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Merger communication
✓ VerifiedRocket Lab's HSR waiting period for its Iridium acquisition expired August 12, 2026, and it filed its Form S-4 and FCC transfer applications while pursuing financing to replace a $3.6 billion bridge loan.
Filed Aug 13, 2026 · 07:22 ET
Summary
- The HSR antitrust waiting period for Rocket Lab's acquisition of Iridium expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 12, 2026.
- Rocket Lab filed its Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC to register securities to be delivered to Iridium shareholders, and the registration statement has not yet become effective.
- On August 10, 2026, Rocket Lab and Iridium filed applications with the FCC seeking consent to transfer control of Iridium's licenses and authorizations to Rocket Lab.
- Rocket Lab entered a commitment letter for a 364-day senior secured bridge term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $3.6 billion and intends to replace it with permanent debt and equity financing.
- Rocket Lab and Iridium intend to seek amendments to Iridium's existing term loan credit facility with $1.775 billion outstanding as of June 30, 2026, so it can remain in place after the acquisition.
- Rocket Lab announced a new at the market program that replaces its May 2026 program, with proceeds intended to reduce the remaining bridge loan commitments through equity transactions.
Key facts
- HSR waiting period expiration
- 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on August 12, 2026
From the filing for HSR waiting period expiration
“in connection with its pending acquisition of Iridium expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on August 12, 2026.”
- FCC applications filed
- August 10, 2026
From the filing for FCC applications filed
“on August 10, 2026, Rocket Lab and Iridium filed with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) applications seeking its consent to transfer control of Iridium's licenses and authorizations to Rocket Lab.”
- Bridge facility amount
- $3.6 billion
From the filing for Bridge facility amount
“a 364-day senior secured bridge term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $3.6 billion.”
- Iridium term loan outstanding
- $1.775 billion outstanding as of June 30, 2026
From the filing for Iridium term loan outstanding
“Iridium's existing term loan credit facility with an aggregate amount of $1.775 billion outstanding as of June 30, 2026”
- New ATM program
- replaces the Company's May 2026 program
From the filing for New ATM program
“a new at the market program that replaces the Company's May 2026 program and carries forward the unsold offering amount under that prior program”
- CEO
- Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab
From the filing for CEO
“Sir Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, says:”
- Iridium CFO
- Vincent J. O'Neill
From the filing for Iridium CFO
“Vincent J. O'Neill, Iridium's chief financial officer, may be considered participants in Iridium's solicitation.”
Why it mattersThe filing clears the U.S. antitrust hurdle and advances the SEC and FCC regulatory steps needed to close Rocket Lab's Iridium acquisition. It also details a financing plan to replace the $3.6 billion bridge loan with permanent debt and equity.
- Filed
- Aug 13, 2026
- Accepted
- 2026-08-13 11:22Z
- Accession no.
- 0001753926-26-001465
- Size
- 26 KB
- Index
- Filing index