Bell Canada reaches buyout deal, price remains the same $42.75 a share

BCE Inc. said Friday it reached a final agreement with a group of investors to amend a buyout deal with a higher breakup fee, but the price will remain at $42.75 a share. Shares of BCE closed at $34.75 a share on Thursday. An executed credit agreement for the parent company of Bell Canada and other key financing documents have been finalized; a reverse break fee payable by the purchaser has been increased to $1.2 billion and closing will take place on or before Dec. 11. Prior to closing, the company will not pay dividends on its common shares but will continue to pay dividends on its preferred shares.