Paul, Weiss Advises Advance in $34.5 Billion Charter Communications Combination With Cox

Paul, Weiss is advising media conglomerate Advance Publications, Inc., a major shareholder in Charter Communications, Inc., in Charter’s combination with Cox Communications. Charter is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. The transaction, which values Cox at an enterprise value of approximately $34.5 billion, will create an industry leader in mobile and broadband communications services, seamless video entertainment and high-quality customer service.

Upon closing of the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, Charter, Cox’s parent company and Advance will enter into an amended stockholders’ agreement. Advance will also retain its two board nominees. The combined company will change its name to Cox Communications, and Spectrum will become the consumer-facing brand within the communities Cox serves.

The Paul, Weiss team is led by partners Robert Schumer, Michael Vogel and Brian Krause and counsel Lara Solomons, and includes corporate partner John Kennedy; tax partner Jeffrey Samuels; executive compensation partner Jean McLoughlin; and antitrust partner Marta Kelly and counsel Todd Hahn.