ViaSat completes acquisition of WildBlue Communications in takeover valued at $568 million

ViaSat completes WildBlue acquisition

CARLSBAD, Calif. — ViaSat Inc., which makes wireless communication systems, said Tuesday it has bought WildBlue Communications Inc.

The companies first announced the deal in October. ViaSat is paying $568 million in cash and stock for privately held WildBlue, which provides high-speed Internet access via satellite and is headquartered in Denver.

“We … believe the resources and skills of the WildBlue team add greater momentum to our plans to bring satellite broadband to new markets,” said ViaSat chairman and CEO Mark Dankberg said in a statement Tuesday.

ViaSat said it expects to provide a 2011 financial outlook, including the impact of the acquisition, during its next earnings conference call in early February.

Shares of ViaSat fell 35 cents to close at $30.42.