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Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 11-09-2004
Rogers Wireless Successful in Tender Offers to Acquire Microcell - official release
http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cg...5-0&Start=0
also here: http://microcell.ca/EN/04/index.asp...;contentID=3609
Rogers Wireless Successful in Tender Offers to Acquire Microcell
Combination of Rogers Wireless and Microcell Creates Canada's
Largest Wireless Carrier Serving Approximately 5.5 Million Customers
from Coast to Coast;
Rogers Wireless Becomes Canada's Only Wireless Carrier Operating
on the Global Standard GSM/GPRS Technology
TORONTO and MONTREAL, Nov. 8 /CNW/ - Rogers Wireless Inc. ("RWI" or
"Rogers Wireless"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rogers Wireless
Communications Inc., announced today that the terms and conditions of its
tender offers for the securities of Microcell Telecommunications Inc.
("Microcell") have been satisfied with the necessary number of securities
having been successfully tendered and regulatory approvals secured to complete
the acquisition.
The acquisition of Microcell by Rogers Wireless creates Canada's largest
wireless carrier with the most extensive integrated wireless voice and data
network in the country. With approximately 5.5 million customers and a
nationwide network operating on the world standard GSM/GPRS technology, the
combined company will offer consumers and businesses maximum coverage from
coast to coast, an extensive portfolio of advanced wireless data services and
devices, and the largest international roaming coverage of any wireless
provider in Canada.
As a result of the successful tender offers, Rogers Wireless has taken up
and accepted for payment approximately 181,721 Class A Restricted Voting
shares, 28,389,649 Class B Non-Voting shares, 3,296,652 Warrants 2005 and
5,405,387 Warrants 2008, being all of the securities of Microcell validly
tendered to the offers and not withdrawn prior to the 5:00 p.m. November 5,
2004 expiry time. The tendered securities represent approximately 96% of the
outstanding Class A Restricted Voting shares, 92% of the outstanding Class B
Non-Voting shares, 82% of the outstanding Warrants 2005 and 81% of the
outstanding Warrants 2008.
"The combination of Rogers Wireless and Microcell creates Canada's
largest wireless provider serving approximately 5.5 million customers and
positions us as an even stronger competitor," said Ted Rogers, President and
CEO, Rogers Communications. "Now, more than ever, wireless customers across
the country can count on Rogers' leadership in delivering innovative solutions
and real choice in the Canadian communications market."
"The new Rogers Wireless is an even stronger communications company, well
positioned for continued profitable growth and committed to providing superior
service and value to our customers," said Nadir Mohamed, President and CEO,
Rogers Wireless. "The new Rogers Wireless combines the nationwide strength of
Rogers Wireless' network and brand with Fido's unique and well established
brand and distribution channels. Together, we are now Canada's only wireless
provider operating on the world standard GSM technology platform - meaning
faster access to a wider array of new devices and services and the ability to
travel the world with a single handset."
Microcell and Rogers Wireless subscribers can count on a seamless
transition and significant benefits as the two companies are combined.
Microcell subscribers will enjoy the availability of access to Rogers
Wireless' extensive network resulting in greatly expanded wireless coverage
areas, especially outside of and between major urban centers, and will be able
to continue using their existing wireless handsets and phone numbers. Both
Rogers Wireless and Microcell customers will benefit from the combining of
network assets which will provide for even greater coverage and quality.
As contemplated in the offers and as provided for under the compulsory
acquisition provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act, Rogers
Wireless now intends to acquire the balance of the Microcell Class A
Restricted Voting shares and Class B Non-Voting shares, each at C$35.00 per
share, and also intends to acquire the balance of the Microcell Warrants 2005
and Warrants 2008, each at C$15.79 and C$15.01, respectively.
Please see the most recent management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A")
of Rogers Wireless and Rogers Communications dated October 27, 2004, for a
discussion of financing arrangements relating to this transaction. These
MD&A's are contained in the companies' third quarter 2004 earnings results
available on the SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com and on the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Rogers Wireless anticipates sharing its expectations around integration
costs and synergy opportunities from combining the two companies when it
provides its 2005 overall financial and operating guidance, early in 2005. The
2004 annual guidance that was issued for Rogers Wireless earlier this year did
not assume the acquisition of Microcell and will not be applicable to the
combined company following closing of the acquisition.
This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of
an offer to sell shares of Microcell. Microcell's shareholders are advised to
read the offering documents and the directors' circular regarding the offers
referred to in this news release. The offering documents are available on the
SEDAR website at http://www.sedar.com and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information:
This news release includes certain forward looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. We caution that actual future events will be
affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, and
therefore may vary substantially from what we currently foresee. We are under
no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or
alter any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Important additional information identifying risks
and uncertainties is contained in our most recent Annual Reports and Annual
Information Forms filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory
authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Rogers:
Rogers Wireless operates Canada's largest integrated wireless voice and
data network, providing advanced voice and wireless data solutions to
customers from coast to coast on its GSM/GPRS/EDGE network, the world standard
for wireless communications technology. The combination of Rogers Wireless and
Microcell will have 5.5 million wireless customers, and has offices in
Canadian cities across the country. Rogers Wireless is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. (TSX: RCM; NYSE: RCN), which
is approximately 89% owned by Rogers Communications Inc.
Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX: RCI; NYSE: RG) is a diversified Canadian
communications and media company. It is engaged in cable television, high-
speed Internet access and video retailing through Canada's largest cable
television provider, Rogers Cable Inc.; in wireless voice and data
communications services through Canada's leading national GSM/GPRS cellular
provider, Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.; and in radio, television
broadcasting, televised shopping and publishing businesses through Rogers
Media Inc.
%SEDAR: 00003770EF
For further information: (Investment Community): Bruce M. Mann,
(416) 935-3532, bruce.mann@rci.rogers.com; Eric A. Wright, (416) 935-3550,
eric.wright@rci.rogers.com; (Media): Heather Armstrong, (416) 935-6379,
heather.armstrong@rci.rogers.com;
Archived images on this organization are available through CNW E-Pix at
http://www.newswire.ca. Images are free to members of The Canadian Press.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 11-09-2004
Fido FAQs on Roger's site
Fido FAQ from fido.ca
What will this mean for Fido customers:
Will Rogers Wireless and Fido combine networks?
Yes. The two networks will be interconnected on Tuesday, November 9th to provide enhanced coverage to Fido monthly package customers.
Can I access enhanced coverage on Rogers Wireless GSM network?
* Yes - If you are a Fido Customer with a monthly airtime package.
o Until February 28, 2005, all existing and new monthly package customers will automatically receive access to enhanced coverage for three months at no additional charge.
o This includes access to Rogers Wireless coverage outside the Fido footprint and inside the Fido footprint where Rogers Wireless signal strength is considerably stronger.
o All minutes used on the enhanced coverage area count towards your monthly package.
o After your three months, you may then choose to add the enhanced coverage option to your monthly plan, for an additional $5 per month.
o Your handset will automatically switch over to the Rogers Wireless network and back again to the Fido network when your handset is set in the default âautomatic network selectionâ mode.
* No. If you are a Prepaid, Full Control Package or City Fido Customer, unfortunately, you do not have access to the Rogers Wireless network in Canada at this time."
this was funny to see in an official document:
I left Rogers Wireless to join Fido. Now I would like to leave Fido. What are my options?
⢠We hope you will stay with Fido as all of your services will not only remain the same but become enhanced.
⢠If you are a customer with an agreement, your obligations remain the same.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 11-09-2004
Will Rogers Wireless keep the City Fido plan?
⢠Yes.
⢠As always, we re-evaluate our products continuously to ensure they match market conditions with customer demand
Will coverage for iFido continue to expand?
⢠Yes, our plans are to expand the service to other markets across Canada as quickly as possible.
Will per-second billing remain?
⢠Yes, we will continue to offer it for both local and long distance calls on monthly airtime packages.
⢠As always, we re-evaluate our products continuously to ensure they match market conditions and customer demand.
Will Fidoâs international and US roaming rates be aligned with Rogers Wireless?
⢠As separate brands, Rogers Wireless and Fido will each continue to set their own international roaming rates.
Will my long distance rates change?
⢠There are no plans to change long-distance rates at this time.
⢠As always, we re-evaluate our products continuously to ensure they match market conditions with customer demand.
Will I have access to Rogers Wireless EDGE high-speed data service?
⢠No, Fido does not currently offer handsets or devices with EDGE data capability.
Will my Fido to Fido calling include Fido to Fido and to Rogers Wireless?
⢠There are no current plans to extend free Rogers to Rogers calling to include Fido customers.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - Flofocus - 11-09-2004
Do you work for them? :lol:
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 11-09-2004
I work for Microcell Solutions (fido), so I guess I'll be working for Rogers Wireless as of today! meh! plus everybody knows me as the cellphone guy.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - Zoom - 11-09-2004
Do rogers customers gain any benefit from fido? I hate my plan.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - ZX3 Canuck - 11-09-2004
Sweet, I get to keep all my good stuff from my Fido plan and get to bum off the Rogers network free for three months? Nice! I love still having Fido Pro with unlimited text messages, they don't offer that anymore! :D
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - 01-yellow-ZX3 - 11-09-2004
Ass,Nov 8 2004, 01:36 PM Wrote:Do rogers customers gain any benefit from fido? I hate my plan.Well Rogers users can also roam Fido towers...
Giving you a better and broader signal strength and range.
Make sure you check Fido's plans out before switching. I find they don't really have what I need for minutes, I have to get the long distance plan to get the local minutes I want, kinda frustrating.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - D-Dub - 11-10-2004
Hmmmmmm I have awesome signal with telus, those two companies merging dont mean s**t. Unless they can offer me a plan for 20 bucks a month where I can talk unlimited then Im switching, but I will stick to my pay as you go :lol:
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 11-10-2004
D-Dub,Nov 9 2004, 10: Wrote:Hmmmmmm I have awesome signal with telus, those two companies merging dont mean s**t. Unless they can offer me a plan for 20 bucks a month where I can talk unlimited then Im switching, but I will stick to my pay as you go :lol:Do u have unlimited talktime for $20 a month on Bellus? p.s. Pay As You Go is a registered trademark of Rogers Wireless. On Telus its called Pay & Talk.
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - D-Dub - 11-11-2004
paolo,Nov 10 2004, 12:23 AM Wrote:p.s. Pay As You Go is a registered trademark of Rogers Wireless. On Telus its called Pay & Talk.sorry :blink:
Rogers Wireless Acquires Microcell (fido) - paolo - 06-07-2005
just a heads up, there is no more fido network in the following cities:
scarborough, ajax, pickering, witby, milton, georgetown, kitchener, cambridge, waterloo, hamilton, dundas. Your phones will see Rogers, dont be alarmed, it will be the newer integrated network.