Media Mergers and Acquisitions

“It is a superb firm and the lawyers are excellent; they are dedicated, smart and very knowledgeable.”

— Chambers USA 2021

BakerHostetler’s counsel to media companies began more than 90 years ago—and we continue to lead in helping media companies navigate critical and evolving issues in these industries, occasioned by current technological transformations and the convergence of content and distribution.

Represented The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:EWS) in connection with its asset purchase of two large key television stations and related market assets from private equity-backed Granite Broadcasting for $110 million and in its all-stock deal in which it acquired private equity-backed Newsy, a digital news platform, for $35 million cash. Received The M&A Advisors highest honor of “Middle Market Deal of the Year (over $100 million to $250 million) 2014” for this transaction.
Represented The E.W. Scripps Company in its $212 million acquisition of McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies. We navigated a competitive bidding process, a 72-hour window to conduct negotiations, and a strict 90-day deadline to close the deal, which made Scripps the second largest owner of independent ABC television affiliates. Won honors as “Sector Deal of the Year (From $100 million to $1 billion)” in the Technology, Media and Telecom category at the 11th annual M&A Advisor Awards.
Represented Sandusky Newspapers, Inc., in its $85.5 million sale of 10 radio stations to Hubbard Broadcasting. Hubbard’s acquisition expands the Minneapolis-based communication company’s radio group portfolio by 50 percent, extending its radio footprint to 30 stations in seven markets.
Represented United Media and The E. W. Scripps Company in connection with the sale of substantially all of the assets of United Media Licensing, including the ownership rights to the “Peanuts,” “Fancy Nancy” and “Dilbert” libraries. Awarded “Middle Market Deal of the Year (from $100 million to $250 million)” from The M&A Advisor.