Who Owns Rogers Communications Company?

Rogers Communications Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Rogers Communications?

Understanding Rogers Communications Inc.'s ownership is key to grasping its market sway and strategic path. A notable family dispute in 2021 highlighted the distinct control structure of this Canadian telecom leader. Founded by Ted Rogers in 1960, the company has grown into a major player.

Rogers Communications, a Canadian telecommunications and media powerhouse, offers wireless, internet, and cable services nationwide. Its media holdings include TV and radio stations, sports teams, and digital assets. In 2024, its revenue exceeded C$20 billion.

While publicly traded, the Rogers family maintains control through a trust structure. This ownership model has shaped the company's direction, as seen in Rogers Communications PESTEL Analysis, and influences its market position.

The genesis of Rogers Communications Inc. is deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of Edward Samuel 'Ted' Rogers Jr. and the legacy of his father, Edward S. Rogers Sr., a pioneer in Canadian radio technology. Ted Rogers Jr.'s initial foray into broadcasting began at age 27 when he secured an C$85,000 loan to acquire CHFI-FM, Canada's first FM radio station, with partner Joel Aldred. This pivotal acquisition on September 30, 1960, marked the formal establishment of Rogers Communications, initially focused on broadcasting services.

Founding of the Company

Rogers Communications was formally established on September 30, 1960. Ted Rogers Jr. and Joel Aldred acquired CHFI-FM for C$85,000.

Early Broadcasting Ventures

The company's initial operations were centered around radio broadcasting. This was followed by expansion into television with a stake in CFTO-TV in 1961.

Diversification into Cable

By 1967, the company broadened its scope by establishing Rogers Cable TV. This move indicated an early strategic vision for integrated communications services.

Ted Rogers Jr.'s Vision

Ted Rogers Jr. demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by investing in diverse communication sectors. His early expansions laid the groundwork for future growth.

Financing Early Growth

The company's initial growth was significantly fueled by debt. Ted Rogers Jr.'s perseverance was key to capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.

Consolidating Control

While specific early equity splits are not detailed, Ted Rogers Jr. solidified his control through personal investment and acquiring partners' stakes in ventures like Cantel.

Following the initial acquisition of CHFI-FM, Rogers Communications experienced rapid expansion. The company became a part-owner in the establishment of CFTO-TV, Toronto's first private television station, in 1961. Further diversification occurred in 1967 with the establishment of Rogers Cable TV. Ted Rogers Jr.'s early strategic vision for integrated communications was evident in these expansions. Although specific equity splits for the earliest phases are not publicly detailed, Ted Rogers' personal investment and his subsequent acquisition of partners' stakes in ventures like Cantel were instrumental in solidifying his control over the company. The company's early growth was characterized by significant debt, but Rogers' perseverance allowed it to effectively capitalize on the burgeoning cable TV market throughout the 1970s. Understanding these foundational steps is crucial to grasping the current Rogers Communications ownership structure and how the Competitors Landscape of Rogers Communications has evolved.

Key Early Ownership Aspects

Ted Rogers Jr. was the driving force behind the company's inception and early growth. His vision extended beyond initial broadcasting into cable television.

• Founders: Edward Samuel 'Ted' Rogers Jr. and Joel Aldred
• Initial Investment: C$85,000 for CHFI-FM
• Early Expansion: Involvement in CFTO-TV and establishment of Rogers Cable TV
• Control Consolidation: Through personal investment and acquisition of partner stakes

Rogers Communications SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Rogers Communications' ownership journey reflects its evolution from a broadcasting and cable provider to a major telecommunications entity. Key milestones include its public listing in 1979 and becoming Canada's largest cable company by 1980, significantly shaping its shareholder landscape.

The enduring characteristic of Rogers Communications' ownership structure is the significant control maintained by the Rogers family through the Rogers Control Trust. This trust, managed by a Scotiabank subsidiary for the benefit of the family's successive generations, holds the majority of voting power. This structure means that while public shareholders own a substantial portion of the company's economic interests, their influence on corporate governance and strategic direction is considerably limited. The family's long-term vision often guides the company's path, as seen in its approach to Growth Strategy of Rogers Communications.

Understanding Rogers Communications' Shareholder Dynamics

The ownership of Rogers Communications is heavily concentrated, with the Rogers family holding dominant voting control. Public shareholders primarily own non-voting shares, impacting their influence on company decisions.

• The Rogers family controls the company via the Rogers Control Trust.
• Class A shares, held by the trust, carry 50 votes each.
• Public shareholders mainly hold Class B Non-Voting Shares.
• This structure limits the influence of public investors on corporate governance.

Rogers Communications PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The Board of Directors at Rogers Communications Inc. is currently led by Executive Chair Edward S. Rogers and President & CEO Tony Staffieri. The board composition reflects a blend of family influence and independent expertise, with members such as Robert J. Gemmell, Michael Cooper, Trevor English, Bradley Shaw, Ivan Fecan, John Tory, Jan Innes, David Robinson, Mohamed Lachemi, and Lisa Rogers. Edward Rogers assumed the role of Executive Chair in August 2024, guiding the company's strategic direction.

The voting power within Rogers Communications is significantly concentrated due to its dual-class share structure. The Rogers Control Trust holds approximately 97.53% of the Class A Voting Shares as of February 22, 2022. Each Class A share carries 50 votes, granting the Trust substantial control over board appointments and critical corporate decisions, irrespective of the number of Class B Non-Voting Shares held by other Rogers Communications shareholders. This structure underscores the primary mechanism of Rogers family ownership.

Understanding Rogers Communications' Voting Structure

Rogers Communications operates with a unique voting structure that centralizes control. The Rogers Control Trust wields significant influence through its ownership of Class A Voting Shares.

• Class A shares grant 50 votes per share.
• The Rogers Control Trust held 97.53% of Class A shares as of February 22, 2022.
• This structure ensures concentrated control for Rogers family ownership.
• It impacts the voting power of other Rogers Communications shareholders.

A notable governance event occurred in late 2021, highlighting the extent of control exerted by the Rogers Control Trust. Edward Rogers, in his capacity as Chair of the Trust, initiated the removal of five independent directors without convening a shareholder meeting. This action was later upheld by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, demonstrating the Trust's ability to influence board composition and corporate governance, even against the preferences of other board members and public shareholders. This event is a key aspect of understanding Rogers Communications ownership and the Marketing Strategy of Rogers Communications, as it impacts strategic decision-making.

Rogers Communications Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Recent years have seen significant shifts in the ownership landscape of Rogers Communications, marked by major acquisitions and strategic leadership changes. These developments underscore a dynamic period for the company as it navigates industry consolidation and pursues growth opportunities.

The acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc. in April 2023 represented a transformative moment for Rogers Communications, solidifying its position in the Canadian telecommunications market. This was followed by leadership adjustments within the founding family, with Edward Rogers III assuming the role of Executive Chair in August 2024, signaling a continued family influence in the company's direction. A substantial financial injection occurred in June 2025 through a US$4.85 billion minority equity investment from Blackstone, aimed at strengthening the company's financial structure. Furthermore, the expansion of its media portfolio through increased ownership in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) in July 2025 is poised to enhance media revenue streams, with projected pro forma calendar 2025 media revenue of approximately C$3.9 billion including MLSE.

Strategic Leadership Evolution

Edward Rogers III's appointment as Executive Chair in August 2024 formalizes his leadership. This follows the retirement of Melinda Rogers-Hixon and Martha Rogers from the Board of Directors in January 2024.

Financial Restructuring and Investment

A US$4.85 billion minority equity investment by Blackstone closed on June 20, 2025. This aims to reduce the company's debt leverage ratio from 4.5x (December 31, 2024) to a projected 3.6x (June 30, 2025).

Expansion of Media Assets

Rogers Communications became the 75% majority owner of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment on July 1, 2025. This strategic move is expected to significantly boost media revenue.

Consolidation and Market Position

These developments reflect industry trends of consolidation and strategic investments to enhance market position. The Rogers family continues to maintain controlling voting power, as detailed in a Brief History of Rogers Communications.

Rogers Communications Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔