Case | HBS Case Collection | 2003 (Revised from original 2000 version)

Radio One, Inc.

by Richard S. Ruback and Pauline M Fischer

Abstract

Radio One (NYSE: ROIA and RIOAK), the largest radio group targeting African-Americans in the country, had the opportunity to acquire 12 urban stations in the top 50 markets from Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU) in the winter of 2000. The stations were being sold by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. to obtain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval for its acquisition of AMFM, Inc. (NYSE: AFM). Radio One was also negotiating the acquisition of nine stations in Charlotte, North Carolina, Augusta, Georgia, and Indianapolis, Indiana. The proposed acquisitions would double the size of Radio One. The case focuses on the strategic and financial evaluation of the proposed acquisitions.

Keywords: Negotiation; Valuation; Race Characteristics; Financial Strategy; Mergers and Acquisitions; Media and Broadcasting Industry; North Carolina; Georgia (state, US); Indiana; United States;

Citation:

Ruback, Richard S., and Pauline M Fischer. "Radio One, Inc." Harvard Business School Case 201-025, May 2003. (Revised from original September 2000 version.)