Santa Clara, Calif. - Macrovision (NASD: MVSN), a developer of media anti-piracy technology and content distribution services, announced on Friday that it has agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide International (NASD: GMST), a provider of electronic program guides for digital TV services, and the publisher of TV Guide, in a transaction valued at $2.8 billion.

The deal provides up to $1.55 billion in cash for Gemstar-TV Guide shareholders, who will own about 47% of the company upon closing of the deal -- which is expected in the second quarter of 2008.

News Corp., which owns 41% of Gemstar, has agreed to vote in favor of the deal, which was reached after "an extensive review by Gemstar-TV Guide of its strategic alternatives."

Gemstar-TV Guide CEO Rich Battista and CFO Bedi Singh will be leaving the combined company, which will be led by Macrovision head Fred Amoroso.

Macrovision said the deal will put protected media content, supported by program guides, on numerous devices.

"For example, consumers will be able to pull up a guide on their TV and receive personalized content and information regarding their favorite TV shows, read movie reviews before purchasing or renting a film, view personal photos, or tap into their music library," the company said.

Related Links:
http://www.macrovision.com/company/newscenter/pressreleases/1434_7820.htm

http://www.gemstartvguide.com