Televisa is finally getting what it has wanted for years – a piece of Univision. Grupo Televisa will be investing $1.2 billion in Univision. While the WSJ reports Televisa’s cash will help “recapitalize” Univision, Mexico’s El Universal describes it as a “rescue” of the U.S. company.
Under the terms of the deal, Televisa will pay $130 million for a 5% stake in the company, and the rest would be convertible debt equivalent to 30% of Univision shares. It would also have the right to buy an additional 5% of Univision at market prices in 5 years. When you add it all up, Televisa could end up owning up to 40% of the company.
As part of the deal, Televisa will also extend its content licensing agreement with Univision from the current 2017 to 2025. The Mexican broadcaster will get an increase in royalties – Univision will pay an extra $48 million in the first year. But in exchange, Univision will be allowed to broadcast Televisa programming on the internet and other digital platforms.
The deal puts an end to the legal battles between both companies. Televisa and Univision last year settled a program-sharing and royalties suit out of court. In July of 2009, a judge ruled Televisa couldn’t plug its own shows online in the U.S. and neither could Univision. Televisa had vowed to appeal that ruling.
