Know your Legislature: The Public Affairs Research Council is taking orders for its Guide to the 2011 Louisiana Legislature. The guide, which has key information on legislators, elected officials and state agencies, is free for PAR members and $10 for non-members. The guide will be released in time for the April 25 start of the regular session. To order, click here.
Deal will boost ability to transmit data: EchoStar Corp. will buy satellite Internet services company Hughes Communications Inc. for about $1.34 billion so it can boost its ability to transport data and video via broadband, the company says. The value is based on Hughes’ 22 million outstanding shares. EchoStar, which makes equipment for cable, telecom and satellite TV providers, says the deal is worth $2 billion including debt, which the company says it will refinance. The buyout, approved by the boards of both companies, gives Hughes shareholders $60.70 for each share they own. The companies expect the acquisition to close later this year.
