Macrovision to Acquire Gemstar-TV Guide for $2.8 Billion

Macrovision, a developer of media anti-piracy technology and content distribution services, announced on Friday that it has agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide International, a provider of electronic program guides for digital TV services, and the publisher of TV Guide, in a transaction valued at $2.8 billion. The deal provides up to $1.55 billion in cash for Gemstar-TV Guide shareholders, who will own about 47% of the company upon closing of the deal -- which is expected in the second quarter of 2008. News Corp., which owns 41% of Gemstar, has agreed to vote in favor of the deal, which was reached after "an extensive review by Gemstar-TV Guide of its strategic alternatives." Macrovision said the deal will put protected media content, supported by program guides, on numerous devices.
http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/12/07/macrovision-acquire-gemstar-tv-guide-%242.8-billion

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