DigitalGlobe Aquires GeoEye: Becoming Largest Imagery Satellite Co.

The takeover target becomes the acquirer. In a change of roles from just two months ago, DigitalGlobe Inc (NYSE:DGI) has agreed to acquire GeoEye Inc. (NASDAQ:GEOY) in a $900 million deal in which every GeoEye share will receive  either 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe common stock plus $4.10 in cash, or $20.27 in cash and 1.425 shares of stock.

The companies are the two main providers of commercial Earth satellite imagery to the U.S. government. The merger will create the biggest commercial-imagery satellite company globally. It may be recalled that in May GeoEye made an offer to acquire...