(Telecompaper) AT&T has agreed to acquire the satellite pay-TV provider DirecTV for USD 48.5 billion. The acquisition strengthens its TV offering in the US, while also giving it a new growth market with DirecTV's over 18 million customers in Latin America. AT&T will pay USD 95 per share for DirecTV, including USD 28.50 per share in cash and USD 66.50 in AT&T stock. The deal values DirecTV's equity at USD 48.5 billion, while the total transaction is worth USD 67.1 billion including DirecTV's net debt. After the deal, DirecTV shareholders will own 14.5-15.8 percent of AT&T. AT&T intends to finance the cash portion of the transaction through a combination of cash on hand, sale of non-core assets, committed financing facilities and debt market transactions. To facilitate the regulatory approval process in Latin America, AT&T intends to sell its stake in America Movil, which competes against DirecTV on the pay-TV market in the region. AT&T's members on the America Movil board will step down immediately. AT&T expects the deal to add to its free cash flow per share and adjusted EPS within 12 months of closing. The companies also expect over USD 1.6 billion in cost synergies from the takeover within three years, driven in part by increased sales of TV services to AT&T's fixed and mobile customers.