Carlyle Group To Purchase CommScope For $3.9 Billion

CommScope has entered into a definitive merger agreement with global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group in a transaction valued at approximately $3.9 billion that will result in CommScope becoming a private company. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Carlyle will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CommScope common stock for $31.50 per share in cash.

It is anticipated that upon completion of the transaction, CommScope CEO Frank Drendel and CommScope President and COO Eddie Edwards, along with other members of CommScope’s executive management team, will continue to lead the company.

CommScope’s board of directors has unanimously approved the agreement with Carlyle and recommends that CommScope stockholders approve the proposed merger and merger agreement. CommScope expects to hold a special meeting of stockholders to consider and vote on the proposed merger and merger agreement as soon as practicable after the mailing of the proxy statement to its stockholders.

The transaction is subject to the approval of CommScope’s stockholders, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.