Sprint receives $25.5 billion buyout offer from Dish Network
If you’re like most of us, you probably thought that the Softbank purchase of Sprint was all but a done deal – so I guess we were all wrong. In news that broke earlier this morning, the tech world has learned that Dish Network has made a $25.5 billion offer to purchase Sprint, a full $5 billion more than Softbank’s current offer.
While the full implications of this new buyout offer aren’t quite clear, several things are certain: a Dish Network purchase of Sprint would keep ownership of the third largest cell phone company on American soil, which is something the US government had previously expressed concerns about. Additionally, Sprint could take advantage of Dish Network’s vast and untapped spectrum reserves, and both might benefit from being to offer more complete television, internet, and cell phone packages to consumers.
Sprint simply had this to say:
Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) today confirmed it has received an unsolicited proposal from DISH Network to acquire the Company. The Company said that its Board of Directors will evaluate this proposal carefully and consistent with its fiduciary and legal duties. The company does not plan to comment further until the appropriate time.
What do you think? Would you rather see Sprint and Dish combine forces, or could Sprint have more to gain from a Softbank deal?
[Sprint | Business Wire via Android Police]
