24-48 hours notice on its website of the time and date of the issuance of its decision," the competition watchdog said in a notice on its website. The much-awaited decision on the merger, one of the country's biggest, will put an end to a 20-month-old dispute with the antitrust authority. The agency had blocked the merger on grounds that it would reduce competition. Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rogers-Shaw decision by Dec unlikely, tribunal head says as hearing starts
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Divya Rajagopal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

After a series of failed settlement talks, the battle between Rogers-Shaw and the antitrust agency kicked off in Canada's Competition Tribunal on Monday, which is expected to last at least four weeks. Rogers offered to sell Shaw's Freedom Mobile business to Quebecor Inc (QBRb.TO) to overcome competition bureau concerns, which the bureau rejected. It wanted the tribunal to reject the divestiture as a viable remedy and also issue an order blocking the Rogers-Shaw merger. But the initial rally in shares of Rogers and Shaw reversed after the competition bureau subsequently made clear it will pursue the litigation. Rogers-Shaw and Quebecor are racing against time to close the deal, as a delay poses financial risks, according to arguments made by the lawyers of Rogers-Shaw at the tribunal during a public hearing in late October.

☆ Judge asks Rogers, Shaw and competition bureau to convene for talks on Tuesday
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Canada Federal Court Chief Justice Paul Crampton has directed counsel for Rogers Communication Inc (RCIb.TO), Shaw Communications Inc (SJRb.TO) and the Competition Bureau to convene for a further case management conference on Tuesday. Chief Justice Crampton, who is presiding over an antitrust case against Rogers' takeover of Shaw, also asked all the parties to "reflect" about the deal, according to a notice posted on the Competition Tribunals's website. The mediation between Rogers and Shaw and Canada's competition bureau over the companies' C$20 billion ($14.69 billion) merger failed on Thursday, as the parties did not agree on the terms put forward by the tribunal. read moreRogers declined to comment when Reuters reached out to the company about the ruling, while Shaw and the Competition Bureau did not respond to requests for comment. read more($1 = 1.3612 Canadian dollars)Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal and Juby Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rogers, Shaw deal mediation with Canada's competition bureau fails
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Divya Rajagopal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TORONTO, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Rogers Communications Inc (RCIb.TO) and Shaw Communications (SJRb.TO) have failed to mediate their differences with Canada's competition bureau over their C$20 billion ($14.75 billion) merger, the companies said on Thursday. "The mediation did not yield a negotiated settlement," the companies said in a joint statement, adding that they remained committed to completing the transactions. The government's recent intervention had raised hopes that Canada would approve the merger deal, which has been blocked on competition concerns. Rogers declined to comment beyond the statement, while Shaw and the bureau did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ($1 = 1.3560 Canadian dollars)Reporting by Divya Rajagopal and Maria Ponnezhath; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Oct 25 (Reuters) - Canada on Tuesday imposed conditions on Rogers Communications' (RCIb.TO) proposed remedy to overcome competition bureau concerns about Rogers' planned C$20 billion ($14.7 billion) purchase of rival Shaw Communications (SJRb.TO). Rogers has offered to sell Shaw's Freedom Mobile unit to Quebecor Inc's (QBRb.TO) Videotron to allay the antitrust bureau's concerns over reduced competition in the Canadian market following the Shaw deal. Canadian Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne told a media conference on Tuesday that Videotron would be required to hold the Freedom Mobile unit for at least 10 years. Champagne also said the government has formally rejected the wholesale transfer of wireless spectrum license from Shaw to Rogers under the original deal. Canada Competition Bureau has said the sale of Freedom Mobile to Videotron is not sufficient to overcome its concerns about market concentration.

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