RCN cable to be acquired

HERNDON, VA, Mar 05, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) — RCN Corporation (NASDAQ: RCNI) and ABRY Partners today announced their entry into a definitive agreement for an investment fund managed by ABRY to acquire RCN for total consideration of approximately $1.2 billion, including the assumption of debt. As part of this agreement, each share of RCN common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be entitled to receive $15 in cash, representing a 43% premium over RCN’s average closing share price during the past 30 trading days and a 22% premium over the closing share price on March 4, 2010. The transaction has fully committed financing, consisting of a combination of equity to be invested by ABRY and debt financing to be provided by SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., GE Capital, Societe Generale, and certain of their affiliates.rnrnThe transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2010, subject to receipt of stockholder approval, regulatory approvals, including the receipt of required consents and approvals of the Federal Communications Commission, as well as satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The transaction is not subject to any financing condition.rnrnUnder the terms of the merger agreement, RCN may solicit proposals from third parties for 40 days through April 14, 2010. There can be no assurances that this process will result in an alternative transaction. RCN does not intend to disclose developments with respect to this solicitation process unless and until its Board of Directors has made a decision.rnrnDeutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Waller Capital Partners, LLC acted as financial advisors to the Special Committee of RCN’s Board of Directors with respect to this transaction. Jenner & Block LLP acted as counsel to RCN.rnrnSunTrust Robinson Humphrey acted as exclusive financial advisor to ABRY and will also serve as Left Lead Joint Bookrunner and Administrative Agent for the debt financing. GE Capital Markets and SG Americas Securities will also act as Joint Bookrunners for the debt financing. Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP acted as counsel to ABRY Partners.rnrnUpdate Regarding Conference Call for Fourth Quarter Financial ResultsrnrnAs a result of this announcement, RCN will not hold a fourth quarter 2009 results conference call, previously scheduled for March 9, 2010.