In a transaction valued at $26 billion inclusive of debt, Rogers Communications has announced the acquisition of all issued and outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares of Shaw Communications.

Following the acquisition, Rogers has stated it will invest $6.5 billion to build 5G networks, connect underserved rural and Indigenous communities, and bring more choice to customers and businesses in Western Canada.

A BD&P team comprising Grant Zawalsky, Jeff Sharpe, Bronwyn Inkster and Maria Rooney, is advising the Shaw Special Committee of Independent Directors, who unanimously approved the transaction.

Speaking about the transaction, lead BD&P advisor to the Shaw Special Committee, Managing Partner Grant Zawalsky said, "This deal will bring together two of Canada's largest family-founded telecoms businesses creating the second-largest telecoms provider in Canada. It has been great to see Calgary-based Shaw grow in strength over the years, and we are pleased to have been able to provide strategic advice to the Shaw Special Committee on its decision to come together with Rogers. We congratulate Shaw on this significant milestone."

The transaction is expected to close in early 2022, pending regulatory approval.