Thomson Aims Big With Reuters Purchase

Article Excerpt

THE THOMSON CORP. $40 (Toronto symbol TOC; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 640.8 million; Market cap: $25.6 billion; SI Rating: Above average) provides a wide range of specialized information to professionals in the financial, tax and accounting, medical, legal and scientific fields. Over 80% of Thomson’s revenue comes from electronic products, which cuts its printing and distribution costs. As well, 80% of its revenue comes from subscription-based products, which cuts its reliance on cyclical advertising. In May 2007, Thomson agreed to acquire UK-based Reuters Group plc for $17 billion in cash and stock (all amounts except share price and market cap in U.S. dollars). The deal will make the combined Thomson- Reuters the world’s largest provider of financial information and news, just ahead of current market leader Bloomberg. The merger requires approval from Canadian, U.S. and European competition regulators. While the company may have to sell certain operations, it aims to complete the merger in early 2008. To help pay for Reuters,…