posted 07-09-2019 08:26 AM               

Virgin Galactic and Social Capital Hedosophia Announce Merger to Create the World's First and Only Publicly Traded Commercial Human Spaceflight Company

Virgin Galactic ("VG") and Social Capital Hedosophia ("SCH"), a public investment vehicle sponsored by Social Capital and Hedosophia, announced that the boards of directors of each company have approved a definitive agreement under which VG and SCH will merge, with the current shareholders of SCH expected to own up to approximately 49% of the combined company. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected in the second half of 2019, VG will be introduced as the first and only publicly traded commercial human spaceflight company.

Company Highlights

VG is a vertically integrated aerospace company specializing in commercial human spaceflight. Using proven and reusable technology, it intends to offer its customers a unique, multi-day experience culminating in a personal spaceflight that includes out-of-seat zero gravity and views of Planet Earth from space.

VG believes it has now reached an inflection point in its development as it progresses towards launching commercial operations. In particular, by demonstrating the repeatability of the full flight profile through the completion of two crewed spaceflights, VG believes it has overcome a substantial number of the technical hurdles required to make the company a viable and profitable commercial service.

VSS Unity, VG's spaceship, was the first and remains the only vehicle built for regular commercial service to have put humans into space. VG's inaugural spaceflight in December 2018 was also the first and only human space launch from U.S. soil since 2011. During its second spaceflight in February 2019, VSS Unity became the first vehicle built for commercial service to carry pilots as well as crew.

Having reached these milestones, the Board of VG believes that the additional capital provided by the merger with SCH will provide the company with the support needed to reach commercialization.

In addition to the more than $1 billion that has been invested in VG since its inception in 2004, VG believes its position within the emerging commercial human spaceflight market is reinforced by other significant barriers to entry for potential competitors. These include the vertically integrated technical and operational expertise built over 15 years, an established and highly experienced workforce and the strength of the Virgin Group's brand recognition. VG has built a unique, pre-commercial service order book of more than 600 space tourism customers backed by over $80 million in deposits. In a transforming world of experiences and social media, VG believes that the market for exclusive, experiential products will continue to expand quickly and represents a significant opportunity for future growth.

As part of its commercial operations, VG has exclusive access to the principal assets at Spaceport America, New Mexico. Spaceport America is the world's first, purpose built commercial spaceport. As announced on May 10, 2019, VG is moving more than 100 spaceline staff and its space vehicles to Spaceport America, which will become the new location of its operational headquarters. Spaceport America will be the site of VG's initial commercial spaceflights and where the company will deliver a high-end, exclusive customer experience over the multi-day pre-flight period.

As part of this transaction, the existing management team of VG will remain in place following the close of the transaction with George T. Whitesides remaining as CEO, while a new Board, comprised of seven directors, will be augmented by the addition of Chamath Palihapitiya, as Chairman, and Adam Bain, both of whom are committed to the success of VG.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of VG, said: "Great progress in our test flight program means that we are on track for our beautiful spaceship to begin commercial service. By embarking on this new chapter, at this advanced point in Virgin Galactic's development, we can open space to more investors and in doing so, open space to thousands of new astronauts. We are at the dawn of a new space age, with huge potential to improve and sustain life on Earth. I am delighted that SCH has decided to become such an important part of our amazing journey. They share our dreams and together we will make them reality."

George Whitesides, CEO of VG, said: "This transaction represents the next step of our exciting journey. We believe it will offer us the financial flexibility to build a thriving commercial service and invest appropriately for the future."

Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder and CEO of Social Capital Hedosophia, said: "It is a privilege to partner with Sir Richard Branson, a once-in-a-generation visionary, to bring the reality of commercial spaceflight to the world. We are confident that VG is light years ahead of the competition. It is backed by an exciting business model and an uncompromising commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. I cannot wait to take my first trip to space and become an astronaut."

Transaction Overview

On July 9, 2019, SCH (NYSE: IPOA) entered into a definitive agreement to combine with VG with a combination of stock and cash financing. The merged company will have an anticipated initial enterprise value of $1.5 billion implying a 2.5x multiple of 2023 projected revenue and a 5.5x multiple of 2023 projected EBITDA as commercial operations are expected to achieve scale. After the completion of the transaction, the majority of the net cash from SCH's trust is expected to be held on VG's balance sheet to fund operations and support continued growth.

In connection with the transaction, SCH's founder has agreed to invest an additional $100 million at $10.00 per share at completion of the transaction. The selling equity owners of VG will receive $1.3 billion in total consideration, inclusive of $1.0 billion of common stock of the combined company valued at $10.00 per share and up to $300 million in cash consideration. Assuming no redemptions by the public shareholders of SCH, current VG shareholders and current holders of SCH will hold approximately 51% and 49% of the combined company, respectively, at closing.

The transaction is currently expected to be completed during the second half of 2019, subject to approval by SCH's shareholders and other customary closing conditions. Credit Suisse acted as capital markets advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor to SCH. M Klein and Company served as financial advisor to VG and Virgin Group for the merger with SCH. LionTree Advisors and Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisors to the company regarding its capital raising alternatives. Latham & Watkins LLP acted as VG and Virgin Group's legal advisor.

posted 07-09-2019 01:36 PM               

According to their website their address is Palo Alto, California.

posted 10-25-2019 07:50 PM               

Virgin Galactic Completes Merger with Social Capital Hedosophia, Creating the World's First and Only Publicly Traded Commercial Human Spaceflight Company

Virgin Galactic ("VG"), a vertically integrated aerospace company, and Social Capital Hedosophia ("SCH"), a public investment vehicle, today (Oct. 25) announced the completion of their previously announced business combination. The resulting company is named Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. ("VGH") and its common stock, units and warrants are expected to commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol "SPCE", "SPCE.U" and "SPCE WS", respectively, on October 28, 2019. The Company manufactures its space vehicles in Mojave, California, through its aerospace development subsidiary The Spaceship Company, with commercial operations centered at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

VG already has customer reservations from more than 600 people in 60 countries representing approximately $80 million in total collected deposits, and over $120 million of potential revenue. The completion of this merger and trading as a public company are the next milestones on the path towards building a thriving commercial service business and investing appropriately for the future.

George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic Holdings said:

"Today is the start of a new era for the human spaceflight industry. VG has already pioneered several important space milestones, including sending the first test passenger to space onboard a commercial vehicle, and today's announcement is no different. Now that VG is a publicly traded company, anyone can invest in a human spaceflight company that is striving to truly transform the market and be part of the excitement of the commercial space industry. I am proud of the strong flow of customer deposits and interest we have earned to date, and look forward to making the dream of spaceflight come true for our amazing astronaut customers."

Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder and CEO of SCH, said:

"Since our founding, SCH set out to unite technologists, entrepreneurs and technology-oriented investors around a shared vision. What was once a pursuit is now a successfully completed mission. We are pleased to have reached today's monumental milestone and look forward to continuing to work with the Company to transform the commercial space industry."

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Galactic, said:

"To fellow investors, employees of VG and The Spaceship Company, business partners and customers – thank you for your commitment to our great company, which has made today's exciting announcement possible. With our proprietary spaceflight system, special airspace access at Spaceport America, globally-recognized brand and broad investor interest, I believe VG is ideally positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing, multibillion-dollar commercial space market and ultimately open space to thousands of new astronauts. Today, we achieved one mission, and as we bring more and more future astronauts to space, we look forward to the future."

Transaction Details

As a result of this transaction, Virgin Galactic has received over $450m of primary proceeds and as at market close on Friday 25th October, the business has a market capitalization of $2.3bn. Going forward, existing Virgin Galactic shareholders will own nearly 59%. The Company's board of directors consists of Chamath Palihapitiya as Chairman, Adam Bain and James Ryans, who were directors of SCH, as well as Wanda Austin, Craig Kreeger, George Mattson, Evan Lovell and George Whitesides.

About Virgin Galactic Holdings

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. is a vertically-integrated aerospace company pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers. It believes the commercial exploration of space represents one of the most exciting and significant technology initiatives of our time. It is embarking on this commercial exploration journey with a mission to put humans into space and return them safely to earth on a routine, consistent and affordable basis. Using its proprietary and reusable technologies, and supported by a distinctive, Virgin-branded customer experience, it is developing a spaceflight system designed to offer customers a unique, multi-day experience culminating in a spaceflight that includes several minutes of weightlessness and views of Earth from space. It is in the final stages of development, having already completed multiple crewed flights of its vehicle into space, and anticipates initial commercial launch in 2020.

posted 10-28-2019 10:02 AM               

Invest in the Future of Human Spaceflight

Virgin Galactic's Purpose states that "Together we Open Space to Change the World for Good". The "Together" part of that statement is important; space is hard and transforming the access we have to it, takes a concerted and combined effort.

As Richard said in his "Letter to my Grandchildren" on the occasion of Virgin Galactic's first space flight: "When you set off on challenging but important adventures exceptional people come forward to join the journey, people who are consistently by your side and on your side, people who share your dreams and people who help make them reality".

That has been Virgin Galactic's experience from day one: our 600 Future Astronaut customers from 60 countries who provided a vital, early proof of market and who have helped to define and perfect our product; our incredible workforce –the only team in the world to have built and flown a Mach 3 winged, commercial space vehicle and our partners, like Land Rover, Under Armour and Boeing who are strengthening our business and enhancing our customers' experience.

The fascination with human spaceflight is universal and as we start to create a new transportation infrastructure which will transform our business and personal relationships with space, there will be more and more opportunities for everyone to get involved. That process of democratisation is at the heart of our business and what drives the new age of space exploration and discovery.

We added one more in a long line of firsts today and furthered the democratisation of space, as Virgin Galactic Holdings became the first and only publicly listed human spaceflight company, with shares starting to trade on the New York Stock Exchange this morning, under the stock ticker SPCE.

This historical milestone means that now, for the first time, anyone can invest in the exciting future of human spaceflight and contribute to the benefits to humanity, that we believe will result from improving space transportation and extending the space experience to many thousands of people from all walks of life.

The successful conclusion of Virgin Galactic's merger with Social Capital Hedosophia and the start of trading today is a result of an intense period of work but gives us a solid foundation to complete our flight test program, commence regular commercial passenger flights with our SpaceShipTwo system and also start to look at future technologies and markets as we build the Spaceline for Earth.

As Richard said at the start of trading in New York: "To fellow investors, employees of VG and The Spaceship Company, business partners and customers – thank you for your commitment to our great company, which has made today's exciting announcement possible. With our proprietary spaceflight system, special airspace access at Spaceport America, globally-recognized brand and broad investor interest, we believe Virgin Galactic is ideally positioned to capitalize on the fast-growing, multibillion-dollar commercial space market and ultimately open space to thousands of new astronauts. Today, we accomplished one mission, and as we bring more and more future astronauts to space, we look forward to accomplishing many more."

posted 07-15-2020 04:13 PM               

Virgin Galactic Announces Michael Colglazier as Chief Executive Officer in Preparation for Commercial Service

Colglazier Brings Proven Record for Delivering World-Class Consumer Experiences at The Walt Disney Company

Company's First CEO George Whitesides to Drive Future Business Areas as Chief Space Officer, Including High Speed Mobility and Orbital Spaceflight Programs

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) ("Virgin Galactic"), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced the appointments of Michael Colglazier as Virgin Galactic's new Chief Executive Officer and George Whitesides as Chief Space Officer, effective July 20, 2020.

Michael assumes the CEO role at an exciting time for Virgin Galactic as the Company progresses through its test flight program and prepares for commercial service. He will also join the Company's Board of Directors effective July 20, 2020. Michael joins Virgin Galactic following a long and successful career at The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), bringing over three decades of experience in developing and growing consumer-oriented multi-billion dollar businesses strategically, commercially, and operationally. Most recently Michael was President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International, where he was responsible for operations, strategy, and commercial and experiential development of Disney's international parks and resorts.

George will assume the role of Chief Space Officer, focused on developing the Company's future business opportunities, including point-to-point hypersonic travel and orbital space travel. George will also chair the Company's Space Advisory Board, and in conjunction with his new role will step down from the Company's Board of Directors. George joined Virgin Galactic in 2010 as its first CEO, after serving as Chief of Staff at NASA. During the past decade, he has built the Company from 30 people to a workforce of over 900 today, and he has successfully guided Virgin Galactic through its human space flight research and development program as well as the progress to date in its flight test program, culminating in two successful space flights. These historic flights saw the first humans launched into space from US soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle, as well as the first woman to fly on a commercial space vehicle. During the last year, George led the transition of operations from Mojave, California to Spaceport America, New Mexico, and oversaw the Company's successful public listing—creating the world's first publicly traded human spaceflight venture.

Michael Colglazier said, "I am thrilled to join the talented team at Virgin Galactic at this inflection point in the Company's journey. Like so many others, including hundreds of signed-up customers, I have been inspired by this purpose-driven, world-class brand and the incredible opportunity it offers to open space to change the world for good. George's vision and outstanding leadership have enabled Virgin Galactic to reach this point, and I am excited to work with him in his role as Chief Space Officer where he will spearhead our future development efforts. On a personal note, I'd like to thank my friends and colleagues at Disney, especially Bob Chapek for his mentorship and guidance over the years, and Josh D'Amaro, who is bringing superb leadership to Disney's Parks, Experiences, and Products. I am grateful to the Virgin Galactic Board, our chair Chamath Palihapitiya, and our founder Richard Branson for their support and trust as we make history together in this amazing company."

George Whitesides added, ''Serving as the first CEO of Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company for the past ten years has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime. The next decade for Virgin Galactic will be commercially-focused, and it is the perfect moment for us to bring a visionary commercial leader like Michael to take the Company forward. Michael brings enormous experience in building customer experiences for Disney all around the world, and scaling businesses into multi-billion dollar organizations. I look forward to supporting Michael as the Company realizes Richard Branson's vision to share the experience of spaceflight with people around the world, now turning my focus to building the next generation of aerospace vehicles and experiences."

Sir Richard Branson said, "I want to thank George for his outstanding leadership of Virgin Galactic over the last decade. He has shown dedication and determination as its first CEO to build the Company from early stage development through to space flight, the first from American soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle. In the past year, George has taken the Company public and moved it to Spaceport America. He transitions into his new role as our Chief Space Officer having created substantial value as CEO and with Galactic poised for an exciting next chapter."

"At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Michael as the new Chief Executive to lead Galactic into commercial operations. I believe Michael's long and distinguished career at one of the world's leading customer experience brands provides a natural fit with Virgin's culture as well as Galactic's requirements as it prepares for commercial service."

Chamath Palihapitiya, Chairman of Virgin Galactic, said, "Michael's skillset is highly complementary to that of the incredible team that we have at Virgin Galactic. He has considerable commercial and managerial experience and a proven track record of successfully commercializing new and innovative products and services all over the world. He will create an amazing customer experience for our Future Astronauts as we ramp up for spaceflight operations."