M&A and IPO News 11/17/08

[David Sandusky]

This weeks acquisitions and IPO news as compiled by AIRS newsletter.

No IPOs scheduled this week.

Mergers & Acquisitions:



M&A - Consumer Electronics

Buyer: Panasonic Corporation, Kadoma, Japan

Target: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Moriguchi, Japan


Consumer electronics giant Panasonic has agreed to buy smaller rival Sanyo in a deal potentially valued at $8.8 billion. The acquisition of Sanyo would make Panasonic the second-largest electronics company in the world, while also allowing the company to strengthen its position in the areas of rechargeable batteries and solar power equipment as demand for greener energy sources increases.
Reuters, November 7, 2008



M&A - Electrical Products

Buyer: 3M Company, St. Paul, MN

Target: Grafoplast SpA, Predosa, Italy


3M Company, a product maker with six distinct operating divisions, will acquire Grafoplast, an Italian maker of identification and marking systems for cables, wires, and other electrical components, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will allow 3M to expand its electrical product offerings.
Forbes, November 12, 2008



M&A - Internet & Online Services Providers

Buyer: AT&T Inc., Dallas, TX

Target: Wayport, Inc., Irving, TX


AT&T, a leader in telecommunications services, will purchase Wayport, a company that provides support for Wi-Fi hot spots, for $275 million. The acquisition will allow AT&T to expand the scope of its Wi-Fi business.
Network World, November 6, 2008



M&A - Plastic & Fiber Manufacturing

Buyer: Mitsubishi Rayon Company, Limited, Tokyo, Japan

Target: Lucite International Limited, Southampton, UK


Mitsubishi Rayon, a leading plastics maker, will acquire smaller rival Lucite in a deal valued at $1.6 billion. Lucite's products include everything from bus shelters to McDonald's golden arches.
Financial Times, November 12, 2008


M&A - Wireless Communications Services

Buyer: AT&T Inc., Dallas, TX

Target: Centennial Communications Corp., Wall, NJ


AT&T has also announced it will buy wireless provider Centennial Communications for about $944 million. The acquisition will allow AT&T to improve wireless coverage for customers in rural areas of the Midwest and Gulf Coast, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Wall Street Journal, November 8, 2008