Rocket Lab agrees $8 billion Iridium deal

• Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) agreed to acquire Iridium (NASDAQ:IRDM) in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $8 billion enterprise value.
• Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash plus Rocket Lab shares, with a collar set between $67.50 and $112.50.
• The combined company is expected to integrate launch services, spacecraft systems, spectrum assets, and LEO communications.

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) agreed to acquire Iridium (NASDAQ:IRDM) in a transaction valuing the combined deal at about $8 billion enterprise value, combining cash, stock, and structured consideration for shareholders.

The deal comes as Rocket Lab expands beyond launch services into a broader space infrastructure model, while Iridium brings an established global satellite communications network and recurring revenue base.

Iridium shareholders will receive $27 in cash per share plus Rocket Lab stock, with the exchange ratio subject to a collar range between $67.50 and $112.50.

The companies said Iridium generated 2025 revenue of $871.7 million and OEBITDA of $495 million, representing a 57% margin, and the deal is expected to close in mid-2027.

The combined company will operate across launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, satellite constellation operations, spectrum ownership, and global low-Earth orbit communications.

Rocket Lab said it has secured commitments for a $3.6 billion 364-day senior secured bridge loan to fund the cash portion of the transaction.