As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015

Registration No.          


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Gannett SpinCo, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
  47-2390983
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

7950 Jones Beach Drive, McClean, Virginia
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

22107-0910
(Zip Code)

(703) 854-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
to be so registered

  Name of each exchange on which
each class is to be registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value   New York Stock Exchange

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

o   Large accelerated filer   o   Accelerated filer
þ   Non-accelerated filer   o   Smaller reporting company
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

   



Gannett SpinCo, Inc.

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN INFORMATION STATEMENT
AND ITEMS OF FORM 10

              Certain information required to be included herein is incorporated by reference to specifically identified portions of the body of the information statement filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1. None of the information contained in the information statement shall be incorporated by reference herein or deemed to be a part hereof unless such information is specifically incorporated by reference.

Item 1.           Business.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Information Statement Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business," "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions," and "Where You Can Find More Information." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.       Risk Factors.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Risk Factors." That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2.           Financial Information.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data of SpinCo," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3.           Properties.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Business." That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4.           Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 5.           Directors and Executive Officers.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Directors" and "Management." These sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6.           Executive Compensation.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Executive Compensation." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

i


Item 7.           Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Management" and "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.           Legal Proceedings.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Business—Legal Proceedings." That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.           Market Price of, and Dividends on, the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Dividend Policy," "Capitalization," "The Separation and Distribution," and "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10.           Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Description of Material Indebtedness" and "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock—Sale of Unregistered Securities." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.           Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.

              The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled "Dividend Policy," "The Separation and Distribution," and "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock." Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.           Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock—Limitations on Liability, Indemnification of Officers and Directors and Insurance." That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Index to Financial Statements" and the financial statements referenced therein. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.           Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

              None.

Item 15.           Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)          Financial Statements

              The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled "Index to Financial Statements" and the financial statements referenced therein. That section is incorporated herein by reference.

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(b)          Exhibits

              See below.

              The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:

Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
  2.1   Form of Separation and Distribution Agreement*

  3.1

 

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Gannett SpinCo, Inc.*

  3.2

 

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Gannett SpinCo, Inc.*

10.1

 

Form of Transition Services Agreement*

10.2

 

Form of Tax Matters Agreement*

10.4

 

Form of Employee Matters Agreement*

21.1

 

List of subsidiaries*

99.1

 

Information Statement of Gannett SpinCo, Inc., preliminary and subject to completion, dated March 12, 2015**

*
To be filed by amendment.
**
Filed herewith.

iii


SIGNATURES

              Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    Gannett SpinCo, Inc.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ ROBERT J. DICKEY

        Name:  Robert J. Dickey
Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 12, 2015

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Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

[ · ], 2015

Dear Gannett Co., Inc. Stockholder:

              We previously announced plans to separate our publishing business from our broadcasting and digital businesses. The separation will occur by means of a spin-off of a newly formed company named Gannett SpinCo, Inc. ("SpinCo"), which will own the publishing business. Gannett Co., Inc. ("Parent"), the existing publicly traded company in which you currently own common stock, will continue to own and operate the broadcasting and digital businesses. The separation will create two businesses with impressive scale and financial strength that will be among the largest and strongest in their peer groups. As two distinct publicly traded companies, Parent and SpinCo will be better positioned, both strategically and operationally, to capitalize on significant growth opportunities by focusing resources on their own respective businesses and strategic priorities. Upon completion of the spin-off, SpinCo will change its corporate name to "Gannett Co., Inc." and Parent will change its corporate name to [ · ].

              Both of these companies will offer industry-leading products and services. Parent will continue to be a leader in the broadcasting and digital industries. With a portfolio of 46 owned or serviced television stations covering more than 35 million households, it is the largest independent owner of "Big Four" affiliated stations in the top 25 markets. Parent also owns several robust, leading-edge digital businesses led by Cars.com and its majority stake in CareerBuilder.com. Also part of this powerful digital portfolio is G/O Digital, which helps businesses grow by delivering digital marketing solutions that enable companies to better connect with consumers locally and drive results. SpinCo will continue to be an international publishing leader. SpinCo will own several innovative, multi-platform publishing operations and their affiliated digital and mobile products. These include 81 trusted local U.S. daily media organizations and Newsquest, a leading regional community news provider in the U.K., with 18 daily paid-for publications and more than 125 weekly publications, magazines and trade publications. SpinCo will also own USA TODAY, a nationally recognized news and information company, which was ranked first in combined print and digital circulation according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement.

              The separation will provide current Parent stockholders with equity ownership in both Parent and SpinCo. We believe both companies will be well positioned for future success and have greater freedom to create value. We expect that the separation will be tax-free to Parent stockholders.

              The separation will be effected by means of a pro rata distribution of 98.5% of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock to holders of Parent common stock. Following the distribution, Parent will own shares of SpinCo representing 1.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and SpinCo will be a separate public company. Each Parent stockholder will receive one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution. No vote of Parent stockholders is required for distribution. You do not need to take any action to receive the shares of SpinCo common stock to which you are entitled as a Parent stockholder, and you will not be required to make any payments or to surrender or exchange your Parent common stock.

              SpinCo intends to apply to have its common stock authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GCI," the same symbol currently used by Parent. Following the distribution, Parent will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "[ · ]."


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              I encourage you to read the attached information statement, which is being provided to all Parent stockholders who held shares on the record date for the distribution. The information statement describes the separation in detail and contains important business and financial information about SpinCo.

              We have spent the last few years driving a significantly value-enhancing transformation at Gannett, and we believe now is the optimal time to separate these businesses to provide for even greater performance and shareholder value creation in the future. We expect the separation will provide valuable opportunities to both companies, our stockholders, our employees, and all of the communities that enjoy Gannett content and services. We thank you for your continuing support.

    Sincerely,

 

 

Gracia C. Martore
President and Chief Executive Officer
Gannett Co., Inc.

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LOGO

[ · ], 2015

Dear Future Gannett SpinCo, Inc. Stockholder:

              I am pleased to welcome you as a future stockholder of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. ("SpinCo"), whose common stock we intend to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GCI." Although we will be newly independent, we have long been a leading publishing company at the forefront of redefining the future of media. With the largest network of local publications in the U.S. and a highly recognizable national publication, we have unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the publishing business, and have garnered the trust of the communities that we serve. We will continue to focus on innovative approaches to delivering content, superior reporting, customer loyalty and client service. Even as the credibility and authority of our brands keep our subscribers engaged and deliver solutions for our advertising partners, we continue to stay fresh and develop new products, attracting new audiences and more advertising customers in need of our compelling marketing solutions.

              Our business includes 81 local U.S. media operations, their engaging affiliated digital platforms and marketing services, as well as Newsquest, a leading regional community content provider in the U.K. It also includes USA TODAY, a nationally recognized multi-platform news and information organization that ranks first in combined print and digital circulation in the U.S., according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement. This powerful combination of deep local roots and a renowned national brand enables us to offer our readers a wide array of content across multiple platforms, which, in turn, makes us an attractive provider of advertising and marketing solutions. In 2014, we generated $3.2 billion in revenues, $361 million in Adjusted operating income and $472 million in Adjusted EBITDA.

              As explained in the attached information statement, we intend to drive growth opportunities by enhancing our position as a trusted provider of local news and information through expanded digital offerings and by leveraging our expertise and full product portfolio to provide integrated marketing solutions to advertisers. We will continue to capitalize on our national brand equity to increase the integration of local and national content.

              With its digital revenue innovations and commitment to financial discipline, SpinCo will be uniquely positioned to be a successful consolidator of local market publishing operations in the future and invest in products and services that will drive growth. We will maintain our focus on operational excellence and maximizing cash flow. We believe that our award-winning journalists, technologically advanced delivery of local and national content, long-term relationships in local communities, and demonstrated financial resilience will enable us to meet these goals.

              Our stockholder value proposition is simple: provide superior returns to SpinCo stockholders by maintaining our leadership position in the publishing business, investing in the growth of our company and generating strong cash flow.

              I invite you to learn more about SpinCo and our strategic initiatives by reading the attached information statement. I thank you in advance for your support as a future stockholder of SpinCo.

    Sincerely,

 

 

Robert J. Dickey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Gannett SpinCo, Inc.

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Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A Registration Statement on Form 10 relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 12, 2015

INFORMATION STATEMENT
Gannett SpinCo, Inc.

              This information statement is being furnished in connection with the distribution by Gannett Co., Inc. ("Parent") to its stockholders of 98.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Gannett SpinCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SpinCo"), currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent that will hold directly or indirectly the assets and liabilities associated with Parent's publishing business. To implement the distribution, Parent will distribute 98.5% of the shares of SpinCo common stock on a pro rata basis to Parent stockholders in a manner that is intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Following the distribution, Parent will own shares of SpinCo representing 1.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and SpinCo will be a separate public company.

              For every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held of record by you as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution, you will receive one share of SpinCo common stock. You will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of SpinCo common stock that you would have received after application of the above ratio. As discussed under "The Separation and Distribution—Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date," if you sell your shares of Parent common stock in the "regular-way" market after the record date and before the distribution, you also will be selling your right to receive shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution. SpinCo expects the shares of SpinCo common stock to be distributed by Parent to you at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ · ], 2015. SpinCo refers to the date of the distribution of the shares of SpinCo common stock as the "distribution date."

              No vote of Parent stockholders is required for the distribution. Therefore, you are not being asked for a proxy, and you are requested not to send Parent a proxy, in connection with the distribution. You do not need to pay any consideration or exchange or surrender your existing shares of Parent common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of SpinCo common stock.

              There is no current trading market for SpinCo common stock, although SpinCo expects that a limited market, commonly known as a "when-issued" trading market, will develop on or shortly before the record date for the distribution, and SpinCo expects "regular-way" trading of SpinCo common stock to begin on the first trading day following the completion of the distribution. SpinCo intends to apply to have its common stock authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GCI," the same symbol currently used by Parent. Following the spin-off, Parent will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "[ · ]."

               In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described under the caption "Risk Factors" beginning on page 22.

               Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

               This information statement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

The date of this information statement is [ · ], 2015.

              This information statement was first made available to Parent stockholders on or about [ · ], 2015.


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  Page

Table of Contents

  1

Questions and Answers About the Separation and Distribution

  2

Information Statement Summary

  10

Risk Factors

  22

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

  35

The Separation and Distribution

  37

Dividend Policy

  45

Capitalization

  46

Selected Historical Combined Financial Data of SpinCo

  47

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

  48

Business

  53

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  69

Management

  90

Directors

  91

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

  96

Executive Compensation

  97

Director Compensation

  98

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

  100

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

  107

Description of Material Indebtedness

  110

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

  111

Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock

  113

Where You Can Find More Information

  118

Index to Financial Statements

  F-1

Presentation of Information

              Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information included in this information statement about SpinCo assumes the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this information statement in connection with the separation and distribution. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this information statement to "SpinCo" refer to Gannett SpinCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its combined subsidiaries. References in this information statement to "Parent" refer to Gannett Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than, after the distribution, SpinCo and its consolidated subsidiaries), unless the context otherwise requires. References to SpinCo's historical business and operations refer to the business and operations of Parent's publishing business that will be transferred to SpinCo in connection with the separation and distribution. In connection with the distribution, Gannett Co., Inc., as Parent, will be renamed "[ · ]," and Gannett SpinCo, Inc., as SpinCo, will change its name to "Gannett Co., Inc." Throughout this information statement, for purposes of simplicity, Gannett Co., Inc. prior to the distribution and [ · ] following the distribution are referred to as "Parent" and Gannett SpinCo, Inc. prior to the distribution and Gannett Co., Inc. following the distribution are referred to as "SpinCo." References in this information statement to the "separation" refer to the separation of the publishing business from Parent's other businesses and the creation, as a result of the distribution, of an independent, publicly traded company, SpinCo, to hold the assets and liabilities associated with the publishing business after the distribution. References in this information statement to the "distribution" refer to the distribution of 98.5% of SpinCo common stock to Parent's stockholders on a pro rata basis.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

What is SpinCo and why is Parent separating SpinCo's business and distributing SpinCo stock?   SpinCo, which is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, was formed to own and operate Parent's publishing business and related digital platforms. The separation of SpinCo from Parent and the distribution of SpinCo common stock are intended to provide you with equity ownership in two separate publicly traded companies that will be able to focus exclusively on each of their respective businesses. Parent and SpinCo expect that the separation will result in enhanced long-term performance of each business for the reasons discussed in the section entitled "The Separation and Distribution—Reasons for the Separation."

 

 

In connection with the distribution, Gannett Co., Inc., as Parent, will be renamed "[ · ]" and Gannett SpinCo, Inc., as SpinCo, will change its name to "Gannett Co., Inc." Throughout this information statement, for purposes of simplicity, the current Gannett Co., Inc. prior to the distribution and [ · ] following the distribution are referred to as "Parent," and Gannett SpinCo, Inc. prior to the distribution and Gannett Co., Inc. following the distribution are referred to as "SpinCo."

Why am I receiving this document?

 

Parent is delivering this document to you because you are a holder of Parent common stock. If you are a holder of Parent common stock as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date of the distribution, you will be entitled to receive one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock that you held at the close of business on such date. This document will help you understand how the separation and distribution will affect your post-separation ownership in Parent and SpinCo, respectively.

How will the separation of SpinCo from Parent work?

 

To accomplish the separation, Parent will distribute 98.5% of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock to Parent stockholders on a pro rata basis in a distribution intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

 

As a result of the distribution, SpinCo will become an independent public company. Parent will continue to hold a 1.5% stake in SpinCo for a period of time following the distribution to allow SpinCo to enter into a modified affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder, LLC. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation."

Why is the separation of SpinCo structured as a distribution?

 

Parent believes that a tax-free distribution in the United States, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of shares of SpinCo common stock to Parent stockholders is an efficient way to separate its publishing business in a manner that will


 

 

 

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    create long-term value for Parent, SpinCo and their respective stockholders.

What is the record date for the distribution?

 

The record date for the distribution will be [ · ], 2015.

When will the distribution occur?

 

It is expected that 98.5% of the shares of SpinCo common stock will be distributed by Parent at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ · ], 2015 to holders of record of Parent common stock at the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution.

What do stockholders need to do to participate in the distribution?

 

Stockholders of Parent as of the record date for the distribution will not be required to take any action to receive shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution, but you are urged to read this entire information statement carefully. No stockholder approval of the distribution is required. You are not being asked for a proxy. You do not need to pay any consideration, exchange or surrender your existing shares of Parent common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of SpinCo common stock. Please do not send in your Parent stock certificates. The distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Parent common stock or any rights of Parent stockholders, although it will affect the market value of each outstanding share of Parent common stock.

How will shares of SpinCo common stock be issued?

 

You will receive shares of SpinCo common stock through the same channels that you currently use to hold or trade Parent common stock, whether through a brokerage account, 401(k) plan or other channel. Receipt of SpinCo shares will be documented for you in the same manner that you typically receive stockholder updates, such as monthly broker statements and 401(k) statements.

 

 

If you own Parent common stock as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution, including shares owned in certificate form, Parent, with the assistance of Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, the distribution agent for the distribution, will electronically distribute shares of SpinCo common stock to you or to your brokerage firm on your behalf in book-entry form. Wells Fargo Shareowner Services will mail you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of SpinCo common stock, or your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. If you own Parent common stock through the Parent dividend reinvestment plan, the SpinCo shares you receive will be distributed to a new SpinCo dividend reinvestment plan account that will be created for you.


 

 

 

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If I was enrolled in the Parent dividend reinvestment plan, will I automatically be enrolled in the SpinCo dividend reinvestment plan?   Yes. If you elected to have your Parent cash dividends applied toward the purchase of additional Parent common stock, the SpinCo shares you receive in the distribution will be automatically enrolled in the SpinCo dividend reinvestment plan sponsored by Wells Fargo Shareowner Services (SpinCo's transfer agent and registrar), unless you notify Wells Fargo Shareowner Services that you do not want to reinvest any SpinCo cash dividends in additional SpinCo shares. For contact information for Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, see "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock—Transfer Agent and Registrar."

How many shares of SpinCo common stock will I receive in the distribution?

 

Parent will distribute to you one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held by you as of close of business on the record date for the distribution. Based on approximately [ · ] million shares of Parent common stock outstanding as of [ · ], 2015, a total of approximately [ · ] million shares of SpinCo common stock will be distributed. For additional information on the distribution, see "The Separation and Distribution."

Will SpinCo issue fractional shares of its common stock in the distribution?

 

No. SpinCo will not issue fractional shares of its common stock in the distribution. Fractional shares that Parent stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales will be distributed pro rata (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to those stockholders who would otherwise have been entitled to receive fractional shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares.

What are the conditions to the distribution?

 

The distribution is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by Parent in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

 

the transfer of assets and liabilities from Parent to SpinCo shall be completed in accordance with the separation and distribution agreement;

 

Parent shall have received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (or the "IRS") with respect to one or more specific requirements for qualification for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code;

 

Parent shall have received an opinion from Parent's outside tax counsel to the effect that the requirements for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code will be satisfied;



 

 

 

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an independent appraisal firm acceptable to Parent shall have delivered one or more opinions to the board of directors of Parent confirming the solvency and financial viability of Parent before the consummation of the distribution and each of Parent and SpinCo after consummation of the distribution, and such opinions shall have been acceptable to Parent in form and substance in Parent's sole discretion and such opinions shall not have been withdrawn or rescinded;

 

the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or the "SEC") shall have declared effective the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, and this information statement shall have been made available to Parent stockholders;

 

all actions or filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, U.S. state or other securities laws shall have been taken and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable governmental entity;

 

the transaction agreements relating to the separation shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties;

 

no order, injunction or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction, or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the separation, distribution or any of the related transactions, shall be in effect;

 

the shares of SpinCo common stock to be distributed shall have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of distribution; and

 

no other event or development shall exist or have occurred that, in the judgment of Parent's board of directors, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, distribution and other related transactions.


 

 

Parent and SpinCo cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met and may also waive any of the conditions to the distribution. In addition, Parent can decline at any time to go forward with the separation and distribution. For a complete discussion of all of the conditions to the distribution, see "The Separation and Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution."


 

 

 

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What is the expected date of completion of the distribution?   The completion and timing of the distribution are dependent upon a number of conditions. It is expected that the shares of SpinCo common stock will be distributed by Parent at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ · ], 2015 to the holders of record of Parent common stock at the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution. However, no assurance can be provided as to the timing of the distribution or that all conditions to the distribution will be met.

Can Parent decide to cancel the distribution of SpinCo common stock even if all the conditions have been met?

 

Yes. The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. See the section entitled "The Separation and Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution." Until the distribution has occurred, Parent has the right to terminate the distribution, even if all of the conditions are satisfied.

What if I want to sell my Parent common stock or my SpinCo common stock?

 

You should consult with your financial advisors, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor.

What is "regular-way" and "ex-distribution" trading of Parent common stock?

 

Beginning on or shortly before the record date for the distribution and continuing up to and through the distribution date, it is expected that there will be two markets in Parent common stock: a "regular-way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. Parent common stock that trades in the "regular-way" market will trade with an entitlement to shares of SpinCo common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Shares that trade in the "ex-distribution" market will trade without an entitlement to shares of SpinCo common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. If you hold shares of Parent common stock on the record date and then decide to sell any Parent common stock before the distribution date, you should make sure your stockbroker, bank or other nominee understands whether you want to sell your Parent common stock with or without your entitlement to SpinCo common stock pursuant to the distribution.

Where will I be able to trade shares of SpinCo common stock?

 

SpinCo intends to apply to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the current Parent symbol "GCI." SpinCo anticipates that trading in shares of its common stock will begin on a "when-issued" basis on or shortly before [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution, and will continue up to and through the distribution date and that "regular-way" trading in SpinCo common stock will begin on the first trading day following the completion of the distribution. If trading begins on a "when-issued" basis, you may purchase or sell shares of SpinCo common stock up to and through the distribution date, but your transaction will not settle until after the distribution date. SpinCo cannot


 

 

 

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    predict the trading prices for its common stock before, on or after the distribution date.

What will happen to the listing of Parent common stock?

 

Parent common stock will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange after the distribution, but under the new symbol "[ · ]."

Will the number of shares of Parent common stock that I own change as a result of the distribution?

 

No. The number of shares of Parent common stock that you own will not change as a result of the distribution.

Will the distribution affect the market price of my shares of Parent common stock?

 

Yes. As a result of the distribution, Parent expects the trading price of Parent common stock immediately following the distribution to be lower than the "regular-way" trading price of such stock immediately prior to the distribution because the trading price will no longer reflect the value of the publishing business. There can be no assurance that the aggregate market value of the Parent common stock and SpinCo common stock following the separation will be higher or lower than the market value of Parent common stock if the separation and distribution did not occur. This means, for example, that the combined trading prices of [ · ] shares of Parent common stock and one share of SpinCo common stock after the distribution may be equal to, greater than or less than the trading price of [ · ] shares of Parent common stock before the distribution.

What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the contribution and the distribution?

 

It is a condition to the completion of the distribution that Parent receive an opinion from outside tax counsel to the effect that the requirements for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code will be satisfied. Accordingly, it is expected that no gain or loss will be recognized by Parent in connection with the contribution and distribution and, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of SpinCo common stock, no gain or loss will be recognized by you, and no amount will be included in your income, upon the receipt of shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You will, however, recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of SpinCo common stock. For more information regarding the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences to SpinCo and to you of the contribution and the distribution, see the section entitled "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences."

How will I determine my tax basis in the SpinCo shares I receive in the distribution?

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, your aggregate basis in the common stock that you hold in Parent and the new SpinCo common stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest in SpinCo common stock for which cash is received) will equal the aggregate basis in


 

 

 

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    Parent common stock held by you immediately before the distribution, allocated between your shares of Parent common stock and SpinCo common stock (including any fractional share interest in SpinCo common stock for which cash is received) you receive in the distribution in proportion to the relative fair market value of each on the distribution date. You should consult your tax advisor about the particular consequences of the distribution to you, including the application of the tax basis allocation rules and the application of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.

What will SpinCo's relationship be with Parent following the separation?

 

After the distribution, Parent and SpinCo will be separate companies with separate management teams and separate boards of directors. SpinCo will enter into a separation and distribution agreement with Parent to effect the separation and distribution and provide a framework for SpinCo's relationship with Parent after the separation and will enter into certain other agreements, such as a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. These agreements will provide for the separation between SpinCo and Parent of the assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) of Parent and its subsidiaries attributable to periods prior to, at and after SpinCo's separation from Parent and will govern the relationship between SpinCo and Parent subsequent to the completion of the separation. For additional information regarding the separation and distribution agreement, other transaction agreements and certain other commercial agreements between Parent and SpinCo, see the sections entitled "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation" and "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions."

Who will manage SpinCo after the separation?

 

SpinCo will benefit from a management team with an extensive background in the publishing business. Led by Robert J. Dickey, who will be SpinCo's President and Chief Executive Officer after the separation, SpinCo's management team will possess deep knowledge of, and extensive experience in, its industry. For more information regarding SpinCo's management, see "Management."

Are there risks associated with owning SpinCo common stock?

 

Yes. Ownership of SpinCo common stock is subject to both general and specific risks relating to SpinCo's business, the industry in which it operates, its ongoing contractual relationships with Parent and its status as a separate, publicly traded company. Ownership of SpinCo common stock is also subject to risks relating to the separation. These risks are described in the "Risk Factors" section of this information statement beginning on page 22. You are encouraged to read that section carefully.


 

 

 

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Does SpinCo plan to pay dividends?   SpinCo currently anticipates that it will initially pay a regular cash dividend. However, the declaration and payment of any dividends in the future by SpinCo will be subject to the sole discretion of its board of directors and will depend upon many factors. See "Dividend Policy."

Will SpinCo incur any indebtedness prior to or at the time of the distribution?

 

SpinCo anticipates having little or no indebtedness for borrowed money upon completion of the distribution. Contemporaneous with the separation, SpinCo will enter into a revolving credit facility, with borrowing capacity of up to $[ · ], to provide SpinCo with additional flexibility and liquidity.

Who will be the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for SpinCo common stock?

 

The distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for SpinCo common stock will be Wells Fargo Shareowner Services. For questions relating to the transfer or mechanics of the stock distribution, you should contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services toll free at [ · ] or non-toll free at [ · ].

What will SpinCo's corporate governance profile be?

 

SpinCo anticipates having strong corporate governance practices intended to enhance long-term shareholder value. While many matters will be determined by SpinCo's board of directors after the distribution, SpinCo's board will be annually elected, with a majority vote standard applying in uncontested elections, and shareholders representing 20% of SpinCo's outstanding shares will have the right to request special meetings in between annual meetings, subject to certain requirements to be set forth in SpinCo's organizational documents. More information about SpinCo's governance practices will be included in SpinCo's proxy statement and other governance-related filings and statements made after the separation. See "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock—Corporate Governance."

Where can I find more information about Parent and SpinCo?

 

Before the distribution, if you have any questions relating to Parent's business performance, you should contact:

 

 

Gannett Co. Inc.
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, Virginia 22107
Attention: Investor Relations

 

 

After the distribution (in connection with which SpinCo will have changed its name to Gannett Co., Inc.), SpinCo stockholders who have any questions relating to SpinCo's business performance should contact SpinCo at:

 

 

Gannett Co., Inc.
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, Virginia 22107
Attention: Investor Relations

 

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INFORMATION STATEMENT SUMMARY

               Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, the information included in this information statement about SpinCo assumes the completion of all of the transactions referred to in this information statement in connection with the separation and distribution. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this information statement to "SpinCo" refer to Gannett SpinCo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its combined subsidiaries. References in this information statement to "Parent" refer to Gannett Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than, after the distribution, SpinCo and its consolidated subsidiaries), unless the context otherwise requires. References to SpinCo's historical business and operations refer to the business and operations of Parent's publishing business that will be transferred to SpinCo in connection with the separation and distribution. In connection with the distribution, Gannett Co., Inc., as Parent, will be renamed "[ · ]," and Gannett SpinCo, Inc., as SpinCo, will change its name to "Gannett Co., Inc." Throughout this information statement, for purposes of simplicity, the current Gannett Co., Inc. prior to the distribution and [ · ] following the distribution are referred to as "Parent" and Gannett SpinCo, Inc. prior to the distribution and Gannett Co., Inc. following the distribution are referred to as "SpinCo." References in this information statement to the "separation" refer to the separation of the publishing business from Parent's other businesses and the creation, as a result of the distribution, of an independent, publicly traded company, SpinCo, to hold the assets and liabilities associated with the publishing business after the distribution. References in this information statement to the "distribution" refer to the distribution of 98.5% of SpinCo common stock to Parent's stockholders on a pro rata basis.

Gannett SpinCo, Inc.

              SpinCo is a leading international, multi-platform news and information company that delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage with it on virtually any device. SpinCo's operations are comprised of 100 daily publications in the U.S. and U.K., more than 400 non-daily publications in the U.S., and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. Collectively, SpinCo's U.S. print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday and approximately 10.5 million every Sunday. SpinCo's 82 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY, which has been a cornerstone of the national news landscape for more than three decades. USA TODAY is currently the nation's number one newspaper in consolidated print and digital circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement, with total daily circulation of 4.1 million and Sunday circulation of 3.7 million, which includes daily print, digital replica, digital non-replica, and branded editions. In the U.K., Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week. The availability of SpinCo's award-winning content to audiences whenever, wherever and however they choose makes it a go-to information source for consumers and preferred platform for advertisers working with companies of all industries, sizes and locations.

              SpinCo has a significant digital presence. Every month, approximately 73.5 million unique visitors access USA TODAY content and approximately 30 million unique visitors seek out digital media associated with SpinCo's local publications through desktops, smartphones, and tablets. There have been more than 21 million downloads of USA TODAY's award-winning app on mobile devices and 2 million downloads of apps associated with SpinCo's local publications. Newsquest is a digital leader in the U.K. where its network of web sites attracts nearly 20 million unique visitors monthly.

              SpinCo's comprehensive operations also include commercial printing, newswire, marketing and data services. Certain of SpinCo's businesses have strategic relationships with online businesses of Parent, including CareerBuilder LLC ("CareerBuilder"), Cars.com (formerly known as Classified Ventures, LLC ("Classified Ventures")), and G/O Digital, Parent's digital marketing services organization.

 

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              SpinCo generates revenue primarily through advertising and subscriptions to its publications. In addition to USA TODAY, SpinCo's local publications and affiliated products operate through fully integrated shared support, sales, and service platforms. SpinCo's diversified set of multiple revenue streams ensures that the value of its financial, creative and human resources is maximized.

              Local domestic circulation revenue is driven through its All Access Content Subscription Model. All subscriptions include access to content via multiple platforms, including full web, mobile, e-Edition and tablet access, with subscription prices that vary according to the frequency of delivery of the print edition. In addition to the subscription model, single-copy print editions continue to be sold at retail outlets, and account for approximately 15% of daily and 24% of Sunday net paid circulation volume.

              SpinCo employs a proven multi-platform approach to advertising, which can be specifically tailored to the individual needs of all levels of advertisers, from small, locally-owned merchants to large, complex businesses. SpinCo's U.S. Community Publishing ("USCP") sales teams work with local small- to medium-sized businesses to structure comprehensive advertising solutions across multiple platforms and products including display advertising, desktop, mobile, tablet and other specialty publications. As more businesses work to interact with consumers online, SpinCo, through its access to G/O Digital, has focused specifically on developing a wide array of leading-edge digital marketing solutions that enable marketers and advertisers to connect with local consumers online through products that drive results. SpinCo has a national advertising sales force focused on the largest national advertisers and accounts, and has relationships with outside agencies that specialize in the sale of national ads. This comprehensive method allows SpinCo to address a much larger market and attract the widest possible set of potential advertising partners.

              SpinCo is headquartered in McLean, VA.

Strategies

              SpinCo is committed to a business strategy that drives returns for shareholders, delights audiences through a robust user experience and engages with consumers to strengthen the brands of advertising partners and drive revenue. Key elements of SpinCo's strategy to achieve these objectives are as follows:

              Continue to improve digital platforms to strengthen local franchises and attract digital-only subscribers.     As the publishing industry has evolved and readers increasingly consume content on digital platforms, SpinCo has made significant investments in online and mobile offerings across local markets. SpinCo will continue to develop compelling content and applications that enable its readers to access trusted local news and information that is highly relevant to its local communities. The unparalleled credibility of SpinCo's local media organizations as known and trusted media sources carries over to digital platforms, and differentiates SpinCo's online sources from competing products. SpinCo will also focus on continuing to develop native applications and video content for mobile devices across local markets. This initiative supports the All Access Content Subscription Model, attracting new digital-only accounts that are essential to growing the subscription base in markets with younger demographics, which is a key driver of future revenue growth.

              Expand the integration of national and local content.     In 2014 SpinCo launched a pioneering project to enhance its local hometown coverage by leveraging its unique ability to generate and distribute national content. In 35 local markets, SpinCo now includes a local edition of USA TODAY content inside the print edition and e-Edition of the local publication. The local USA TODAY edition includes national News, Money and Lifestyle content, while USA TODAY's sports coverage is integrated into local sections. In addition, SpinCo has partnered with several third-party news

 

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organizations to incorporate the local edition of USA TODAY into non-SpinCo publications across seven states, and to expand the offerings in the local edition to include weekend Personal Finance and Sunday Life sections. SpinCo intends to continue to expand this project to additional local SpinCo and third-party publications and to continue to develop new opportunities to leverage its outstanding national content to further complement local reporting. Expansion of SpinCo's award-winning content into new publications allows it to reach new audiences and attract new advertisers. These initiatives create diverse new revenue streams for content SpinCo is already producing, creating added-value. SpinCo will continue to actively pursue opportunities to syndicate USA TODAY branded content to other local and national market media operations.

              Leverage competitive strengths to provide targeted, integrated solutions to advertisers.     Proprietary research indicates that local and national advertisers find it difficult to manage the complexity of their multiple marketing investments, with digital solutions being particularly challenging. They are seeking to reach an increasingly elusive audience and struggling to influence attitudes and behavior at each stage of the purchase path. This environment presents a strong opportunity for SpinCo to use its key capabilities to partner with advertisers and provide critical solutions to their most pressing challenges. SpinCo will leverage its many competitive advantages – including its reputation as a trusted partner with local knowledge and complete digital marketing services product offerings – to create tailored media/marketing plans in which the individual elements work in concert to amplify and reinforce the advertiser's message and digital presence. Offering thoughtfully crafted digital strategies that meet the unique needs of local marketers and advertisers make SpinCo a highly attractive advertising and marketing resource. This consultative multi-platform sales approach is customized to meet the specific needs of all levels of advertisers, enabling SpinCo to access a large universe of potential advertising and marketing partners. To further enhance the success of this approach, SpinCo is intensively training its sales and management teams to further their expertise in digital product integration and sales pipeline management. In addition, SpinCo will leverage the natural synergies between its local media organizations and local digital platforms to provide more effective advertising solutions. SpinCo's local content, long-standing customer relationships, highly talented news and advertising sales staff, and comprehensive promotional capabilities are all competitive advantages that SpinCo will use to sell integrated advertising and marketing solutions that meet the changing needs of advertisers. Creating new digital solutions for advertisers on both a local and national basis will put SpinCo in an excellent position to take advantage of the many opportunities resulting from the rapid pace of technological change in the industry.

              Focus on operational excellence.     SpinCo will maintain its long-standing reputation for journalistic excellence by employing editors, reporters, producers and designers who are committed to the company's mission to provide trusted news and information and to actively support the people and businesses in the communities SpinCo serves. The highest quality local reporting will continue to make SpinCo publications indispensable in their communities. The goal will be to maintain and further develop deep reader loyalty, strong advertiser relationships and consistent growth. In addition, SpinCo will continue to maximize the efficiency of its print, sales, administrative, and distribution functions to increase profitability. SpinCo will continue to leverage its economies of scale to reduce supply chain costs, provide significant shared editorial content, and streamline its creative and design interactions with advertisers in print and online. As they have in the past, these efforts will continue to drive profitability and strengthen customer relationships.

              Supplement organic growth with selective acquisitions.     SpinCo will be well-positioned to pursue value-enhancing investments and acquisitions with fewer regulatory constraints than it has currently – and will be both opportunistic and disciplined in its acquisition strategy. SpinCo will be virtually debt-free upon completion of the distribution, and its balance sheet and cash flow generation will be strong in comparison to its peers, providing it with the financial flexibility to pursue opportunities arising in a consolidating industry. SpinCo is a strong operator, and its strengths in

 

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information gathering and reporting, coupled with its valuable integrated content sharing, advertising, sales and administrative platforms, will help drive innovative approaches to revenue generation as well as efficiency gains in acquired properties.

              Maintain a strong, flexible balance sheet.     Through proactive cost management and appropriate financial policies, SpinCo will remain committed to maintaining financial flexibility in order to execute its organic growth strategies and be in position to make accretive acquisitions.

Strengths

              SpinCo believes it enjoys the benefits of a number of unique talents and assets, many of which have been carefully developed over its long history as an established industry leader. The following strengths support its business strategies:

              Broad footprint in diverse markets.     SpinCo is one of the largest and most diverse multi-platform publishers in the United States, with 81 local U.S. daily publications, and over 400 non-daily local publications across 30 states, as well as the country's leading national newspaper brand. Every month approximately 73.5 million unique visitors access USA TODAY content and approximately 30 million unique visitors seek out USCP digital media through desktops, smartphones and tablets. In addition, there have been more than 21 million downloads of USA TODAY's award-winning app on mobile devices and 2 million downloads of USCP apps. Collectively, print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday, and approximately 10.5 million every Sunday. SpinCo's Newsquest platform is a leading regional community news provider in the U.K., with 18 daily paid-for titles, more than 125 weekly print products, magazines and trade publications, and a network of websites including S1, a leading employment website in Scotland, and other digital products. Newsquest also participates in 1XL, which sells digital display advertising to national advertisers across most U.K. regional newspaper websites. In the U.K., Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week. This broad and diverse footprint allows SpinCo to take advantage of economies of scale across various functions, including reporting, production, administration and sales, while mitigating exposure to economic risk in any one region or locality. SpinCo's vast footprint also increases the available reach for advertisers and makes SpinCo's properties very attractive to marketers seeking multi-platform, broad, impactful campaigns as well as smaller-scale, targeted solutions.

              Recognizable national brand.     With total daily circulation of 4.1 million, and average cross-platform page views of more than 1.2 billion per month, USA TODAY was again the No. 1 ranked publication in consolidated digital and print circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement. Since its introduction in 1982, USA TODAY has developed a tremendously recognizable and respected brand that SpinCo leverages across various businesses. For example, SpinCo's USA TODAY Sports Media Group has used the USA TODAY brand name to successfully launch "For the Win" (ftw.usatoday.com) as a unique digital property that provides sports fans with social news and curated analysis. The USA TODAY brand immediately boosts the credibility of any affiliated property, allowing even the most tailored, niche content platforms to increase their audience.

              Unique ability to generate and integrate national and local content.     With one of the country's leading national media brands and the largest network of local publications, SpinCo has the unrivaled ability to generate and distribute national content to enhance its ever-important local hometown coverage. Currently, 35 local SpinCo publications and several third-party publications include a local edition of USA TODAY, which includes national News, Money and Lifestyle content on a daily basis, and Personal Finance and Sunday Life sections on weekends. USA TODAY's Sports coverage is integrated into local sports sections. In total, readers in 35 local SpinCo markets and several third-party markets across seven states get on average approximately 70 pages of additional content per week as a

 

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result of these integration efforts. Consumer reaction to SpinCo's additional content has been very positive, which solidifies the local publications' positions as preferred information sources for readers and attractive platforms for advertisers looking to reach readers on both a local and national scale.

              Integrated and innovative digital platform.     Through its All Access Content Subscription Model (which provides content digitally to all subscribers with the option of home delivery) across local markets, SpinCo has a clear commitment to providing consumers with access to the news and information about their local communities that they most want on all the devices and platforms they use. The credibility and deep community roots of SpinCo's local media organizations differentiate SpinCo's content from competing products. The results of this digital effort have been outstanding. USCP's All Access Content Subscription Model has achieved activation rates near 64%, and in certain of the initial markets where the model was introduced, the activation rates approach 80%. The digital platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet) drive growth in readership, particularly with younger demographics and digital advertising revenue opportunities. In 2014, mobile page views increased 114% and mobile visitors increased 184% on a year-over-year basis. SpinCo believes that its commitment to innovative digital products and marketing solutions has solidified it as the leader in digital news and information, positioning it to take advantage of the rapid pace of technological change in an increasingly multi-platform media industry.

              Award-winning journalists dedicated to their local communities.     SpinCo's national and local publications have long-standing reputations for journalistic excellence. They employ an exceptionally talented group of writers, editors, reporters, photographers and designers who work to fulfill the company's mission to provide trusted news and information and to actively support the people and businesses in the communities SpinCo serves. SpinCo's publications and content creators play a significant, positive role in their respective communities, both inside and outside the newsroom. In recognition of this excellence, SpinCo publications have been honored with 48 Pulitzer Prizes, both national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, as well as many other prestigious editorial awards.

              Talented and creative management teams.     The strategy and content of SpinCo's national and local publications are guided by outstanding leadership at every level of the organization. Recent successful innovations such as the All Access Content Subscription Model and USA TODAY local editions, are examples of the creativity and business innovation that drive strategy at SpinCo. Management at SpinCo and each of its individual publications plans to continue crafting new ways to leverage SpinCo's engaging content, yielding new and expanded revenue streams.

              Cost-effective centralized content management, production, sales and service infrastructure.     SpinCo's streamlined operations drive its ability to efficiently deliver innovative content and essential information. In 2011, Gannett Publishing Services ("GPS") was formed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost associated with the production and distribution of the company's printed products across all divisions in the U.S. GPS directly manages all of the production, consumer sales, service and circulation operations for all of SpinCo's domestic publications, including all community newspapers and USA TODAY. In addition to providing an efficient, cost-effective print platform that has resulted in substantial cost savings and superior operational performance, GPS generates new revenue opportunities by leveraging its existing assets to provide ad production, printing and packing, and distribution services to third parties. SpinCo's digital products also operate on a unified and streamlined production and distribution system. SpinCo's digital platform includes a content management system that provides the connective tissue for all new digital products, enabling sharing of digital content company-wide, breaking news alerts and high-end creation and presentation of new, front-end storytelling designs. Major core product launches and back-end advertising product solutions allow these high performing services to deploy across dozens of community publishing properties,

 

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leading to increased user reach and digital news and information engagement. This enhanced audience interaction makes SpinCo's content significantly more attractive to advertising partners.

              Ongoing market affiliations and shared service agreements.     After the separation, SpinCo will maintain ongoing market affiliations with CareerBuilder LLC and Cars.com, as well as permissible shared service agreements with Parent, including G/O Digital, that will enable continued cross-platform advertising and content-sharing opportunities. This will allow for a smooth transition into a standalone company.

              Shareholder-friendly corporate governance.     As is Parent's legacy, SpinCo will institute shareholder-friendly corporate governance practices. SpinCo's Board of Directors will be elected annually, a majority voting standard will apply to uncontested director elections and special meetings will be able to be called by holders of 20% of the outstanding shares, subject to certain requirements to be set forth in SpinCo's organizational documents. Responsible and appropriate corporate governance will ensure that SpinCo's management always keeps shareholder interests top of mind when crafting value-creating strategies at all levels of the organization.

              Deep, long-standing relationships in local business communities.     SpinCo's reputation as the primary source of local news and information in many communities continues to make it an attractive advertising outlet for local businesses. SpinCo's advertising sales staff delivers comprehensive, tailored solutions for its customers. Through its consultative approach and wide array of digital marketing solutions, offered through SpinCo's access to Parent's G/O Digital platform, SpinCo helps small- and medium-sized businesses navigate the increasingly complex and diverse world of digital marketing services. The success of digital marketing solutions is reflected in a 66% increase in G/O Digital's revenue from small and medium-sized business clients in 2014 compared to 2013.

              Virtually debt-free capital structure.     SpinCo's virtually unlevered capital structure provides flexibility that will allow its expected strong cash flow to be used for accretive acquisitions, the return of capital to stockholders and investments in leading-edge digital products. Contemporaneous with the separation, SpinCo will enter into a revolving credit facility, with borrowing capacity of up to $[ · ], to provide SpinCo with additional flexibility and liquidity.

Summary of Risk Factors

              An investment in SpinCo common stock is subject to a number of risks, including risks relating to SpinCo's business, the separation and SpinCo common stock. Set forth below are some, but not all, of these risks. Please read the information in the section captioned "Risk Factors" for a more thorough description of these and other risks.

Risks Related to SpinCo's Business

 

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Risks Related to the Separation

Risks Related to SpinCo Common Stock

 

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The Separation and Distribution

              On August 5, 2014, Parent announced that it intends to separate its publishing business from its broadcasting and digital businesses. The separation will occur by means of pro rata distribution to Parent stockholders of 98.5% of the shares of common stock of SpinCo, which was formed to hold Parent's publishing business.

              On [ · ], 2015, the Parent board of directors approved the distribution of 98.5% of SpinCo's issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the basis of one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution.

SpinCo's Post-Separation Relationship with Parent

              After the distribution, Parent and SpinCo will be separate companies with separate management teams and separate boards of directors. SpinCo will enter into a separation and distribution agreement with Parent, which is referred to in this information statement as the "separation agreement" or the "separation and distribution agreement." In connection with the separation, SpinCo will also enter into various other agreements to effect the separation and provide a framework for its relationship with Parent after the separation, such as a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. These agreements will provide for the allocation between SpinCo and Parent of Parent's assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after SpinCo's separation from Parent, and will govern certain relationships between SpinCo and Parent after the separation.

              Following the distribution, SpinCo will continue to have a number of significant commercial arrangements with Parent. Parent will continue to hold a 1.5% stake in SpinCo for a period of time following the distribution to allow SpinCo to enter into a modified affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder. Parent is currently party to an affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder pursuant to which SpinCo's newspapers earn advertising revenues and pay affiliate fees. Pursuant to the terms of the CareerBuilder limited liability company agreement, if Parent (together with its affiliates) directly or indirectly retains at least a 1% voting and economic interest in SpinCo's newspapers, which it intends to do, Parent has the right to enter into a modified affiliation agreement that would apply to SpinCo's newspapers for up to five years. SpinCo expects to enter into a modified affiliation agreement at the time of the separation that would apply to its newspapers for up to five years. While this agreement would not be as favorable to SpinCo's newspapers as Parent's existing affiliation agreement, it is preferable for SpinCo to obtain this modified affiliation agreement rather than operate without any affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder.

              On October 1, 2014, Parent acquired the remaining 73% interest that it did not previously own in Classified Ventures, which was subsequently renamed Cars.com. Following that acquisition, each of SpinCo's newspapers is currently operating under new terms with Cars.com that are similar to the terms included in the new affiliation agreements Cars.com entered into with its former owners upon the closing of the acquisition. In connection with the distribution, SpinCo and SpinCo's newspapers will enter into a new five-year affiliation agreement with Cars.com, pursuant to which SpinCo's newspapers will be able to earn advertising revenues and pay affiliate fees to Cars.com on similar economic terms to those included in the new affiliation agreements Cars.com entered into with its former owners. Continuation of the affiliations of SpinCo's newspapers is contingent upon SpinCo's newspapers fulfilling their obligations under the new affiliation agreement, including meeting certain performance standards. If, prior to the end of the five-year term, SpinCo's newspapers fail to meet such performance

 

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standards or otherwise fail to fulfill their obligations under the new affiliation agreement, SpinCo's newspapers could cease to earn advertising revenues under their new affiliation agreement with Cars.com.

              For additional information regarding the separation agreement and other transaction agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby, see the sections entitled "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation," "The Separation and Distribution" and "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions."

Reasons for the Separation

              The Parent board of directors believes that separating the publishing business from the remaining businesses of Parent is in the best interests of Parent and its stockholders for a number of reasons, including that:

              The Parent board of directors also considered a number of potentially negative factors in evaluating the separation, including, among others, risks relating to the creation of a new public company, possible increased costs and one-time separation costs, but concluded that the potential benefits of the separation significantly outweighed these factors. For additional information, see the sections entitled "The Separation and Distribution—Reasons for the Separation" and "Risk Factors" included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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Corporate Information

              SpinCo was incorporated in Delaware on November 21, 2014 for the purpose of holding Parent's publishing business in connection with the separation and distribution described herein. Prior to the contribution of this business to SpinCo, which will be completed prior to the distribution, SpinCo will have no operations. The address of SpinCo's principal executive offices is 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia 22107. SpinCo's telephone number after the distribution will be [ · ]. SpinCo maintains an Internet site at [ · ]. SpinCo's website and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated herein, and you should not rely on any such information in making an investment decision.

              SpinCo owns or has rights to use the trademarks, service marks and trade names that it uses in conjunction with the operation of its business.

Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement

              This information statement is being furnished solely to provide information to stockholders of Parent who will receive shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of SpinCo's securities. The information contained in this information statement is believed by SpinCo to be accurate as of the date set forth on the cover of this information statement. Changes may occur after that date, and neither Parent nor SpinCo will update the information except in the normal course of their respective disclosure obligations and practices, or as required by applicable law.

 

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Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data

              The following summary financial data reflects the combined operations of SpinCo. SpinCo derived the summary combined income statement data for the years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and summary combined balance sheet data as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, as set forth below, from its audited combined financial statements, which are included in the "Index to Financial Statements" section of this information statement. SpinCo derived the summary combined balance sheet data as of December 30, 2012, from SpinCo's underlying financial records which are not included in this information statement. SpinCo's underlying financial records were derived from the financial records of Parent for the periods reflected herein. As a result, the historical results may not necessarily reflect SpinCo's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for future periods or what they would have been had SpinCo been a separate, stand-alone company during the periods presented. To ensure a full understanding of this summary financial data, the information presented below should be reviewed in combination with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the combined financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement.

              The summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data as of and for the year ended December 28, 2014 has been prepared to reflect the Separation. The unaudited pro forma combined income statement data presented for the year ended December 28, 2014 reflects the financial results as if the separation occurred on December 30, 2013, which was the first day of fiscal 2014. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data reflects the financial position as if the separation occurred on December 28, 2014. The assumptions used and pro forma adjustments derived from such assumptions are based on currently available information.

              The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are not necessarily indicative of SpinCo's results of operations or financial condition had the distribution and its anticipated post-separation capital structure been completed on the dates assumed. Also, they may not reflect the results of operations or financial condition that would have resulted had SpinCo been operating as an independent, publicly traded company during such periods. In addition, they are not necessarily indicative of its future results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

              This summary historical and pro forma combined financial data should be reviewed in combination with "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Capitalization," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the combined financial statements and accompanying notes included in this information statement.

 

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  For the year ended  
 
  Pro Forma
Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 29,
2013
  Dec. 30,
2012 (1)
 
In millions of dollars, except per share data
  (unaudited)
   
   
   
 

Selected Statement of Income Information:

                         

Operating revenues:

                         

Advertising

        $ 1,840   $ 1,971   $ 2,124  

Circulation

        $ 1,110   $ 1,117   $ 1,103  

Other

        $ 222   $ 236   $ 242  

Total operating revenue (2)

        $ 3,172   $ 3,325   $ 3,470  

Operating income

        $ 262   $ 325   $ 331  

Net income

        $ 211   $ 274   $ 277  

Net income per share:

                         

Basic

          N/A     N/A     N/A  

Diluted

          N/A     N/A     N/A
 

 

 
  As of  
 
  Pro Forma
Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 29,
2013
  Dec. 30,
2012
 
In millions of dollars
  (unaudited)
   
   
  (unaudited)
 

Selected Balance Sheet Information:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

        $ 72   $ 79   $ 134  

Total assets

        $ 2,384   $ 2,495   $ 2,840  

 

 
  For the year ended  
 
  Pro Forma
Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 29,
2013
  Dec. 30,
2012 (1)
 
In millions of dollars
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures (3) :

                         

Adjusted EBITDA

        $ 472   $ 502   $ 528  

Adjusted operating income

        $ 361   $ 392   $ 410  

Adjusted net income

        $ 270   $ 300   $ 322  

(1)
The year ended December 30, 2012 consisted of 53 weeks whereas all other periods presented consisted of 52 weeks.
(2)
Amounts do not sum due to rounding.
(3)
For a reconciliation of the above non-GAAP metrics to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

 

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RISK FACTORS

               You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this information statement in evaluating SpinCo and SpinCo common stock. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect SpinCo's business, financial condition or results of operations. The risk factors generally have been separated into three groups: risks related to SpinCo's business, risks related to the separation and risks related to SpinCo common stock.

Risks Related to SpinCo's Business

Changes in economic conditions are expected to continue to affect advertising demand and SpinCo's ability to grow or maintain its advertising revenue.

              SpinCo's operating results depend on the relative strength of the economy in the publishing market as well as the strength or weakness of regional and national economic factors. SpinCo's operating revenues are sensitive to discretionary spending available to advertisers and subscribers in the markets SpinCo serves, as well as advertiser and subscriber perceptions of economic trends and uncertainty. Expenditures by advertisers tend to be cyclical, reflecting overall economic conditions, as well as budgeting and buying patterns. Economic conditions affect the levels of retail, national and classified newspaper advertising revenue. Changes in gross domestic product, consumer spending, auto sales, housing sales, unemployment rates, job creation and circulation levels and rates all impact advertising demand and subscriber sentiment and therefore may impair SpinCo's ability to maintain and grow its circulation and advertising revenue. A decline in the economic prospects of advertisers, subscribers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers' and subscribers' spending priorities. All of these factors may further materially and adversely impact SpinCo's ability to grow or maintain its operating revenue.

Increasing popularity of digital media and the shift in newspaper readership demographics, consumer habits and advertising expenditures from traditional print to digital media, in addition to generally lower rates for digital advertising, may adversely affect SpinCo's operating revenues and margins, and may require significant capital investments due to changes in technology.

              Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increasing number of methods for delivery of news and other content and have resulted in a wide variety of consumer demands and expectations, which are also rapidly evolving. If SpinCo is unable to exploit new and existing technologies to distinguish its products and services from those of its competitors or adapt to new distribution methods that provide optimal user experiences, SpinCo's business and financial results may be adversely affected.

              The increasing number of digital media options available online, through social networking tools and through mobile and other devices that distribute news and other content, is expanding consumer choice significantly. Faced with a multitude of media choices and a dramatic increase in accessible information, consumers may place greater value on when, where, how and at what price they consume content than they do on the source or reliability of such content. Further, as existing newspaper readers get older, younger generations may not develop similar readership habits. News aggregation websites and customized news feeds (often free to users) may reduce SpinCo's traffic levels by creating a disincentive for the audience to visit its websites or use its digital applications. If traffic levels stagnate or decline, SpinCo may not be able to create sufficient advertiser interest in its digital businesses or to maintain or increase the advertising rates of the inventory on its digital platforms.

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              In addition, the range of advertising choices across digital products and platforms and the large inventory of available digital advertising space have historically resulted in significantly lower rates for digital advertising than for print advertising. Consequently, SpinCo's digital advertising revenue may not be able to replace print advertising revenue lost as a result of the shift to digital consumption. Reduced demand for SpinCo offerings or a surplus of advertising inventory could lead to a reduction in pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on SpinCo's businesses and assets. SpinCo's ability to maintain and improve the performance of its customers' advertising on its digital properties may impact rates SpinCo achieves in the marketplace for its advertising inventory.

Stagnation or a decline in website traffic levels due to subscription models or other factors may materially and adversely affect SpinCo's advertiser base and advertising rates and result in a decline in digital revenue.

              Subscription models require users to pay for content after accessing a limited number of pages or news articles for free on SpinCo's websites each month. SpinCo's ability to build a subscriber base on its digital platforms through subscription offers depends on market acceptance, consumer habits, pricing, an adequate online infrastructure, terms of delivery platforms and other factors. If SpinCo's subscribers opt out of the subscription offers in greater numbers than anticipated, SpinCo may not generate expected revenue. In addition, the subscription model may result in fewer page views or unique visitors to SpinCo's websites if digital viewers are unwilling to pay to gain access to SpinCo's content. Stagnation or a decline in website traffic levels may materially and adversely affect SpinCo's advertiser base and advertising rates and result in a decline in digital revenue.

SpinCo's business operates in highly competitive markets with constant technological developments, and its ability to maintain market share and generate operating revenues depends on how effectively SpinCo competes with existing and new competition and on how technological developments affect SpinCo's business.

              SpinCo's business operates in highly competitive markets. SpinCo's brands compete for audiences and advertising revenue with newspapers and other media such as the Internet, magazines, broadcast, cable and satellite television, radio, direct mail, outdoor billboards and yellow pages. Some of SpinCo's current and potential competitors have greater financial and other resources than SpinCo.

              SpinCo's publications generate significant percentages of their advertising revenue from a few categories, including automotive, employment and real estate classified advertising, and retail advertising. Websites dedicated to classified advertising have become significant competitors of SpinCo's print editions and digital platforms. As a result, even in the absence of a recession or economic downturn, technological, industry or other changes specifically affecting these advertising sources could reduce advertising revenues and materially and adversely affect SpinCo's financial condition and results of operations.

              SpinCo's operating revenues primarily consist of advertising and paid circulation. Competition for advertising expenditures and paid circulation comes from local, regional and national newspapers, magazines, broadcast, cable and satellite television, radio, direct mail, yellow pages, the Internet, outdoor billboards and other media. Free circulation of daily newspapers has recently been introduced in several markets, and there can be no assurance that free daily publications, or other publications, will not be introduced in any markets in which SpinCo publishes its newspapers. The National Do Not Call Registry has affected the way newspapers solicit subscriptions. Competition for advertising revenue is based largely upon advertiser results, advertising rates, readership, demographics and circulation levels, while competition for circulation is based largely upon the content of the publication, its price, editorial quality, customer service, and other sources of news and information. SpinCo's local and regional competitors with community publications are typically unique to each market, but SpinCo has

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competitors for advertising revenue that are larger and have greater financial and distribution resources than SpinCo. Circulation revenue and SpinCo's ability to achieve price increases for its print products may be affected by competition from other publications and other forms of media available in SpinCo's various markets, declining consumer spending on discretionary items, decreasing amounts of free time and declining frequency of regular print newspaper buying among certain demographics. SpinCo may incur higher costs competing for advertising dollars and paid circulation. If SpinCo is not able to compete effectively for advertising dollars and paid circulation, SpinCo's operating revenues may decline, and its financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

              Technological developments also pose other challenges that could materially and adversely affect SpinCo's operating revenues and competitive position. New delivery platforms may lead to pricing restrictions, the loss of distribution control and the loss of a direct relationship with consumers. SpinCo's advertising and circulation revenues have declined, reflecting general trends in the newspaper industry, including declining newspaper buying by young people and the migration to other available forms of media for news. SpinCo may also be materially and adversely affected if the use of technology developed to block the display of advertising on websites proliferates. In addition, the expenditures necessary to implement these new technologies could be substantial, and other companies employing such technologies before SpinCo is able to do so could aggressively compete with SpinCo's business.

SpinCo relies on revenue from the printing and distribution of publications for third parties that may be subject to many of the same business and industry risks facing SpinCo.

              SpinCo generates a portion of its revenue from printing and distributing third-party publications, and its relationships with these third parties are generally pursuant to short-term contracts. As a result, if the macroeconomic and industry trends described herein, such as the sensitivity to perceived economic weakness of discretionary spending available to advertisers and subscribers, circulation declines, shifts in consumer habits and the increasing popularity of digital media affect those third parties, SpinCo may lose, in whole or in part, this source of revenue.

Newsprint prices may continue to be volatile.

              Newsprint is one of SpinCo's largest expenses. The price of newsprint has historically been volatile, and the consolidation of North American newsprint mills over the years has reduced the number of suppliers. SpinCo has historically been able to realize favorable newsprint pricing by virtue of its company-wide volume. Failure to maintain SpinCo's current consumption levels, further supplier consolidation or the inability to maintain its existing relationships with its newsprint suppliers may materially and adversely impact newsprint prices in the future.

The value of SpinCo's assets or operations may be diminished if its information technology systems fail to perform adequately or if it is the subject of a data breach or cyber-attack.

              SpinCo's information technology systems are critically important to operating its business efficiently and effectively. SpinCo relies on its information technology systems to manage its business data, communications, news and advertising content, digital products, order entry, fulfillment and other business processes. The failure of SpinCo's information technology systems to perform as anticipated could disrupt SpinCo's business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, late or missed publications, and loss of sales and customers, causing SpinCo's business and results of operations to be impacted.

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              Furthermore, attempts to compromise information technology systems occur regularly across many industries and sectors, and SpinCo may be vulnerable to security breaches beyond its control. SpinCo invests in security resources and technology to protect its data and business processes against risk of data security breaches and cyber-attack, but the techniques used to attempt attacks are constantly changing. A breach or successful attack could have a negative impact on SpinCo's operations or business reputation. SpinCo maintains cyber risk insurance, but this insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses from any future breaches of SpinCo's systems.

SpinCo's possession and use of personal information and the use of payment cards by its customers present risks and expenses that could harm its business. Unauthorized access to or disclosure or manipulation of such data, whether through breach of SpinCo's network security or otherwise, could expose SpinCo to liabilities and costly litigation and damage its reputation.

              Maintaining SpinCo's network security is of critical importance because its online systems store and process confidential subscriber and other sensitive or protected data, such as names, email addresses, addresses and other personal information. SpinCo depends on the security of its networks and, in part, on the security of its third-party service providers. Unauthorized use of or inappropriate access to SpinCo's, or its third-party service providers', networks, computer systems and services could potentially jeopardize the security of confidential information, including banking and payment card (credit or debit) information of its customers. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, SpinCo or its third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Non-technical means, for example, actions by an employee, can also result in a data breach. There can be no assurance that any security measures SpinCo, or its third-party service providers, take will be effective in preventing these activities. SpinCo may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. If an actual or perceived breach of SpinCo's security occurs, the perception of the effectiveness of its security measures could be harmed and SpinCo could lose customers or users. A party that is able to circumvent SpinCo's security measures could misappropriate its proprietary information or the information of its customers or users, cause interruption in its operations, or damage its computers or those of its customers or users. As a result of any such breaches, customers or users may assert claims of liability against SpinCo as a result of any failure by SpinCo to prevent these activities. These activities may subject SpinCo to legal claims, adversely impact its reputation, and interfere with its ability to provide its products and services, all of which may have a material adverse effect on SpinCo's business, financial condition and results of operations.

              A significant number of SpinCo's customers authorize SpinCo to bill their payment accounts directly for all amounts charged by SpinCo. These customers provide payment card information and other personally identifiable information which, depending on the particular payment plan, may be maintained to facilitate future payment card transactions. Under payment card rules and SpinCo's contracts with its card processors, if there is a breach of payment card information that SpinCo stores, SpinCo could be liable to the banks that issue the payment cards for their related expenses and penalties.

              Failure to protect customer data, including personal information as well as usage information, or to provide customers with appropriate notice of SpinCo's privacy practices could also subject SpinCo to liabilities imposed by United States federal and state regulatory agencies or courts. SpinCo could also be subject to evolving state laws and self-regulatory standards that impose data use obligations, data breach notification requirements, specific data security obligations or other consumer privacy-

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related requirements. SpinCo's failure to comply with any of these laws, regulations or standards may have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign exchange variability could materially and adversely affect SpinCo's consolidated operating results.

              Weakening of the British pound to U.S. dollar exchange rate could diminish Newsquest's earnings contribution to consolidated results. Newsquest results for 2014 were translated to U.S. dollars at the average rate of 1.65.

Changes in the regulatory environment could encumber or impede SpinCo's efforts to improve operating results or the value of assets.

              SpinCo's publishing operations are subject to government regulation. Changing regulations may result in increased costs, reduced valuations or other impacts, all of which may adversely impact SpinCo's future profitability.

SpinCo's future strategic acquisitions, investments and partnerships could pose various risks, increase SpinCo's leverage and significantly impact SpinCo's ability to expand its overall profitability.

              Acquisitions involve inherent risks, such as potentially increasing leverage and debt service requirements and combining company cultures and facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on SpinCo's results of operations or cash flow and could strain SpinCo's human resources. SpinCo may be unable to successfully implement effective cost controls, achieve expected synergies or increase revenues as a result of any future acquisition. Acquisitions may result in SpinCo's assumption of unexpected liabilities and may result in the diversion of management's attention from the operation of SpinCo's business. Acquisitions may also result in SpinCo having greater exposure to the industry risks of the businesses underlying the acquisition. Strategic investments and partnerships with other companies expose SpinCo to the risk that it may not be able to control the operations of its investee or partnership, which could decrease the amount of benefits SpinCo realizes from a particular relationship. SpinCo is also exposed to the risk that its partners in strategic investments and infrastructure may encounter financial difficulties which could lead to disruption of investee or partnership activities, or impairment of assets acquired, which would adversely affect future reported results of operations and stockholders' equity. In addition, SpinCo may be unable to obtain financing necessary to complete acquisitions on attractive terms or at all. The failure to obtain regulatory approvals may prevent SpinCo from completing or realizing the anticipated benefits of acquisitions. Furthermore, acquisitions may subject SpinCo to new or different regulations which could have an adverse effect on SpinCo's operations.

The value of SpinCo's existing intangible assets may become impaired, depending upon future operating results.

              Goodwill and other intangible assets were approximately $0.6 billion as of December 28, 2014, representing approximately 25% of SpinCo's total assets. SpinCo periodically evaluates its goodwill and other intangible assets to determine whether all or a portion of their carrying values may no longer be recoverable, in which case a charge to earnings may be necessary. Any future evaluations requiring an asset impairment charge for goodwill or other intangible assets would adversely affect future reported results of operations and stockholders' equity, although such charges would not affect SpinCo's cash flow.

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Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations could impact SpinCo's business practices and operating results.

              From time to time, SpinCo is a party to litigation and regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits or investigations could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect SpinCo's operating results or financial condition as well as SpinCo's ability to conduct its businesses as they are presently being conducted.

SpinCo may be unable to adequately protect its intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to its business, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties.

              SpinCo's ability to compete effectively depends in part upon its intellectual property rights, including its trademarks, copyrights and proprietary technology. SpinCo's use of contractual provisions, confidentiality procedures and agreements, and trademark, copyright, patent, unfair competition, trade secret and other laws to protect its intellectual property rights and proprietary technology and the use of the rights and technology of others may not be adequate. Litigation may be necessary to enforce SpinCo's intellectual property rights and to protect its proprietary technology, or to defend against claims by third parties that the conduct of its businesses or its use of intellectual property infringes upon such third party's intellectual property rights, including trademark, copyright and patent infringement. Any intellectual property litigation or claims brought against SpinCo, whether or not meritorious, could result in substantial costs and diversion of its resources, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all cases. The terms of any settlement or judgment may require SpinCo to pay substantial amounts to the other party or cease exercising its rights in such intellectual property. In addition, SpinCo may have to seek a license to continue practices found to be in violation of a third party's rights, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all. SpinCo's business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially and adversely affected as a result.

SpinCo's ability to operate effectively could be impaired if SpinCo fails to attract and retain its senior management team.

              SpinCo's success depends, in part, upon the continuing contributions of its senior management team. The loss of the services of any members of SpinCo's senior management team or the failure to attract qualified persons to its senior management team may have a material adverse effect on its business or its business prospects.

Labor strikes, lockouts and protracted negotiations could lead to business interruptions and increased operating costs.

              As of March 2, 2015, union employees comprised approximately 13% of SpinCo's workforce. SpinCo is required to negotiate collective bargaining agreements across its business units on an ongoing basis. Complications in labor negotiations can lead to work slowdowns or other business interruptions and greater overall employee costs. If SpinCo or its suppliers are unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, it is possible that the affected unions or others could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, higher costs in connection with these agreements or a significant labor dispute could materially and adversely affect SpinCo's business by disrupting its ability to provide customers with its products or services. Depending on its duration, any lockout, strike or work stoppage may have an adverse effect on its operating revenues, cash flows or operating income, or the timing thereof.

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Volatility in global financial markets directly affects the value of SpinCo's pension plan assets and liabilities.

              SpinCo's two largest retirement plans, which account for more than 96.5% of total pension plan assets, were underfunded as of December 28, 2014 by $645 million on a U.S. GAAP basis. Various factors, including future investment returns, discount rates and potential pension legislative changes, impact the timing and amount of pension contributions SpinCo may be required to make in the future.

Risks Related to the Separation

SpinCo has no history of operating as an independent company, and SpinCo's historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that it would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of its future results.

              The historical information about SpinCo in this information statement refers to SpinCo's business as operated by and integrated with Parent. SpinCo's historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement is derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Parent. Accordingly, the historical and pro forma financial information included in this information statement does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows that SpinCo would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented or those that SpinCo will achieve in the future primarily as a result of the factors described below:

              Other significant changes may occur in SpinCo's cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a company separate from Parent. For additional

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information about the past financial performance of SpinCo's business and the basis of presentation of the historical combined financial statements and the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of SpinCo's business, see "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data of SpinCo," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this information statement.

There could be significant liability if the distribution is determined to be a taxable transaction.

              It is a condition to the distribution that Parent receives an opinion from outside tax counsel to the effect that the requirements for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code will be satisfied. The opinion relies on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from Parent and SpinCo regarding the past and future conduct of the companies' respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings is incorrect or not satisfied, Parent and its stockholders may not be able to rely on the opinion of tax counsel and could be subject to significant tax liabilities.

              Notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel, the IRS could determine on audit that the separation is taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion, or for other reasons, including as a result of certain significant changes in the share ownership of Parent or SpinCo after the separation. If the separation is determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Parent and its stockholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities and SpinCo could incur significant liabilities. For a description of the sharing of such liabilities between Parent and SpinCo, see "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement."

SpinCo may be unable to engage in certain corporate transactions after the separation because such transactions could jeopardize the intended tax-free status of the distribution.

              To preserve the tax-free treatment to Parent of the separation and the distribution, under the tax matters agreement that SpinCo will enter into with Parent, SpinCo will be restricted from taking any action that prevents the distribution and related transactions from being tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under the tax matters agreement, for the two-year period following the distribution, SpinCo will be prohibited, except in certain circumstances, from:

              These restrictions may limit SpinCo's ability to pursue certain strategic transactions or other transactions that it may believe to be in the best interests of its stockholders or that might increase the value of its business. In addition, under the tax matters agreement, SpinCo is required to indemnify

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Parent against any such tax liabilities as a result of the acquisition of SpinCo's stock or assets, even if it did not participate in or otherwise facilitate the acquisition.

Until the separation and distribution occur, Parent has sole discretion to change the terms of the separation and distribution in ways that may be unfavorable to SpinCo.

              Until the separation and distribution occur, SpinCo will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Accordingly, Parent will effectively have the sole and absolute discretion to determine and change the terms of the separation and distribution, including the establishment of the record date for the distribution and the distribution date. These changes could be unfavorable to SpinCo. In addition, Parent may decide at any time not to proceed with the separation and distribution.

SpinCo may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the separation, and the separation may materially and adversely affect SpinCo's business.

              SpinCo may be unable to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the separation, or such benefits may be delayed or not occur at all. The separation and distribution is expected to provide the following benefits, among others:

              SpinCo may not achieve these and other anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons, including, among others: (a) the separation will require significant amounts of management's time and effort, which may divert management's attention from operating and growing SpinCo's business; (b) following the separation, SpinCo may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if it were still a part of Parent; (c) following the separation, SpinCo's business will be less diversified than Parent's business prior to the separation; and (d) the other actions required to separate Parent's and SpinCo's respective businesses could disrupt SpinCo's operations. If SpinCo fails to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the separation, or if such benefits are delayed, the business, financial conditions and results of operations of SpinCo could be materially and adversely affected.

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Parent or SpinCo may fail to perform under various transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the separation or SpinCo may fail to have necessary systems and services in place when certain of the transaction agreements expire.

              In connection with the separation, SpinCo and Parent will enter into a separation agreement and will also enter into various other agreements, including a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. The separation agreement, the tax matters agreement and the employee matters agreement will determine the allocation of assets and liabilities between the companies following the separation for those respective areas and will include any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. The transition services agreement will provide for the performance of certain services by each company for the benefit of the other for a limited period of time after the separation. SpinCo will rely on Parent to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Parent is unable to satisfy its obligations under these agreements, including its indemnification obligations, SpinCo could incur operational difficulties or losses. If Parent does not have in place its own systems and services, or if SpinCo does not have agreements with other providers of these services once certain transaction agreements expire or terminate, SpinCo may not be able to operate its business effectively and its profitability may decline.

Changes in the commercial and credit environments may materially affect SpinCo's future access to capital.

              SpinCo's ability to issue debt or enter into other financing arrangements on acceptable terms could be materially and adversely affected if there is a material decline in SpinCo's business or if other significantly unfavorable changes in economic conditions occur. Volatility in the world financial markets could increase borrowing costs or affect SpinCo's ability to gain access to the capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on SpinCo's competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Many contracts, which will need to be assigned from Parent or its affiliates to SpinCo in connection with the separation, require the consent of the counterparty to such an assignment, and failure to obtain these consents could increase SpinCo's expenses or otherwise reduce SpinCo's profitability.

              The separation agreement will provide that, in connection with SpinCo's separation, a number of contracts are to be assigned from Parent or its affiliates to SpinCo or SpinCo's affiliates. SpinCo currently anticipates that such contracts would be assigned prior to the completion of the distribution. However, some of these contracts may require the contractual counterparty's consent to such an assignment. It is possible that some parties may use the consent requirement to seek more favorable contractual terms from SpinCo. If SpinCo is unable to obtain these consents, SpinCo may be unable to obtain some of the benefits, assets and contractual commitments that are intended to be allocated to SpinCo as part of SpinCo's separation. If SpinCo is unable to obtain consents with respect to any of the contracts, the loss of the contracts could increase SpinCo expenses or otherwise reduce SpinCo's profitability.

A portion of SpinCo's advertising revenues is earned under affiliation agreements which may be terminated or amended to provide for less favorable terms following the separation.

              Parent is currently party to an affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder pursuant to which SpinCo's newspapers earn advertising revenues and pay affiliate fees. Pursuant to the terms of the CareerBuilder limited liability company agreement, if Parent (together with its affiliates) directly or indirectly retains at least a 1% voting and economic interest in SpinCo's newspapers, which it intends to do, Parent has the right to enter into a modified affiliation agreement that would apply to SpinCo's newspapers for up to five years. SpinCo expects to enter into a modified affiliation agreement at the

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time of the separation that would apply to its newspapers for up to five years. Circumstances could occur, including Parent ceasing to hold at least a 1% voting and economic interest in Spinco prior to the end of the five-year period, which could cause SpinCo's newspapers to cease to earn advertising revenues under an affiliation agreement with CareerBuilder. SpinCo expects that the terms of the modified affiliate agreement will result in lower advertising revenue for SpinCo than was the case prior to the distribution.

              On October 1, 2014, Parent acquired the remaining 73% interest that it did not own in Classified Ventures, which was subsequently renamed Cars.com. Following that acquisition, each of SpinCo's newspapers is currently operating under new terms with Cars.com that are similar to the terms included in the new affiliate agreements Cars.com entered into with its former owners upon the closing of the acquisition. At the time of the separation, SpinCo and SpinCo's newspapers will enter into a new affiliation agreement with Cars.com continuing the terms now in place, pursuant to which SpinCo's newspapers will be able to earn advertising revenues and pay affiliate fees to Cars.com. The new affiliation agreement will have a five-year term. However, continuation of the affiliations of SpinCo's newspapers is contingent upon SpinCo's newspapers fulfilling their obligations under the new affiliation agreement, including meeting certain performance standards. If, prior to the end of the five-year term, SpinCo's newspapers fail to meet such performance standards or otherwise fail to fulfill their obligations under the new affiliation agreement, SpinCo's newspapers could cease to earn advertising revenues under their new affiliation agreement with Cars.com. There can also be no assurance that SpinCo's newspapers will be able to renew this new affiliation agreement at the end of the five-year term on similar terms, or at all, and continue to earn the same level of advertising revenues under such affiliation agreement. The terms of the new affiliate agreement will result in lower operating income for SpinCo than was the case prior to Parent's acquisition of the remaining interest in Cars.com. SpinCo's fourth quarter 2014 financial results reflect the economics of the new affiliate agreement with Classified Ventures.

              If SpinCo ceases to earn advertising revenues under the affiliation agreements with CareerBuilder and Cars.com or the amount of such revenues is materially reduced, SpinCo's operating revenues, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

After the distribution, certain members of management, directors and stockholders will hold stock in both Parent and SpinCo, and as a result may face actual or potential conflicts of interest.

              After the distribution, the management and directors of each of Parent and SpinCo may own both Parent common stock and SpinCo common stock. This ownership overlap could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when SpinCo management and directors and Parent's management and directors face decisions that could have different implications for SpinCo and Parent. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute between SpinCo and Parent regarding the terms of the agreements governing the distribution and SpinCo's relationship with Parent thereafter. These agreements include the separation and distribution agreement, the tax matters agreement, the employee matters agreement, the transition services agreement and any commercial agreements between the parties or their affiliates. Potential conflicts of interest may also arise out of any commercial arrangements that SpinCo or Parent may enter into in the future.

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Fulfilling SpinCo's obligations incidental to being a public company, including with respect to the requirements of and related rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, will place significant demands on SpinCo's management, administrative and operational resources, including accounting and information technology resources.

              SpinCo's financial results previously were included in the consolidated results of Parent, and its reporting and control systems were appropriate for those of subsidiaries of a public company. Prior to the distribution, SpinCo was not directly subject to reporting and other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. After the distribution, SpinCo will be subject to such reporting and other requirements, which will require, among other things, annual management assessments of the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting and a report by its independent registered public accounting firm addressing these assessments. These and other obligations will place significant demands on SpinCo's management, administrative and operational resources, including accounting and information technology resources.

Risks Related to SpinCo Common Stock

SpinCo cannot be certain that an active trading market for its common stock will develop or be sustained after the distribution, and following the distribution, SpinCo's stock price may fluctuate significantly.

              A public market for SpinCo common stock does not currently exist. SpinCo anticipates that on or prior to the record date for the distribution, trading of shares of its common stock will begin on a "when-issued" basis which will continue through the distribution date. However, SpinCo cannot guarantee that an active trading market will develop or be sustained for its common stock after the distribution. Nor can SpinCo predict the prices at which shares of its common stock may trade after the distribution. Similarly, SpinCo cannot predict the effect of the distribution on the trading prices of its common stock or whether the combined market value of the shares of SpinCo common stock and Parent common stock will be less than, equal to or greater than the market value of Parent common stock prior to the distribution.

              The market price of SpinCo common stock may decline or fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond SpinCo's control, including:

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There may be substantial changes in SpinCo's stockholder base.

              Many investors holding Parent common stock may hold that stock because of a decision to invest in a company with Parent's profile. Following the distribution, the shares of SpinCo common stock held by those investors will represent an investment in a publishing company with a different profile. This may not be aligned with a holder's investment strategy and may cause the holder to sell the shares. As a result, SpinCo's stock price may decline or experience volatility as SpinCo's stockholder base changes.

SpinCo cannot guarantee the timing, amount or payment of dividends on its common stock.

              SpinCo plans to initially pay regular cash dividends following the distribution. However, the timing, declaration, amount and payment of future dividends to stockholders will fall within the discretion of SpinCo's board of directors. The board's decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as SpinCo's financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, any future debt service obligations, covenants associated with any of SpinCo's future debt service obligations, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors that the board deems relevant. For more information, see "Dividend Policy." SpinCo's ability to pay dividends will depend on its ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and on its access to the capital markets.

Your percentage of ownership in SpinCo may be diluted in the future.

              In the future, your percentage ownership in SpinCo may be diluted because of equity awards that SpinCo will be granting to SpinCo's directors, officers and employees or otherwise as a result of equity issuances for acquisitions or capital market transactions. SpinCo's employees will have options to purchase shares of its common stock after the distribution as a result of conversion of their Parent stock options (in whole or in part) to SpinCo stock options. SpinCo anticipates its executive compensation committee will grant additional stock-based awards to its employees after the distribution. Such awards will have a dilutive effect on SpinCo's earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of SpinCo common stock. From time to time, SpinCo will issue additional stock-based awards to its employees under SpinCo's employee benefits plans.

              In addition, SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will authorize SpinCo to issue, without the approval of SpinCo's stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock that have such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over SpinCo common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as SpinCo's board of directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of SpinCo common stock. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences SpinCo could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock. See "Description of SpinCo's Capital Stock."

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

              This information statement and other materials Parent and SpinCo have filed or will file with the SEC contain, or will contain, certain forward-looking statements regarding business strategies, market potential, future financial performance and other matters. The words "believe," "expect," "estimate," "could," "should," "intend," "may," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify "forward-looking statements," which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. In particular, information included under "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business," "The Separation and Distribution" and other sections of this information statement contain forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of SpinCo management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Whether or not any such forward-looking statements are in fact achieved will depend on future events, some of which are beyond SpinCo's control. Except as may be required by law, SpinCo undertakes no obligation to modify or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances occurring after the date of this information statement. Factors, risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include the matters described under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in addition to the following other factors, risks, trends and uncertainties:

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THE SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Overview

              On August 5, 2014, Parent announced that it intends to separate its publishing business from its broadcasting and digital businesses. Parent intends to effect the separation through a pro rata distribution of 98.5% of the common stock of a new entity, SpinCo. SpinCo was formed to hold the assets and liabilities associated with the publishing business.

              On [ · ], 2015, the Parent board of directors approved the distribution of 98.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock on the basis of one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held as of the close of business on the record date of [ · ], 2015.

              At 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ · ], 2015, the distribution date, each Parent stockholder will receive one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held at the close of business on the record date for the distribution, as described below. Parent stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of SpinCo common stock that they would have received after application of this ratio. Parent's stockholders will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange their shares of Parent common stock or take any other action to receive their shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution. The distribution of SpinCo common stock as described in this information statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. For a more detailed description of these conditions, see "Conditions to the Distribution."

Reasons for the Separation

              The Parent board of directors determined that the separation of Parent's publishing business from its broadcasting and digital businesses would be in the best interests of Parent and its stockholders and approved the separation. A wide variety of factors were considered by the Parent board of directors in evaluating the separation. Among other things, the Parent board of directors considered the following potential benefits of the separation:

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              Neither SpinCo nor Parent can assure you that, following the separation, any of the benefits described above or otherwise will be realized to the extent anticipated or at all.

              The Parent board of directors also considered a number of potentially unfavorable factors in evaluating the separation, including the potential loss of synergies, dedication of resources to replicate certain technology applications and infrastructure, time and effort required to be dedicated to this transaction by Parent's and SpinCo's management and the potential diversion of their attention away from their respective businesses, increased costs resulting from operating as a separate public entity, one-time costs of the separation, the risk of not realizing the anticipated benefits of the separation and limitations placed upon SpinCo as a result of the tax matters agreement. The Parent board of directors concluded that the potential benefits of the separation significantly outweighed these negative factors.

Formation of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. and Internal Reorganization

              SpinCo was formed as a Delaware corporation on November 21, 2014 for the purpose of holding Parent's publishing business. As part of the plan to separate the publishing business from the remainder of its businesses, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, Parent plans to transfer the equity interests of certain entities that operate the publishing business and the assets and liabilities of the publishing business to SpinCo prior to the distribution. Following the distribution, Parent will continue to own Parent's broadcasting and other businesses, including Cars.com and its equity interest in CareerBuilder.

When and How You Will Receive the Distribution

              With the assistance of Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, Parent expects to distribute 98.5% of SpinCo common stock at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on [ · ], 2015, the distribution date, to all holders of

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outstanding shares of Parent common stock as of the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution. Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, which currently serves as the transfer agent and registrar for Parent's common stock, will serve as the settlement and distribution agent in connection with the distribution and the transfer agent and registrar for SpinCo common stock.

              If you own Parent common stock as of the close of business on the record date for the distribution, SpinCo common stock that you are entitled to receive in the distribution will be issued electronically, as of the distribution date, to you in direct registration form or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf. If you are a registered holder, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services will then mail you a direct registration account statement that reflects your shares of SpinCo common stock. If you hold your shares through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. Direct registration form refers to a method of recording share ownership when no physical share certificates are issued to stockholders, as is the case in this distribution. If you own Parent common stock through the Parent dividend reinvestment plan, SpinCo shares you receive will be distributed to a new SpinCo dividend reinvestment plan account that will be created for you. If you sell Parent common stock in the "regular-way" market up to and including the distribution date, you will be selling your right to receive shares of SpinCo common stock in the distribution.

              Commencing on or shortly after the distribution date, if you hold physical share certificates that represent your shares of Parent common stock and you are the registered holder of the shares represented by those certificates, the distribution agent will mail to you an account statement that indicates the number of shares of SpinCo common stock that have been registered in book-entry form in your name.

              Most Parent stockholders hold their common stock through a bank or brokerage firm. In such cases, the bank or brokerage firm would be said to hold the shares in "street name" and ownership would be recorded on the bank or brokerage firm's books. If you hold your Parent common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for SpinCo common stock that you are entitled to receive in the distribution. If you have any questions concerning the mechanics of having shares held in "street name," please contact your bank or brokerage firm.

Transferability of Shares You Receive

              Shares of SpinCo common stock distributed to holders in connection with the distribution will be transferable without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), except for shares received by persons who may be deemed to be SpinCo affiliates. Persons who may be deemed to be SpinCo affiliates after the distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by or are under common control with SpinCo, which may include certain SpinCo executive officers, directors or principal stockholders. Securities held by SpinCo affiliates will be subject to resale restrictions under the Securities Act. SpinCo affiliates will be permitted to sell shares of SpinCo common stock only pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

Number of Shares of SpinCo Common Stock You Will Receive

              For every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock that you own at the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution, you will receive one share of SpinCo common stock on the distribution date. Parent will not distribute any fractional shares of SpinCo common stock to its stockholders. Instead, if you are a registered holder, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services (which is

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sometimes referred to herein as the distribution agent) will aggregate fractional shares into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate cash proceeds (net of discounts and commissions) of the sales pro rata (based on the fractional share such holder would otherwise be entitled to receive) to each holder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the distribution. The distribution agent, in its sole discretion, without any influence by Parent or SpinCo, will determine when, how, and through which broker-dealer and at what price to sell the whole shares. Any broker-dealer used by the distribution agent will not be an affiliate of either Parent or SpinCo. Wells Fargo Shareowner Services is not an affiliate of either Parent or SpinCo. Neither SpinCo nor Parent will be able to guarantee any minimum sale price in connection with the sale of these shares. Recipients of cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be entitled to any interest on the amounts of payment made in lieu of fractional shares.

              The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales of fractional shares will be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" for an explanation of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution. If you hold physical certificates for Parent common stock and are the registered holder, you will receive a check from the distribution agent in an amount equal to your pro rata share of the aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales. SpinCo estimates that it will take approximately two weeks from the distribution date for the distribution agent to complete the distributions of the aggregate net cash proceeds. If you hold your Parent common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will receive, on your behalf, your pro rata share of the aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales and will electronically credit your account for your share of such proceeds.

Treatment of Equity Based Compensation

              Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding time-vesting Parent restricted stock or restricted stock unit award granted prior to 2015 will be converted into an award in respect of both shares of Parent common stock and shares of SpinCo common stock. The number of shares of Parent common stock subject to each award will be the same as the number subject to the award prior to the separation, while the number of shares of SpinCo common stock subject to the award will be determined based on the number of SpinCo shares distributed per Parent share in the separation. The adjusted restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent restricted stock or restricted stock unit award immediately before the separation.

              Performance Share Awards.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding Parent performance share award granted prior to 2015 will be converted in the same manner as outstanding Parent restricted stock or restricted stock unit award granted prior to 2015, provided that performance goals will be measured following the separation by aggregating both Parent performance and SpinCo performance. The adjusted performance share awards otherwise will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent restricted stock or restricted stock unit award immediately before the separation.

              Stock Option Awards.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding Parent stock option award will be converted into an award of options to purchase both shares of Parent common stock and shares of SpinCo common stock. The number of shares and exercise prices of each option award will be adjusted in a manner intended to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of the original Parent stock option as measured immediately before and immediately after the separation, subject to rounding. The adjusted stock option awards will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions,

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post-termination exercise rules, and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent stock option immediately before the separation.

              Restricted Stock Unit Awards Held by Parent Employees and Directors.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding and unvested time-vesting Parent restricted stock unit award granted in 2015 and held by an employee or director who will remain employed by, or a director of, Parent following the separation will remain denominated in shares of Parent common stock, provided that the number of shares subject to the award will be adjusted in a manner intended to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of the original Parent restricted stock unit award as measured immediately before and immediately after the separation, subject to rounding. The adjusted restricted stock unit awards will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent restricted stock unit award immediately before the separation. A portion of the time-vesting Parent restricted stock unit awards granted in 2015 to directors may be vested but not yet settled as of the distribution date. Any such restricted stock units will be treated in the same manner as restricted stock units granted prior to 2015.

              Restricted Stock Unit Awards Held by SpinCo Employees and Directors.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding and unvested time-vesting Parent restricted stock unit award granted in 2015 and held by an employee or director who will be employed by, or a director of, SpinCo following the separation will be converted into an award denominated in shares of SpinCo common stock, with the number of shares subject to the award to be adjusted in a manner intended to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of the original Parent restricted stock unit award as measured immediately before and immediately after the separation, subject to rounding. The adjusted restricted stock unit awards will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent restricted stock unit award immediately before the separation. A portion of the time-vesting Parent restricted stock unit awards granted in 2015 to directors may be vested but not yet settled as of the distribution date. Any such restricted stock units will be treated in the same manner as restricted stock units granted prior to 2015.

              Performance Share Awards Held by Parent Employees.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding Parent performance share award granted in 2015 and held by an employee who will remain employed by Parent following the separation will be converted in the same manner as outstanding Parent restricted stock unit awards granted in 2015 and held by an employee who will remain employed by Parent following the separation. Performance goals applicable to such awards will be adjusted to reflect the separation, with performance prior to the separation based on the performance of Parent prior to the separation and performance following the separation based on the performance of Parent following the separation, and with relative performance for the full period compared to a comparator group tailored to the business of Parent following the separation. The adjusted performance share awards otherwise will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent performance share award immediately before the separation.

              Performance Share Awards Held by SpinCo Employees.     As of the distribution date, each outstanding Parent performance share award granted in 2015 and held by an employee who will be employed by SpinCo following the separation will be converted in the same manner as outstanding Parent restricted stock unit awards granted in 2015 and held by an employee who will be employed by SpinCo following the separation. Performance goals applicable to such awards will be adjusted to reflect the separation, with performance prior to the separation based on the performance of Parent prior to the separation and performance following the separation based on the performance of SpinCo following the separation, and with relative performance for the full period compared to a comparator

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group tailored to the business of SpinCo following the separation. The adjusted performance share awards otherwise will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent performance share award immediately before the separation.

Treatment of 401(k) Shares

              Parent common stock held in Parent's 401(k) plans will be treated in the same manner in the distribution as outstanding Parent common stock.

Results of the Distribution

              After the distribution, SpinCo will be an independent, publicly traded company. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined at the close of business on [ · ], 2015, the record date for the distribution, and will reflect any exercise of Parent options between the date the Parent board of directors declares the distribution and the record date for the distribution. The distribution will not affect the number of outstanding Parent common stock or any rights of Parent stockholders. Parent will not distribute any fractional shares of SpinCo common stock.

              SpinCo will enter into a separation agreement and other related agreements with Parent before the distribution to effect the separation and provide a framework for SpinCo's relationship with Parent after the separation. These agreements will provide for the allocation between Parent and SpinCo of Parent's assets, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property, employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to SpinCo's separation from Parent and will govern the relationship between Parent and SpinCo after the separation. For a more detailed description of these agreements, see "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions."

Market for SpinCo Common Stock

              There is currently no public trading market for SpinCo common stock. SpinCo expects to have its common stock approved to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under Parent's current symbol "GCI." SpinCo has not and will not set the initial price of its common stock. The initial price will be established by the public markets.

              SpinCo cannot predict the price at which its common stock will trade after the distribution. In fact, the combined trading prices, after the distribution, of the shares of SpinCo common stock that each Parent stockholder will receive in the distribution and Parent common stock held at the record date for the distribution may not equal the "regular-way" trading price of Parent common stock immediately prior to the distribution. The price at which SpinCo common stock trades may fluctuate significantly, particularly until an orderly public market develops. Trading prices for SpinCo common stock will be determined in the public markets and may be influenced by many factors. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to SpinCo Common Stock."

Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date

              Beginning on or shortly before the record date for the distribution and continuing up to and including the distribution date, Parent expects that there will be two markets in Parent common stock: a "regular-way" market and an "ex-distribution" market. Parent common stock that trades on the "regular-way" market will trade with an entitlement to SpinCo common stock distributed pursuant to the separation. Parent common stock that trades on the "ex-distribution" market will trade without an entitlement to SpinCo common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. Therefore, if you sell

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Parent common stock in the "regular-way" market up to and including the distribution date, you will be selling your right to receive SpinCo common stock in the distribution. If you own Parent common stock at the close of business on the record date and sell that stock on the "ex-distribution" market up to and including the distribution date, you will receive the shares of SpinCo common stock that you are entitled to receive pursuant to your ownership as of the record date of Parent common stock.

              Furthermore, beginning on or shortly before the record date for the distribution and continuing up to and including the distribution date, SpinCo expects that there will be a "when-issued" market in its common stock. "When-issued" trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally because the security has been authorized but not yet issued. The "when-issued" trading market will be a market for SpinCo common stock that will be distributed to holders of Parent common stock on the distribution date. If you owned Parent common stock at the close of business on the record date for the distribution, you would be entitled to SpinCo common stock distributed pursuant to the distribution. You may trade this entitlement to shares of SpinCo common stock, without Parent common stock you own, on the "when-issued" market, but your transaction will not settle until after the distribution date. On the first trading day following the distribution date, "when-issued" trading with respect to SpinCo common stock will end, and "regular-way" trading will begin.

Conditions to the Distribution

              SpinCo has announced that the distribution will be effective at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on [ · ], 2015, which is the distribution date, provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied (or waived by Parent in its sole discretion):

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              Parent cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met and will have sole discretion to waive any of the conditions to the distribution. In addition, Parent will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine (and change) the terms of, and whether to proceed with, the distribution and, to the extent it determines to so proceed, to determine the record date for the distribution and the distribution date and the distribution ratio. Parent does not intend to notify its stockholders of any modifications to the terms of the separation and distribution that, in the judgment of its board of directors, are not material. For example, the Parent board of directors might consider material such matters as significant changes to the distribution ratio, the assets to be contributed or the liabilities to be assumed in the separation. To the extent that the Parent board of directors determines that any modifications by Parent materially change the material terms of the separation and distribution, Parent will notify Parent stockholders in a manner reasonably calculated to inform them about the modification as may be required by law, by, for example, publishing a press release, filing a current report on Form 8-K, or circulating a supplement to this information statement.

Regulatory Approval

              Apart from the registration under United States federal securities laws of SpinCo common stock to be distributed in the distribution and related stock exchange listing requirements, SpinCo does not believe that any other material governmental or regulatory filings or approvals will be necessary to consummate the distribution. The distribution will not affect the ownership or control of Parent's television stations or its television licensee subsidiaries; consequently, FCC approval will not be required in connection with the distribution with respect to any of the television station licenses. FCC consent will be required with respect to the transfer to SpinCo of certain private business non-broadcast radio licenses associated with newspaper operations.

No Appraisal Rights

              Under the DGCL, Parent stockholders will not have appraisal rights in connection with the distribution.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

              SpinCo will begin virtually debt-free, which will provide SpinCo with the capacity to deliver strong dividends, support a share repurchase program and to continue to invest in the business through organic growth as well as potential acquisitions. SpinCo expects to initially pay a regular cash dividend of $0.32 per share annually (subject to adjustment based on the final distribution ratio).

              The timing, declaration, amount of and payment of any dividends following the separation by SpinCo is within the discretion of its board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including SpinCo's financial condition, earnings, capital requirements of its operating subsidiaries, any future debt service obligations, covenants associated with any of SpinCo's future debt service obligations, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, ability to gain access to capital markets, and other factors deemed relevant by its board of directors.

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CAPITALIZATION

              The following table sets forth SpinCo's capitalization as of December 28, 2014, on a historical basis and on a pro forma basis to give effect to the pro forma adjustments included in SpinCo's unaudited pro forma combined financial information. The information below is not necessarily indicative of what SpinCo's capitalization would have been had the separation, distribution and related transactions been completed as of December 28, 2014. In addition, it is not indicative of SpinCo's future capitalization. This table should be read in conjunction with "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and SpinCo's combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the "Index to Financial Statements" section of this information statement.

 
  As of Dec. 28, 2014  
 
  Historical   Pro Forma  

In thousands of dollars, except share data

             

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

  $ 71,947        

Capitalization:

             

Debt:

             

Revolving credit facility (2)

  $        

Total debt

           

Equity:

             

Common stock ($0.01 par value per share); [ · ] shares authorized, [ · ] shares issued and outstanding, pro forma

           

Retained earnings

           

Parent's investment, net (3)

    1,615,584        

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (678,112 )      

Total equity

    937,472        

Total capitalization

  $ 937,472        

(1)
Concurrent with the date of the separation, SpinCo expects to receive $[ · ] in cash and cash equivalents.
(2)
On or about the date of the separation, SpinCo expects to enter into a revolving credit facility to fund working capital and other liquidity needs and provide letters of credit. SpinCo does not anticipate that any amount will be drawn on the facility as of the date of the proposed spin.
(3)
Reflects the net Parent investment impact as a result of the anticipated post-distribution capital structure. As of the distribution date, Parent's investment, net, in SpinCo will be exchanged to reflect the distribution of SpinCo's common stock to Parent shareholders and to reflect the aggregate par value of SpinCo's shares of common stock being distributed in the distribution.

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SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA OF SPINCO

              Set forth below are selected historical combined financial data for SpinCo for each of the five years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012, December 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010. Operating results for any prior period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future period. We derived the combined statement of income data for the years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the combined balance sheet data as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, from the SpinCo historical combined financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this information statement. We derived the combined statement of income data for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010, and the combined balance sheet data as of December 30, 2012, December 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010 from the financial records of Parent which are not included in this information statement.

              The selected historical combined financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical combined financial statements and the notes thereto included in this information statement. The selected historical combined financial data reflects SpinCo's results as historically operated as a part of Parent, and these results may not be indicative of our future performance as a stand-alone company following the distribution. Operating expenses reflect direct expenses and allocations of certain Parent corporate expenses that have been charged to SpinCo based on specific identification or allocated based on use or other methodologies we believe appropriate. Management believes these allocations have been made on a reasonable and appropriate basis under the circumstances. Per share data has not been presented since SpinCo's business was wholly-owned by Parent during the periods presented.

 
  As of and for the year ended  
 
  Dec. 28,
2014
  Dec. 29,
2013
  Dec. 30,
2012
  Dec. 25,
2011
  Dec. 26,
2010
 

In millions of dollars

                               

Selected Statement of Income Information:

                      (unaudited )   (unaudited )

Net operating revenues

                               

Advertising

  $ 1,840   $ 1,971   $ 2,124   $ 2,274   $ 2,475  

Circulation

  $ 1,110   $ 1,117   $ 1,103   $ 1,050   $ 1,073  

Other

  $ 222   $ 236   $ 242   $ 245   $ 247  

Total operating revenue (1)

  $ 3,172   $ 3,325   $ 3,470   $ 3,569   $ 3,795  

Operating income

  $ 262   $ 325   $ 331   $ 438   $ 577  

Net income from continuing operations

  $ 211   $ 274   $ 277   $ 334   $ 431  

Selected Balance Sheet Information:

               
(unaudited

)
 
(unaudited

)
 
(unaudited

)

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 72   $ 79   $ 134   $ 107   $ 101  

Total assets

  $ 2,384   $ 2,495   $ 2,840   $ 2,910   $ 3,049  

(1)
Total may not sum due to rounding.

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements consist of the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and statement of income as of and for the year ended December 28, 2014. These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements were derived from SpinCo's historical combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement. The pro forma adjustments give effect to the distribution and the related transactions, as described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statement of income for the year ended December 28, 2014 gives effect to the distribution as if it had occurred on December 30, 2013, the first day of fiscal 2014. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet gives effect to the distribution as if it had occurred on December 28, 2014, our latest balance sheet date.

              The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements include certain adjustments that are necessary to present fairly SpinCo's unaudited pro forma combined statement of income and unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of and for the period indicated. The pro forma adjustments give effect to events that are (i) directly attributable to the distribution transactions, (ii) factually supportable, and (iii) with respect to the unaudited pro forma combined statement of income, expected to have a continuing impact on SpinCo and are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable given the information currently available.

              The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements give effect to the following:

              The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are subject to the assumptions and adjustments described in the accompanying notes. These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are subject to change as Parent and SpinCo finalize the terms of the separation and distribution agreement and other agreements and transactions related to the distribution.

              The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been presented for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of SpinCo's results of operations or financial condition had the distribution and the related transactions been completed on the dates assumed and should not be relied upon as a representation of our future performance.

              The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical combined financial statements for SpinCo and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in this information statement.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Year Ended December 28, 2014

In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts

Fiscal year ended   Historical   Pro Forma
Adjustments
  Pro Forma  

Net operating revenues

                   

Advertising

  $ 1,840,067              

Circulation

    1,109,729              

Other

    222,082              

Total

    3,171,878              

Operating expenses

                   

Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation

    1,997,803              

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation

    765,465              

Depreciation

    97,178              

Amortization of intangible assets

    13,885              

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges

    35,216              

Total

    2,909,547              

Operating income

    262,331              

Non-operating (expense) income

                   

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net

    15,857              

Other non-operating items

    77              

Total

    15,934              

Income before income taxes

    278,265              

Provision for income taxes

    67,560              

Net income

  $ 210,705              

Net income per share—basic

    N/A              

Net income per share—diluted

    N/A              

Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic

    N/A              

Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted

    N/A              

See notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
As of December 28, 2014

In thousands of dollars

Assets
  Historical
  Pro Forma
Adjustments

  Pro Forma
 

Current assets

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 71,947              

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables

    357,523              

Other receivables

    16,339              

Inventories

    38,944              

Deferred income taxes

    1,797              

Assets held for sale

    18,434              

Prepaid expenses

    26,086              

Total current assets

    531,070              

Property, plant and equipment

                   

Land

    92,470              

Buildings and improvements

    775,078              

Machinery, equipment and fixtures

    1,712,028              

Construction in progress

    10,583              

Total

    2,590,159              

Less accumulated depreciation

    (1,655,676 )            

Net property, plant and equipment

    934,483              

Intangible and other assets

                   

Goodwill

    544,345              

Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization

    50,115              

Deferred income taxes

    261,322              

Investments and other assets

    63,125              

Total intangible and other assets

    918,907              

Total assets

  $ 2,384,460              

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
As of December 28, 2014

In thousands of dollars

Liabilities and equity
  Historical
  Pro Forma
Adjustments

  Pro Forma
 

Current liabilities

                   

Trade accounts payable

  $ 125,888              

Accrued liabilities

                   

Compensation

    77,606              

Taxes

    26,195              

Other

    89,096              

Income taxes

    13,675              

Deferred income

    77,123              

Total current liabilities

    409,583              

Income taxes

    11,991              

Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities

    93,474              

Pension liabilities

    770,041              

Other noncurrent liabilities

    161,899              

Total noncurrent liabilities

    1,037,405              

Total liabilities

    1,446,988              

Commitments and contingent liabilities

                   

Equity

                   

Parent's investment, net

    1,615,584              

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (678,112 )            

Total equity

    937,472              

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 2,384,460              

See notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

              For further information regarding the historical combined financial statements of SpinCo, refer to the audited and combined financial statements and the notes thereto in this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and statement of income as of and for the year ended December 28, 2014 include adjustments related to the following:

              (a)         In connection with the distribution, SpinCo expects to enter into a transition services agreement with Parent, pursuant to which Parent and SpinCo will provide to each other certain specified services on a transitional basis, including various information technology, financial and administrative services. The charges for the transition services generally are expected to allow the providing company to fully recover all out-of-pocket costs and expenses it actually incurs in connection with providing the service, plus, in some cases, the allocated direct costs of providing the services, generally without profit. The net adjustment of $[ · ] million for the year ended December 28, 2014 reflects the net difference between the net costs allocated to SpinCo within the combined financial statements and the costs pursuant to the transition services agreement.

              (b)         Reflects adjustments for assets that are to be contributed to SpinCo from Parent and Parent Affiliates in connection with the separation. These include cash as well as a portion of shared information technology assets and liabilities. The contributed assets were not included in the historical combined financial statements as these assets were not discreetly identifiable to SpinCo. Depreciation on the assets to be transferred to SpinCo was previously charged to SpinCo through allocations from Parent.

              (c)          The number of SpinCo shares used to compute pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the number of shares of SpinCo common stock assumed to be outstanding on the record date, based on the number of Parent common shares outstanding on [ · ], assuming a distribution ratio of [ · ] shares of SpinCo common stock for [ · ] Parent common shares outstanding.

              (d)         Reflects the net Parent investment as a result of the anticipated post-distribution capital structure. As of the distribution date, the net parent investment in SpinCo will be exchanged to reflect the distribution of SpinCo's common stock to Parent stockholders and to reflect the par value of [ · ] million outstanding shares of common stock having a par value of $0.01 per share.

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BUSINESS

Overview

              SpinCo is a leading international, multi-platform news and information company that delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage with it on virtually any device. SpinCo's operations are comprised of 100 daily publications in the U.S. and U.K., more than 400 non-daily publications in the U.S., and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. Collectively, SpinCo's U.S. print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday and approximately 10.5 million every Sunday. SpinCo's 82 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY, which has been a cornerstone of the national news landscape for more than three decades. USA TODAY is currently the nation's number one newspaper in consolidated print and digital circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement, with total daily circulation of 4.1 million and Sunday circulation of 3.7 million, which includes daily print, digital replica, digital non-replica, and branded editions. In the U.K., Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week. The availability of SpinCo's award-winning content to audiences whenever, wherever and however they choose makes it a go-to information source for consumers and preferred platform for advertisers working with companies of all industries, sizes and locations.

              SpinCo has a significant digital presence. Every month, approximately 73.5 million unique visitors access USA TODAY content and approximately 30 million unique visitors seek out digital media associated with SpinCo's local publications through desktops, smartphones, and tablets. There have been more than 21 million downloads of USA TODAY's award-winning app on mobile devices and 2 million downloads of apps associated with SpinCo's local publications. Newsquest is a digital leader in the U.K. where its network of web sites attracts nearly 20 million unique visitors monthly.

              SpinCo's comprehensive operations also include commercial printing, newswire, marketing and data services. Certain of SpinCo's businesses have strategic relationships with online businesses of Parent, including CareerBuilder, Cars.com, and G/O Digital, Parent's digital marketing services organization.

              SpinCo generates revenue primarily through advertising and subscriptions to its publications. In addition to USA TODAY, SpinCo's local publications and affiliated products operate through fully integrated shared support, sales, and service platforms. SpinCo's diversified set of multiple revenue streams ensures that the value of its financial, creative and human resources is maximized.

              Local domestic circulation revenue is driven through its All Access Content Subscription Model. All subscriptions include access to content via multiple platforms, including full web, mobile, e-Edition and tablet access, with subscription prices that vary according to the frequency of delivery of the print edition. In addition to the subscription model, single-copy print editions continue to be sold at retail outlets, and account for approximately 15% of daily and 24% of Sunday net paid circulation volume.

              SpinCo employs a proven multi-platform approach to advertising, which can be specifically tailored to the individual needs of all levels of advertisers, from small, locally-owned merchants to large, complex businesses. SpinCo's U.S. Community Publishing ("USCP") sales teams work with local small- to medium-sized businesses to structure comprehensive advertising solutions across multiple platforms and products including display advertising, desktop, mobile, tablet and other specialty publications. As more businesses work to interact with consumers online, SpinCo, through its access to G/O Digital, has focused specifically on developing a wide array of leading-edge digital marketing solutions that enable marketers and advertisers to connect with local consumers online through

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products that drive results. SpinCo has a national advertising sales force focused on the largest national advertisers and accounts, and has relationships with outside agencies that specialize in the sale of national ads. This comprehensive method allows SpinCo to address a much larger market and attract the widest possible set of potential advertising partners.

              SpinCo is headquartered in McLean, VA.

Strategies

              SpinCo is committed to a business strategy that drives returns for shareholders, delights audiences through a robust user experience and engages with consumers to strengthen the brands of advertising partners and drive revenue. Key elements of SpinCo's strategy to achieve these objectives are as follows:

               Continue to improve digital platforms to strengthen local franchises and attract digital-only subscribers. As the publishing industry has evolved and readers increasingly consume content on digital platforms, SpinCo has made significant investments in online and mobile offerings across local markets. SpinCo will continue to develop compelling content and applications that enable its readers to access trusted local news and information that is highly relevant to its local communities. The unparalleled credibility of SpinCo's local media organizations as known and trusted media sources carries over to digital platforms, and differentiates SpinCo's online sources from competing products. SpinCo will also focus on continuing to develop native applications and video content for mobile devices across local markets. This initiative supports the All Access Content Subscription Model, attracting new digital-only accounts that are essential to growing the subscription base in markets with younger demographics, which is a key driver of future revenue growth.

               Expand the integration of national and local content. In 2014 SpinCo launched a pioneering project to enhance its local hometown coverage by leveraging its unique ability to generate and distribute national content. In 35 local markets, SpinCo now includes a local edition of USA TODAY content inside the print edition and e-Edition of the local publication. The local USA TODAY edition includes national News, Money and Lifestyle content, while USA TODAY's sports coverage is integrated into local sections. In addition, SpinCo has partnered with several third-party news organizations to incorporate the local edition of USA TODAY into non-SpinCo publications across seven states, and to expand the offerings in the local edition to include weekend Personal Finance and Sunday Life sections. SpinCo intends to continue to expand this project to additional local SpinCo and third-party publications and to continue to develop new opportunities to leverage its outstanding national content to further complement local reporting. Expansion of SpinCo's award-winning content into new publications allows it to reach new audiences and attract new advertisers. These initiatives create diverse new revenue streams for content SpinCo is already producing, creating added-value. SpinCo will continue to actively pursue opportunities to syndicate USA TODAY branded content to other local and national market media operations.

               Leverage competitive strengths to provide targeted, integrated solutions to advertisers. Proprietary research indicates that local and national advertisers find it difficult to manage the complexity of their multiple marketing investments, with digital solutions being particularly challenging. They are seeking to reach an increasingly elusive audience and struggling to influence attitudes and behavior at each stage of the purchase path. This environment presents a strong opportunity for SpinCo to use its key capabilities to partner with advertisers and provide critical solutions to their most pressing challenges. SpinCo will leverage its many competitive advantages – including its reputation as a trusted partner with local knowledge and complete digital marketing services product offerings – to create tailored media/marketing plans in which the individual elements work in concert to amplify and

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reinforce the advertiser's message and digital presence. Offering thoughtfully crafted digital strategies that meet the unique needs of local marketers and advertisers make SpinCo a highly attractive advertising and marketing resource. This consultative multi-platform sales approach is customized to meet the specific needs of all levels of advertisers, enabling SpinCo to access a large universe of potential advertising and marketing partners. To further enhance the success of this approach, SpinCo is intensively training its sales and management teams to further their expertise in digital product integration and sales pipeline management. In addition, SpinCo will leverage the natural synergies between its local media organizations and local digital platforms to provide more effective advertising solutions. SpinCo's local content, long-standing customer relationships, highly talented news and advertising sales staff, and comprehensive promotional capabilities are all competitive advantages that SpinCo will use to sell integrated advertising and marketing solutions that meet the changing needs of advertisers. Creating new digital solutions for advertisers on both a local and national basis will put SpinCo in an excellent position to take advantage of the many opportunities resulting from the rapid pace of technological change in the industry.

               Focus on operational excellence. SpinCo will maintain its long-standing reputation for journalistic excellence by employing editors, reporters, producers and designers who are committed to the company's mission to provide trusted news and information and to actively support the people and businesses in the communities SpinCo serves. The highest quality local reporting will continue to make SpinCo publications indispensable in their communities. The goal will be to maintain and further develop deep reader loyalty, strong advertiser relationships and consistent growth. In addition, SpinCo will continue to maximize the efficiency of its print, sales, administrative, and distribution functions to increase profitability. SpinCo will continue to leverage its economies of scale to reduce supply chain costs, provide significant shared editorial content, and streamline its creative and design interactions with advertisers in print and online. As they have in the past, these efforts will continue to drive profitability and strengthen customer relationships.

               Supplement organic growth with selective acquisitions. SpinCo will be well-positioned to pursue value-enhancing investments and acquisitions with fewer regulatory constraints than it has currently – and will be both opportunistic and disciplined in its acquisition strategy. SpinCo will be virtually debt-free upon completion of the distribution, and its balance sheet and cash flow generation will be strong in comparison to its peers, providing it with the financial flexibility to pursue opportunities arising in a consolidating industry. SpinCo is a strong operator, and its strengths in information gathering and reporting, coupled with its valuable integrated content sharing, advertising, sales and administrative platforms, will help drive innovative approaches to revenue generation as well as efficiency gains in acquired properties.

               Maintain a strong, flexible balance sheet. Through proactive cost management and appropriate financial policies, SpinCo will remain committed to maintaining financial flexibility in order to execute its organic growth strategies and be in position to make accretive acquisitions.

Strengths

              SpinCo believes it enjoys the benefits of a number of unique talents and assets, many of which have been carefully developed over its long history as an established industry leader. The following strengths support its business strategies:

               Broad footprint in diverse markets. SpinCo is one of the largest and most diverse multi-platform publishers in the United States, with 81 local U.S. daily publications, and over 400 non-daily local publications across 30 states, as well as the country's leading national newspaper brand. Every month approximately 73.5 million unique visitors access USA TODAY content and approximately

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30 million unique visitors seek out USCP digital media through desktops, smartphones and tablets. In addition, there have been more than 21 million downloads of USA TODAY's award-winning app on mobile devices and 2 million downloads of USCP apps. Collectively, print products reach approximately 9.7 million dedicated U.S. readers every weekday, and approximately 10.5 million every Sunday. SpinCo's Newsquest platform is a leading regional community news provider in the U.K., with 18 daily paid-for titles, more than 125 weekly print products, magazines and trade publications, and a network of websites including S1, a leading employment website in Scotland, and other digital products. Newsquest also participates in 1XL, which sells digital display advertising to national advertisers across most U.K. regional newspaper websites. In the U.K., Newsquest has a total average readership of approximately 6 million every week. This broad and diverse footprint allows SpinCo to take advantage of economies of scale across various functions, including reporting, production, administration and sales, while mitigating exposure to economic risk in any one region or locality. SpinCo's vast footprint also increases the available reach for advertisers and makes SpinCo's properties very attractive to marketers seeking multi-platform, broad, impactful campaigns as well as smaller-scale, targeted solutions.

               Recognizable national brand. With total daily circulation of 4.1 million, and average cross-platform page views of more than 1.2 billion per month, USA TODAY was again the No. 1 ranked publication in consolidated digital and print circulation, according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement. Since its introduction in 1982, USA TODAY has developed a tremendously recognizable and respected brand that SpinCo leverages across various businesses. For example, SpinCo's USA TODAY Sports Media Group has used the USA TODAY brand name to successfully launch "For the Win" (ftw.usatoday.com) as a unique digital property that provides sports fans with social news and curated analysis. The USA TODAY brand immediately boosts the credibility of any affiliated property, allowing even the most tailored, niche content platforms to increase their audience.

               Unique ability to generate and integrate national and local content. With one of the country's leading national media brands and the largest network of local publications, SpinCo has the unrivaled ability to generate and distribute national content to enhance its ever-important local hometown coverage. Currently, 35 local SpinCo publications and several third-party publications include a local edition of USA TODAY, which includes national News, Money and Lifestyle content on a daily basis, and Personal Finance and Sunday Life sections on weekends. USA TODAY's Sports coverage is integrated into local sports sections. In total, readers in 35 local SpinCo markets and several third-party markets across seven states get on average approximately 70 pages of additional content per week as a result of these integration efforts. Consumer reaction to SpinCo's additional content has been very positive, which solidifies the local publications' positions as preferred information sources for readers and attractive platforms for advertisers looking to reach readers on both a local and national scale.

               Integrated and innovative digital platform. Through its All Access Content Subscription Model (which provides content digitally to all subscribers with the option of home delivery) across local markets, SpinCo has a clear commitment to providing consumers with access to the news and information about their local communities that they most want on all the devices and platforms they use. The credibility and deep community roots of SpinCo's local media organizations differentiate SpinCo's content from competing products. The results of this digital effort have been outstanding. USCP's All Access Content Subscription Model has achieved activation rates near 64%, and in certain of the initial markets where the model was introduced, the activation rates approach 80%. The digital platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet) drive growth in readership, particularly with younger demographics and digital advertising revenue opportunities. In 2014, mobile page views increased 114% and mobile visitors increased 184% on a year-over-year basis. SpinCo believes that its commitment to innovative digital products and marketing solutions has solidified it as the leader in digital news and information,

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positioning it to take advantage of the rapid pace of technological change in an increasingly multiplatform media industry.

               Award-winning journalists dedicated to their local communities. SpinCo's national and local publications have long-standing reputations for journalistic excellence. They employ an exceptionally talented group of writers, editors, reporters, photographers and designers who work to fulfill the company's mission to provide trusted news and information and to actively support the people and businesses in the communities SpinCo serves. SpinCo's publications and content creators play a significant, positive role in their respective communities, both inside and outside the newsroom. In recognition of this excellence, SpinCo publications have been honored with 48 Pulitzer Prizes, both national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, as well as many other prestigious editorial awards.

               Talented and creative management teams. The strategy and content of SpinCo's national and local publications are guided by outstanding leadership at every level of the organization. Recent successful innovations such as the All Access Content Subscription Model and USA TODAY local editions, are examples of the creativity and business innovation that drive strategy at SpinCo. Management at SpinCo and each of its individual publications plans to continue crafting new ways to leverage SpinCo's engaging content, yielding new and expanded revenue streams.

               Cost-effective centralized content management, production, sales and service infrastructure. SpinCo's streamlined operations drive its ability to efficiently deliver innovative content and essential information. In 2011, Gannett Publishing Services ("GPS") was formed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost associated with the production and distribution of the company's printed products across all divisions in the U.S. GPS directly manages all of the production, consumer sales, service and circulation operations for all of SpinCo's domestic publications, including all community newspapers and USA TODAY. In addition to providing an efficient, cost-effective print platform that has resulted in substantial cost savings and superior operational performance, GPS generates new revenue opportunities by leveraging its existing assets to provide ad production, printing and packing, and distribution services to third parties. SpinCo's digital products also operate on a unified and streamlined production and distribution system. SpinCo's digital platform includes a content management system that provides the connective tissue for all new digital products, enabling sharing of digital content company-wide, breaking news alerts and high-end creation and presentation of new, front-end storytelling designs. Major core product launches and back-end advertising product solutions allow these high performing services to deploy across dozens of community publishing properties, leading to increased user reach and digital news and information engagement. This enhanced audience interaction makes SpinCo's content significantly more attractive to advertising partners.

               Ongoing market affiliations and shared service agreements. After the separation, SpinCo will maintain ongoing market affiliations with CareerBuilder LLC and Cars.com, as well as permissible shared service agreements with Parent, including G/O Digital, that will enable continued cross-platform advertising and content-sharing opportunities. This will allow for a smooth transition into a standalone company.

               Shareholder-friendly corporate governance. As is Parent's legacy, SpinCo will institute shareholder-friendly corporate governance practices. SpinCo's board of directors will be elected annually, a majority voting standard will apply to uncontested director elections and special meetings will be able to be called by holders of 20% of the outstanding shares, subject to certain requirements to be set forth in SpinCo's organizational documents. Responsible and appropriate corporate governance will ensure that SpinCo's management always keeps shareholder interests top of mind when crafting value-creating strategies at all levels of the organization.

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               Deep, long-standing relationships in local business communities. SpinCo's reputation as the primary source of local news and information in many communities continues to make it an attractive advertising outlet for local businesses. SpinCo's advertising sales staff delivers comprehensive, tailored solutions for its customers. Through its consultative approach and wide array of digital marketing solutions, offered through SpinCo's access to Parent's G/O Digital, SpinCo helps small- and medium-sized businesses navigate the increasingly complex and diverse world of digital marketing services. The success of digital marketing solutions is reflected in a 66% increase in G/O Digital's revenue from small and medium-sized business clients in 2014 compared to 2013.

               Virtually debt-free capital structure. SpinCo's virtually unlevered capital structure provides flexibility that will allow its expected strong cash flow to be used for accretive acquisitions, the return of capital to stockholders and investments in leading-edge digital products. Contemporaneous with the separation, SpinCo will enter into a revolving credit facility, with borrowing capacity of up to $[ · ], to provide SpinCo with additional flexibility and liquidity.

Audience Research

              As SpinCo's publishing business relentlessly pursues its mission to meet consumers' news and information needs anytime, anywhere and in any form, SpinCo remains focused on an audience aggregation strategy. SpinCo considers the reach and coverage of its products across multiple platforms and measures the frequency with which consumers interact with each SpinCo product to ensure its audiences remain highly engaged.

              Results from a 2014 Scarborough Newspaper Penetration Report indicate that 4 SpinCo local media organizations are ranked among the top 10 local publishing operations in the country for integrated (combined print and online) audience penetration.

              SpinCo has gathered audience aggregation data for 55 SpinCo markets and will continue to add more data in the future. Aggregated audience data allows advertising sales staff to provide detailed information to advertisers about how best to reach their potential customers and the most effective product combination and frequency. This approach enables SpinCo to invest in leading-edge digital products and solutions, which increase its total advertising revenue potential while maximizing advertiser effectiveness.

              In addition to the audience-based initiative, SpinCo continues to measure customer attitudes, behaviors and opinions to better understand customers' digital use patterns and use qualitative research with audiences and advertisers to better determine their needs. In 2014, the USCP research group launched an ongoing consumer satisfaction program in key markets. The initial wave included more than 7,600 interviews with consumers in 12 markets.

Advertising

              SpinCo has experienced advertising departments that sell retail, classified and national advertising across multiple platforms including print, online, mobile and tablet, as well as niche publications. SpinCo has a national advertising sales force focused on the largest national advertisers and a separate sales organization to support classified employment sales – the Digital Employment Sales Center. SpinCo also has relationships with outside agencies that specialize in the sale of national ads.

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              Retail display advertising is associated with local merchants or locally owned businesses. Retail includes regional and national chains – such as department and grocery stores – that sell in the local market.

              National advertising is display advertising principally from advertisers who are promoting national products or brands. Examples are pharmaceuticals, travel, airlines, or packaged goods. Both retail and national ads also include preprints, typically stand-alone multiple page fliers that are inserted in the daily print product.

              Classified advertising includes the major categories of automotive, employment, legal and real estate/rentals. Advertising for classified segments is published in the classified sections, in other sections within the publication, on affiliated digital platforms and in niche magazines that specialize in the segment.

              Proprietary research indicates that local and national advertisers find it challenging to manage the complexity of their marketing investments, particularly digital solutions. They are seeking to reach an increasingly elusive audience and are struggling to influence attitudes and behavior at each stage of the purchase path. To help advertisers solve this problem, a refined approach to media planning was created to present advertisers with targeted, integrated solutions. The planning process leverages SpinCo's considerable advantage in data analysis and secondary research. The result is a tailored media/marketing plan where the individual elements work in concert to amplify and reinforce the advertiser's message.

              In addition, USCP continues to use online reader panels in 18 markets to measure advertising recall and effectiveness, article response, and identify consumer sentiment and trends. The reader panels include more than 30,000 opt-in respondents who have provided valuable feedback on more than 8,100 advertisements and 5,800 news articles. This capability allows sales staff in markets to provide deeper insights and return-on-investment metrics to advertisers.

              SpinCo's consultative multi-media sales approach is tailored to all levels of advertisers, from small, locally owned merchants to large, complex businesses. Along with this sales approach, SpinCo has intense sales and management training programs. Digital product integration, sales pipeline management and a SpinCo five-step consultative sales process continue to be focus areas, with formal training being delivered in all SpinCo markets. Front-line sales managers in all USCP markets participate in intensive training to help them coach their sales executives for top performance.

Online Operations

              In support of the All Access Content Subscription Model, SpinCo has continued to invest in a significant expansion of mobile offerings across local markets, including native applications for iPhone and Android smartphones and iPads and tablet-optimized web sites. The mobile audience at SpinCo's USCP markets continued to grow in 2014, ultimately making up approximately 30% of total page views, with mobile web sites and the native iPhone applications leading the way.

              Through the All Access Content Subscription Model, SpinCo has made a clear commitment to provide consumers with the content they most want on the devices they use to access news and information about their local communities. Mobile page views increased 114% and mobile visitors increased 184% in 2014 on a year-over-year basis.

              In 2013, SpinCo implemented a social media content management software tool to allow the division's journalists and marketing and customer service teams to more effectively manage multiple social media profiles and significantly increase their responsiveness and engagement with consumers.

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              SpinCo continues to enjoy a long-standing relationship of trust in its local business communities. Its advertising sales staff delivers solutions for its customers. SpinCo's digital marketing services provide localized marketing solutions to national and small- to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate the increasingly complex and diverse world of digital marketing.

              The overriding objective of SpinCo's digital strategy is to provide compelling content that best serves its customers. A key reason customers turn to a SpinCo digital platform is to find local news and information. The credibility of the local media organization, a known and trusted information source, includes its digital platforms (tablet, mobile applications and its web site) and differentiates these digital sources from competing digital products. This allows SpinCo's local media organizations to compete successfully as information providers.

              A second objective in SpinCo's digital business development is to leverage the natural synergies between the local media organizations and local digital platforms. The local content, customer relationships, news and advertising sales staff, and promotional capabilities are all competitive advantages for SpinCo. SpinCo's strategy is to use these advantages to create strong and timely content, sell packaged advertising products that meet the needs of advertisers, operate efficiently and leverage the known and trusted brand of the local media organization.

Circulation

              USCP delivers content in print and online, via mobile devices and tablets. Digital access increased across all publications, driven by the All Access Content Subscription Model. USCP's All Access Content Subscription Model has more than 1.6 million digitally activated subscribers, enabling them easy access to content-rich products. In a trend generally consistent with the domestic publishing industry, print circulation volume declined in 2014.

              EZ Pay, a payment system which automatically deducts subscription payments from customers' credit cards or bank accounts, enhances the subscriber retention rate. At the end of 2014, EZ Pay was used by 63% of all subscribers at SpinCo's USCP sites.

              For USCP, single-copy represents approximately 15% of daily and 24% of Sunday net paid circulation volume.

              The single copy price of USA TODAY at newsstands and vending machines was $2.00 in 2014. Mail subscriptions are available nationwide and abroad, and home, hotel and office delivery is available in many markets. Approximately 82% of its net paid circulation results are from single-copy sales at newsstands, vending machines or provided to hotel guests. The remainder is from home and office delivery, mail, educational and other sales.

Production and Distribution

              In 2011, GPS was formed to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost associated with the production and distribution of SpinCo's printed products across all divisions in the U.S. GPS directly manages all of the production and circulation operations for all of SpinCo's domestic publishing operations including all community newspapers and USA TODAY.

              GPS leverages SpinCo's existing assets, including employee talent and experience, physical plants and equipment, and its vast national and local distribution networks. GPS is responsible for imaging, advertising production, internal and external printing and packaging, internal and external distribution, consumer sales, customer service and direct marketing services.

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              The SpinCo Imaging and Ad Design Centers ("GIADC"), which are utilized for commercial imaging and advertising production, serve 81 publishing properties, including USA TODAY and all USCP dailies with the exception of Guam and complete special projects for other internal businesses. GIADC is utilized for commercial imaging and/or advertising production by 44 external customers. In 2014, SpinCo completed the centralization of its page-release process into the GIADC centers, resulting in standardization and efficiencies. The GIADC now handles the step between the creation of the printed pages at SpinCo's five regional Design Studios and the production at both internal and external plants.

              Almost all USCP and USA TODAY employees utilize a common content management system. The common content management system enables the communication and collaboration needed to build strong design remotely. The studios are operationally efficient while enhancing design in company-wide publications.

              Newsquest operates its publishing activities around regional centers to maximize the use of management, finance, printing and personnel resources. This enables the group to offer readers and advertisers a range of attractive products across the market. The clustering of titles and, usually, the publication of a free print product alongside a paid-for print product, allows cross-selling of advertising serving the same or contiguous markets, satisfying the needs of its advertisers and audiences.

              Newsquest produces free and paid-for print products with quality local editorial content. Newsquest also distributes advertising leaflets in the communities it serves. Most of Newsquest's paid-for distribution is outsourced to wholesalers, although direct delivery is employed as well to maximize circulation sales opportunities.

Publishing Partnerships

              SpinCo owns a 19.49% interest in California Newspapers Partnership, which includes 19 daily California newspapers; a 40.64% interest in Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, which includes six daily newspapers in Texas and New Mexico and four newspapers in Pennsylvania; and a 13.5% interest in Ponderay Newsprint Company in the state of Washington. SpinCo has a 50% partnership interest in TNI Partners, which provides service to a non-SpinCo publication in Tucson, AZ.

Competition

              SpinCo's publishing operations and affiliated digital platforms compete with other media and digital ventures for advertising. Publishing operations also compete for circulation and readership against other professional news and information operations and amateur content creators. Very few of SpinCo's publishing operations have daily competitors that are published in the same city. Most of SpinCo's print products compete with other print products published in suburban areas, nearby cities and towns, free-distribution and paid-advertising publications (such as weeklies), and other media, including magazines, television, direct mail, cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, directories, e-mail marketing, web sites and mobile-device platforms. Newsquest's publishing operations are in competitive markets. Their principal competitors include other regional and national newspaper and magazine publishers, other advertising media such as broadcast and billboard, Internet-based news and other information and communication businesses.

              The rate of development of opportunities in, and competition from, digital media, including web site, tablet and mobile products, is increasing. Through internal development, content distribution programs, acquisitions and partnerships, SpinCo's efforts to explore new opportunities in the news, information and communications business and in audience generation will keep expanding.

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              SpinCo continues to seek more effective ways to engage with its local communities using all available media platforms and tools.

Environmental Regulation

              SpinCo is committed to protecting the environment. SpinCo's goal is to ensure its facilities comply with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and to incorporate appropriate environmental practices and standards in its operations. SpinCo is one of the industry leaders in the use of recycled newsprint, increasing its purchase of newsprint containing recycled content from 42,000 metric tons in 1989 to 138,980 metric tons in 2014. During 2014, 37% of SpinCo's domestic newsprint purchases contained recycled content, with an average recycled content of 45%.

              SpinCo's operations use inks, solvents and fuels. The use, management and disposal of these substances are sometimes regulated by environmental agencies. SpinCo retains a corporate environmental consultant who, along with internal and outside counsel, oversees regulatory compliance and preventive measures. Some of SpinCo's subsidiaries have been included among the potentially responsible parties in connection with sites that have been identified as possibly requiring environmental remediation.

Raw Materials

              Newsprint, which is the basic raw material used in print publication, has been and may continue to be subject to significant price changes from time to time. During 2014, SpinCo's total newsprint consumption was 377,467 metric tons, including consumption by USA TODAY, tonnage at non-SpinCo print sites and Newsquest. Newsprint consumption was 7% less than in 2013. SpinCo purchases newsprint from 15 domestic and global suppliers.

              SpinCo continues to moderate newsprint consumption and expense through press web-width reductions and the use of lighter basis weight paper. SpinCo believes that available sources of newsprint, together with present inventories, will continue to be adequate to supply the needs of its publishing operations.

Joint Operating Agencies

              SpinCo's publishing subsidiary in Detroit participates in a joint operating agency ("JOA"). The JOA performs the production, sales and distribution functions for the subsidiary and another publishing company under a joint operating agreement. Operating results for the Detroit JOA are fully consolidated along with a charge for the minority partner's share of profits.

Employees

              SpinCo expects to employ approximately 19,600 persons as of the distribution date. Approximately 13% of those employed by SpinCo and its subsidiaries in the U.S. are represented by labor unions. They are represented by 59 local bargaining units, most of which are affiliated with one of six international unions under collective bargaining agreements. These agreements conform generally with the pattern of labor agreements in the publishing industry. SpinCo does not engage in industry-wide or company-wide bargaining. SpinCo's U.K. subsidiaries bargain with two unions over working practices, wages and health and safety issues only.

Legal Proceedings

              SpinCo and a number of its subsidiaries are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to their business. SpinCo does not believe that any material liability will be imposed as a result of these matters.

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Daily Local Media Organizations and Affiliated Digital Platforms

 
   
   
  Average 2014 Circulation - Print
and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
   
 
  State
  Territory

   
  Local media organization/web site
   
 
  City
  Morning
  Afternoon
  Sunday
  Founded
 

Alabama

  Montgomery   Montgomery Advertiser
www.montgomeryadvertiser.com

 
25,555     30,918   1829  

Arizona

  Phoenix   The Arizona Republic
www.azcentral.com
    232,502           487,441     1890  

Arkansas

  Mountain Home   The Baxter Bulletin
www.baxterbulletin.com

 
8,423       1901  

California

  Palm Springs   The Desert Sun
www.mydesert.com
    33,080           37,248     1927  

  Salinas   The Salinas Californian
www.thecalifornian.com
    7,368                 1871  

  Visalia   Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare
Advance-Register
www.visaliatimesdelta.com
www.tulareadvanceregister.com
    15,492                 1859  

Colorado

  Fort Collins   Fort Collins Coloradoan
www.coloradoan.com

 
19,952     25,118   1873  

Delaware

  Wilmington   The News Journal
www.delawareonline.com
    71,934           104,550     1871  

Florida

  Brevard County   FLORIDA TODAY
www.floridatoday.com

 
47,656     81,283   1966  

  Fort Myers   The News-Press
www.news-press.com

 
50,130     71,310   1884  

  Pensacola   Pensacola News Journal
www.pnj.com

 
31,687     44,720   1889  

  Tallahassee   Tallahassee Democrat
www.tallahassee.com

 
29,652     42,100   1905  

Guam

  Hagatna   Pacific Daily News
www.guampdn.com
    13,281           12,286     1944  

Indiana

  Indianapolis   The Indianapolis Star
www.indystar.com

 
137,129     265,112   1903  

  Lafayette   Journal and Courier
www.jconline.com

 
22,541     30,253   1829  

  Muncie   The Star Press
www.thestarpress.com

 
20,422     26,051   1899  

  Richmond   Palladium-Item
www.pal-item.com

 
9,616     14,194   1831  

Iowa

  Des Moines   The Des Moines Register
www.desmoinesregister.com
    86,773           173,001     1849  

  Iowa City   Iowa City Press-Citizen
www.press-citizen.com
    10,079                 1860  

Kentucky

  Louisville   The Courier-Journal
www.courier-journal.com

 
114,719     205,216   1868  

Louisiana

  Alexandria   Alexandria Daily Town Talk
www.thetowntalk.com
    15,350           20,517     1883  

  Lafayette   The Daily Advertiser
www.theadvertiser.com
    21,936           29,609     1865  

  Monroe   The News-Star
www.thenewsstar.com
    21,540           25,937     1890  

  Opelousas   Daily World
www.dailyworld.com
    4,409           5,556     1939  

  Shreveport   The Times
www.shreveporttimes.com
    32,736           49,304     1871  

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Daily Local Media Organizations and Affiliated Digital Platforms (Continued)

 
   
   
  Average 2014 Circulation - Print
and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
   
 
  State
  Territory

   
  Local media organization/web site
   
 
  City
  Morning
  Afternoon
  Sunday
  Founded
 

Maryland

  Salisbury   The Daily Times
www.delmarvanow.com

 
13,752     18,180   1900  

Michigan

  Battle Creek   Battle Creek Enquirer
www.battlecreekenquirer.com
    11,663           16,675     1900  

  Detroit   Detroit Free Press
www.freep.com
    173,215           867,821     1832  

  Lansing   Lansing State Journal
www.lansingstatejournal.com
    35,254           47,815     1855  

  Livingston County   Daily Press & Argus
www.livingstondaily.com
    9,222           13,181     1843  

  Port Huron   Times Herald
www.thetimesherald.com
    15,050           22,568     1900  

Minnesota

  St. Cloud   St. Cloud Times
www.sctimes.com

 
20,392     25,637   1861  

Mississippi

  Hattiesburg   Hattiesburg American
www.hattiesburgamerican.com
          7,886     10,663     1897  

  Jackson   The Clarion-Ledger
www.clarionledger.com
    46,090           53,774     1837  

Missouri

  Springfield   Springfield News-Leader
www.news-leader.com

 
29,206     46,607   1893  

Montana

  Great Falls   Great Falls Tribune
www.greatfallstribune.com
    22,195           24,838     1885  

Nevada

  Reno   Reno Gazette-Journal
www.rgj.com

 
35,133     55,978   1870  

New Jersey

  Asbury Park   Asbury Park Press
www.app.com
    80,722           119,495     1879  

  Bridgewater   Courier News
www.mycentraljersey.com
    10,244           13,376     1884  

  Cherry Hill   Courier-Post
www.courierpostonline.com
    35,860           47,618     1875  

  East Brunswick   Home News Tribune
www.mycentraljersey.com
    20,261           24,360     1879  

  Morristown   Daily Record
www.dailyrecord.com
    14,021           16,962     1900  

  Vineland   The Daily Journal
www.thedailyjournal.com
    10,834                 1864  

New York

  Binghamton   Press & Sun-Bulletin
www.pressconnects.com

 
28,896     38,687   1904  

  Elmira   Star-Gazette
www.stargazette.com

 
12,862     19,960   1828  

  Ithaca   The Ithaca Journal
www.theithacajournal.com

 
9,405       1815  

  Poughkeepsie   Poughkeepsie Journal
www.poughkeepsiejournal.com

 
21,479     28,847   1785  

  Rochester   Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
www.democratandchronicle.com

 
96,444     138,159   1833  

  Westchester County   The Journal News
www.lohud.com

 
57,865     74,137   1829  

North Carolina

  Asheville   Asheville Citizen-Times
www.citizen-times.com
    28,415           40,236     1870  

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Daily Local Media Organizations and Affiliated Digital Platforms (Continued)

 
   
   
  Average 2014 Circulation - Print
and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
   
 
  State
  Territory

   
  Local media organization/web site
   
 
  City
  Morning
  Afternoon
  Sunday
  Founded
 

Ohio

  Bucyrus   Telegraph-Forum
www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com

 
3,508       1923  

  Chillicothe   Chillicothe Gazette
www.chillicothegazette.com

 
  7,607   9,311   1800  

  Cincinnati   The Cincinnati Enquirer
www.cincinnati.com

 
114,021     215,203   1841  

  Coshocton   Coshocton Tribune
www.coshoctontribune.com

 
  3,528   4,375   1842  

  Fremont   The News-Messenger
www.thenews-messenger.com

 
  5,179     1856  

  Lancaster   Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
www.lancastereaglegazette.com

 
  7,462   9,114   1807  

  Mansfield   News Journal
www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com

 
16,561     22,969   1885  

  Marion   The Marion Star
www.marionstar.com

 
5,855     7,180   1880  

  Newark   The Advocate
www.newarkadvocate.com

 
  11,405   13,533   1820  

  Port Clinton   News Herald
www.portclintonnewsherald.com

 
  2,218     1864  

  Zanesville   Times Recorder
www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

 
10,888     12,684   1852  

Oregon

  Salem   Statesman Journal
www.statesmanjournal.com
    30,110           36,280     1851  

South Carolina

  Greenville   The Greenville News
www.greenvilleonline.com

 
44,365     93,369   1874  

South Dakota

  Sioux Falls   Argus Leader
www.argusleader.com
    29,300           56,061     1881  

Tennessee

  Clarksville   The Leaf-Chronicle
www.theleafchronicle.com

 
10,716     20,092   1808  

  Jackson   The Jackson Sun
www.jacksonsun.com

 
14,025     21,460   1848  

  Murfreesboro   The Daily News Journal
www.dnj.com

 
10,264     13,246   1848  

  Nashville   The Tennessean
www.tennessean.com

 
93,531     208,357   1812  

Utah

  St. George   The Spectrum
www.thespectrum.com
    13,370           15,424     1963  

Vermont

  Burlington   The Burlington Free Press
www.burlingtonfreepress.com

 
23,477     27,707   1827  

Virginia

  McLean   USA TODAY*
www.usatoday.com
    4,139,380           3,686,797     1982  

  Staunton   The Daily News Leader
www.newsleader.com
    12,217           15,043     1904  

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Daily Local Media Organizations and Affiliated Digital Platforms (Continued)

 
   
   
  Average 2014 Circulation - Print
and Digital Replica and Non-Replica
   
 
  State
  Territory

   
  Local media organization/web site
   
 
  City
  Morning
  Afternoon
  Sunday
  Founded
 

Wisconsin

  Appleton   The Post-Crescent
www.postcrescent.com

 
34,610     47,236   1853  

  Fond du Lac   The Reporter
www.fdlreporter.com

 
9,206     11,963   1870  

  Green Bay   Green Bay Press-Gazette
www.greenbaypressgazette.com

 
38,977     56,968   1915  

  Manitowoc   Herald Times Reporter
www.htrnews.com

 
9,007     10,633   1898  

  Marshfield   Marshfield News-Herald
www.marshfieldnewsherald.com

 
  7,086     1927  

  Oshkosh   Oshkosh Northwestern
www.thenorthwestern.com

 
11,634     16,199   1868  

  Sheboygan   The Sheboygan Press
www.sheboyganpress.com

 
13,162     16,251   1907  

  Stevens Point   Stevens Point Journal
www.stevenspointjournal.com

 
  6,963     1873  

    Central Wisconsin Sunday       14,325    

  Wausau   Wausau Daily Herald
www.wausaudailyherald.com

 
  13,678   18,230   1903  

  Wisconsin Rapids   The Daily Tribune
www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com

 
  7,168     1914  
*
USA TODAY morning and Sunday figure is the average print, digital replica, digital non-replica and branded editions according to the Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement.

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Daily Paid-For Local Media Organizations and Affiliated Digital Platforms of Newsquest PLC

 
   
  Circulation*    
 
  City
  Local media organization/web site
  Monday-Saturday
  Founded
 

Basildon

  Echo**: www.echo-news.co.uk   22,961   1969  

Blackburn

  Lancashire Telegraph: www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk     13,092     1886  

Bolton

  The Bolton News: www.theboltonnews.co.uk   12,351   1867  

Bournemouth

  Daily Echo: www.bournemouthecho.co.uk     18,049     1900  

Bradford

  Telegraph & Argus: www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk   18,906   1868  

Brighton

  The Argus: www.theargus.co.uk     14,370     1880  

Colchester

  The Gazette**: www.gazette-news.co.uk   11,706   1970  

Darlington

  The Northern Echo: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk     30,735     1870  

Glasgow

  Evening Times: www.eveningtimes.co.uk   33,397   1876  

Glasgow

  The Herald: www.heraldscotland.com     37,728     1783  

Glasgow

  The National: www.thenational.scot   ***   2014  

Newport

  South Wales Argus: www.southwalesargus.co.uk     13,197     1892  

Oxford

  Oxford Mail: www.oxfordmail.co.uk   12,773   1928  

Southampton

  Southern Daily Echo: www.dailyecho.co.uk     22,397     1888  

Swindon

  Swindon Advertiser: www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk   11,987   1854  

Weymouth

  Dorset Echo: www.dorsetecho.co.uk     13,267     1921  

Worcester

  Worcester News: www.worcesternews.co.uk   8,885   1937  

York

  The Press: www.yorkpress.co.uk     19,643     1882  

* Circulation figures are according to ABC results for the period January - June 2014

** Publishes Monday-Friday

*** Founded in 2014. No certified circulation reported to date.

Non-daily publications: Essex, London, Midlands, North East, North West, South Coast, South East, South and East Wales, South West, Yorkshire

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        National and Non-Daily Properties

    USA TODAY/USATODAY.com
    Headquarters and editorial offices: McLean, VA
    Print sites: Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Columbia, SC; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Des Moines, IA; Detroit, MI; Eugene, OR; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Mobile, AL; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Rochester, NY; Rockaway, NJ; St. Louis, MO; St. Petersburg, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; Springfield, MO; Springfield, VA; Wilmington, DE; Winston-Salem, NC
    Advertising offices: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA
    USA TODAY Sports Media Group: www.Thebiglead.com; www.Thehuddle.com; www.Hoopshype.com; www.Mmajunkie.com; www.Bnqt.com; www.Baseballhq.com; www.Quickish.com; www.Usatodayhss.com; ftw.usatoday.com; q.usatoday.com; www.fantasyscore.com; www.spanningthesec.com; www.usatodaysportsimages.com
    Headquarters: Los Angeles
    Advertising offices: Los Angeles, CA; McLean, VA; New York, NY
    USA TODAY Travel Media Group
    Headquarters: McLean, VA
    Advertising offices: McLean, VA
    Reviewed.com: www.reviewed.com
    Headquarters: Cambridge, MA
    Gannett Media Technologies International: www.gmti.com
    Headquarters: Chesapeake, VA
    Regional office: Cincinnati, OH
    Non-daily publications: Weekly, semi-weekly, monthly or bimonthly publications in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Guam, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
    Gannett Publishing Services: www.gannettpublishingservices.com
    Headquarters: McLean, VA
    Sales office: Atlanta, GA
    Gannett Satellite Information Network: McLean, VA

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain factors affecting forward-looking statements

              The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this information statement, including "Risk Factors," "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements," "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements," "Business," "Selected Historical Combined Financial Data," and the combined financial statements and the notes thereto included in this information statement. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and other factors described throughout this information statement and particularly in "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements."

              We believe that the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements included in the information statement are reasonable. However, the combined financial statements may not necessarily reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows for future periods or what they would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company during the periods presented.

Business Operations

              Our operations comprise 100 daily publications and related digital platforms in the U.S. and the U.K., more than 400 non-daily local publications in the U.S. and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. Our 82 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY, a nationally recognized news and information publication, which is ranked first in combined print and digital circulation according to Alliance for Audited Media's September 2014 Publisher's Statement. Together with the 18 daily paid-for publications our Newsquest division operates in the U.K., the total average daily print and digital circulation of our 100 domestic and U.K. daily publications was approximately 5.4 million for 2014. In the markets we serve, we also operate desktop, smartphone and tablet products which are tightly integrated with publishing operations. Our operations also include commercial printing, newswire, marketing and data services operations. Certain of our businesses have strategic relationships with online businesses of Parent including CareerBuilder, Cars.com and G/O Digital, Parent's digital marketing services organization.

Separation from Parent

              The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. ("SpinCo," "our," "us," "we"), a business representing the principal publishing operations of Gannett Co., Inc. ("Parent") and certain other entities wholly-owned by Parent that will be contributed to us as a part of our separation from Parent, as described below.

              On August 5, 2014, Parent announced its plan to create two publicly traded companies with scale: one focused on its Publishing business and related digital platforms, us, and the other comprising its Broadcasting and Digital businesses. The separation will be effected by means of a pro rata distribution of 98.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock to holders of Parent common stock. Following the distribution, Parent will own shares representing 1.5% of our outstanding common shares, and we will be a separate public company. Parent will continue to own our shares for a period of time not to exceed five years after the distribution date.

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              Historically, we have not prepared separate financial statements. The accompanying combined financial statements are derived from the historical accounting records of Parent and present our combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented as if we were a separate entity. These combined financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

              In preparing these financial statements, management has made certain assumptions or implemented methodologies to allocate various expenses from Parent to us and from us back to Parent in the form of cost recoveries. These allocations represent services provided between the two entities and are more fully detailed in Note 13 of the combined financial statements presented herein. All such costs and expenses are assumed to be settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net" in the period in which the costs were incurred. Current income taxes are also assumed to be settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net" and settlement is deemed to occur in the year following recognition in the current income tax provision. We believe the assumptions and methodologies used in these allocations are reasonable. However, such allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis. Accordingly, these combined financial statements may not necessarily reflect our combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows had we operated as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

              All of our internal intercompany accounts have been eliminated in combination. All significant intercompany transactions between either (i) us and Parent or (ii) us and Parent affiliates have been included within the combined financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled through equity contributions or distributions at the time the transactions were recorded. The accumulated net effect of intercompany transactions between either (i) us and Parent or (ii) us and Parent affiliates are included in "Parent's investment, net." These intercompany transactions are further described in Note 13 to our combined financial statements. The total net effect of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Combined Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

Executive Summary

               Operating results summary: Our revenues were $3.2 billion for 2014 or 5% below 2013 levels, driven primarily by a 7% decline in advertising revenues as a result of secular headwinds. Also contributing to the decrease in total revenues is a 1% decline in circulation revenues and a 6% decline in all other revenues. Advertising revenues comprise 58% of combined revenues and circulation revenues comprise 35% of combined revenues. Digital revenues, such as sales derived from desktop, smartphone and tablet applications, were up for the year in the U.S. as well as at Newsquest in the U.K. Revenues benefited from our continued focus on digital marketing services and all of our digital advertising platforms.

              Total operating expenses decreased by 3% to $2.9 billion for 2014, due to continued cost efficiency efforts company-wide and lower circulation print volumes. Newsprint expense was 9% lower than in 2013 primarily due to a decline in consumption and prices.

              We reported operating income for 2014 of $262 million compared to $325 million in 2013, a 19% decrease. Operating income for both 2014 and 2013 was impacted by special items. Financial results and comparisons excluding the impact of these special items are discussed in the "Results from Operations" and "Operating results non-GAAP information" below.

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              Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2014 was $16 million, a decrease of $7 million from 2013. This decrease reflects lower net income at certain newspaper partnership investees.

              Net income was $211 million in 2014, a decrease of 23% or $63 million from 2013, reflecting declining revenues partially offset by lower volume-related operating expenses.

              Despite a challenging environment, we continue to generate strong positive cash flows from operations, totaling $346 million in 2014. This represents 1.6x our net income for 2014 and 4.8x our capital and acquisition spending for 2014.

               Outlook for 2015: We intend to drive growth opportunities by capitalizing on our national brand equity to increase the integration of local and national content, enhance our position as a trusted provider of local news and information through expanded digital offerings and leverage our expertise to provide integrated solutions to advertisers. While we expect traditional advertising and circulation revenues to remain challenged due to market pressures, some of that decline will be offset by growth in digital marketing services and other digital revenues. We will continue to focus on operational excellence by maximizing the efficiency of our print, sales, administrative and distribution functions to reduce costs and increase profitability. Selective acquisitions or dispositions, leveraging our revenue innovations, digital opportunities and expense discipline, will supplement our organic growth and leverage our economies of scale to drive operating results.

Basis of reporting

              Following is a discussion of the key factors that have affected our accounting for or reporting on the business over the last three fiscal years. This commentary should be read in conjunction with our combined financial statements, selected combined financial data and the remainder of this information statement.

               Fiscal year: Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our 2014 fiscal year ended on December 28, 2014, and encompassed a 52-week period. Our 2013 fiscal year encompassed a 52-week period ending on December 29, 2013 and our 2012 fiscal year encompassed a 53-week period ending on December 30, 2012.

               Foreign currency translation impacts: The average exchange rate used to translate U.K. results was 1.65 for 2014, 1.56 for 2013 and 1.58 for 2012. Translation fluctuations impact our U.K. revenue, expense and operating income results.

               Critical accounting policies and the use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management's most subjective and complex judgments.

               Goodwill: As of December 28, 2014, goodwill represented approximately 23% of our total assets. Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (on the first day of fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

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              We perform an annual two-step goodwill impairment test. In the first step of the test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill.

              We have three major reporting units which accounted for 99% of the goodwill balance as of December 28, 2014. These consist of U.S. Community Publishing ("USCP") (including Gannett Publishing Services), Newsquest and USA TODAY group. We performed a quantitative assessment as of the measurement date for all of our reporting units. We determined that the fair value of each of our reporting units was in excess of its carrying value as of the measurement date.

              Fair value of the reporting units depends on several factors, including the future strength of the economy in our principal markets. Generally uneven recoveries in the U.S. and U.K. markets have had an adverse effect on most of our reporting units in recent years. As a result, the differences between fair value and carrying value have narrowed. New and developing competition as well as technological change could also adversely affect future fair value estimates. Assumptions regarding discount rates utilized in cash flow projections and EBITDA and revenue multiples for other public companies in similar industries also affect the overall valuations. Discount rates utilized range from 12.5% to 15.5%, and EBITDA multiples ranged from 5x-6x, as of our 2014 measurement date for our major reporting units. Any one or a combination of these factors could lead to declines in reporting unit fair values and result in goodwill impairment charges. In order for any of these reporting units to fail the first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the estimated value of the reporting units would need to decline by amounts ranging from approximately 30% to 60%.

               Other Long-Lived Assets (Property, Plant and Equipment and Amortizable Intangible Assets): Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of such assets. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances or changes to our business model or capital strategy, could result in actual useful lives differing from our estimates. In cases where we determine the useful life of buildings and equipment should be shortened, we would, after evaluating for impairment, depreciate the asset over its revised remaining useful life thereby increasing depreciation expense.

              Accelerated depreciation was recorded in all periods presented for certain property, plant and equipment, reflecting specific decisions to consolidate production and other business services.

              We review our property, plant and equipment assets for potential impairment at the asset group level (generally at the local business level) by comparing the carrying value of such assets with the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those asset groups/local business units. Due to expected continued cash flow in excess of carrying value from our businesses, no property, plant or equipment assets were considered impaired for any period presented.

              Our amortizable intangible assets consist mainly of customer relationships. These asset values are amortized systematically over their estimated useful lives. An impairment test of these assets would be triggered if the undiscounted cash flows from the related asset group (business unit) were to be less

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than the asset carrying value. There were no charges in any period presented for impairment of any finite-lived intangible assets.

              We do not believe that any of our larger amortizable intangible assets (those with book values over $10 million) are at risk of requiring an impairment in the foreseeable future.

               Pension Accounting: We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans under which most of the benefits have been frozen in previous years. Retirement benefits are also provided to certain of our current and former employees through retirement plans sponsored by Parent which include participants of Parent's Broadcasting and Digital businesses. Retirement benefit obligations pursuant to the Parent-sponsored retirement plans related to our current and former employees will be transferred to us at the separation date and, accordingly, have been allocated to us in our combined financial statements for all periods presented. This allocation was done by determining the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability will be transferred. The principal Parent-sponsored plans for which we have been allocated our portion of projected benefit obligations, plan assets, accumulated other comprehensive loss, net periodic pension costs and other comprehensive (loss) income are the Gannett Retirement Plan ("GRP") and the Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SERP").

              We account for our pension plans and those Parent-sponsored plans that have been allocated to us in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, which requires us to include the funded status of these pension plans in our Combined Balance Sheets, and to recognize, as a component of "Other comprehensive (loss) income," the gains or losses that arise during the period but are unrecognized in pension expense.

              Pension expense is reported on our Combined Statements of Income as "Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation," or "Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation."

              The determination of pension plan obligations and expense is dependent upon a number of assumptions regarding future events, the most important of which are the discount rate applied to pension plan obligations and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The discount rate assumption for our plans and Parent-sponsored plans is based on investment yields available at year-end on corporate bonds rated AA and above with a maturity to match the expected benefit payment stream. A decrease in discount rates would increase pension obligations.

              We, along with Parent, establish the expected long-term rate of return by developing a forward-looking, long-term return assumption for each pension fund asset class, taking into account factors such as the expected real return for the specific asset class and inflation. A single, long-term rate of return is then calculated as the weighted average of the target asset allocation percentages and the long-term return assumption for each asset class. We, along with Parent, apply the expected long-term rate of return to the fair value of pension assets in determining the dollar amount of its expected return. A decrease in the expected long-term return on plan assets would increase pension expense. The effects of actual results differing from these assumptions are accumulated as unamortized gains and losses. A corridor approach is used in the amortization of these gains and losses, by amortizing the balance exceeding the greater of 10% of the beginning balances of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of the plan assets. The amortization period is based on the average life expectancy of plan participants, which is currently estimated to be approximately 22 years for the GRP.

              For 2014, the assumptions used for the discount rate on the GRP, for which we have been allocated a portion of the projected benefit obligation and net periodic pension costs, resulted in a

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discount rate of 4.05%. As an indication of the sensitivity of pension liabilities to the discount rate assumption, a 50 basis point reduction in the discount rate used for the GRP at the end of 2014 would have increased our allocation of total obligations by approximately $116.9 million. A 50 basis point change in the rate used to calculate 2014 expense would have changed our allocation of total pension plan expense for 2014 by approximately $1.7 million. We assumed a rate of 8.0% for our long-term expected return on the GRP pension assets. As an indication of the sensitivity of our pension expense to the long-term rate of return assumption, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected rate of return on the GRP would have increased estimated pension plan expense for 2014 by approximately $9.2 million.

               Income Taxes: For each of the periods presented, our operations are included in Parent's state and federal income tax returns. For purposes of these combined financial statements, we have computed our income taxes as if we were filing separate returns. Current income taxes payable are settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net" and settlement is deemed to occur in the year following recognition in the current income tax provision.

              Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax regulations and rates, and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our annual tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions.

              Tax law requires certain items to be included in our tax returns at different times than when the items are reflected in the financial statements. The annual tax expense reflected in the Combined Statements of Income is different than that reported in the tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, for example expenses recorded for accounting purposes that are not deductible in the returns such as non-deductible goodwill, and some differences are temporary and reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in the financial statements for which payment has been deferred, or expense for which a deduction has been taken already in the tax return but the expense is currently unrecognized in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit on tax returns in future years for which a benefit has already been recorded in the financial statements.

              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts we believe are more likely than not to be recovered. In evaluating the amount of any such valuation allowance, we consider the existence of cumulative income or losses in recent years, the reversal of existing temporary differences, the existence of taxable income in prior carry back years, available tax planning strategies and estimates of future taxable income for each taxable jurisdiction in which we operate and have deferred tax assets. The latter two factors involve the exercise of significant judgment. As of December 28, 2014, deferred tax asset valuation allowances totaled $59 million, primarily related to foreign tax credits and foreign net operating losses available for carry forward to future years. Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all other deferred tax assets for which no valuation allowances have been established will be realized. The primary basis of this conclusion is our history of cumulative income in recent years.

              We determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit is recorded in the financial statements. A tax position is measured as the portion of the tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement with a taxing authority which has full knowledge of all relevant information. We may be required to change our provision for income taxes when the ultimate treatment of certain items is challenged or agreed to by taxing authorities, when estimates used in determining valuation allowances on deferred tax assets significantly change, or when receipt of new information indicates the need for adjustment in valuation allowances. Future events, such as changes

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in tax laws, tax regulations, or interpretations of such laws or regulations, could have an impact on the provision for income tax and the effective tax rate. Any such changes could significantly affect the amounts reported in the combined financial statements in the year these changes occur.

              For example, the effect of a one percentage point change in the effective tax rate for 2014 would have resulted in a change of $3 million in the provision for income taxes and net income.

Results of Operations

              Our operations comprise 100 daily publications and related digital platforms in the U.S. and the U.K., more than 400 non-daily local publications in the U.S. and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. Our 82 U.S. daily publications, including USA TODAY, comprise the nation's largest publishing group in terms of circulation.

              A summary of our results is presented below.

 
  2014 (a)   Change   2013 (a)   Change   2012 (a)  

In millions of dollars

                               

Operating revenues

  $ 3,172     (5% ) $ 3,325     (4% ) $ 3,470  

Operating expenses

  $ 2,910     (3% ) $ 3,000     (4% ) $ 3,139  

Operating income

  $ 262     (19% ) $ 325     (2% ) $ 331  

Non-operating income, net

  $ 16     (24% ) $ 21     62%   $ 13  

Provision for income taxes

  $ 68     (4% ) $ 71     4%   $ 68  

Net income

  $ 211     (23% ) $ 274     (1% ) $ 277  

(a)
Numbers do not sum due to rounding.

               Net operating revenues: Advertising revenues include those derived from advertising placed with print products as well as digital-related Internet desktop, smartphone and tablet applications. These include revenue in the classified, retail and national advertising categories. Circulation revenues include those derived from distributing our publications on our digital platforms, from home delivery and from single copy sales of our publications. Other publishing revenues are mainly from commercial printing.

              The table below presents the principal components of revenues for the last three years:

 
  2014   Change   2013 (a)   Change   2012 (a)  

Net operating revenues, in millions of dollars

                               

Advertising

  $ 1,840     (7% ) $ 1,971     (7% ) $ 2,124  

Circulation

    1,110     (1% )   1,117     1%     1,103  

Other

    222     (6% )   236     (2% )   242  

Total net operating revenues

  $ 3,172     (5% ) $ 3,325     (4% ) $ 3,470  

(a)
Numbers do not sum due to rounding.

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               Operating expenses: Over the last three years, our operating expenses were as follows:

 
  2014 (a)   Change   2013   Change   2012  

Operating expenses, in millions of dollars

                               

Cost of sales

  $ 1,998     (4% ) $ 2,090     (4% ) $ 2,166  

Selling, general and administrative

    765     (1% )   773     (6% )   823  

Depreciation

    97     1%     96     (8% )   104  

Amortization of intangible assets

    14     —%     14     —%     14  

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges

    35     30%     27     (16% )   32  

Total

  $ 2,910     (3% ) $ 3,000     (4% ) $ 3,139  

(a)
Numbers do not sum due to rounding.

    Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013

               Net operating revenues: As shown in the table above, net operating revenues declined by $153 million or 5% from 2013 with decreases primarily focused in advertising and other revenues. Included in each revenue stream are revenues derived from digital media. Digital revenues, such as sales derived from desktop, smartphone and tablet applications, were up for the year in the U.S. as well as at Newsquest in the U.K. Revenues benefited from our continued focus on digital marketing services and all of our digital advertising platforms. Domestic digital revenues were up 2% while digital revenues at Newsquest increased 21% in local currency. Additional details of each of these revenue streams are described below.

               Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenues for 2014 decreased $131 million or 7% from 2013. The decrease reflects lower advertising demand due to ongoing secular pressures.

              In March 2014, Classified Ventures, an entity in which Parent owned a noncontrolling interest, agreed to sell Apartments.com. This transaction closed on April 1, 2014. Prior to the sale, Parent was party to an affiliation agreement in which our newspapers earned advertising revenue of approximately $4 million in 2014, through the date of sale, and approximately $15 million in 2013.

              The table below presents the percentage change in 2014 compared to 2013 for each of the major advertising and classified revenue categories as if the Apartments.com sale occurred at the beginning of 2013.

 
  U.S.   Newsquest
(in pounds)
  Total  

Advertising Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons

                   

Retail

    (7% )   (2% )   (6% )

National

    (16% )   (4% )   (14% )

Classified

    (4% )   (3% )   (2% )

Total

    (8% )   (3% )   (6% )

              Retail advertising revenues were down $56 million or 6% in 2014. The total decline in retail advertising revenue was 7% on a constant currency basis. Revenues were down in all major categories in the U.S. Retail advertising revenues, in local currency, were down 2% in the U.K.

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              National advertising revenues were down $48 million or 14% in 2014, primarily due to lower advertising sales within entertainment, technology and telecommunications categories.

              The table below presents the percentage change in classified categories for 2014 compared to 2013 as if the Apartments.com sale occurred at the beginning of 2013.

 
  U.S.   Newsquest
(in pounds)
  Total  

Classified Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons

                   

Automotive

    (2% )   (6% )   (2% )

Employment

    (3% )   7%     1%  

Real Estate

    (4% )   (9% )   (4% )

Legal

    (4% )   —%     (4% )

Other

    (8% )   (6% )   (6% )

Total

    (4% )   (3% )   (2% )

              Classified advertising revenues declined 4% in the U.S. and 3% in the U.K. Domestically, automotive advertising was down 2% for the year while employment declined 3%. In the U.K., while most classified advertising categories were lower, employment advertising improved 7% in local currency, reflecting the recovery in the U.K. economy.

               Circulation Revenue: Total circulation revenues in 2014 decreased by $7 million, or 1%, from 2013 reflecting a small expected reduction in volume resulting from price increases the prior year. Circulation revenues decreased 1% in 2014 at USCP reflecting an increase in home delivery revenue offset by a decrease in single copy revenue. Home delivery revenue was boosted by the pricing impact of placing the USA TODAY local editions in 35 of our local domestic publishing units and the strength of our All Access Content Subscription Model, adding engaging content which allowed us to deploy strategic pricing initiatives. Circulation revenues were 4% lower at USA TODAY and 1% lower in local currency in the U.K., due to declines in print circulation volume, partially offset by cover price increases, implemented in 2013.

              Local publishing circulation volume is summarized in the table below. Daily average print and digital, replica and non-replica circulation, excluding USA TODAY, declined 9%, while Sunday circulation declined 3%.

 
  2014   Change   2013  

Total average circulation volume, print and digital, replica and non-replica in thousands

                   

Local Publications

                   

Morning

    2,715     (8% )   2,967  

Evening

    145     (10% )   161  

Total daily

    2,860     (9% )   3,128  

Sunday

    4,569     (3% )   4,729  

               Other Revenue: Commercial printing and other publishing revenues were down 6% in 2014 and totaled $222 million, reflecting the sale of a print business in the second quarter of 2014 and declines in commercial printing volumes which is consistent with industry trends. Commercial printing revenues

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in the U.S. and U.K., combined, accounted for approximately 62% of total other revenues. Commercial delivery services also contribute to total other revenues.

               Operating Expenses: Publishing operating expense decreased to $2.9 billion in 2014 from $3.0 billion in 2013 due to continued cost reductions and efficiency efforts as well as lower print volumes.

              The two principal components of our operating expense are payroll and employee benefits and newsprint. Amounts as a percentage of our total operating expenses for 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below:

 
  2014   2013  

Payroll and employee benefits

    43.6%     45.0%  

Newsprint

    7.9%     8.4%  

              Overall cost of sales decreased $92 million, or 4%, from 2013. Included in cost of sales in 2014 were payroll and employee benefits expenses of approximately $744 million, compared with approximately $800 million in 2013, or a 7% decrease from 2013. Resource optimization efforts to improve the overall cost structure while driving greater efficiencies drove the decrease from 2013 with decreases in pension and other postretirement benefit costs for our current and former production employees also contributing. Also included in cost of sales in 2014 were newsprint costs of approximately $230 million compared with approximately $251 million in 2013, or a 9% decrease from 2013. The decrease represents lower prices for newsprint as well as lower volume. The remaining decrease in cost of sales reflects the overall decline in circulation volumes and other revenues.

              Total selling, general and administrative costs decreased by $8 million year-over-year. Included in sales, general and administrative expenses were payroll and employee benefit costs of approximately $526 million compared with approximately $551 million in 2013, or a 5% decrease from 2013. Also contributing was a reduction in corporate allocations from 2013 to 2014. Corporate allocations totaled $80 million in 2014 and $96 million in 2013. These net costs, while incurred by Parent, have been allocated to us in all periods. See Note 13 of the combined financial statements for further details related to Parent corporate allocations. Offsetting these decreases were higher costs in the period relating to special charges for transformation costs and workforce restructuring.

              Depreciation charges increased by approximately $1 million, or 1%, from 2013 primarily reflecting the impact of foreign currency on depreciation expense recorded at Newsquest. Amortization expense remained relatively flat year over year.

              Our space consolidation initiative continued in 2014, resulting in sales of older, underutilized buildings, relocating to more efficient, flexible, digitally-oriented office space, reconfiguring spaces to take advantage of leasing and subleasing opportunities, and combining operations where possible. As a result, we recognized facility consolidation charges during all periods presented. Separately, we also recognized non-cash impairment charges for certain intangible assets and other non-operating items. These charges are more fully discussed in Note 3 to the combined financial statements.

Non-operating income and expense

               Equity earnings: This income statement category reflects results from unconsolidated investments in which we hold noncontrolling interests, representing our equity share of operating results from our publishing partnerships, including the Tucson joint operating agency, the California Newspapers Partnership and the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, as well as from our investment in Homefinder.com.

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              Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2014 was $16 million, a decrease of $7 million from 2013. This decrease reflects lower earnings from California Newspapers Partnership and the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership compared with the prior year.

Provision for income taxes

              As described in our basis of reporting section above, our operations are included in Parent's state and federal income tax returns. For purposes of these combined financial statements, we have computed our income taxes as if we were filing separate returns. Current income taxes payable are settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net."

              The effective tax rate on pre-tax income was 24.3% compared with 20.6% in 2013. The higher effective tax rate for 2014 compared to 2013 is primarily due to a decrease in the release of certain tax reserves in 2014 as compared to 2013 which we deemed no longer necessary due to statute of limitations expirations.

              Further information concerning income tax matters is contained in Note 9 of the combined financial statements.

    Fiscal 2013 versus Fiscal 2012:

               Net operating revenues: Net operating revenues declined by $145 million or 4% from 2012 with decreases in advertising and other revenue slightly offset by an increase in circulation revenues. Comparisons between 2013 and 2012 were affected by a 52-week year in 2013 compared to a 53-week year in 2012. The additional week accounted for approximately 2% higher revenues in 2012. Additional details of each of these revenue streams are described below.

               Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenues for 2013 decreased $153 million or 7% from 2012. The decrease reflects lower advertising demand due to secular pressures, the slow pace of the economic recovery, and the extra week in 2012. Advertising revenues were lower in 2013 relative to 2012 in both the U.S. and the U.K.

              The table below presents the percentage change for the retail, national, and classified categories for 2013 compared to 2012:

 
  U.S.   Newsquest
(in pounds)
  Total

Advertising Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons

                 

Retail

    (8%)     (4%)     (8%)

National

    (5%)     (16%)     (6%)

Classified

    (6%)     (8%)     (7%)

Total

    (7%)     (8%)     (7%)

              Retail advertising revenues were down $79 million or 8% in 2013. Revenues were down in all major categories in both the U.S. and the U.K.

              National advertising revenues were down $23 million or 6% in 2013, with decreases in certain categories such as government and home and building being offset by increases in other categories such as retail and automotive.

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              The table below presents the percentage change in classified categories for 2013 compared to 2012:

 
  U.S.   Newsquest
(in pounds)
  Total

Classified Revenue Year Over Year Comparisons

                 

Automotive

    (2%)     (10%)     (3%)

Employment

    (8%)     (4%)     (8%)

Real Estate

    (5%)     (9%)     (7%)

Legal

    (12%)     —%     (12%)

Other

    (7%)     (10%)     (8%)

Total

    (6%)     (8%)     (7%)

              Classified advertising revenues declined $52 million or 7% in 2013 with a decline of 6% in the U.S. and 8% in the U.K. on a constant currency basis. Domestically, automotive advertising was down 2% for the year while employment declined 8%. Real estate continued to reflect the housing issues nationwide and was down 5% for the year. Classified advertising results in the U.K. lagged results in the U.S. due to a slower economic recovery there, with automotive declining 10% in local currency and real estate declining 9% in local currency.

               Circulation Revenue: Total circulation revenues in 2013 increased by $14 million or 1% over 2012, reflecting the second consecutive annual company-wide circulation revenue increase. Circulation revenues were up as a result of the implementation of the All Access Content Subscription Model in mid-2012 which allows readers to access content across multiple platforms. Circulation revenues increased 3% in 2013 at USCP. Circulation revenue in the U.K. was up 3% compared to 2012 in local currency reflecting increases in cover prices.

              Circulation revenues were lower at USA TODAY, reflecting lower average print daily circulation volume, partially offset by price increases.

              Local publishing circulation volume is summarized in the table below. Revenue comparisons reflect generally lower circulation volumes more than offset by price increases. Daily average print and digital, replica and non-replica circulation, excluding USA TODAY, declined 8%, while Sunday circulation declined 5%.

 
  2013   Change   2012

Total average circulation volume, print and digital, replica and non-replica in thousands

                 

Local Publications

                 

Morning

    2,967     (8%)     3,240

Evening

    161     (9%)     177

Total daily

    3,128     (8%)     3,417

Sunday

    4,729     (5%)     5,003

               Other Revenue: Commercial printing and other publishing revenues were down 2% in 2013 and totaled $236 million. Declines in other publishing revenues were partially offset by an increase in commercial print revenues. Commercial printing revenues in the U.S. and U.K., combined, accounted for approximately 63% of total other revenues with increases in the U.S. being partially offset by

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slightly lower commercial printing revenues in the U.K. Commercial delivery services also contribute to total other revenues.

               Operating Expenses: Publishing operating expense decreased to $3.0 billion in 2013 from $3.1 billion in 2012 due to continued cost efficiency efforts and the effect of one additional week in fiscal 2012.

              The two principal components of our operating expense are payroll and employee benefits and newsprint. Amounts as a percentage of our total operating expenses for 2013 and 2012 are presented in the table below:

 
  2013   2012

Payroll and employee benefits

    45.0%     45.2%

Newsprint

    8.4%     9.3%

              Overall cost of sales decreased $76 million, or 4%, from 2012. Included in cost of sales in 2013 were payroll and employee benefits expenses of approximately $800 million compared with approximately $839 million in 2012, or a 5% decrease from 2012. Resource optimization efforts to align the overall cost structure drove the decrease from 2012. Also included in cost of sales in 2013 were newsprint costs of approximately $251 million compared with approximately $291 million in 2012, or a 14% decrease from 2012 reflecting lower circulation volume.

              Total selling, general and administrative costs decreased by $50 million, or 6%, from 2012. The relative decrease in sales, general and administrative costs to cost of sales reflects our ongoing cost efficiency efforts and a greater focus on non-production areas of the business. Included in sales, general and administrative expenses were payroll and employee benefit costs of approximately $551 million compared with approximately $574 million in 2012, or a 4% decrease from 2012. Also contributing to the overall decline was a general reduction in spending across departments as part of the cost efficiency efforts.

              Depreciation charges decreased by approximately $8 million, or 8%, from 2012 as we continue to consolidate facilities to achieve efficiencies and lower operating costs. Also contributing was the effect of certain older assets that were fully depreciated during the year. Amortization expense is relatively flat year over year.

              Launched in 2012, our space consolidation initiative continued which has resulted in selling older, underutilized buildings, relocating to more efficient, flexible, digitally-oriented office space, reconfiguring spaces to take advantage of leasing and subleasing opportunities, and combining operations where possible. As a result, we recognized facility consolidation charges during all periods presented. Separately, we also recognized non-cash impairment charges for certain intangible assets and other non-operating items. These charges are more fully discussed in Note 3 to the combined financial statements.

Non-operating income and expense

               Equity earnings: This income statement category reflects results from unconsolidated investments in which we hold noncontrolling interests, representing our equity share of operating results from our publishing partnerships, including the Tucson joint operating agency, the California Newspapers Partnership and the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership, as well as from our investment in Homefinder.com.

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              Our net equity income in unconsolidated investees for 2013 was $23 million, an increase of $11 million over 2012. This increase reflects better results at the California Newspapers Partnership, as well as the impact of impairment charges that were recorded in 2012 totaling $3 million compared with 2013 when no such charges were recognized.

Provision for income taxes

              As described in our basis of reporting section above, our operations are included in Parent's state and federal income tax returns. For purposes of these combined financial statements, we have computed our income taxes as if we were filing separate returns. Current income taxes payable are settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net."

              The effective tax rate on pre-tax income was 20.6% compared with 19.6% in 2012. The higher effective tax rate for 2013 compared to 2012 is due to an increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets during 2013 partially offset by an increase in the release of certain tax reserves as compared to 2012 which we deemed no longer necessary due to statute of limitations expirations.

              Further information concerning income tax matters is contained in Note 9 of the combined financial statements.

Operating results non-GAAP information

               Presentation of non-GAAP information: We use non-GAAP financial performance and liquidity measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and should be read in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis.

              We discuss in this report non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude from our reported GAAP results the impact of special items consisting of:

    Workforce restructuring charges;

    Transformation costs;

    Non-cash asset impairment charges;

    Other non-operating item charges; and

    Special tax benefits and charges.

              We believe that such expenses, charges and credits are not indicative of normal, ongoing operations and their inclusion in results makes financial comparisons between years and with peer group companies performance more difficult. Workforce restructuring and transformation expenses primarily relate to incremental expenses we have incurred to consolidate or outsource production processes and centralize other functions. Workforce restructuring expenses include payroll and related benefit costs as well as charges related to our partial withdrawal from certain multi-employer pension plans. Transformation costs primarily include incremental expenses associated with optimizing our real estate portfolio. Asset impairment charges reflect non-cash charges to reduce the book value of certain intangible assets and equity-method investments to their respective fair value, as our projections for the

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business underlying the related asset had declined and/or changes to other valuation assumptions changed.

              We discuss Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial performance measure that we believe offers a useful view of our overall business operations. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before (1) income taxes, (2) equity income, (3) other non-operating items (which includes interest income and interest expense, among other items), (4) workforce restructuring, (5) transformation costs, (6) asset impairment charges, (7) depreciation and (8) amortization. When Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is Net income.

              We use non-GAAP financial performance measures for purposes of evaluating our performance. Therefore, we believe that each of the non-GAAP measures presented provides useful information to investors by allowing them to view our businesses through the eyes of our management and Parent's board of directors, facilitating comparison of results across historical periods, and providing a focus on the underlying ongoing operating performance of our businesses. Many of our peer group companies present similar non-GAAP measures to better facilitate industry comparisons.

               Discussion of special charges and credits affecting reported results: We recorded workforce restructuring related costs totaling $34 million ($22 million after-tax) in 2014, $41 million ($26 million after-tax) in 2013 and $47 million ($29 million after-tax) in 2012. These charges were taken in connection with workforce reductions related to facility consolidation and outsourcing efforts and as part of a general program to fundamentally change our cost structure.

              Company-wide transformation plans led us to recognize charges in all periods presented associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period, as well as shutdown costs and charges to reduce the carrying value of assets held for sale to fair value less costs to sell. Total charges for these matters were $61 million ($39 million after-tax) in 2014, $24 million ($15 million after-tax) in 2013 and $32 million ($20 million after-tax) in 2012.

              We performed impairment tests on certain assets including intangible assets and investments accounted for under the equity method that resulted in the recognition of impairment charges as well as recognizing accelerated depreciation on certain assets to be disposed of. These non-cash charges are detailed in Note 3 to the combined financial statements.

              Other non-operating items in 2013 included a currency loss related to the weakening of the British pound associated with the downgrade of the U.K. sovereign credit rating. There were no non-operating charges in 2014 or in 2012 included in the discussion below.

Combined results

              The following is a discussion of our as adjusted non-GAAP financial results. All as adjusted (non-GAAP basis) measures are labeled as such or "adjusted."

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              Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP operating expenses were as follow:

 
  2014   Change   2013   Change   2012  

In millions of dollars

                               

Operating expense (GAAP basis)

  $ 2,910     (3%)   $ 3,000     (4%)   $ 3,139  

Remove special items:

                               

Workforce restructuring

    (34 )   (17%)     (41 )   (13%)     (47 )

Transformation costs

    (61 )   ***     (24 )   (25%)     (32 )

Asset impairment charges

    (4 )   ***     (2 )   ***      

As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 2,811     (4%)   $ 2,933     (4%)   $ 3,060  

              Adjusted operating expenses decreased by 4% in 2014 from 2013 to $2.8 billion due to lower circulation volumes combined with continued efficiency efforts company-wide and lower newsprint expense.

              Adjusted operating expenses decreased by 4% in 2013 from 2012 to $2.9 billion due to lower circulation volumes, continued efficiency efforts company-wide and the effect of one fewer week in fiscal 2013.

              Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP operating income as follows:

 
  2014   Change   2013   Change   2012  

In millions of dollars

                               

Operating income (GAAP basis)

  $ 262     (19%)   $ 325     (2%)   $ 331  

Remove special items:

                               

Workforce restructuring

    34     (17%)     41     (13%)     47  

Transformation costs

    61     ***     24     (25%)     32  

Asset impairment charges

    4     ***     2     ***      

As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 361     (8%)   $ 392     (4%)   $ 410  

              Adjusted operating income decreased 8% in 2014 from 2013 to $361 million. The decrease reflects lower revenues partially offset by lower circulation volume-driven expense declines as well as cost control and efficiency efforts and the positive impact of the All Access Content Subscription Model and the addition of USA TODAY local editions at 35 of our USCP operations.

              Adjusted operating income was $392 million for 2013, a decrease of 4% compared to the same period in 2012. The decrease primarily reflects lower revenues driven by the decline in advertising revenues which was partially offset by higher circulation revenues. We also recorded lower volume-driven expenses such as newsprint costs which was partially offset by higher pension expense and a 53-week year in 2012.

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              Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP non-operating income which consist of equity income or loss, interest income and interest expense and other non-operating items follow:

 
  2014   Change   2013   Change   2012  

In millions of dollars

                               

Total non-operating income (GAAP basis)

  $ 16     (24%)   $ 21     62%   $ 13  

Remove special items:

                               

Transformation costs

        ***     3     ***      

Asset impairment and investment charges

        ***         ***     3  

Other non-operating items

        ***     2     ***      

As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 16     (38%)   $ 26     63%   $ 16  

              Adjusted non-operating income decreased 38% in 2014 from 2013 to $16 million. This reflects lower earnings from our equity method investments compared with the prior year.

              Adjusted non-operating income increased $10 million in 2013, an increase of 63% compared to the same period in 2012. The increase reflects better results at the California Newspapers Partnership which is reported as an equity method investment.

              A summary of the impact of special items on our effective tax rate follows:

 
  2014   2013   2012  

In millions of dollars

                   

Provision for income taxes as reported (GAAP basis)

  $ 68   $ 71   $ 68  

Remove special items:

                   

Workforce restructuring

    12     15     18  

Transformation costs

    23     9     12  

Asset impairment and investment charges

    2     1     1  

Other non-operating items

        1      

Special tax benefits

    4     21     6  

As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 109   $ 118   $ 105  

As adjusted effective tax rate (non-GAAP basis)

    28.9%     28.2%     24.6%  

              The adjusted effective tax rate in 2014 was 28.9% compared to 28.2% in 2013. The higher rate for 2014 reflects lower reserve releases due to audit settlements and the lapse of certain statutes of limitations in 2014 when compared with 2013.

              The adjusted effective tax rate in 2013 was 28.2% compared to 24.6% in 2012. The higher rate for 2013 reflects increases in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

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              Adjustments to remove special items from GAAP net income follow:

 
  2014   Change   2013   Change   2012  

In millions of dollars

                               

Net income (GAAP basis)

  $ 211     (23%)   $ 274     (1%)   $ 277  

Remove special items (net of tax):

                               

Workforce restructuring

    22     (15%)     26     (10%)     29  

Transformation costs

    39     ***     15     (25%)     20  

Asset impairment and investment charges

    2     —%     2     —%     2  

Other non-operating items

        ***     4     ***      

Special tax benefits

    (4 )   (81%)     (21 )   ***     (6 )

As adjusted (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 270     (10%)   $ 300     (7%)   $ 322  

              Adjusted net income decreased 10% in 2014 and 7% in 2013 as a result of lower adjusted (non-GAAP basis) operating income and a higher adjusted effective tax rate (non-GAAP basis) in each successive period.

              Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to net income presented in accordance with GAAP on our Combined Statements of Income are presented below:

 
  2014   Change   2013   Change   2012  

In millions of dollars

                               

Net income (GAAP basis)

  $ 211     (23%)   $ 274     (1%)   $ 277  

Provision for income taxes

    68     (4%)     71     4%     68  

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net

    (16 )   (30%)     (23 )   ***     (11 )

Other non-operating items

        ***     2     ***     (2 )

Operating income (GAAP basis) (a)

  $ 262     (19%)   $ 325     (2%)   $ 331  

Remove special items:

                               

Workforce restructuring

    34     (17%)     41     (13%)     47  

Transformation costs

    61     ***     24     (25%)     32  

Asset impairment charges

    4     ***     2     ***      

Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP basis)

    361     (8%)     392     (4%)     410  

Depreciation

    97     1%     96     (8%)     104  

Amortization of intangible assets

    14     —%     14     —%     14  

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)

  $ 472     (6%)   $ 502     (5%)   $ 528  

(a)
Numbers do not sum due to rounding.

              Adjusted EBITDA decreased 6% from 2013 to 2014 and decreased 5% from 2012 to 2013 as a result of lower successive adjusted (non-GAAP basis) operating income in each period.

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Liquidity and capital resources

 
  2014   2013 (a)   2012 (a)  

In millions of dollars

                   

Summary of combined statements of cash flows

                   

Net cash flow from operating activities

  $ 346   $ 255   $ 328  

Net cash used for investing activities

  $ (32 ) $ (8 ) $ (6 )

Net cash used for financing activities

  $ (321 ) $ (302 ) $ (296 )

Effect of currency exchange rate change

  $   $   $ 2  

Net (decrease) increase in cash

  $ (7 ) $ (56 ) $ 27  

(a)
Numbers do not sum due to rounding.

              Cash flow generated by operating activities is our primary source of liquidity. Net cash flow from operating activities was $346 million in 2014, versus $255 million in 2013, primarily resulting from additional cash generated in 2014 by changes in working capital partially offset by lower net income. Net cash flow from operating activities in 2012 was $328 million, or $73 million higher than in 2013, primarily reflecting higher net income due to a 53-week year in 2012 compared with a 52-week year in 2013 and cash outflows generated by changes in working capital in 2013 compared with cash inflows generated by such items in 2012.

              Net cash used for investing activities totaled $32 million in 2014 compared with $8 million in 2013. This reflects increased capital spending in 2014 for digital development and platform expansion as well as nearly $27 million on real estate optimization efforts. Net cash used for investing activities in 2012 was $6 million in 2012.

              Net cash used in financing activities totaled $321 million in 2014, $302 million in 2013 and $296 million in 2012. Cash used in financing activities is primarily due to transactions with Parent with nominal impact from cash outflows relating to contingent consideration arrangements. Parent utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations. Under this centralized cash management program, we provide funds to Parent and vice versa. Accordingly, the net cash flow between us and Parent is presented as a financing activity.

              Prior to the separation, as part of Parent, we had access to Parent's program of maintaining bank revolving credit availability as a component of our liquidity. Concurrent with the separation, we expect to enter into a revolving credit facility ("New Revolver") and be capitalized with $[ · ] million of cash. Our operations have historically generated strong positive cash flow which, along with our New Revolver and the Parent contribution, are expected to provide more than adequate liquidity to meet our requirements, including those for investments, strategic acquisitions, expected dividends and expected share repurchases.

              Subsequent to the separation, we plan to commence a share repurchase program where we expect to be authorized to repurchase shares with an aggregate value of up to $150 million over a three-year period. It is expected that this program will allow for shares to be repurchased at management's discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management's decision to repurchase shares would be expected to depend on share price and other corporate requirements. It is expected that share repurchases will occur from time to time over the three years and there is not expected to be any maximum repurchase price for such shares. The approval of such a program as well as the details thereof will be at the discretion of our board of directors and, consistent with our expected dividend policy, will be dependent upon factors deemed relevant by the board of directors. Refer to the "Dividend Policy" section of this information statement for additional details of such factors.

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Contractual obligations and commitments

              The following table summarizes the expected cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments as of the end of 2014.

 
  Payments due by period  
 
  Total   2015   2016-17   2018-19   Thereafter  

In millions of dollars

                               

Operating leases (a)(d)

  $ 215   $ 38   $ 61   $ 41   $ 74  

Purchase obligations (b)(d)

    56     43     13     1      

Other noncurrent liabilities (c)

    199     45     37     36     81  

Total

  $ 470   $ 126   $ 111   $ 78   $ 155  

(a)
See Note 11 to the combined financial statements.
(b)
Includes purchase obligations related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at December 28, 2014, are reflected in the Combined Balance Sheets as accounts payable and accrued liabilities and are excluded from the table above.
(c)
Other noncurrent liabilities consist of both unfunded and under-funded postretirement benefit plans. Unfunded plans include the Gannett Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and the Gannett Retiree Welfare Plan. Employer contributions, which equal the expected benefit payments, are reflected in the table above over the next ten-year period. Under-funded plans include the Gannett Retirement Plan, the Newsquest Pension Scheme and the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan. Expected employer contributions for these plans are included for the following fiscal year. Contributions beyond the next fiscal year are excluded due to uncertainties regarding significant assumptions involved in estimating these contributions, such as interest rate levels as well as the amount and timing of invested asset return.
(d)
Amounts do not sum due to rounding.

              Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with unrecognized tax benefits at December 28, 2014, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement. Therefore, $11 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. See Note 9 to the combined financial statements for a further discussion of income taxes.

              For 2015, we expect to contribute $13 million to the Newsquest pension plan. Plan contributions for the GRP are expected to be $12 million in 2015 reflective of pension relief legislation enacted in 2014. Plan contributions for the GRP will be funded primarily by Parent due to the timing of payments being contractually obligated before the date of separation. Due to uncertainties regarding significant assumptions involved in estimating future contributions for all plans, such as interest rate levels and the amount and timing of asset returns, we are unable to reasonably estimate future contributions beyond 2015, and therefore no plan contributions thereafter are reflected in the above table.

              Parent also has certain transitional compensation plans for certain of our employees. These plans provide for severance and continued life and medical insurance coverage if a termination without "cause" occurs following the proposed spin-off. No amounts have been included above for these plans.

              In 2014, we exited one of our publishing businesses and incurred $21.0 million of shutdown costs associated with future contractual promotional payments. These costs are accrued on our

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Combined Balance Sheets at the end of 2014 and will be primarily paid in 2015. They have been excluded from the contractual obligations above.

Effects of inflation and changing prices and other matters

              Our results of operations and financial condition have not been significantly affected by inflation. The effects of inflation and changing prices on our property, plant and equipment and related depreciation expense have been reduced as a result of an ongoing capital expenditure program and the availability of replacement assets with improved technology and efficiency.

              We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk due to our ownership of Newsquest, which uses the British pound as its functional currency, which is then translated into U.S. dollars. Our cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment reported as part of our equity, totaled $404 million at December 28, 2014 and $432 million at December 29, 2013. Newsquest's assets and liabilities were translated from British pounds to U.S. dollars at the December 28, 2014, exchange rate of $1.56 and an exchange rate of $1.65 as of December 29. 2013. Newsquest's financial results were translated at an average rate of 1.65 for 2014, 1.56 for 2013 and 1.58 for 2012. Refer to "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" below for additional detail.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

              We believe that our market risk from financial instruments, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable, is not material. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk on a limited basis due to our operations in the U.K., for which the British pound is the functional currency. Translation gains or losses affecting the Combined Statements of Income have not been significant in the past. If the price of the British pound against the U.S. dollar had been 10% more or less than the actual price, operating income would have increased or decreased approximately 4% in 2014.

              Because we did not have any long-term debt outstanding during any period presented and the interest income or interest expense on interest-bearing assets and liabilities on which we recognize imputed interest, respectively, is not material, we are not significantly impacted by changes in interest rates. Interest bearing assets are limited to our investment in related party commercial paper which is described in more detail in Note 13 of our combined financial statements presented in Item 8. Total interest income recognized was $1.8 million in 2014, $1.9 million in 2013 and $2.3 million in 2012. If interest rates had increased or decreased by 1%, "Income before income taxes" would have nominally changed for the year ended December 28, 2014.

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers Following the Distribution

              SpinCo is in the process of identifying the persons who will be its executive officers following the separation, other than Robert J. Dickey, who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of SpinCo. In a subsequent amendment to this information statement SpinCo will disclose information regarding its other executive officers.

Name
  Age
  Position

Robert J. Dickey

  57   President and Chief Executive Officer

Robert J. Dickey is expected to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of SpinCo. He has served as President of Parent's U.S. Community Publishing Division, formerly Newspaper Division, since February 2008. Previously, Mr. Dickey served as Senior Group President, Pacific Group and Chairman of Phoenix Newspapers, Inc. from 2005-2008; President and Publisher of The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, CA, from 1993-2005 and Group Vice President of the Pacific Group, from 1997-2005. He serves on the board of the National Newspaper Association and was Chairman of the Board through March 2015.

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DIRECTORS

Board of Directors Following the Distribution

              SpinCo is in the process of identifying the persons who are expected to serve on SpinCo's board of directors following the completion of the separation and will include information concerning those persons in an amendment to this information statement. SpinCo expects that, at the time of the separation, the chair of the board will be a different person than SpinCo's chief executive officer and, to the extent the chair is not an "independent" director, that the Board will have a lead director empowered with robust authority and duties to facilitate the board's exercise of independent oversight.

              Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the separation, directors will be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders and thereafter each director will serve until the next annual election and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. At any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the election will be determined by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election, with directors not receiving a majority of the votes cast required to tender their resignations for consideration by the board, except that in the case of a contested election, the election will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election.

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Director Independence

              A majority of SpinCo's board of directors will be comprised of directors who are "independent" as defined by the rules of the New York Stock Exchange and the Principles of Corporate Governance to be adopted by SpinCo's board of directors. SpinCo will seek to have all of its non-management directors qualify as "independent" under these standards. SpinCo's board of directors is expected to establish categorical standards to assist it in making its determination of director independence. SpinCo expects these standards will provide that no director qualifies as "independent" unless the board of directors affirmatively determines that the director has no material relationship with SpinCo or its subsidiaries (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with SpinCo or any of its subsidiaries). In making this determination, the board of directors will consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including adopting standards that the following categories of relationships between a director and SpinCo are not material:

    employment of a director or a director's immediate family member by, a director's position as a director with, or direct or indirect ownership by a director or a director's immediate family member of a 10% or greater equity interest in, another company or organization that made payments to, or received payments from, SpinCo or any of its subsidiaries for property or services in an amount which, in each of the last three fiscal years, did not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues; and

    a relationship of a director or a director's immediate family member with a charitable organization, as an executive officer, board member, trustee or otherwise, to which SpinCo or any of its subsidiaries has made, in any of the last three fiscal years, charitable contributions of not more than the greater of $100,000 or 2% of such charitable organization's consolidated gross revenues.

              SpinCo's board of directors will assess on a regular basis, and at least annually, the independence of directors and, based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee, will make a determination as to which members are independent. References to "SpinCo" above include any subsidiary in a consolidated group with SpinCo. The terms "immediate family member" and "executive officer" above are expected to have the same meanings specified for such terms in the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.

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Committees of the Board of Directors

              Effective upon the completion of the distribution, SpinCo's board of directors will have the following standing committees: an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, an Executive Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee.

               Executive Committee. [ · ] are expected to be the members of the board's Executive Committee. [ · ] is expected to be the Executive Committee Chairman. The Executive Committee will exercise the authority of the board between board meetings, except as limited by Delaware law.

               Audit Committee. [ · ] are expected to be the members of the board's Audit Committee. [ · ] is expected to be the Audit Committee Chairman. The board of directors is expected to determine that at least one member of the Audit Committee is an "audit committee financial expert" for purposes of the rules of the SEC, and that each member is financially literate as required by the rules of the NYSE. In addition, SpinCo expects that the board of directors will determine that each of the members of the Audit Committee will be independent, as defined by the rules of the NYSE, Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act, and in accordance with SpinCo's Principles of Corporate Governance. The Audit Committee will assist the board of directors in its oversight of financial reporting practices and the quality and integrity of the financial reports of SpinCo, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accounting firm's qualifications and independence, and the performance of SpinCo's internal audit function. The Audit Committee will also appoint SpinCo's independent registered public accounting firm, provide oversight of SpinCo's internal audit function, oversee the adequacy and effectiveness of SpinCo's accounting and financial controls and the guidelines and policies that govern the process by which SpinCo undertakes financial, accounting and audit risk assessment and risk management.

               Executive Compensation Committee. [ · ] are expected to be the members of the board's Executive Compensation Committee. [ · ] is expected to be the Executive Compensation Committee Chairman. The SpinCo board of directors is expected to determine that each member of the Executive Compensation Committee will be independent, as defined by the rules of the NYSE and in accordance with SpinCo's Principles of Corporate Governance. In addition, SpinCo expects that the members of the Executive Compensation Committee will qualify as "non-employee directors" for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and as "outside directors" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Executive Compensation Committee will discharge the board's responsibilities relating to compensation of SpinCo's directors and executives and will have overall responsibility for SpinCo's compensation plans, principles and programs. The Executive Compensation Committee's duties and responsibilities will include reviewing and approving on an annual basis corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of SpinCo's CEO and other senior executives. The Executive Compensation Committee will also be responsible for reviewing and discussing with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosures contained in SpinCo's proxy statements. The Executive Compensation Committee will have primary responsibility for administering SpinCo's equity incentive plans and in that role will be responsible for approving equity grants to SpinCo's senior executives. The Executive Compensation Committee will have the sole discretion, under its charter, to retain or obtain advice of a compensation consultant, independent legal counsel or other adviser, and will be responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of any such consultant, counsel or adviser.

               Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee. [ · ] are expected to be the members of the board's Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee. [ · ] is expected to be the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee Chairman. The SpinCo board of directors is expected to determine that each of the members of the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee will be independent,

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as defined by the rules of the NYSE and in accordance with the company's Principles of Corporate Governance. The Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee will be charged with identifying individuals qualified to become board members, recommending to the board candidates for election or re-election to the board, and considering from time to time the board committee structure and makeup. The Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee will also monitor SpinCo's human resources practices, including its performance in diversity and equal employment opportunity, monitor SpinCo's performance in meeting its obligation of fairness in internal and external matters, and take a leadership role with respect to SpinCo's corporate governance practices.

              The SpinCo board of directors is expected to adopt a written charter for each of the Executive Committee, Audit Committee, Executive Compensation Committee and Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee. These charters will be posted on SpinCo's website in connection with the distribution.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

              During the company's year ended December 31, 2014, SpinCo was not an independent company, and did not have a compensation committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the compensation of those who currently serve as SpinCo's executive officers were made by Parent, as described in the section of this information statement captioned "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."

Corporate Governance

    Stockholder Recommendations for Director Nominees

              SpinCo's amended and restated bylaws will contain provisions that address the process by which a stockholder may nominate an individual to stand for election to the board of directors. SpinCo expects that its board of directors will adopt a policy concerning the evaluation of stockholder recommendations of board candidates by the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee.

    Principles of Corporate Governance

              The board of directors is expected to adopt a set of Principles of Corporate Governance in connection with the separation to assist it in guiding SpinCo's governance practices. These practices will be regularly re-evaluated by the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee in light of changing circumstances in order to continue serving the company's best interests and the best interests of its stockholders.

    Communicating with the Board of Directors

              SpinCo's Principles of Corporate Governance will include procedures by which stockholders and other interested parties who would like to directly and confidentially communicate with SpinCo's full board of directors, the chairman, or the non-management directors as a group may do so by writing to any such party at SpinCo, [ · ], Attn: Secretary. The Secretary will forward such communications to the intended recipient and will retain copies for SpinCo's records.

    Director Qualification Standards

              The Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee charter will set forth certain criteria for the committee to consider in evaluating potential director nominees. In addition to evaluating a

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potential director's independence, the committee will consider whether director candidates have relevant experience in business and industry, government, education and other areas, and will monitor the mix of skills and experience of directors in order to assure that the SpinCo's board will have the necessary breadth and depth to perform its oversight function effectively. The committee may reevaluate the relevant criteria for board membership from time to time in response to changing business factors or regulatory requirements. The full board of directors will be responsible for selecting candidates for election as directors based on the recommendation of the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee.

    Executive Sessions

              SpinCo's Principles of Corporate Governance will provide that the independent directors should, as they deem appropriate, meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.

    Policies on Business Ethics

              In connection with the distribution, SpinCo will adopt an Ethics Policy that requires all of its business activities to be conducted in compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical principles and values. All directors, officers, and employees of SpinCo will be required to read, understand and abide by the requirements of the Ethics Policy. The Ethics Policy will be accessible on the company's website. Only SpinCo's board of directors or a committee thereof will be able to waive the Ethics Policy as it applies to directors or executive officers. Any waiver of the Ethics Policy for executive officers or directors will be promptly disclosed to stockholders in any practicable manner as may be required by law or stock exchange regulation. Any additions or amendments to the Ethics Policy, and any waivers of the Ethics Policy for executive officers or directors, will be posted on the Corporate Governance page of SpinCo's website, and similarly provided without charge upon written request.

    Procedures for Treatment of Complaints Regarding Accounting, Internal Accounting Controls, and Auditing Matters

              In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, SpinCo expects that its Audit Committee will adopt procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting controls or auditing matters and to allow for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees and others of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

              SpinCo is in the process of identifying the persons who will be its executive officers following the separation, other than Robert J. Dickey, who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of SpinCo. The persons, other than Mr. Dickey, who SpinCo expects will be its named executive officers as of the separation will be included in a subsequent amendment to this information statement. For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, SpinCo refers to such persons collectively as its "named executive officers."

              As noted above, SpinCo is currently part of Parent and not an independent company, and the Executive Compensation Committee has not yet been formed. Once it is formed, executive compensation decisions following the separation will be made by the Executive Compensation Committee.

              In connection with the separation, the equity awards in respect of Parent common stock held by employees who will become SpinCo employees, including its named executive officers, will be adjusted as described under the section entitled "Employee Matters Agreement—Treatment of Equity Based Compensation" in the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions." In addition, it is expected that, prior to the completion of the separation, SpinCo will adopt an equity compensation plan. The terms of this plan will be described in subsequent amendments to this information statement. It is not currently expected that SpinCo will grant stock options in respect of SpinCo common stock following the effective time of the distribution.

              Information regarding SpinCo's executive compensation programs will be included in subsequent amendments to this information statement, in accordance with the SEC requirements.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

              SpinCo is in the process of identifying the persons who will be its executive officers following the separation, other than Robert J. Dickey, who will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of SpinCo. In a subsequent amendment to this information statement SpinCo will disclose, in accordance with the SEC requirements, information regarding the compensation of all of its named executive officers.

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Treatment of Director Compensation in the Distribution

              Prior to the distribution, SpinCo will establish the SpinCo outside director compensation program (the "SpinCo Outside Director Compensation Program") with substantially the same terms as the Parent Outside Directors' Compensation Program immediately prior to the distribution. Each SpinCo non-employee director who served on the Parent board of directors immediately prior to the distribution and held a deferred compensation balance under the Parent Deferred Compensation Plan will be credited, as of the distribution, with such deferred compensation balance under the SpinCo Deferred Compensation Plan and will cease participation in the Parent Deferred Compensation Plan. The SpinCo director's deferred compensation balance under the SpinCo Deferred Compensation Plan will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as such amounts were subject to under the Parent Deferred Compensation Plan (except that references to Parent will instead refer to SpinCo). The equity awards held by the SpinCo non-employee directors who served on the Parent board of directors immediately prior to the distribution will be treated as described above under the heading "The Separation and Distribution—Treatment of Equity Based Compensation."

Director Compensation Following the Distribution

              At the effective time of the distribution, the SpinCo Outside Director Compensation Program will have substantially the same terms as the Parent Outside Directors' Compensation Program in effect immediately prior to the distribution. Following the distribution, the SpinCo board of directors will have the authority to change the SpinCo Outside Director Compensation Program. In setting compensation for the members of the SpinCo board of directors, it is expected that the SpinCo board of directors will consider the significant time commitment and the skills and experience level necessary for directors to fulfill their duties.

              Under the SpinCo Outside Director Compensation Program in effect at the time of the distribution, each non-employee director will receive the following for the applicable director compensation year (subject to the special rules described below that apply to the first director compensation year following the distribution):

    an annual cash retainer of $100,000, payable quarterly during the director compensation year;

    an annual equity award in the form of restricted stock units with a grant date value equal to $125,000, granted on the first day of the director compensation year, which award will vest and be eligible for dividend equivalents on the terms described below;

    an additional annual cash retainer fee of $20,000 to committee chairs (other than the chair of the Executive Committee) and an additional annual cash retainer fee of $120,000 to the independent Chairman of the board;

    travel accident insurance of $1,000,000; and

    a match from the SpinCo Foundation of charitable gifts made by directors up to a maximum of $10,000 each year.

              A director compensation year generally will commence on the date of SpinCo's annual meeting of stockholders and end on the date of SpinCo's following annual meeting of stockholders; however,

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the 2015-2016 director compensation year following the distribution will commence on the date of the distribution. The amounts described above will be prorated for a partial year of service and, as described below, for the 2015-2016 director compensation year.

              Subject to the terms and conditions of the award agreement, each restricted stock unit granted to a SpinCo director will represent the right to receive a share of SpinCo common stock to the extent they become vested. Restricted stock units will vest in four equal installments in each of the first four quarters of the director compensation year following the grant date and will receive dividend equivalents, which will be deemed to be reinvested in shares of SpinCo common stock. Once vested, these restricted stock units and dividend equivalents will be held by SpinCo for the benefit of the director until the director leaves the SpinCo board of directors, at which time shares in respect of vested restricted stock units and dividend equivalents will be delivered to the director. Restricted stock units will fully vest if a non-employee director leaves the SpinCo board of directors due to death, disability or the age of service limitations set forth in the SpinCo By-laws. Restricted stock units will also fully vest and be paid out upon a change of control of SpinCo. Restricted stock units that are not vested on the date the director leaves the SpinCo board of directors will be forfeited.

              SpinCo directors who did not serve on the Parent board of directors immediately prior to the effective time of the distribution will receive a restricted stock unit award in respect of their service on the SpinCo board of directors on the date of the distribution or, if later, the date they join the SpinCo board of directors, having a grant date value equal to the prorated portion of the $125,000 annual equity award amount, based on the number of days that such directors will serve on the SpinCo board of directors from the distribution or grant date through the expected annual stockholders meeting date in 2016. The number of shares underlying the restricted stock unit award will be determined based on the average of the volume weighted average per share price of SpinCo common stock on the NYSE during each of the first five full trading days immediately after the distribution. SpinCo directors who served on the Parent board of directors immediately prior to the effective time of the distribution will not receive a new restricted stock unit award in respect of the 2015-2016 director compensation year at the effective time of the distribution. Instead, the restricted stock unit award they received as a Parent board member with respect to the 2015-2016 director compensation year will be treated as described above under the heading "The Separation and Distribution—Treatment of Equity Based Compensation." Additionally, SpinCo directors who served on the Parent board of directors immediately prior to the effective time of the distribution will not receive cash retainer fees from SpinCo if such fees would be duplicative of the fees received for service with Parent prior to the effective time of the distribution.

              Directors may elect to defer their cash fees under the SpinCo Deferred Compensation Plan, which will provide for the same investment choices, including mutual funds and a SpinCo stock fund, made available to other SpinCo Deferred Compensation Plan participants.

Director Share Ownership Guidelines Following the Distribution

              SpinCo's non-employee directors will also be subject to minimum share ownership and share retention requirements, which are initially expected to be consistent with those in place at Parent immediately prior to the distribution. Under these requirements, SpinCo's non-employee directors are expected to hold SpinCo common stock with a value of three times the annual cash retainer. Shares relating to awards of restricted stock or stock units or deemed held in the SpinCo Deferred Compensation Plan shall count towards achievement of the minimum guideline amount. Directors are expected to hold all shares received from SpinCo as compensation until the stock ownership guideline is met.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with Parent

              Following the separation and distribution, SpinCo and Parent will operate separately, each as an independent public company. SpinCo has entered into a separation and distribution agreement with Parent, which is referred to in this information statement as the "separation agreement" or the "separation and distribution agreement." In connection with the separation, SpinCo will also enter into various other agreements to effect the separation and provide a framework for its relationship with Parent after the separation, such as a transition services agreement, a tax matters agreement, and an employee matters agreement. These agreements will provide for the allocation between SpinCo and Parent of Parent's assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after SpinCo's separation from Parent and will govern certain relationships between SpinCo and Parent after the separation. The agreements listed above have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part.

              The summaries of each of the agreements listed above are qualified in their entireties by reference to the full text of the applicable agreements, which are incorporated by reference into this information statement. When used in this section, "distribution date" refers to the date on which Parent distributes SpinCo common stock to the holders of Parent common stock.

Separation Agreement

    Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

              The separation agreement identifies the assets to be transferred, the liabilities to be assumed and the contracts to be assigned to each of SpinCo and Parent as part of the separation of Parent into two companies, and it provides for when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments will occur. In particular, the separation agreement provides, among other things, that subject to the terms and conditions contained therein:

    certain assets (whether tangible or intangible) related to the SpinCo business, which are referred to as the "SpinCo Assets," will be transferred to SpinCo, including:

    equity interests in certain Parent subsidiaries that hold assets related to the SpinCo business;

    customer, distribution, supply and vendor contracts (or portions thereof) to the extent they relate to the SpinCo business;

    certain third-party vendor contracts for services primarily used in the SpinCo business;

    rights to technology, software and intellectual property primarily used in the SpinCo business;

    exclusive rights to information exclusively related to the SpinCo business and non-exclusive rights to information related to the SpinCo business;

    rights and assets expressly allocated to SpinCo pursuant to the terms of the separation agreement or certain other agreements entered into in connection with the separation;

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      permits primarily used in the SpinCo business; and

      other assets that are included in the SpinCo pro forma balance sheet;

    certain liabilities related to the SpinCo business or the SpinCo Assets, which are referred to as the "SpinCo Liabilities," will be retained by or transferred to SpinCo; and

    all of the assets and liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent, or otherwise) other than the SpinCo Assets and SpinCo Liabilities (such assets and liabilities, other that the SpinCo Assets and the SpinCo Liabilities, referred to as the "Parent Assets" and "Parent Liabilities," respectively) will be retained by or transferred to Parent.

              Except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement or any ancillary agreement, neither SpinCo nor Parent will make any representation or warranty as to (1) the assets, business or liabilities transferred or assumed as part of the separation, (2) any approvals or notifications required in connection with the transfers, (3) the value of or the freedom from any security interests of any of the assets transferred, (4) the absence or presence of any defenses or right of setoff or freedom from counterclaim with respect to any claim or other asset of either SpinCo or Parent, or (5) the legal sufficiency of any assignment, document or instrument delivered to convey title to any asset or thing of value to be transferred in connection with the separation. All assets will be transferred on an "as is," "where is" basis, and the respective transferees will bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyance will prove to be insufficient to vest in the transferee good and marketable title, free and clear of all security interests, and that any necessary consents or governmental approvals are not obtained or that any requirements of laws, agreements, security interests or judgments are not complied with.

              Information in this information statement with respect to the assets and liabilities of the parties following the distribution is presented based on the allocation of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the separation agreement, unless the context otherwise requires. The separation agreement provides that, in the event that the transfer or assignment of certain assets and liabilities to SpinCo or Parent, as applicable, does not occur prior to the separation, then until such assets or liabilities are able to be transferred or assigned, SpinCo or Parent, as applicable, will hold such assets on behalf and for the benefit of the other party and will pay, perform, and discharge such liabilities, for which the other party will reimburse SpinCo or Parent, as applicable, for all commercially reasonable payments made in connection with the performance and discharge of such liabilities.

    The Distribution

              The separation agreement also governs the rights and obligations of the parties regarding the distribution following the completion of the separation. On the distribution date, Parent will distribute to its stockholders that hold Parent common stock as of the record date for the distribution 98.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock on a pro rata basis. Stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares.

    Conditions to the Distribution

              The separation agreement provides that the distribution is subject to satisfaction (or waiver by Parent) of certain conditions. These conditions are described under "The Separation and Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution." Parent has the sole and absolute discretion to determine (and change) the terms of, and to determine whether to proceed with, the distribution and, to the extent it

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determines to so proceed, to determine the record date for the distribution, the distribution date and the distribution ratio.

    Claims

              In general, each party to the separation agreement will assume liability for all pending, threatened and unasserted legal matters related to its own business or its assumed or retained liabilities and will indemnify the other party for any liability to the extent arising out of or resulting from such assumed or retained legal matters.

    Releases

              The separation agreement provides that SpinCo and its affiliates will release and discharge Parent and its affiliates from all liabilities assumed by SpinCo as part of the separation, from all acts and events occurring or failing to occur, and all conditions existing, on or before the distribution date relating to SpinCo's business, and from all liabilities existing or arising in connection with the implementation of the separation, except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement. Parent and its affiliates will release and discharge SpinCo and its affiliates from all liabilities retained by Parent and its affiliates as part of the separation and from all liabilities existing or arising in connection with the implementation of the separation, except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement.

              These releases will not extend to obligations or liabilities under any agreements between the parties that remain in effect following the separation, which agreements include, but are not limited to, the separation agreement, the transition services agreement, the tax matters agreement, the employee matters agreement, and certain other agreements, including the transfer documents in connection with the separation.

    Indemnification

              In the separation agreement, SpinCo agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Parent, each of its affiliates and each of their respective directors, officers and employees, from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

    the SpinCo Liabilities;

    the failure of SpinCo or any other person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the SpinCo Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the distribution;

    except to the extent relating to a Parent Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation for the benefit of SpinCo by Parent that survives the distribution;

    any breach by SpinCo of the separation agreement or any of the ancillary agreements; and

    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of material fact in the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, or in this information statement (as amended or supplemented), other than any such statements or omissions directly relating to information regarding Parent, provided to SpinCo by Parent, for inclusion therein.

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              Parent agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless SpinCo, each of its affiliates and each of its respective directors, officers and employees from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

    the Parent Liabilities;

    the failure of Parent or any other person to pay, perform, or otherwise promptly discharge any of the Parent Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms whether prior to, at, or after the distribution;

    except to the extent relating to a SpinCo Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation for the benefit of Parent by SpinCo that survives the distribution;

    any breach by Parent of the separation agreement or any of the ancillary agreements; and

    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of a material fact directly relating to information regarding Parent, provided to SpinCo by Parent, for inclusion in the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, or in this information statement (as amended or supplemented).

              The separation agreement also establishes procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters.

    Insurance

              The separation agreement provides for the allocation between the parties of rights and obligations under existing insurance policies with respect to occurrences prior to the distribution date and sets forth procedures for the administration of insured claims and addresses certain other insurance matters.

    Further Assurances

              In addition to the actions specifically provided for in the separation agreement, except as otherwise set forth therein or in any ancillary agreement, both SpinCo and Parent agree in the separation agreement to use reasonable best efforts, prior to, on and after the distribution date, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the separation agreement and the ancillary agreements.

    Dispute Resolution

              The separation agreement contains provisions that govern, except as otherwise provided in any ancillary agreement, the resolution of disputes, controversies or claims that may arise between SpinCo and Parent related to the separation or distribution. These provisions contemplate that efforts will be made to resolve disputes, controversies and claims by elevation of the matter to executives of SpinCo and Parent. If such efforts are not successful, either SpinCo or Parent may submit the dispute, controversy or claim to binding arbitration, subject to the provisions of the separation agreement.

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    Expenses

              Except as expressly set forth in the separation agreement or in any ancillary agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the separation and distribution, including costs and expenses relating to legal and tax counsel, financial advisors and accounting advisory work related to the separation and distribution, will be paid by the party incurring such cost and expense.

    Other Matters

              Other matters governed by the separation agreement include access to financial and other information, confidentiality, access to and provision of records and treatment of outstanding guarantees and similar credit support.

    Termination

              The separation agreement provides that it may be terminated, and the separation and distribution may be modified or abandoned, at any time prior to the distribution date in the sole discretion of Parent without the approval of any person, including stockholders of SpinCo or Parent. In the event of a termination of the separation agreement, no party, nor any of its directors, officers, or employees, will have any liability of any kind to the other party or any other person. After the distribution date, the separation agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by both Parent and SpinCo.

Transition Services Agreement

              SpinCo and Parent will enter into a transition services agreement prior to the distribution pursuant to which Parent and its subsidiaries and SpinCo and its subsidiaries will provide, on an interim, transitional basis, various services to each other. The services to be provided include information technology, accounts payable, payroll, legal and other financial functions and administrative services. The agreed upon charges for such services are generally intended to allow the servicing party to recover all costs and expenses of providing such services.

              The transition services agreement will terminate on the expiration of the term of the last service provided under it, which will generally be up to 24 months following the distribution date. The recipient for a particular service generally can terminate that service prior to the scheduled expiration date, subject generally to a minimum service period of 90 days and minimum notice period of 30 days. Due to interdependencies between services, certain services may be extended or terminated early only if other services are likewise extended or terminated.

              Subject to certain exceptions, the liability of each of Parent and SpinCo under the transition services agreement for the services it and its subsidiaries provides will generally be limited to gross negligence, willful misconduct and fraud. The transition services agreement also provides that the provider of a service shall not be liable to the recipient of such service for any indirect, exemplary, incidental, consequential, remote, speculative, punitive or similar damages.

Tax Matters Agreement

              Prior to the separation, SpinCo and Parent will enter into a tax matters agreement that will govern the parties' respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and assistance and cooperation in respect of tax matters. In general, liabilities for taxes allocable to a tax period (or

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portion thereof) ending on or before the distribution date will be allocable to Parent and liabilities for taxes of SpinCo allocable to a tax period (or portion thereof) beginning after the distribution date will be allocable to SpinCo. If a failure of the distribution to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes is attributable to SpinCo's action or inaction or Parent's action or inaction, as the case may be, or any event (or series of events) involving the assets or stock of SpinCo or the assets or stock of Parent, as the case may be, the resulting liability will be borne in full by SpinCo or Parent, respectively.

              SpinCo's obligations under the tax matters agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. Further, even if SpinCo is not responsible for tax liabilities of Parent and its subsidiaries under the tax matters agreement, SpinCo nonetheless could be liable under applicable tax law for such liabilities if Parent were to fail to pay them. If SpinCo is required to pay any liabilities under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement or pursuant to applicable tax law, the amounts may be significant.

              The tax matters agreement will also contain restrictions on SpinCo's ability (and the ability of any member of SpinCo's group) to take actions that could cause the distribution and related transactions to fail to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including entering into, approving or allowing any transaction that results in a sale or other disposition of a substantial portion of SpinCo's assets or stock and the liquidation or dissolution of SpinCo and certain of its subsidiaries. These restrictions will apply for the two-year period after the distribution, unless SpinCo obtains a private letter ruling from the IRS or an unqualified opinion of a nationally recognized law firm that such action will not cause the distribution or certain related transactions to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes and such letter ruling or opinion, as the case may be, is acceptable to Parent. Notwithstanding receipt of such ruling or opinion, in the event that such action causes the distribution or certain related transactions to fail to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, SpinCo will continue to remain responsible for taxes arising therefrom.

Employee Matters Agreement

              SpinCo and Parent will enter into an employee matters agreement prior to the separation to allocate liabilities and responsibilities relating to employment matters, employee compensation and benefits plans and programs and other related matters. The employee matters agreement will govern certain compensation and employee benefit obligations with respect to the current and former employees and non-employee directors of each company.

              The employee matters agreement will provide that, unless otherwise specified, Parent will be responsible for liabilities associated with employees who will be employed by Parent following the separation, former employees whose last employment was with the Parent businesses and certain specified current and former corporate employees, and SpinCo will be responsible for liabilities associated with employees who will be employed by SpinCo following the separation, former employees whose last employment was with the SpinCo businesses and certain specified current and former corporate employees (collectively, the "SpinCo Allocated Employees").

    Employee Benefits Generally

              SpinCo Allocated Employees will be eligible to participate in SpinCo benefit plans as of the separation in accordance with the terms and conditions of the SpinCo plans as in effect from time to time. Generally, SpinCo has agreed to establish and maintain welfare and retirement benefit arrangements, including arrangements that will be applicable to executive officers and directors of

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SpinCo, that are substantially comparable to those provided by Parent to SpinCo Allocated Employees immediately prior to the separation, through at least December 31, 2015. In general, SpinCo will credit each SpinCo Allocated Employee as of the effective time of the distribution with his or her service with Parent prior to the separation for all purposes under the SpinCo benefit plans to the same extent such service was recognized by Parent for similar purposes and so long as such crediting does not result in a duplication of benefits.

    Treatment of Equity Based Compensation

              The employee matters agreement will provide for the conversion of the outstanding awards granted under Parent's equity compensation programs into adjusted awards relating to shares of Parent and/or SpinCo common stock, as described above under the heading "The Separation and Distribution—Treatment of Equity Based Compensation." The adjusted awards generally will be subject to substantially the same terms, vesting conditions, post-termination exercise rules and other restrictions that applied to the original Parent award immediately before the separation.

Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions

              SpinCo's board of directors is expected to adopt a written policy on related person transactions. The policy will cover transactions involving SpinCo in excess of $120,000 in any year in which any director, director nominee, executive officer or greater than 5% beneficial owner of SpinCo, or any of their respective immediate family members, has or had a direct or indirect interest, other than as a director or less than 10% owner, of an entity involved in the transaction. This policy will be posted to the corporate governance section of SpinCo's investor relations website ([ · ]) as of the distribution date.

              Under this policy, the general counsel must advise the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee of any related person transaction of which he or she becomes aware. The Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee must then either approve or reject the transaction in accordance with the terms of the policy. In the course of making this determination, the Nominating and Public Responsibility Committee will consider all relevant information available to it and, as appropriate, take into consideration the size of the transaction and the amount payable to the related person; the nature of the interest of the related person in the transaction; whether the transaction may involve a conflict of interest; the purpose, and the potential benefits to SpinCo, of the transaction; whether the transaction was undertaken in the ordinary course of business; and whether the transaction involved the provision of goods or services to SpinCo that are available from unaffiliated third parties and, if so, whether the transaction is on terms and made under circumstances that are at least as favorable to SpinCo as would be available in comparable transactions with or involving unaffiliated third parties.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

              The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the contribution by Parent of the publishing business (and other assets) to SpinCo and the distribution by Parent of 98.5% of SpinCo's outstanding common stock to its stockholders. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"), U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and on judicial and administrative interpretations of the Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations, all as in effect on the date of this information statement, and is subject to changes in these or other governing authorities, any of which may have a retroactive effect.

              The separation and distribution is conditioned upon the receipt of an opinion of outside counsel to Parent to the effect that, subject to the accuracy of and compliance with certain representations, assumptions and covenants, (a) the separation and the distribution will qualify as a reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, and (b) the distribution will qualify for non-recognition of gain or loss to Parent and Parent's stockholders pursuant to Section 355 of the Code, except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares.

              This summary assumes that the separation and the distribution will be consummated in accordance with the separation and distribution agreement and as described in this information statement. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of all U.S. federal income tax consequences of the separation and the distribution nor does it address the effects of any state, local or foreign tax laws or U.S. federal tax laws other than those relating to income taxes on the separation and the distribution. The tax treatment of a Parent stockholder may vary depending upon that stockholder's particular situation, and certain stockholders (including, but not limited to, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers, partners in partnerships that hold common shares in Parent, pass-through entities, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, stockholders who hold their Parent common shares as part of a "hedge," "straddle," "conversion," "synthetic security," "integrated investment" or "constructive sale transaction," individuals who received Parent common shares upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, and stockholders who are subject to alternative minimum tax) may be subject to special rules not discussed below. In addition, this summary addresses the U.S. federal income tax consequences to a Parent stockholder who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a U.S. person and not to a Parent stockholder who is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation, a foreign partnership, or a foreign trust or estate. Finally, this summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to those Parent stockholders who do not hold their Parent common shares as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code nor does it address any tax consequences arising under the unearned income Medicare contribution tax pursuant to the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

               THIS SUMMARY IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE TO ANY PARTICULAR STOCKHOLDER.

               YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE DISTRIBUTION, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS, IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN LAW THAT MIGHT AFFECT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED IN THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT.

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              Subject to the discussion below regarding Section 355(e) of the Code, neither SpinCo nor Parent will recognize any gain or loss upon the separation and the distribution of SpinCo common stock and no amount will be includable in the income of Parent or SpinCo as a result of the separation and the distribution other than taxable income or gain possibly arising out of internal reorganizations undertaken in connection with the separation and distribution and with respect to any items required to be taken into account under U.S. Treasury regulations relating to consolidated federal income tax returns:

    a Parent stockholder will not recognize any gain or loss and no amount will be includable in income as a result of the receipt of SpinCo common stock pursuant to the distribution, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares of SpinCo common stock (as described below);

    a Parent stockholder's aggregate tax basis in such stockholder's Parent common shares following the distribution and in SpinCo common stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest in SpinCo common stock for which cash is received) will equal such stockholder's tax basis in its Parent common shares immediately before the distribution, allocated between Parent common shares and SpinCo common stock (including any fractional share interest in SpinCo common stock for which cash is received) in proportion to their fair market values on the distribution date;

    a Parent stockholder's holding period for SpinCo common stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest in SpinCo common stock for which cash is received) will include the holding period for that stockholder's Parent common shares; and

    a Parent stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of SpinCo common stock in the distribution will be treated as having sold such fractional share for cash, and will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the Parent stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the fractional share. That gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder's holding period for its Parent common shares exceeds one year at the time of the distribution.

              U.S. Treasury regulations provide that if a Parent stockholder holds different blocks of Parent common shares (generally Parent common shares purchased or acquired on different dates or at different prices), the aggregate basis for each block of Parent common shares purchased or acquired on the same date and at the same price will be allocated, to the greatest extent possible, between the shares of SpinCo common stock received in the distribution in respect of such block of Parent common shares and such block of Parent common shares, in proportion to their respective fair market values on the distribution date. The holding period of the shares of SpinCo common stock received in the distribution in respect of such block of Parent common shares will include the holding period of such block of Parent common shares. If a Parent stockholder is not able to identify which particular shares of SpinCo common stock are received in the distribution with respect to a particular block of Parent common shares, for purposes of applying the rules described above, the stockholder may designate which shares of SpinCo common stock are received in the distribution in respect of a particular block of Parent common shares, provided that such designation is consistent with the terms of the distribution. Parent stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular circumstances.

              U.S. Treasury regulations also require certain Parent stockholders who receive SpinCo common stock in the distribution to attach to the stockholder's U.S. federal income tax return for the year in

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which the stock is received a detailed statement setting forth certain information relating to the tax-free nature of the distribution.

              Even if the distribution otherwise qualifies as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Code, it could be taxable to Parent (but not Parent's stockholders) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the distribution were later deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, stock representing a 50% or greater interest by vote or value, in Parent or SpinCo. For this purpose, any acquisitions of Parent common shares or SpinCo common stock within the period beginning two years before the distribution and ending two years after the distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although Parent or SpinCo may be able to rebut such presumption.

              Payments of cash to holders of Parent common shares in lieu of fractional shares may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 28%, unless a stockholder provides proof of an applicable exemption or a correct taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with the requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding does not constitute an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be refunded or credited against a stockholder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely supplied to the IRS.

              In connection with the distribution, SpinCo and Parent will enter into a tax matters agreement pursuant to which SpinCo will agree to be responsible for certain tax liabilities and obligations following the distribution. For a description of the tax matters agreement, see "Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement."

               The foregoing is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the separation and the distribution under current law and particular circumstances. The foregoing does not purport to address all U.S. federal income tax consequences or tax consequences that may arise under the tax laws of other jurisdictions or that may apply to particular categories of stockholders.

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DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL INDEBTEDNESS

              SpinCo anticipates having little or no indebtedness for borrowed money upon completion of the distribution. SpinCo expects to enter into a revolving credit facility contemporaneously with the separation, with borrowing capacity of up to $[ · ], to provide SpinCo with additional flexibility and liquidity. In a subsequent amendment to this information statement SpinCo will disclose information regarding such revolving credit facility.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

              Before the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock will be owned beneficially and of record by Parent. Following the distribution, SpinCo expects to have outstanding an aggregate of approximately [ · ] million shares of common stock based upon approximately [ · ] million shares of Parent common stock outstanding on [ · ], 2015, excluding treasury shares and assuming no exercise of Parent options, and applying the distribution ratio.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

              The following table reports the number of shares of SpinCo common stock that SpinCo expects will be beneficially owned, immediately following the completion of the distribution by each person who will beneficially own more than 5% of SpinCo common stock. The table is based upon information available as of [ · ], 2015 as to those persons who beneficially own more than 5% of Parent's common stock and an assumption that, for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock held by such persons, they will receive one share of SpinCo common stock.

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
  Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
  Percent of
Class

       

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Share Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors

              The following table sets forth information, immediately following the completion of the distribution, calculated as of [ · ], 2015, based upon the distribution of one share of SpinCo common stock for every [ · ] shares of Parent common stock, regarding (1) each expected director, director nominee and executive officer of SpinCo and (2) all of SpinCo's expected directors and executive officers as a group. The address of each director, director nominee and executive officer shown in the table below is c/o Gannett Co., Inc., [ · ], Attention: Corporate Secretary, [ · ].

Name of
Beneficial Owner
  Shares Beneficially Owned   Exercisable Stock Options   Percent of Class

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

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DESCRIPTION OF SPINCO'S CAPITAL STOCK

               SpinCo's certificate of incorporation and bylaws will be amended and restated prior to the completion of the distribution. The following is a summary of the material terms of SpinCo's capital stock that will be contained in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws. The summaries and descriptions below do not purport to be complete statements of the relevant provisions of the certificate of incorporation or of the bylaws to be in effect at the time of the distribution, which you must read for complete information on SpinCo's capital stock as of the time of the distribution. We have not yet finalized the terms of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and will include descriptions thereof in an amendment to this information statement. The certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each in a form expected to be in effect at the time of the distribution, will be included as exhibits to SpinCo's registration statement on Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part. The summaries and descriptions below do not purport to be complete statements of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

General

              SpinCo's authorized capital stock consists of [ · ] million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and [ · ] million shares of preferred stock, par value $[ · ] per share, all of which shares of preferred stock are undesignated. SpinCo's board of directors may establish the rights and preferences of the preferred stock from time to time. Immediately following the distribution, SpinCo expects that approximately [ · ] million shares of its common stock will be issued and outstanding, based on approximately [ · ] million shares of Parent common stock issued and outstanding on [ · ], 2015, and that no shares of preferred stock will be issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

              Each holder of SpinCo common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to be voted upon by the common stockholders, and there will be no cumulative voting rights. Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred stock, holders of SpinCo common stock will be entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by its board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. If there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of SpinCo, holders of its common stock would be entitled to ratable distribution of its assets remaining after the payment in full of liabilities and any preferential rights of any then-outstanding preferred stock.

              Holders of SpinCo common stock will have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. After the distribution, all outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock will be fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of SpinCo common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that SpinCo may designate and issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

              Under the terms of SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation, its board of directors will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, and by its certificate of incorporation, to issue up to [ · ] million shares of preferred stock in one or more series without further action by the holders of its common stock. SpinCo's board of directors will have the discretion, subject to limitations prescribed by the DGCL and by SpinCo's certificate of incorporation, to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including

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voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, of each series of preferred stock.

Corporate Governance

              As is Gannett's legacy, SpinCo will institute shareholder-friendly corporate governance practices, as described below and elsewhere in this information statement. Responsible and appropriate corporate governance will ensure that SpinCo's management always keeps shareholder interests top of mind when crafting value-creating strategies at all levels of the organization.

               Single Class Capital Structure. SpinCo will have a single class share capital structure with all stockholders entitled to vote for director nominees and each holder of common stock will have one vote per share.

               Annual Director Elections. Commencing with the first annual meeting of stockholders following the separation, directors will be elected at the annual meeting of stockholders and thereafter each director will serve until the next annual election and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. At any meeting of stockholders for the election of directors at which a quorum is present, the election will be determined by a majority of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election, with directors not receiving a majority of the votes cast required to tender their resignations for consideration by the board, except that in the case of a contested election, the election will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote in the election.

               Special Stockholder Meetings. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and/or bylaws will provide that the chairman of its board of directors or its board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire board of directors may call special meetings of SpinCo stockholders. In addition, stockholders who own at least 20% of the outstanding shares of SpinCo common stock will be able to request a special meeting, subject to certain requirements to be set forth in SpinCo's organizational documents. No stockholder will be permitted to propose the removal of directors or the election of directors at such stockholder-called special meetings, other than a single stockholder, or "group" of stockholders who have filed as such under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to their ownership of SpinCo common stock, that owns at least a majority of SpinCo's outstanding common stock.

               Majority Vote for Mergers and Other Business Combinations. Mergers and other business combinations involving SpinCo will generally be required to be approved by a majority vote where such stockholder approval is required.

               Other Expected Corporate Governance Features. Governance features related to SpinCo's board of directors are set forth in the section of this information statement captioned "Directors." In addition to the foregoing, it is expected that SpinCo will implement stock ownership guidelines for directors and senior executive officers, annual board performance evaluations, clawback and anti-hedging policies, prohibitions on option repricing in equity plans without stockholder approval, risk oversight procedures and other practices and protocols.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Various Provisions of Delaware Law and SpinCo's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

              Provisions of the DGCL and SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult to acquire SpinCo by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or

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otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below and in the "Special Stockholder Meetings" section described above, may discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and takeover bids that SpinCo's board of directors may consider inadequate and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of SpinCo to first negotiate with SpinCo's board of directors. SpinCo believes that the benefits of increased protection of its ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure it outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover or acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

               Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. SpinCo will be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover statute. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years following the time the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination or the acquisition of shares that resulted in a stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own) 15 percent or more of a corporation's voting stock. The existence of this provision would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by SpinCo's board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by SpinCo's stockholders.

               Size of Board and Vacancies. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide that the number of directors on its board of directors will be fixed exclusively by its board of directors. Any vacancies created in its board of directors resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled by a majority of the board of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum is present, or by a sole remaining director. Any director appointed to fill a vacancy on SpinCo's board of directors will be appointed for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified. A single stockholder, or "group" of stockholders who have filed as such under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to their ownership of SpinCo common stock, that owns at least a majority of SpinCo's outstanding common stock, will be permitted to propose the removal and replacement of directors or the election of directors at an annual or special meeting.

               Stockholder Action by Written Consent. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will expressly eliminate the right of its stockholders to act by written consent. Stockholder action may only take place at an annual or a special meeting of SpinCo stockholders.

               Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. SpinCo's amended and restated bylaws will establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of its board of directors or a committee of its board of directors.

               No Cumulative Voting. The DGCL provides that stockholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless the company's certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting.

               Undesignated Preferred Stock. The authority that SpinCo's board of directors will possess to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts by third parties to obtain control

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of SpinCo's company through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making such attempts more difficult or more costly. SpinCo's board of directors may be able to issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock.

Limitations on Liability, Indemnification of Officers and Directors and Insurance

              The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties as directors, and SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will include such an exculpation provision. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will include provisions that indemnify, to the fullest extent allowable under the DGCL, the personal liability of directors or officers for monetary damages for actions taken as a director or officer of SpinCo, or for serving at SpinCo's request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws will also provide that SpinCo must indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to its directors and officers, subject to its receipt of an undertaking from the indemnified party as may be required under the DGCL. SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will expressly authorize SpinCo to carry directors' and officers' insurance to protect SpinCo, its directors, officers and certain employees against some liabilities.

              The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that will be in SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against SpinCo's directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit SpinCo and its stockholders. However, these provisions will not limit or eliminate SpinCo's rights, or those of any stockholder, to seek non-monetary relief such as injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director's duty of care. The provisions will not alter the liability of directors under the federal securities laws. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent that, in a class action or direct suit, SpinCo pays the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding against any SpinCo directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Exclusive Forum

              SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that unless the board of directors otherwise determines, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of SpinCo, any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of SpinCo to SpinCo or SpinCo's stockholders, creditors or other constituents, any action asserting a claim against SpinCo or any director or officer of SpinCo arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or SpinCo's amended and restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against SpinCo or any director or officer of SpinCo governed by the internal affairs doctrine. However, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, the action may be brought in another court sitting in the State of Delaware.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

              SpinCo's authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without your approval. SpinCo may use additional shares for a variety of purposes,

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including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to fund acquisitions and as employee compensation. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of SpinCo by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Icahn Agreement

              Spinco is required to become a party to a letter agreement with Parent and the Icahn Group (as defined in such agreement), which Parent has filed as Exhibit 99.2 to Parent's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2015 (the "Icahn Agreement"), prior to the distribution. Pursuant to the Icahn Agreement, (i) the Icahn Group has agreed to specified "standstill" restrictions for a certain period of time, and (ii) SpinCo will agree, among other things, that SpinCo will not have a "stockholder rights plan" in effect at the time of the distribution and that until the conclusion of the standstill period any "stockholder rights plan" adopted by SpinCo will not have a threshold at or below 19.99% and will expire if not ratified by SpinCo stockholders within 135 days of the plan taking effect.

Listing

              SpinCo intends to apply to list its shares of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GCI," which is the same symbol currently used by Parent.

Sale of Unregistered Securities

              On [ · ], 2015, SpinCo issued [ · ] shares of its common stock to Parent pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. SpinCo did not register the issuance of the issued shares under the Securities Act because such issuance did not constitute a public offering.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

              After the distribution, the transfer agent and registrar for SpinCo common stock will be Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.

      Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
      [
      · ], MN [ · ]
      Toll Free: [
      · ]
      Toll: [
      · ]

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

              SpinCo has filed a registration statement on Form 10 with the SEC with respect to the shares of SpinCo common stock being distributed as contemplated by this information statement. This information statement is a part of, and does not contain all of the information set forth in, the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to SpinCo and its common stock, please refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits and schedules. Statements made in this information statement relating to any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement include the material terms of such contract or other document. However, such statements are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document. You may review a copy of the registration statement, including its exhibits and schedules, at the SEC's public reference room, located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 as well as on the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Information contained on any website referenced in this information statement is not incorporated by reference in this information statement.

              As a result of the distribution, SpinCo will become subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the Exchange Act, will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

              SpinCo intends to furnish holders of its common stock with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and audited and reported on, with an opinion expressed, by an independent registered public accounting firm.

              You should rely only on the information contained in this information statement or to which this information statement has referred you. SpinCo has not authorized any person to provide you with different information or to make any representation not contained in this information statement.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

 

 

 
Audited Annual Combined Financial Statements:    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-2
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013   F-3
Combined Statements of Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014   F-5
Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014   F-6
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014   F-7
Combined Statements of Equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014   F-8
Notes to Combined Financial Statements   F-9
Financial Statement Schedule for each of the three fiscal years in the period December 28, 2014 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves   F-47

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gannett Co., Inc.

              We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. (the Company) as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the related combined statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 28, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

              We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

              In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the combined results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
March 12, 2015

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars

Assets   Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Current assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 71,947   $ 78,596  

Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $5,788 and $7,778, respectively

    357,523     389,505  

Other receivables

    16,339     11,413  

Inventories

    38,944     49,427  

Deferred income taxes

    1,797     3,429  

Assets held for sale

    18,434     33,595  

Prepaid expenses

    26,086     36,316  

Total current assets

    531,070     602,281  

Property, plant and equipment

             

Land

    92,470     96,523  

Buildings and improvements

    775,078     785,735  

Machinery, equipment and fixtures

    1,712,028     1,863,191  

Construction in progress

    10,583     5,831  

Total

    2,590,159     2,751,280  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (1,655,676 )   (1,749,737 )

Net property, plant and equipment

    934,483     1,001,543  

Intangible and other assets

             

Goodwill

    544,345     555,479  

Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $151,455 and $141,807, respectively

    50,115     66,938  

Deferred income taxes

    261,322     192,902  

Investments and other assets

    63,125     75,593  

Total intangible and other assets

    918,907     890,912  

Total assets

  $ 2,384,460   $ 2,494,736  

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
In thousands of dollars

Liabilities and equity   Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Current liabilities

             

Trade accounts payable

  $ 125,888   $ 103,189  

Accrued liabilities

             

Compensation

    77,606     89,716  

Taxes

    26,195     28,946  

Other

    89,096     95,045  

Income taxes

    13,675     40,391  

Deferred income

    77,123     78,946  

Total current liabilities

    409,583     436,233  

Income taxes

    11,991     16,147  

Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities

    93,474     124,159  

Pension liabilities

    770,041     497,342  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    161,899     155,634  

Total noncurrent liabilities

    1,037,405     793,282  

Total liabilities

    1,446,988     1,229,515  

Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 11)

             

Equity

             

Parent's investment, net

    1,615,584     1,707,202  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (678,112 )   (441,981 )

Total equity

    937,472     1,265,221  

Total liabilities and equity

  $ 2,384,460   $ 2,494,736  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
In thousands of dollars

Fiscal year ended   Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013   Dec. 30, 2012  

Net operating revenues

                   

Advertising

   $ 1,840,067    $ 1,971,046    $ 2,124,268  

Circulation

    1,109,729     1,117,491     1,103,262  

Other

    222,082     236,402     242,477  

Total

    3,171,878     3,324,939     3,470,007  

Operating expenses

                   

Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation

    1,997,803     2,089,748     2,165,727  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation

    765,465     773,409     823,003  

Depreciation

    97,178     95,979     103,500  

Amortization of intangible assets

    13,885     14,119     14,289  

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Note 3)

    35,216     26,611     32,075  

Total

    2,909,547     2,999,866     3,138,594  

Operating income

    262,331     325,073     331,413  

Non-operating income (expense)

                   

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net

    15,857     22,768     11,386  

Other non-operating items

    77     (2,078 )   1,991  

Total

    15,934     20,690     13,377  

Income before income taxes

    278,265     345,763     344,790  

Provision for income taxes

    67,560     71,302     67,560  

Net income

  $ 210,705   $ 274,461   $ 277,230  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
In thousands of dollars

Fiscal year ended   Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013   Dec. 30, 2012  

Net income

  $ 210,705   $ 274,461   $ 277,230  

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax:

                   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    (27,414 )   7,516     17,280  

Pension and other postretirement benefit items:

                   

Actuarial (loss) gain:

                   

Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period

    (429,402 )   258,220     (208,696 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

    42,446     57,940     50,028  

Prior service cost:

                   

Change in prior service credit

    36,873     303      

Amortization of prior service credit

    (4,454 )   (2,039 )   (11,678 )

Settlement charge

        1,721     4,445  

Other

    23,634     (9,448 )   (10,205 )

Pension and other postretirement benefit items

    (330,903 )   306,697     (176,106 )

Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax

    (358,317 )   314,213     (158,826 )

Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income

    122,186     (131,121 )   61,430  

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

    (236,131 )   183,092     (97,396 )

Comprehensive (loss) income

  $ (25,426 ) $ 457,553   $ 179,834  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In thousands of dollars

Fiscal year ended   Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013   Dec. 30, 2012  

Cash flows from operating activities

                   

Net income

  $ 210,705   $ 274,461   $ 277,230  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:

                   

Depreciation

    97,178     95,979     103,500  

Amortization of intangible assets

    13,885     14,119     14,289  

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Note 3)

    35,216     26,611     32,075  

Stock-based compensation

    17,099     16,201     13,259  

Provision for deferred income taxes

    48,943     66,621     47,555  

Pension and other postretirement expense, net of contributions

    (100,984 )   (99,683 )   (113,450 )

Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 3 and 6)

    (15,857 )   (22,768 )   (11,386 )

Other, net, including gains on asset sales

    8,619     (6,407 )   (11,614 )

Decrease in trade receivables

    30,753     2,943     24,711  

(Increase) decrease in other receivables

    (4,988 )   65     (2,306 )

Decrease (increase) in inventories

    9,577     5,028     (8,514 )

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

    23,298     (25,086 )   14,326  

Decrease in taxes payable

    (30,871 )   (48,120 )   (14,200 )

(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses

    (21,544 )   (34,473 )   1,186  

Decrease in deferred income

    (1,471 )   (3,783 )   (18,628 )

Change in other assets and liabilities, net

    26,580     (7,173 )   (20,271 )

Net cash flow from operating activities

    346,138     254,535     327,762  

Cash flows from investing activities

                   

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

    (72,307 )   (53,619 )   (54,722 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

    (113 )   (922 )   (8,098 )

Payments for investments

    (2,500 )       (109 )

Proceeds from investments

    18,629     26,806     18,155  

Proceeds from sale of certain assets

    24,519     19,983     38,659  

Net cash used for investing activities

    (31,772 )   (7,752 )   (6,115 )

Cash flows from financing activities

                   

Transactions with Parent

    (319,422 )   (300,805 )   (295,656 )

Deferred payments for acquisitions

    (1,313 )   (1,314 )   (700 )

Net cash used for financing activities

    (320,735 )   (302,119 )   (296,356 )

Effect of currency exchange rate change

    (280 )   (164 )   2,052  

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (6,649 )   (55,500 )   27,343  

Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

    78,596     134,096     106,753  

Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of year

  $ 71,947   $ 78,596   $ 134,096  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

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GANNETT SPINCO, INC.
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
In thousands of dollars

Fiscal years ended Dec. 30, 2012,
Dec. 29, 2013, and Dec. 28, 2014
  Parent's investment, net   Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
  Total  

Balance: Dec. 25, 2011

  $ 1,722,510   $ (527,677 ) $ 1,194,833  

Net income, 2012

    277,230           277,230  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

          (97,396 )   (97,396 )

Total comprehensive income

                179,834  

Transactions with Parent, net

    (282,397 )         (282,397 )

Balance: Dec. 30, 2012

  $ 1,717,343   $ (625,073 ) $ 1,092,270  

Net income, 2013

    274,461           274,461  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

          183,092     183,092  

Total comprehensive income

                457,553  

Transactions with Parent, net

    (284,602 )         (284,602 )

Balance: Dec. 29, 2013

  $ 1,707,202   $ (441,981 ) $ 1,265,221  

Net income, 2014

    210,705           210,705  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

          (236,131 )   (236,131 )

Total comprehensive loss

                (25,426 )

Transactions with Parent, net

    (302,323 )         (302,323 )

Balance: Dec. 28, 2014

  $ 1,615,584   $ (678,112 ) $ 937,472  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial statements.

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NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

               Business Operations: The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of Gannett SpinCo, Inc. ("SpinCo," "our," "us," "we"), a business representing the principal publishing operations of Gannett Co., Inc. ("Parent") and certain other entities wholly-owned by Parent that will be contributed to us as a part of our separation from Parent, as described below.

              Our operations comprise 100 daily publications in the U.S. and the U.K., more than 400 non-daily local publications in the U.S. and more than 125 such titles in the U.K. Our 82 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY.

               Separation from Parent and Basis of Presentation: On August 5, 2014, Parent announced its plan to create two publicly traded companies with scale: one focused on its Publishing business, us, and the other comprising its Broadcasting and Digital businesses. The separation will be effected by means of a pro rata distribution of 98.5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock to holders of Parent common stock. Following the distribution, Parent will own 1.5% of our outstanding common shares and we will be a separate public company.

              Historically, we have not prepared separate financial statements. The accompanying combined financial statements are derived from the historical accounting records of Parent and present our combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented as if we were a separate entity. These combined financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

              In preparing these financial statements, management has made certain assumptions or implemented methodologies to allocate various expenses from Parent to us and from us back to Parent in the form of cost recoveries. These allocations represent services provided between the two entities and are more fully detailed in Note 13. All such costs and expenses are assumed to be settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net" equity account in the period in which the costs were incurred. Current income taxes are also assumed to be settled with Parent through "Parent's investment, net" and settlement is deemed to occur in the year following recognition in the current income tax provision. We believe the assumptions and methodologies used in these allocations are reasonable. However, such allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been incurred had we historically operated on a stand-alone basis. Accordingly, these combined financial statements may not necessarily reflect our combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows had we operated each as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented.

              All of our internal intercompany accounts have been eliminated in combination. All significant intercompany transactions between either (i) us and Parent or (ii) us and Parent affiliates have been included within the combined financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled through equity contributions or distributions at the time the transactions were recorded. The accumulated net effect of intercompany transactions between either (i) us and Parent or (ii) us and Parent affiliates are included in "Parent's investment, net." These intercompany transactions are further described in Note 13 to our combined financial statements. The total net effect of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Combined Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.

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NOTE 2

Summary of significant accounting policies

               Fiscal year: Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our 2014 fiscal year ended on December 28, 2014, and encompassed a 52-week period. Our 2013 fiscal year encompassed a 52-week period ending on December 29, 2013 and our 2012 fiscal year encompassed a 53-week period ending on December 30, 2012.

               Subsidiaries and Investments: The combined financial statements include our accounts and those over which we have control after elimination of all intercompany transactions and profits.

               Segment presentation: We have determined that all of our operating segments meet the criteria under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280, Segment Reporting to be aggregated into one reportable segment.

               Use of estimates: The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits, valuation of intangible assets and allocation of costs between us and Parent.

               Cash and cash equivalents: Parent utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations. Under this centralized cash management program, Parent provides funds to us and vice versa. These transactions are recorded in "Parent's investment, net" when advanced. Accordingly, none of Parent's cash and cash equivalents has been assigned to us in the combined financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents in the Combined Balance Sheets represent cash held locally by us and consist of cash and investments with original maturities of three months or less.

               Trade receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Trade receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and significant individual account credit risk.

               Inventories: Inventories, consisting principally of newsprint, printing ink and plate material for our publishing operations, are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

               Assets held for sale: In accordance with the guidance on the disposal of long-lived assets under ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment ("ASC Topic 360"), we reported assets held for sale of $18 million as of December 28, 2014 and $34 million as of December 29, 2013.

               Valuation of long-lived assets: In accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other ("ASC Topic 350") and ASC Topic 360, we evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets (mostly property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets) to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying value. We measure impairment based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose.

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               Property and depreciation: Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; and machinery, equipment and fixtures, 3 to 30 years. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred.

              Certain assets of Parent and Parent affiliates that are not owned by us and are otherwise specifically identifiable or attributable to us and are necessary to present these combined financial statements on a stand-alone basis have also been included in these combined financial statements.

               Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. In accordance with the impairment testing provisions included in ASC Topic 350, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

              We perform an annual two-step goodwill impairment test. In the first step of the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill.

              In determining the reporting units, we consider the way we manage our businesses and the nature of those businesses. We establish our reporting units at or one level below the operating segment level. These reporting units therefore consist principally of U.S. Community Publishing, the USA TODAY group, and the U.K. group.

              We perform a quantitative impairment test annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. The quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each masthead or trade name with its carrying amount. We use a "relief from royalty" approach which utilizes a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of each masthead or trade name.

              Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 as described above.

               Investments and other assets: Investments in entities for which we do not have control, but we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in "Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net" in the Combined Statements of Income. See Note 6 for additional information.

               Revenue recognition: Our revenues include fees charged to advertisers for space purchased in our newspapers, digital advertisements placed on our digital platforms, advertising and marketing service fees. Advertising revenues, net of agency commissions, are recognized at the time the

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advertisements are published in the newspaper. Advertising revenues for digital platforms are recognized as impressions are delivered. Revenues also include circulation revenues for newspapers, both print and digital, purchased by readers or distributors, reduced by the amount of any discounts taken. Circulation revenues are recognized when either newspapers are purchased, ratably over the subscription period, or made available on our digital platforms. We also generate commercial printing revenues which are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities.

               Retirement plans: Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations under our defined benefit retirement plans and Parent-sponsored plans for which we have been allocated costs and associated obligations are actuarially determined. We recognize the cost of postretirement benefits including pension, medical and life insurance benefits on an accrual basis over the average life expectancy of employees expected to receive such benefits for plans that have had their benefits frozen. For active plans, costs are recognized over the estimated average future service period. Our plans and those which have been allocated to us are discussed in Note 7 and Note 8.

              At the separation date, we expect that pension and other postretirement liabilities relating to our current and former employees will be transferred from Parent to us. Retirement benefits obligations pursuant to the Parent-sponsored retirement plans related to our current and former employees have been allocated to us in our combined financial statements for all periods presented. The allocation was done by determining the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability will be transferred. Our Combined Balance Sheets reflect the net obligation related to our current and former employees and our Combined Statements of Income reflect the net expense for these retirement benefits.

               Stock-based employee compensation: In prior years, Parent's board of directors approved stock option awards to be issued to our employees. These awards generally have graded vesting terms, and we recognize compensation expense for these options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award (generally four years). Stock options are no longer issued to our employees.

              The board of directors of Parent also approved grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units as well as performance shares to our employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the four-year incentive period for restricted stock and the three-year incentive period for performance shares. Expense for performance share awards for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Notes 10 and 13 for further discussion.

               Income taxes: We account for certain income and expense items differently for financial reporting purposes than for income tax reporting purposes. Deferred income taxes are provided in recognition of these temporary differences. For the purposes of these combined financial statements, we have computed income taxes as if we were filing separate returns from Parent. Current income taxes payable are settled with Parent through the "Parent's investment, net" and settlement is deemed to occur in the year following recognition in the current income tax provision. See Note 9 for further discussion.

               Foreign currency translation: The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in "Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax" in the Combined Statements of

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Comprehensive Income (Loss) and are classified as "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" in the Combined Balance Sheets and Combined Statements of Equity.

               Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible, or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable.

               Concentration of Risk: Due to the distributed nature of our operations, we are not subject to significant concentrations of risk relating to customers, products, or geographic locations. Our business consists of 82 U.S. daily publications with affiliated online sites in 30 states and one U.S. territory. Our business also includes Newsquest, which is a regional publisher in the U.K. that includes 18 paid-for daily publications and more than 125 weekly publications, magazines and trade publications. Our business in the U.S. includes more than 400 non-daily publications, a network of offset presses for commercial printing and several smaller businesses. Generally, credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer's financial position, and advance payment is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and have been within management's expectations.

              Our foreign revenues, principally from businesses in the U.K. totaled approximately $461.3 million in 2014, $452.0 million in 2013 and $484.4 million in 2012.

              Our long-lived assets in foreign countries, principally in the U.K., totaled approximately $336.7 million at December 29, 2014, $384.3 million at December 29, 2013, and $398.5 million at December 30, 2012.

               New accounting pronouncements: In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08 Presentation of Financial Statements ("Topic 205"); Property, Plant, and Equipment ("Topic 360"), and Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity . ASU No. 2014-08 amends the requirements for reporting and disclosing discontinued operations. Under ASU No. 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. ASU No. 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied prospectively. We adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2014-08 in 2014 as it relates to a U.S. non-daily publication that ceased production at the end of 2014.

              In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606") which supersedes the guidance in Revenue Recognition ("Topic 605"). The core principle contemplated by ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required.

              We are required to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017 and early application is not permitted. However, we will need to retroactively apply the standard to 2015 and 2016 at the time of adoption. We can choose to apply the standard using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach where we will recognize a cumulative catch up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this pronouncement and the transition method we will use.

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NOTE 3

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges

              For each year presented, we recognized charges related to facility consolidations efforts and in certain of these periods, we also recorded non-cash impairment charges related to intangible assets and certain investments in which we hold a noncontrolling interest which are accounted for under the equity method.

              A summary of these charges by year is presented below:

In thousands of dollars  

 
2014   Pre-Tax
Amount
  After-Tax
Amount
 

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:

             

Intangible assets

  $ 1,701   $ 1,000  

Property, plant and equipment

    19,467     13,467  

Other

    14,048     8,449  

Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations

  $ 35,216   $ 22,916  

 

In thousands of dollars  

 
2013   Pre-Tax
Amount
  After-Tax
Amount
 

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:

             

Intangible assets

  $ 2,401   $ 1,500  

Property, plant and equipment

    14,756     9,156  

Other

    9,454     5,854  

Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations

    26,611     16,510  

Non-operating charges:

             

Other non-operating items

    2,693     1,593  

Total charges

  $ 29,304   $ 18,103  

 

In thousands of dollars  

 
2012   Pre-Tax
Amount (a)
  After-Tax
Amount
 

Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges:

             

Property, plant and equipment

  $ 29,520   $ 18,320  

Other

    2,556     1,457  

Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations

    32,075     19,777  

Non-operating charges:

             

Equity method investments

    3,220     2,020  

Total charges

  $ 35,295   $ 21,797  

(a)
Total amounts may not sum due to rounding.

              ASC Topic 350 requires that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested for impairment at least annually. Our annual measurement date for testing is the first day of the fourth quarter. Recognized intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives

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and are subject to tests for impairment in accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 350.

              During 2014 and 2013, we recorded non-cash impairment charges for mastheads after the qualitative assessments indicated it was more likely than not that the carrying value exceeded the fair value. Accordingly, we prepared quantitative assessments in both years which also indicated that impairments existed. As a result of these assessments, we recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of each asset to its respective calculated fair value. Fair value was determined using a relief-from-royalty method. The pre-tax impairment charges totaled $1.7 million in 2014 and $2.4 million in 2013. The impairments recorded were principally a result of revised revenue projections which were lower than expected. In 2014, the revised revenue projections were also coupled with a decrease in royalty rates of comparable arrangements thus negatively impacting our royalty assumptions.

              Facility consolidation plans led us to recognize charges associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period as well as shutdown costs. Charges were recognized in all periods presented. Certain assets classified as held-for-sale in accordance with ASC Topic 360 resulted in charges being recognized in all periods presented as the carrying values were reduced to equal the fair value less cost to dispose. These fair values were based on estimates of selling prices for similar assets. We also recorded non-operating charges to write off certain assets that were donated during 2013.

              During 2012, the carrying values of certain investments in which we own noncontrolling interests were written down to fair value because the businesses underlying the investments had experienced significant and sustained operating losses, leading us to conclude that they were other than temporarily impaired. These charges of $3.2 million for 2012 are recorded in "Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net."

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NOTE 4

Goodwill and other intangible assets

              The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013.

In thousands of dollars  

 
 
  Gross   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net  

Dec. 28, 2014

                   

Goodwill

  $ 544,345   $   $ 544,345  

Indefinite-lived intangibles:

                   

Mastheads and trade names

    13,469         13,469  

Amortizable intangible assets:

                   

Customer relationships

    173,822     (140,720 )   33,102  

Other

    14,279     (10,735 )   3,544  

Total

  $ 745,915   $ (151,455 ) $ 594,460  

Dec. 29, 2013

                   

Goodwill

  $ 555,479   $   $ 555,479  

Indefinite-lived intangibles:

                   

Mastheads and trade names

    15,612         15,612  

Amortizable intangible assets:

                   

Customer relationships

    178,454     (132,563 )   45,891  

Other

    14,679     (9,244 )   5,435  

Total

  $ 764,224   $ (141,807 ) $ 622,417  

              Amortization expense was $13.9 million in 2014, $14.1 million in 2013 and $14.3 million in 2012. Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Other intangibles are primarily amortizable trade names and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

              The following table shows the projected annual amortization expense, as of December 28, 2014, related to amortizable intangibles assuming no acquisitions or dispositions:

In thousands of dollars  

 

2015

  $ 10,602  

2016

  $ 5,399  

2017

  $ 3,526  

2018

  $ 3,512  

2019

  $ 3,024  

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              The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2014 and 2013:

In thousands of dollars  

 
 
  Total  

Gross balance at Dec. 30, 2012

  $ 7,450,346  

Accumulated impairment losses

    (6,899,817 )

Net balance at Dec. 30, 2012

  $ 550,529  

Acquisitions & adjustments

    1,047  

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

    3,903  

Balance at Dec. 29, 2013

  $ 555,479  

Gross balance at Dec. 29, 2013

    7,501,584  

Accumulated impairment losses

    (6,946,105 )

Net balance at Dec. 29, 2013

  $ 555,479  

Acquisitions & adjustments

    2  

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

    (11,136 )

Balance at Dec. 28, 2014

  $ 544,345  

Gross balance at Dec. 28, 2014

    7,358,420  

Accumulated impairment losses

    (6,814,075 )

Net balance at Dec. 28, 2014

  $ 544,345  

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NOTE 5

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

              The elements of our "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" consisted of pension, retiree medical and life insurance liabilities and foreign currency translation gains. The following tables summarize the components of, and changes in, "Accumulated other comprehensive loss":

In thousands of dollars  
2014
  Retirement
Plans
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
  Total  

Balance at beginning of year

  $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614   $ (441,981 )

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

    (232,740 )   (27,414 )   (260,154 )

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

    24,023         24,023  

Balance at end of year

  $ (1,082,312 ) $ 404,200   $ (678,112 )

 

In thousands of dollars  
2013
  Retirement
Plans
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
  Total  

Balance at beginning of year

  $ (1,049,171 ) $ 424,098   $ (625,073 )

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

    139,670     7,516     147,186  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

    35,906         35,906  

Balance at end of year

  $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614   $ (441,981 )

 

In thousands of dollars  
2012
  Retirement
Plans
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
  Total  

Balance at beginning of year

  $ (934,495 ) $ 406,818   $ (527,677 )

Other comprehensive (loss) income

    (114,676 )   17,280     (97,396 )

Balance at end of year

  $ (1,049,171 ) $ 424,098   $ (625,073 )

              "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" components are included in the computation of net periodic postretirement costs (see Notes 7 and 8 for more detail). Reclassifications out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" related to these postretirement plans include the following:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013  

Amortization of prior service credit

  $ (4,454 ) $ (2,039 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

    42,446     57,940  

Settlement charge

        1,721  

Total reclassifications, before tax

    37,992     57,622  

Income tax effect

    (13,969 )   (21,716 )

Total reclassifications, net of tax

  $ 24,023   $ 35,906  

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NOTE 6

Investments

              Our investments include several that are accounted for under the equity method:

 
  % Owned
Dec. 28, 2014
 

Ponderay Newsprint Company

    13.50 %

California Newspapers Partnership

    19.49 %

Homefinder.com

    33.33 %

Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership

    40.64 %

TNI Partners

    50.00 %

              The aggregate carrying value of equity investments at December 28, 2014 was $54.5 million and $62.3 million at December 29, 2013. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain of the investments.

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NOTE 7

Retirement plans

              We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. Most of our current and former employees also participate in Parent-sponsored pension plans which include participants of Parent's Broadcasting and Digital businesses. Retirement benefits obligations pursuant to the Parent-sponsored retirement plans related to our current and former employees will be transferred to us at the separation date and, accordingly, have been allocated to us in our combined financial statements for all periods presented. This allocation was done by determining the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability will be transferred.

              The most significant shared defined benefit plan is the Gannett Retirement Plan ("GRP"). As of December 28, 2014 the GRP was underfunded by $418.3 million and as of December 29, 2013, the GRP was underfunded by $185.3 million. We have been allocated $391.1 million for our current and former employees as of December 28, 2014 and $173.2 million as of December 29, 2013.

              Certain of our current and former employees also participate in the Gannet Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SERP"), which is not funded. As of December 28, 2014, the projected benefit obligation for the SERP was $216.0 million, of which we have been allocated $120.9 million. As of December 29, 2013, the projected benefit obligation for the SERP was $190.8 million, of which we have been allocated $106.7 million. At the separation date, the GRP and SERP liabilities relating to our current and former employees which have been allocated to us for purposes of these combined financial statements will be transferred from Parent to us. Along with the allocation of the projected benefit obligation, we have been allocated a portion of the plan assets related to the GRP based upon a preliminary estimate of the assets to be transferred. The SERP is an unfunded plan. However, the final amounts to be transferred will be done in accordance with regulatory requirements, and it is reasonably possible that the amounts transferred for liabilities and assets could change from the amounts presented in these combined financial statements.

              The disclosure tables below include the assets and obligations of the Newsquest Pension Scheme in the U.K. ("Newsquest Plan"), the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan, and our allocated amounts for our current and former employees covered by the Parent-sponsored GRP and SERP. We use a December 31 measurement date convention for our retirement plans.

              Substantially all participants in the GRP and SERP had their benefits frozen before 2009. Participants of the Newsquest Plan had their benefits frozen effective March 31, 2011. Our pension

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costs, which include costs for all of our qualified plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored qualified and non-qualified plans, are presented in the following table:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013   2012  

Service cost—benefits earned during the period

  $ 4,498   $ 6,487   $ 6,436  

Interest cost on benefit obligation

    145,433     131,270     144,465  

Expected return on plan assets

    (206,164 )   (188,462 )   (180,418 )

Amortization of prior service costs

    6,967     6,967     7,021  

Amortization of actuarial loss

    41,728     56,813     48,160  

Pension (benefit) cost for our plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans

    (7,538 )   13,075     25,664  

Settlement charge

        1,721     4,445  

Total pension (benefit) cost

  $ (7,538 ) $ 14,796   $ 30,109  

              The following table provides a reconciliation of pension benefit obligations (on a projected benefit obligation measurement basis), plan assets and funded status of our retirement plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans, along with the related amounts that are recognized in the Combined Balance Sheets.

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Change in benefit obligations

             

Benefit obligations at beginning of year

  $ 3,170,182   $ 3,315,371  

Service cost

    4,498     6,487  

Interest cost

    145,433     131,270  

Plan amendments

        177  

Plan participants' contributions

    4     4  

Actuarial loss (gain)

    370,700     (84,556 )

Foreign currency translation

    (57,779 )   21,758  

Gross benefits paid

    (199,457 )   (214,320 )

Settlements

        (6,009 )

Benefit obligations at end of year

  $ 3,433,581   $ 3,170,182  

Change in plan assets

             

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $ 2,668,093   $ 2,430,886  

Actual return on plan assets

    154,462     346,459  

Plan participants' contributions

    4     4  

Employer contributions

    74,442     94,716  

Gross benefits paid

    (199,457 )   (214,320 )

Settlements

        (6,009 )

Foreign currency translation

    (42,655 )   16,357  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $ 2,654,889   $ 2,668,093  

Funded status at end of year

  $ (778,692 ) $ (502,089 )

Amounts recognized in Combined Balance Sheets

             

Noncurrent assets

  $   $ 3,684  

Accrued benefit cost—current

  $ (8,651 ) $ (8,431 )

Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent

  $ (770,041 ) $ (497,342 )

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              The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans at December 28, 2014, is as follows:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Fair Value of
Plan Assets
  Benefit
Obligation
  Funded Status  

GRP (a)

  $ 1,845,622   $ 2,236,714   $ (391,092 )

Newsquest

    716,519     970,674     (254,155 )

Newspaper Guild of Detroit

    92,748     105,338     (12,590 )

SERP (a) (b)

        120,855     (120,855 )

Total

  $ 2,654,889   $ 3,433,581   $ (778,692 )

(a)
Amounts disclosed represent our allocated portion of Parent-sponsored plans.
(b)
The SERP is an unfunded, unsecured liability

              The accumulated benefit obligation for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans was $3.4 billion at December 28, 2014 and $3.1 billion at December 29, 2013. The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Accumulated benefit obligation

  $ 3,420,669   $ 3,073,250  

Fair value of plan assets

  $ 2,654,889   $ 2,578,106  

              The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Projected benefit obligation

  $ 3,433,581   $ 3,083,880  

Fair value of plan assets

  $ 2,654,889   $ 2,578,106  

              The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" that are currently unrecognized as a component of pension expense for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans as of the dates presented (pre-tax). Amounts included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" related to Parent-sponsored plans have been allocated to us in proportion to the projected benefit obligation allocated to us.

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Net actuarial loss

  $ (1,663,647 ) $ (1,309,485 )

Prior service cost

    (43,257 )   (50,224 )

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ (1,706,904 ) $ (1,359,709 )

              The actuarial loss amounts expected to be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are $54.6 million. The prior service cost amounts expected to be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net periodic benefit cost in 2015 are $7.0 million.

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              Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in "Other comprehensive loss" consist of the following:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014  

Current year actuarial loss

  $ (422,402 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

    41,728  

Amortization of prior service costs

    6,967  

Foreign currency gain

    26,511  

Total

  $ (347,196 )

               Pension costs: The following assumptions were used to determine net pension costs:

 
  2014   2013   2012  

Discount rate

    4.74 %   4.10 %   4.84 %

Expected return on plan assets

    7.91 %   7.93 %   7.94 %

Rate of compensation increase

    2.96 %   2.96 %   2.96 %

              The expected return on plan assets assumption was determined based on plan asset allocations, a review of historic capital market performance, historical plan asset performance and a forecast of expected future plan asset returns.

               Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligations:

 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Discount rate

    3.94 %   4.74 %

Rate of compensation increase

    2.96 %   2.96 %

              During 2014, we made contributions of $14.7 million to the Newsquest Plan. In 2015, we expect to contribute $12.8 million to the Newsquest Plan. During 2014, Parent made contributions of $56.1 million to the GRP and $12.6 million to the SERP. We have been allocated $52.5 million for contributions to the GRP and $7.0 million for contributions to the SERP, in proportion to the projected benefit obligation that has been allocated to us. In 2015, Parent contributions are expected to be $12.0 million for the GRP and $15.5 million for the SERP. Our share of Parent's total contribution is expected to be $11.2 million for GRP and $8.7 million for SERP.

               Plan assets: The primary objective of our plans and Parent-sponsored defined benefit retirement plans is to provide eligible employees with scheduled pension benefits; the "prudent man" guideline is followed with regard to the investment management of retirement plan assets. Consistent with prudent standards for preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity, the goal is to earn the highest possible total rate of return while minimizing risk. The principal means of reducing volatility and exercising prudent investment judgment is diversification by asset class and by investment manager; consequently, portfolios are constructed to attain prudent diversification in the total portfolio, each asset class, and within each individual investment manager's portfolio. Investment diversification is consistent with the intent to minimize the risk of large losses. All objectives are based upon an investment horizon spanning five years so that interim market fluctuations can be viewed with the appropriate perspective. The target asset allocation represents the long-term perspective. Retirement plan assets will be rebalanced periodically to align them with the target asset allocations. Risk characteristics are measured and compared with an appropriate benchmark quarterly; periodic reviews

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are made of the investment objectives and the investment managers. The actual investment return on plan assets for the Newsquest plan was 11.7% in 2014, 12.3% in 2013 and 8.0% in 2012. The actual investment return on plan assets for the GRP was 5.2% for 2014, 16.4% for 2013 and 12.6% for 2012.

              Our allocated portion of GRP plan assets include approximately 1.2 million shares of Parent common stock valued at approximately $37.1 million at the end of 2014 and $34.3 million at the end of 2013. Our allocated portion of these shares received dividends of approximately $0.9 million in 2014, and $0.9 million in 2013.

              The asset allocation for the GRP at the end of 2014 and 2013 and the target allocation for 2015, by asset category, are presented in the table below:

 
   
  Allocation of
Plan Assets

 
 
  Target
Allocation
2015
 
 
  2014   2013  

Equity securities

    65 %   65 %   64 %

Debt securities

    20     20     22  

Other

    15     15     14  

Total

    100 %   100 %   100 %

               Cash flows: We estimate the following benefit payments will be made from retirement plan assets, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans.

In thousands of dollars  

2015

  $ 191,290  

2016

  $ 193,177  

2017

  $ 195,630  

2018

  $ 194,729  

2019

  $ 196,475  

2020-2024

  $ 966,089  

               Multi-employer plans that provide pension benefits: We contribute to a number of multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements ("CBA") that cover our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

    We play no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration.

    Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.

    If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

    If we choose to stop participating in some of our multi-employer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability.

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              Our participation in these plans for the annual period ended December 28, 2014, is outlined in the table below. The "EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employee Identification Number ("EIN") and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act ("PPA") zone statuses available are for the plan's year-end at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan's actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than 80% funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan ("FIP") or a rehabilitation plan ("RP") is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.

              We make all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, our contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan except for one. The one exception is the Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan which represented approximately 13%.

              We incurred expenses for multi-employer withdrawal liabilities of $8.2 million and $3.8 million in 2014 and 2012. Other noncurrent liabilities on the Combined Balance Sheet as of December 28, 2014 include $41.2 million and $34.1 million as of December 29, 2013, for such withdrawal liabilities.

Multi-employer Pension Plans
 
   
  Zone Status
Dec. 31,

   
  Contributions
(in thousands)
   
   
 
  EIN Number/
Plan Number
  FIP/RP Status
Pending/
Implemented
  Surcharge
Imposed
  Expiration
Dates of
CBAs
Pension Plan Name   2014   2013   2014   2013   2012

CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan

  13-6212879/001   Red   Red   Implemented   $ 433   $ 242   $ 572   No   2/1/2015
11/08/2015
2/23/2016

GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a) (b)

 

91-6024903/001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

   
71
   
216
   
380
 

No

 
N/A

The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a)

 

52-1082662/001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

   
244
   
279
   
415
 

No

 
2/23/2016

IAM National Pension Plan (a)

 

51-6031295/002

 

Green

 

Green

 

N/A

   
403
   
736
   
341
 

N/A

 
4/30/2016

Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a)

 

23-1511735/001

 

Yellow

 

Yellow

 

Implemented

   
1,298
   
1,355
   
876
 

N/A

 
7/29/2015
2/23/2016

Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a)

 

36-6052390/001

 

Green as of Jan. 31, 2014

 

Green as of Jan. 31, 2013

 

N/A

   
153
   
160
   
158
 

N/A

 
4/30/2016

Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (b)

 

36-6044243/001

 

Red

 

Red

 

Implemented

   
   
40
   
260
 

No

 
N/A

Total

                 
$

2,602
 
$

3,028
 
$

3,002
       

(a)
This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010.
(b)
We have no ongoing participation in these plans.

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NOTE 8

Postretirement benefits other than pensions

              We provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits, and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy for pre-65 coverage is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. Commencing July 1, 2014, we began paying a stipend to most Medicare-eligible retirees which is accessible through a Health Reimbursement Account. We eliminated postretirement medical and life insurance benefits for most U.S. employees under 50 years of age effective January 1, 2006.

              Certain of our employees also participate in Parent-sponsored postretirement defined benefit plans which include participants of Parent's Broadcasting and Digital businesses. Health care and life insurance benefit obligations pursuant to the Parent-sponsored postretirement plans related to our current and former employees will be transferred to us at the separation date and, accordingly, have been allocated to us in our combined financial statements for all periods presented by determining the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability will be transferred.

              The unfunded liability for these Parent-sponsored plans was $63.3 million as of December 28, 2014 and $95.2 million as of December 29, 2013. For our current and former employees, we have been allocated $61.2 million as of December 28, 2014 and $92.1 million as of December 29, 2013.

              The disclosure tables below include the obligations pursuant to our plan as well as the obligations of Parent-sponsored plans that have been allocated to us. We use a December 31 measurement date convention for these plans.

              Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance included the following components:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013   2012  

Service cost—benefits earned during the period

  $ 365   $ 523   $ 537  

Interest cost on net benefit obligation

    4,610     5,526     7,557  

Amortization of prior service credit

    (11,421 )   (9,006 )   (18,700 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

    718     1,127     1,868  

Net periodic postretirement benefit credit

  $ (5,728 ) $ (1,830 ) $ (8,738 )

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              The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of our postretirement benefit plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored postretirement plans:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013  

Change in benefit obligations

             

Net benefit obligations at beginning of year

  $ 141,447   $ 165,672  

Service cost

    365     523  

Interest cost

    4,610     5,526  

Plan participants' contributions

    5,018     9,430  

Actuarial loss (gain)

    6,590     (15,922 )

Plan amendments

    (36,873 )   (480 )

Gross benefits paid

    (18,294 )   (27,363 )

Federal subsidy on benefits paid

    665     4,061  

Net benefit obligations at end of year

  $ 103,528   $ 141,447  

Change in plan assets

             

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

  $   $  

Employer contributions

    13,276     17,933  

Plan participants' contributions

    5,018     9,430  

Gross benefits paid

    (18,294 )   (27,363 )

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

  $   $  

Benefit obligation at end of year

  $ (103,528 ) $ (141,447 )

Amounts recognized in Combined Balance Sheets

             

Accrued benefit cost—current

  $ (10,054 ) $ (17,288 )

Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent

  $ (93,474 ) $ (124,159 )

              The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" that are currently unrecognized as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit credit as of the dates presented (pre-tax):

In thousands of dollars  
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Net actuarial loss

  $ (12,044 ) $ (5,762 )

Prior service credit

    41,454     16,001  

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  $ 29,410   $ 10,239  

              We estimate a $1.4 million actuarial loss and a $9.8 million prior service credit will be amortized from "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net periodic benefit cost in 2015.

              Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in "Other comprehensive loss" consist of the following:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014  

Current year actuarial loss

  $ (7,000 )

Change in prior service credit

    36,873  

Amortization of actuarial loss

    718  

Amortization of prior service credit

    (11,421 )

Total

  $ 19,170  

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               Postretirement benefit costs: The following assumptions were used to determine postretirement benefit cost:

 
  2014   2013   2012

Discount rate

  4.50%   3.80%   4.75%

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

  6.26%   7.17%   6.50%

Ultimate trend rate

  5.00%   5.00%   5.00%

Year that ultimate trend rate is reached

  2018   2017   2016

               Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligation:

 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013

Discount rate

  4.00%   4.75%

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

  6.26%   7.17%

Ultimate trend rate

  5.00%   5.00%

Year that ultimate trend rate is reached

  2018   2017

              Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate would result in a change of approximately $0.3 million in the 2014 postretirement benefit obligation and no measurable change in the aggregate service and interest components of the 2014 expense.

               Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans and our allocated portions of Parent-sponsored retirement plans.

In thousands of dollars   Benefit
Payments
 

2015

  $ 10,054  

2016

  $ 8,895  

2017

  $ 8,307  

2018

  $ 8,382  

2019

  $ 7,794  

2020-2024

  $ 31,446  

              The amounts above exclude the participants' share of the benefit cost. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims, stipends and premiums are paid or pay a stipend to certain Medicare-eligible retirees. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2015 and beyond.

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NOTE 9

Income taxes

              The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

In thousands of dollars  

 
2014
  Current   Deferred   Total  

Federal

  $ 39,740   $ 18,282   $ 58,022  

State and other

    (21,123 )   27,731     6,608  

Foreign

        2,930     2,930  

Total

  $ 18,617   $ 48,943   $ 67,560  

 

In thousands of dollars  

 
2013
  Current   Deferred   Total  

Federal

  $ 21,933   $ 64,317   $ 86,250  

State and other

    (17,252 )   (2,944 )   (20,196 )

Foreign

        5,248     5,248  

Total

  $ 4,681   $ 66,621   $ 71,302  

 

In thousands of dollars  

 
2012
  Current   Deferred   Total  

Federal

  $ 34,931   $ 48,367   $ 83,298  

State and other

    (9,258 )   (1,297 )   (10,555 )

Foreign

    (5,668 )   485     (5,183 )

Total

  $ 20,005   $ 47,555   $ 67,560  

              The components of net income before income taxes consist of the following:

In thousands of dollars  

 
 
  2014   2013   2012  

Domestic

  $ 192,741   $ 260,937   $ 255,738  

Foreign

    85,524     84,826     89,052  

Total

  $ 278,265   $ 345,763   $ 344,790  

              The provision for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences:

 
  2014   2013   2012  

U.S. statutory tax rate

    35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

                   

Statutory rate differential and permanent differences in earnings in foreign jurisdictions

    (13.4 )   (11.0 )   (11.3 )

State/other income taxes net of federal income tax

    2.5     2.6     2.4  

Valuation allowance

    4.4     2.9     2.2  

Domestic manufacturing deduction

    (1.9 )   (1.1 )   (1.2 )

Lapse of statutes of limitations net of federal income tax

    (0.9 )   (8.6 )   (7.1 )

Other, net

    (1.4 )   0.8     (0.4 )

Effective tax rate

    24.3 %   20.6 %   19.6 %

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              Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax reporting and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted for enacted changes in tax laws or tax rates of the various tax jurisdictions. The amounts of such adjustments for 2014, 2013, and 2012 are insignificant.

              Deferred tax liabilities and assets were composed of the following at the end of 2014 and 2013:

In thousands of dollars  

 
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013  

Liabilities

             

Accelerated depreciation

  $ (186,222 ) $ (171,147 )

Total deferred tax liabilities

    (186,222 )   (171,147 )

Assets

             

Accrued compensation costs

    20,587     24,478  

Pension and postretirement benefits

    346,792     232,302  

Accelerated amortization of deductible intangibles

    56,082     57,237  

Federal tax benefits of uncertain state tax positions

    3,846     5,528  

Partnership investments including impairments

    9,894     44,004  

Loss carryforwards

    52,759     43,518  

Other

    18,773     11,474  

Total deferred tax assets

    508,733     418,541  

Valuation allowance

    (59,392 )   (51,063 )

Total net deferred tax assets

  $ 263,119   $ 196,331  

Amounts recognized in Combined Balance Sheets

             

Net current deferred tax assets

  $ 1,797   $ 3,429  

Net noncurrent deferred tax assets

  $ 261,322   $ 192,902  

              As of December 28, 2014 we had approximately $18.2 million of foreign tax credits, $137.5 million of foreign net operating loss carry forwards and $35.5 million of foreign capital loss carryforwards. The foreign tax credits expire in various amounts beginning in 2016 through 2024, the foreign net operating loss carryovers expire in various amounts beginning in 2015 through 2034 and the foreign capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

              Included in total deferred tax assets are valuation allowances of approximately $59.4 million in 2014 and $51.1 million in 2013, primarily related to foreign tax credits and foreign losses available for carry forward to future years. The increase in the valuation allowance from 2013 to 2014 is related primarily to $8.2 million of additional foreign losses for which it was determined, based on an analysis of future sources of taxable income and other sources of positive and negative evidence, it is not more likely than not that the foreign credits and losses will be utilized before their expiration.

              Realization of deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income. We expect to realize the benefit of these deferred tax assets through future reversals of our deferred tax liabilities, through the recognition of taxable income in the allowable carry back and carry forward periods, and through implementation of future tax planning strategies. Although realization of these deferred tax assets is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established will be realized.

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              The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions:

In thousands of dollars  

 
 
  Dec. 28, 2014   Dec. 29, 2013   Dec. 30, 2012  

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

                   

Balance at beginning of year

  $ 13,875   $ 45,111   $ 70,042  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

    1,768     1,945     5,309  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

    545     2,801     803  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

    (2,398 )   (14,102 )   (22,662 )

Settlements

    (36 )   (1,167 )   (3,773 )

Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations

    (2,835 )   (20,713 )   (4,608 )

Balance at end of year

  $ 10,919   $ 13,875   $ 45,111  

              The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $7.5 million as of December 28, 2014, $9.2 million as of December 29, 2013, and $31.5 million as of December 30, 2012. This amount includes the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions.

              We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We recognize interest income attributable to overpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. We recognize interest credits for the reversal of interest expense previously recorded for uncertain tax positions which are subsequently released. We recognized income from interest and the release of penalty reserves of $1.2 million in 2014, $12.2 million in 2013, and $8.3 million in 2012. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.1 million as of December 28, 2014, $2.3 million as of December 29, 2013, and $14.5 million as of December 30, 2012.

              We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The 2011 through 2014 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS. The 2010 through 2014 tax years generally remain subject to examination by state authorities, and tax year 2014 remains subject to examination in the U.K. Tax years before 2010 remain subject to examination by certain states primarily due to the filing of amended tax returns as a result of the settlement of the IRS examination for these years and due to ongoing audits.

              It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of settlement of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or other regulatory developments. At this time, we estimate the amount of our gross unrecognized tax positions may decrease by up to approximately $1.3 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions, as has historically occurred in the normal course of business.

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NOTE 10

Stock-Based Compensation

              In May 2001, Parent shareholders approved the adoption of the Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan is administered by the Executive Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Parent and was amended and restated as of May 4, 2010 to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance to up to 60.0 million shares of Parent common stock for awards granted on or after the amendment date. The Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and other equity-based and cash-based awards. Awards may be granted to our employees. The Plan provides that shares of common stock subject to awards granted become available again for issuance if such awards are canceled or forfeited.

              During 2011, Parent established a performance share award for senior executives pursuant to which awards were first made with a grant date of January 1, 2012. Pursuant to the terms of this award, shares of Parent common stock may be issued ("Performance Shares") to senior executives following the completion of a three-year period beginning on the grant date. Generally, if an executive remains in continuous employment with us during the full three-year incentive period, the number of performance share units ("PSU") that an executive will receive will be determined based upon how the total shareholder return of Parent ("TSR") compares to the TSR of a peer group of media companies during the three-year period. The PSU agreement provides for pro rata vesting if an executive's employment terminates before the end of the performance period due to death, disability or retirement, as defined in the award agreement. Non-vested units are forfeited upon termination for any other reason. Long-term equity awards – consisting of performance shares and restricted stock units – are generally made with a grant date of January 1.

              The fair value and compensation expense of each PSU is determined on the date of the grant by using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Each PSU is equal to and paid in one share of Parent common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. The number of shares ultimately issued for each PSU award may range from 0% to 200% of the award's target.

              Parent issues stock-based compensation to our employees in the form of Parent restricted stock units ("RSUs"). These awards generally entitle employees to receive at the end of a four-year incentive period one share of Parent common stock for each RSU granted, conditioned on continued employment for the full incentive period. RSUs generally vest on a pro rata basis if an executive's employment terminates due to death, disability or retirement. For RSU grants after 2014, the grants generally vest 25% per year. Under the plan, no more than 500,000 RSUs may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year.

              The Plan also permits Parent to issue restricted stock. Restricted Stock is an award of Parent common stock that is subject to restrictions and such other terms and conditions as the Executive Compensation Committee determines. Under the Plan, no more than 500,000 restricted shares may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year.

              The Plan also permits Parent to issue stock options. Stock options may be granted as either non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. Options may be granted to purchase Parent common stock at not less than 100% of the fair market value on the day of grant. Options may be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Parent Executive Compensation Committee determines. The Plan restricts the granting of options to any participant in any fiscal year to no more than 1,000,000 shares. Options issued from 1996 through November 2004

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have a 10-year exercise period, and options issued in December 2004 and thereafter have an eight-year exercise period. Options generally become exercisable at 25% per year. Parent discontinued annual stock option grants to senior executives when Parent began issuing Performance Shares.

              Parent issued stock options, performance shares and restricted stock to certain members of management and certain members of the Parent board of directors. Of such amounts, the total expense allocated to us was $4.8 million for 2014, $7.1 million for 2013, and $5.6 million for 2012 and is recorded in "Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation." Refer to Note 13 for additional discussion.

              The Parent Executive Compensation Committee may grant other types of awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or that are otherwise based on fair market value of Parent common stock or other criteria established by the Parent Executive Compensation Committee including the achievement of performance goals. The maximum aggregate grant of Performance Shares that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed 500,000 shares of Parent common stock. The maximum aggregate amount of performance units or cash-based awards that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed $10 million.

              In the event of a change in control as defined in the Plan, unless otherwise specified in the award agreement, (1) all outstanding options will become immediately exercisable in full; (2) all restricted periods and restrictions imposed on non-performance based restricted stock awards will lapse; (3) all non-performance based restricted stock units will fully vest; and (4) target payment opportunities attainable under all outstanding awards of performance-based restricted stock, performance units and Performance Shares will be paid as specified in the Plan. Our separation from Parent does not qualify as a change in control as defined in the Plan.

    Determining fair value

               Valuation and amortization method – Parent determined the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and the fair value of Performance Shares using the Monte Carlo valuation model. This model considers the likelihood that Parent, and the likelihood of Parent peer group companies' share prices ending at various levels subject to certain price caps at the conclusion of the three-year incentive period. Key inputs into the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and the Monte Carlo valuation model include expected term, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the risk-free rate. Each assumption is discussed below.

               Expected term – The expected term represents the period that Parent stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term for Performance Share awards is based on the incentive period. For stock options, it is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, considering contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior.

               Expected volatility – The fair value of stock-based awards reflects volatility factors calculated using historical market data for Parent common stock and also their peer group when the Monte Carlo method is used. The time frame used is equal to the expected term.

               Expected dividend – The dividend assumption is based on Parent expectations about their dividend policy on the date of grant.

               Risk-free interest rate – The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield to maturity at the time of the award grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining life equal to the award's expected term.

               Estimated forfeitures – When estimating forfeitures, voluntary termination behavior as well as analysis of actual forfeitures was considered.

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              The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of performance share awards and stock options:

Performance Shares Granted During   2014   2013   2012  

Expected term

    3 yrs.     3 yrs.     3 yrs.  

Expected volatility

    39.32%     40.80%     69.47%  

Risk-free interest rate

      0.78%       0.36%       0.41%  

Expected dividend yield

      2.70%       4.44%       2.39%  

 

Stock Options Granted During (a)   2012  

Average expected term

    4.5 yrs  

Expected volatility

    65.74%  

Weighted average volatility

    65.74%  

Risk-free interest rates

    0.84%  

Expected dividend yield

    5.00%  

Weighted average expected dividend

    5.00%  

(a)
No stock options were granted to our employees after 2012.

              Stock-based Compensation Expense:     The following table reflects the stock-based compensation related amounts recognized in the Combined Statements of Income for equity awards. The amounts disclosed below exclude the allocated charges from Parent described above and in Note 13.

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013   2012  

Restricted stock and RSUs

  $ 9,150   $ 10,040   $ 7,898  

Performance shares

    7,333     4,931     3,330  

Stock options and other

    616     1,230     2,031  

Total stock-based compensation

  $ 17,099   $ 16,201   $ 13,259  

              Restricted Stock and RSUs:     As of December 28, 2014, there was $18.5 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and RSUs. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. The vesting of non-vested restricted stock and RSUs is satisfied through the issuance of shares from Parent treasury stock.

              A summary of restricted stock and RSU awards is presented below:

2014 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity   Shares   Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

    2,334,753   $ 13.87  

Granted

    479,954   $ 26.57  

Settled

    (679,896 ) $ 14.72  

Canceled

    (270,878 ) $ 16.16  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    1,863,933   $ 16.51  

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2013 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity   Shares   Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

    2,434,630   $ 12.87  

Granted

    902,915   $ 15.27  

Settled

    (679,680 ) $ 12.36  

Canceled

    (323,112 ) $ 13.41  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    2,334,753   $ 13.87  

 

2012 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity   Shares   Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

    2,169,309   $ 10.41  

Granted

    1,134,871   $ 11.97  

Settled

    (568,898 ) $ 2.33  

Canceled

    (300,652 ) $ 11.66  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    2,434,630   $ 12.87  

              Performance Shares:     As of December 28, 2014, there was $3.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Performance Shares. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The vesting of Performance Shares is satisfied through the issuance of shares from Parent treasury stock.

              A summary of the performance share awards is below:

2014 Performance Shares Activity   Target number
of shares
  Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

    693,060   $ 16.89  

Granted

    160,557   $ 37.31  

Canceled

    (54,734 ) $ 20.54  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    798,883   $ 20.58  

 

2013 Performance Shares Activity   Target number
of shares
  Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

    380,617   $ 14.06  

Granted

    335,326   $ 20.12  

Canceled

    (22,883 ) $ 15.00  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    693,060   $ 16.89  

 

2012 Performance Shares Activity   Target number
of shares
  Weighted
average fair
value
 

Outstanding and unvested at beginning of year

      $  

Granted

    430,115   $ 14.12  

Canceled

    (49,498 ) $ 14.12  

Outstanding and unvested at end of year

    380,617   $ 14.06  

              Stock Options:     Options were exercised with an intrinsic value of approximately $6.8 million in 2014, $8.1 million in 2013 and $8.2 million in 2012. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance

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of shares from Parent treasury stock. Parent receives all cash upon exercise. The total fair value was $2.8 million for options vested during 2014, $4.3 million for options vested during 2013 and $4.9 million for options vested during 2012.

              A summary of stock option awards is presented below:

2014 Stock Option Activity   Shares   Weighted
average
exercise price
  Weighted average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic value
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

    2,428,986   $ 31.20     3.1   $ 19,801,996  

Exercised

    (433,068 ) $ 14.39              

Canceled/expired

    (742,820 ) $ 55.77              

Outstanding at end of year

    1,253,098   $ 22.44     2.7   $ 14,831,820  

Options exercisable at year end

    1,196,348   $ 22.74     2.6   $ 13,950,493  

 

2013 Stock Option Activity   Shares   Weighted
average
exercise price
  Weighted average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic value
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

    5,768,121   $ 47.49     2.9   $ 8,066,827  

Exercised

    (775,397 ) $ 12.95              

Canceled/expired

    (2,563,738 ) $ 73.36              

Outstanding at end of year

    2,428,986   $ 31.20     3.1   $ 19,801,996  

Options exercisable at year end

    1,994,354   $ 34.59     2.7   $ 13,908,829  

 

2012 Stock Option Activity   Shares   Weighted
average
exercise price
  Weighted average
remaining
contractual term
(in years)
  Aggregate
intrinsic value
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

    10,803,000   $ 53.30     3.1   $ 6,452,122  

Granted

    35,088   $ 15.22              

Exercised

    (1,066,395 ) $ 9.87              

Canceled/expired

    (4,003,572 ) $ 72.90              

Outstanding at end of year

    5,768,121   $ 47.49     2.9   $ 8,066,827  

Options exercisable at year end

    4,668,415   $ 55.26     2.3   $ 4,652,478  

Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the year

  $ 5.70                    

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NOTE 11

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters

               Litigation: We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We believe that any liability imposed as a result of these matters will be immaterial.

               Leases: Approximate future minimum annual rentals payable under non-cancelable operating leases, primarily real-estate related, are as follows:

In thousands of dollars  

2015

  $ 37,892  

2016

    31,787  

2017

    28,935  

2018

    22,197  

2019

    19,289  

Later years

    74,419  

Total

  $ 214,519  

              Total minimum annual rentals include future minimum sublease rentals aggregating $4.0 million. Total rental costs reflected were $34.1 million in 2014, $34.7 million in 2013, and $39.6 million in 2012.

               Purchase obligations: We have commitments under purchasing obligations totaling $56.2 million related to printing contracts, capital projects, interactive marketing agreements, wire services and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at December 28, 2014, are reflected in the Combined Balance Sheets as "Trade accounts payable" and "Accrued liabilities" and are excluded from the $56.2 million.

               Self insurance: We are self-insured for most of our employee medical coverage and for our casualty, general liability and libel coverage (subject to a cap above which third party insurance is in place). The liabilities are established on an actuarial basis, with the advice of consulting actuaries, and totaled $69.1 million at the end of 2014 and $77.0 million at the end of 2013.

               Other matters: In March 2011, the Advertiser Company, an entity that will be included in SpinCo as part of the distribution which publishes The Montgomery Advertiser, was notified by the U.S. EPA that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, AL. At this point in the investigation, incomplete information is available about the site, other potentially responsible parties and what further investigation and remediation may be required. Accordingly, future costs at the site, and The Advertiser Company's share of such costs, if any, are currently unable to be determined. Some of The Advertiser Company's fees and costs related to this matter may be reimbursable under its liability insurance policies.

              Parent also has certain transitional compensation plans for certain of our employees. These plans provide for severance and continued life and medical insurance coverage if a termination without "cause" following certain events such as a change in control or the proposed spin-off.

              In 2014, we exited one of our businesses and incurred $21.0 million of costs associated with contractual promotional payments. These costs are accrued on our Combined Balance Sheets at the end of 2014. Amounts are to be paid primarily in 2015. These costs are also included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation" in the Combined Statements of Income.

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NOTE 12

Fair value measurement

              We measure and record certain assets and liabilities at fair value in the accompanying combined financial statements. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement , establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:

  Level 1     Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2

 


 

Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

 

Level 3

 


 

Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use.

              Other than the assets held as assets by our pension plans discussed below, the only assets or liabilities recorded on our Combined Balance Sheets requiring recurring fair value measurement is contingent consideration payable for historical business combinations. Contingent consideration payable totaled $1.0 million as of December 28, 2014 and $1.8 million as of December 29, 2013 and is classified as a Level 3 liability as of each period end. These amounts represent the estimated fair value of future earn-outs payable under such agreements. The fair value was measured based on the present value of the consideration expected to be transferred. The discount rate is a significant unobservable input in such present value computations. For the year ended December 28, 2014, the discount rate applied to the present value computation was 23%. The contingent consideration decreased by $0.8 million for the year ended December 28, 2014 and $3.1 million for the year ended December 29, 2013 as a result of payments and adjustments to fair value.

              The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair values of our pension plan assets relating to the Newsquest Plan and the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan as well as the fair values of our allocated portions of the pension plan assets related to the GRP. Total fair value of GRP plan assets was $2.0 billion as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. We have been allocated $1.8 billion as of December 28, 2014 and $1.9 billion as of December 29, 2013 based upon a preliminary estimate of the assets to be transferred. However, the final amounts to be transferred will be done in accordance with regulatory requirements, there is a reasonably possible chance that the amounts transferred for liabilities and assets could change from the amounts presented in these combined financial statements. As the assets to be transferred are subject to final determination, the tables below have been prepared, by necessity, using a proportional approach to the total GRP plan assets where we have been allocated a proportional amount of plan assets that are included within each level of the hierarchy for the plan as a whole. There is a reasonably possible chance that the amounts transferred and the amounts by level could change from the amounts presented below.

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Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities

In thousands of dollars  
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014 (a)  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets:

                         

Fixed income:

                         

U.S. government-related securities

  $   $ 3,744   $   $ 3,744  

Mortgage backed securities

        3,735     89     3,824  

Other government bonds

        4,266         4,266  

Corporate bonds

        23,027     357     23,384  

Corporate stock

    866,418             866,418  

Real estate

            109,102     109,102  

Interest in common/collective trusts:

                         

Equities

        693,277         693,277  

Fixed income

    6,593     216,728         223,321  

Interest in reg. invest. companies

    144,160     44,406         188,566  

Interest in 103-12 investments

        22,776         22,776  

Partnership/joint venture interests

        34,144     138,148     172,292  

Hedge funds

        20,166     314,084     334,250  

Derivative contracts

        2,831     116     2,947  

Total

  $ 1,017,171   $ 1,069,100   $ 561,896   $ 2,648,167  

Liabilities:

                         

Derivative liabilities

    (4 )   (2,387 )   (1,877 )   (4,268 )

Total

  $ (4 ) $ (2,387 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (4,268 )

Cash and other

    8,546     2,444         10,990  

Total net fair value of plan assets

  $ 1,025,713   $ 1,069,157   $ 560,019   $ 2,654,889  

(a)
We use a December 31 measurement date for our retirement plans.

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In thousands of dollars  
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 29, 2013 (a)  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Assets:

                         

Fixed income:

                         

U.S. government-related securities

  $   $ 3,097   $   $ 3,097  

Mortgage backed securities

        3,716     372     4,088  

Other government bonds

        4,625         4,625  

Corporate bonds

        27,895     800     28,695  

Corporate stock

    836,981             836,981  

Real estate

            97,169     97,169  

Interest in common/collective trusts:

                         

Equities

        730,024         730,024  

Fixed income

        136,414         136,414  

Interest in reg. invest. companies

    264,478     42,610         307,088  

Interest in 103-12 investments

        26,826         26,826  

Partnership/joint venture interests

        34,036     140,574     174,610  

Hedge funds

        22,649     239,004     261,653  

Derivative contracts

    20     10,529     153     10,702  

Total

  $ 1,101,479   $ 1,042,421   $ 478,072   $ 2,621,972  

Liabilities:

                         

Derivative liabilities

    (7 )   (9,149 )   (1,877 )   (11,033 )

Total

  $ (7 ) $ (9,149 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (11,033 )

Cash and other

    54,812     2,342         57,154  

Total net fair value of plan assets

  $ 1,156,284   $ 1,035,614   $ 476,195   $ 2,668,093  

(a)
We use a December 31 measurement date for our retirement plans.

              Items included in "Cash and other" in the table above primarily consist of amounts categorized as cash and cash equivalents and pending purchases and sales of securities.

              Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

    U.S. government-related securities are treasury bonds, bills, and notes that are primarily obligations to the U.S. Treasury. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or quotes for identical or similar securities. Mortgage-backed securities are typically not actively quoted. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or use quotes for identical or similar securities.

    Other government and corporate bonds are mainly valued based on institutional bid evaluations using proprietary models, using discounted cash flow models or models that derive prices based on similar securities. Corporate bonds categorized in Level 3 are primarily from distressed issuers for whom the values represent an estimate of recovery in a potential or actual bankruptcy situation.

    Corporate stock is valued primarily at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

    Investments in direct real estate have been valued by an independent qualified valuer in the U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams

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        at an appropriate multiplier. Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies.

    Interest in common/collective trusts and interest in 103-12 investments are valued using the net asset value as provided monthly by the fund family or fund company. Shares in the common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request.

    Five of these investments in collective trusts are fixed income funds which use individual subfunds to efficiently add a representative sample of securities in individual market sectors to the portfolio. Three funds in the collective trust fund are equity funds which use individual subfunds to efficiently add a representative sample of securities in individual market sectors to the portfolio. These funds are generally redeemable with a short-term written or verbal notice. Also included is a fund that invests in a select portfolio of large cap domestic stocks perceived to have superior growth characteristics. Shares in this fund are generally redeemable on any business day, upon two-day notice. There are no unfunded commitments related to these types of funds.

    Interest in registered investment companies is valued using the published net asset values as quoted through publicly available pricing sources. The investments in Level 2 are proprietary funds of the individual fund managers and are not publicly quoted.

    Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified in Level 3 are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, considering items such as expected cash flows, changes in market outlook and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above methods. Most of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds, others include a venture capital fund, a fund formed to invest in special credit opportunities, an infrastructure fund and a real estate fund. Interest in partnership investments cannot be redeemed. Instead, distributions are received as the underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified as Level 2 represents a limited partnership commingled fund valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund manager.

    Investments in hedge funds are valued at the net asset value as reported by the fund managers. Within this category is a fund of hedge funds whose objective is to produce a return that is uncorrelated with market movements. Other funds categorized as hedge funds were formed to invest in mortgage and credit trading opportunities. Shares in hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on the last business day of each quarter, with at least 60 days written notice, subject to potential 5% holdback. There are no unfunded commitments related to the hedge funds.

    Derivatives primarily consist of forward and swap contracts. Forward contracts are valued at the spot rate, plus or minus forward points between the valuation date and maturity date. Swaps are valued at the mid-evaluation price using discounted cash flow models. Items in Level 3 are valued based on the market values of other securities for which they represent a synthetic combination.

              We review and Parent reviews appraised values, audited financial statements and additional information to evaluate fair value estimates from our investment managers or fund administrators. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities and our allocated portion of Parent-sponsored plan assets and liabilities, categorized as Level 3, for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. As noted above, we have used a proportional approach to the allocation of plan assets for the GRP and, by necessity, the table below reflects our portion of Level 3 assets held by the GRP.

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Pension Plan Assets

In thousands of dollars  
For the year ended Dec. 28, 2014  
 
   
  Actual Return on Plan Assets    
   
   
 
 
  Balance at
beginning
of year
  Relating to
assets still
held at
report date
  Relating to
assets sold
during the
period
  Purchases,
sales, and
settlements
  Transfers in
and/or out
of Level 3 (1)
  Balance at
end of year
 

Assets:

                                     

Fixed income:

                                     

Mortgage-backed securities

  $ 372   $   $ 1   $ (284 ) $   $ 89  

Corporate bonds

    800     109     (117 )   (435 )       357  

Real estate

    97,169     2,019         9,914         109,102  

Partnership/joint venture interests

    140,574     728     20,368     (23,522 )       138,148  

Hedge funds

    239,004     9,787     840     64,453         314,084  

Derivative contracts

    153         15     (52 )       116  

Total

  $ 478,072   $ 12,643   $ 21,107   $ 50,074   $   $ 561,896  

Liabilities:

                                     

Derivative liabilities

  $ (1,877 ) $   $   $   $   $ (1,877 )

(1)
Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.

In thousands of dollars  
For the year ended Dec. 29, 2013  
 
   
  Actual Return on Plan Assets    
   
   
 
 
  Balance at
beginning
of year
  Relating to
assets still
held at
report date
  Relating to
assets sold
during the
period
  Purchases,
sales, and
settlements
  Transfers in
and/or out
of Level 3 (1)
  Balance at
end of year
 

Assets:

                                     

Fixed income:

                                     

Mortgage-backed securities

  $   $   $ (2 ) $ 374   $   $ 372  

Corporate bonds

    745     186     (4 )   (127 )       800  

Real estate

    97,385     125         (341 )       97,169  

Partnership/joint venture interests

    123,620     11,387     12,461     (8,726 )   1,832     140,574  

Hedge funds

    148,775     16,699     751     74,611     (1,832 )   239,004  

Derivative contracts

    468     (352 )       37         153  

Total

  $ 370,993   $ 28,045   $ 13,206   $ 65,828   $   $ 478,072  

Liabilities:

                                     

Derivative liabilities

  $ (1,877 ) $   $   $   $   $ (1,877 )

(1)
Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period.

              Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

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              The following tables summarize the non-financial assets measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013:

Non-Financial Assets

In thousands of dollars  
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014  
 
  Level 1
  Level 2
  Level 3
  Total
 

Assets held for sale – Quarter 4

  $   $   $ 18,434   $ 18,434  

Non-Financial Assets

In thousands of dollars  
Fair value measurement as of Dec. 29, 2013  
 
  Level 1
  Level 2
  Level 3
  Total
 

Assets held for sale – Quarter 4

  $   $   $ 33,595   $ 33,595  

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NOTE 13

Related party transactions with affiliates

              The following is a discussion of our relationship with Parent, the services provided by both parties and how transactions with Parent and Parent affiliates have been accounted for in the combined financial statements.

    Equity

              Equity in the Combined Balance Sheets includes the accumulated balance of transactions between us and Parent, our paid-in-capital, and Parent's interest in our cumulative retained earnings, and are presented within "Parent's investment, net" and combined with "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" as the two components of equity. The amounts comprising the accumulated balance of transactions between us and Parent and Parent affiliates include (i) the cumulative net assets attributed to us by Parent and Parent affiliates, (ii) the cumulative net advances to Parent representing our cumulative funds swept (net of funding provided by Parent and Parent affiliates to us) as part of the centralized cash management program described further below and (iii) the cumulative charges (net of credits) allocated by Parent and Parent affiliates to us for certain support services received by us.

    Centralized cash management

              Parent utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations, providing funds to its entities as needed. These transactions are recorded in "Parent's investment, net" when advanced. Accordingly, none of Parent cash and cash equivalents have been assigned to us in the combined financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents in our Combined Balance Sheets represent cash held locally by us. Included in "Cash and cash equivalents" are investments in commercial paper of Parent totaling $63.9 million as of December 28, 2014 and $64.6 million as of December 29, 2013. Interest income recorded on these related party investments, recorded within "Other non-operating items," was $1.8 million for 2014, $1.9 million for 2013 and $2.3 million for 2012.

    Support services provided and other amounts with Parent and Parent affiliates

              We received allocated charges from Parent and Parent affiliates for certain corporate support services, which are recorded within "Selling, general and administrative expense, exclusive of depreciation" in our Combined Statements of Income, net of cost recoveries reflecting services provided by us and allocated to Parent. Management believes that the bases used for the allocations are reasonable and reflect the portion of such costs, net of cost recoveries, attributable to our operations; however, the amounts may not be representative of the costs necessary for us to operate as a separate stand-alone company.

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              These allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, are summarized in the following table:

In thousands of dollars  
 
  2014   2013   2012  

Corporate allocations (a)

  $ 60,628   $ 65,718   $ 61,293  

Occupancy (b)

    5,642     6,678     6,750  

Depreciation (c)

    7,960     9,275     9,102  

Other support costs (d)

    15,743     19,019     19,881  

Cost recoveries (e)

    (9,501 )   (4,643 )   (4,571 )

Total

  $ 80,472   $ 96,047   $ 92,455  

(a)
The corporate allocations related to support we received from Parent and Parent affiliates for certain corporate activities include: (i) corporate general and administrative expenses, (ii) marketing services, (iii) investor relations, (iv) legal, (v) human resources, (vi) internal audit, (vii) financial reporting, (viii) tax, (ix) treasury, (x) information technology, (xi) production services, (xii) travel services, and (xiii) other Parent corporate and infrastructure costs. For these services, we recorded a management fee based on actual costs incurred by Parent and Parent affiliates, and allocated to us based upon our revenue as a percentage of total Parent revenue in each fiscal year.

(b)
Occupancy costs relate to certain facilities owned and/or leased by Parent and Parent affiliates that were utilized by our employees and principally relate to shared corporate office space. These costs were charged to us primarily based on actual square footage utilized or our revenue as a percentage of total Parent revenue in each fiscal year. Occupancy costs include facility rent, repair and maintenance, security and other occupancy related costs incurred to manage the properties.

(c)
Depreciation expense was allocated by Parent and Parent affiliates for certain assets. These assets primarily relate to facilities and IT equipment that are utilized by Parent and us to operate our businesses. These assets have not been included in our Combined Balance Sheets. Depreciation expense was allocated primarily based on our revenue as a percentage of total Parent revenue or our utilization of these assets.

(d)
Other support costs related to charges to us from Parent and Parent affiliates include certain insurance costs and our allocated portions of share-based compensation costs and net periodic pension costs relating to the SERP for employees of Parent. Such costs were allocated based on actual costs incurred or our revenue as a percentage of total Parent revenue.

(e)
Cost recoveries reflect costs recovered from Parent and Parent affiliates for functions provided by us such as functions that serve Parent's digital and broadcasting platforms for content optimization and financial transaction processing at shared service centers. Such costs were primarily allocated based on our revenue as a percentage of total Parent revenue or based upon transactional volume in each fiscal year.

    Defined contribution plans

              Our employees have historically participated in various Parent qualified 401(k) savings plans, which permit eligible employees to make voluntary contributions on a pre-tax basis up to 50% of compensation subject to certain limits. Substantially all of our employees (other than those covered by certain collective bargaining agreements) who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours during each year of employment are eligible to participate. The plans allowed participants to invest their savings in various investments. For most participants, the plan's matching formula is 100% of the first 5% of employee contributions. Parent settled the 401(k) employee match obligation by buying Parent stock in the open market and depositing it in the participant's account. Parent also makes additional employer contributions on behalf of certain long-term employees through 2015.

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              Amounts charged to expense by us for employer contributions to Parent 401(k) savings plans totaled $30.4 million in 2014, $34.0 million in 2013 and $35.2 million in 2012 and are recorded in "Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation" and "Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation," as appropriate, in the Combined Statements of Income.

    Revenue and other transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business

              Certain of our revenue arrangements relate to contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with Parent and Parent affiliates, principally Cars.com and CareerBuilder.

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SCHEDULE II – Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves

In thousands of dollars
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Balance at
beginning
of period
  Additions
charged to
cost and
expenses
  Additions/
(reductions)
for
acquisitions/
dispositions
  Deductions
from
reserves (a)
  Balance at
end of
period
 

Fiscal year ended Dec. 28, 2014

                               

Allowance for doubtful receivables

  $ 7,778   $ 6,832   $ (213 ) $ (8,609 ) $ 5,788  

Deferred tax valuation allowance

  $ 51,063   $ 8,411   $   $ (82 ) $ 59,392  

Fiscal year ended Dec. 29, 2013

                               

Allowance for doubtful receivables

  $ 13,380   $ 5,744   $ (560 ) $ (10,786 ) $ 7,778  

Deferred tax valuation allowance

  $ 45,342   $ 5,959   $   $ (238 ) $ 51,063  

Fiscal year ended Dec. 30, 2012

                               

Allowance for doubtful receivables

  $ 21,731   $ 5,121   $ 77   $ (13,549 ) $ 13,380  

Deferred tax valuation allowance

  $ 33,332   $ 12,178   $   $ (168 ) $ 45,342  

(a)
Consists of write-offs, recoveries and utilizations.

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