M&A Deal Summary

Cumulus Media Acquires Merlin Media

On January 3, 2014, Cumulus Media acquired media company Merlin Media from GTCR

Acquisition Highlights
  • This is Cumulus Media’s 4th transaction in the Media sector.
  • This is Cumulus Media’s 5th transaction in the United States.
  • This is Cumulus Media’s 1st transaction in Kentucky.

M&A Deal Summary

Date 2014-01-03
Target Merlin Media
Sector Media
Buyer(s) Cumulus Media
Sellers(s) GTCR
Deal Type Add-on Acquisition

Target

Merlin Media

Fort Wright, Kentucky, United States
Merlin Media was formed for the purpose of acquiring and operating media assets. Merlin Media currently owns and operates 3 radio stations: WWWN-FM (101.1 MHz, Chicago, IL), WLUP-FM (97.9 MHz, Chicago, IL) and WEMP-FM (101.9 MHz, New York, NY). Merlin Media is a multimedia company focused on creating desirable content for its consumers.

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Buyer(S) 1

Buyer

Cumulus Media

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Category Company
Founded 2002
Sector Media
Employees2,464
Revenue 845M USD (2023)
DESCRIPTION
Entrance to Cumulus' corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Entrance to Cumulus' corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cumulus Media is an owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States. Cumulus Media was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 5 of 6
Sector (Media) 4 of 5
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 5 of 6
State (Kentucky) 1 of 1
Country (United States) 5 of 6
Year (2014) 1 of 1
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2013-08-30 DialGlobal

New York, New York, United States

Dial Global is a national audio media company in the U.S., delivering compelling, engaging, and fully-integrated audio content to over 8,500+ radio stations and digital media companies. Dial Global's portfolio of iconic media, sports and entertainment brands, combined with some of the most recognized live events in the world, provide strong and unique brand engagement to over 225 million consumers each week.

Buy $260M
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2018-04-03 WKQX-FM

United States

WKQX-FM 101.1 has served the greater Chicago metropolitan area since 1977, offering, over the years, a range of modern, alternative, hard and classic rock from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Today, the station not only provides Chicagoans the best alternative rock programming but it also brings fans closer to the music through unique and innovative experiences, ranging from exclusive, up-close performances in the Sound Lounge to the “Bad Ass 48” – a once in a lifetime opportunity for a fan to spend 48 hours straight with their favorite artist.

Buy -

Seller(S) 1

SELLER

GTCR

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Investor Investor Investor Investor Investor


Category Private Equity Firm
Founded 1980
PE ASSETS 15.0B USD
Size Mega
Type Sector Agnostic
DESCRIPTION

GTCR is a private equity firm that typically partners with management when pursuing acquisitions. The Firm looks to grow companies through build-on acquisitions, consolidations, and internal growth. GTCR will consider both equity and mezzanine capital commitments and concentrates its investment activity in consumer products & services, healthcare services, outsourced business services, technology, transaction processing, and pharma/medical products. GTCR was formed in 1980 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 42 of 84
Sector (Media) 2 of 2
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 23 of 40
State (Kentucky) 2 of 2
Country (United States) 42 of 81
Year (2014) 1 of 6
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2013-10-09 Six3 Systems

McLean, Virginia, United States

Six3 Systems is a high-end national security and defense intelligence services provider focused on developing and acquiring specialized capabilities that cater to the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense and civilian agencies. Six3 Systems is primarily focused on opportunities involving biometrics, advanced data interpretation and analysis, cybersecurity, and intelligence / counterintelligence operations, training and support.

Sell $820M
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2014-02-17 Callcredit Information Group

Leeds, United Kingdom

Callcredit Information Group Ltd. is a provider of consumer data solutions, software and analytics. Callcredit provides the data, analytics, and software that enable businesses to build more valuable customer relationships. Callcredit Information Group Ltd. was established in 2000 and is based in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Buy -