What Happens to Astral Now? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

magnet · 2012-10-18, 05:12 PM

One would assume that Astral is still for sale.

Does this mean Shaw or Bitove may jump in and buy it?

jimbo42 · 2012-10-18, 05:18 PM

I don't think Astral was ever officially for sale. Bell just made them an offer they couldn't refuse is what I thought happened.

thenewdc · 2012-10-18, 05:28 PM

SHAW wouldn't have a hope in hell of getting the CRTC to approve it. They've sent out a strong message.

SMCKINNON24 · 2012-10-18, 05:32 PM

They would have to have a joint company like Rogers/BCE/ Shaw owning a part in Astral so they have a equal share

LONSat · 2012-10-18, 05:33 PM

Bell if the want could appeal to the courts or they could come back to the table with a partner to try to divvy up the assets. The Astal radio properties were probably not as much a problem as the speciality and TV assets but the TV assets were probably what Bell coveted the most.

Shaw/Corus is probably maxed on Specialty TV assets based on this ruling. Rogers could bid I suppose spinning off the Radio division to Bell if they are interested in a consolation prize to try to grow that division.

If Astral is truly in play would Blue Ant have deep enough pockets to swing a deal?

manoman · 2012-10-18, 05:33 PM

probably just carry on business as usual

roger1818 · 2012-10-18, 07:17 PM

A lot depends on what happens to Astral's share prices. They spiked after the deal was announced with people picking up the shares, hoping to make a quick buck. If they over correct, someone may come along and scoop it up for much less than what Bell was going to pay. Otherwise, Astral will likely continue on as normal.

travisc · 2012-10-18, 09:43 PM

A joint Rogers/Shaw/BCE ownership makes no sense and does nothing to help the consumer. They would happily jack wholesale rates (and thus the rate charged to the customer) knowing a portion goes back into their own pocket and that the extra money earned from companies not part of the ownership group is delicious and tasty gravy.

ScaryBob · 2012-10-19, 12:56 AM

I believe Bell must pay $150 million to Astral in order to break the deal. That should cover any possible losses to Astral due to the failed approval. Bell can appeal to the supreme court so it's not over yet.

thenewdc · 2012-10-19, 07:03 AM

Business as usual for Astral with a 150 million bonus into their coffers

CamDAB · 2012-10-19, 04:59 PM

RE: Post #9

An appeal to the Supreme Court could take quite a while, depending if they (SC) decide to expedite it...

Now to chip away at what other irritations consumers face with the Canadian broadcast and telecom industries... :-)

Cameron

magnet · 2012-10-19, 05:12 PM

The G&M seems to think Cogeco is the most likely new suitor:

Quote:

That leaves Cogeco. Astral, in regulatory filings, has said there was another bidder fighting against BCE to the end, and the speculation has long centred on Mr. Audet’s company.

“It almost falls into Cogeco’s lap, and they were interested,” said Ron Mayers, a Montreal-based alternative strategies-focused trader at Laurentian Bank, who has been a shareholder of Astral as the deal unfolded.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...rticle4622241/

thenewdc · 2012-10-19, 05:44 PM

I have no issue with Cogeco stepping up to buy Astral.

hugh · 2012-10-19, 07:16 PM

Quote:

I have no issue with Cogeco stepping up to buy Astral.

Seriously? Cogeco already owns a ton of radio stations in Quebec after they bought all the Quebec stations from Corus. Cogeco would have a virtual monopoly in Quebec if they bought Astral

Lets breakdown these conglomerates, not let them build up!

2012-10-18, 05:12 PM	#1
magnet Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 4,014	What Happens to Astral Now? One would assume that Astral is still for sale. Does this mean Shaw or Bitove may jump in and buy it? __________________ When it comes to humility, I am the greatest!

2012-10-18, 05:18 PM	#2
jimbo42 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Halifax (Motorola HD DVR DCX3400-M/DCX700M 50" Plasma) Posts: 675	I don't think Astral was ever officially for sale. Bell just made them an offer they couldn't refuse is what I thought happened. __________________ Once you go Plasma you will never go back.

2012-10-18, 05:32 PM	#4
SMCKINNON24 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rogers Cable, Scarborough, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,299	They would have to have a joint company like Rogers/BCE/ Shaw owning a part in Astral so they have a equal share __________________ Rogers Digtal Cable,PVR8642HD/PVR8000, VIP ULTIMATE+TMN Playboy, Hustler, Super , WWE 24/7, BELL TV 9241PVRHD,

2012-10-18, 05:33 PM	#5
LONSat Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London, Ontario Posts: 495	Bell if the want could appeal to the courts or they could come back to the table with a partner to try to divvy up the assets. The Astal radio properties were probably not as much a problem as the speciality and TV assets but the TV assets were probably what Bell coveted the most. Shaw/Corus is probably maxed on Specialty TV assets based on this ruling. Rogers could bid I suppose spinning off the Radio division to Bell if they are interested in a consolation prize to try to grow that division. If Astral is truly in play would Blue Ant have deep enough pockets to swing a deal? __________________ Living in the land of the mayor that won't do the right thing.

2012-10-18, 07:17 PM	#7
roger1818 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa (Stittsville), ON, OTA (Radio Shack Omnidirectional Antenna and 5Y6S in Attic), MythTV HTPC Posts: 5,680	A lot depends on what happens to Astral's share prices. They spiked after the deal was announced with people picking up the shares, hoping to make a quick buck. If they over correct, someone may come along and scoop it up for much less than what Bell was going to pay. Otherwise, Astral will likely continue on as normal. __________________ Link to my TVFool results is in my profile Homepage URL. I suggest others do the same.

2012-10-18, 05:28 PM	#3
thenewdc Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,329	SHAW wouldn't have a hope in hell of getting the CRTC to approve it. They've sent out a strong message.

2012-10-18, 05:33 PM	#6
manoman Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 36	probably just carry on business as usual

2012-10-18, 09:43 PM	#8
travisc Veteran Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Uxbridge, ON Posts: 3,595	A joint Rogers/Shaw/BCE ownership makes no sense and does nothing to help the consumer. They would happily jack wholesale rates (and thus the rate charged to the customer) knowing a portion goes back into their own pocket and that the extra money earned from companies not part of the ownership group is delicious and tasty gravy.

2012-10-19, 12:56 AM	#9
ScaryBob Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Dandelion City Posts: 7,133	I believe Bell must pay $150 million to Astral in order to break the deal. That should cover any possible losses to Astral due to the failed approval. Bell can appeal to the supreme court so it's not over yet. __________________ At 20 I had a good mind. At 40 I had money. At 60 I've lost my mind and my money. Oh, to be 20 again. --Scary

2012-10-19, 07:03 AM	#10
thenewdc Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,329	Business as usual for Astral with a 150 million bonus into their coffers

2012-10-19, 04:59 PM	#11
CamDAB Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Far East End of Hamilton, ON (Lake & Barton, 10th floor facing East) Posts: 1,099	RE: Post #9 An appeal to the Supreme Court could take quite a while, depending if they (SC) decide to expedite it... Now to chip away at what other irritations consumers face with the Canadian broadcast and telecom industries... :-) Cameron __________________ DAB listener December 2003-November 2011 (DAB Off-Air) HD radio Listener since June 2010

2012-10-19, 05:44 PM	#13
thenewdc Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 2,329	I have no issue with Cogeco stepping up to buy Astral.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode