Rocket Lab announces acquisition of Iridium Communications for $8 billion

Rocket Lab announced on Monday that it will acquire Iridium Communications for approximately $8 billion, with the transaction expected to be completed by mid-2027. Iridium Communications shareholders received $27 in cash and company stock per share, with a total value of $54, representing a 24.1% premium over the previous trading day. Rocket Lab has secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan commitment from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo for cash payments. This acquisition integrates Rocket Lab's launch and satellite manufacturing business with the Iridium communication satellite network, forming a vertically integrated model to challenge SpaceX.