Gray Raises Meredith Bid After Rival Offer Emerges

By Jon Lafayette
( Broadcasting & Cable )
last updated

Meredith agrees to take $16.990 a share or $2.825 billion

Gray Television logo
(Image credit: Gray Television)

Gray Television said it raised its offer for Meredith Corp.’s local media group after it was informed by Meredith of an unsolicited bid that arrived after their agreement to merge.

Gray’s new offer of $16.99 a share, or $2.85 billion in enterprise value, up from $14.50 a share or $2.7 billion, was accepted by Meredith’s board and an amending merger agreement was signed.

The rival bidder for the Meredith stations was not identified.

Also Read: Gray Television Ties OTT Retrans to Local News

Gray said it remains committed to acquiring the Meredith local TV stations. Gray has identified $55 million in first-year cost synergies that can be achieved by combining the companies.

Gray is also in the  process of buying Quincy Media for $925 million in cash. Gray is selling off TV stations in seven markets for $380 million to Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group to comply with government regulations.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.