Reynolds getting ‘Mint’ deal for his wireless company
Major money is on the way for Ryan Reynolds.
The actor’s Mint Mobile company is being acquired by T-Mobile as part of a larger deal worth up to $1.35 billion, executives announced Wednesday.
T-Mobile said it would pay 39% cash and 61% stock to buy Ka’ena Corp., which Mint Mobile is a subsidiary of.
Reynolds, who frequently appears in Mint ads, holds a 25% stake in the affordable wireless company, according to Bloomberg.
“Mint Mobile is the best deal in wireless and today’s news only enhances our ability to deliver for our customers,” Reynolds (photo) said in a statement Wednesday.
“We are so happy T-Mobile beat out an aggressive last-minute bid from my mom, Tammy Reynolds, as we believe the excellence of their 5G network will provide a better strategic fit than my mom’s slightly above-average mah-jongg skills,” he added. “I am so proud of the entire Mint team and so excited for what’s to come.”
The Canadian-born Reynolds, 46, will remain in a creative role with Mint, of which he became a partial owner in 2019.
Reynolds, known for Marvel’s “Deadpool” movies and hit comedies including “Free Guy” and “Pokémon Detective Pikachu,” previously sold his Aviation Gin company for $610 million in 2020. He’s also part of the ownership group behind the Wrexham Association Football Club with fellow actor Rob McElhenney.
Wednesday’s deal also includes T-Mobile acquiring the international calling service Ultra Mobile and the wholesaler Plum.
“Over the long term, we’ll also benefit from applying the marketing formula Mint has become famous for across more parts of T-Mobile,” Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, said in a statement. “We think customers are really going to win with a more competitive and expansive Mint and Ultra.”
Reynolds, who has four kids with wife Blake Lively, also celebrated the deal in a pair of tweets Wednesday.
“I only want the best for Mint Mobile customers. Think I’ve found it,” he wrote. “I never dreamt I’d own a wireless company and I certainly never dreamt I’d sell it to T-Mobile. Life is strange and I’m incredibly proud and grateful.”