Rocket Lab acquires Iridium in $8 billion space communications deal
Rocket Lab agreed to acquire Iridium Communications for approximately $8 billion in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $54 per Iridium share. The merger creates a vertically integrated space company combining Rocket Lab’s launch and satellite manufacturing with Iridium’s LEO satellite network of over 2.5 million subscribers. Rocket Lab secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo. The transaction, approved by both boards, is expected to close by mid-2027 pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.
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Rocket Lab (RKLB) Falls Hard as CEO Sells Stake Amid Iridium Acquisition
Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB) shares fell 10.40% on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, closing at $83.41, extending losses for a second day. The decline followed a regulatory filing revealing that CEO Peter Beck sold 5 million shares on Monday as part of a pre-arranged selling plan dated March 27, 2026. The sale came after the stock had recently recovered to the $100 level following news of Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications Inc. Under the deal, Rocket Lab will acquire all Iridium shares at $54 each, a 24% premium over Iridium's closing price before the announcement. Beck stated the acquisition aligns with plans to create a vertically integrated space company that designs, builds, launches, and operates its own constellations, unlocking new markets in space-based applications.
Yahoo FinanceRocket Lab Acquires Iridium Communications in $8 Billion Deal
Rocket Lab announced an $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications, marking a strategic shift from building rockets and satellite parts to owning and operating a global communications network. The deal values Iridium at $54 per share, paid in a mix of cash and Rocket Lab stock. Rocket Lab secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo to finance the transaction. Iridium operates 66 active satellites with L-band spectrum, generating $871 million in revenue with 57% profit margins. Rocket Lab, though still unprofitable, saw Q1 2026 revenue rise to $200 million. The merger has board approval and is expected to close in 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approval. Iridium CEO Matthew Desch noted that the deal will enable faster, cheaper satellite launches and expansion of services.
Yahoo FinanceRocket Lab Acquires Iridium in $8 Billion Deal to Expand Satellite Communications
Rocket Lab Corp. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Iridium Communications Inc. in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $8 billion enterprise value. Under the deal, Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash plus Rocket Lab shares, totaling $54 per share implied value. The transaction, expected to close in mid-2027, transforms Rocket Lab into a vertically integrated space company combining launch services, satellite manufacturing, and Iridium's global satellite communications network with over 2.55 million subscribers. Rocket Lab aims to eliminate third-party launch costs for future constellations and expand into IoT, direct-to-device, positioning/navigation/timing, and defense markets. Iridium generated $871.7 million revenue and $495 million OEBITDA in 2025. The boards approved the deal, and Rocket Lab secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo. RKLB stock rose nearly 10% following the announcement, though technical analysis shows short-term consolidation.
Yahoo FinanceRocket Lab Inks $8 Billion Iridium Acquisition Deal, Stock Surges 15.9%
Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares surged 15.93% on Monday, June 29, 2026, closing at $98.01 after announcing a definitive agreement to acquire Iridium Communications for approximately $8 billion. The deal involves a stock and cash combination at $54 per Iridium share, a 24% premium over its previous closing price. The acquisition aligns with Rocket Lab's strategy to become a vertically integrated space company that designs, builds, launches, and operates its own satellite constellations. CEO Peter Beck stated the merger will combine Iridium's spectrum and infrastructure with Rocket Lab's launch and manufacturing capabilities to unlock new space-based markets. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2027, pending shareholder approval and other conditions.
Yahoo FinanceRocket Lab to acquire Iridium in $8B cash-and-stock deal
Rocket Lab USA Inc has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $8 billion. Under the deal, Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash and a portion of Rocket Lab stock per share, implying a value of about $54 per Iridium share. Following the announcement, Rocket Lab shares surged nearly 12% to about $94, while Iridium stock jumped 22% to about $53. The combination aims to create a vertically integrated space company spanning launch services, satellite manufacturing, and satellite-based communications. Iridium operates a LEO constellation with over 2.5 million subscribers and generated $871.7 million in revenue in 2025. Rocket Lab secured a $3.6 billion bridge loan from Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo to fund the deal. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
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