EchoStar considering spin-off of technology and infrastructure assets from DISH Network U.S. consumer business

Co announces that its Board has directed management to pursue a possible separation of its businesses into two distinct publicly traded companies. EchoStar recently submitted a request to the IRS for a ruling as to the tax-free nature of the transaction. Under the proposed plan, EchoStar's U.S. consumer pay-TV business would continue to operate as the DISH Network. Most of the co's other technology and infrastructure assets would be spun-off in a transaction intended to be tax-free to EchoStar and its shareholders. Upon completion of the spin-off transaction, the shareholders of EchoStar would have separate pro rata ownership interests in each co.