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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Investment Firms To Acquire Majority Stake In Univision

Univision Holdings, Inc., Searchlight Capital Partners, LP and ForgeLight LLC today announced a definitive agreement in which Searchlight and ForgeLight will acquire a majority ownership interest in Univision from all stockholders of Univision other than Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Televisa, a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, has elected to retain its approximate 36 percent stake in Univision's fully diluted equity capital on an as converted basis. Televisa's Program License Agreement with Univision will remain in effect and will not expire unless Televisa voluntarily sells down a substantial portion of its ownership stake, at which point the agreement would remain in place for an additional 7.5 years. The agreement, which is one of Univision's most strategic assets, provides the company exclusive access to the largest Spanish-language video library in the world.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Searchlight and ForgeLight will purchase the remaining 64 percent ownership interest from the other stockholders of Univision, led by an investor group including Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group. Searchlight and ForgeLight will partner closely with Televisa and Wade Davis, founder of ForgeLight, who will become CEO of Univision upon close of the transaction. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions including receipt of regulatory approvals, is expected to close later this year.

Univision is the most recognized and trusted brand among U.S. Hispanics, providing best-in-class, culturally relevant media anytime, anywhere via its multi-content platform. Univision is a top destination for national and local Spanish-language news, sports and entertainment, and operates a leading Hispanic radio network and Latin music media platform. On average, Univision News reaches nearly five million Hispanic Adult 18-49 viewers weekly, out-delivering its English-language broadcast (+34%) and cable network (+89%) competition by double-digit audience advantages. Univision's successful platform allows advertisers and multichannel programming distributors to reach one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S., young Spanish-speakers, in their own language.

Univision has performed strongly and consistently, with recent highlights including:
  • Univision ranked among top five broadcast networks in prime time with Hispanic adults 18-49 for the 16th consecutive year
  • In the fourth quarter, Univision had the fastest growing portfolio of networks in prime time, regardless of language, among the top-10 U.S. media holders
  • UniMás, Univision's second broadcast network, boasts 41% prime time audience growth season to date versus prior period
Sandusky
Vince Sadusky, Chief Executive Officer of Univision, said, "We are a re-energized and refocused company, and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter with partners that recognize the excellent position Univision is in. I want to thank our talented employees for their hard work and dedication—I'm so proud of everything we have accomplished that has led us to this great outcome."

Zinterhofer
Eric Zinterhofer, Founding Partner of Searchlight, said, "Univision has a proven track record of success in reaching and serving the U.S. Hispanic community, who represent 1 in 5 Americans and growing. Most recently, Univision and its talented employees have made great strides under the leadership of Vince Sadusky and the stewardship of Chairman Haim Saban and the full Sponsor Group. The strong support of Televisa, a premier content producer in the Spanish speaking world, and Wade Davis, a proven executive in areas which include advanced advertising and digital distribution, further enhances our confidence in Univision's bright future."

Davis
Davis, CEO and Founder of ForgeLight said, "First, I would like to thank the Sponsor Group for their work to bring Univision to where it is today and for choosing us to take the company forward. I am proud to partner with Searchlight and Televisa to lead Univision at such an exciting point in its history. Univision's leadership and connection with one of the most important audiences in the U.S. today creates an amazing platform to drive innovation, build market-defining content and create an even deeper relationship with its audience. Vince and the entire Univision team have done an outstanding job of refocusing the company over the past 18 months, which has further enhanced the company's position as a market leader in Spanish-language media and created this incredible opportunity going forward."


Uforia Audio Network, is the radio broadcasting and music events division of Univision Communications. Formerly known as Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation and Univision Radio, It is the eighth largest radio company in the United States, and the largest Hispanic radio company in the nation. Uforia is also the name of an app that streams all its radio stations, as well as specialty internet streams, it's the first said app with a predominantly Spanish-language interface in the Americas. It is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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