$4bn merger between Fairfax and Nine.

$4bn merger between Fairfax and Nine, two publicly listed Australian media companies. Following completion of the Proposed Transaction, Nine shareholders will own 51.1% of the combined entity with Fairfax shareholders owning the remaining 48.9%. The combined business will be led by Nine’s current Chief Executive Officer, Hugh Marks. Three current Fairfax Directors will be invited to join the Board of the combined business, which will be chaired by Nine Chairman, Peter Costello and include two further current Nine directors. The merger is expected to deliver annualised pro-forma cost savings of at least $50m which will be fully implemented over two years. The Proposed Transaction, on a pro forma basis, reflecting the full benefit of the cost savings, is expected to be earnings per share neutral for Nine shareholders, prior to any consolidation adjustments.