As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2013

File No. 001-36097

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 1 to

FORM 10

 

 

GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

New Media Investment Group Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   38-3910250

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1345 Avenue of the Americas,

New York, New York, 10105

212-479-3160

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Cameron D. MacDougall, Esq.

Fortress Investment Group LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

212-479-1522

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

With copies to:

Duane McLaughlin, Esq.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

One Liberty Plaza

New York, New York 10006

212-225-2000

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, par value $0.01 per share   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):

 

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

 

 

 


NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

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

Certain information required to be included in this Form 10 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 “Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Business,” “Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons, Affiliates and Affiliated Entities” 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 sections of the information statement entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information.” Those section are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2. Financial Information.

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Summary—Summary Historical Consolidated and Pro Forma Financial Data,” “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” 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 sections of the information statement entitled “Business—Properties.” 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 “Management” and “Our Manager and Management Agreement.” Those 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 of Directors,” “Executive Compensation” and “Our Manager and Management Agreement.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 7. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information required by this item is contained under the sections of the information statement entitled “Management,” “Our Manager and Management Agreement” and “Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons, Affiliates and Affiliated Entities.” 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 section of the information statement entitled “Questions and Answers About the Spin-Off,” “Market Price Information and Dividends” and “Description of Our Capital Stock.” Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 10. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

Not applicable.

 

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

The information required by this item is contained under the section of the information statement entitled “The Spin-Off and Restructuring” and “Description of Our 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 Our Capital Stock—Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers.” 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 and related notes referenced therein). That section is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

Item 15. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

(1) 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.


(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

GateHouse Media, Inc.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In Thousands)

 

    Balance at Beginning
of Period
    Charges to
Earnings
    Charges to
Other Accounts
    Deductions     Balance at End
of Period
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

         

Year ended December 30, 2012

  $ 2,976      $ 2,304     $ —       $ (2,824 ) (1)   $ 2,456   

Year ended January 1, 2012

  $ 3,260      $ 3,093     $ —       $ (3,377 ) (1)   $ 2,976   

Year ended December 31, 2010

  $ 4,569      $ 3,624     $ —       $ (4,933 ) (1)   $ 3,260   

Deferred tax valuation allowance

         

Year ended December 30, 2012

  $ 432,954      $ 11,795     $ (159 ) (2)   $ —       $ 444,590   

Year ended January 1, 2012

  $ 430,247      $ 6,551     $ (3,844 ) (2)   $ —       $ 432,954   

Year ended December 31, 2010

  $ 419,267      $ 5,617     $ 5,363 (2)   $ —       $ 430,247   

 

(1) Amounts are primarily related to the write off of fully reserved accounts receivable.
(2) Amount is primarily related to the change in derivative value and is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

All other schedules are omitted because the conditions requiring their filing do not exist, or because the required information is provided in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.

(b) Exhibits

See below.

The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

    2.1   Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2007, by and among SureWest Communications, as Seller, SureWest Directories and GateHouse Media, Inc., as Purchaser     8-K   2.1   March 1, 2007
    2.2   Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 13, 2007, by and between GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc., as Buyer, and The Copley Press, Inc., as Seller     8-K   2.1   April 11, 2007
    2.3   Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, by and among Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., Gannett River States Publishing Corporation, Pacific and Southern Company, Inc., Federated Publications, Inc., Media West—GSI, Inc., Media West—GRS, Inc., as Sellers, and GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc., as Buyer, and GateHouse Media, Inc., as Buyer guarantor     8-K   2.1   May 8, 2007
    2.4   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 12, 2007, by and among Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.,     8-K   2.2   May 8, 2007


Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

  Media West—GSI, Inc., as Sellers, GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc., as Buyer, and GateHouse Media, Inc., as Buyer guarantor        
    2.5   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 28, 2007, by and among GateHouse Media, Inc., GateHouse Media West Virginia Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc., Champion Publishing, Inc. and Champion Industries, Inc.     S-1/A   2.9   July 13, 2007
    2.6   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated October 23, 2007, by and among GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as Buyer, GateHouse Media, Inc., as Buyer guarantor, Morris Communications Company LLC, Morris Publishing Group, LLC, MPG Allegan Property, LLC, Broadcaster Press, Inc., MPG Holland Property, LLC, The Oak Ridger, LLC, and Yankton Printing Company, as Sellers, and Morris Communications Company, LLC, as Sellers’ guarantor     8-K   2.1   December 3, 2007
    2.7   Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 28, 2013 by and among Dow Jones Ventures VII, Inc., Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc., Newcastle Investment Corp. and Dow Jones & Company, Inc.   X      
    2.8   Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan   X      
    2.9   Debtors’ Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Order Approving Debtors’ Disclosure Statement For, and Confirming, Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan   X      
    3.1   Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of New Media Investment Group Inc.   X      
    3.2   Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of New Media Investment Group Inc.   X      
    4.1   Form of Investor Rights Agreement by and among GateHouse Media, Inc. and FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC     S-1/A   4.2   October 11, 2006
    4.2   Restructuring Support Agreement, dated September 3, 2013, by and among GateHouse Media, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of GateHouse, Newcastle Investment Corp, as Plan Sponsor, each of the Participating Creditors, and Cortland Products Corp., in its capacity as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement     8-K   4.1   September 10, 2013
    4.3   Investment Commitment Letter, dated September 3, 2013, by and among GateHouse Media, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries that are signatories thereto and Newcastle Investment Corp.     8-K   4.2   September 10, 2013


Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

    4.4   Credit Amendment, dated as of September 3, 2013, by and among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (“Holdco”), GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc. and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, those subsidiaries of Holdco party hereto as Guarantors and the Required Lenders party hereto     8-K   4.3   September 10, 2013
    4.5   Form of Registration Rights Agreement between New Media Investment Group Inc. and Omega Advisors, Inc.   X      
    4.6   Amendment to Investment Commitment Letter dated October 25, 2013 by and among GateHouse Media, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and Newcastle Investment Corp.   X      
*10.1   GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan     S-1/A   10.1   October 11, 2006
*10.2   Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement under the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (three-year vesting)     10-K   10.2   March 17, 2008
*10.3   Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement under the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (April 15, 2008 vesting)     10-K   10.3   March 17, 2008
*10.4   Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. Publisher’s Deferred Compensation Plan     S-1   10.2   July 21, 2006
*10.5   Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. Executive Benefit Plan     S-1   10.3   July 21, 2006
*10.6   Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. Executive Deferral Plan     S-1   10.4   July 21, 2006
*10.7   Employment Agreement, dated as of January 3, 2006, by and among Liberty Group Publishing, Inc., Liberty Group Operating, Inc. and Michael E. Reed     S-1   10.8   July 21, 2006
*10.8   Employment Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2006, by and among GateHouse Media, Inc., GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. and Polly G. Sack     S-1   10.12   July 21, 2006
*10.9   Management Stockholder Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2006, by and between Liberty Group Publishing, Inc., FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC and Michael E. Reed     S-1   10.13   July 21, 2006
*10.10   Management Stockholder Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006, by and between GateHouse Media, Inc., FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC and Polly G. Sack     S-1   10.19   July 21, 2006
  10.11   Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into by New Media Investment Group Inc. with each of its executive officers and directors   X      
  10.12   License Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007, by and between SureWest Communications and GateHouse Media, Inc.     8-K   10.1   March 1, 2007


Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

  10.13   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., as Holdco, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as the Company, GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc., and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, as Subsidiary Borrowers, the Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdco from time to time Parties thereto, as Guarantors, the Lenders Parties thereto, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., and BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc., as co-documentation Agents and Cortland Products Corp., as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, as Administrative Agent, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., General Electric Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners     8-K   10.1   March 1, 2007
  10.14   Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007, among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., as Holdco, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as the Company, GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc., and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, as Subsidiary Borrowers, the Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdco from time to time Parties thereto, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, as Administrative Agent, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., General Electric Capital Corporation and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners     8-K   10.2   March 1, 2007
  10.15   Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007, among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., as Holdco, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as the Company, GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc., and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, as Subsidiary Borrowers, the Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdco from time to time Parties thereto, as Guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, as Administrative Agent, for the several banks and other financial institutions as may from time to time becomes parties to such Credit Agreement     8-K   10.3   March 1, 2007
  10.16   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2007, by and among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., as Holdco, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as the Company, GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc. and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, as Subsidiary Borrowers, the Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdco from time to time Parties thereto, as Guarantors, the Lenders Parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, as Administrative Agent     8-K   99.1   May 11, 2007


Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

  10.17   Underwriting Agreement, dated July 17, 2007, among GateHouse Media, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated     8-K   1.1   July 18, 2007
  10.18   Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2009, by and among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., as Holdco, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., as the Company, GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc. and ENHE Acquisition, LLC, as Subsidiary Borrowers, the Domestic Subsidiaries of Holdco from time to time Parties thereto, as Guarantors, the Lenders Parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, as Administrative Agent     8-K   99.1   February 5, 2009
*10.19   Offer letter dated December 23, 2008, between GateHouse Media, Inc., and Melinda A. Janik     10-K   10.23   March 13, 2009
*10.20   Employment Agreement dated as of January 9, 2009, by and among GateHouse Media, Inc., GateHouse Media Operating Inc., and Kirk Davis.     8-K   10.1   January 9, 2009
*10.21   Offer letter dated February 4, 2008, between GateHouse Media, Inc., and Mark Maring.     10-Q   10.1   November 7, 2008
*10.22   Form of amendment to Employment Agreement for Michael E. Reed.     10-K   10.22   March 8, 2012
*10.23   Form of amendment to Employment Agreement for Kirk Davis.     10-K   10.23   March 8, 2012
*10.24   Form of Employment Agreement by and among GateHouse Media, Inc., GateHouse Operating, Inc. and Melinda A. Janik.     10-K   10.24   March 8, 2012
*10.25   Form of amendment to Employment Agreement for Polly G. Sack.     10-K   10.25   March 8, 2012
  10.26   Agency Succession and Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011 by and among GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc., ENHE Acquisition, LLC, each of those domestic subsidiaries of Holdco identified as a “Guarantor” on the signature pages of the Credit Agreement, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., successor-by-merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as the resigning Administrative Agent, and the Successor Agent     8-K   99.1   April 7, 2011
  10.27†   Form of Warrant Agreement        
  10.28#   Form of Management Agreement between New Media Investment Group Inc. and FIG LLC        


Exhibit
No.

 

Description of Exhibit

 

Included
Herewith

 

Incorporated by Reference to GateHouse

            Media,  Inc.’s Filing Herein            

     

Form

 

Exhibit

 

Filing Date

  10.29†   Form of Contribution Agreement between Newcastle Investment Corp. and New Media Investment Group Inc.        
  10.30   Form of Cooperation Agreement between Newcastle Investment Corp. and New Media Investment Group Inc.   X      
  10.31   Form of Assignment Agreement between Newcastle Investment Corp. and New Media Investment Group Inc.   X      
  16.1   Letter from KPMG LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission dated April 13, 2007     8-K/A   16.1   April 13, 2007
  21.1†   Subsidiaries of New Media Investment Group Inc.        
  99.1   Preliminary Information Statement of New Media Investment Group Inc., subject to completion, dated November 8, 2013   X      
  99.2#   List of dailies, weeklies, shoppers, websites and directories of GateHouse Media, Inc.        
  99.3   Directors, Director Compensation and Compensation of Named Executive Officers of GateHouse Media, Inc.   X      

For purposes of the incorporation by reference of documents as Exhibits, all references to Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K of GateHouse Media, Inc. refer to Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Commission under Commission file number 001-33091; and all references to Forms S-1 and S-1/A of GateHouse Media, Inc. refer to Forms S-1 and S-1/A filed with the Commission under Registration Number 333-135944.

 

To be filed by amendment.
* Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements.
# Previously filed.


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.

 

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

By:

 

/s/ Cameron D. MacDougall

Name:

  Cameron D. MacDougall

Title:

  Secretary

Date: November 8, 2013

Exhibit 2.7

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

DOW JONES VENTURES VII, INC.,

DOW JONES LOCAL MEDIA GROUP, INC.,

NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.

AND,

SOLELY WITH RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER

SECTIONS 7.3, 7.7, 7.13, 7.14, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 AND 10.2,

DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC.

DATED AS OF JUNE 28, 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I PURCHASE AND SALE

     1   

1.1

  Purchase and Sale of the Company Capital Stock      1   

1.2

  Purchase Price      1   

1.3

  Payment of Closing Consideration at Closing      2   

1.4

  Adjustment of the Purchase Price      2   

ARTICLE II CLOSING

     5   

2.1

  Closing      5   

2.2

  Deliveries by the Company and Seller at Closing      5   

2.3

  Deliveries by Purchaser at the Closing      6   

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

     6   

3.1

  Organization      6   

3.2

  Authorization of Agreement      6   

3.3

  Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties      7   

3.4

  Capitalization; Subsidiaries      7   

3.5

  Financial Statements      8   

3.6

  Books and Records      9   

3.7

  Undisclosed Liabilities      9   

3.8

  Absence of Certain Developments      9   

3.9

  Legal Proceedings      9   

3.10

  Compliance with Laws; Permits      10   

3.11

  Taxes      10   

3.12

  Real Property; Personal Property      12   

3.13

  Sufficiency of Assets      13   

3.14

  Material Contracts      13   

3.15

  Intellectual Property      15   

3.16

  Employee Benefits Plans      17   

3.17

  Labor      18   

3.18

  Environmental Matters      19   

3.19

  Privacy; Systems; Security      20   

 

i


3.20

  Publications; Carriers      20   

3.21

  Transactions With Related Parties; Shared Contracts      21   

3.22

  Insurance      21   

3.23

  Financial Advisors      21   

3.24

  Limitations on Representations and Warranties      21   

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     22   

4.1

  Authorization of Agreement      22   

4.2

  Company Capital Stock      23   

4.3

  Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties      23   

4.4

  Legal Proceedings      23   

4.5

  Limitations of Representations and Warranties      24   

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     24   

5.1

  Organization      25   

5.2

  Authorization of Agreement      25   

5.3

  Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties      25   

5.4

  Legal Proceedings      26   

5.5

  Financial Capability      26   

5.6

  Investment      26   

5.7

  Solvency      26   

5.8

  No Other Representations and Warranties; No Reliance; Purchaser Investigation      27   

5.9

  Financial Advisors      27   

ARTICLE VI CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

     27   

6.1

  Conduct of the Company Pending the Closing      27   

6.2

  Transfer of Retained Properties      30   

6.3

  Notice; Effect of Notice      30   

6.4

  Control of Business      30   

6.5

  Financial Statements      30   

6.6

  Alternative Transactions      31   

ARTICLE VII COVENANTS

     31   

7.1

  Access to Information      31   

7.2

  Cooperation; Filings and Approvals      33   

 

ii


7.3

  Confidentiality      35   

7.4

  Preservation of Records; Cooperation with Financial Statements      35   

7.5

  Publicity      37   

7.6

  Related Party Arrangements; Intercompany Accounts      38   

7.7

  Employee Benefit Matters      38   

7.8

  Termination of Rights to the Seller Names and Marks      38   

7.9

  Intellectual Property Matters      38   

7.10

  Contact with Customers, Suppliers and Other Business Relations      39   

7.11

  Insurance      39   

7.12

  Resignations      39   

7.13

  Covenant Not to Compete; Confidentiality      39   

7.14

  Release      39   

7.15

  Casualty      40   

ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

     40   

8.1

  Conditions Precedent to Obligation of the Parties      40   

8.2

  Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Purchaser      40   

8.3

  Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Seller      41   

ARTICLE IX INDEMNIFICATION

     42   

9.1

  Survival      42   

9.2

  Indemnification      42   

9.3

  Indemnification Procedures      44   

9.4

  Limitations on Indemnification      46   

9.5

  Exclusive Remedy; Nature of Representations and Warranties      48   

ARTICLE X TAX MATTERS

     48   

10.1

  Tax Returns      48   

10.2

  Indemnification      49   

10.3

  Refunds      50   

10.4

  Contests      50   

10.5

  Amended Returns      50   

10.6

  Cooperation      50   

10.7

  No Duplication      51   

10.8

  Tax Treatment of Payments      51   

 

iii


10.9

  Section 338(h)(10) Elections      51   

10.10

  Survival      52   

10.11

  Property Tax Refunds      52   

ARTICLE XI TERMINATION

     52   

11.1

  Termination      52   

11.2

  Termination Procedure      53   

11.3

  Effect of Termination      53   

ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS

     53   

12.1

  Expenses      53   

12.2

  Governing Law      54   

12.3

  Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers      54   

12.4

  Further Assurances      55   

12.5

  Entire Agreement      55   

12.6

  Amendments and Waivers      55   

12.7

  Notices      55   

12.8

  Severability      56   

12.9

  Specific Performance      57   

12.10

  No Third-Party Beneficiaries; No Recourse Against Affiliates; Liability      57   

12.11

  Assignment      57   

12.12

  Cooperation with Legal Proceedings      58   

12.13

  Attorney Conflict Waiver      58   

12.14

  Counterparts      58   

12.15

  Electronic Signatures      58   

ARTICLE XIII DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

     59   

13.1

  Certain Definitions      59   

13.2

  Certain Interpretive Matters      68   

 

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EXHIBITS

  
Exhibit A    Illustrative Calculation of Working Capital
Exhibit B    Form of Transition Services Agreement

Schedules

  
Schedule A    Company Disclosure Schedule
Schedule B    Purchaser Disclosure Schedule
Schedule C    Employee Benefits Matters
Schedule D    Covenant Not to Compete; Confidentiality

 

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STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT is entered into as of June 28, 2013 (this “ Agreement ”), by and among Dow Jones Ventures VII, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Seller ”), Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (“ Purchaser ”) and, solely with respect to its obligations under Sections 7.3 , 7.7 , 7.13 , 7.14 , 9.2 , 9.3 , 9.4 and 10.2 , Dow Jones & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Seller Guarantor ”). Seller, the Company and Purchaser shall each be referred to in this Agreement as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”. Capitalized terms that are used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Article XIII .

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS , Seller owns all of the outstanding capital stock (the “ Company Capital Stock ”) of the Company; and

WHEREAS , Seller desires to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase from Seller, all of the Company Capital Stock.

NOW , THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties agree hereby as follows:

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

1.1 Purchase and Sale of the Company Capital Stock . On the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing, Seller shall sell and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser shall purchase and acquire from Seller, all right, title and interest of Seller in and to the Company Capital Stock, free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens created or imposed by Purchaser or under applicable securities Laws.

1.2 Purchase Price . The purchase price for the purchase of the Company Capital Stock shall be an amount equal to (a) $82,000,000 (the “ Base Price ”), (b)  plus the amount if, any, by which the Estimated Closing Date Working Capital exceeds the Working Capital Target or (c)  minus , the amount, if any, by which the Working Capital Target exceeds the Estimated Closing Date Working Capital (such resulting amount pursuant to Sections 1.2(a) - (c) , the “ Closing Consideration ”), as such amount may be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.4 (the Closing Consideration, as adjusted pursuant to Section 1.4 , the “ Purchase Price ”); provided that if the Closing shall have occurred on or prior to September 3, 2013 (or if the primary cause of the failure of the Closing to have occurred on or prior to September 3, 2013 shall have been a breach of this Agreement by the Company, Seller or the Seller Guarantor), then the Remaining Exclusivity Payment shall be credited against payment of the Purchase Price hereunder.

 

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1.3 Payment of Closing Consideration at Closing . At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay or cause to be paid to Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts designated in writing by Seller not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Closing Consideration.

1.4 Adjustment of the Purchase Price .

(a) Estimated Closing Date Working Capital . Not later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver to Purchaser a statement (the “ Estimated Working Capital Statement ”) setting forth in reasonable detail the Company’s good faith estimate of (i) Working Capital as of the close of business on the Closing Date (the “ Estimated Closing Date Working Capital ”), and (ii) the amount, and the calculation of, the Closing Consideration derived therefrom.

(b) Final Working Capital Adjustment . The Purchase Price shall be adjusted following the Closing based on the difference between the Final Closing Date Working Capital and the Estimated Closing Date Working Capital determined pursuant to this Section 1.4 , and payment shall be made in respect of any such post-Closing adjustment as set forth in Section 1.4(e) .

(c) Closing Date Working Capital . No later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Purchaser shall cause to be prepared and delivered to Seller a statement (the “ Closing Statement ”) setting forth the actual Working Capital as of the close of business on the Closing Date (“ Closing Date Working Capital ”) and including a balance sheet of the Company as of such date and the derivation of Closing Date Working Capital therefrom. For the avoidance of doubt, unless Seller otherwise agrees in writing, Purchaser may not amend, supplement or modify the Closing Statement or the amount of Closing Date Working Capital following its delivery to Seller. If Purchaser fails to deliver the Closing Statement within such ninety (90) day period, then in addition to any other rights Seller may have under this Agreement, Seller shall have the right to elect that the Estimated Closing Date Working Capital be deemed to be the amount of the Closing Date Working Capital and be final and binding and used for purposes of calculating the adjustment pursuant to Section 1.4(d) . The Parties acknowledge that no adjustments may be made to the Working Capital Target except in accordance with Section 12.6 .

(d) Disputes .

(i) Seller shall have ninety (90) days to review the Closing Statement. If Seller disagrees with Purchaser’s calculation of the Closing Date Working Capital as set forth in the Closing Statement, Seller may, within ninety (90) days after receipt of the Closing Statement, deliver a notice to Purchaser (a “ Dispute Notice ”) disagreeing with such calculation and, to the extent Seller is reasonably able to so specify, setting forth Seller’s calculation of such amount. Any Dispute Notice shall specify those items or amounts as to which Seller disagrees, and Seller shall be deemed to have agreed with all other items and amounts contained in the Closing Statement and the calculations of Closing Date Working Capital set forth therein (except to the extent such other items or amounts as are related to the items or amounts subject to such disagreement). If Seller

 

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fails to deliver such notice in such ninety (90) day period, Seller shall have waived its rights to contest the Closing Statement and the calculations of Closing Date Working Capital set forth therein shall be deemed to be final and binding upon the Parties and such amount shall be used for purposes of calculating the adjustment pursuant to Section 1.4(b) above.

(ii) If a Dispute Notice shall be duly delivered pursuant to Section 1.4(d)(i) , Seller and Purchaser shall, during the thirty (30) days following such delivery, attempt in good faith to reach agreement on the disputed items or amounts to determine, as may be required, the amount of Closing Date Working Capital. Any such agreement shall be in writing and shall be final and binding upon the Parties. If during such period, Seller and Purchaser are unable to reach such agreement, then all amounts and issues remaining in dispute shall be submitted by Seller and Purchaser to a mutually acceptable nationally recognized independent accounting firm (the “ Accounting Referee ”). If Seller and Purchaser are unable to agree on an appointment of an Accounting Referee, within ten (10) days after not being able to reach agreement thereon, an Accounting Referee shall be determined by mutual agreement of the regular auditor of Seller and the regular auditor of Purchaser and, if such auditors are unable to reach agreement within ten (10) days of being requested to do so, an Accounting Referee shall be determined by lot with each of Seller and Purchaser submitting one (1) candidate meeting the requirements of an Accounting Referee set forth in the definition thereof. The Accounting Referee shall act as an arbitrator to determine, based solely on presentations by Seller and Purchaser and not by independent review. In conducting such review, the Accounting Referee shall consider only those items or amounts in the Closing Statement and Purchaser’s calculations of Closing Date Working Capital as to which Seller has disagreed. The scope of the disputes to be resolved by the Accounting Referee shall be limited to fixing mathematical errors and determining whether the items in dispute were determined in accordance with the definition of Working Capital (including the Accounting Rules) and the Accounting Referee is not to make any other determination. The Parties shall agree, promptly after the appointment of the Accounting Referee, on procedures governing the resolution of any dispute by the Accounting Referee, provided , that if the Parties fail to agree on such procedures, the dispute resolution procedures of the American Arbitration Association shall govern. The Accounting Referee shall deliver to Seller and Purchaser, as promptly as reasonably practicable (but in any case no later than thirty (30) days from the date of engagement of the Accounting Referee), a report setting forth its calculations of Closing Date Working Capital, which amount shall not be less than the applicable amount thereof shown in Purchaser’s calculation delivered pursuant to Section 1.4(c) nor more than the amount thereof shown in Seller’s calculation delivered pursuant to Section 1.4(d)(i) . Such report shall be final and binding upon the Parties and shall be used for purposes of calculating the adjustment pursuant to Section 1.4(b) above. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the dispute resolution mechanism contained in this Section 1.4(d) shall be the exclusive mechanism for resolving disputes regarding the calculation of the Working Capital adjustment, if any, and neither Seller nor Purchaser shall be entitled to indemnification for Losses pursuant to Article IX to the extent of the amounts taken into account in the determination of Closing Date Working Capital. The determination of the Accounting Referee shall be enforceable as an arbitral award and judgment may be

 

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entered upon in any court having jurisdiction over the party against which such determination is to be enforced. The fees, costs and expenses of the Accounting Referee shall be borne by the Parties in proportion to the relative amount each Party’s determination has been modified. For example, if Seller challenges the calculation of the Closing Date Working Capital by an amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), but the Accounting Referee determines that Seller has a valid claim for only Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000), Seller shall bear forty percent (40%) of the fees and expenses of the Accounting Referee and Purchaser shall bear the other sixty percent (60%) of such fees and expenses.

(e) Final Closing Date Working Capital Adjustment . Following the time that the Closing Date Working Capital is finally determined pursuant to this Section 1.4 (such finally determined amount, “ Final Closing Date Working Capital ”), payment shall be made as follows:

(i) If the Final Closing Date Working Capital is greater than the Estimated Closing Date Working, Purchaser shall, within five (5) Business Days after the Final Closing Date Working Capital is determined pursuant to this Section 1.4, pay to Seller by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Seller, an amount equal to such excess.

(ii) If the Final Closing Date Working Capital is less than the Estimated Closing Date Working, Seller shall, within five (5) Business Days after the Final Closing Date Working Capital is determined pursuant to this Section 1.4, pay to Purchaser by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by Purchaser, an amount equal to such deficiency.

Any payment pursuant to Section 1.4(e) shall be made together with interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest published by the Wall Street Journal as the “prime rate” at large U.S. money center banks on the Closing Date, calculated on the basis of the number of days elapsed from the Closing Date to the date of payment. Upon payment of the amounts provided in this Section 1.4 , none of the Parties may make or assert any claim under this Section 1.4 .

(f) Cooperation . During the period of time from and after the Closing Date through the final determination and payment of Final Closing Date Working Capital in accordance with this Section 1.4 , (i) Seller and Purchaser shall, and Purchaser shall cause the Company and each of its and the Company’s representatives to, and Seller shall cause each of its representatives to, cooperate and assist in the review by the Accounting Referee of the Closing Statement and the calculations of Closing Date Working Capital and in the conduct of the review referred to in this Section 1.4 , including making available, to the extent reasonably requested, properties, books, records, contracts, documents, information, personnel, representatives (including the Company’s accountants) and records of the Company and such representatives (including the work papers of the Company’s accountants) supporting its calculations of Closing Date Working Capital, and to use commercially reasonable efforts to respond to the Accounting Referee, and to provide any such requested documents and information as promptly as practicable, and to provide any such books, records, contracts, documents and information electronically and in such formats as are reasonably requested, and (ii) Purchaser shall afford,

 

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and shall cause the Company to afford, to Seller and any accountants, counsel or financial advisers retained by Seller in connection with the review of Final Closing Date Working Capital in accordance with this Section 1.4 , reasonable direct access during normal business hours upon reasonable advance notice to all the properties, books, records, contracts, documents, information, personnel, representatives (including the Company’s accountants) and records of the Company and such representatives (including the work papers of the Company’s accountants) relevant to the review of the Closing Statement and Purchaser’s determination of Closing Date Working Capital and, if requested by Seller, shall provide any such books, records, contracts, documents and information electronically and in such formats as are reasonably requested. As a condition of such access, Seller shall execute a confidentiality agreement for the benefit of Purchaser and the Company substantially similar to the Confidentiality Agreement with respect to the material, documents, books, records, and information to be reviewed. No actions taken by Purchaser on its own behalf or on behalf of the Company, on or following the Closing Date shall be given effect for purposes of determining the Closing Date Working Capital, and the determination of Closing Date Working Capital shall not take into account any developments or events taking place after the Closing Date.

ARTICLE II

CLOSING

2.1 Closing . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Transaction (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the offices of Hogan Lovells US LLP, 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022 on the second Business Day following the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions contained in Article VIII hereof (except for those conditions which by their terms are to be satisfied at Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions), or on such other date or at such other place or time as Seller and Purchaser may agree in writing, but in any event (x) not earlier than September 3, 2013 and (y) not later than the Outside Date, in each case unless the Parties so agree in writing. The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date ”. The Closing will be deemed effective as of 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the Closing Date.

2.2 Deliveries by the Company and Seller at Closing . At Closing, the Company and Seller, as applicable, shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Purchaser the following:

(a) the certificates required by Section 8.2(a) , Section 8.2(b) and Section 8.2(c) hereof;

(b) stock certificates accompanied by stock powers endorsed in blank in respect of the Company Capital Stock;

(c) a duly executed certificate dated as of the Closing by Seller and substantially in the form set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b)(2)(iv), sworn to under penalties of perjury, setting forth Seller’s name, address, and taxpayer identifying number and stating that Seller is not a “foreign person” within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Code;

 

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(d) the Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by Seller and each of its Affiliates party thereto; and

(e) such other documents, certificates, agreements and instruments as Purchaser may reasonably request to evidence and effectuate the Transaction.

2.3 Deliveries by Purchaser at the Closing . At Closing, Purchaser shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Seller the following:

(a) the Closing Consideration, as set forth in the Estimated Working Capital Statement delivered pursuant to Section 1.4(a) ;

(b) the certificates required by Section 8.3(a) and Section 8.3(b) hereof;

(c) the Transition Services Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser and each of its Affiliates party thereto; and

(d) such other documents, certificates, agreements and instruments as Seller may reasonably request to evidence and effectuate the Transaction.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

Except as set forth on the disclosure schedule delivered by the Company to Purchaser on the date hereof concurrently with entry into this Agreement (the “ Company Disclosure Schedule ”) and attached to this Agreement as Schedule A , (and provided that disclosure in any section of such Company Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosed with respect to only the corresponding Section of this Agreement and, to the extent it is reasonably apparent from the wording of such disclosure that such disclosure is relevant to any other Section of this Agreement, such other Section of this Agreement), the Company represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

3.1 Organization . The Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has the corporate power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. The Company is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the character or location of any properties or assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.2 Authorization of Agreement . The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transaction. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreements to which the Company is a party and the consummation of the Transaction have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company. Each of the Transaction Agreements to which the

 

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Company is a party has been or will be at or prior to the Closing, duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) each of such Transaction Agreements, when so executed and delivered, will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

3.3 Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.3(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and assuming the making of the filings and the receipt of the consents or waiting period terminations or expirations identified in Section 3.3(b) hereof, none of the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction by Seller, or the compliance by the Company with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts with or will conflict with, or result in any violation of or constitute a breach of or a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, modification or cancellation under any provision of (i) the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement or other comparable organizational documents, of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; (ii) any Material Contract or material Permit to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or by which any of their properties or assets are bound; (iii) any Order of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or by which any of their properties or assets are bound; or (iv) any applicable Law, except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), where such conflict, violation or default would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no consent, waiver, approval, Order, Permit or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, or notification to, any Governmental Authority (a “ Governmental Approval ”) is required on the part of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in connection with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction by Seller or the compliance by the Company with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, except for (i) any filing or termination of the waiting period or other approval required under the HSR Act, (ii) any of the foregoing required under any state securities or “blue sky” laws (if applicable), or (iii) any such other Governmental Approval, the failure of which to make or obtain would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.4 Capitalization; Subsidiaries .

(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 10,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, 1,000 shares of which are issued and outstanding. The Company does not hold any shares of common stock as treasury stock. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Company Capital Stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

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(b) (i) Seller owns the Company Capital Stock free and clear of Liens other than Liens imposed by Purchaser or under applicable securities Laws, (ii) there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights, calls, commitments, conversion rights, rights of exchange, with respect to, or obligations to pay any amount directly or indirectly based (in whole or in part) on the price or value of, equity interests in the Company, or plans or other agreements of any character providing for the purchase, issuance or sale of any equity interests in the Company and (iii) there are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting or transfer of the Company Capital Stock.

(c) Section 3.4(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a complete list of each Subsidiary of the Company and its jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization, as applicable. Except as set forth on Section 3.4(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each Subsidiary of the Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, except where the failure to be so organized, validly existing or in good standing would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each Subsidiary of the Company is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or the ownership of its properties makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. All the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests in the Company’s Subsidiaries are owned of record and beneficially by the Company (or another Subsidiary of the Company), free and clear of Liens other than Liens imposed by Purchaser or under applicable securities Laws. There are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, rights, calls, commitments, conversion rights, rights of exchange, plans or other agreements of any character providing for the purchase, issuance or sale of any equity interests in the Company’s Subsidiaries. There are no voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting or transfer of the equity of the Company’s Subsidiaries. The Company does not own, directly, any equity or similar interest in any other Person other than in the direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company.

(d) Upon payment of the Closing Consideration as contemplated by this Agreement, Purchaser will acquire from Seller good title to all of the Company Capital Stock, free and clear of all Liens except for Liens imposed by Purchaser or under applicable securities Laws.

3.5 Financial Statements .

(a) The Company has made available to Purchaser complete copies of the following financial statements (collectively the “ Company Financial Statements ”):

(i) unaudited, as reported balance sheets for the Company for the twelve (12) months ended July 3, 2011, the twelve (12) months ended July 1, 2012 and the nine (9) months ended March 31, 2013; and

 

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(ii) unaudited, as reported statements of income for the Company for the twelve (12) months ended July 3, 2011, the twelve (12) months ended July 1, 2012 and the nine (9) months ended March 31, 2013.

March 31, 2013 shall be referred to herein as the “ Balance Sheet Date ” and the balance sheet of the Company as of such date shall be referred to herein as the “ Balance Sheet ”.

(b) The Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, are based on the books and records of the Company and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods indicated therein except, in each case (i) as may be set forth on Section 3.5(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) that such Company Financial Statements may be subject to normal year-end adjustments, and (iii) for the absence of notes thereto throughout the periods covered thereby. The Company maintains a system of accounting and internal controls that provide reasonable assurances that material financial transactions are executed in accordance with the authorization of appropriate management.

3.6 Books and Records . The minute books and stock records of the Company and each Subsidiary which have been made available to Purchaser are complete and correct, in all material respects, and have been maintained in accordance with Seller’s customary business practices. At the Closing, all such books and records will be in the possession of the Company.

3.7 Undisclosed Liabilities . Except as set forth on Section 3.7 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries have any liabilities (whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, or due or to become due) that would have been required to be reflected in, reserved against or otherwise described on the Balance Sheet or in the notes thereto in accordance with GAAP and were not so reflected, reserved against or described, other than (a) as disclosed in, set forth on, or reflected or reserved against in the Balance Sheet and (b) those that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.8 Absence of Certain Developments . Except as set forth on Section 3.8 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, between the Balance Sheet Date and the date of this Agreement (a) the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries has been conducted in all material respects in the Ordinary Course of Business, (b) there has not been any event, change, occurrence or circumstance that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect and (c) there has not been any event, change, occurrence or circumstance that, and the Company and its Subsidiaries have not taken any action or omitted to take any action that, if such event, change, occurrence, circumstance, action or omission occurred between the date hereof and Closing, would violate Section 6.1 .

3.9 Legal Proceedings . Except as disclosed on Section 3.9(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened since July 1, 2010, Legal Proceedings against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that in each

 

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case, individually or in the aggregate, has had or, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as disclosed on Section 3.9(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there is no outstanding Order imposed upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets, except for Legal Proceedings which, if adversely determined, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The representations and warranties in this Section 3.9 shall not apply in respect of Environmental Laws, Hazardous Materials or other environmental matters.

3.10 Compliance with Laws; Permits .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and at all times since July 1, 2010 have been, in compliance with all Laws applicable to their respective businesses or operations, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have, or reasonably be expected to have, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Section 3.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, within the twelve (12) months prior to the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have received any written notice of or been formally charged by or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by a Governmental Authority with the violation of any Laws, except with respect to violations which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.10(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained and maintained at all times since July 1, 2010 all material Permits that are required for the operation of their respective businesses as presently conducted. Each material Permit held by the Company or Subsidiary thereof is valid, binding and in full force and effect. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof is in material default or violation (and no event has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a material default or violation) of any term, condition or provision of any material Permit to which it is a party.

(c) The representations and warranties in this Section 3.10 shall not apply in respect of Environmental Laws, Hazardous Materials or other environmental matters.

3.11 Taxes . Except as otherwise set forth on Section 3.11 of the Company Disclosure Schedule:

(a) All material Tax Returns required to be filed with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries have been prepared and timely filed, with the appropriate Taxing Authorities, taking into account any extensions of time to file. All such Tax Returns are complete and correct and were prepared in accordance with applicable Laws.

(b) All Taxes due and payable with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries have been timely paid.

(c) No deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed in writing against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are still pending.

 

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(d) No extensions of the period for assessment of any Taxes are in effect with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than extensions of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the Ordinary Course of Business).

(e) No Tax Return filed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is under current examination or audit by any Taxing Authority.

(f) No claim has been made in writing by any Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns with respect to a particular Tax that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation in such jurisdiction, which has not been resolved.

(g) There are no Liens for Taxes upon any of the assets or properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for Permitted Liens.

(h) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has participated in any reportable transaction within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b) or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law.

(i) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has constituted a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in any distribution of equity intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code within the two (2) year period ending on the date of this Agreement.

(j) Seller, the Company and its Subsidiaries are members of a “selling consolidated group” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.338(h)(10)–1(b)(2).

(k) The Company and its Subsidiaries have withheld all material Taxes required to be withheld and timely paid such withheld amounts to the appropriate Taxing Authority.

(l) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) is a party to nor has any obligation under any tax sharing, tax indemnity or tax allocation arrangement or agreement, or (ii) has any liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or by operation of Law, other than as a member of a consolidated, unitary, combined or similar Tax group of which News Corporation (or any predecessor or successor entity, including New News Corporation) is the common parent.

(m) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of (i) an installment sale, open transaction disposition, or any other transaction out of the Ordinary Course of Business, in each case made on or prior to the Closing Date, (ii) any “closing agreement,” as described in Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding provision of state, local or foreign tax Law) entered into on or prior to the Closing Date, (iii) any gain recognition agreement, or (iv) any change in a method of accounting for a taxable period ending prior to or including the Closing Date.

 

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3.12 Real Property; Personal Property .

(a) Section 3.12(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all real property owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries (the “ Owned Real Property ”); it being understood that, after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, shall have the right to sell, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Retained Properties. The Company or a Subsidiary thereof has good, valid, marketable and insurable fee simple title to the Owned Real Property and owns all of the Owned Real Property and improvements located thereon free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens.

(b) Section 3.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all leases of real property (the “ Leased Real Property ” and together with the Owned Real Property, the “ Real Property ”) pursuant to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is the lessee (individually, a “ Real Property Lease ” and collectively, the “ Real Property Leases ”). Except as set forth on Section 3.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each such Real Property Lease is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, of the other party or parties thereto, except (i) as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) or (ii) where the failure to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Section 3.12(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof, nor to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party or parties thereto, is in default under any Real Property Lease and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or, to the Knowledge of the Company, the other party or parties thereto under any Real Property Lease, except, in each case, for defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Except as set forth on Section 3.12(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, there is access to public roads, streets or the like or valid perpetual easements over private streets, roads or other private property for ingress to and egress from the Real Property, except as would not materially impair the ability to use such Real Property in the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted.

(d) There is no pending, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened condemnation of any part of the Owned Real Property by any Governmental Authority.

(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, all improvements on the Real Property conform in all material respects to applicable Laws and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof has received any written notice of any violation of such Laws. All improvements on the Real Property are in good condition and repair and have not suffered any casualty or other material damage that has not been repaired in all material respects.

 

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(f) Except as set forth on Section 3.12(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule:

(i) the buildings, plants, structures, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, vehicle and other items of tangible personal property owned, leased or held by the Company and its Subsidiaries, are, (A) in all material respects, adequate for the uses to which they are being put and (B) to the Knowledge of the Company, in all material respects, in good and serviceable condition and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted), except (in the case of clauses (A) and (B)) for tangible personal property that is obsolete and no longer used by the Company or its Subsidiaries; and

(ii) all inventory is of good and usable quality except for items of below-standard quality that have been written off.

(g) All accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries reflected in the Company Financial Statements have arisen from bona fide transactions in the Ordinary Course of Business.

3.13 Sufficiency of Assets . Except as set forth on Section 3.13 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the buildings, plants, structures, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, vehicle and other items of tangible personal property currently owned or leased by the Company or its Subsidiaries, together with all other properties and assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries (and including the services contemplated to be provided pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement), constitute all of the tangible personal property rights, property and assets necessary to conduct the business of the Company, in all material respects, as of the date hereof.

3.14 Material Contracts .

(a) Section 3.14 of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all of the following Contracts as of the date hereof (other than any such Contract solely by or between the Company and its Subsidiaries) to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is a party or by which it or any of its assets or properties is bound (collectively, the “ Material Contracts ”) and has provided Purchaser with copies of (or in the case of Section 3.14(a)(viii) copies of the forms of) all such Material Contracts:

(i) Contracts with each current officer and director, or current employee of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof who receives annual compensation in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) or which contain any severance, change of control, retention, golden parachute, golden handcuffs or similar provision which will result in a payment obligation for the Company in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000);

(ii) collective bargaining agreements;

(iii) Contracts entered into during three (3) years prior to the date hereof relating to the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof of any operating business or the capital stock of any other Person or any contract entered into at any time relating to the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof of any operating business or the capital stock of any other Person which contain continuing material obligations of Company or such Subsidiary still in effect;

 

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(iv) Contracts for or relating to the incurrence or existence of Indebtedness, or the making of any material loans to another Person, other than (x) as may be among the Company and its Subsidiaries or (y) as may be among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries), on the other hand, for or relating to Indebtedness which will be discharged, terminated or cancelled at or prior to Closing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

(v) any Contracts which are expected to involve payment by the Company and its Subsidiaries of more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in the aggregate for any individual Contract in the twelve (12) month period immediately following the Closing Date that are not terminable by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof without penalty on ninety (90) days’ or less notice;

(vi) Contracts granting a right of first refusal, first offer or similar preferential right to purchase or acquire the Company Capital Stock;

(vii) Contracts that, individually, contain any provisions requiring the Company and its Subsidiaries to indemnify any other party thereto for amounts in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), other than Contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business or that do not differ substantially from the forms of Contracts that the Company has made available to Purchaser;

(viii) Contracts with independent contractors or consultants (or similar arrangements) or freelance arrangements that, in each case, involve payments by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in the aggregate for any individual Contract in the twelve (12) month period immediately following the Closing Date and that are not cancelable without penalty or further payment and without more than ninety (90) days’ notice;

(ix) license agreements and other Contracts pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is authorized to publish materials supplied by others in future issues of any Publication and which are individually expected to involve payments in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) and that are not cancelable without penalty or further payment and without more than ninety (90) days’ notice;

(x) joint venture agreements, partnership agreements and the like;

(xi) Contracts (A) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries licenses (including by means of a covenant not to sue, release, immunity or the like) any Owned Intellectual Property to Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) or to any third party (other than EULAs) or (B) pursuant to which Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) or any third party has licensed (including by means of a covenant not to sue, release, immunity or the like) any Intellectual Property to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than

 

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EULAs or any commercial off-the-shelf software licenses for which the acquisition costs or annual license fee payable during the twelve (12) month period following the date hereof is not expected to exceed $25,000);

(xii) Contracts relating to a settlement, conciliation or similar agreement with any Governmental Authority or pursuant to which, after the date hereof, will require payment by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof of amounts in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000); or

(xiii) Contracts for any outsourced operations, including Contracts for or relating to printing, collating, insertion, bagging, distributions, call center, ad production, financial operations or otherwise, which are expected to involve payment by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof of more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in the aggregate for any individual Contract in the twelve (12) month period immediately following the Closing Date that are not terminable by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof without penalty on ninety (90) days’ or less notice.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, each Material Contract is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, of the other party or parties thereto, except (i) as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity) or (ii) where the failure to be legal, valid, binding or enforceable would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Section 3.14(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither Company nor any Subsidiary thereof, nor to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party or parties thereto, is in default under any Material Contract and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or, to the Knowledge of the Company, the other party or parties thereto or cause or permit the acceleration of or other changes to any right or obligation of the loss of any benefit under any Material Contract, except, in each case, for defaults or other changes that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.15 Intellectual Property .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.15(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, to the Knowledge of the Company all Intellectual Property that is currently used in, or necessary for, the conduct of business operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries is either (i) owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens (such Intellectual Property, “ Owned Intellectual Property ”), or (ii) validly licensed to the Company or its Subsidiaries (such Intellectual Property, “ Licensed Intellectual Property ”, and together with the Owned Intellectual Property, the “ Company Intellectual Property ”), except, in each case, where a failure to so own or license such Company Intellectual Property would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Section 3.15(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, and

 

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other than pursuant to any Retained Vendor Contract (as defined in the Transition Services Agreement), (i) none of the Intellectual Property, other than open source, shrinkwrap, clickwrap or other commercially available non-customized software, that is currently necessary for and material to the conduct of business operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries is licensed from a third party to Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) and (ii) none of the Intellectual Property currently used in or necessary for the conduct of business operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries is owned by Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries).

(b) Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (i) sets forth a list of all Owned Intellectual Property that has been registered with a Governmental Authority or for which the Company or a Subsidiary thereof has a pending application for registration with a Governmental Authority, and specifies the jurisdiction in which each such registration or application for registration has been filed, including the respective registration or application number, (ii) sets forth a list of all unregistered Trademarks that are included in the definition of Owned Intellectual Property that are actively used in and material to the Company’s business, and (iii) sets forth a list of all domain names that are included in the definition of Owned Intellectual Property . Except as set forth on Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all filings and fees required by Law and related to registrations and applications of Owned Intellectual Property have been timely filed with and paid to the relevant Governmental Authorities and authorized registrars, and all registered Owned Intellectual Property is otherwise valid, enforceable and in good standing. Except as set forth on Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all agreements relating to Licensed Intellectual Property are, to the Knowledge of the Company, valid, binding and enforceable between the Company or its Subsidiaries and the other parties thereto, and the Company or its Subsidiaries and to the Knowledge of the Company, the counterparties to such agreements are in material compliance with the terms and conditions of such agreements.

(c) Except as set forth on Section 3.15(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company or one of its Subsidiaries exclusively owns all right, title and interest, free and clear of Liens, in and to (A) the Intellectual Property listed in Section 3.15(b)(i) and Section 3.15(b)(iii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (B) to the Knowledge of the Company, the Intellectual Property listed in Section 3.15(b)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule or any other unregistered Owned Intellectual Property not required to be listed in Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, in the current operation of its business, infringes, violates or misappropriates the Intellectual Property of any third party in any material respect (provided that the representation in this clause (ii) is made only to the Knowledge of the Company with respect to unregistered Trademarks used by the Company and its Subsidiaries), (iii) no such claim for infringement, violation or misappropriation is pending in any court or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has been threatened in a written notice delivered to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to Seller or its Affiliates in the last two (2) years, and (iv) no claim is pending in any court or Governmental Authority (including the US Patent and Trademark Office and similar non-US offices) or, to the Knowledge of the Company, has been threatened in a written notice delivered to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or to Seller or its Affiliates in the last two (2) years, challenging the validity or enforceability of any item of Owned Intellectual Property, or the ownership by the Company or its respective Subsidiary of such item.

 

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(d) To the Knowledge of the Company no third party is infringing, violating, or misappropriating any Owned Intellectual Property. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have delivered written notice of any such claim for infringement, violation or misappropriation to a third party in the last two (2) years.

(e) Except as set forth on Section 3.15(e) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, all Intellectual Property created or developed by current or former employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, for or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries, by third parties was either (i) developed by such employees within the scope of their employment and such employees have otherwise validly assigned their rights (that the Company and its Subsidiaries do not already own by operation of law) to the Company or a Subsidiary thereof pursuant to written agreements; (ii) developed by independent contractors or consultants who have validly assigned their rights to the Company or a Subsidiary thereof pursuant to written agreements; or (iii) otherwise acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof from a third party.

(f) The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of and otherwise protect and enforce their material confidential information, including trade secrets. To the Knowledge of the Company, except in the Ordinary Course of Business, in connection with the sale process for the Company or as would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, no disclosure has been made by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to a third party of any material confidential information belonging to the Company or any Subsidiary.

3.16 Employee Benefits Plans .

(a) Section 3.16(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all of the material pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred compensation, stock option, employee stock ownership, employment, severance pay, change in control, retention, vacation, bonus or other incentive plans, all other material employee programs, arrangements or agreements and all other material employee benefit plans or fringe benefit plans, including all “employee benefit plans” as that term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) that are currently adopted, maintained by, sponsored in whole or in part by, or contributed to by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the benefit of present or former employees or directors of the Company and each Subsidiary thereof or their beneficiaries, or providing benefits to such persons in respect of services provided to any such entity, or for which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company could incur a liability (collectively, the “ Benefit Plans ”).

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.16(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Benefit Plan is a defined benefit pension plan (including “multiemployer plans” within the meaning of Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA) or promises any pension or post-retirement benefits to employees.

(c) Except with respect to the Retained Plans, for each Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries, the Company has provided or made available to Purchaser (i) plan documents and summaries, as of the date hereof, of all of the Benefit Plans and (ii) to the extent applicable, the most recent IRS determination letter or request for such determination letter.

 

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(d) With respect to each Benefit Plan, the Company and its Subsidiaries have complied and are now in compliance, in all respects, with all the provisions of ERISA, the Code, all agreements relating to each Benefit Plan and all Laws and regulations applicable to such Benefit Plans and each Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance with its terms. Each Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS. No condition exists that has subjected or would reasonably be expected to subject the Company or its Subsidiaries, either directly or by reason of their affiliation with any member of their “ Controlled Group ” (defined as any organization which is a member of a controlled group of organizations within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code), to any material tax, fine, lien or penalty or other material liability imposed by ERISA, the Code or other applicable Laws in connection with any “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA).

(e) No claim, lawsuit, arbitration or other action has been instituted, or to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, against any Benefit Plan or its assets. No administrative investigation, audit or other administrative proceeding by any Governmental Authority in connection with any of the Benefit Plans are pending, in progress or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened.

(f) Except as set forth on Section 3.16(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the consummation of the Transaction (i) will not give rise to any liability in respect of Business Employees, including liability for severance pay or termination pay, or accelerate the time of payment or vesting or increase the amount of compensation or benefits due to any Business Employee (whether current, former, or retired) or any beneficiary thereof solely by reason of such Transaction and (ii) will not result in payments under any of the Benefit Plans that (1) would not be deductible under Section 280G of the Code or (2) would result in any excise tax on any employee under Section 4999 of the Code or any other comparable Law.

3.17 Labor .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.17(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof is a party to any labor or collective bargaining agreement in respect of any employee or group of employees of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof. The Company and its Subsidiaries are (i) in compliance with each labor or collective bargaining agreement set forth on Section 3.17(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (ii) have timely made all contributions to each Benefit Plan to which it is obligated to contribute pursuant to such agreements.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.17(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) there are no, and within the last three (3) years there have been no material strikes, work stoppages, work slowdowns, lockouts, picketing or other similar labor activities pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or involving the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) there are no unfair labor practice charges, grievances or complaints pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened by or on behalf of any employee or group of employees of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof before a Governmental Authority.

 

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(c) The Company and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting employment (including employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours), except where the failure to be in compliance would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(d) Except as set forth in Section 3.17(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company has not incurred any Withdrawal Liability as a result of a Withdrawal Liability Event occurring prior to the date hereof and no Withdrawal Liability Event will occur as a result of the occurrence of the Closing of the Transaction (but without giving effect to any actions taken by or at the direction of Purchaser or its Affiliates (including, following the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries)).

(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, no Person has undertaken any union organization efforts with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within the last twelve months.

3.18 Environmental Matters . Except as set forth on Section 3.18 of the Company Disclosure Schedule:

(a) The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and, for the past five (5) years, have been carried out, in all material respects in compliance with all Environmental Laws.

(b) (i) The Company and its Subsidiaries have obtained all applicable material Permits required by Environmental Law for each of the Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted, (ii) all such material Permits required by Environmental Law for each of the Company and its Subsidiaries to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted are in full force and effect and (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, there are no facts or circumstances which would reasonably be expected to lead to any such material Permits being revoked, canceled or modified.

(c) None of the Company or its Subsidiaries nor has released or discharged (as those terms are defined by applicable Environmental Law) any Hazardous Materials into the environment that would violate any applicable Environmental Laws or Permits or require investigation or remediation under Environmental Laws or Permits or would be reasonably likely to result in the Company incurring material liability under Environmental Law.

(d) To the Knowledge of the Company, (i) no Person (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) has released or discharged (as those terms are defined by applicable Environmental Law) any Hazardous Materials into the environment and (ii) there is no presence of or exposure to Hazardous Materials, in each case at, on or migrating to any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, that would violate any applicable Environmental Laws or Permits or require investigation or remediation under Environmental Laws or Permits and, in each case, would be reasonably likely to result in the Company incurring material liability under Environmental Law.

 

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(e) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of any Legal Proceedings which would reasonably be expected to result in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurring material liability under Environmental Laws.

(f) To the Knowledge of the Company, the Company has made available to Purchaser copies of all relevant and material environmental assessments, reports or audits in its possession or control that relate to the Company’s compliance with Environmental Laws or the environmental condition of the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property, including copies of each of the Phase I environmental assessments listed in Section 3.18(f) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (the “ Existing Phase I Reports ”).

(g) Section 3.18(g) of the Company Disclosure Schedule lists, to the Knowledge of the Company, all underground storage tanks located at any Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property and their location.

3.19 Privacy; Systems; Security .

(a) Except as disclosed in Section 3.19(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws relating to privacy, data security and data protection, and with published privacy policies or statements concerning data security requirements and privacy policy notice requirements, (ii) the consummation of the Transaction will not violate the terms of any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ privacy policies, statements, notice requirements or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any such applicable privacy Laws, and (iii) to the Knowledge of the Company, no claims or controversies have arisen regarding compliance with such Laws or such privacy policies of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, or the implementation of such privacy policies that would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable steps and implemented reasonable security measures to protect information technology systems used in the operation of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries from unauthorized access or use except where such failure to implement would not have or be reasonably expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented reasonable backup and disaster recovery technology consistent with industry practice, except where such failure to implement would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

3.20 Publications; Carriers . Section 3.20(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all publications of the Company and its Subsidiaries currently in publication and published as of the date hereof (the “ Publications ”). Section 3.20(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth, as of December 31, 2012, the number of carriers by market and lists the compensation of each carrier whose compensation is in excess of a rate of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) per year.

 

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3.21 Transactions With Related Parties; Shared Contracts .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 3.21(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no present officer, director or stockholder of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor any Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) (each a “ Related Party ”), is currently a party to any transaction or Contract with the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, other than (i) employment or consulting agreements entered into with individuals in the Ordinary Course of Business, (ii) Contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business on an arm’s length basis, and (iii) Shared Contracts (with Shared Contracts being addressed in Section 3.21(b) below).

(b) Section 3.21(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list, as of the date hereof, of Contracts to which Seller or any of its Affiliates (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) is a party which are material to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and which also relate to any other businesses of Seller or its Affiliates (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries) (“ Shared Contracts ”). For the avoidance of doubt, these Contracts shall be retained by Seller or its Affiliates and are not included in the assets of the Company.

3.22 Insurance . All insurance policies with respect to the properties, assets or business of the Company and its Subsidiaries are in full force and effect and all premiums due and payable thereon have been paid in full. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have received a written notice that would reasonably be expected to be followed by a written notice of cancellation, alteration of coverage or non-renewal of any such insurance policy. There are no claims related to the business of the Company or any Subsidiary pending under any such insurance policies outside the Ordinary Course of Business as to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed or in respect of which there is an outstanding reservation of rights.

3.23 Financial Advisors . Except for the Persons set forth on Section 3.23 of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively the “ Financial Advisors ”), the fees, commissions and expenses of which shall be paid by Seller at Closing, no Person has acted, directly or indirectly, as a broker, finder, agent, investment banker or financial advisor for or on behalf of Seller, the Company or its Subsidiaries and no Person other than those Persons set forth on Section 3.23 of the Company Disclosure Schedule is entitled to any fee or commission or like payment from Seller, the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction.

3.24 Limitations on Representations and Warranties . EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE III AND ARTICLE IV (EACH AS MODIFIED BY THE COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE) AND IN EACH OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENT TO WHICH SELLER OR THE COMPANY IS A PARTY, NEITHER SELLER NOR THE COMPANY NOR ANY OTHER PERSON MAKES, OR HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY SELLER, THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES TO MAKE, ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO SELLER, THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES OR THE TRANSACTION, AND THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, WHETHER MADE BY SELLER,

 

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ANY AFFILIATE OF SELLER, ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES AND IF MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON BY PURCHASER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND REPRESENTATIVES AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY SELLER, THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE III (AS MODIFIED BY THE COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE) AND IN EACH OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENT TO WHICH THE COMPANY IS A PARTY, THE COMPANY HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OPINION, PROJECTION, FORECAST, STATEMENT, MEMORANDUM, PRESENTATION, ADVICE OR INFORMATION MADE, COMMUNICATED, OR FURNISHED (ORALLY OR IN WRITING) TO PURCHASER OR ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES (INCLUDING ANY OPINION, PROJECTION, FORECAST, STATEMENT, MEMORANDUM, PRESENTATION, ADVICE OR INFORMATION THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OR MAY BE PROVIDED TO PURCHASER BY ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, CONSULTANT, OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE IN ANY ELECTRONIC DATA ROOM HOSTED BY SELLER OR THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION). NEITHER THE COMPANY NOR SELLER MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES TO PURCHASER REGARDING THE PROBABLE SUCCESS OR PROFITABILITY OF THE BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES. THE DISCLOSURE OF ANY MATTER OR ITEM IN ANY SCHEDULE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT ANY SUCH MATTER IS REQUIRED TO BE DISCLOSED. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 3.24 SHALL LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF ANY PARTY FOR INTENTIONAL FRAUD.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

4.1 Authorization of Agreement . Seller has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transaction. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreements and the consummation of the Transaction contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Seller. Each of the Transaction Agreements to which Seller is a party has been or will be at or prior to the Closing, duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) each of such Transaction Agreements, when so executed and delivered, will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

 

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4.2 Company Capital Stock . Seller owns all of the Company Capital Stock free and clear of Liens other than Liens imposed by Purchaser or under applicable securities Laws or which will be discharged at or prior to Closing.

4.3 Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties .

(a) Assuming the making of the filings and the receipt of the consents or waiting period terminations or expirations identified in Section 3.3(b) , none of the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction by Seller, or the compliance by Seller with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts with or will conflict with, or result in any violation of or constitute a breach of or a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or permit the acceleration of any obligation under, or give rise to a right of termination, modification or cancellation under, any provision of (i) the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement or other comparable organizational documents, of Seller or any of its Affiliates; (ii) any Contract or Permit to which Seller or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which any of its or their properties or assets are bound; (iii) any Order of any Governmental Authority applicable to Seller or any of its Affiliates by which any of the properties or assets of Seller or any of its Affiliates are bound; or (iv) any applicable Law, except in each case, where such conflict, violation or default would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Except as set forth on Section 3.3(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule, no Governmental Approval is required on the part of Seller in connection with the execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction by Seller or the compliance by Seller with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, except for (i) any filing or termination of the waiting period or other approval required under the HSR Act, (ii) any of the foregoing required under any state securities or “blue sky” laws (if applicable), or (iii) any such other Governmental Approval, the failure of which to make or obtain would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

4.4 Legal Proceedings . There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened since July 1, 2010, Legal Proceedings against Seller or any of its Affiliates that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement. There is no outstanding Order imposed upon Seller or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective assets, except for Legal Proceedings which, if adversely determined, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of Seller to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

 

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4.5 Limitations of Representations and Warranties . EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IV (AS MODIFIED BY THE COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE) AND IN EACH OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENT TO WHICH SELLER IS A PARTY, SELLER MAKES NO, NOR HAS ANY OTHER PERSON BEEN AUTHORIZED BY SELLER OR ITS AFFILIATES TO MAKE, ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO SELLER, THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, THE COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK OR THE TRANSACTION, AND SELLER DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, WHETHER MADE BY SELLER, ANY AFFILIATE OF SELLER, OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES AND IF MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON BY PURCHASER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES AND REPRESENTATIVES AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY SELLER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IV (AS MODIFIED BY THE COMPANY DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE) AND IN EACH OTHER TRANSACTION AGREEMENT TO WHICH SELLER IS A PARTY, SELLER HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, OPINION, PROJECTION, FORECAST, STATEMENT, MEMORANDUM, PRESENTATION, ADVICE OR INFORMATION MADE, COMMUNICATED, OR FURNISHED (ORALLY OR IN WRITING) TO PURCHASER OR ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES (INCLUDING ANY OPINION, PROJECTION, FORECAST, STATEMENT, MEMORANDUM, PRESENTATION, ADVICE OR INFORMATION THAT MAY HAVE BEEN OR MAY BE PROVIDED TO PURCHASER BY ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, AGENT, CONSULTANT, OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE IN ANY ELECTRONIC DATA ROOM HOSTED BY SELLER OR THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION). SELLER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES TO PURCHASER REGARDING THE PROBABLE SUCCESS OR PROFITABILITY OF THE BUSINESS CONDUCTED BY THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES. THE DISCLOSURE OF ANY MATTER OR ITEM IN ANY SCHEDULE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT ANY SUCH MATTER IS REQUIRED TO BE DISCLOSED. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 4.5 SHALL LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF ANY PARTY FOR INTENTIONAL FRAUD.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

Except as set forth on the disclosure schedule delivered by Purchaser to Seller concurrently with entry into of this Agreement and attached to this Agreement as Schedule B (the “ Purchaser Disclosure Schedule ”) (and provided that disclosure in any section of such Purchaser Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed disclosed with respect to only the corresponding Section of this Agreement and, to the extent it is reasonably apparent from the wording of such disclosure that such disclosure is relevant to any other Section of this Agreement, such other Section of this Agreement), Purchaser hereby represents and warrants as follows:

 

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5.1 Organization . Purchaser is a corporation duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland. Purchaser has the corporate, limited liability company or other similar power and authority to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted. Purchaser is duly licensed or qualified to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the character or location of any properties or assets owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except for those jurisdictions where the failure to be so licensed or qualified would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect.

5.2 Authorization of Agreement . Purchaser and each Affiliate of Purchaser party to this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement has all requisite corporate, limited liability company or other similar power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement to which it is a party, to perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder and to consummate the Transaction. The execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party and the consummation of the Transaction have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate, limited liability company or other similar action on the part of Purchaser and each such Affiliate. Each of the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party has been or will be at or prior to the Closing, duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and each such Affiliate and (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto) each of the Transaction Agreements, when so executed and delivered, will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of Purchaser and each such Affiliate, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

5.3 Conflicts; Consents of Third Parties .

(a) Except as set forth on Section 5.3(a) of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedule, and assuming the making of the filings and the receipt of the consents or waiting period terminations or expirations identified in Section 5.3(b) , none of the execution and delivery by Purchaser or its Affiliates of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction, or compliance by Purchaser or its Affiliates with any of the provisions hereof or thereof conflicts with or will conflict with, or result in any violation of or constitute a breach of or a default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or permit the acceleration of any obligation under, or give rise to a right of termination, modification or cancellation under, any provision of (i) the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or other comparable organizational documents, of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; (ii) any Contract or Permit to which Purchaser or any of its Affiliates is a party or by which any of the properties or assets of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates are bound; (iii) any Order of any Governmental Authority applicable to Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or by which any of the properties or assets of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates are bound; or (iv) any applicable Law, except in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), where such conflict, violation or default would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b) Except as set forth on Section 5.3(b) of the Purchaser Disclosure Schedule, no Governmental Approval is required on the part of Purchaser or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements to which it is a party, the consummation of the Transaction by Purchaser or the compliance by Purchaser with any of the provisions hereof or thereof, except for (i) any filing or termination of the waiting period or other approval required under the HSR Act, (ii) any of the foregoing required under any state securities or “blue sky” laws (if applicable), or (iii) such Governmental Approval, the failure of which to make or obtain would not have or reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect.

5.4 Legal Proceedings . There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Purchaser, threatened, Legal Proceedings against Purchaser or any of its Affiliates that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect. There is no outstanding Order imposed upon Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or any of their respective assets, except for Legal Proceedings which, if adversely determined, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect.

5.5 Financial Capability . Purchaser has, and will have as of the Closing (i) sufficient cash on hand (without giving effect to any unfunded financing regardless of whether any such financing is committed) to pay the Purchase Price and all related fees and expenses in connection with the Transaction, (ii) the resources and capabilities (financial or otherwise) to perform its obligations hereunder, and (iii) has not incurred any obligation, commitment, restriction or liability of any kind, which would impair or adversely affect such resources and capabilities.

5.6 Investment . Purchaser is acquiring the Company Capital Stock for its own account and for investment purposes and not with a view to the distribution thereof. Purchaser acknowledges that the Company Capital Stock has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), or any state securities law and Purchaser must bear the economic risk of its investment in Company Capital Stock until and unless the offer and sale of such Company Capital Stock is subsequently registered under the Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is applicable. Purchaser has conducted an examination of available information relating to the Company and its business, Purchaser has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters that it is capable of evaluating an investment in the Company Capital Stock, and Purchaser can bear the economic risk of an investment in the Company Capital Stock and can afford a complete loss of such investment.

5.7 Solvency . As of the Closing and immediately after giving effect to the Transaction contemplated by this Agreement (including any financing arrangements entered into in connection therewith), (i) the amount of the “fair saleable value” of the assets of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries will exceed (A) the value of all liabilities of the Company and such Subsidiaries, including contingent and other liabilities, and (B) the amount that will be required to pay the probable liabilities of the Company and such Subsidiaries on their existing debts (including contingent liabilities) as such debts become absolute and matured, (ii) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries will not have an unreasonably small amount of capital for the

 

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operation of the businesses in which it is engaged or proposed to be engaged, and (iii) each of the Company and its Subsidiaries will be able to pay its liabilities, including contingent and other liabilities, as they mature. For purposes of the foregoing, “not have an unreasonably small amount of capital for the operation of the businesses in which it is engaged or proposed to be engaged” and “able to pay its liabilities, including contingent and other liabilities, as they mature” means that such Person will be able to generate enough cash from operations, asset dispositions or refinancing, or a combination thereof, to meet its obligations as they become due. The Transaction is not being made by Purchaser with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any present or future creditors of Purchaser, the Company or its Subsidiaries.

5.8 No Other Representations and Warranties; No Reliance; Purchaser Investigation .

(a) Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that, except as expressly set forth in Article III and Article IV and in each other Transaction Agreement to which the Company or Seller is a party, the Company and Seller make no promise, representation or warranty, express or implied, relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, itself, or any of their respective business, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions or prospects or the Transaction, including with respect to merchantability, fitness for any particular or ordinary purpose, or as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding any of the foregoing, or as to any other matter, notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to Purchaser or any of its Affiliates or representatives of any documents, forecasts, projections, statements or other information (whether communicated orally or in writing), and any such other promises, representations or warranties, or liability or responsibility therefor, are hereby expressly disclaimed. In addition, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that Purchaser has not executed or authorized the execution of this Agreement in reliance upon any promise, representation or warranty not expressly set forth in Article III and Article IV .

(b) Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that (i) Seller has made available to Purchaser, for the purposes of due diligence, material documents, forecasts or other information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and the Transaction, and (ii) Purchaser has made its own independent inquiry and investigation into, and, based thereon, has formed an independent judgment concerning, Seller, the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Company Capital Stock and the Transaction and, in making its determination to proceed with the Transaction, Purchaser has relied on the results of its own independent investigation.

5.9 Financial Advisors . No Person has acted, directly or indirectly, as a broker, finder, agent, investment banker or financial advisor for Purchaser or its Affiliates and no Person is entitled to any fee or commission or like payment from Purchaser or its Affiliates in connection with the Transaction.

ARTICLE VI

CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

6.1 Conduct of the Company Pending the Closing . From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Closing or valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article XI , except (i) as set forth on Section 6.1 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, (ii) as required by

 

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applicable Law, (iii) as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, or (iv) with the prior written consent of Purchaser (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned, and which will be deemed granted if Purchaser does not respond to a written request for consent within ten (10) Business Days), (1) Seller and the Company shall and shall cause the Company’s Subsidiaries to conduct the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries in the Ordinary Course of Business and use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact their respective business organizations and relationships with customers, suppliers and others having material business relationships with the Company and its Subsidiaries and (2) Seller (with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries) and the Company shall not, and shall cause the Company’s Subsidiaries not to:

(a) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any outstanding shares of the capital stock or other equity interests or limited partnership interests or rights or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or other equity interests or limited partnership interests or other securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries or declare or pay any non-cash dividends on or make other non-cash distributions in respect of any of its capital stock or other equity interests;

(b) transfer, issue, sell, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of any shares of capital stock or other equity interests or rights or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries or grant options, warrants, calls or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire shares of the capital stock or other equity interests or rights or obligations convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

(c) effect any recapitalization, reclassification or like change in the capitalization of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

(d) amend the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement or comparable organizational documents of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

(e) (A) incur or assume any Indebtedness, or mortgage or pledge any properties or assets (whether tangible or intangible) of the Company or its Subsidiaries (other than among the Company and its Subsidiaries), or create or suffer to exist any Lien thereupon, other than Permitted Liens, or (B) make any loans or advances to any other Person (other than among the Company and its Subsidiaries), except in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business or to the extent any such Indebtedness, loans or advances are incurred to or from one or more Affiliates of the Company and will be discharged at or prior to Closing;

(f) (A) acquire (by merger, consolidation or acquisition of equity interests or assets) any corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other business organization or division thereof or (B) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of material assets or securities (other than the Retained Properties), except in the Ordinary Course of Business;

(g) settle or compromise any material claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation other than in the Ordinary Course of Business that (i) involves only the payment of money and does not exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) individually or (ii) that has become due and payable prior to the date hereof;

 

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(h) enter into any commitment for or incur capital expenditures of the Company or its Subsidiaries in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) for all commitments and expenses in the aggregate, other than to replace or repair obsolete, worthless or damaged assets;

(i) other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, knowingly and intentionally take any action to convert any asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would not otherwise have been included as a current asset in the calculation of Working Capital into an asset that would be included as a current asset in the calculation of Working Capital if such converted asset continued to be held by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries at the Closing, including (i) taking any action or omitting to take any action outside the Ordinary Course of Business for the principal purpose of conserving cash and cash equivalents or (ii) selling, exchanging, leasing, licensing or otherwise disposing of any material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Retained Properties) outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

(j) other than in Ordinary Course of Business and other than with respect to the Retained Properties, (i) transfer, sell, lease, sublease, or otherwise grant any right to use or occupy and of the Owned Real Property, (ii) acquire, lease, sublease or otherwise enter into any agreement to use or occupy any real property or (iii) amend or modify in any material respect, terminate, extend or renew any Real Property Lease;

(k) file any material amendment to a non-income Tax Return, enter into any material closing agreement with respect to non-income Taxes, settle or compromise any material claim or assessment in respect of Taxes, or consent in writing to any extension or waiver of the statutory period of limitation applicable to any material claim or assessment in respect of non-income Taxes;

(l) (i) grant any new incentive compensation award or materially increase the compensation, bonus or benefits payable or to become payable to any Business Employee; or (ii) enter into any new or materially amend or terminate any Benefit Plans, except in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business, or as may be required by an existing employment Contract;

(m) enter into any new or amend any existing employment, severance, change in control, retention, termination, or similar agreement with any current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(n) enter into any agreement, arrangement or commitment that limits or otherwise restricts the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective post-Closing Affiliates from engaging or competing in any line of business;

(o) transfer, pledge, license, abandon or fail to maintain or renew any Owned Intellectual Property, except any transfers between the Company and a Subsidiary or between Subsidiaries, and any non-exclusive licenses to end users in the Ordinary Course of Business;

 

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(p) other than in the Ordinary Course of Business, permit the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, materially amend or terminate any Material Contract;

(q) change any of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries methods of accounting or methods of reporting income or deductions for accounting practice or policy, except in each case as required by applicable Law or GAAP or to correspond with any of the foregoing occurring at the Company’s ultimate parent company; or

(r) enter into any agreement or otherwise make a commitment to do anything prohibited by this Section 6.1 .

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this Section 6.1 shall prohibit any dividends or other distributions of cash (or any cash sweeps or similar treasury functions to transfer cash) from the Company’s Subsidiaries to the Company or from the Company to Seller.

6.2 Transfer of Retained Properties . Prior to the Closing, Seller shall take, and shall cause the Company and its Subsidiaries to take, all actions, and do or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, under applicable Law, so as to consummate at or prior to the Closing the transfer of the Retained Properties to Seller, an Affiliate of Seller or to an unrelated third party.

6.3 Notice; Effect of Notice . Prior to the Closing, the Company shall notify Purchaser, and Purchaser shall notify Seller, promptly in writing if to the Knowledge of the Company or to the knowledge of Purchaser there occurs any event, transaction or circumstance that causes any covenant or agreement of the Company, Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be, to be breached or that renders untrue any representation or warranty of the Company, Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be, contained in this Agreement, in each case such that it would result in a failure of the conditions set forth in Article VIII , as applicable; provided , however , that no such notice shall have any effect on Seller’s or Purchaser’s, as the case may be, (a) ability to assert the failure of any conditions to their obligation to close set forth in Article VIII or (b) right to indemnification pursuant to Article IX .

6.4 Control of Business . Purchaser acknowledges and agrees on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that: (a) nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Purchaser or its Affiliates, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the Company’s operations prior to the Closing, (b) prior to the Closing, the Company’s management and board of directors and stockholder shall exercise, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over the Company’s operations, and (c) notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, no consent of Purchaser shall be required with respect to any matter set forth in Section 6.1 or elsewhere in this Agreement to the extent that the requirement of such consent, would as determined by the Company’s counsel violate any applicable Law (provided that Purchaser shall be notified of such matter).

6.5 Financial Statements . Until the Closing, the Company shall continue to prepare financial statements in the Ordinary Course of Business and shall provide Purchaser copies thereof as soon as practicable after the preparation thereof (and no later than such time as such financial statements are provided to Seller or Seller’s parent company).

 

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6.6 Alternative Transactions . Seller agrees that from the date of this Agreement to the earlier of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement, it shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates and representatives not to, directly or indirectly, other than pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (a) enter into any negotiations, discussions or agreements with any third parties, other than Purchaser and its representatives, with respect to an Alternative Transaction (other than responding to unsolicited inquires to inform such persons that Seller is currently under contract with respect to the Transaction), or (b) solicit, accept, approve or facilitate any proposals or offers from any third parties, other than Purchaser and its representatives, with respect to an Alternative Transaction.

ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS

7.1 Access to Information .

(a) From the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the termination of this Agreement or the Closing Date, upon reasonable prior notice, subject to Section 7.1(c) , and except as determined by the Company in good faith to be appropriate to ensure compliance with any applicable Laws and, except as determined by the Company in good faith to reasonably be expected to violate the attorney-client privilege or other legal privilege, and contractual confidentiality obligations, the Company shall and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its representatives to afford the representatives of Purchaser and its Affiliates reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the offices, properties, books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries as Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request upon reasonable advance notice; provided , however , that (i) such access shall be conducted during normal business hours under the supervision of the Company’s personnel and in such a manner so as not to unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of the Company, Seller or any of its Affiliates; (ii) the auditors and accountants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not be obligated to make any work papers (to the extent extant) available to any Person unless and until such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants; (iii) if the Parties are in an adversarial relationship in litigation or arbitration, the furnishing of information, documents or records in accordance with this Section 7.1(a) shall be subject to applicable rules relating to discovery; and (iv) any access to the Company’s properties shall be subject to the Company’s reasonable security and insurance measures and shall not include the right to conduct any environmental testing, sampling or intrusive investigations of any kind. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, prior to the Closing, without the prior written consent of the Company, which may be withheld for any reason, Purchaser shall not contact any suppliers to, or customers of, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

(b) From and after the Closing Date, in connection with any reasonable business purpose, including the determination of any matter relating to the rights or obligations of Seller or the Company under this Agreement, upon reasonable prior notice and except as determined by the Company in good faith to be appropriate to ensure compliance with any applicable Laws and, except as determined by the Company in good faith to reasonably be expected to violate the attorney-client privilege or other legal privilege, and contractual

 

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confidentiality obligations, Purchaser shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and its representatives to, (i) afford the representatives of Seller and its Affiliates reasonable access, during normal business hours, to the offices, properties, books and records of Purchaser and its Subsidiaries in respect of the Company as Seller may from time to time reasonably request upon reasonable advance notice, and (ii) make available to the representatives of Seller and its Affiliates the employees of Purchaser and its Subsidiaries in respect of the Company whose assistance, expertise, testimony, notes and recollections or presence is necessary to assist Seller in connection with Seller’s inquiries for any of the purposes referred to above, including the presence of such Persons as witnesses in hearings or trials for such purposes, as Seller may from time to time reasonably request upon reasonably advance notice; provided , however , that (A) such access and requests shall not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates; (B) that the auditors and accountants of Purchaser or its Affiliates shall not be obligated to make any work papers (to the extent extant) available to any Person unless and until such Person has signed a customary agreement relating to such access to work papers in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such auditors or accountants; and (C) that if the Parties are in an adversarial relationship in litigation or arbitration, the furnishing of information, documents or records in accordance with this Section 7.1(b) shall be subject to applicable rules relating to discovery.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Seller nor the Company shall be required, prior to the Closing, to disclose, or to cause to be disclosed, to Purchaser or its Affiliates or representatives (or to provide, or to cause to be provided, access to any offices, properties, books or records of Seller, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates that could result in the disclosure to such Persons or others of) any confidential information relating to non-public customer personal data, nor shall Seller or the Company be required to permit, or to cause others to permit, Purchaser or its Affiliates or representatives to have access to or to copy or remove from the offices or properties of Seller, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates any documents, drawings or other materials that might reveal any such confidential information.

(d) From and after the date hereof through the Closing, and in a manner consistent with applicable Law, the Parties shall cooperate with one another and use (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to use) their commercially reasonable efforts to plan and prepare for the provision of the services contemplated by, and to facilitate the completion of tasks and services in accordance with the timeframes specified in, the Transition Services Agreement, including in connection with Purchaser’s development of the migration plan contemplated to be delivered pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.

(e) No information or knowledge obtained in any investigation by Purchaser or Seller shall have any effect on Seller’s or Purchaser’s, as the case may be, (a) ability to assert the failure of any conditions to their obligation to close set forth in Article VIII or (b) right to indemnification pursuant to Article IX .

 

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7.2 Cooperation; Filings and Approvals .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate with one another and use (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to use) their respective commercially reasonable efforts to promptly (i) take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do, or cause to be done, all things, necessary, proper or advisable to cause the conditions to Closing to be satisfied as promptly as practicable and to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the Transaction, including preparing and filing promptly and fully all documentation to effect all necessary filings, notices, petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of information, applications and other documents (including, any required filings under the HSR Act), and (ii) obtain all approvals, consents, registrations, Permits, authorizations and other confirmations from any Governmental Authority or other Person (other than a Governmental Authority) necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the Transaction; provided that neither Seller nor the Company shall be obligated to pay any consideration to any Person (other than mandatory filing fees in connection with filings under the HSR Act and any other applicable per-merger filing rules) from whom any such approval, consent, registration, Permit, authorization or other confirmation is requested. For the avoidance of doubt, the obtaining of any such approval, consent, registration, Permit, authorization or other confirmation is not a condition to Closing unless expressly set forth in Article VIII .

(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, (i) each of the Company and Purchaser agrees to make, or have its ultimate parent entity make, an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the Transaction as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, (but in no event later than ten (10) Business Days from the date of this Agreement), and to supply as promptly as practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to the HSR Act and use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions consistent with this Section 7.2 necessary to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act as soon as practicable and (ii) to the extent that any pre-merger filings are required in any other jurisdictions, each of the Company and Purchaser agrees to make, or have its ultimate parent entity make, such filings as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement and to supply as promptly as practicable any additional information and documentary materials that may be required by a Governmental Authority in connection with such required filings and use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain clearance or waiting period expirations or terminations from such Governmental Authority with respect to the Transaction as promptly as practicable. The Parties further agree that, except for filings required from each Party under the HSR Act, (x) Purchaser will take the lead in making any and all filings with any Governmental Authority that are required under applicable pre-merger filing rules (including merger notification or control Laws, other applicable antitrust or fair trade Laws or any investment act Laws), (y) Seller will reasonably cooperate with Purchaser in making such filings, and (z) Purchaser and Seller will, or will cause their respective Affiliates to, supply as promptly as practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested by a Governmental Authority pursuant to such filings and use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions consistent with this Section 7.2 necessary to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under such filings or the receipt of approvals under such filings as promptly as practicable and, in any event, prior to the Outside Date. Purchaser and Seller shall each be responsible for one-half of all mandatory filing fees in connection with filings under the HSR Act and any other applicable pre-merger filing rules.

 

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(c) Subject to its obligations pursuant to this Section 7.2 , Purchaser shall have sole control over the process of obtaining any consents, permits, authorizations or approvals of, and making any filings, notifications or registrations with, Governmental Authorities as may be required under any antitrust, trade regulation, competition, communications, foreign investment or other Law applicable to the Transaction Agreements or the Transaction, provided , that each Party shall request early termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act. Upon request of Purchaser, the Company and Seller shall reasonably cooperate with Purchaser to assist in defending any investigation or other inquiry by or before a Governmental Authority relating to the Transaction, including any proceeding initiated by a private party, and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any resulting order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent), that materially impairs or delays the consummation of the Transaction. Each of Seller, the Company and Purchaser, as applicable, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the others informed in all material respects and on a current basis of any material communication received by such Party from, or given by such Party to, the Federal Trade Commission, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice or any other Governmental Authority and of any material communication received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private party, in each case regarding the Transaction. To the extent reasonably practicable, all discussions, telephone calls, and meetings with a Governmental Authority regarding the Transaction shall include representatives of all Parties. Subject to applicable Law, the Parties will consult and cooperate with each other in connection with any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments and proposals made or submitted to any Governmental Authority regarding the Transaction by or on behalf of any Party. The Parties may, as they deem advisable and necessary, designate any competitively or commercially sensitive materials provided to the other under this Section 7.2(c) or otherwise as “outside counsel only.” Such materials and the information contained therein shall be given only to outside counsel of the recipient and will not be disclosed by such outside counsel to employees, officers or directors of the recipient without the advance written consent of the Party providing such materials.

(d) In connection with and without limiting the obligations set forth in this Section 7.2 , Purchaser agrees to take all actions as may be required by any Governmental Authority to consummate the Transaction as expeditiously as possible, including (i) to sell, license or otherwise dispose of, or to hold separate and agree to sell, license or otherwise dispose of, any entities, assets or facilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries or, following the Closing, Purchaser and its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries), (ii) terminate, amend or assign existing relationships and contractual rights and obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, (iii) amend, assign or terminate existing licenses or other agreements of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and enter into such new licenses or other agreements, (iv) litigate (or defend) against any administrative or judicial action or proceeding (including any proceeding seeking a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction) challenging the Transaction as violative of any Law, or (v) take any action required by a Governmental Authority as a condition to terminate an applicable waiting period or otherwise approve the Transaction without challenge. All such efforts shall be unconditional and shall not be limited by any lesser standard of efforts used in this Agreement, and no actions taken pursuant to this Section 7.2(d) shall be considered for purposes of determining whether any Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or may occur. Purchaser shall respond to and seek to resolve as promptly as reasonably practicable any objections asserted by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Transaction.

 

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7.3 Confidentiality . Purchaser acknowledges that the information provided to Purchaser and its representatives in connection with this Agreement (including Section 7.1 hereof) and the Transaction is subject to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, by and between GateHouse Media, Inc. and the Seller Guarantor (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”), the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Parties and the Seller Guarantor acknowledge and agree that the Confidentiality Agreement shall be terminated effective as of the Closing.

7.4 Preservation of Records; Cooperation with Financial Statements .

(a) Purchaser agrees to preserve and keep the records held by Purchaser relating to the businesses of the Company and its Subsidiaries for a period of seven (7) years from the Closing Date and shall make such records and personnel available to Seller as may be reasonably requested in connection with, among other things, any insurance claims by, Legal Proceedings (other than Legal Proceedings between Seller, on the one hand, and Purchaser, on the other hand, related to this Agreement, or the Transaction) or tax audits against or governmental investigations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or in order to enable Seller to comply with its obligations under this Agreement and each other Transaction Agreement.

(b) Following the Closing, Purchaser shall cause the Company and its employees to use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Seller with closing and consolidating the books of Seller and its Affiliates for the fiscal period(s) in which the Closing occurs in a manner consistent with the level of such services historically provided by Company and its employees to Seller and its Affiliates prior to the Closing, including preparing and submitting to Seller the Company’s month-end accounts for the month prior to the Closing Date and the month in which the Closing Date occurs consistent with past practice. Additionally, for a period of six (6) months following the Closing, Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company’s employees to be available to respond to inquiries and provide reasonable assistance as requested by Seller following the Closing in connection with such closing and consolidating the books of Seller and its Affiliates; provided , that such assistance shall be provided in a manner designed to minimize any disruption to the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries and shall in any event be provided during reasonable business hours. Seller shall reimburse the Company upon demand for any and all out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred by the Company and its Subsidiaries in complying with the provisions of this Section 7.4(b) .

(c) If, in order to properly prepare documents to be filed with any Governmental Authority, it is necessary that any Party hereto be furnished with additional information relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and such information is in possession of any of the other Parties hereto or its Affiliates, such Party or Parties agree to use its/their commercially reasonable efforts to furnish such information to the requesting Party at the sole cost and expense to the requesting Party. At any time after the Closing, except to the extent otherwise noted, each of Seller, on the one hand, and Purchaser on the other hand, shall, to the extent reasonably requested by the other, the Company or its Subsidiaries shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cooperate in preparing responses or other materials for any audits by or disputes with any Governmental Authority, (ii) cooperate in the preparation of audited financial statements to the extent they relate to, incorporate or rely upon

 

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any information regarding the Company and its Subsidiaries including providing relevant work papers, (iii) make available information, records and documents relating to Taxes relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries and (iv) furnish copies of correspondence received from any Governmental Authority in connection with any audit or information request relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries.

(d) Following the date hereof, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and/or obtain, as applicable, and deliver to Purchaser as promptly as practicable (and intended to be completed on or before September 4, 2013 (although Seller shall have no liability to Purchaser or Company or any of their Affiliates as a result of such intended date not being met so long as Seller shall have used commercially reasonably efforts to meet such intended date)) (i) financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal years ended July 3, 2011, July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013 (and any required interim statements during such periods provided , that such interim statements will be prepared as promptly as practicable following completion of the audit) meeting the requirements applicable to a registrant pursuant to Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, and (ii) an unqualified audit opinion in accordance with GAAP from Ernst & Young LLP (or such other registered independent accounting firm as Purchaser and Seller shall mutually agree) (the “ Accounting Firm ”) with respect to such financial statements (but not for any interim statements), and Purchaser shall, and following the Closing shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries to, use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to provide such cooperation as is reasonably requested by Seller in connection with the foregoing. In addition, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide such cooperation and assistance as is reasonably requested by Purchaser in connection with (A) the receipt of any consent of the Accounting Firm that may be required for the inclusion of the Accounting Firm’s audit opinion in one or more reports or registration statements that may be filed by Purchaser or its Affiliates with the SEC and (B) Purchaser’s preparation of any pro-forma financial statements or other financial information that may be required to be filed by Purchaser or its Affiliates under applicable SEC rules and regulations. In connection with Seller’s performance under this Section 7.4(d) and the preparation of such financial statements and obtaining audit opinions, Purchaser shall cause the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, following the Closing, to use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to provide such data and financial information with respect to the Company in the possession of Purchaser or the Company or its Subsidiaries and provide Seller and its representatives with reasonable access to the individuals with knowledge of such data and financial information, in each case as may be necessary or as may be required by Law in connection with the preparation of such financial statements and obtaining such audit opinion. Without limiting the foregoing, Purchaser shall cause the Company, promptly following the request of the Accounting Firm, to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to the Accounting Firm a representation letter with respect to the aforementioned financial statements in such form as may be reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm and as is reasonably acceptable to the signatory thereof. In the event that the Company is unable to cause such a representation letter to be delivered to the Accounting Firm, Seller shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such representation letter to be delivered to the Accounting Firm. In addition to the Accounting Firm, Seller shall be permitted to retain such accountants, consultants and other advisers (together with the Accounting Firm, the “ Audit Representatives ”) as Seller reasonably determines are necessary in order to assist in the preparation of financials statements and obtaining the audit opinion contemplated by this Section 7.4(d) . Purchaser shall pay to Seller an amount of $600,000 (the

 

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Audit Fees Advance ”) as an advance on the fees and/or expenses incurred in connection with Seller’s compliance with this Section 7.4(d) on the date hereof; provided that, in lieu of an actual payment by Purchaser of such amount, Seller shall credit $600,000 of the Exclusivity Payment received by Seller from Purchaser in satisfaction of such Audit Fees Advance (the remaining $1,400,000 of the Exclusivity Payment after such credit being referred to as the “ Remaining Exclusivity Payment ”). Seller shall set-off the initial fees or expenses incurred in connection with this Section 7.4(d) (including any fees and expenses of Audit Representatives) against the Audit Fees Advance and thereafter Purchaser shall, promptly upon request by Seller, reimburse Seller for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Seller, its Affiliates, or their respective officers, employees, representatives and advisors, and prior to the Closing, the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective officers, employees, representatives and advisors in connection with this Section 7.4(d) including, for the avoidance of doubt, all fees, costs and expenses of the Accounting Firm and other Audit Representatives. Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller, its Affiliates, the Company, its Subsidiaries and each of their respective officers, employees, representatives and advisors from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, costs or expenses suffered or incurred by any of them arising out of or in connection with this Section 7.4(d) , including as may arise out of or in connection with the use of any information or data provided pursuant to this Section 7.4(d) . Following the Closing and until such time the financial statements and audit opinion contemplated by this Section 7.4(d) have been obtained such that Seller has no further obligations pursuant to this Section 7.4(d) , Purchaser shall, and shall cause the Company to, use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) retain or hire, as applicable, the individuals set forth on Section 7.4(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule (collectively, the “ Audit Personnel ”), whether through employment or consultancy arrangements, each of whom the Parties acknowledge are considered necessary for Seller to comply with its obligations hereunder and (ii) cause the Audit Personnel to provide such cooperation and assistance as is reasonably requested by Seller in connection with the preparation of financials statements and obtaining the audit opinion contemplated by this Section 7.4(d) .

7.5 Publicity . None of Seller and the Company, on the one hand, or Purchaser and its Affiliates, on the other hand, shall issue any press release or public announcement concerning this Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements or the Transaction or make any other public disclosure or disclosure to any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries containing or pertaining to the terms of this Agreement (except that the foregoing shall not prohibit disclosure of the existence of the Transaction itself), including in any Company-wide communications and in the contents of any script for any group Transaction-related meeting with employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, without obtaining Seller’s or Purchaser’s, as applicable, prior written approval, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that this Section 7.5 shall not prohibit (or require consent of the other Party in respect of) (A) disclosure consistent with (and no more expansive than) press releases or other disclosure previously made in accordance with this Section 7.5 or (B) disclosure which, in the judgment of the Party seeking to disclose, is otherwise required by applicable Law or by the applicable rules of any stock exchange on which such disclosing Party lists securities, provided that, to the extent any disclosure is required by applicable Law or stock exchange rule, the Party intending to make such disclosure shall use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with applicable Law or stock exchange rule to consult with Seller or Purchaser, as applicable, with respect to the text thereof.

 

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7.6 Related Party Arrangements; Intercompany Accounts . Effective as of immediately prior to Closing, the Contracts, loans, investments and inter-company balances set forth on Section 7.6(a) of the Company Disclosure Schedule and existing between the Company or its Subsidiaries on the one hand, and Seller or any Affiliate thereof (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries), on the other hand, shall be terminated, forgiven or settled without liability, including by way of capital contribution or by way of dividend in kind or otherwise as determined by Seller.

7.7 Employee Benefit Matters . Each of the Parties hereto agrees to comply with the provisions set forth on Schedule C that provide for certain employee-related matters and other obligations of the Parties as are set forth therein.

7.8 Termination of Rights to the Seller Names and Marks . Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that as between Purchaser, on the one hand, and Seller and its Affiliates, on the other hand, all right, title and interest in and to the Seller Names and Marks are owned exclusively by Seller and its Affiliates. Purchaser and its Affiliates shall not have any rights in or to any Seller Names and Marks, and Purchaser and its Affiliates shall not use any Seller Names or Marks (except as set forth in this paragraph). Neither Purchaser nor any of its Affiliates shall contest the ownership or validity of any rights of Seller or any of its Affiliates in or to any of the Seller Names and Marks. After the Closing Date, Purchaser and its Affiliates will not expressly, or by implication, do business as or represent themselves as having any affiliation, connection or other association with Seller or any of its Affiliates, except that nothing in this Section 7.8 shall prevent Purchaser and its Affiliates from referencing the names of Seller and/or Seller Guarantor in order to describe, in a narrative historical and factual manner, the acquisition of the Company and its Subsidiaries from Seller. Furthermore, Purchaser acknowledges and hereby agrees that (a) the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries to any of the Seller Names and Marks pursuant to the terms of any trademark agreements between Seller and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, shall terminate on the Closing Date; (b) within ten (10) Business Days following the Closing Date, Purchaser shall have taken whatever actions are necessary to change the name of the Company and its Subsidiaries to eliminate all references to any Seller Names and Marks (to the extent any such references exist as of the Closing Date); and (c) except as permitted by any ancillary agreement, promptly following the Closing Date, but in no event later than ten (10) days following the Closing Date, Purchaser and its Affiliates shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cease and discontinue all uses (other than internal uses within the Company or its Subsidiaries or uses otherwise not visible to third parties) of the Seller Names and Marks, either alone or in combination with other words, on any and all items and materials of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including any websites, Internet domain names, vehicles, business cards, schedules, stationery, packaging materials, displays, signs, promotional materials, manuals, forms, computer software and other business documents and materials (to the extent any such uses exist as of the Closing Date); provided , however , that the foregoing obligation shall only apply to such items and materials that, as of the Closing Date, are within the control of Purchaser or its Affiliates.

7.9 Intellectual Property Matters . Following the Closing, Seller shall not, and shall cause Seller’s Affiliates not to (i) disclose, exploit or make use of any part of the Owned Intellectual Property, or (ii) challenge or interfere with Purchaser’s efforts to perfect or enforce the Owned Intellectual Property or to register any currently unregistered Owned Intellectual

 

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Property; provided , that nothing in this Section 7.9 shall prevent Seller and / or Seller Guarantor from referencing the names of Purchaser, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in order to describe, in a narrative historical and factual manner, the sale of the Company and its Subsidiaries by Seller.

7.10 Contact with Customers, Suppliers and Other Business Relations . Purchaser hereby agrees that, except as contemplated by this Agreement, they are not authorized to and shall not (and shall not permit any of their representatives, employees or Affiliates to) contact any employee, tenant, landlord, customer, supplier, distributor or other business relation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries regarding the Transaction prior to the Closing without the prior written consent of Seller which consent, to the extent relating to a request to contact a Continuing Business Employee, shall not be unreasonably withheld so long as (i) Purchaser provides Seller with reasonable prior notice and (ii) such contact shall be conducted during normal business hours under the supervision of Seller’s personnel (unless the prior written consent of Seller for such contact includes therein the permission for such contact to take place without such supervision). Seller shall be given the reasonable opportunity to participate in discussions and meetings with, and copied on all correspondence of, Purchaser or its representatives, employees or Affiliates and any employee, tenant, landlord, customer, supplier, distributor or other business relation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to Closing.

7.11 Insurance . From and after the Closing, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall cease to be insured by Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ insurance policies or any of their self-insured programs. From and after the Closing, Seller shall be responsible for the administration and payment of all claims arising prior to the Closing made under any of Seller’s or any of its Affiliates’ insurance policies or any of their self-insured programs (the “ Retained Insurance Claims ”). Nothing herein limits Seller’s obligations with respect to the matters set forth on Schedule C .

7.12 Resignations . Except as set forth on Section 7.12 of the Company Disclosure Schedule, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be delivered to Purchaser duly signed resignations, effective as of the Closing, of all directors of the Company and each Subsidiary or shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take such other action as is necessary to accomplish the removal of such persons from such positions.

7.13 Covenant Not to Compete; Confidentiality . Each of the Parties hereto agrees to comply with the provisions set forth on Schedule D that provide for certain non-competition, confidentiality and other obligations of the Parties as are set forth therein.

7.14 Release . Except for the rights and remedies in respect of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements, effective upon the Closing, each of Seller and the Seller Guarantor, on behalf of itself and each of its Subsidiaries hereby irrevocably and unconditionally releases and forever discharges the Company and each of its Subsidiaries from any and all claims, charges, complaints, causes of action, damages, agreements and liabilities of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether known or unknown and whether at law or in equity, arising from conduct occurring prior to the Closing, including those relating to or arising out of Seller’s ownership of the Company Capital Stock; provided that the foregoing shall not affect the rights and obligations of the parties pursuant to Article IX hereof.

 

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7.15 Casualty . If, between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, there shall occur any physical damage to or destruction of, or theft of similar loss of, any of the tangible assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a “ Casualty Loss ”), then the amount of any insurance proceeds (net of collection and any other applicable costs) paid to the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of any such Casualty Losses shall (a) not be included in the calculation of Working Capital for any purpose under this Agreement and (b) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including Section 6.1 ), not be paid by the Company as a dividend or otherwise distributed to Seller.

ARTICLE VIII

CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

8.1 Conditions Precedent to Obligation of the Parties . The respective obligation of each Party hereto to consummate the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, in writing, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) there shall not be in effect any Order by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Transaction; provided that prior to asserting the failure of this condition the Party asserting its failure shall not be entitled to rely on the failure of this condition to be satisfied if such Order was initiated by such Party or an Affiliate of such Party; and

(b) (i) all waiting periods and other approvals applicable to the Transaction under the HSR Act shall have expired or been earlier terminated, and (ii) all other Governmental Approvals or consents necessary for consummation of the Transaction shall have been obtained or made and be in effect at the Closing Date, except for any such Governmental Approvals or consents, the failure of which to obtain or make would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

8.2 Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Purchaser . The obligation of Purchaser to consummate the Transaction is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver, in writing, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) the representations and warranties of the Company and Seller (i) set forth in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.4 , 3.8(b) , 4.1 and 4.2 shall be true and correct in all respects and (ii) set forth in this Agreement other than those listed in clause (i) shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “materiality,” “Company Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar import set forth therein), in each case as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date, which shall have been true and correct only as of such particular date), except in the case of clause (ii) where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, and Purchaser shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect;

 

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(b) the Company and Seller shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by the Company on or prior to the Closing Date, and Purchaser shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect;

(c) since the date of this Agreement, there shall not be or have been any event, change, occurrence or circumstance that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect that is continuing, and Purchaser shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect;

(d) the Company and/or Seller, as applicable, shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to Purchaser the documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.2 ; and

(e) the Company or Seller, as applicable, shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to Purchaser either (i) a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that, after giving pro forma effect to the termination, forgiveness, discharge or settlement pursuant to this Agreement (including Section 7.6 ) at or prior to Closing of any amounts (including any inter-company Indebtedness, payables or receivables) owing, due or payable between the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Seller or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand, (A) the total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2013 did not exceed $500,000,000 and (B) the absolute value of the income of the Company and its Subsidiaries before income taxes, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle exclusive of amounts attributable to any non-controlling interests for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 did not exceed $50,000,000 or (ii) the financial statements, unqualified audit opinion and consent of the Accounting Firm referred to in Section 7.4(d) ; provided , that, with respect to clause (i) above, neither Seller nor any of its Affiliates nor the person executing such certificate shall have any liability (and the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to indemnification pursuant to Article IX hereunder or otherwise) in connection with the delivery of such certificate or the contents thereof.

8.3 Conditions Precedent to Obligation of Seller . The obligation of Seller to consummate the Transaction is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver, in writing, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) the representations and warranties of Purchaser set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct (disregarding all qualifications or limitations as to “materiality,” “Purchaser Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar import set forth therein) as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date (other than those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date, which shall have been true and correct only as of such particular date), except in each case where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Purchaser Material Adverse Effect, and Seller shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect;

 

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(b) Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date, and Seller shall have received a certificate signed by an authorized executive officer of Purchaser, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect; and

(c) Purchaser shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to Seller the documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.3 .

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

9.1 Survival . The representations and warranties of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive until the fifteen (15) month anniversary of the Closing Date, except that (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.1 (Organization), 3.2 (Authorization of Agreement), 3.4 (Capitalization; Subsidiaries), 3.23 (Financial Advisors), 4.1 (Authorization of Agreement), 4.2 (Company Capital Stock), 5.1 (Organization) 5.2 (Authorization of Agreement) and 5.9 (Financial Advisors) (such representations and warranties, the “ Fundamental Representations ”) shall survive indefinitely, (ii) the representations and warranties in Sections 3.17(d) (Labor) and 3.18 (Environmental Matters) shall survive until the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date (such representations and warranties, the “ Specified Representations ”) and (iii) the representations and warranties in Section 3.11 (Taxes) shall survive until sixty (60) days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. The covenants and agreements in this Agreement that by their nature are required to be performed by or prior to the Closing shall survive, and thus claims may be brought in respect of a breach thereof, until the fifteen (15) month anniversary of the Closing Date, and the covenants and agreements in this Agreement that by their nature are required to be performed following the Closing Date shall survive, and thus a claim may brought in respect of a breach thereof, until fifteen (15) months following the last date on which each such post-Closing covenant was required to be performed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a written claim or written notice is given in good faith under this Article IX with respect to any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period, the claim with respect to such representation or warranty shall continue indefinitely until such claim is finally resolved pursuant to this Article IX .

9.2 Indemnification .

(a) From and after the Closing Date and subject to the provisions of this Article IX , Seller Guarantor shall indemnify and hold harmless Purchaser and its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents, attorneys, representatives, successors and permitted assigns, as applicable (collectively, the “ Purchaser Indemnified Parties ”) from and against any and all Losses incurred by any or all of them resulting or arising from (i) the failure to be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date of any of the representations or warranties made by Seller or the Company in this Agreement (other than those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date, which shall have been true and correct only as of such particular date), (ii) any breach of or failure to

 

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perform any covenant or agreement made by Seller or the Company in this Agreement, (iii) the Retained Plans and the Retained Properties, (iv) the Retained Insurance Claims, (v) the employment of the Scheduled Business Employees or the termination of their employment (including any claims for any severance payments or pre-Closing wages to which they may be entitled, but not for any claims arising out of the decision to terminate or not to retain such employees (provided that such terminations are performed in compliance with applicable Law), and not in respect of any Scheduled Business Employee who is re-hired by the Company following Closing to the extent such Losses relate to such Scheduled Business Employee’s employment by the Company following such re-hiring), (vi) any Indebtedness of the Company as of the Closing, (vii) the Incurred Withdrawal Liability and (viii) claims of the Financial Advisors in connection with the Transaction.

(b) From and after the Closing Date and subject to the provisions of this Article IX , Purchaser shall indemnify and hold harmless Seller and each of its directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, agents, attorneys, representatives, successors and permitted assigns, as applicable (collectively, the “ Seller Indemnified Parties ” and together with Purchaser Indemnified Parties, the “ Indemnified Parties ”) from and against any and all Losses incurred by any or all of them resulting or arising from (i) any failure to be true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date of any of the representations or warranties made by Purchaser in this Agreement (other than those representations and warranties which address matters only as of a particular date, which shall have been true and correct only as of such particular date) and (ii) any breach of or failure to perform any covenant or agreement made by Purchaser in this Agreement.

(c) Certain Limitations . Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article IX , after the Closing with the exception of indemnification for breaches of Fundamental Representations, (i) the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to recover pursuant to Section 9.2(a)(i) (except in respect of breaches of any representation or warranty in Section 3.17(d) ) until the Losses incurred with respect to the matter (or series of related matters) giving rise to such breach exceed in the aggregate Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) (the “ Mini-Basket ”), and then, in such case, the entire amount of such Losses (including the portion thereof comprising of the Mini-Basket) shall count towards the Basket and shall, subject to clauses (ii) and (iii) below, be recoverable by the Purchaser Indemnified Parties, (ii) the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to recover pursuant to Section 9.2(a)(i) (except in respect of breaches of any representation or warranty in Section 3.17(d) ) until, excluding claims that are less than the Mini-Basket, the Losses incurred relating thereto exceed, in the aggregate, Six Hundred, Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($615,000) (the “ Basket ”), and then Seller Guarantor shall be liable only to the extent that aggregate indemnified Losses exceed such amount, and (iii) in no event shall the aggregate liability of the Seller Guarantor to Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to Section 9.2(a)(i) exceed Eight Million, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($8,200,000) (the “ Cap ”); provided , that the Cap shall be increased (A) to Sixteen Million, Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($16,400,000) (less any amounts recovered to which the Cap applies) with respect to indemnification for breaches of Specified Representations and (B) to Forty-One Million Dollars ($41,000,000) (less any amounts recovered to which the Cap applies) with respect to indemnification for breaches of Section 3.18(c) or Section 3.18(d) that the Company had Knowledge of as of the date of this Agreement.

 

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(d) Materiality Qualifiers . Solely with respect to this Article IX , in determining whether any of the representations or warranties contained in Articles III , IV or V , other than the representations and warranties contained in Sections 3.5 , 3.6 , 3.7 , 3.8 , 3.12(f)(i)(B) and 3.15(c)(ii) have been breached, and in calculating the amount of Losses with respect to a breach of any representations and warranties, any limitation set forth in such representations and warranties as to “materiality,” “Company Material Adverse Effect” and words of similar import will be disregarded.

9.3 Indemnification Procedures .

(a) In the event that (i) an Indemnified Party becomes aware of the existence of any Indemnification Claim, or (ii) any Legal Proceedings shall be instituted, or any claim shall be asserted, by any Person not party to this Agreement in respect of an Indemnification Claim (a “ Third Party Claim ”), the Indemnified Party shall promptly cause written notice thereof (a “ Claim Notice ”) to be delivered to the party from whom indemnification is sought (the “ Indemnifying Party ”); provided , however , that in the case of an Indemnification Claim being made by a Purchaser Indemnified Party the Claim Notice shall be delivered to both Seller and Seller Guarantor; provided , further , that so long as such notice is given within the applicable time period described in Section 9.1 , no delay on the part of the Indemnified Party in giving any such notice shall relieve the Indemnifying Party of any indemnification obligation hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent that) the Indemnifying Party is prejudiced by such delay. Each Claim Notice shall be in writing and (A) shall specify the basis for indemnification claimed by the Indemnified Party, (B) if such Claim Notice is being given with respect to a Third Party Claim, shall describe in reasonable detail such Third Party Claim and shall be accompanied by copies of all relevant pleadings, demands and other papers served on the Indemnified Party, and (C) shall specify the amount of (or if not finally determined, a good faith estimate of) the Losses being incurred by, or imposed upon, the Indemnified Party on account of the basis for the claim for indemnification.

(b) The Indemnifying Party shall have the right, at its sole option and expense, to be represented by counsel of its choice and to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise handle any Indemnification Claim and if the Indemnifying Party elects to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise handle any Indemnification Claim, it shall within thirty (30) days (or sooner, if the nature of the Indemnification Claim so requires) (the “ Dispute Period ”) notify the Indemnified Party of its intent to do so; provided , that the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim that (x) seeks non-monetary damages, (y) relates to a criminal action or involves claims by a Governmental Authority or (z) seeks damages in excess of the maximum amount for which indemnification may be required to be provided by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to Article IX . If the Indemnifying Party does not elect within the Dispute Period to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise handle any Indemnification Claim, the Indemnified Party may defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise handle such Indemnification Claim. If the Indemnifying Party elects to defend against, negotiate, settle with or otherwise handle any Indemnification Claim, the Indemnified Party may participate, at its own expense, in the defense of such Indemnification Claim; provided , however , that such Indemnified Party shall be entitled to participate in any such defense with separate counsel at the reasonable expense of the Indemnifying Party if (i) so requested by the Indemnifying Party to participate, or (ii) in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Indemnified

 

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Party, a conflict or potential conflict exists between the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party that would make such separate representation advisable; and provided , further , that the Indemnifying Party shall not be required to pay for more than one such counsel for all Indemnified Parties in connection with any Indemnification Claim. The Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party agree to cooperate with each other in connection with the defense, negotiation or settlement of any such Indemnification Claim. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9.3 to the contrary, in the event that the Indemnifying Party has elected to defend against, negotiate, settle or otherwise handle any Indemnification Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall not, without the written consent of the Indemnified Party, settle or compromise any Indemnification Claim or permit a default or consent to entry of any judgment (each a “ Settlement ”), which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided , however , that the Indemnifying Party may effect a Settlement without such consent if, with respect to such Settlement (1) the claimant and such Indemnifying Party provide to such Indemnified Party an irrevocable and unqualified release from all liability in respect of the Indemnification Claim and the facts, matters, events and circumstances giving rise thereto, (2) such Settlement does not impose any liabilities or obligations on the Indemnified Party, and (3) with respect to any non-monetary provision of such Settlement, such provisions would not, in the Indemnified Party’s reasonable judgment, have or be reasonably expected to have any material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Indemnified Party.

(c) After any final decision, judgment or award shall have been rendered by a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of the time in which to appeal therefrom, or a Settlement or arbitration shall have been consummated, or the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party shall have arrived at a mutually binding agreement with respect to an Indemnification Claim hereunder, the Indemnified Party shall forward to the Indemnifying Party notice of any sums due and owing by the Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such matter and the Indemnifying Party shall make prompt payment thereof pursuant to the terms of the agreement reached with respect to the Indemnification Claim.

(d) If the Indemnifying Party does not undertake within the Dispute Period to defend against an Indemnification Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall have the right to participate in any such defense at its sole cost and expense, but, in such case, the Indemnified Party shall control the investigation and defense. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Section 9.3 to the contrary, the Indemnified Party shall not effect a Settlement without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(e) In the event that an Indemnified Party has delivered a Claim Notice in respect of an Indemnification Claim that does not involve a Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party shall attempt in good faith to resolve any disputes with respect to such Claim Notice within forty five (45) days of the delivery by the Indemnified Party thereof, and if not resolved in such forty five (45) day period, such Indemnification Claim may be resolved through judicial actions, suits or proceedings brought by either such party or by such other means as such parties mutually agree.

 

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9.4 Limitations on Indemnification .

(a) Any Indemnification Claim required to be made on or prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period set forth in Section 9.1 , and not made, shall be irrevocably and unconditionally released and waived by the Party seeking indemnification with respect thereto. It is the express intent of the Parties that, if the applicable period for an item as contemplated by this Section 9.1 is shorter than the statute of limitations that would otherwise have been applicable to such item, then, by contract, the applicable statute of limitations with respect to such item shall be reduced to the shortened survival period contemplated hereby. The Parties further acknowledge that the time periods set forth in this Section 9.1 for the assertion of claims, under this Agreement are the result of arms’ length negotiation among the Parties and that they intend for the time periods to be enforced as agreed by the Parties.

(b) The amount of any Losses for which indemnification is provided under this Article IX shall be net of any amounts actually recovered by the Indemnified Party under insurance policies or indemnity or contribution agreements or otherwise with respect to such Losses (less any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party in collecting such amounts and less the present value of any increase in applicable insurance premiums incurred directly as a result of the Indemnification Claims that resulted in such recovery). The Indemnified Party shall seek full recovery under all insurance policies covering any Losses to the same extent as it would if such Losses were not subject to indemnification hereunder. In the event that an insurance or other recovery is made by any party with respect to any Losses for which any such Person has been indemnified hereunder and has received funds in the amount of the Losses or portion thereof, then a refund equal to the aggregate amount of the recovery shall be made promptly to the Indemnifying Party.

(c) An Indemnifying Party shall not be required to indemnify any Indemnified Party to the extent of any Losses that a court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator shall have determined by final judgment to have resulted from the intentional fraud of the party seeking indemnification (it being understood that the foregoing shall not limit the ability of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties from being entitled to indemnification resulting from any intentional fraud of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing).

(d) In calculating the amount of Losses under this Article IX which are subject to indemnification under Sections 9.2(a) , or 9.2(b) or the amount of Taxes under Article X which are subject to indemnification under Section 10.2(a) , there shall be deducted an amount equal to any Tax benefit to the party claiming such Losses or to any of its Affiliates from being able to claim a Tax loss or Tax credit as a result of such Losses. The amount of any such deduction in respect of a Tax benefit shall be limited to the actual reduction to cash Taxes of the Indemnified Party resulting from such Tax benefit for the taxable year in which the indemnified Loss or Tax is incurred by the Indemnified Party or the following taxable year.

(e) The Seller Guarantor shall not be required to indemnify any Purchaser Indemnified Party with respect to Losses that arise from any Remediation (including of any soil, soil gas, sediment, indoor air, drinking water, groundwater or surface water), environmental testing, sampling or any communication related to environmental matters with a Governmental Authority conducted by or on behalf of any Purchaser Indemnified Party after the Closing Date

 

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that is not (i) required by applicable Law, a Governmental Authority or the landlord for any Leased Real Property; (ii) reasonably necessary in order to avoid a Legal Proceeding threatened in writing by a Governmental Authority or other Person under any Environmental Law; (iii) reasonably necessary in order to evaluate, prevent or mitigate an actual imminent and substantial endangerment to human health or the environment; or (iv) undertaken in good faith and in a manner consistent with a reasonable and prudent business person (without consideration of the benefit of any indemnification under this Agreement) as part of the Purchaser Indemnified Party’s normal operations during the continued use of the facilities (but not as part of an environmental investigation or other due diligence activity (including any Phase I or Phase II assessment) by or in satisfaction of the requirements of a lender or a bona fide prospective purchaser, assignee, lessee or sublessee of the facilities)); provided, however, that the results of any testing, sampling or other activities conducted by or on behalf of any Purchaser Indemnified Party after the Closing Date pursuant to this clause (iv) shall not be admissible in any dispute before a Governmental Authority to prove or disprove the applicability of this clause (iv).

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, other than in respect of indemnification for a Third Party Claim and as an element of damages of such Third Party Claim no party shall, in any event, be liable to any other Person for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special or punitive damages, loss of revenue, income or profits, diminution of value or loss of business reputation or opportunity and no “multiple of profits” or “multiple of cash flow” or similar valuation methodology shall be used in calculating the amount of any Losses.

(g) In the event of any breach giving rise to an indemnification obligation under this Article IX , the Indemnified Party shall take and cause its Affiliates to take, or cooperate with the Indemnifying Party if so requested by the Indemnifying Party in order to take, all commercially reasonable measures to mitigate the consequences of the related breach.

(h) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement, any amounts payable pursuant to the indemnification obligations under this Article IX shall be paid without duplication and in no event shall any party hereto be indemnified under different provisions of this Agreement for Losses which have already been paid or otherwise taken into account under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Purchaser shall make no claim for indemnification under this Article IX to the extent the amount was taken into account in the calculation of any adjustment to the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 1.4 .

(i) The Parties agree to treat any indemnity payment made pursuant to this Article IX as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for federal, state, local and foreign income Tax purposes.

(j) With respect to Taxes, in the event of a conflict between the provisions of Article IX , on the one hand, and the provisions of Article X , on the other hand, the provisions of Article X shall control.

(k) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the rights and remedies of the Purchaser Indemnified Parties shall not be limited by the fact that any Purchaser Indemnified Party (i) had actual or constructive knowledge (regardless of whether such

 

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knowledge was obtained through such Purchaser Indemnified Party’s own investigation or through disclosure by the Company, Seller or any other Person) of any breach, event or circumstance, whether before or after the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Closing or (ii) waived any condition to the Closing related thereto.

9.5 Exclusive Remedy; Nature of Representations and Warranties . Following the Closing Date, the sole and exclusive remedy for any inaccuracy or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, obligation or other agreement contained in this Agreement (or otherwise relating to the subject matter of this Agreement) shall be indemnification in accordance with this Article IX , except with respect to any claim for intentional fraud, and no Person will have any other entitlement, remedy or recourse, whether in contract, tort or otherwise. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Party hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any and all rights, claims and causes of action for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, obligation or other agreement set forth herein (or otherwise relating to the subject matter of this Agreement) it may have against the other Party hereto and its Affiliates arising under or based upon any Law, except pursuant to the indemnification provisions set forth in this Article IX or with respect to any claim for intentional fraud. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 9.5 shall not (a) interfere with or impede the operation of the provisions of Article I providing for the resolution of certain disputes relating to the Purchase Price between the parties and/or by an Accounting Referee, or (b) limit the rights of the parties to seek equitable remedies (including specific performance or injunctive relief).

ARTICLE X

TAX MATTERS

10.1 Tax Returns .

(a) Seller shall prepare or cause to be prepared (at its expense) all Tax Returns for the Company and its Subsidiaries for all periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date, that are due after the Closing Date. Such Tax Returns, except such Tax Returns that are filed as a member of a consolidated, unitary, combined or similar Tax Return, of which News Corporation (or any predecessor or successor entity, including New News Corporation) is the common parent, shall be delivered to the Company within not less than thirty (30) days prior to their required filing date for the Company’s review and timely filing. Purchaser shall be entitled to review and provide comments to such Tax Returns up to fifteen (15) days prior to their required filing date, and Seller shall accept Purchaser’s reasonable comments. Seller and Purchaser agree in good faith to resolve any disputes, provided that in the event that they are unable to resolve such disputes prior to the applicable filing deadline, Seller shall be entitled to file such Tax Returns in accordance with its reasonable determination. Seller shall timely remit (or cause to be timely remitted) to the Company any Taxes shown due on such Tax Returns. For the avoidance of doubt, Tax Returns which include the operations of Seller, the Company and its Subsidiaries that are filed on a consolidated, unitary or combined basis shall not be subject to this Section 10.1(a) .

 

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(b) The Company shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed (at its expense) any Tax Returns of the Company and its Subsidiaries for Straddle Periods; provided , however , that to the extent that the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries prior to and including the Closing Date are required to be included in the consolidated, unitary or combined Tax Return that includes Seller, Seller will cause the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries to be so included in its consolidated, unitary or combined Tax Return. Such Tax Returns shall be subject to Seller’s right to review and consent to any such Tax Returns within not less than thirty (30) days prior to their required filing date and to Seller’s agreement with the relevant information and data set forth in such Tax Returns (which consent and agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld).

10.2 Indemnification .

(a) Subject to the survival limitations set forth in Section 10.10 and the deduction for Tax benefit in Section 9.4(d) , Seller shall be responsible, and Seller Guarantor shall indemnify Purchaser, (x) for any and all of Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries arising out of or attributable to any Pre-Closing Period, (y) any Losses or Taxes arising out of a breach of the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.11 , and (z) any Taxes imposed on Seller, or Taxes for which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or could be liable as a result of its inclusion in an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary, or similar Tax group during the Pre-Closing Period, excluding in each case (i) Taxes paid prior to Closing, (ii) Taxes reflected as a current liability in the Working Capital of the Company as of Closing and (iii) Taxes attributable to any transaction not contemplated by this Agreement occurring outside the Ordinary Course of Business on the Closing Date but after the Closing.

(b) Purchaser shall be responsible, and indemnify Seller, for any and all of Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for any Post-Closing Period and Taxes described in clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 10.2(a) to the extent the Taxes described in such clauses are in excess of the Taxes of the Company and its Subsidiaries for which Seller is otherwise liable pursuant to this Agreement.

(c) In the case of any Straddle Period, the amount of Taxes allocable to the portion of the Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date shall be deemed to be (i) in the case of Taxes imposed on a periodic basis (such as real or personal property Taxes), the amount of such Taxes for the entire period multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the Straddle Period ending on and including the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the number of calendar days in the entire relevant Straddle Period, and (ii) in the case of Taxes not described in clause (i) (such as Taxes that are based upon or related to income or receipts, based upon occupancy or imposed in connection with any sale or other transfer or assignment or property (real or personal, tangible or intangible)), the amount of any such Taxes shall be determined as if such taxable period ended as of the close of business on the Closing Date.

(d) Purchaser shall not have any right to indemnification under this Agreement (including Article IX and Article X hereof) from and against any Losses or Taxes of any Person that are due to the unavailability in any Post-Closing Period of any net operating losses, credits or other Tax attribute from a Pre-Closing Period.

 

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10.3 Refunds . If after the Closing Date, Purchaser, the Company or any of their Affiliates receives a refund of any Tax of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or a credit against any Tax of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries attributable to a Pre-Closing Period (whether received in cash, or as a credit against other Taxes), Purchaser shall pay to Seller within fifteen (15) Business days after such receipt an amount equal to such refund or credit, together with any interest received or credited thereon, regardless of the nature of or reason for the refund or reduction in Taxes payable, except to the extent such refund or credit was taken into account in determining the Working Capital.

10.4 Contests . Following the Closing, Purchaser shall control all Contests (as defined below) relating to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.4 . In the case of a Contest that relates solely and exclusively to Pre-Closing Periods or for which Purchaser may otherwise seek indemnification from Seller under this Agreement; provided , that Seller shall have acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Purchaser under this Article X , Seller shall have the right, at its expense, to control the conduct of such Contest, and Purchaser shall have the right, at its expense, to participate in such Contest. In the case of a Contest that relates to Pre-Closing Periods and Post-Closing Periods, provided Seller shall have acknowledged its obligation to indemnify Purchaser under this Article X , Seller shall have the right, bearing its own expenses, to jointly conduct such Contest with Purchaser with respect to Tax items for which Purchaser may seek indemnification from Seller. If Seller chooses not to control such Contest, Seller shall have the right, at its expense, to participate in such Contest. The Party controlling a Contest for a Pre-Closing Period shall in any event keep the other Party informed of the progress of such Contest, shall promptly provide the other Party with copies of all material documents (including material notices, protests, briefs, written rulings and determinations and correspondence) pertaining to such audit or proceeding and shall not settle such Contest without the other Party’s advance written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. For purposes of this Agreement, a “ Contest ” is any audit, administrative or judicial proceeding or other dispute with respect to any Tax matter that affects the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

10.5 Amended Returns . Seller shall have the exclusive right to file (or cause to be filed) or request Purchaser to file any amended Tax Returns with respect to Pre-Closing Periods. Upon the request of Seller, Purchaser shall file (or caused to be filed) any amended Tax Return described in the preceding sentence and shall execute any powers of attorney or similar documents that may be required to effectuate the intent of this Section 10.5 . If such amended Tax Returns would have an effect on a Tax liability of Purchaser, the Company or any Subsidiary for a Post-Closing Period, such amended Tax Returns shall be subject to Purchaser’s right to review and comment not less than (30) days prior to their filing, and such Tax Returns shall not be filed without Purchaser’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Prior to the filing of any such amended Tax Return, Seller shall remit to Purchaser the entire amount of tax, interest and additions to tax due in connection with such amended Tax Return, excluding (i) Taxes paid prior to Closing, and (ii) Taxes reflected as a current liability in the Working Capital of the Company as of Closing.

10.6 Cooperation . After the Closing Date, Purchaser and Seller shall (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to) (i) assist the other Party in preparing any Tax Returns which such other Party is responsible for preparing and filing in accordance with Section 10.1 , and in

 

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connection therewith provide the other Party necessary powers of attorney, (ii) cooperate fully in preparing for and conducting any audits of, or disputes with Taxing Authorities regarding, any Tax Returns of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) make available to the other Party and to any Taxing Authority as reasonably requested all information, records, and documents relating to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

10.7 No Duplication . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any amounts payable pursuant to the obligations under this Article X shall be paid without duplication and in no event shall any Party be paid under different provisions of this Agreement for the same Losses which have already been paid or otherwise taken into account under this Agreement.

10.8 Tax Treatment of Payments . The Parties shall treat any indemnity payments made pursuant to this Article X as adjustments to the Purchase Price for Tax purposes unless applicable Tax law causes such payment not to be so treated.

10.9 Section 338(h)(10) Elections .

(a) Seller shall, or shall cause their Affiliates to, join with Purchaser in making an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and any corresponding or similar elections under state, local or foreign Tax Law (collectively, the “ Section 338(h)(10) Elections ”) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries. For the purpose of making the Section 338(h)(10) Elections for federal income tax purposes, on or prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser executed original IRS Forms 8023 (or successor forms). Purchaser will file the Form 8023 with the IRS at least thirty (30) days prior to the due date of such forms, and Purchaser will provide Seller with copies of such filing. Seller and Purchaser shall mutually agree on the allocation of the “Aggregate Deemed Sale Price” which shall be prepared in accordance with Section 338(h)(10) and Section 1060 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.

(b) Purchaser shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of all forms and documents required to effectuate the Section 338(h)(10) Elections. In addition to Forms 8023, Seller shall execute (or cause to be executed) and deliver to Purchaser such additional documents or forms as are reasonably requested to complete properly the Section 338(h)(10) Elections at least thirty (30) days prior to the date such Section 338(h)(10) Election is required to be filed.

(c) Purchaser and Seller shall file, and shall cause their Affiliates to file, all Tax Returns and statements, forms and schedules in connection therewith in a manner consistent with the Section 338(h)(10) Elections and shall take no position contrary thereto unless required to do so by applicable Tax Laws. Seller will include any income, gain, loss, deduction or other Tax item resulting from the Section 338(h)(10) Election on its Tax Returns to the extent required by applicable Laws.

(d) Purchaser shall take no actions after Closing that would prevent it from qualifying as a “purchasing corporation” pursuant to Code Section 338(d)(1) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.338–3(b)(1).

 

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10.10 Survival . The indemnity and payment obligations set forth in this Article X shall survive until sixty (60) days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. The right to indemnification with respect to claims of which notice was given prior to the expiration of the applicable survival period shall survive such expiration until such claim is finally resolved and any obligations with respect thereto are fully satisfied.

10.11 Property Tax Refunds . In the event that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries receives a tax refund, rebate, credit or reduction in assessed valuation pursuant to the Property Tax Service Agreement between DuChame, McMillen & Associates and Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc., as amended by Addendum dated March 26, 2012, all tax savings or benefits, and any fees payable to DuChame, McMillen & Associates which are attributable to such savings or benefits, for any period resulting from such refund, rebate, credit or reduction (a “ Property Tax Net Benefit ”) will be shared between Seller, on the one hand, and the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, proportionate to the number of days during such period that were part of the Pre-Closing Period (such proportion to go to Seller) and the number of days during such period that were part of the Post-Closing Period (such proportion to go to the Company and its Subsidiaries). The Parties agree to cooperate with each other in order to determine any Property Tax Net Benefit and to arrange for any payment from the Company or its Subsidiaries to Seller, or vice versa, to reflect the proportion of such Property Tax Net Benefit belonging to the other Party.

ARTICLE XI

TERMINATION

11.1 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing as follows:

(a) by mutual written consent of Seller and Purchaser;

(b) at the election of Seller or Purchaser on or after September 30, 2013 (the “ Outside Date ”), if the Closing shall not have occurred by the close of business on such date, provided that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(b) shall not be available to a Party if such Party is in material breach of any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement or to any Party whose breach of this Agreement has been the primary cause of the failure of the Closing to have occurred by the Outside Date;

(c) by Seller or Purchaser if there shall be in effect a final, nonappealable Order of a Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Transaction; it being agreed that the Parties shall promptly appeal any adverse determination that is not nonappealable (and pursue such appeal with reasonable diligence); provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(c) shall not be available to a Party if such Order was primarily due to the failure of such Party to perform any of its covenants or agreements under this Agreement;

(d) by Purchaser, if Seller or the Company shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) hereof, which

 

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breach cannot be or has not been cured by the Outside Date; provided that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(d) shall not be available to Purchaser if Purchaser is in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement; or

(e) by Seller, if Purchaser shall have breached any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement that would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.3(a) or Section 8.3(b) hereof, which breach cannot be or has not been cured by the Outside Date; provided that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.1(e) shall not be available to Seller if Seller or the Company is in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement.

11.2 Termination Procedure . In the event of the termination and abandonment of this Agreement by Seller, Purchaser or Seller and Purchaser pursuant to Section 11.1 hereof, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given to the other Party, and this Agreement shall terminate, and the consummation of the Transaction shall be abandoned, without further action by Seller or Purchaser.

11.3 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is validly terminated pursuant to Section 11.1 hereof, all further obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall terminate and such termination shall be without liability to the Parties, except that (a) the obligations of the parties under the Confidentiality Agreement, Section 7.3 and Article XII of this Agreement shall survive such termination and not be affected thereby, and (b) no such termination shall relieve any Party hereto from liability for any intentional and material breach prior to the termination of this Agreement of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement and such liability shall survive termination.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

12.1 Expenses .

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements and each other agreement, document and instrument contemplated hereby or thereby and the consummation of the Transaction, provided that (i) Seller shall pay all amounts payable to any broker, finder, agent, investment banker or financial advisor for or on behalf of Seller, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, including the Persons set forth on Section 3.23 of the Company Disclosure Schedule and (ii) (A) Seller shall be responsible for one-half of all amounts in excess of $48,000 payable in connection with the preparation and delivery of the Final Phase I Reports (and the executive summaries previously delivered in connection with the Transaction) and (B) Purchaser shall be responsible for all other amounts payable in connection with the preparation and delivery of the Final Phase I Reports (and the executive summaries previously delivered in connection with the Transaction).

 

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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any sales Tax, use Tax, direct or indirect real property transfer or gains Tax, documentary stamp Tax, value added Tax or similar Taxes and related fees attributable to the sale or transfer of the Company Capital Stock (“ Transfer Taxes ”) shall be borne equally by Purchaser and Seller. The Party required by law to file a Tax Return with respect to such Transfer Taxes shall timely prepare, with the other Party’s cooperation, and file such Tax Return. The Party filing any such Tax Return shall be reimbursed by the other Party for fifty percent (50%) of any Transfer Taxes paid in connection with the filing of such Tax Return within five (5) days after receipt by the other Party of a copy of such filed Tax Returns. Purchaser and Seller each agrees to timely sign and deliver (or to cause to be timely signed and delivered) such certificates or forms as may be necessary or appropriate and otherwise to cooperate to establish any available exemption from (or otherwise reduce) such Transfer Taxes.

12.2 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed in such state without giving effect to the choice of law principles of such state that would require or permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

12.3 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers . The Parties agree that any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Transaction or to this Agreement, or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, including claims seeking redress or asserting rights under any law, shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of the State of Delaware or any court of the United States located in the State of Delaware (the “ Delaware Courts ”) and appellate courts having jurisdiction of appeals from such Delaware Courts. In that context, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Party irrevocably and unconditionally:

(a) submits for itself and its property in any action relating to the Transaction or to this Agreement, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts, and appellate courts having jurisdiction of appeals from any of the foregoing courts, and agrees that all claims in respect of any such action shall be heard and determined in such Delaware Courts or, to the extent permitted by law, in such appellate courts;

(b) consents that any such action may and shall be brought exclusively in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction of any such action in any such court or that such action was brought in an inconvenient forum, and agrees not to plead or claim the same;

(c) waives all right to trial by jury in any action (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to the Transaction or to this Agreement, or its performance under or the enforcement of this Agreement;

(d) agrees that service of process in any such action may be effected by mailing a copy of such process by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Party at its address as provided in Section 12.7 ; and

 

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(e) agrees that nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

12.4 Further Assurances . After the Closing, each Party shall from time to time, at the request of and without further cost or expense to the other, execute and deliver such other instruments of conveyance and assumption and take such other actions as may reasonably be requested in order to more effectively consummate the Transaction.

12.5 Entire Agreement . This Agreement (including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) and the other Transaction Agreements represent the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the Transaction and supersedes all prior agreements among the Parties respecting the Transaction. The Parties have voluntarily agreed to define their rights, liabilities and obligations respecting the Transaction exclusively in contract pursuant to the express terms and provisions of this Agreement; and the Parties expressly disclaim that they are owed any duties or are entitled to any remedies not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

12.6 Amendments and Waivers . This Agreement can be amended, supplemented or changed, and any provision hereof can be waived, only by written instrument making specific reference to this Agreement signed by the Party against whom enforcement of any such amendment, supplement, modification or waiver is sought. The waiver by any Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a further or continuing waiver of such breach or as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. No failure on the part of any Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right, power or remedy by such Party preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. In the event any provision of any other Transaction Agreement shall in any way conflict with the provisions of this Agreement (except where a provision therein expressly provides that it is intended to take precedence over this Agreement) this Agreement shall control.

12.7 Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally by hand (with written confirmation of receipt), (b) when sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of transmission), or (c) one (1) Business Day following the day sent by overnight courier (with written confirmation of receipt), in each case at the following addresses and facsimile numbers (or to such other address or facsimile number as a Party may have specified by notice given to the other Party pursuant to this provision).

If to any of Seller or, prior to Closing, the Company, to:

Dow Jones Ventures VII, Inc.

c/o Dow Jones & Co., Inc.

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (212) 416-2524

 

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With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Hogan Lovells US LLP

875 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Ira S. Sheinfeld and Alexander B. Johnson

Facsimile: (212) 918-3100

If to Seller Guarantor, to:

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

1211 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (212) 416-2524

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Hogan Lovells US LLP

875 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Ira S. Sheinfeld and Alexander B. Johnson

Facsimile: (212) 918-3100

If to Purchaser or, following Closing, the Company, to:

Fortress Investment Group LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

46 th Floor

New York, NY 10150

Attention: Cameron MacDougall, Brannen McElmurray

Facsimile: (917) 591-8312

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

One Liberty Plaza

New York, NY 10006

Attention: Benet J. O’Reilly

Facsimile: (212) 225-3999

12.8 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms or provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transaction is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being

 

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enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the Transaction is consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

12.9 Specific Performance .

(a) Each Party acknowledges and hereby agrees that any breach of this Agreement would give rise to irreparable harm for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, the Parties acknowledge and hereby agree that in the event of any breach or threatened breach by Seller or the Company, on the one hand, or Purchaser, on the other hand, of any of their respective covenants or obligations set forth in this Agreement, Seller or the Company, on the one hand, and Purchaser, on the other hand, shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement, and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of the other under this Agreement. Seller or the Company, on the one hand, and Purchaser, on the other hand, hereby agree not to raise any objections to the availability of the equitable remedy of specific performance to prevent or restrain breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement, by Seller or the Company, on the one hand, or Purchaser, on the other hand, and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of this Agreement to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of, or to enforce compliance with, the covenants and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement.

12.10 No Third-Party Beneficiaries; No Recourse Against Affiliates; Liability . Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any rights to any Person or entity other than the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns, except the Purchaser Indemnified Parties pursuant to Section 9.2(a) and the Seller Indemnified Parties pursuant to Section 9.2(b) . Except as set forth in this Agreement, no past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, agent, attorney or representative of Seller, the Company or any of its respective Affiliates shall have any liability (whether in law or in equity or in contract or in tort) for any obligations or liabilities of Seller or the Company arising under, in connection with or related to this Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the Transaction, including any alleged non-disclosure or misrepresentations made by any such Persons. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement or in the case of intentional fraud, Seller shall not have or be subject to any liability to Purchaser or any other Person resulting from the distribution to Purchaser or Purchaser’s use of or reliance on any information, documents or materials made available to Purchaser in expectation of, or in connection with, the Transaction.

12.11 Assignment . Neither Party may assign or transfer this Agreement or any right, interest or obligation hereunder, directly or indirectly (by operation of Law or otherwise), without the prior written approval of the other Party. Any assignment in violation of this Section 12.11 shall be void. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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12.12 Cooperation with Legal Proceedings . From and after the Closing, if requested by Seller, Purchaser shall cooperate with Seller in the investigation, defense or prosecution of any Legal Proceedings pending or threatened against Seller or its Affiliates with respect to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, whether or not either Party has notified the other of an indemnification claim with respect to such matter. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, but provided that such requests shall not unreasonably interfere with the business or operations of Purchaser, Purchaser shall make available its employees to give depositions or testimony and shall furnish all documentary or other evidence that Seller may reasonably request. Seller shall reimburse Purchaser for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Section 12.12 .

12.13 Attorney Conflict Waiver . Each of the Parties to this Agreement hereby agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of its directors, members, shareholders, partners, officers, employees and Affiliates, that (i) Hogan Lovells US LP may serve as counsel to Seller and any of its Affiliates (individually and collectively, the “ Seller Group ”), on the one hand, and the Company and its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transaction hereby, and that, following consummation of the Transaction hereby, such representation and any prior representation of the Company by Hogan Lovells US LP (or any successor) shall not preclude Hogan Lovells US LP (or any successor) from serving as counsel to the Seller Group or any director, member, shareholder, partner, officer, employee or Affiliate of the Seller Group, in connection with any litigation, claim or obligation arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Transaction and (ii) Purchaser shall not, and shall cause each of the Company and its Subsidiaries not to, seek or have Hogan Lovells US LP (or any successor) disqualified from any such representation based upon the prior representation of the Company by Hogan Lovells US LP (or any successor). Each of the Parties hereto hereby consents thereto and waives any conflict of interest arising from such prior representation, and each of such parties shall cause any of its Affiliates to consent to waive any conflict of interest arising from such representation. Each of the Parties acknowledge that such consent and waiver is voluntary, that it has been carefully considered, and that the Parties have consulted with counsel or have been advised they should do so in connection herewith. The covenants, consent and waiver contained in this Section 12.13 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, the Seller Group’s counsel and its legal representatives and shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the Seller Group’s counsel is entitled whether pursuant to Law, Contract or otherwise.

12.14 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including facsimile counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

12.15 Electronic Signatures . Notwithstanding the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et. seq.), the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, or any other Law relating to or enabling the creation, execution, delivery, or recordation of any Contract or signature by electronic means, and notwithstanding any course of conduct engaged in by the Parties, no Party shall be deemed to have executed a Transaction Document or other document contemplated thereby (including any amendment or other change thereto) unless and until such Party shall have executed such Transaction Document or other document on paper by a handwritten original signature or any other symbol executed or adopted by a Party with current

 

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intention to authenticate such Transaction Document or such other document contemplated. Delivery of a copy of a Transaction Document or such other document bearing an original signature by facsimile transmission (whether directly from one facsimile device to another by means of a dial-up connection or whether mediated by the worldwide web), by electronic mail in “portable document format” (“.pdf”) form, or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document, shall have the same effect as physical delivery of the paper document bearing the original signature. “Originally signed” or “original signature” means or refers to a signature that has not been mechanically or electronically reproduced.

ARTICLE XIII

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

13.1 Certain Definitions .

(a) For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified in this Section 13.1 :

Accounting Rules ” means, collectively, (i) the rules, principles and sample calculation of Working Capital set forth on Exhibit A (collectively, the “ Agreed Principles ”), (ii) the accounting principles, methods and practices used in preparing the Company Financial Statements (collectively, “ Historical Principles ”), and (iii) GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with its application to the preparation of the Company Financial Statements (“ Historical GAAP ”); provided , that in the event of any conflict among the Agreed Principles, the Historical Principles, and Historical GAAP, then the Agreed Principles shall take precedence, followed by the Historical Principles, followed by Historical GAAP.

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person, and the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Alternative Transaction ” means a transaction other than transactions contemplated by this Agreement involving the sale by Seller of any of the equity interests in, or all or a substantial portion of, the assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

Business Day ” means any day of the year on which national banking institutions in New York are open to the public for conducting business and are not required or authorized to close.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Company Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of Seller or the Company to

 

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perform their respective obligations under this Agreement; provided that no event, change, circumstance or effect (by itself or taken together with any and all other events, changes, circumstances or effects) to the extent that it results from or arises out of any of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether a “Company Material Adverse Effect” has occurred or may, would or could occur: (1) changes in general economic conditions in the United States or any other country or region in the world, or changes in conditions in the global economy generally; (2) changes in conditions in the financial markets, credit markets or capital markets in the United States or any other country or region in the world; (3) changes in political conditions in the United States or any other country or region in the world, acts of war, sabotage or terrorism (including any escalation or general worsening of any such acts of war, sabotage or terrorism), earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, wildfires or other natural disasters, weather conditions and other force majeure events, in each case in the United States or any other country or region in the world; (4) changes affecting the industry generally in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate; (5) except with respect to Section 3.3 , the announcement or consummation of this Agreement or the Transaction; (6) changes in Law or other legal or regulatory conditions (or the interpretation thereof); (7) changes in GAAP or other accounting standards (or the interpretation thereof); (8) any failure, in and of itself, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to meet internal or external projections or forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions ( provided that the cause or basis for the Company or its Subsidiaries failing to meet such projections or forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions may be considered in determining the existence of a Company Material Adverse Effect unless such cause or basis is otherwise excluded by this definition); or (9) subject to the introductory paragraph of Article III, any matters expressly set forth in the Company Disclosure Schedule; provided , further , that any event, change, circumstance or effect that results from or arises out of the matters set forth in clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (6) or (7) may be taken into account in determining whether a “Company Material Adverse Effect” has occurred or may, would or could occur, in each case to the extent such event, change, circumstance or effect has a disproportionate impact on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other entities operating in the industry in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate.

Contract ” means any written agreement, contract, indenture, note, mortgage, bond, lease or license.

Data Room ” means the electronic documentation site, available via RR Donnelly Venue, established by Dow Jones & Company, Inc. on behalf of Seller in connection with the sale process for the Company.

Environmental Law ” means any applicable Law in effect on or before the Closing Date relating to the protection of the natural environment or natural resources, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq. ), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. §§ 5101 et seq. ), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq. ), the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. ), the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401 et seq. ) the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq. ), and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. §§ 136 et seq. ), as each has been amended and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

 

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ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

EULAs ” means end-user customer agreements, terms of use, and other end user license agreements.

Exclusivity Payment ” means the $2,000,000 payment made by an Affiliate of Purchaser to Seller pursuant to the letter agreement among such Affiliate, Seller and the Company dated June 14, 2013 which, pursuant to the terms thereof, irrevocably became the property of Seller on June 25, 2013.

Final Phase I Reports ” means final Phase I environmental assessments (executive summaries of which have previously been delivered in connection with the Transaction) with respect to each of the properties described in the Existing Phase I Reports.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America in effect from time to time and consistently applied.

Governmental Authority ” means any government or governmental, judicial, administrative or regulatory body thereof, or political subdivision thereof, whether domestic, foreign, federal, state, provincial or local, or any agency, instrumentality or authority thereof, or any court or arbitrator (public or private).

Hazardous Materials ” means any wastes, substances, radiation, or materials (whether solids, liquids or gases) that are listed, regulated or defined under any Environmental Laws, or which contain, without limitation polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, or petroleum or petroleum products (including crude oil or any fraction thereof).

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Incurred Withdrawal Liability ” means Withdrawal Liability incurred by Seller and/or the members of its Controlled Group in respect of multiemployer pension plans based on events that occurred or actions taken by Seller or its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, including the Withdrawal Liability with respect to the GCIU Employer Retirement Fund and the CWA Negotiated Pension Plan described in Section 3.17(d) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

Indebtedness ” of any Person means, without duplication, (i) the outstanding principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest of (A) indebtedness of such Person or its Subsidiaries for borrowed money and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person or its Subsidiaries is responsible or liable; (ii) all obligations of such Person or its Subsidiaries issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but excluding accounts payable and other current liabilities arising in the Ordinary Course of Business); (iii) obligations under leases required in accordance with GAAP to be recorded as capital leases; (iv) all obligations of the

 

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type referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of other Persons for the payment of which such Person or its Subsidiaries is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or surety; and (v) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (iv) of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person or its Subsidiaries.

Indemnification Claim ” means any claim in respect of which payment may be sought under Article IX of this Agreement.

Intellectual Property ” means any and all intellectual property rights in any jurisdiction, whether registered or unregistered, including such rights in and to: (i) original works of authorship in any medium of expression, whether or not published, and all copyrighted works, designs and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith; (ii) inventions, trade secrets, confidential information, databases and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, divisionals, extensions, and reexaminations thereof; (iii) computer programs and software, including data files, source code, object code, application programming interfaces, computerized databases and other software-related specifications and documentation; (iv) trade names, d/b/a’s, trademarks, service marks, logos, mastheads and trade dress, including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith (“ Trademarks ”); (v) internet domain names registered in any top-level domain by any authorized private registrar or Governmental Authority; and (vi) rights of publicity and other rights to use the names and likeness of individuals.

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Knowledge ” means, with respect to Seller, the actual knowledge (without independent inquiry) of any Person set forth on Section 13.1(b) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

Law ” means all foreign, federal, state, provincial and local laws, statutes, codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, resolutions and Orders.

Legal Proceeding ” means any judicial, administrative or arbitral actions, suits or proceedings (public or private) by or before a Governmental Authority or arbiter.

Lien ” means any lien, encumbrance, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust or other security interest.

Losses ” means all actual damages, losses, claims, liabilities, demands, charges, suits, penalties and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and other professionals’ fees and disbursements).

New News Corporation ” means the Person that is anticipated to be separated from News Corporation and begin trading as Seller’s new publicly traded parent company on or about July 1, 2013.

 

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News Corporation ” means the Person currently named “News Corporation”, a Delaware corporation whose name is anticipated to be changed to Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. in connection with the separation referenced in the definition of New News Corporation.

Order ” means any order, injunction, judgment, decree, determination, ruling, writ, assessment or arbitration or other award of a Governmental Authority.

Ordinary Course of Business ” means the ordinary and usual course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries consistent with past practices.

Permitted Liens ” means (i) all Liens disclosed in (A) policies of title insurance made available to Purchaser prior to the date hereof and/or (B) recorded in public records but only to the extent that such Liens described in this clause (B) do not and would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the continued use and operation of the property to which such Liens relate in the Ordinary Course of Business (other than monetary and/or voluntary Liens); (ii) Liens imposed by Law, (iii) Liens for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet due, payable or delinquent (or which may be paid without interest or penalties) or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (iv) mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and similar Liens arising or incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business or the amount or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and only to the extent that such Liens do not and would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the continued use and operation of the asset to which such Liens relate in the Ordinary Course of Business; (v) pledges, deposits or other Liens to the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases or statutory obligations (including, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security legislation, but excluding Liens for Taxes), and only to the extent that such Liens do not and would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the continued use and operation of the asset to which such Liens relate in the Ordinary Course of Business; (vi) zoning, entitlement and other land use and environmental regulations by any Governmental Authority, and only to the extent that such regulations do not and would not reasonably be expected to materially impair the continued use and operation of the asset to which such regulations relate in the Ordinary Course of Business; (vii) minor survey exceptions and matters as to the Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property which would be disclosed by an accurate survey or inspection of such Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property and which do not materially impair the current occupancy or current use of such Owned Real Property or Leased Real Property; (viii) any Lien affecting the fee interest of any Leased Real Property not created by Seller, Company or its Subsidiaries that is not otherwise a Permitted Lien under any other clause of this definition; (ix) title of a lessor under a capital or operating lease; and (x) such other imperfections in title, charges, easements, restrictions and encumbrances which would not materially impair the continued use and enjoyment of the asset to which such items relate.

Permits ” means any approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses, permits or certificates of a Governmental Authority.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

63


Post-Closing Period ” means any taxable period beginning after the Closing Date and any portion of a Straddle Period beginning on the day after the Closing Date.

Pre-Closing Period ” means any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date and the portion of a Straddle Period beginning before the Closing Date and ending on the Closing Date.

Purchaser Material Adverse Effect ” means a material adverse effect on the ability of Purchaser to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

Retained Properties ” means those certain Owned Real Properties more fully described on Section 13.1(c) of the Company Disclosure Schedule.

Remediation ” means any abatement, investigation, clean-up, removal action, remedial action, restoration, repair, response action, corrective action, monitoring, sampling and analysis, installation, reclamation, closure, or post-closure in connection with the suspected, threatened or actual release of Hazardous Materials.

Schedules ” means the Company Disclosure Schedule and/or the Purchaser Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Seller Names and Marks ” means the names News Corporation, News Corp, Dow Jones & Co and Dow Jones, together with all confusingly similar variations and acronyms thereof and all trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos, and Internet domain names containing, incorporating, or comprising any of the foregoing, including any transliterations thereof.

Straddle Period ” means any taxable period beginning on or before the Closing Date and ending after the Closing Date.

Subsidiary ” means any Person of which a majority of the outstanding share capital, voting securities or other equity interests are owned, directly or indirectly, by another Person.

Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means any federal, state, local or foreign taxes, including all net income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental, customs duties, equity, franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, or other tax, fee, duty, charge or assessment of any kind whatsoever imposed by a Governmental Authority, including any interest, penalty or addition thereto.

Taxing Authority ” means the IRS or any governmental agency, board, bureau, body, department or authority having or purporting to exercise jurisdiction with respect to any Tax.

 

64


Tax Return ” means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund or information return or statement or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof required to be filed with a Taxing Authority in respect of any Taxes.

Transaction ” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements.

Transaction Agreements ” means this Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement and each other agreement, document, instrument or certificate contemplated by this Agreement to which Purchaser or Seller is a party or to be executed by Purchaser or Seller in connection with the consummation of the Transaction.

Transition Services Agreement ” means the transition services agreement to be entered into as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, pursuant to which Seller will provide certain transition services to Purchaser from and after the Closing.

Withdrawal Liability ” is withdrawal liability (within the meaning of ERISA Section 4201 et seq., 29 U.S.C. § 1381 et seq.)

Withdrawal Liability Event ” means any action or occurrence which would trigger Withdrawal Liability from a Benefit Plan which is a “multiemployer plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA).

Working Capital ” means, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, (a) current assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of immediately prior to the Closing that are included in the line item categories of current assets specifically identified on Exhibit A , reduced by (b) those current liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of immediately prior to the Closing that are included in the line item categories of current liabilities specifically identified on Exhibit A , in each case, without duplication, and as determined in a manner strictly consistent with the Accounting Rules. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall “Working Capital” include any amounts with respect to (i) any deferred Tax assets and liabilities, (ii) any fees, expenses or liabilities related to any financing by Purchaser and its Affiliates of the Transaction, (iii) any intercompany accounts and transactions between the Company, on the one hand, and any of its Subsidiaries on the other hand, or between any Subsidiaries of the Company or (iv) any liabilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Seller or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand, which are being discharged, terminated or cancelled pursuant to Section 7.6 hereof. For purposes of this definition, including the calculation of current assets and current liabilities, and Article I , the Parties shall disregard (A) any adjustments arising from purchase accounting or otherwise arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (B) any non-cash or extraordinary decreases in any reserve or accrual reflected in the Balance Sheet and (C) any change in the classification to a current asset of any particular asset that has not previously been characterized as a current asset (other than any such change resulting solely from the passage of time between the date hereof and the Closing) or which is of a type that has not previously been characterized as a current asset.

 

65


Working Capital Target ” means $3,300,000.

(b) Terms Defined Elsewhere in this Agreement . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in the sections indicated:

 

Accounting Firm

   Section 7.4(d)

Accounting Referee

   Section 1.4(d)(ii)

Agreed Principles

   Section 13.1(a)

Agreement

   Preamble

Audit Fees Advance

   Section 7.4(d)

Audit Personnel

   Section 7.4(d)

Audit Representatives

   Section 7.4(d)

Balance Sheet

   Section 3.5(a)(ii)

Balance Sheet Date

   Section 3.5(a)(ii)

Base Price

   Section 1.2

Basket

   Section 9.2(c)

Benefit Plans

   Section 3.16(a)

Business Employees

   Schedule C, clause (a)

Cap

   Section 9.2(c)

Casualty Loss

   Section 7.15

Claim Notice

   Section 9.3(a)

Closing

   Section 2.1

Closing Consideration

   Section 1.2

Closing Date

   Section 2.1

Closing Date Working Capital

   Section 1.4(c)

Closing Statement

   Section 1.4(c)

COBRA

   Schedule C, clause (a)

Company

   Preamble

Company Capital Stock

   Recitals

Company Confidential Information

   Schedule D, clause (b)

Company Disclosure Schedule

   Article III

Company Financial Statements

   Section 3.5(a)

Company Intellectual Property

   Section 3.15(a)

Competing Publication

   Schedule D, clause (a)(i)

Confidential Information

   Schedule D, clause (b)

Confidentiality Agreement

   Section 7.3

Contest

   Section 10.4

Continuing Business Employee

   Schedule C, clause (a)

Controlled Group

   Section 3.16(d)

Current Publication

   Schedule D, clause (a)(i)

DC Arrangements

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Delaware Courts

   Section 12.3

Dispute Notice

   Section 1.4(d)(i)

Dispute Period

   Section 9.3(b)

ESLR

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Estimated Closing Date Working Capital

   Section 1.4(a)

Estimated Working Capital Statement

   Section 1.4(a)

 

66


Existing Phase I Reports

   Section 3.18(f)

Final Closing Date Working Capital

   Section 1.4(e)

Financial Advisor

   Section 3.23

Fundamental Representations

   Section 9.1

Governmental Approval

   Section 3.3(b)

Health Plan

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Historical GAAP

   Section 13.1(a)

Historical Principles

   Section 13.1(a)

Indemnified Parties

   Section 9.2(b)

Indemnifying Party

   Section 9.3(a)

Leased Real Property

   Section 3.12(b)

Licensed Intellectual Property

   Section 3.15(a)

LMG DB Plans

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Material Contracts

   Section 3.14(a)

Mini-Basket

   Section 9.2(c)

Outside Date

   Section 11.1(b)

Owned Intellectual Property

   Section 3.15(a)

Owned Real Property

   Section 3.12(a)

Parties

   Preamble

Party

   Preamble

pdf

   Section 12.15

Property Tax Net Benefit

   Section 10.11

Publications

   Section 3.20

Purchase Price

   Section 1.2

Purchaser

   Preamble

Purchaser Disclosure Schedule

   Article V

Purchaser Indemnified Parties

   Section 9.2(a)

Real Property

   Section 3.12(b)

Real Property Lease

   Section 3.12(b)

Related Party

   Section 3.21(a)

Remaining Exclusivity Payment

   Section 7.4(d)

Restricted Parties

   Schedule D, clause (a)

Restricted Territory

   Schedule D, clause (a)(i)

Retained Insurance Claims

   Section 7.11

Retained Plans

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Scheduled Business Employees

   Schedule C, clause (a)

Section 338(h)(10) Elections

   Section 10.9(a)

Securities Act

   Section 5.6

Seller

   Preamble

Seller Confidential Information

   Schedule D, clause (b)

Seller Group

   Section 12.13

Seller Guarantor

   Preamble

Seller Indemnified Parties

   Section 9.2(b)

SERP

   Schedule C, clause (e)

Settlement

   Section 9.3(b)

Shared Contracts

   Section 3.21(b)

 

67


Special Arrangements

   Schedule C, clause (c)

Specified Representations

   Section 9.1

Third Party Claim

   Section 9.3(a)

Trademarks

   Definition of Intellectual Property

Transfer Taxes

   Section 12.1(b)

13.2 Certain Interpretive Matters . Unless otherwise expressly provided, for purposes of this Agreement, the following rules of interpretation shall apply:

(a) Calculation of Time Periods . When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of such period is a non-Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day.

(b) Dollars . Any reference in this Agreement to “$” or dollars shall mean US dollars.

(c) Exhibits/Schedules/Construction . The Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement are an integral part of this Agreement and are hereby incorporated herein and made a part hereof as if set forth herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Schedule or Exhibit but not otherwise defined therein shall be defined as set forth in this Agreement. Any disclosure set forth in one section of the Schedules shall apply to (i) the representations and warranties or covenants contained in the Section of this Agreement to which it corresponds in number, (ii) any representation and warranty or covenant to which it refers by cross reference, and (iii) any other representation or warranty or covenant to the extent it is reasonably apparent from the wording of such disclosure that such disclosure is relevant to such representation or warranty or covenant.

(d) Gender and Number . Any reference in this Agreement to gender shall include all genders, and words imparting the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa.

(e) Headings . The provision of the Table of Contents, the division of this Agreement into Articles, Sections and other subdivisions and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect or be utilized in construing or interpreting this Agreement. All references in this Agreement to any “ Article ”, “ Section ” or other subdivision are to the corresponding Article, Section or other subdivision of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

(f) Herein . The words such as “ herein ,” “ hereinafter ,” “ hereof ,” “ hereunder ” and “ hereto ” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires.

(g) Including . The word “ including ” or any variation thereof means “ including , without limitation ” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it.

 

68


(h) Made Available . An item shall be considered “ made available ” to a Party hereto, to the extent such phrase appears in this Agreement, only if such item has been provided in writing (including via electronic mail) to such Party or posted by the Company or its representatives in the Data Room prior to the date of this Agreement.

(i) Reflected On or Set Forth In . An item arising with respect to a specific representation or warranty shall be deemed to be “ reflected on ” or “ set forth in ” a balance sheet or financial statements, to the extent any such phrase appears in such representation or warranty, if (A) there is a reserve, accrual or other similar item underlying a number on such balance sheet or financial statements that related to the subject matter of such representation, (B) such item is otherwise specifically set forth on the balance sheet or financial statements, or (C) such item is reflected on the balance sheet or financial statements and is specifically set forth in the notes thereto.

(j) Joint Negotiation and Drafting . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as jointly drafted by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

69


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first written above.

 

SELLER:
DOW JONES VENTURES VII, INC.
By:   /s/ Kevin P. Halpin
  Name: Kevin P. Halpin
  Title:
THE COMPANY:
DOW JONES LOCAL MEDIA GROUP, INC.
By:   /s/ William T. Kennedy
  Name: William T. Kennedy
  Title: COO
PURCHASER:
NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.
By:   /s/ Jonathan Brown
  Name: Jonathan Brown
  Title: Interim CFO

 

And solely with respect to its obligations under
Sections 7.3 , 7.7 , 7.13 , 7.14 , 9.2 , 9.3 , 9.4 and 10.2
DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC.
By:   /s/ Kevin P. Halpin
  Name: Kevin P. Halpin
  Title:

[ Signature Page to Stock Purchase Agreement ]


Omitted Schedules and Attachments

Exhibits to Stock Purchase Agreement

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A

   Illustrative Calculation of Working Capital

Exhibit B

   Form of Transition Services Agreement

Schedules

 

Schedule A

   Company Disclosure Schedule

Schedule B

   Purchaser Disclosure Schedule

Schedule C

   Employee Benefits Matters

Schedule D

   Covenant Not to Compete; Confidentiality

Exhibit 2.8

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

     )   
In re:    )    Chapter 11
   )   
GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC., et al. ,    )    Case No. 13-12503 ([___])
   )   
Debtors.    )    Joint Administration Requested
     )   

 

 

DEBTORS’ JOINT PREPACKAGED CHAPTER 11 PLAN

 

 

 

THIS CHAPTER 11 PLAN IS BEING SOLICITED FOR ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 1125 AND WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 1126 OF THE BANKRUPTCY CODE, 11 U.S.C. §§ 1125, 1126. THIS CHAPTER 11 PLAN WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR APPROVAL FOLLOWING SOLICITATION AND THE DEBTORS’ FILING FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY.

YOUNG CONAWAY STARGATT &

TAYLOR, LLP

Pauline K. Morgan

Joel A. Waite

Patrick A. Jackson

Ryan M. Bartley

Laurel D. Roglen

Rodney Square

1000 North King Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Telephone: (302) 571-6600

Facsimile: (302) 571-1253

Proposed Counsel to the Debtors

and Debtors in Possession

-and-

CLEARY GOTTLIEB STEEN &

HAMILTON LLP

James L. Bromley

Sean A. O’Neal

Humayun Khalid

One Liberty Plaza

New York, NY 10006

Telephone: (212) 225-2000

Facsimile: (212) 225-3999

Counsel to Plan Sponsor

Dated: September 27, 2013

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

 

ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS, RULES OF INTERPRETATION, COMPUTATION OF TIME, GOVERNING LAW, AND OTHER REFERENCES

     3   

1.1

  Defined Terms      3   

1.2

  Rules of Interpretation      11   

1.3

  Computation of Time      12   

1.4

  Governing Law      12   

1.5

  Reference to Monetary Figures      12   

1.6

  Reference to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors      12   
ARTICLE II ADMINISTRATIVE AND PRIORITY CLAIMS      12   

2.1

  Administrative Claims      12   

2.2

  Professional Claims      13   

2.3

  Priority Tax Claims      13   
ARTICLE III CLASSIFICATION, TREATMENT, AND VOTING OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS      13   

3.1

  Classification of Claims and Interests      13   

3.2

  Treatment of Classes of Claims and Interests      14   

3.3

  Special Provision Governing Unimpaired Claims      17   
ARTICLE IV PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN      17   

4.1

  General Settlement of Claims      17   

4.2

  Transactions On or After the Effective Date      17   

4.3

  New Media Warrants      17   

4.4

  New Debt Facility Net Proceeds      18   

4.5

  Offering and Issuance of Securities      18   

4.6

  Registration Rights      19   

4.7

  Subordination      19   

4.8

  Vesting of Assets in the Reorganized Debtors      19   

4.9

  Cancellation of Notes, Instruments, Certificates, and Other Documents      19   

4.10

  Issuance of New Securities; Execution of Plan Documents      19   

4.11

  Corporate Action      19   

4.12

  Charter and Bylaws      20   

4.13

  Effectuating Documents; Further Transactions      20   

4.14

  Section 1146(a) Exemption      20   

4.15

  Directors, Officers and Management      20   

4.16

  Incentive Plans and Employee and Retiree Benefits      21   

4.17

  Preservation of Rights of Action      21   

4.18

  Intercompany Claims      21   

4.19

  DJ Contribution      21   

4.20

  Additional Restructuring Transactions      22   

4.21

  Special Committee’s Fees      22   

4.22

  Plan Sponsor’s Fees      23   

4.23

  Credit Agreement Administrative Agent’s Fees      23   
ARTICLE V TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES      23   

5.1

  Assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases      23   

5.2

  Cure of Defaults and Objections to Assumption      23   

5.3

  Pre-existing Payment and Other Obligations      24   

5.4

  Rejection Damages Claims and Objections to Rejection      24   

5.5

  Contracts, Intercompany Contracts, and Leases Entered Into After the Petition Date      24   

5.6

  Reservation of Rights      25   


ARTICLE VI PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS      25   

6.1

  Distributions on Account of Claims and Interests Allowed as of the Effective Date      25   

6.2

  Special Rules for Distributions to Holders of Disputed Claims and Interests      25   

6.3

  Delivery of Distributions      25   

6.4

  Claims Paid or Payable by Third Parties      28   

6.5

  Setoffs      28   

6.6

  Allocation Between Principal and Accrued Interest      28   
ARTICLE VII PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTED CLAIMS AND INTERESTS      28   

7.1

  Disputed Claims Process      28   

7.2

  Prosecution of Objections to Claims and Interests      28   

7.3

  No Interest      29   

7.4

  Disallowance of Claims and Interests      29   
ARTICLE VIII EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN      29   

8.1

  Discharge of Claims and Termination of Interests      29   

8.2

  Releases by the Debtors      29   

8.3

  Releases by Certain Holders of Claims      30   

8.4

  Exculpation      31   

8.5

  Injunction      31   

8.6

  Protection Against Discriminatory Treatment      31   

8.7

  Indemnification      31   

8.8

  Release of Liens      32   
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE      32   

9.1

  Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date      32   

9.2

  Waiver of Conditions Precedent      32   

9.3

  Effect of Non-Occurrence of Conditions to Consummation      32   
ARTICLE X MODIFICATION, REVOCATION, OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN      33   

10.1

  Modification of Plan      33   

10.2

  Revocation or Withdrawal of Plan      33   

10.3

  Confirmation of the Plan      33   
ARTICLE XI RETENTION OF JURISDICTION      33   
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS      34   

12.1

  Additional Documents      34   

12.2

  Payment of Statutory Fees      35   

12.3

  Reservation of Rights      35   

12.4

  Elimination of Vacant Classes      35   

12.5

  Successors and Assigns      35   

12.6

  Service of Documents      35   

12.7

  Term of Injunctions or Stays      36   

12.8

  Entire Agreement      36   

12.9

  Plan Supplement Exhibits      36   

12.10

  Non-Severability      36   

 

2


INTRODUCTION

GateHouse Media, Inc. (“ GateHouse ”) and its Debtor subsidiaries in the above-captioned chapter 11 cases jointly propose this Plan. Although proposed jointly for administrative purposes, the Plan constitutes a separate Plan for each Debtor for the resolution of outstanding claims against and interests in each Debtor pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code. Each Debtor is a proponent of the Plan within the meaning of section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code. The classifications of claims and interests set forth in Article III shall be deemed to apply separately with respect to each Plan proposed by each Debtor, as applicable. The Plan contemplates no substantive consolidation of any of the Debtors. Reference is made to the Disclosure Statement for a discussion of the Debtors’ history, business, properties and operations, projections, risk factors, a summary and analysis of this Plan and certain related matters.

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS, RULES OF INTERPRETATION,

COMPUTATION OF TIME, GOVERNING LAW, AND OTHER REFERENCES

1.1 Defined Terms

1. Administrative Claim ” means a Claim for costs and expenses of administration of the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to sections 503(b), 507(a)(2), 507(b), or 1114(e)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, including (a) the actual and necessary costs and expenses incurred on or after the Petition Date until and including the Effective Date of preserving the Estates and operating the businesses of the Debtors; (b) Allowed Professional Claims; and (c) all fees and charges assessed against the Estates pursuant to section 1930 of chapter 123 of title 28 of the United States Code.

2. Additional Restructuring Transactions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20 hereof.

3. Affiliate ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

4. Allowed ” means, as to a Claim or an Interest, a Claim or Interest or any portion thereof, specifically allowed under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, or by a Final Order.

5. Avoidance Actions ” means any and all avoidance, recovery, subordination, or other claims, actions, or remedies that may be brought by or on behalf of the Debtors or their Estates or other authorized parties in interest under the Bankruptcy Code or applicable non-bankruptcy law, including actions or remedies under sections 502, 510, 542, 544, 545, and 547 through and including 553 of the Bankruptcy Code.

6. Ballot ” means each of the ballots distributed to each holder of an Impaired Claim that is entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan and on which such holder is to indicate, among other things, acceptance or rejection of the Plan.

7. Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101–1532, as may be amended from time to time.

8. Bankruptcy Court ” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware or such other court having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

9. Bankruptcy Rules ” means, as may be amended from time to time, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure as promulgated by the United States Supreme Court under section 2075 of title 28 of the United States Code, 28 U.S.C. § 2075, as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases and the general, local, and chambers rules of the Bankruptcy Court.

10. Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a).

 

3


11. Cash ” means the legal tender of the United States of America or the equivalent thereof, including bank deposits and checks.

12. Cash-Out Claims ” means all Allowed Secured Debt Claims for which the holders have made or are deemed to have made a Plan Election to receive the Cash-Out Distribution.

13. Cash-Out Distribution ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.2(d)(3)B hereof.

14. Causes of Action ” means any and all claims, actions, causes of action, choses in action, suits, debts, damages, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, judgments, remedies, rights of set-off, third-party claims, subrogation claims, contribution claims, reimbursement claims, indemnity claims, counterclaims, and crossclaims (including all claims and any avoidance, recovery, subordination, or other actions against Insiders and/or any other Entities under the Bankruptcy Code, including Avoidance Actions) of any of the Debtors, the debtors in possession, and/or the Estates (including those actions set forth in the Plan Supplement), whether known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, that are or may be pending on the Effective Date or commenced by the Reorganized Debtors after the Effective Date against any Entity, based in law or equity, including under the Bankruptcy Code, whether direct, indirect, derivative, or otherwise and whether asserted or unasserted as of the date of entry of the Confirmation Order.

15. Certificate ” means any instrument evidencing a Claim or an Interest.

16. Chapter 11 Cases ” means the procedurally consolidated chapter 11 cases pending for the Debtors in the Bankruptcy Court.

17. Claim ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.

18. Claims and Solicitation Agent ” means the claims and solicitation agent the Debtors may retain in the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court.

19. Claims Register ” means the official register of Claims against or Interests in the Debtors maintained by the Claims and Solicitation Agent.

20. Class ” means a category of holders of Claims or Interests under section 1122(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

21. Confirmation ” means the entry of the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases.

22. Confirmation Date ” means the date on which the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases within the meaning of Bankruptcy Rules 5003 and 9021.

23. Confirmation Hearing ” means the hearing(s) before the Bankruptcy Court under section 1128 of the Bankruptcy Code at which the Debtors seek entry of the Confirmation Order.

24. “Confirmation Order ” means the order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan under section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code and approving the Disclosure Statement.

25. Consummation ” means the occurrence of the Effective Date.

26. Credit Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse, the Lenders and the administrative agent thereto, dated as of February 27, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time).

27. Credit Agreement Administrative Agent ” means Cortland Products Corp. (formerly known as Gleacher Products Corp.), in its capacity as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.

 

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28. Credit Agreement Claims ” means all Claims, Liens, rights or interests of the Lenders arising under, related to, or in connection with the Credit Documents.

29. Credit Documents ” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation the Security Agreement and the Pledge Agreement.

30. Creditor ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(10) of the Bankruptcy Code.

31. Cure ” means a Claim (unless waived or modified by the applicable counterparty) based upon a Debtor’s defaults under an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease assumed by such Debtor under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, other than a default which is not required to be cured pursuant to section 365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

32. Debtors ” means, collectively, each of the following: GateHouse Media, Inc., Copley Ohio Newspapers, Inc., ENHE Acquisition, LLC, Enterprise NewsMedia Holding, LLC, Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC, Enterprise Publishing Company, LLC, GateHouse Media Arkansas Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media California Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Colorado Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Connecticut Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Corning Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Delaware Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Directories Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Florida Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Freeport Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings II, Inc., GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc., GateHouse Media Iowa Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings II, Inc., GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Lansing Printing, Inc., GateHouse Media Louisiana Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Management Services, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc., GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc., GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings II, Inc., GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Minnesota Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings II, Inc., GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings II, Inc., GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Nevada Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media New York Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media North Dakota Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Ohio Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Oklahoma Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Operating, Inc., GateHouse Media Pennsylvania Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Suburban Newspapers, Inc., GateHouse Media Tennessee Holdings, Inc., GateHouse Media Ventures, Inc., George W. Prescott Publishing Company, LLC, Liberty SMC, L.L.C., Low Realty, LLC, LRT Four Hundred, LLC, Mineral Daily News Tribune, Inc., News Leader, Inc., SureWest Directories, Terry Newspapers, Inc., and The Peoria Journal Star, Inc.

33. Designated Affiliates ” means, with respect to holders of record (as of the Distribution Record Date) of Allowed Secured Debt Claims and Plan Sponsor, one or more their respective Affiliates identified pursuant to Designation Notices.

34. Designation Notice ” means the notice for the identification of Designated Affiliates in the form attached to the Plan Supplement, which must be received by Voting Agent, Plan Sponsor, the Debtors, and the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, in each case on or prior to the first date scheduled for the Confirmation Hearing.

35. Disclosure Statement ” means the disclosure statement for the Plan as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, including all exhibits and schedules thereto, to be approved by the Confirmation Order.

36. Disputed ” means as to a Claim or Interest, a Claim or Interest, or any portion thereof, that (a) is not Allowed; (b) is not disallowed under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Code, or a Final Order; (c) is the subject of an objection or request for estimation filed in the Bankruptcy Court and which objection or request for estimation has not been withdrawn or overruled by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court, or (d) is otherwise disputed by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors in accordance with applicable law, which dispute has not been withdrawn, resolved or overruled by Final Order.

37. Distribution Agent ” means any Entity or Entities that the Debtors select to make or to facilitate distributions in accordance with the Plan.

 

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38. Distribution Record Date ” means the Voting Record Date.

39. DJ Acquisition ” means Plan Sponsor’s consummation of the acquisition of DJLMG.

40. DJ Contribution ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.19 hereof.

41. DJ Contribution Agreement ” means the documents governing the DJ Contribution, the terms of which shall be attached as an exhibit to the Plan Supplement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

42. DJ Contribution Value ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 4.19 hereof.

43. DJ SPA ” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2013, by and among Dow Jones Ventures VII, Inc., Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc., Newcastle Investment Corp., and, solely with respect to its obligations under Sections 7.3, 7.7, 7.13, 7.14, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 10.2 thereof, Dow Jones & Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as it may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

44. DJ SPA Assignment Agreement ” means that certain Assignment Agreement to be entered into by and among Plan Sponsor and New Media pursuant to which Plan Sponsor will transfer and assign all of its rights and interests in and to, and obligations under the DJ SPA to New Media, in the form attached to the Plan Supplement, as it may be amended, supplement or modified from time to time.

45. DJLMG ” means Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

46. Effective Date ” means the date that is a Business Day selected by the Debtors, subject to the prior written consent of Plan Sponsor and in consultation with the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, after the Confirmation Date on which all conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Effective Date set forth in Section 9.1 hereof have been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.2 hereof; provided that such date shall occur on or before 30 days after the Confirmation Date unless a later date is consented to in writing by the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) in consultation with the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent.

47. Entity ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(15) of the Bankruptcy Code.

48. Equity Security ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(16) of the Bankruptcy Code.

49. Estate ” means the bankruptcy estate of any Debtor created under sections 301 and 541 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases.

50. Exculpated Claim ” means any Claim arising out of or related to any act or omission in connection with (a) the Debtors’ in-court or out-of-court efforts to implement the Transaction, the Chapter 11 Cases, the DJ Contribution, the New Debt Facility (if any), or the Support Agreement; (b) the formulation, preparation, solicitation, dissemination, negotiation, or filing of the Disclosure Statement or Plan or any contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection with or pursuant to the Support Agreement, the Disclosure Statement, the DJ Contribution, the New Debt Facility (if any), or the Plan; (c) the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases; (d) the pursuit of Confirmation; (e) the pursuit of Consummation; (f) the administration and implementation of the Plan; or (g) the distribution of property under the Plan; provided that “Exculpated Claims” do not include any obligations of the Exculpated Parties arising on or after the Effective Date under the Plan or any document, instrument, or agreement (including those set forth in the Plan Supplement) executed to implement the Plan.

51. Exculpated Party ” means each of the following in its capacity as such: (a) the Debtors; (b) the Reorganized Debtors; (c) Plan Sponsor; (d) the Special Committee; (e) the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent; (f) the Participating Lenders; and (g) with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (f), such Entity’s successors and assigns and current and former affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, principals, employees, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives and other professionals.

 

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52. Executory Contract ” means a contract or lease to which one or more of the Debtors is a party that is subject to assumption or rejection under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

53. Final Decree ” means the decree contemplated under Bankruptcy Rule 3022.

54. Final Order ” means, as applicable, an order or judgment of the Bankruptcy Court or other court of competent jurisdiction with respect to the relevant subject matter, which has not been reversed, stayed, modified, or amended, and as to which the time to appeal or seek certiorari has expired and no appeal or petition for certiorari has been timely taken, or as to which any appeal that has been taken or any petition for certiorari that has been or may be filed has been resolved by the highest court to which the order or judgment could be appealed or from which certiorari could be sought or the new trial, reargument, or rehearing shall have been denied, resulted in no modification of such order, or has otherwise been dismissed with prejudice.

55. GateHouse ” has the meaning set forth in the Introduction hereof.

56. GateHouse Interest ” means any Interest in GateHouse.

57. General Unsecured Claim ” means any Claim other than an Administrative Claim, Professional Claim, Priority Tax Claim, Secured Tax Claim, Other Secured Claim, Other Priority Claim, Secured Debt Claim or Section 510(b) Claim.

58. Governmental Unit ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(27) of the Bankruptcy Code.

59. Impaired ” means, with respect to any Class of Claims or Interests, a Claim or an Interest that is not Unimpaired.

60. Informal Committee ” means that certain informal committee of Lenders comprised of Omega and Solus Alternative Asset Management LP and its affiliates.

61. Insider ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(31) of the Bankruptcy Code.

62. Intercompany Claim ” means any Claim by a Debtor against another Debtor that is reflected in the Debtors’ books and records.

63. Intercompany Contract ” means a contract between or among two or more Debtors.

64. Intercompany Interest ” means an Interest held by a Debtor.

65. Interest ” means any Equity Security in a Debtor existing immediately prior to the Effective Date.

66. Investment Commitment Letter ” means that certain Investment Commitment Letter dated as of September 3, 2013, by and among Plan Sponsor and the Debtors, in the form attached as Exhibit H to the Disclosure Statement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

67. Lenders ” means the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time party to the Credit Agreement and Swap Liability Agreements.

68. Lien ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code.

69. Listing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.20 hereof.

 

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70. Local Group ” means Local Media Group Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Plan Sponsor and a 100% owner of DJLMG.

71. Management Agreement ” means the management agreement to be entered into between the Manager and New Media on the Effective Date, in the form attached as Exhibit G to the Disclosure Statement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

72. Manager ” means FIG LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, an affiliate of Plan Sponsor.

73. New Debt Facility ” means a financing facility, if any, which may be entered into by Reorganized GateHouse on the Effective Date in an aggregate amount of up to $150 million on the same terms as or better terms for Reorganized GateHouse than those set forth in the New Debt Facility Term Sheet.

74. New Debt Facility Documents ” means the documents governing the New Debt Facility, if any, the terms of which shall be attached as an exhibit to the Plan Supplement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

75. New Debt Facility Net Proceeds ” means the cash raised in the New Debt Facility, if any, net of transaction costs and expenses of the Debtors and Plan Sponsor associated with the Transaction.

76. New Debt Facility Term Sheet ” means the term sheet attached as Exhibit I to the Disclosure Statement, as it may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

77. New Media ” means New Media Investment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation.

78. New Media Charter ” means the amended charter and bylaws of New Media on and after the Effective Date, in the form attached as an exhibit to the Plan Supplement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

79. New Media Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d)(3)A hereof.

80. New Media Employee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15 hereof.

81. New Media Elected Claims ” means all or any portion of Allowed Secured Debt Claims for which the holder makes a Plan Election to receive New Media Stock.

82. New Media Stock ” means the common stock of New Media.

83. New Media Warrants ” means 10-year warrants issued by New Media pursuant to the New Media Warrant Agreement, entitling the holders thereof to acquire New Media Stock, which in the aggregate shall be equal to five percent (5%) of New Media Stock as of the Effective Date (calculated prior to dilution from shares of New Media Stock issued pursuant to the DJ Contribution), at a strike price per share calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the DJ Contribution of $1.2 billion, as of the Effective Date; provided that the New Media Warrants will not have the benefit of antidilution protections, other than customary protections including for stock splits and stock dividends.

84. New Media Warrant Agreement ” means the documents governing the New Media Warrants, in the form attached as an exhibit to the Plan Supplement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

85. Omega ” means Omega Advisors, Inc. and its affiliates.

86. Other Priority Claim ” means any Claim other than an Administrative Claim or a Priority Tax Claim entitled to priority in right of payment under section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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87. Other Secured Claim ” means any Secured Claim other than a Secured Debt Claim or a Secured Tax Claim. For the avoidance of doubt, “Other Secured Claims” includes any Claim arising under, derived from, or based upon any letter of credit issued in favor of one or more Debtors, the reimbursement obligation for which is either secured by a Lien on collateral or subject to a valid right of setoff.

88. Participating Lenders ” means the Lenders from time to time party to the Support Agreement, as provided for in the Support Agreement.

89. Person ” has the meaning set forth in section 101(41) of the Bankruptcy Code.

90. Petition Date ” means the date on which the Debtors filed their petitions for relief commencing the Chapter 11 Cases.

91. Plan ” means this chapter 11 plan, as it may be altered, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, including the Plan Supplement and all exhibits, supplements, appendices and schedules.

92. Plan Election ” means the election to be made by each holder of an Allowed Secured Debt Claim on such holder’s Ballot for the treatment of such holder’s Allowed Secured Debt Claims, as set forth in Section 3.2(d) hereof.

93. Plan Sponsor ” means Newcastle Investment Corp.

94. Plan Supplement ” means any compilation of documents and forms of documents, agreements, schedules, and exhibits to the Plan, which shall be filed by the Debtors no later than 10 days prior to the date first scheduled for the Confirmation Hearing or such later date as may be approved by the Bankruptcy Court on notice to parties in interest, and additional documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court prior to the Effective Date as amendments to the Plan Supplement.

95. Pledge Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse and the administrative agent thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time).

96. Priority Tax Claim ” means any Claim of a Governmental Unit of the kind specified in section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

97. Pro Rata ” means the proportion that an Allowed Claim or an Allowed Interest in a particular Class bears to the aggregate amount of Allowed Claims or Allowed Interests in that Class.

98. Professional ” means an Entity (a) employed in the Chapter 11 Cases in accordance with sections 327 and 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code and to be compensated for services rendered prior to or on the Confirmation Date pursuant to sections 327, 328, 329, 330, and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (b) for which compensation and reimbursement has been Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to section 503(b)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

99. Professional Claim ” means a Claim by a Professional seeking an award by the Bankruptcy Court of compensation for services rendered or reimbursement of expenses incurred through and including the Confirmation Date under sections 330, 331, 503(b)(2), 503(b)(3), 503(b)(4), or 503(b)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code.

100. Proof of Claim ” means a proof of Claim filed against any of the Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases.

101. Record Holder ” means, as of any date, the holder of record with good legal title as of such date.

102. Registration Rights Agreement ” means the documents governing the registration rights of certain holders of New Media Stock, in the form attached as an exhibit to the Plan Supplement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

 

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103. Registration Rights Terms ” means the Registration Rights Terms attached as Exhibit J to the Disclosure Statement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

104. Rejection Schedule ” means the schedule of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases in the Plan Supplement, as may be amended from time to time, setting forth certain Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases for rejection as of the Effective Date under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

105. Released Party ” means each of the following in its/their capacity as such: (a) the Debtors; (b) New Media; (c) Plan Sponsor; (d) holders of Secured Debt Claims; (e) the Special Committee; (f) the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent; and (g) with respect to each of the foregoing Entities in clauses (a) through (f), such Entity’s successors, assigns, direct and indirect subsidiaries, affiliates, and funds, and current and former members, partners, managers, managing members, officers, directors, employees, advisors, principals, attorneys, professionals, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, agents and other representatives of any of the foregoing.

106. Releasing Parties ” means each of the following in its/their capacity as such: (a) Plan Sponsor; (b) the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent; (c) holders of Secured Debt Claims; and (d) without limiting the foregoing clauses (a)-(c), each holder of a Claim that is entitled to receive a distribution under the Plan.

107. Reorganized Debtor ” means a Debtor (or any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) on and after the Effective Date.

108. Reorganized GateHouse ” means GateHouse Media, Inc. (or any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) on and after the Effective Date, provided that upon and after the consummation (if any) of the merger as set forth in Section 4.2(II) of the Plan, “Reorganized GateHouse” shall mean GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. (or any successor thereto by merger, consolidation, or otherwise) .

109. Reorganized New Media Group ” means on or after the Effective Date the Reorganized Debtors, New Media and any subsidiaries of the foregoing.

110. Section 510(b) Claim ” means any Claim against the Debtors arising from rescission of a purchase or sale of a security of the Debtors or an Affiliate, for damages arising from the purchase or sale of such a security, or for reimbursement or contribution allowed under section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code on account of such a Claim.

111. Secured Claim ” means a Claim (a) secured by a Lien on property of an Estate to the extent of the value of such property, as determined in accordance with section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (b) subject to a valid right of setoff.

112. Secured Debt Claims ” means all Credit Agreement Claims and all Swap Liability Claims.

113. “Secured Tax Claim ” means any Secured Claim that, absent its secured status, would be entitled to priority in right of payment under section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code (determined irrespective of time limitations), including any related Secured Claim for penalties.

114. Securities Act ” means, as may be amended from time to time, the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. §§ 77a–77aa, and any similar federal, state, or local law. References herein to specific provisions of the Securities Act include any similar provisions of federal, state, or local law.

115. Security ” has the meaning set forth in section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act.

116. Security Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Security Agreement, by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse, the Lenders and the control agent thereto, dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time).

 

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117. Special Committee ” means the special committee formed by the board of directors of GateHouse on February 19, 2013, which was given the exclusive, full, and plenary power and authority of the board of directors of GateHouse, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, with respect to the review, evaluation, and approval or rejection on behalf of GateHouse of any potential Plan Sponsor proposal and the review and evaluation of strategic alternatives and all matters pertaining thereto.

118. Support Agreement ” means that certain Restructuring Support Agreement, dated as of September 3, 2013, by and among the Debtors, Plan Sponsor, Credit Agreement Administrative Agent and the Participating Lenders, attached as Exhibit C to the Disclosure Statement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

119. Swap Liability Agreement ” means “Secured Hedging Agreement”, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.

120. Swap Liability Claims ” means all Claims, Liens, rights or interests of the Lenders arising under, related to, or in connection with the Swap Liability Agreements, or related agreements or documentation.

121. Term Sheet ” means the Restructuring Term Sheet attached as Exhibit A to the Support Agreement, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.

122. Transaction ” means the reorganization and restructuring of the Debtors as contemplated by the Plan, including all related transactions occurring before and after the Petition Date.

123. Unclaimed Distribution ” means any distribution under the Plan on account of an Allowed Claim or Interest to a holder that has not: (a) accepted a particular distribution or, in the case of distributions made by check, negotiated such check; (b) given notice to the Reorganized Debtors of an intent to accept a particular distribution; (c) responded to the Debtors’ or Reorganized Debtors’ requests for information necessary to facilitate a particular distribution; or (d) taken any other action necessary to facilitate such distribution.

124. Unexpired Lease ” means a lease of nonresidential real property to which one or more of the Debtors is a party that is subject to assumption or rejection under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

125. Unimpaired ” means a Class of Claims or Interests that is unimpaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code.

126. Voting Deadline ” means 5:00 P.M. prevailing Eastern Time on September 26, 2013, as such date may be extended by Plan Sponsor in accordance with the Support Agreement.

127. Voting Record Date ” means 5:00 P.M. prevailing Eastern Time on September 19, 2013.

1.2 Rules of Interpretation

(a) For purposes of the Plan, the following rules of interpretation apply: (a) in the appropriate context, each term, whether stated in the singular or the plural, shall include both the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, feminine and the neuter gender; (b) unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to a contract, lease, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document being in a particular form or on particular terms and conditions means that such document shall be substantially in such form or substantially on such terms and conditions; (c) unless otherwise specified, any reference herein to an existing document, schedule, or exhibit, shall mean such document, schedule, or exhibit, as it may have been or may be amended, modified, or supplemented; (d) unless otherwise specified, all references herein to “Articles” are references to Articles hereof or hereto; (e) the words “herein,” “hereof,” and “hereto” refer to the Plan in its entirety rather than to any particular portion of the Plan; (f) captions and headings to Articles are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the interpretation of the Plan; (g) unless otherwise specified herein, the rules of construction set forth in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply; and (h) any term used in capitalized form herein that is not otherwise defined but that is used in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules, as applicable.

 

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(b) The rule of “contra proferentum” does not apply to the interpretation of the Plan. The Plan is the product of extensive negotiations between and among, inter alia, the Debtors, Plan Sponsor, the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, and the Participating Lenders. Each of the foregoing, including the Debtors and Plan Sponsor, was represented by independent counsel of their choice who either (i) participated in the formulation and documentation of or (ii) was afforded the opportunity to review and provide comments on, the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, and the documents ancillary thereto. Accordingly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the general rule of contract construction known as “contra proferentum” shall not apply to the construction or interpretation of any provision of this Plan, the Disclosure Statement, or any exhibit, schedule, contract, instrument, release, or other document generated in connection therewith as concerns such parties identified above.

1.3 Computation of Time

Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a) applies in computing any period of time prescribed or allowed herein.

1.4 Governing Law

Except to the extent the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules apply, and subject to the provisions of any contract, lease, instrument, release, indenture, or other agreement or document entered into expressly in connection herewith, the rights and obligations arising hereunder shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict-of-laws principles.

1.5 Reference to Monetary Figures

All references in the Plan to monetary figures refer to currency of the United States of America, unless otherwise expressly provided.

1.6 Reference to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan to the contrary, references in the Plan to the Debtors or to the Reorganized Debtors mean the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, to the extent the context requires.

ARTICLE II

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PRIORITY CLAIMS

In accordance with section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Claims, Professional Claims and Priority Tax Claims have not been classified and thus are excluded from the Classes of Claims set forth in Article III .

2.1 Administrative Claims

Unless otherwise agreed to by the holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim and the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, each holder of an Allowed Administrative Claim (other than holders of Professional Claims and Claims for fees and expenses pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930) will receive in full and final satisfaction of its Administrative Claim an amount of Cash equal to the amount of such Allowed Administrative Claim at one of the following times, as applicable: (a) on the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter; (b) if the Administrative Claim is not Allowed as of the Effective Date, then no later than 30 days after the date on which an order Allowing such Administrative Claim becomes a Final Order, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter; or (c) if the Allowed Administrative Claim is based on liabilities incurred by the Debtors in the ordinary course of their business after the Petition Date, then in accordance with the terms and conditions of the particular transaction giving rise to such Allowed Administrative Claims, without any further action by the holders of such Allowed Administrative Claims.

 

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2.2 Professional Claims

All requests for payment of Professional Claims for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the Confirmation Date must be filed no later than 45 days after the Effective Date. The Bankruptcy Court shall determine the Allowed amounts of such Professional Claims after notice and a hearing in accordance with the procedures established by the Bankruptcy Code. The Reorganized Debtors shall pay Professional Claims in Cash in the amount the Court Allows. From and after the Confirmation Date, any requirement that Professionals comply with sections 327 through 331 and 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code in seeking retention or compensation for services rendered after such date shall terminate, and the Reorganized Debtors may employ and pay any Professional in the ordinary course of business without any further notice to, or action, order, or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court.

2.3 Priority Tax Claims

Each holder of an Allowed Priority Tax Claim due and payable on or before the Effective Date shall receive on the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, from the respective Debtor liable for such Allowed Priority Tax Claim, payment in Cash in an amount equal to the amount of such Allowed Priority Tax Claim. To the extent any Allowed Priority Tax Claim is not due and owing on the Effective Date, such Claim shall be paid in full in Cash in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the Debtors and the holder of such Claim, or as may be due and payable under applicable non-bankruptcy law, or in the ordinary course of business.

ARTICLE III

CLASSIFICATION, TREATMENT, AND VOTING OF CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

3.1 Classification of Claims and Interests

The Plan constitutes a separate Plan with respect to each Debtor. Except for the Claims addressed in Article II , all Claims and Interests are classified in the Classes set forth below in accordance with section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code. A Claim or Interest is classified in a particular Class only to the extent that the Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of that Class and is classified in other Classes to the extent that any portion of the Claim or Interest qualifies within the description of such other Classes. A Claim or Interest is also classified in a particular Class for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to the Plan only to the extent that such Claim or Interest is an Allowed Claim or Interest in that Class and has not been paid, released or otherwise satisfied prior to the Effective Date.

Below is a chart assigning each Class a number for purposes of identifying each separate Class.

 

Class

  

Claim or Interest                         

  

Status                

  

Voting Rights                    

  1    Secured Tax Claims    Unimpaired    Presumed to Accept
  2    Other Secured Claims    Unimpaired    Presumed to Accept
  3    Other Priority Claims    Unimpaired    Presumed to Accept
  4    Secured Debt Claims    Impaired    Entitled to Vote
  5    General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    Presumed to Accept
 6A    GateHouse Interests    Impaired    Presumed to Reject
 6B    Intercompany Interests    Unimpaired    Presumed to Accept
  7    Section 510(b) Claims    Impaired    Presumed to Reject

 

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3.2 Treatment of Classes of Claims and Interests

Except to the extent that a holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest, as applicable, agrees to a less favorable treatment, such holder shall receive under the Plan the treatment described below in full and final satisfaction, settlement, release and discharge of and in exchange for such holder’s Allowed Claim against or Interest in each Debtor, as applicable. Unless otherwise indicated, the holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest, as applicable, shall receive such treatment on the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

  (a) Class 1 — Secured Tax Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 1 consists of any Secured Tax Claims against any Debtor.

 

  (2) Treatment : Each holder of an Allowed Secured Tax Claim shall receive, as applicable:

 

  A. If the Allowed Secured Tax Claim is due and payable on or before the Effective Date, Cash in an amount equal to such Allowed Secured Tax Claim; or

 

  B. If the Allowed Secured Tax Claim is not due and payable on or before the Effective Date, such Claim shall be paid in full in Cash in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the Debtors and the holder of such Claim or as may be due and payable under applicable non-bankruptcy law or in the ordinary course of business, provided that to the extent the Allowed Secured Tax Claim is secured by an interest in property of an Estate, the holder of such Claim shall retain such interest in such property until paid in full therefor.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 1 is Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed Secured Tax Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Holders of Allowed Secured Tax Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (b) Class 2 — Other Secured Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 2 consists of any Other Secured Claims against any Debtor.

 

  (2) Treatment : Each holder of an Allowed Other Secured Claim shall, at the sole option of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable:

 

  A. have its Allowed Other Secured Claim reinstated and rendered Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; or

 

  B. to the extent the Allowed Other Secured Claim is secured by an interest in property of an Estate, receive the property securing its Allowed Other Secured Claim and any interest on such Allowed Other Secured Claim required to be paid pursuant to section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code; provided that the holder of such Claim shall retain such interest in such property until paid in full therefor.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 2 is Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed Other Secured Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Holders of Allowed Other Secured Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (c) Class 3 — Other Priority Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 3 consists of any Other Priority Claims against any Debtor.

 

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  (2) Treatment : Each holder of an Allowed Other Priority Claim shall be paid in full in Cash.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 3 is Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed Other Priority Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Holders of Allowed Other Priority Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (d) Class 4 — Secured Debt Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 4 consists of any Secured Debt Claims.

 

  (2) Allowance : On the Effective Date, the Secured Debt Claims shall be an Allowed Claim secured by the Collateral (as defined in the Credit Documents), and shall not be subject to avoidance, objection, challenge, deduction, subordination, recharacterization, reclassification or offset, in the aggregate amount of (a) $1,167,449,812.96 of principal of the Credit Agreement Claims, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (c) all amounts due under and subject to the terms of the Swap Liability Agreements (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any default interest). Acceptance of the Plan by Class 4 in the prepetition solicitation shall constitute an election under the Plan, pursuant to section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, to have the Secured Debt Claims treated as a secured claim to the extent that such Secured Debt Claims are Allowed; provided that such election shall be deemed to be made solely with respect to the Plan, and the right of holders of Secured Debt Claims to make or not to make such an election in the event that the Plan is not confirmed is expressly reserved and preserved.

 

  (3) Treatment : In accordance with Section 6.3(a) , each holder of an Allowed Secured Debt Claim shall receive, pursuant to such holder’s Plan Election with respect to all or any portion of such holder’s Secured Debt Claims and in full satisfaction and discharge of all of such holder’s Allowed Secured Debt Claims:

 

  A. Its (x) Pro Rata share of 100% of the shares of New Media Stock issued on the Effective Date, subject to dilution by any New Media Stock issued in exchange for the DJ Contribution and (y) Pro Rata share of 100% of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds, if any, in the event that Reorganized GateHouse enters into a New Debt Facility and prior to the DJ Contribution, (collectively, the “ New Media Distribution ”); and/or

 

  B. Cash in an aggregate amount equal to 40.0% of such holder’s Allowed Secured Debt Claims (the “ Cash-Out Distribution ”); provided that each holder of an Allowed Secured Debt Claim that does not make a Plan Election with respect to all or any portion of its Secured Debt Claims shall be deemed to have elected to, and shall, receive only the Cash-Out Distribution in respect of all or such portion of its Secured Debt Claims, in full satisfaction and discharge of such holder’s Allowed Secured Debt Claims.

 

  C. For the avoidance of doubt, Plan Sponsor will receive its Pro Rata share of New Media Distribution, including, without limitation, on account of all Cash-Out Claims.

 

  (4) Voting : Class 4 is Impaired. Holders of Allowed Secured Debt Claims are entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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  (e) Class 5 — General Unsecured Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 5 consists of any General Unsecured Claims against any Debtor.

 

  (2) Treatment : Each holder of an Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall receive Cash in an amount equal to such Allowed General Unsecured Claim on the later of the Effective Date or in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of the particular transaction giving rise to such Allowed General Unsecured Claim.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 5 is Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims are conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. Holders of Allowed General Unsecured Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (f) Class 6A — GateHouse Interests

 

  (1) Classification : Class 6A consists of any GateHouse Interests.

 

  (2) Treatment : In accordance with Section 6.3(a) , each holder of an Allowed GateHouse Interest shall receive such holder’s Pro Rata share of New Media Warrants.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 6A is Impaired. Holders of Allowed GateHouse Interests are conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan. Holders of Allowed GateHouse Interests are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (g) Class 6B — Intercompany Interests

 

  (1) Classification : Class 6B consists of any Intercompany Interests.

 

  (2) Treatment : Each holder of an Allowed Intercompany Interest shall have its Allowed Intercompany Interest reinstated and rendered Unimpaired in accordance with section 1124(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

  (3) Voting : Class 6B is Unimpaired. Holders of Allowed Intercompany Interests are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

  (h) Class 7 — Section 510(b) Claims

 

  (1) Classification : Class 7 consists of any Section 510(b) Claims against any Debtor.

 

  (2) Allowance: Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, a Section 510(b) Claim (if any) may only become Allowed by Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

  (3) Treatment : On the Effective Date, all Allowed Section 510(b) Claims shall be fully extinguished and discharged without any further action. No holder of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims shall be entitled to receive or retain any property under the Plan.

 

  (4) Voting : Class 7 is Impaired. Holders (if any) of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims are conclusively presumed to have rejected the Plan. Holders (if any) of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims are not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

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3.3 Special Provision Governing Unimpaired Claims

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, nothing under the Plan shall affect the Debtors’ or the Reorganized Debtors’ rights regarding any Unimpaired Claim, including all rights regarding legal and equitable defenses to or setoffs or recoupments against any such Unimpaired Claim.

ARTICLE IV

PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

4.1 General Settlement of Claims

Unless otherwise set forth in the Plan, pursuant to section 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019, and in consideration for the classification, distributions, releases, and other benefits provided under the Plan, on the Effective Date, the provisions of the Plan shall constitute a good-faith compromise and settlement of all Claims and Interests.

4.2 Transactions On or After the Effective Date

 

  (I) On the Effective Date and in accordance with Section 6.3(a) hereof, the Debtors or the Reorganized New Media Group, as the case may be, Plan Sponsor and any other Entity party to the Transaction shall take all actions that are necessary or appropriate to effect the Transaction, including, but not limited to:

(a) Plan Sponsor (or its Designated Affiliates or other designees) shall purchase each Cash-Out Claim in exchange for payment of a cash purchase price to the holder thereof in an amount determined pursuant to Section 3.2(d)(3)B hereof and subject to the terms of the Investment Commitment Letter;

(b) Plan Sponsor (or its Designated Affiliates or other designees), in respect of its New Media Elected Claims and the Cash-Out Claims acquired pursuant to Section 4.2(I)(a) above, and each other holder of New Media Elected Claims (or their respective Designated Affiliates) shall receive its Pro Rata share of New Media Stock;

(c) Each holder of Allowed GateHouse Interests shall receive its Pro Rata share of New Media Warrants;

(d) 100% of the new equity interests in Reorganized GateHouse shall be issued to New Media;

(e) All Secured Debt Claims and all GateHouse Interests shall be cancelled and discharged pursuant to the Plan without the need for any further corporate action;

(f) Each holder of New Media Stock (and for the avoidance of doubt excluding any New Media Stock issued to the Plan Sponsor in respect of the DJ Contribution) shall receive its Pro Rata share of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds (if any); and

(g) The DJ Contribution shall occur as set forth in Section 4.19 hereof.

 

  (II) On or after the Effective Date, GateHouse Media, Inc., GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc., GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc., and GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. shall convert into limited liability companies and/or GateHouse Media Inc. shall merge into New Media, provided that the occurrence of such merger or conversions shall not be a condition to the Effective Date.

4.3 New Media Warrants

On the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, New Media shall issue and distribute New Media Warrants to holders of Allowed GateHouse Interests to the extent required by Section 3.2(f)(2) hereof.

 

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4.4 New Debt Facility Net Proceeds

The Debtors shall use commercially reasonable efforts, in light of market conditions and other relevant factors, to enter into the New Debt Facility on the Effective Date. In the event that Reorganized GateHouse enters into and receives the proceeds of the New Debt Facility, on the Effective Date, Reorganized GateHouse will distribute to each holder of New Media Stock (including, without limitation, to Plan Sponsor on account of the Cash-Out Claims) its Pro Rata share of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds, if any. For the avoidance of doubt, the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds, if any, will be distributed to holders of New Media Stock prior to the occurrence of the DJ Contribution and no amount of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds shall be distributed to Plan Sponsor on account of the DJ Contribution.

Confirmation of the Plan shall constitute (i) approval by Reorganized GateHouse and its applicable subsidiaries of the New Debt Facility, the New Debt Facility Documents, and all transactions contemplated thereby, including the payment of all fees, indemnities, and expenses provided for therein, and (ii) authorization of Reorganized GateHouse to enter into, execute and perform under the New Debt Facility Documents and distribute New Debt Facility Net Proceeds in accordance with the Plan. On the Effective Date, all of the Liens and security interests to be granted in accordance with the New Debt Facility Documents (i) shall be deemed to have been approved by Reorganized GateHouse and its applicable subsidiaries, (ii) shall be legal, binding and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the collateral granted thereunder in accordance with the terms of the New Debt Facility Documents, (iii) shall be deemed perfected upon Reorganized GateHouse’s entry into the New Debt Facility, subject only to such Liens and security interests as may be permitted under the New Debt Facility Documents, and (iv) shall not be subject to recharacterization or equitable subordination for any purposes whatsoever and shall not constitute preferential transfers or fraudulent conveyances under the Bankruptcy Code or any applicable non-bankruptcy law.

For the avoidance of doubt, entry into the New Debt Facility will not be a condition precedent to the Effective Date.

4.5 Offering and Issuance of Securities

The offering, issuance, distribution, and exercise (as applicable) of any Securities, including New Media Stock and New Media Warrants (and the New Media Stock issuable upon exercise of the New Media Warrants), pursuant to the Plan will be in compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act or exempt from the registration requirements of section 5 therein pursuant to section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, section 4(2) of the Securities Act, or any other available exemption from registration under the Securities Act, as applicable. In addition, under section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, if applicable, any Securities issued under the Plan will be freely transferable under the Securities Act by the recipients thereof, subject to: (1) the provisions of section 1145(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code relating to the definition of an underwriter in section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and compliance with any applicable state or foreign securities laws, if any, and the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, if any, applicable at the time of any future transfer of such Securities or instruments; (2) the restrictions, if any, on the transferability of such Securities and instruments; and (3) any other applicable regulatory approval.

The issuance of New Media Stock (including all common stock in New Media issued to Plan Sponsor on the Effective Date in exchange for the DJ Contribution), New Media Warrants and any other options and associated equity awards is authorized without the need for any further corporate action or without any further action by the Debtors or the Reorganized New Media Group, as applicable. The charter of New Media, as applicable, shall authorize the issuance and distribution on the Effective Date of such New Media Stock, New Media Warrants and New Debt Facility Net Proceeds to the Distribution Agent for the benefit of holders of Allowed Secured Debt Claims and Allowed GateHouse Interests, as applicable. All such New Media Stock issued and distributed pursuant to the Plan shall be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

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4.6 Registration Rights

New Media will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement with Omega and any other holder of Allowed Secured Debt Claims that receives at least as many shares of New Media Stock on the Effective Date as Omega receives, provided that Omega receives directly or indirectly not less than ten percent (10%) or more of the shares of New Media Stock issued to holders of Allowed Secured Debt Claims under the Plan (without taking into account New Media Stock issued pursuant to the New Media Warrants or in respect of the DJ Contribution).

4.7 Subordination

The allowance, classification, and treatment of all Claims and Interests under the Plan shall conform to and with the respective contractual, legal, and equitable subordination rights of such Claims and Interests, and the Plan shall recognize and implement any such rights. Pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code, except where otherwise provided herein, the Reorganized Debtors reserve the right, after notice and a hearing, to re-classify any Allowed Claim or Interest in accordance with any contractual, legal or equitable subordination relating thereto.

4.8 Vesting of Assets in the Reorganized Debtors

Except as otherwise provided herein or in any agreement, instrument or other document incorporated in the Plan, on the Effective Date, all property in each Estate, all Causes of Action, and any property acquired by any of the Debtors under the Plan shall vest in each respective Reorganized Debtor, free and clear of all Liens, Claims, charges, or other encumbrances. On and after the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided in the Plan, each Reorganized Debtor may operate its business and use, acquire, or dispose of property and compromise or settle any Claims, Interests or Causes of Action without supervision or approval by the Bankruptcy Court and free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or Bankruptcy Rules.

4.9 Cancellation of Notes, Instruments, Certificates, and Other Documents

On the Effective Date, except to the extent otherwise provided herein (including as otherwise provided with respect to any contracts evidencing transactions described in Section 3.2(e)(2) hereof), all notes, instruments, Certificates and other documents evidencing Claims or Interests shall be cancelled and the obligations of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors and the non-Debtor Affiliates thereunder or in any way related thereto shall be discharged; provided , however , that notwithstanding Confirmation or the occurrence of the Effective Date, (i) any agreement that governs the rights of the holder of a Claim or Interest shall continue in effect solely for purposes of (a) allowing holders of Claims or Interests to receive distributions under the Plan and (b) allowing and preserving the rights of any Distribution Agent or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, to make distributions on account of Claims and Interests as provided in Article VI and (ii) the Credit Documents shall continue in effect solely for the purposes of allowing the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent to (a) receive payment of its fees and expenses as provided under the Credit Documents, (b) have the benefit of all the rights and protections for the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent under the Credit Documents, including, but not limited to, the preservation of any indemnification rights, and (c) make distributions pursuant to Section 2.13(b) of the Credit Agreement.

4.10 Issuance of New Securities; Execution of Plan Documents

Except as otherwise provided herein, on the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Reorganized New Media Group shall issue all Securities, notes, instruments, Certificates and other documents required to be issued under the Plan.

4.11 Corporate Action

Each of the matters provided for by the Plan involving the corporate structure of the Debtors or corporate or related actions to be taken by or required of the Reorganized New Media Group, whether taken prior to or as of the Effective Date, shall be authorized without the need for any further corporate action or without any further action by the Debtors or the Reorganized New Media Group, as applicable, including, without limitation, the DJ Contribution and the issuance of additional New Media Stock to Plan Sponsor as consideration therefor pursuant to Section 4.19 hereof. Such actions may include the following: (a) the adoption and filing of charters and bylaws; (b) the appointment of directors and officers; (c) entry into and performance under the New Debt Facility; (d) the authorization, issuance, and distribution of New Media Stock, New Media Warrants and New Debt Facility Net Proceeds pursuant to the Plan; and (e) the merger or conversions as set forth in Section 4.2(II) ; provided that , notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Reorganized New Media Group reserves the right not to effectuate such merger or conversions in its sole discretion.

 

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4.12 Charter and Bylaws

The certificates of incorporation and bylaws of each Entity in the Reorganized New Media Group (and other formation documents relating to limited liability companies, as applicable) shall be amended as may be required to be consistent with the provisions of the Plan and the Bankruptcy Code. The Reorganized New Media Group’s certificates of incorporation shall include, among other things (and only to the extent required by section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code), provisions prohibiting the issuance of non-voting Equity Securities. After the Effective Date, each Entity in the Reorganized New Media Group may amend and restate its certificate of incorporation and other constituent documents as permitted by the laws of its respective jurisdiction of formation and its respective charter and bylaws. The corporate governance policies of New Media shall be substantially consistent with Gatehouse’s policies, shall be updated to comply with the requirements of the applicable listing exchange upon the completion of the Listing and its charter and bylaws shall be all as set forth in the New Media Charter.

4.13 Effectuating Documents; Further Transactions

On and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized New Media Group and the officers and members of the boards of directors thereof, are authorized to and may issue, execute, deliver, file, or record such contracts, Securities, instruments, releases, and other agreements or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Securities issued pursuant to the Plan in the name of and on behalf of the Reorganized New Media Group, without the need for any approvals, authorizations, or consents except for those expressly required under the Plan.

4.14 Section 1146(a) Exemption

Pursuant to section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, any transfers of property under the Plan shall not be subject to any document recording tax, stamp tax, conveyance fee, intangibles or similar tax, mortgage tax, stamp act, real estate transfer tax, mortgage recording tax, or other similar tax or governmental assessment, and upon entry of the Confirmation Order, the appropriate state or local governmental officials or agents shall forgo the collection of any such tax or governmental assessment and accept for filing and recordation any of the foregoing instruments or other documents without the payment of any such tax, recordation fee or governmental assessment.

4.15 Directors, Officers and Management

Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Plan Supplement, the existing officers and directors of the Debtors shall serve in their current capacities in the Reorganized Debtors. From and after the Effective Date, each director or officer of the Reorganized New Media Group shall serve pursuant to the terms of their respective charters and bylaws or other constituent documents, and applicable state corporation law. Additionally, in accordance with section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code, the identities and affiliations of the members of the boards of directors of the Reorganized New Media Group and any Person proposed to serve as an officer of the Reorganized New Media Group shall be disclosed in the Plan Supplement.

On the Effective Date, New Media will enter into the Management Agreement and Michael Reed, the current chief executive officer of GateHouse (the “ New Media Employee ”), will become an employee of New Media. Commencing from the Listing, (a) the Manager will be responsible for the compensation and benefits of the New Media Employee and (b) the Manager will receive an annual management fee, quarterly incentive compensation, and options to purchase New Media Stock, in each case, on the terms set forth in the Management Agreement. The compensation and benefits of the New Media Employee will be subject to the review and approval of the compensation committee of the board of directors of New Media and an incentive plan will be established for the Manager with terms and conditions customary for a company of New Media’s type.

 

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4.16 Incentive Plans and Employee and Retiree Benefits

Except as otherwise provided herein, on and after the Effective Date, subject to any Final Order, the Reorganized Debtors shall (a) amend, adopt, assume and/or honor in the ordinary course of business, any contracts, agreements, policies, programs, and plans, in accordance with their respective terms, for, among other things, compensation, including any incentive plan, health care benefits, disability benefits, deferred compensation benefits, savings, severance benefits, retirement benefits, welfare benefits, workers’ compensation insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance for the directors, officers, and employees of any of the Debtors who served in such capacity from and after the Petition Date, and (b) honor, in the ordinary course of business, Claims of employees employed as of the Effective Date for accrued vacation time arising prior to the Petition Date and not otherwise paid pursuant to a Bankruptcy Court order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to section 1129(a)(13) of the Bankruptcy Code, from and after the Effective Date, all retiree benefits (as that term is defined in section 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code), if any, shall continue to be paid in accordance with applicable law.

4.17 Preservation of Rights of Action

Unless any Causes of Action against an Entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised, or settled in the Plan or by a Final Order, in accordance with section 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Reorganized Debtors shall retain and may enforce all rights to commence and pursue any and all Causes of Action, whether arising before or after the Petition Date, including any actions specifically enumerated in the Plan Supplement, and the Reorganized Debtors’ rights to commence, prosecute or settle such Causes of Action shall be preserved notwithstanding the occurrence of the Effective Date. No Entity may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan, the Plan Supplement or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. The Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all rights to prosecute any and all Causes of Action against any Entity, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan. Unless any Causes of Action against an Entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised or settled in the Plan or a Bankruptcy Court order, the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve all Causes of Action for later adjudication and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise) or laches, shall apply to such Causes of Action upon, after, or as a consequence of the Confirmation or Consummation.

The Reorganized Debtors reserve and shall retain Causes of Action notwithstanding the rejection of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease during the Chapter 11 Cases or pursuant to the Plan. In accordance with sections 1123(b)(3) and 1141(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, any Causes of Action that a Debtor may hold against any Entity shall vest in the Reorganized Debtors. The applicable Reorganized Debtor, through its authorized agents or representatives, shall retain and may exclusively enforce any and all such Causes of Action. The Reorganized Debtors shall have the exclusive right, authority, and discretion to determine and to initiate, file, prosecute, enforce, abandon, settle, compromise, release, withdraw, or litigate to judgment any such Causes of Action, or to decline to do any of the foregoing, without the consent or approval of any third party or any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court.

4.18 Intercompany Claims

Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, on the Effective Date, the Intercompany Claims shall be reinstated, or discharged and satisfied by contributions, distributions or otherwise, at the option of the Reorganized Debtors.

4.19 DJ Contribution

Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, Plan Sponsor will contribute 100% of the stock of Local Group, the 100% owner of DJLMG, to New Media and assign its rights under the DJ SPA to New Media, each on the Effective Date (collectively, the “ DJ Contribution ”) in exchange for shares of New Media Stock and, at Plan Sponsor’s election in its sole discretion, $50,000 of Cash, collectively equal in value (the “ DJ Contribution Value ”) to the cost of the DJ Acquisition as adjusted (a) to include (i) Plan Sponsor’s out-of-pocket transaction expenses for the DJ Acquisition not to exceed $4.5 million, (ii) any additional cash equity contributions made in DJLMG or

 

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Local Group after the DJ Acquisition but, prior to the occurrence of the DJ Contribution, not to exceed $2.5 million, and (iii) the net amount owing to Plan Sponsor under the DJ SPA and (b) to deduct the amount of (i) any dividends paid out by DJLMG or Local Group on or following the closing of the DJ Acquisition and on or prior to the occurrence of the DJ Contribution (other than in respect of the $2.5 million contributed by Plan Sponsor on the closing date of the DJ Acquisition for working capital purposes, which amount DJLMG may repay by dividend or otherwise prior to the Effective Date) and (ii) any funded debt obligations of DJLMG or Local Group (other than amounts drawn under the working capital facility), each as set forth in the DJ Contribution Agreement and DJ SPA Assignment Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of shares of New Media Stock in exchange for the DJ Contribution will not occur prior to the distribution of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds (if any) to the holders of New Media Stock.

4.20 Additional Restructuring Transactions

On or after the Effective Date, without limiting any rights and remedies of the Debtors or Reorganized New Media Group under the Plan or applicable law, the Reorganized New Media Group may enter into such transactions and may take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effect a corporate restructuring, including one or more mergers, consolidations, restructurings, transfers, dispositions, spinoffs, liquidations, dissolutions, amalgamations, arrangements, continuances or other corporate transactions, as may be determined by the Reorganized New Media Group to be necessary or appropriate (collectively, the “ Additional Restructuring Transactions ”) provided such Additional Restructuring Transactions comply with the terms of (including applicable shareholder consent requirements) and are not prohibited by the Plan. The actions to effect the Additional Restructuring Transactions may include (i) the execution and delivery of appropriate agreements or other documents of merger, consolidation, restructuring, transfer, disposition, spinoff, liquidation, dissolution, amalgamation, arrangement, continuance or other corporate transaction containing terms that are consistent with the terms of the Plan and that satisfy the applicable requirements of applicable law and such other terms to which the applicable Entities may agree; (ii) the execution and delivery of appropriate instruments of transfer, assignment, assumption, spinoff or delegation of any asset, property, right, liability, duty or obligation on terms consistent with the terms of the Plan and having such other terms to which the applicable Entities may agree; (iii) the filing of appropriate certificates or articles of incorporation, merger, consolidation, spinoff or dissolution (or any other Additional Restructuring Transaction) pursuant to applicable law; and (iv) all other actions that the applicable Entities determine to be necessary or appropriate, including making filings or recordings that may be required by applicable law in connection with such transactions. The Additional Restructuring Transactions may result in substantially all of the respective assets, properties, rights, liabilities, duties and obligations of certain of the Reorganized New Media Group vesting in one or more surviving, resulting or acquiring Entities. In each case in which the surviving, resulting or acquiring Entity in any such transaction is a successor to the Reorganized New Media Group, such surviving, resulting or acquiring Entity will perform the obligations of the Reorganized New Media Group pursuant to the Plan to pay or otherwise satisfy the Allowed Claims to the extent not already paid or satisfied. The Additional Restructuring Transactions may include the commencement of regular-way trading of New Media Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange (the “ Listing ”). New Media shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make the Listing, in light of market conditions and other relevant factors, on the New York Stock Exchange. New Media may also raise additional capital in connection with or subsequent to the Listing. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, on and after the Confirmation Date the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may employ and pay advisors and professionals without further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

4.21 Special Committee’s Fees.

Subject to entry of the Confirmation Order, the reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and financial advisors’ fees) of the Special Committee shall be Allowed as Administrative Claims and paid by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, without further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, no later than twenty (20) days after the Effective Date.

 

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4.22 Plan Sponsor’s Fees.

Subject to entry of the Confirmation Order, and without in any way limiting the payment obligations under any existing engagement letter or any applicable order entered in the Chapter 11 Cases, the reasonable fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and financial advisors’ fees) of Plan Sponsor in connection with the Transaction, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and expenses of (i) Cleary, Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and (ii) Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, will be paid in full in Cash by the Reorganized Debtors, without further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, no later than twenty (20) days after the Effective Date.

4.23 Credit Agreement Administrative Agent’s Fees

Subject to entry of the Confirmation Order, and without in any way limiting the payment obligations under any existing engagement letter or the cash collateral order (or any other applicable order) entered in the Chapter 11 Cases, the reasonable invoiced fees and expenses of the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent and the Informal Committee in connection with the Transaction, including but not limited to the reasonable fees and expenses of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, Richards Layton & Finger and Moelis & Company LLC, shall be Allowed as Administrative Claims and paid in full by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors in Cash, without further notice to, or action, order, or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, no later than ten (10) days after the Effective Date; provided that , notwithstanding the foregoing, such fees and expenses shall continue to be obligations secured under the Credit Documents in the event that the Plan is not confirmed.

ARTICLE V

TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

5.1 Assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases

Except as otherwise provided herein, each Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease shall be deemed assumed, without the need for any further notice to, or action, order, or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court, as of the Effective Date under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, unless any such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease: (a) is listed on the Rejection Schedule; (b) has been previously assumed or rejected by the Debtors by Final Order or has been assumed or rejected by the Debtors by order of the Bankruptcy Court as of the Effective Date, which order becomes a Final Order after the Effective Date; or (c) is the subject of a motion to assume or reject pending as of the Effective Date. The assumption of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases hereunder may include the assignment of certain of such contracts to Affiliates. The Confirmation Order will constitute an order of the Bankruptcy Court approving the above-described assumptions, assignments and rejections.

Except as otherwise provided herein or agreed to by the Debtors with the applicable counterparty, each assumed Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease shall include all modifications, amendments, supplements, restatements or other agreements related thereto, and all rights related thereto, if any, including all easements, licenses, permits, rights, privileges, immunities, options, rights of first refusal and any other interests, unless any of the foregoing agreements has been previously rejected or repudiated or is rejected or repudiated hereunder. Modifications, amendments, supplements and restatements to prepetition Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases that have been executed by the Debtors during the Chapter 11 Cases shall not be deemed to alter the prepetition nature of the Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or the validity, priority or amount of any Claims that may arise in connection therewith.

5.2 Cure of Defaults and Objections to Assumption

The Debtors or Reorganized New Media Group, as applicable, shall pay Cures in the ordinary course after the Effective Date. Any dispute regarding a Cure shall be resolved in the ordinary course in an appropriate non-bankruptcy forum. Any Cure shall be deemed fully satisfied, released and discharged upon payment by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors of the Cure. The Reorganized Debtors also may settle any Cure without any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court.

Any objection to the assumption of an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease pursuant to the Plan on grounds other than Cure must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court by the deadline established for filing objections to the Plan. Any such objection will be scheduled to be heard by the Bankruptcy Court. Any counterparty to an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that fails to timely object to the proposed assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease will be deemed to have consented to such assumption.

 

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If there is a dispute regarding the ability of the Reorganized Debtors or any assignee to provide “adequate assurance of future performance” within the meaning of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any other matter pertaining to assumption, then payment of Cure shall occur as soon as practicable after entry of a Final Order resolving such dispute, approving such assumption (and, if applicable, assignment), or as may be agreed upon by the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and the counterparty to the Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease. The Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, reserve the right either to reject or nullify the assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease within 45 days after entry of a Final Order resolving an objection to assumption or determining the Cure or any request for adequate assurance of future performance required to assume such Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease.

Assumption of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease pursuant to the Plan or otherwise shall result in the full release and satisfaction of any Cures, Claims or defaults, whether monetary or nonmonetary, including defaults of provisions restricting the change in control or ownership interest composition or other bankruptcy-related defaults, arising under any assumed Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease at any time prior to the effective date of assumption. Any and all Proofs of Claim based upon Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases that have been assumed in the Chapter 11 Cases, including pursuant to the Confirmation Order, shall be deemed disallowed and expunged as of the Effective Date without the need for any objection thereto or any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court.

5.3 Pre-existing Payment and Other Obligations

Rejection of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease pursuant to the Plan or otherwise shall not constitute a termination of pre-existing obligations owed to the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, under such contract or lease. In particular, to the extent permissible under applicable nonbankruptcy law, the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve and do not waive any right to receive, or any continuing obligation of a counterparty to provide (a) payment to the contracting Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, of outstanding and future amounts owing thereto under or in connection with rejected Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases or (b) maintenance of, or to repair or replace, goods previously purchased by the contracting Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable.

5.4 Rejection Damages Claims and Objections to Rejection

Pursuant to section 502(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, counterparties to Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases that are rejected shall have the right to assert Claims, if any, on account of the rejection of such contracts and leases. Unless otherwise provided by a Bankruptcy Court order, any Proofs of Claim asserting Claims arising from the rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases pursuant to the Plan must be filed with the Claims and Solicitation Agent no later than 30 days after the later of the Confirmation Date or the effective date of rejection. Any such Proofs of Claim that are not timely filed shall be disallowed without the need for any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court. Such Proofs of Claim shall be forever barred, estopped and enjoined from assertion. Moreover, such Proofs of Claim shall not be enforceable against any Reorganized Debtor, without the need for any objection by the Reorganized Debtors or any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court, and any Claim arising out of the rejection of the Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease shall be deemed fully satisfied, released, and discharged notwithstanding anything in a Proof of Claim to the contrary. All Allowed Claims (excluding the Secured Debt Claims) arising from the rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases shall be classified as Class 5—General Unsecured Claims against the applicable Debtor counterparty thereto.

5.5 Contracts, Intercompany Contracts, and Leases Entered Into After the Petition Date

Contracts, Intercompany Contracts, and leases entered into after the Petition Date by any Debtor and any Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases assumed by any Debtor may be performed by the applicable Reorganized Debtor in the ordinary course of business.

 

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5.6 Reservation of Rights

Neither the exclusion nor inclusion of any contract or lease in the Plan Supplement, nor anything contained in the Plan, shall constitute an admission by the Debtors that any such contract or lease is in fact an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease or that any Reorganized Debtor has any liability thereunder. If there is a dispute regarding whether a contract or lease is or was executory or unexpired at the time of assumption or rejection, the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, shall have 45 days following entry of a Final Order resolving such dispute to alter their treatment of such contract or lease.

ARTICLE VI

PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISTRIBUTIONS

6.1 Distributions on Account of Claims and Interests Allowed as of the Effective Date

(a) Delivery of Distributions in General

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, a Final Order or as otherwise agreed to by the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors (as the case may be) and the holder of the applicable Claim or Interest, on the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Reorganized Debtors or the Distribution Agent shall make initial distributions under the Plan on account of Claims and Interests Allowed on or before the Effective Date, subject to the Reorganized Debtors’ right to object to Claims and Interests; provided , however , that (a) Allowed Administrative Claims with respect to liabilities incurred by the Debtors in the ordinary course of business during the Chapter 11 Cases or assumed by the Debtors prior to the Effective Date shall be paid or performed in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of any controlling agreements, course of dealing, course of business or industry practice, (b) Allowed Priority Tax Claims and Allowed Secured Tax Claims shall be paid in accordance with Sections 2.3 and 3.2(a)(2) hereof, respectively. To the extent any Allowed Priority Tax Claim or Allowed Secured Tax Claim is not due and owing on the Effective Date, such Claim shall be paid in full in Cash in accordance with the terms of any agreement between the Debtors and the holder of such Claim or as may be due and payable under applicable non-bankruptcy law or in the ordinary course of business. For the avoidance of doubt, distributions to holders of Allowed Secured Debt Claims will be made on the Effective Date.

6.2 Special Rules for Distributions to Holders of Disputed Claims and Interests

Notwithstanding any provision otherwise in the Plan and except as otherwise agreed by the relevant parties, (a) no partial payments and no partial distributions shall be made with respect to a Disputed Claim or Interest until all such disputes in connection with such Disputed Claim or Interest have been resolved by settlement or Final Order, and (b) any Entity that holds both an Allowed Claim or Interest and a Disputed Claim or Interest shall not receive any distribution on the Allowed Claim or Interest unless and until all objections to the Disputed Claim or Interest have been resolved by settlement or Final Order or the Claims or Interests have been Allowed or expunged. Any dividends or other distributions arising from property distributed to holders of Allowed Claims or Interests, as applicable, in a Class and paid to such holders under the Plan shall be paid also, in the applicable amounts, to any holder of a Disputed Claim or Interest, as applicable, in such Class that becomes an Allowed Claim or Interest after the date or dates that such dividends or other distributions were earlier paid to holders of Allowed Claims or Interests in such Class.

6.3 Delivery of Distributions

(a) Distribution Process

On the Effective Date, distributions under the Plan in respect of Allowed Secured Debt Claims shall be delivered:

 

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  (i) In the case of the Cash-Out Distribution, from the Plan Sponsor (or its Designated Affiliates or other designees) to each Record Holder of Cash-Out Claims as of the Distribution Record Date (or its Designated Affiliates) subject to the terms of the Investment Commitment Letter; and

 

  (ii) In the case of the New Media Distribution, to the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent (or its designees) for distribution, pursuant to Section 2.13(b) of the Credit Agreement, to (a) Plan Sponsor (or its Designated Affiliates or other designees) with respect to Cash-Out Claims and its New Media Elected Claims and (b) to each Record Holder of New Media Elected Claims as of the Distribution Record Date (or its Designated Affiliates).

On the Effective Date, distributions under the Plan in respect of Allowed GateHouse Interests shall be delivered by the Distribution Agent to each holder of such Interests.

The Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Plan Sponsor, the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent and the Distribution Agent, as applicable, shall not incur any liability whatsoever on account of any distributions under the Plan.

(b) Accrual of Dividends and Other Rights

For purposes of determining the accrual of dividends or other rights after the Effective Date, New Media Stock issued under the Plan shall be deemed distributed as of the Effective Date regardless of the date on which it is actually issued, dated, authenticated or distributed.

(c) Compliance Matters

In connection with the Plan, to the extent applicable, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall comply with all tax withholding and reporting requirements imposed on them by any Governmental Unit, and all distributions pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to such withholding and reporting requirements. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Reorganized Debtors and the Distribution Agent shall be authorized to take all actions necessary or appropriate to comply with such withholding and reporting requirements, including liquidating a portion of the distribution to be made under the Plan to generate sufficient funds to pay applicable withholding taxes, withholding distributions pending receipt of information necessary to facilitate such distributions or establishing any other mechanisms they believe are reasonable and appropriate. The Reorganized Debtors reserve the right to allocate all distributions made under the Plan in compliance with all applicable wage garnishments, alimony, child support and other spousal awards, liens, and encumbrances. All Persons holding Claims shall be required to provide any information necessary to effect information reporting and the withholding of such taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, (a) each holder of an Allowed Claim shall have the sole and exclusive responsibility for the satisfaction and payment of any tax obligations imposed by any Governmental Unit, including income, withholding and other tax obligations, on account of such distribution, and (b) no distribution shall be made to or on behalf of such holder pursuant to the Plan unless and until such holder has made arrangements satisfactory to the Reorganized Debtors for the payment and satisfaction of such tax obligations.

(d) Foreign Currency Exchange Rate

Except as otherwise provided in a Bankruptcy Court order, as of the Effective Date, any Claim asserted in currency other than U.S. dollars shall be automatically deemed converted to the equivalent U.S. dollar value using the exchange rate for the applicable currency as published in The Wall Street Journal, National Edition, on the Effective Date.

(e) Fractional, Undeliverable, and Unclaimed Distributions

 

  (1) No Fractional Distributions of New Media Stock or New Media Warrants . The Distribution Agent may not make distributions of fractions of shares of New Media Stock or New Media Warrants, as applicable. Whenever fractional distributions would otherwise be called for, the actual distributions may reflect a rounding down of such fractions.

 

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  (2) Undeliverable Distributions . If any distribution to a holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest is returned to a Distribution Agent as undeliverable, no further distributions shall be made to such holder unless and until such Distribution Agent is notified in writing of such holder’s then-current address or other necessary information for delivery, at which time all currently due missed distributions shall be made to such holder as soon as practicable. Undeliverable distributions shall remain in the possession of the Reorganized New Media Group until such time as a distribution becomes deliverable, or such distribution reverts to the Reorganized New Media Group or is cancelled pursuant to Section 6.3(e)(3) hereof, and shall not be supplemented with any interest, dividends or other accruals of any kind.

 

  (3) Reversion . Any distribution under the Plan that is an Unclaimed Distribution for a period of six months after distribution shall be deemed unclaimed property under section 347(b) of the Bankruptcy Code and such Unclaimed Distribution shall revest in the Reorganized New Media Group and, to the extent such Unclaimed Distribution is New Media Stock, shall be deemed cancelled. Upon such revesting, the Claim or Interest of any holder or its successors with respect to such property shall be cancelled, discharged, and forever barred notwithstanding any applicable federal or state escheat, abandoned or unclaimed property laws, or any provisions in any document governing the distribution that is an Unclaimed Distribution, to the contrary.

(f) Surrender of Cancelled Instruments or Securities

On the Effective Date or as soon as practicable thereafter, each holder of a Certificate shall surrender such Certificate to the Distribution Agent. Such Certificate shall be cancelled solely with respect to the Debtors, and such cancellation shall not alter the obligations or rights of any non-Debtor third parties vis-à-vis one another with respect to such Certificate. No distribution of property pursuant to the Plan shall be made to or on behalf of any such holder unless and until such Certificate is received by the Distribution Agent or the unavailability of such Certificate is reasonably established to the satisfaction of the Distribution Agent pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.3(g) hereof. Any holder who fails to surrender or cause to be surrendered such Certificate or fails to execute and deliver an affidavit of loss and indemnity acceptable to the Distribution Agent prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date shall have its Claim or Interest discharged with no further action, be forever barred from asserting any such Claim or Interest against the relevant Entity in the Reorganized New Media Group or its property, be deemed to have forfeited all rights, and Claims and Interests with respect to such Certificate, and not participate in any distribution under the Plan; furthermore, all property with respect to such forfeited distributions, including any dividends or interest attributable thereto, shall revert to the Reorganized New Media Group notwithstanding any federal or state escheat, abandoned or unclaimed property law to the contrary. Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, this Section 6.3(f) shall not apply to any Claims and Interests reinstated pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

(g) Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, or Destroyed Securities

Any holder of Allowed Claims or Interests evidenced by a Certificate that has been lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed shall, in lieu of surrendering such Certificate, deliver to the Distribution Agent an affidavit of loss acceptable to the Distribution Agent setting forth the unavailability of the Certificate and such additional indemnity as may be required reasonably by the Distribution Agent to hold the Distribution Agent harmless from any damages, liabilities or costs incurred in treating such holder as a holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest. Upon compliance with this procedure by a holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest evidenced by such a lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed Certificate, such holder shall, for all purposes pursuant to the Plan, be deemed to have surrendered such Certificate.

 

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6.4 Claims Paid or Payable by Third Parties

A Claim shall be reduced in full and such Claim shall be disallowed without a Claims objection having to be filed and without any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court, to the extent that the holder of such Claim receives payment in full on account of such Claim from a party that is not a Debtor or Reorganized Debtor. To the extent a holder of a Claim receives a distribution on account of such Claim and receives payment from a party that is not a Debtor or a Reorganized Debtor on account of such Claim, such holder shall repay, return or deliver any distribution held by or transferred to the holder to the applicable Reorganized Debtor to the extent the holder’s total recovery on account of such Claim from the third party and under the Plan exceeds the amount of such Claim as of the date of any such distribution under the Plan.

6.5 Setoffs

Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein (including with respect to any Secured Debt Claims or Claims with respect to letters of credit as provided in the definition of Other Secured Claims), each Reorganized Debtor, pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code (including section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code), applicable non-bankruptcy law, or as may be agreed to by the holder of a Claim, may set off against any Allowed Claim and the distributions to be made pursuant to the Plan on account of such Allowed Claim (before any distribution is made on account of such Allowed Claim), any Claims, rights, and Causes of Action of any nature that such Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, may hold against the holder of such Allowed Claim, to the extent such Claims, rights, or Causes of Action against such holder have not been otherwise compromised or settled on or prior to the Effective Date (whether pursuant to the Plan or otherwise); provided , however , that neither the failure to effect such a setoff nor the allowance of any Claim pursuant to the Plan shall constitute a waiver or release by such Reorganized Debtor of any such Claims, rights, and Causes of Action that such Reorganized Debtor may possess against such holder.

6.6 Allocation Between Principal and Accrued Interest

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the aggregate consideration paid to holders with respect to their Allowed Claims shall be treated pursuant to the Plan as allocated first to the principal amount of such Allowed Claims (to the extent thereof) and, thereafter, to the interest, if any, accrued through the Effective Date.

ARTICLE VII

PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING DISPUTED CLAIMS AND INTERESTS

7.1 Disputed Claims Process

Except as otherwise provided herein, if a party files a Proof of Claim and the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, do not determine in their sole discretion, and without the need for notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court, that the Claim subject to such Proof of Claim is Allowed, such Claim shall be Disputed unless Allowed or disallowed by a Final Order or as otherwise set forth in this Article VII. Except as otherwise provided herein, all proofs of claim filed after the Effective Date shall be disallowed and forever barred, estopped, and enjoined from assertion, and shall not be enforceable against any Reorganized Debtor, without the need for any objection by the Reorganized Debtors or any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court. For the avoidance of doubt, on and after the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors may negotiate and settle any Claims, including Claims for which a Proof of Claim has been filed, without further notice to or approval of the Bankruptcy Court, the Claims and Solicitation Agent or any other party.

7.2 Prosecution of Objections to Claims and Interests

Except insofar as a Claim or Interest is Allowed under the Plan, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors or any other party in interest shall be entitled to object to the Claim or Interest. Any objections to Claims and Interests shall be served and filed on or before the 120th day after the Effective Date or by such later date as ordered by the Bankruptcy Court. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Reorganized Debtors may prosecute,

 

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adjudicate or otherwise resolve Claims and Interests in non-bankruptcy forums after the expiration of such 120-day period. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in the Plan, from and after the Effective Date, each Reorganized Debtor shall have and retain any and all rights and defenses such Debtor had immediately prior to the Effective Date with respect to any Disputed Claim or Interest, including the Causes of Action retained pursuant to Section 4.17 hereof.

7.3 No Interest

Unless otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or by order of the Bankruptcy Court, postpetition interest shall not accrue or be paid on Claims, and no holder of a Claim shall be entitled to interest accruing on or after the Petition Date on any Claim or right. Additionally, and without limiting the foregoing, interest shall not accrue or be paid on any Disputed Claim with respect to the period from the Effective Date to the date a final distribution is made on account of such Disputed Claim, if and when such Disputed Claim becomes an Allowed Claim.

7.4 Disallowance of Claims and Interests

All Claims and Interests of any Entity from which property is sought by the Debtors under section 542, 543, 550, or 553 of the Bankruptcy Code or that the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors allege is a transferee of a transfer that is avoidable under section 522(f), 522(h), 544, 545, 547, 548, 549, or 724(a) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be disallowed if (a) the Entity, on the one hand, and the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, on the other hand, agree, or the Bankruptcy Court has determined by Final Order, that such Entity or transferee is liable to turn over any property or monies under any of the aforementioned sections of the Bankruptcy Code and (b) such Entity or transferee has failed to turn over such property by the date set forth in such agreement or Final Order.

ARTICLE VIII

EFFECT OF CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN

8.1 Discharge of Claims and Termination of Interests

Except as otherwise provided for herein and effective as of the Effective Date: (a) the rights afforded in the Plan and the treatment of all Claims and Interests shall be in exchange for and in complete satisfaction, discharge, and release of all Claims and Interests of any nature whatsoever, including any interest accrued on such Claims from and after the Petition Date, against the Debtors or any of their assets, property or Estates; (b) the Plan shall bind all holders of Claims and Interests, notwithstanding whether any such holders failed to vote to accept or reject the Plan or voted to reject the Plan; (c) all Claims and Interests shall be satisfied, discharged, and released in full, and the Debtors’ liability with respect thereto shall be extinguished completely, including any liability of the kind specified under section 502(g) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (d) all Entities shall be precluded from asserting against the Debtors, the Debtors’ Estates, the Reorganized Debtors, their successors and assigns and their assets and properties any other Claims or Interests based upon any documents, instruments, or any act or omission, transaction or other activity of any kind or nature that occurred prior to the Effective Date.

8.2 Releases by the Debtors

Pursuant to section 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, and except as otherwise specifically provided for herein, for good and valuable consideration, on and after the Effective Date, the Released Parties are deemed released and discharged by the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and the Estates from any and all Claims, obligations, rights, and liabilities whatsoever, whether for tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws, Avoidance Actions, including any derivative Claims, asserted or that could possibly have been asserted directly or indirectly on behalf of the Debtors, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereafter arising, in law, equity, or otherwise, and any and all Causes of Action asserted or that could possibly have been asserted on behalf of the Debtors, that the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, or Affiliates would have been legally entitled to assert in their own right (whether individually or

 

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collectively) or on behalf of the holder of any Claim or Interest or other Entity, based on or relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors or their Affiliates, the Chapter 11 Cases, the DJ Contribution, the New Debt Facility (if any), the Transaction, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any Security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party, prepetition contracts and agreements with one or more Debtors (including the Credit Agreement and Swap Liability Agreements), the Support Agreement, the restructuring of Claims and Interests prior to or in the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, solicitation or preparation of the Plan and Disclosure Statement or related agreements, instruments, or other documents, or any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place before the Effective Date, other than Claims or liabilities arising out of or related to any contractual or fixed monetary obligation owed to the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors; provided that Claims and Causes of Action for fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct shall not be so released.

Entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval, pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, of the release set forth in this Section 8.2 , which includes by reference each of the related provisions and definitions contained herein, and further, shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s finding that such release is: (a) in exchange for the good and valuable consideration provided by the Released Parties; (b) a good faith settlement and compromise of the Claims released by this Section 8.2 ; (c) in the best interests of the Debtors and all holders of Claims and Interests; (d) fair, equitable, and reasonable; (e) given and made after due notice and opportunity for hearing; and (f) a bar to any of the Debtors asserting any Claim or Cause of Action released by this Section 8.2 .

8.3 Releases by Certain Holders of Claims

As of the Effective Date, the Releasing Parties shall be deemed to have conclusively, absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably, and forever, released and discharged the Released Parties from any and all Claims, Interests, obligations, rights, liabilities, actions, causes of action, choses in action, suits, debts, damages, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages, judgments, remedies, rights of set-off, third-party claims, subrogation claims, contribution claims, reimbursement claims, indemnity claims, counterclaims, and crossclaims (including all claims and actions against any Entities under the Bankruptcy Code) whatsoever, whether for tort, contract, violations of federal or state securities laws, Avoidance Actions, including any derivative Claims, asserted or that could be asserted on behalf of the Debtors, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, existing or hereafter arising, in law, equity, or otherwise, that such Entity would have been legally entitled to assert (whether individually or collectively), based on or in any way relating to, or in any manner arising from, in whole or in part, the Debtors, the Debtors’ restructuring, the Chapter 11 Cases, the DJ Contribution, the New Debt Facility (if any), the Transaction, the purchase, sale, or rescission of the purchase or sale of any Security of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Interest that is treated in the Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party, prepetition contracts and agreements with one or more Debtors (including the Credit Agreement and Swap Liability Agreements), the Support Agreement, the restructuring of Claims and Interests prior to or in the Chapter 11 Cases, the negotiation, formulation, solicitation or preparation of the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, the Plan Supplement, or related agreements, instruments, or other documents, or any other act or omission, transaction, agreement, event, or other occurrence taking place before the Effective Date of the Plan; provided that Claims and Causes of Action for fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct shall not be so released. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the release set forth above does not release any obligations arising on or after the Effective Date of any party under the Plan, or any document, instrument, or agreement (including those set forth in the Plan Supplement) executed to implement the Plan.

Entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s approval, pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, of the release set forth in this Section 8.3 , which includes by reference each of the related provisions and definitions contained herein, and further, shall constitute the Bankruptcy Court’s finding that such release is: (a) in exchange for the good and valuable consideration provided by the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Estates, and the Released Parties; (b) a good faith settlement and compromise

 

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of the Claims released by this Section 8.3 ; (c) in the best interests of the Debtors and all holders of Claims and Interests; (d) fair, equitable, and reasonable; (e) given and made after due notice and opportunity for hearing; and (f) a bar to any Entity granting a release under this Section 8.3 from asserting any Claim or Cause of Action released by this Section 8.3 .

8.4 Exculpation

No Exculpated Party shall have or incur, and each Exculpated Party is hereby released and exculpated from any Exculpated Claim or any obligation, Cause of Action, or liability for any Exculpated Claim; provided , however , that the foregoing “exculpation” shall have no effect on the liability of any Entity that results from any act or omission that is determined in a Final Order to have constituted fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Exculpated Parties have, and upon Confirmation shall be deemed to have, participated in good faith and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code with regard to the solicitation of acceptances and rejections of the Plan and the making of distributions pursuant to the Plan and, therefore, are not and shall not be liable at any time for the violation of any applicable, law, rule, or regulation governing the solicitation of acceptances or rejections of the Plan or such distributions made pursuant to the Plan.

8.5 Injunction

Except as otherwise provided herein or for obligations issued pursuant hereto, all Entities that have held, hold, or may hold Claims or Interests that have been released pursuant to Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 hereof, discharged pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, or are subject to exculpation pursuant to Section 8.4 hereof, are permanently enjoined, from and after the Effective Date, from taking any of the following actions against, as applicable, the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, the Released Parties, or the Exculpated Parties: (a) commencing or continuing in any manner any action or other proceeding of any kind on account of or in connection with or with respect to any such Claims or Interests; (b) enforcing, attaching, collecting, or recovering by any manner or means any judgment, award, decree, or order against such Entities on account of or in connection with or with respect to any such Claims or Interests; (c) creating, perfecting, or enforcing any encumbrance of any kind against such Entities or the property or Estates of such Entities on account of or in connection with or with respect to any such Claims or Interests; (d) asserting any right of setoff, subrogation, or recoupment of any kind against any obligation due from such Entities or against the property or Estates of such Entities on account of or in connection with or with respect to any such Claims or Interests unless such holder has filed a motion requesting the right to perform such setoff on or before the Confirmation Date; and (e) commencing or continuing in any manner any action or other proceeding of any kind on account of or in connection with or with respect to any such Claims or Interests released, exculpated or settled pursuant to the Plan.

8.6 Protection Against Discriminatory Treatment

In accordance with section 525 of the Bankruptcy Code, and consistent with paragraph 2 of Article VI of the United States Constitution, no Governmental Unit shall discriminate against any Reorganized Debtor or any Entity with which a Reorganized Debtor has been or is associated, solely because such Reorganized Debtor was a Debtor under chapter 11, may have been insolvent before the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases (or during the Chapter 11 Cases but before such Debtor was granted a discharge) or has not paid a debt that is dischargeable in the Chapter 11 Cases.

8.7 Indemnification

On and from the Effective Date, and except as prohibited by applicable law, the Reorganized Debtors shall assume or reinstate, as applicable, all indemnification obligations in place as of the Effective Date (whether in by-laws, certificates of incorporation, board resolutions, contracts, or otherwise) for the current and former directors, officers, managers, employees, attorneys, other professionals and agents of the Debtors and the respective Affiliates of such current and former directors, officers, managers, and employees.

 

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8.8 Release of Liens

Except (a) with respect to the Liens securing the Secured Tax Claims or Other Secured Claims (depending on the treatment of such Claims), or (b) as otherwise provided herein or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan, on the Effective Date, all mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall be fully released and discharged, and all of the right, title and interest of any holder of such mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges or other security interests shall revert to the Reorganized Debtor and its successors and assigns.

ARTICLE IX

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE

9.1 Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date

It shall be a condition to the Effective Date that the following conditions shall have been satisfied or waived pursuant to Section 9.2 hereof:

(a) the Confirmation Order shall have been entered and such order shall be materially consistent with the Support Agreement and shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Plan Sponsor and the Debtors;

(b) the Confirmation Order shall have become a Final Order;

(c) all documents and agreements necessary to implement the Plan: (1) shall have all conditions precedent to such documents and agreements satisfied or waived pursuant to the terms of such documents or agreements; (2) shall have been tendered for delivery to the required parties and, to the extent required, filed with and approved by any applicable Governmental Units in accordance with applicable laws; and (3) shall have been effected or executed;

(d) the Effective Date shall occur no later than December 16, 2013; and

(e) all other actions necessary for the occurrence of the Effective Date shall have been taken.

9.2 Waiver of Conditions Precedent

The Debtors may, with the written consent of Plan Sponsor and in consultation with the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, waive any of the conditions to the Effective Date set forth in Section 9.1 hereof without any notice to any other parties in interest and without any further notice to, or action, order or approval of, the Bankruptcy Court, and without any formal action other than proceeding to confirm or consummate the Plan.

9.3 Effect of Non-Occurrence of Conditions to Consummation

If prior to Consummation, the Confirmation Order is vacated pursuant to a Final Order, then except as provided in any order of the Bankruptcy Court vacating the Confirmation Order, the Plan will be null and void in all respects, and nothing contained in the Plan or Disclosure Statement shall: (a) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims, Interests or Causes of Action; (b) prejudice in any manner the rights of any Debtor or any other Entity; or (c) constitute an admission, acknowledgment, offer or undertaking of any sort by any Debtor or any other Entity.

 

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ARTICLE X

MODIFICATION, REVOCATION, OR WITHDRAWAL OF THE PLAN

10.1 Modification of Plan

Effective as of the date hereof, (a) the Debtors reserve the right, in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules, to amend or modify the Plan before the entry of the Confirmation Order, subject to the limitations set forth herein and the Support Agreement; and (b) after the entry of the Confirmation Order, the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, may amend or modify the Plan, in accordance with section 1127(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, remedy any defect or omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan in such manner as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of the Plan, this clause (b) being subject in all cases to the limitations set forth herein and in the Support Agreement.

10.2 Revocation or Withdrawal of Plan

Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, the Debtors reserve the right to revoke or withdraw the Plan before the Confirmation Date and to file subsequent chapter 11 plans. If the Debtors revoke or withdraw the Plan, or if Confirmation or the Effective Date does not occur, then (a) the Plan will be null and void in all respects; (b) any settlement or compromise embodied in the Plan, assumption or rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases effected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant hereto will be null and void in all respects; and (c) nothing contained in the Plan shall (1) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims, Interests or Causes of Action, (2) prejudice in any manner the rights of any Debtor or any other Entity, or (3) constitute an admission, acknowledgement, offer or undertaking of any sort by any Debtor or any other Entity.

10.3 Confirmation of the Plan

The Debtors request Confirmation of the Plan under section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code with respect to any Impaired Class that does not accept the Plan pursuant to section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code. Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, the Debtors reserve the right to amend the Plan to the extent, if any, that Confirmation pursuant to section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code requires modification.

ARTICLE XI

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

Pursuant to sections 105(c) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code and notwithstanding the entry of the Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain jurisdiction over all matters arising under the Bankruptcy Code or arising in, or related to, the Chapter 11 Cases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, including, among other things, jurisdiction to:

1. allow, disallow, determine, liquidate, classify, estimate, or establish the priority, secured or unsecured status, or amount of any Claim or Interest, including the resolution of any request for payment of any Claim or Interest and the resolution of any and all objections to the secured or unsecured status, priority, amount, or allowance of Claims or Interests;

2. decide and resolve all matters related to the granting and denying, in whole or in part, any applications for allowance of compensation or reimbursement of expenses to Professionals authorized pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or the Plan;

3. resolve any matters related to Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases, including: (a) the assumption, assumption and assignment, or rejection of any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease to which a Debtor is party or with respect to which a Debtor may be liable and to hear, determine and, if necessary, liquidate, any Cure or Claims arising therefrom, including pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code; (b) any potential contractual obligation under any Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease that is assumed; (c) the Reorganized Debtors’ amendment, modification or supplement, after the Effective Date, pursuant to Article V , of the list of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases to be rejected or otherwise; and (d) any dispute regarding whether a contract or lease is or was executory or expired;

 

33


4. ensure that distributions to holders of Allowed Claims are accomplished pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and adjudicate any and all disputes arising from or relating to distributions under the Plan;

5. adjudicate, decide or resolve any motions, adversary proceedings, contested or litigated matters, and any other matters, and grant or deny any applications involving a Debtor that may be pending on the Effective Date;

6. enter and implement such orders as may be necessary or appropriate to execute, implement or consummate the provisions of (a) contracts, instruments, releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents approved by Final Order in the Chapter 11 Cases and (b) the Plan or the Confirmation Order, including contracts, instruments, releases, indentures, and other agreements or documents created in connection with the Plan;

7. enforce any order for the sale of property pursuant to sections 363, 1123 or 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code;

8. grant any consensual request to extend the deadline for assuming or rejecting Unexpired Leases pursuant to section 365(d)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code;

9. issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders, or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Entity with Consummation or enforcement of the Plan;

10. hear, determine, and resolve any cases, matters, controversies, suits, disputes or Causes of Action in connection with or in any way related to the Chapter 11 Cases, including: (a) with respect to the repayment or return of distributions and the recovery of additional amounts owed by the holder of a Claim or Interest for amounts not timely repaid pursuant to Section 6.4 hereof; (b) with respect to the releases, injunctions, and other provisions contained in Article VIII , including entry of such orders as may be necessary or appropriate to implement such releases, injunctions, and other provisions; (c) that may arise in connection with the Consummation, interpretation, implementation, or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order, or any Entity’s obligations incurred in connection with the Plan or the Confirmation Order, including those arising under agreements, documents, or instruments executed in connection with the Plan; or (d) related to section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code;

11. enter and implement such orders as are necessary or appropriate if the Confirmation Order is for any reason modified, stayed, reversed, revoked, or vacated;

12. consider any modifications of the Plan, to cure any defect or omission, or to reconcile any inconsistency in any Bankruptcy Court order, including the Confirmation Order;

13. hear and determine matters concerning state, local, and federal taxes in accordance with sections 346, 505, and 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code;

14. enter an order or Final Decree concluding or closing the Chapter 11 Cases;

15. enforce all orders previously entered by the Bankruptcy Court; and

16. hear any other matter not inconsistent with the Bankruptcy Code.

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

12.1 Additional Documents

On or before the Effective Date, the Debtors may file with the Bankruptcy Court such agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and further evidence the terms and conditions of the Plan. The Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, and all holders of Claims and Interests receiving distributions pursuant to the Plan and all other parties in interest shall, from time to time, prepare, execute, and deliver any agreements or documents and take any other actions as may be necessary or advisable to effectuate the provisions and intent of the Plan.

 

34


12.2 Payment of Statutory Fees

All fees payable pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1930(a) shall be paid for each quarter (including any fraction thereof) until the Chapter 11 Cases are converted, dismissed, or a Final Decree is issued, whichever occurs first.

12.3 Reservation of Rights

Except as expressly set forth herein, the Plan shall have no force or effect unless the Bankruptcy Court shall enter the Confirmation Order. None of the filing of the Plan, any statement or provision contained in the Plan, or the taking of any action by any Debtor with respect to the Plan, the Disclosure Statement or the Plan Supplement shall be or shall be deemed to be an admission or waiver of any rights of any Debtor with respect to the holders of Claims or Interests prior to the Effective Date.

12.4 Elimination of Vacant Classes

Any Class of Claims that does not have a holder of an Allowed Claim or a Claim temporarily Allowed by the Bankruptcy Court as of the date of the Confirmation Hearing shall be deemed eliminated from the Plan for purposes of determining acceptance or rejection of the Plan by such Class pursuant to section 1129(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

12.5 Successors and Assigns

The rights, benefits and obligations of any Entity named or referred to in the Plan shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of any heir, executor, administrator, successor or assign, affiliate, officer, director, agent, representative, attorney, beneficiaries, or guardian, if any, of each Entity.

12.6 Service of Documents

After the Effective Date, any pleading, notice, or other document required by the Plan to be served on or delivered to the Reorganized Debtors shall be served on:

 

Debtors and Reorganized Debtors:   

GateHouse Media, Inc.

350 WillowBrook Office Park

Fairport, New York 14450

Attention: Michael Reed

Attention: Polly Sack

Facsimile: (585) 248-2631

with a copy to:   

Young Conaway Stargatt &

Taylor, LLP

Rodney Square

1000 North King Street

Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Attention: Pauline K. Morgan

Attention: Patrick A. Jackson

Facsimile: (302) 571-1253

Plan Sponsor:   

Newcastle Investment Corp.

c/o FIG LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

46th Floor

New York, New York 10150

Attention: Cameron MacDougall

Facsimile: (917) 591-8312

 

35


with a copy to:   

Cleary Gottlieb Steen &

Hamilton LLP

One Liberty Plaza

New York, NY 10006

Attention: James L. Bromley

Attention: Sean A. O’Neal

Facsimile: (212) 225-3999

12.7 Term of Injunctions or Stays

Unless otherwise provided in the Plan or in the Confirmation Order, all injunctions or stays in effect in the Chapter 11 Cases (pursuant to sections 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code or any order of the Bankruptcy Court) and existing on the Confirmation Date (excluding any injunctions or stays contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order) shall remain in full force and effect until the Effective Date. All injunctions or stays contained in the Plan or the Confirmation Order shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

12.8 Entire Agreement

Except as otherwise indicated, the Plan supersedes all previous and contemporaneous negotiations, promises, covenants, agreements, understandings, and representations on such subjects, all of which have become merged and integrated into the Plan.

12.9 Plan Supplement Exhibits

All exhibits and documents included in the Plan Supplement are incorporated into and are a part of the Plan as if set forth in full in the Plan. After the exhibits and documents are filed, copies of such exhibits and documents shall be made available upon written request to the Debtors’ counsel at the address above or by downloading such exhibits and documents from dm.epiq11.com/gatehousemedia or the Bankruptcy Court’s website at www.deb.uscourts.gov. Unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court, to the extent any exhibit or document in the Plan Supplement is inconsistent with the terms of any part of the Plan that does not constitute the Plan Supplement, such part of the Plan that does not constitute the Plan Supplement shall control.

12.10 Non-Severability

If, prior to Confirmation, any term or provision of the Plan is held by the Bankruptcy Court to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the Bankruptcy Court shall have the power to alter and interpret such term or provision to make it valid or enforceable to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the original purpose of the term or provision held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, and such term or provision shall then be applicable as altered or interpreted. Notwithstanding any such holding, alteration, or interpretation, the remainder of the terms and provisions of the Plan will remain in full force and effect and will in no way be affected, impaired, or invalidated by such holding, alteration, or interpretation. The Confirmation Order shall constitute a judicial determination and shall provide that each term and provision of the Plan, as it may have been altered or interpreted in accordance with the foregoing, is (a) valid and enforceable pursuant to its terms; (b) integral to the Plan and may not be deleted or modified without the Debtors’ consent; and (c) nonseverable and mutually dependent.

[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]

 

36


Dated: September 27, 2013

 

AS DEBTORS AND DEBTORS IN POSSESSION:

 

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.,

By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA HOLDCO, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA OPERATING, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MASSACHUSETTS I, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MASSACHUSETTS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer


ENHE ACQUISITION, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA DIRECTORIES HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA VENTURES, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA ARKANSAS HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA CALIFORNIA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA COLORADO HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

38


GATEHOUSE MEDIA CORNING HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA FREEPORT HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA IOWA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA KANSAS HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA LANSING PRINTING, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

39


GATEHOUSE MEDIA LOUISIANA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MICHIGAN HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MINNESOTA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MISSOURI HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEBRASKA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

40


GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEVADA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEW YORK HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA NORTH DAKOTA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA PENNSYLVANIA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
LIBERTY SMC, L.L.C.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

41


MINERAL DAILY NEWS TRIBUNE, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

NEWS LEADER, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

TERRY NEWSPAPERS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

ENTERPRISE NEWSMEDIA HOLDING, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

ENTERPRISE NEWSMEDIA, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

LRT FOUR HUNDRED, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

42


GEORGE W. PRESCOTT PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
LOW REALTY, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
ENTERPRISE PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
SUREWEST DIRECTORIES,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
COPLEY OHIO NEWSPAPERS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
THE PEORIA JOURNAL STAR, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA CONNECTICUT HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

43


GATEHOUSE MEDIA DELAWARE HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA FLORIDA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA ILLINOIS HOLDINGS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA KANSAS HOLDINGS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MICHIGAN HOLDINGS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA MISSOURI HOLDINGS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

44


GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEBRASKA HOLDINGS II, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA OHIO HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA OKLAHOMA HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer
GATEHOUSE MEDIA TENNESSEE HOLDINGS, INC.,
By:   /s/ Michael E. Reed
Name:   Michael E. Reed
Title:   Director and Chief Executive Officer

 

45


Dated: September 27, 2013

 

AS PLAN SPONSOR:

 

NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.,

By:   /s/ Jonathan Brown
Name:   Jonathan Brown
Title:   Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

46

Exhibit 2.9

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

   )   
In re:    )    Chapter 11
   )   
GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.,    )    Case No. 13-12503 (MFW)
a Delaware Corporation, et al . 1    )   
   )    (Joint Administered)
Debtors.    )   

 

   )   

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND

ORDER APPROVING DEBTORS’ DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR,

AND CONFIRMING, DEBTORS’ JOINT PREPACKAGED CHAPTER 11 PLAN

GateHouse Media, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, as debtors and debtors in possession in the above-captioned cases (the “ Debtors ”), having:

 

  a. distributed on or about September 20, 2013 (i) the Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 14] (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Plan ”), 2 (ii) the Disclosure Statement for the Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 15] (the “ Disclosure Statement ”), and (iii) ballots for voting on the

 

 

1   The Debtors in these cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number, are: GateHouse Media, Inc. (7635), Copley Ohio Newspapers, Inc. (4372), ENHE Acquisition, LLC (1504), Enterprise NewsMedia Holding, LLC (8259), Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC (4672), Enterprise Publishing Company, LLC (4666), GateHouse Media Arkansas Holdings, Inc. (7662), GateHouse Media California Holdings, Inc. (7639), GateHouse Media Colorado Holdings, Inc. (0190), GateHouse Media Connecticut Holdings, Inc. (1954), GateHouse Media Corning Holdings, Inc. (5234), GateHouse Media Delaware Holdings, Inc. (1987), GateHouse Media Directories Holdings, Inc. (4513), GateHouse Media Florida Holdings, Inc. (6448), GateHouse Media Freeport Holdings, Inc. (1508), GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (8902), GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings II, Inc. (5361), GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc. (7640), GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. (9759), GateHouse Media Iowa Holdings, Inc. (7643), GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings II, Inc. (7914), GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings, Inc. (7644), GateHouse Media Lansing Printing, Inc. (2242), GateHouse Media Louisiana Holdings, Inc. (9708), GateHouse Media Management Services, Inc. (7665), GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc. (1503), GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc. (0859), GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings II, Inc. (7963), GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings, Inc. (7646), GateHouse Media Minnesota Holdings, Inc. (7648), GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings II, Inc. (8013), GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings, Inc. (7649), GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings II, Inc. (8054), GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings, Inc. (4763), GateHouse Media Nevada Holdings, Inc. (4978), GateHouse Media New York Holdings, Inc. (7660), GateHouse Media North Dakota Holdings, Inc. (1506), GateHouse Media Ohio Holdings, Inc. (5464), GateHouse Media Oklahoma Holdings, Inc. (6313), GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. (7636), GateHouse Media Pennsylvania Holdings, Inc. (7661), GateHouse Media Suburban Newspapers, Inc. (5577), GateHouse Media Tennessee Holdings, Inc. (6415), GateHouse Media Ventures, Inc. (7638), George W. Prescott Publishing Company, LLC (4668), Liberty SMC, L.L.C. (6016), Low Realty, LLC (4679), LRT Four Hundred, LLC (4676), Mineral Daily News Tribune, Inc. (3343), News Leader, Inc. (4473), SureWest Directories (7472), Terry Newspapers, Inc. (1037), and The Peoria Journal Star, Inc. (9820). The address of the Debtors’ corporate headquarters is 350 WillowBrook Office Park, Fairport, NY 14450.
2   Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Plan.


  Plan, to holders of Secured Debt Claims in Class 4, the only class entitled to vote on the Plan, in accordance with the terms of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Rules;

 

  b. commenced, on September 27, 2013 (the “ Petition Date ”), the Chapter 11 Cases by filing voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  c. filed, on the Petition Date, the Plan and Disclosure Statement;

 

  d. filed, on October 25, 2013, the Plan Supplement for the Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 104] (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Plan Supplement ”), which is included in the definition of Plan;

 

  e. filed, on the Petition Date, the Affidavit of Service of Solicitation Materials and Declaration of Stephenie Kjontvedt on Behalf of Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC Regarding the Voting and Tabulation of Ballots Cast With Respect to the Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 16], which was subsequently amended on November 1, 2013 [Docket No. 119] (the “ Voting Report ”), which details the results of the Plan voting process;

 

  f. filed, on the Petition Date, the Debtors’ Motion for Entry of an Order (A) Scheduling a Combined Hearing on Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Confirmation of Plan, (B) Establishing Procedures for Objecting to Disclosure Statement and Plan, (C) Approving Form and Manner of Notice of Combined Hearing, and (D) Directing that a Meeting of Creditors Need Not Be Convened [Docket No. 13] (the “ Scheduling Motion ”);

 

  g. filed, on October 2, 2013, the Summary of Plan and Notice of (I) Commencement of Chapter 11 Cases and (II) Combined Hearing to Approve Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Confirmation of Plan of Reorganization , which contained notice of the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, the date and time set for the hearing to consider approval of the Disclosure Statement and Confirmation of the Plan (the “ Confirmation Hearing ”), and the deadline for filing objections to the Plan and the Disclosure Statement [Docket No. 49] (the “ Confirmation Hearing Notice ”);

 

  h. filed, on October 3, 2013, the Affidavit of Service of Kerry O’Neil [Docket No. 58], and, on October 9, 2013, the Supplemental Affidavit of Service of Pete Caris [Docket No. 67], evidencing service of the Confirmation Hearing Notice (the “ Confirmation Hearing Notice Affidavits ”);

 

  i. published, on October 2, 2013, the Confirmation Hearing Notice in the New York Times (National Edition), consistent with the order granting the Scheduling Motion [Docket No. 39] (the “ Scheduling Order ”), as evidenced by the Affidavit of Publication Re: Notice of Commencement of Prepackaged Bankruptcy Cases and Combined Hearing on Adequacy of Disclosure Statement and Confirmation of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 66] (together with the Confirmation Hearing Notice Affidavits, the “ Affidavits ”);

 

2


  j. filed, on October 25, 2013, certain amendments to the Plan [Docket No. 106] (the “ Plan Modifications ”), which expressly amend the Plan and are included in the definition of Plan;

 

  k. filed, on November 4, 2013, the Debtors’ Memorandum of Law in Support of (I) Approval of Disclosure Statement and (II) Confirmation of Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 122] (the “ Confirmation Brief ”);

 

  l. filed, on November 4, 2013, the Declaration of Michael E. Reed in Support of Confirmation of Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 123] (the “ Reed Declaration ”) and the Declaration of David R. Hilty in Support of Confirmation of Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No. 124] (the “ Hilty Declaration ” and with the Reed Declaration, the “ Confirmation Declarations ”); and

 

  m. filed, on November 5, 2013, amendments to the Plan Supplement, which included amendments to the DJ Contribution Agreement, New Debt Facility Documents, and New Media Warrant Agreement, which are Exhibits B, D, and F to the Plan Supplement, respectively [Docket No. 131].

The Court having:

 

  a. entered, on September 30, 2013, the Scheduling Order;

 

  b. set November 6, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. (prevailing Eastern Time), as the date and time for the Confirmation Hearing, pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 3017 and 3018 and sections 1126, 1128 and 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, as set forth in the Scheduling Order;

 

  c. reviewed the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, the Confirmation Brief, the Voting Report, the Confirmation Hearing Notice, the Affidavits, the Confirmation Declarations, the form of ballot and all filed pleadings, exhibits, statements and comments regarding approval of the Disclosure Statement and Confirmation, including all objections, statements and reservations of rights, if any;

 

  d. held the Confirmation Hearing on November 6, 2013;

 

  e. heard statements and arguments made by counsel in respect of approval of the Disclosure Statement and Confirmation;

 

  f. considered all oral representations, testimony, documents, filings and other evidence regarding approval of the Disclosure Statement and Confirmation; and

 

  g. taken judicial notice of all pleadings and other documents filed, all orders entered, and all evidence and arguments presented in the Chapter 11 Cases.

NOW, THEREFORE, it appearing to the Court that notice of the Confirmation Hearing and the opportunity for any party in interest to object to approval of the Disclosure

 

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Statement and Confirmation have been adequate and appropriate as to all parties affected or to be affected by the Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby, and the legal and factual bases set forth in the documents filed in support of approval of the Disclosure Statement and Confirmation and other evidence presented at the Confirmation Hearing establish just cause for the relief granted herein; and after due deliberation thereon and good cause appearing therefor, the Court makes and issues the following findings of fact and conclusions of law, and orders:

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

IT IS DETERMINED AND FOUND THAT:

A. The findings and conclusions set forth herein and in the record of the Confirmation Hearing constitute the Court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law under Rule 52 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as made applicable herein by Bankruptcy Rules 7052 and 9014. To the extent any of the following conclusions of law constitute findings of fact, or vice versa , they are adopted as such.

 

I. The Chapter 11 Cases

Jurisdiction, Venue and Core Proceeding

B. The Court has jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 157 and 1334 and the Amended Standing Order of Reference from the United States District Court for the District of Delaware , dated February 29, 2012. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether the Disclosure Statement and the Plan comply with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and should be approved and confirmed, respectively. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1408 and 1409. Approval of the Disclosure Statement, including associated solicitation procedures, and Confirmation of the Plan are core proceedings within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 157(b)(2).

 

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Eligibility for Relief

C. The Debtors were and are entities eligible for relief under section 109 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Commencement and Joint Administration of the Chapter 11 Cases

D. On the Petition Date, each of the Debtors commenced a voluntary case under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In accordance with the Order Directing Joint Administration of Related Chapter 11 Cases [Docket No. 30], the Chapter 11 Cases have been consolidated for procedural purposes only and are being jointly administered pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 1015. Since the Petition Date, the Debtors have operated their businesses and managed their properties as debtors in possession pursuant to sections 1107(a) and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code. No trustee or examiner has been appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases. No statutory committee of unsecured creditors or equity security holders has been appointed pursuant to section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Chapter 11 Cases.

Judicial Notice

E. The Court takes judicial notice of (and deems admitted into evidence for Confirmation) the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases maintained by the clerk of the Court or its duly appointed agent, including all pleadings and other documents on file, all orders entered, all hearing transcripts, and all evidence and arguments made, proffered, or adduced at the hearings held before the Court during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases. All unresolved objections, statements, informal objections, and reservations of rights, if any, related to the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, or Confirmation are hereby overruled on the merits.

 

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II. Solicitation and Confirmation Process

Notice

F. As evidenced by the Affidavits, due, adequate, and sufficient notice of the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, and the Confirmation Hearing, together with the deadline for objecting to the Disclosure Statement and the Plan, has been provided to: (a) the Office of the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware; (b) counsel to the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent; (c) counsel to the Plan Sponsor; (d) all other creditors; (e) all record holders of GateHouse Interests; (f) the Internal Revenue Service; (g) the Securities and Exchange Commission; (h) the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware; (i) the United States Department of Justice; (j) the Environmental Protection Agency; and (k) any party that has requested notice pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 2002 (the parties identified in clauses (a) through (k) collectively, the “ Core Notice Parties ”). Also, the Confirmation Hearing Notice was published in the New York Times (National Edition) in compliance with the Scheduling Order and Bankruptcy Rule 2002( l ). Additionally, due, adequate, and sufficient notice of the deadline for voting to accept or reject the Plan was provided to holders of claims in the Voting Class (as defined herein), pursuant to the Disclosure Statement and the ballots distributed therewith. Such notice was adequate and sufficient pursuant to section 1128 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 2002(b) and 3020 and other applicable law and rules, and no other or further notice is or shall be required.

Disclosure Statement

G. The Disclosure Statement contains “adequate information” (as such term is defined in section 1125(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and used in section 1126(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code) with respect to the Debtors, the Plan, and the transactions contemplated therein. The filing of the Disclosure Statement with the clerk of the Court satisfied Bankruptcy Rule 3016(b).

 

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Ballots

H. Class 4, comprised of Secured Debt Claims, was the only Class of Claims or Interests entitled under the Plan to vote to accept or reject the Plan (the “ Voting Class ”).

I. The ballots the Debtors used to solicit votes to accept or reject the Plan from holders in the Voting Class, in the form annexed to the Scheduling Motion, adequately addressed the particular needs of the Chapter 11 Cases and were appropriate for holders in the Voting Class to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

Solicitation

J. As described in the Voting Report, the solicitation of votes on the Plan complied with the solicitation procedures set forth in the Scheduling Motion (the “ Solicitation Procedures ”), was appropriate and satisfactory based upon the circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases, and was in compliance with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, and any other applicable rules, laws and regulations.

K. As described in the Voting Report and the Affidavits, as applicable, prior to the Petition Date, the Plan, the Disclosure Statement and a ballot (collectively, the “ Solicitation Materials ”), and, following the Petition Date, the Confirmation Hearing Notice were transmitted and served in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code, including sections 1125 and 1126 thereof, the Bankruptcy Rules, including Bankruptcy Rules 3017 and 3018, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order and any applicable non-bankruptcy law. Transmission and service of the Solicitation Materials and the Confirmation Hearing Notice were timely, adequate and sufficient. No further notice is required.

 

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L. As set forth in the Voting Report, the Solicitation Materials were distributed to holders in the Voting Class that held a Claim as of the close of business prevailing Eastern Time on September 19, 2013 (the date specified in such documents for the purpose of the solicitation) (the “ Record Date ”). The establishment and notice of the Record Date were reasonable and sufficient.

M. The period during which the Debtors solicited acceptances or rejections to the Plan was a reasonable and sufficient period of time for holders in the Voting Class to make an informed decision to accept or reject the Plan.

N. Under section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Debtors were not required to solicit votes from the holders of Claims and Interests in the Unimpaired Classes (defined below), each of which is conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan. Also, the Debtors were not required to solicit votes from the holders of Interests in Class 6A (GateHouse Interests) and Claims in Class 7 (Section 510(b) Claims), which were deemed to reject the Plan.

Good Faith Solicitation—Section 1125(e)

O. The Debtors, the Special Committee, the Plan Sponsor, the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, the lender(s), agent(s) and arranger(s) under the New Financing Documents (as defined herein) (the “ New Financing Lenders ”) and the Participating Lenders under the Restructuring Support Agreement and any and all affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors, principals, employees, agents, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, and other professionals of each of the foregoing, as applicable, have acted in “good faith” within the meaning of section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rules in connection with all of their respective activities relating to support of the Plan, including the execution, delivery and performance of the Restructuring Support

 

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Agreement, the execution, delivery, and performance of the New Financing Documents, if any, and the offer, issuance, sale or purchase of securities offered or sold under the Plan, including New Media Stock and New Media Warrants, and solicitation of acceptances of the Plan, and are entitled to the protections afforded by section 1125(e) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Voting

P. As evidenced by the Voting Report, votes to accept or reject the Plan have been solicited and tabulated fairly, in good faith, and in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules, the Scheduling Order, the Disclosure Statement and any applicable non bankruptcy law, rule, or regulation.

Plan Supplement and Plan Modifications

Q. The Plan Supplement and Plan Modifications comply with the Bankruptcy Code and the terms of the Plan, and the filing and notice of such documents is good and proper in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules and the Local Rules, and no other or further notice is required. All documents included in the Plan Supplement are integral to, part of, and incorporated by reference into the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan (including Section 10.1 of the Plan), the Debtors reserve the right to alter, amend, update, or modify the Plan Supplement before the Effective Date; provided, however , that any such alteration, amendment, update, or modification that materially and adversely affects the New Financing Lenders, in their capacity as such, shall be subject to the approval of the New Financing Lenders, not to be unreasonably withheld (except that notwithstanding the foregoing any alterations, amendments, updates, or modifications to the New Financing Documents instead shall be governed by the terms of the New Financing Documents). The Core Notice Parties and holders of Claims and Interests were provided due, adequate, and sufficient notice of the Plan Supplement and Plan Modifications.

 

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III. Confirmation Requirements

Burden of Proof—Confirmation of the Plan

R. The Debtors, as proponents of the Plan, have met their burden of proving the applicable elements of sections 1129(a) and 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code by a preponderance of the evidence, which is the applicable evidentiary standard for Confirmation.

Compliance with Bankruptcy Code Requirements—Section 1129(a)(1)

S. The Plan complies with all applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code as required by section 1129(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. In addition, the Plan is dated and identifies the Entities submitting it, thereby satisfying Bankruptcy Rule 3016(a).

Proper Classification—Sections 1122 and 1123

T. The Plan satisfies the requirements of sections 1122(a) and 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. Article III of the Plan provides for the separate classification of Claims and Interests into eight Classes. Valid business, factual, and legal reasons exist for the separate classification of such Classes of Claims and Interests. The classifications reflect no improper purpose and do not unfairly discriminate between, or among, holders of Claims or Interests. Each Class of Claims and Interests contains only Claims or Interests that are substantially similar to the other Claims or Interests within that Class.

Specified Unimpaired Classes—Section 1123(a)(2)

U. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. Article III of the Plan specifies that Claims and Interests, as applicable, in the following Classes (the “ Unimpaired Classes ”) are Unimpaired under the Plan within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code:

 

Class

  

Designation

Class 1    Secured Tax Claims
Class 2    Other Secured Claims
Class 3    Other Priority Claims
Class 5    General Unsecured Claims
Class 6B    Intercompany Interests

 

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V. Additionally, Article II of the Plan specifies that Allowed Administrative Claims, Professional Claims, and Priority Tax Claims will be paid in full in accordance with the terms of the Plan, although these Claims are not classified under the Plan.

Specified Treatment of Impaired Classes—Section 1123(a)(3)

W. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code. Article III of the Plan specifies that Claims and Interests, as applicable, in the following Classes (the “ Impaired Classes ”) are Impaired under the Plan within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, and describes the treatment of such Classes:

 

Class

  

Designation

Class 4    Secured Debt Claims
Class 6A    GateHouse Interests
Class 7    Section 510(b) Claims

No Discrimination—Section 1123(a)(4)

X. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan provides for the same treatment by the Debtors for each Claim or Interest in each respective Class unless the holder of a particular Claim or Interest has agreed to a less favorable treatment of such Claim or Interest.

Adequate Means for Plan Implementation—Section 1123(a)(5)

Y. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code. The provisions in Article IV and elsewhere in the Plan, and in the exhibits, attachments and supplements to the Plan and the Disclosure Statement, provide, in detail,

 

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adequate and proper means for the Plan’s implementation, including, but not limited to: (a) purchase of the Cash-Out Claims by the Plan Sponsor (or its designees) pursuant to section 3.2(d)(3)(B) of the Plan and related documentation, including the Investment Commitment Letter; (b) issuance of the equity interests in Reorganized GateHouse to New Media; (c) issuance of New Media Stock to holders of New Media Elected Claims and Plan Sponsor (or its designees) in exchange for Cash-Out Claims and the DJ Contribution; (d) entry, if applicable, into a New Debt Facility of funded debt of up to $150 million and the pro rata distribution of the New Debt Facility Net Proceeds to the holders of New Media Stock; (e) entry, if applicable, into additional undrawn commitments of up to $15 million for working capital and other purposes (such unfunded commitments, the “ New Undrawn Commitments ”) (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the proceeds of the New Undrawn Commitments shall not constitute New Debt Facility Net Proceeds); (f) issuance of the New Media Warrants to holders of GateHouse Interests; (g) cancellation of the Secured Debt Claims and GateHouse Interests; (h) the occurrence of the DJ Contribution; (i) potentially, one or more of (1) the merger of New Media and Reorganized GateHouse, and (2) the conversion of certain Reorganized Debtors from corporations to limited liability companies; (j) authorizing the Debtors and/or the Reorganized Debtors to take all actions necessary to effectuate the Plan, including all of the foregoing actions, and the payment of fees, costs and expenses relating thereto; (k) authorizing the adoption and filing of New Media’s and the Reorganized Debtors’ amended certificates of incorporation, bylaws and similar governing documents, pursuant to Article 4.12 of the Plan; ( l ) the settlement of Claims and Interests; (m) the vesting of Estate assets in the Reorganized Debtors; (n) the cancellation of certain existing agreements, instruments, and Certificates; (o) the preservation and vesting of certain Causes of Action in the Reorganized Debtors; and (p) the appointment of

 

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the directors and officers of New Media and the Reorganized Debtors (such transactions, together with all other transactions authorized or contemplated by the Plan, the “ Implementing Transactions ”). For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in the Plan Documents (as defined herein) shall require entry into the New Debt Facility and/or New Undrawn Commitments, and such entry shall not be a condition precedent to the Effective Date.

Voting Power of Equity Securities—Section 1123(a)(6)

Z. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code. It prohibits the issuance of non-voting Equity Securities as required by such section. The New Media Charter, included in the Plan Supplement, contains this prohibition, as will all of the Reorganized Debtors’ certificates of incorporation, bylaws and similar governing documents, pursuant to Article 4.12 of the Plan.

Directors and Officers—Section 1123(a)(7)

AA. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1123(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 4.15 of the Plan contains provisions regarding the manner of selection of the Reorganized Debtors’ directors and officers that are consistent with the interests of all holders of Claims and Interests and public policy.

Impairment / Unimpairment of Classes—Section 1123(b)(1)

BB. The Plan is consistent with section 1123(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code. Article III of the Plan impairs or leaves unimpaired each Class of Claims and Interests.

Assumption and Rejection—Section 1123(b)(2)

CC. The Plan is consistent with section 1123(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. Article V of the Plan provides for the treatment of the Debtors’ Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases except where an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease has previously been

 

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assumed, assumed and assigned, or rejected under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code during the Chapter 11 Cases pursuant to a Final Order or is the subject of a pending motion or order that is not a Final Order for the assumption, assumption and assignment or rejection thereof.

Settlement, Releases, Exculpation, Injunction and Preservation of Claims and Causes of Action—Section 1123(b)(3)

DD. The Plan is consistent with section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code. In accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 9019, and in consideration of the distributions and other benefits provided under the Plan, except as stated otherwise in the Plan, the provisions of the Plan constitute a good-faith compromise and settlement of all Claims against and Interests in the Debtors. The compromise and settlement of such Claims and Interests embodied in the Plan and unimpairment of the Unimpaired Classes identified in the Plan are in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, and all holders of Claims and Interests, and are fair, equitable, and reasonable.

EE. Section 8.2 of the Plan describes certain releases granted by the Debtors (the “ Debtor Releases ”) and Section 8.3 of the Plan describes certain releases granted by certain third parties (the “ Third-Party Releases ” and together, the “ Releases ”). The Releases are an integral element of the Plan and were specifically negotiated by the parties to the Restructuring Support Agreement to be included in the Plan. The Debtors have satisfied the business judgment standard with respect to the propriety of the Debtor Releases. The Third Party Releases are supported (x) by payment in full, in the case of holders of Claims in the Unimpaired Classes and (y) by affirmative consent, in the case of holders of Secured Debt Claims which unanimously voted to accept the Plan. The Confirmation Hearing Notice sent to holders of Claims and Interests and published in the New York Times (National Edition) and the ballots sent to all holders of Class 4 Claims (Secured Debt Claims) entitled to vote on the Plan unambiguously

 

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stated that the Plan contains the Releases. The Court finds that the Releases are: (A) in exchange for the good and valuable consideration provided by the Released Parties, as well as the Reorganized Debtors and the Estates; (B) a good-faith settlement and compromise of the Claims released by the Plan; (C) in the best interests of the Debtors and all holders of Claims and Interests; (D) fair, equitable, and reasonable; (E) given, and made, after due notice and opportunity for hearing; and (F) a bar to any of the Debtors asserting any Claim or Cause of Action released by Section 8.2 of the Plan, and any Entity granting a release under Section 8.3 of the Plan from asserting any Claim or Cause of Action released by Section 8.3 of the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Court finds that the Releases of Plan Sponsor are in exchange for adequate consideration, including the Plan Sponsor’s participation in the Plan, its funding of the Cash-Out Distributions pursuant to the Plan and related documentation and its good faith efforts in negotiating, documenting and implementing the Plan.

FF. The exculpation, described in Section 8.4 of the Plan (the “ Exculpation ”), is appropriate under applicable law because it was proposed in good faith, was formulated following extensive good-faith, arm’s-length negotiations with key constituents, and is limited in scope. Each Exculpated Party has participated in the Chapter 11 Cases in good faith and is appropriately released and exculpated from any Exculpated Claim or any obligation, Cause of Action, or liability for any Exculpated Claim.

GG. The injunction provision set forth in Section 8.5 of the Plan is necessary to implement, preserve, and enforce the Debtors’ discharge, the Debtor Releases, the Third-Party Releases, and the Exculpation, and is narrowly tailored to achieve this purpose.

HH. Section 4.17 of the Plan appropriately provides that the Reorganized Debtors will retain, and may enforce, all rights to commence and pursue, as appropriate, any and

 

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all Causes of Action except for Causes of Action that have been expressly waived, settled, or otherwise released as provided in Section 4.17, whether arising before or after the Petition Date, including any actions specifically enumerated in the Plan Supplement, in accordance with section 1123(b)(3)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code. The provisions regarding the preservation of Causes of Action in the Plan, including the Plan Supplement, are appropriate, fair, equitable, and reasonable, and are in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, and holders of Claims and Interests.

Modification of Rights of Secured Creditors—Section 1123(b)(5)

II. The full release and discharge of all mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges, or other security interests against any property of the Estates described in Section 8.8 of the Plan except (a) with respect to the Liens securing the Secured Tax Claims or Other Secured Claims (depending on the treatment of such Claims), or (b) as otherwise provided in the Plan or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement or document created pursuant to the Plan (the “ Lien Release ”), is necessary to implement the Plan. The provisions of the Lien Release are appropriate, fair, equitable, and reasonable and are in the best interests of the Debtors, the Estates, and holders of Claims and Interests.

Additional Plan Provisions—Section 1123(b)(6)

JJ. The other discretionary provisions of the Plan are appropriate and consistent with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, thereby satisfying section 1123(b)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Plan Proponent Compliance with the Bankruptcy Code—Section 1129(a)(2)

KK. The Debtors have complied with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, except as otherwise provided or permitted by orders of the Bankruptcy Court, and, thus, satisfied the requirements of section 1129(a)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Plan Proposed in Good Faith—Section 1129(a)(3)

LL. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors have proposed the Plan in good faith and not by any means forbidden by law. In so determining, the Court has examined the totality of the circumstances surrounding the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Plan itself, the process leading to Confirmation, including the unanimous acceptance of the Plan by the Voting Class. The Chapter 11 Cases were filed, and the Plan was proposed, with the legitimate purpose of allowing the Debtors to restructure and emerge from bankruptcy with a capital and organizational structure that will allow them to conduct their businesses and satisfy their obligations with sufficient liquidity and capital resources.

Payment for Services or Costs and Expenses—Section 1129(a)(4)

MM. The procedures set forth in the Plan for the Court’s review and ultimate determination of the fees and expenses to be paid by the Debtors in connection with the Chapter 11 Cases, or in connection with the Plan and incident to the Chapter 11 Cases, satisfy the objectives of, and are in compliance with, section 1129(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code. Pursuant to sections 4.21, 4.22, and 4.23 of the Plan, the Debtors are authorized to pay the fees and expenses of the Special Committee, the Plan Sponsor, the Credit Agreement Administrative and the Informal Committee without further Court order. Such fees and expenses are reasonable and approved in accordance with section 1129(a)(4) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Directors, Officers and Insiders—Section 1129(a)(5)

NN. The Debtors have satisfied the requirements of section 1129(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 4.15 of the Plan, in conjunction with the Plan Supplement, discloses the identity and affiliations of the individuals proposed to serve as the initial directors and officers of New Media and the Reorganized Debtors, and the identity and nature of any compensation for any insider who will be employed or retained by New Media and the Reorganized Debtors. The appointment of the proposed directors and officers for New Media and the Reorganized Debtors is consistent with the interests of the holders of Claims and Interests and with public policy.

No Rate Changes—Section 1129(a)(6)

OO. Section 1129(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code is not applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases. The Plan proposes no rate change subject to the jurisdiction of any governmental regulatory commission and requires no governmental regulatory approval.

Best Interest of Creditors—Section 1129(a)(7)

PP. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(7) of the Bankruptcy Code. The liquidation analysis, attached to the Disclosure Statement, and the other evidence related thereto in support of the Plan that was proffered or adduced at, prior to, or in connection with the Confirmation Hearing: (a) are reasonable, persuasive, credible, and accurate as of the dates such analysis or evidence was prepared, presented, or proffered; (b) utilize reasonable and appropriate methodologies and assumptions; (c) have not been controverted by other evidence; and (d) establish that each holder of an Allowed Claim or Interest in an impaired Class that has not accepted the Plan will recover at least as much under the Plan on account of such Claim or Interest, as of the Effective Date, as such holder would receive if the Debtors were liquidated, on the Effective Date, under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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Acceptance by Certain Classes—Section 1129(a)(8)

QQ. The Plan does not satisfy the requirements of section 1129(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code. Classes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6B constitute Unimpaired Classes, each of which is conclusively presumed to have accepted the Plan in accordance with section 1126(f) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Voting Class has unanimously voted to accept the Plan. Holders of Interests in Class 6A (GateHouse Interests) and Claims in Class 7 (Section 510(b) Claims), however, are deemed to reject the Plan. Notwithstanding the above, the Plan is confirmable because it satisfies sections 1129(a)(10) and 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Treatment of Claims Entitled to Priority Under Section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy Code—Section 1129(a)(9)

RR. The treatment of Administrative Claims, Professional Claims, and Priority Tax Claims, under Article II of the Plan, and of Other Priority Claims under Article III of the Plan, satisfies the requirements of, and complies in all respects with, section 1129(a)(9) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Acceptance By At Least One Impaired Class—Section 1129(a)(10)

SS. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(10) of the Bankruptcy Code. As evidenced by the Voting Report, the Voting Class affirmatively voted to accept the Plan which includes unanimous acceptance of the Plan by non-insider (as that term is defined in section 101(31) of the Bankruptcy Code) holders in the Voting Class.

Feasibility—Section 1129(a)(11)

TT. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(11) of the Bankruptcy Code. The financial projections attached to the Disclosure Statement and the other evidence supporting Confirmation of the Plan proffered or adduced by the Debtors at, prior to, or in connection with the Confirmation Hearing: (a) are reasonable, persuasive, credible, and

 

19


accurate as of the dates such analysis or evidence was prepared, presented, or proffered; (b) utilize reasonable and appropriate methodologies and assumptions; (c) have not been controverted by other evidence; (d) establish that the Plan is feasible and Confirmation of the Plan is not likely to be followed by the liquidation, or the need for further financial reorganization of the Reorganized Debtors, New Media or any successor thereto except as provided in the Plan; and (e) establish that the Reorganized Debtors and New Media will have sufficient funds available to meet their obligations under the Plan.

Payment of Fees—Section 1129(a)(12)

UU. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(12) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 12.2 of the Plan provides for the payment of all fees payable by the Debtors under 28 U.S.C. § 1930(a).

Continuation of Employee Benefits—Section 1129(a)(13)

VV. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(a)(13) of the Bankruptcy Code. Section 4.16 of the Plan provides that from and after the Effective Date, the payment of all retiree benefits, if any, as defined in section 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code, will continue in accordance with applicable law.

Non-Applicability of Certain Sections—Section 1129(a)(14), (15) and (16)

WW. Sections 1129(a)(14), 1129(a)(15), and 1129(a)(16) of the Bankruptcy Code do not apply to the Chapter 11 Cases.

“Cram Down” Requirements—Section 1129(b)

XX. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan provides that holders of Interests in Class 6A (GateHouse Interests) and Claims in Class 7 (Section 510(b) Claims), if any, are deemed to have rejected the Plan. First, all of the

 

20


requirements of section 1129(a) of the Bankruptcy Code other than section 1129(a)(8) have been met. Second, the Plan is fair and equitable with respect to Class 6A and Class 7 (in which the Debtors have not identified any Claims), the only Impaired Classes that have not accepted the Plan. There are no Classes that are junior to Class 6A or Class 7 that are receiving or retaining any property on account of their Claims or Interests, and the Plan does not discriminate unfairly with respect to Class 6A and Class 7. The Plan, thus, may be confirmed despite the fact that not all Impaired Classes have voted to accept the Plan.

Only One Plan—Section 1129(c)

YY. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(c) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Plan is the only chapter 11 plan filed in each of the Chapter 11 Cases.

Principal Purpose of the Plan –Section 1129(d)

ZZ. The Plan satisfies the requirements of section 1129(d) of the Bankruptcy Code. The principal purpose of the Plan is not the avoidance of taxes or the avoidance of the application of section 5 of the Securities Act.

Satisfaction of Confirmation Requirements

AAA. Based on the foregoing, the Plan satisfies the requirements for Confirmation set forth in section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Likelihood of Satisfaction of Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date

BBB. Without limiting or modifying the rights of the Plan Sponsor and Credit Agreement Administrative Agent under Section 9.2 of the Plan, each of the conditions precedent to the Effective Date, as set forth in Section 9.1 of the Plan, has been or is reasonably likely to be satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.2 of the Plan.

 

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Implementation

CCC. All documents necessary to implement the Plan and all other relevant and necessary documents in respect of the Implementing Transactions, including any New Debt Facility Documents and any documents governing the New Undrawn Commitments (together the “ New Financing Documents ,” if any), have been negotiated in good faith and at arm’s length and shall, upon completion of documentation and execution thereof, be valid, binding, and enforceable agreements.

ORDER

IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED, DECREED AND DETERMINED THAT:

1. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law . The above referenced findings of fact and conclusions of law are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein and constitute findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 7052, made applicable herein by Bankruptcy Rule 9014. To the extent that any finding of fact is determined to be a conclusion of law, it is deemed so, and vice versa.

2. Approval of Disclosure Statement . The Disclosure Statement is approved.

3. Ballots . The ballots are approved.

4. Solicitation . The solicitation of votes on the Plan complied with sections 1125 and 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Rules 3017 and 3018, all other provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and all other applicable rules, laws and regulations, and was appropriate and satisfactory and is approved.

5. Notice of the Confirmation Hearing . Notice of the Confirmation Hearing was appropriate and satisfactory and is approved.

6. Confirmation of the Plan . The Plan is approved in its entirety and CONFIRMED under section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code. The terms of the Plan, including the Plan Modifications and Plan Supplement, are incorporated by reference into and are an integral part of this Confirmation Order.

 

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7. Objections . All objections and all reservations of rights pertaining to Confirmation or approval of the Disclosure Statement that have not been withdrawn, waived, or settled are overruled on the merits.

8. Plan Modifications . The Plan Modifications comply with the requirements under the Restructuring Support Agreement and do not adversely affect the treatment of any Claim against or Interest in any of the Debtors under the Plan. After giving effect to the Plan Modifications, the Plan continues to meet the requirements of sections 1122 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code. The filing with the Court of the Plan, as modified by the Plan Modifications, filed on October 25, 2013, constitute due and sufficient notice thereof. Accordingly, pursuant to section 1127(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019, the Plan Modifications do not require additional disclosure under section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code or resolicitation of votes under section 1126 of the Bankruptcy Code, nor do they require that holders of Claims be afforded an opportunity to change previously cast votes on the Plan.

9. Deemed Acceptance of the Plan as Modified . In accordance with section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019, all holders of Claims who voted to accept the Plan or who are conclusively presumed to accept the Plan are deemed to have accepted the Plan as modified by the Plan Modifications. No holder of a Claim shall be permitted to change its vote as a consequence of the Plan Modifications

10. Binding Effect . Upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the terms of the Plan are immediately effective and enforceable and deemed binding on the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, New Media and any and all holders of Claims or Interests (regardless of

 

23


whether such holders of Claims or Interests have or are deemed to have accepted the Plan), all Entities that are parties to or are subject to the settlements, compromises, releases, discharges, and injunctions described in the Plan, each Entity acquiring property under the Plan, and any and all non-Debtor parties to Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases with the Debtors.

11. Vesting of Assets in the Reorganized Debtors . Except (i) as otherwise provided in the Plan, this Confirmation Order, or in any agreement, instrument, or other document incorporated in the Plan and (ii) for the Liens and security interests granted pursuant to the New Financing Documents, on the Effective Date, all property in each Estate, all Causes of Action, and any property acquired or divested by any of the Debtors under the Plan (all of which transfers are approved) will vest in each respective Reorganized Debtor, free and clear of all Liens, security interests, Claims, charges, or other encumbrances. On and after the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided in the Plan or this Confirmation Order, the Reorganized Debtors may operate their businesses and may use, acquire, or dispose of property and compromise or settle any Claims, Interests, or Causes of Action without supervision or approval by the Bankruptcy Court and free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code or the Bankruptcy Rules.

12. Effectiveness of All Actions . All actions authorized to be taken under the Plan are effective on, prior to or after the Effective Date, as applicable, under this Confirmation Order, without further application to, or order of the Court, or further action by the respective officers, directors, members or stockholders of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors and with the effect that such actions had been taken by unanimous action of such officers, directors, members, or stockholders.

 

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13. Restructuring Transactions . The Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, are authorized to enter into and effectuate the Implementing Transactions and may take any actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effect a corporate restructuring of their respective businesses or a corporate restructuring of the overall corporate structure of the Reorganized Debtors, as and to the extent provided in the Plan and this Order. Any transfers of assets effected through the Plan are hereby approved and shall not constitute fraudulent conveyances or fraudulent transfers or otherwise be subject to avoidance. Each Debtor, as reorganized, as applicable, shall continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate corporate entity or limited liability company as the case may be, with all the powers of a corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, under the applicable law in the jurisdiction in which such applicable Debtor is incorporated or formed.

14. Cancellation of Notes, Instruments, Certificates, and Other Documents . On the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided in the Plan (including with respect to any contracts evidencing transactions described in Section 3.2(e)(2) of the Plan), all notes, instruments, Certificates, and other documents evidencing Claims and Interests in any of the Debtors or the Reorganized Debtors shall be canceled, deemed terminated, and the obligations thereunder discharged (and, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent authorizes the filing of UCC-3 termination statements); provided , however , that notwithstanding Confirmation or the occurrence of the Effective Date, (i) any such notes, instruments, Certificates and other documents shall continue in effect solely for purposes of (a) allowing holders to receive distributions under the Plan and (b) allowing and preserving the rights of any Distribution Agent to make distributions on account of Claims and Interests as provided in Article VI of the Plan, and (ii) the Credit Documents shall continue in

 

25


effect solely for the purposes of allowing the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent to (x) receive payment of its fees and expenses as provided under the Credit Documents, (y) have the benefit of all the rights and protections for the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent under the Credit Documents, including, but not limited to, the preservation of any indemnification rights, and (z) make distributions pursuant to Section 2.13(b) of the Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Reorganized Debtors shall be authorized to file UCC-3 termination statements or similar documents upon reasonable request of the agents under the New Financing Documents and subject to the terms thereof.

15. Distributions . All distributions under the Plan shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan.

16. Exemptions from Securities Law . By reason of section 1145(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, the offering issuance, or distribution of the securities issued in connection with the Plan, including New Media Stock and New Media Warrants, shall be exempt from the provisions of section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any federal, state, or local law requiring registration for the offer, issuance, or distribution of a security.

17. Preservation of Causes of Action . Unless any Causes of Action against an Entity are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised, or settled in the Plan or by a Final Order, in accordance with section 1123(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, the Reorganized Debtors retain and may enforce all rights to commence and pursue, as appropriate, any and all Causes of Action, whether arising before or after the Petition Date. The Reorganized Debtors’ rights to commence, prosecute, or settle such Causes of Action shall be preserved notwithstanding the occurrence of the Effective Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Debtors’ failure to list any Causes of Action in the Disclosure Statement, the Plan, the Plan Supplement, or otherwise in no way limits the rights of the Reorganized Debtors as set forth above.

 

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18. Release of Liens . Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, this Confirmation Order, the New Financing Documents, or in any contract, instrument, release or other agreement, or document created under or in connection with the Plan, on the Effective Date, all mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges, or other security interests against any property of the Estates shall be fully released and discharged, and all of the right, title, and interest of any holder of such mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges, or other security interests shall revert to the Reorganized Debtors and their successors and assigns; provided that any agreements, contracts or related instruments and documents executed and delivered by any of the Reorganized Debtors in connection with the New Debt Facility or New Undrawn Commitments shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the New Financing Documents, and any Liens and security interests to be granted in accordance with the New Financing Documents shall be subject only to such mortgages, deeds of trust, Liens, pledges, or other security interests as may be expressly permitted under the New Financing Documents.

19. Entry into the New Financing Documents . The terms of the New Financing Documents and all transactions contemplated thereby, including, without limitation, any supplemental or additional syndication of the New Debt Facility or New Undrawn Commitments, and all actions to be taken, undertakings to be made, and obligations to be incurred by the Reorganized Debtors in connection therewith, including the payment of all fees, indemnities, costs and expenses (including professional fees and expenses of the New Financing Lenders) provided for therein are authorized and approved. The obligations of the applicable Reorganized Debtors under the New Financing Documents, including all related mortgages and

 

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security agreements, will, upon execution, constitute legal, valid, binding and authorized obligations of each of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, enforceable in accordance with their terms and not in contravention of any state or federal law. On the Effective Date, without any further action by the Court or the directors, officers, managers, members, or stockholders of any of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, each Debtor or Reorganized Debtor, as applicable, will be and is authorized to enter into, and fully perform under, the New Financing Documents to which such Reorganized Debtor is contemplated to be a party on the Effective Date.

20. As of the Effective Date, without any further action by the Court or the directors, officers, managers, members, or stockholders of any of the Reorganized Debtors, the Liens and security interests granted pursuant to the New Financing Documents will constitute legal, valid and enforceable Liens and security interests in the collateral (as defined in the New Financing Documents and any other documents to be executed and delivered pursuant thereto) and such Liens and security interests will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Reorganized Debtors. The holders of Liens under the New Financing Documents are authorized to file, with the appropriate authorities, financing statements and other documents (the “ Perfection Documents ”) or to take possession of or control over, or to take any other action in order to evidence, validate and perfect such Liens or security interests. Subject in all cases to the terms and provisions of the New Financing Documents, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors (or their affiliates) are authorized to execute and deliver to the New Financing Lenders any such agreements, financing statements, instruments and other documents, or obtain all governmental approvals and consents the New Financing Lenders may reasonably request or that are required to establish and perfect such Liens and security interests under the provisions of the

 

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applicable state, provincial, federal, or other law (whether domestic or foreign) that would be applicable in the absence of the Plan and this Confirmation Order, and are authorized to cooperate to make all other filings and recordings that otherwise would be reasonably necessary under applicable law to perfect and/or give notice of such Liens and security interests to third parties. Whether the Perfection Documents are filed prior to, on or after the Effective Date (i) such Perfection Documents will be valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect as of the Effective Date, and (ii) the Liens and security interests granted under or in connection with the New Financing Documents will become valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Reorganized Debtors. To the extent that any holder has filed or recorded publicly any Liens and/or security interests to secure any claims, which are not preserved by virtue of the Plan or this Confirmation Order, then as soon as practicable on or after the Effective Date, such holder will take any and all steps reasonably requested by any or all of the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, and/or the New Financing Lenders that are necessary to cancel, extinguish or modify as applicable, such publicly-filed Liens and/or security interests.

21. In addition, on the Effective Date, without any further action by the Court or the directors, officers, managers, members, or stockholders of any of the Reorganized Debtors, each applicable Reorganized Debtor will be and is authorized to: (a) execute, deliver, file and record any other contracts, instruments, agreements, guaranties, waivers, consents, modifications, amendments or other documents executed or delivered in connection with the New Financing Documents; (b) perform all of its obligations under the New Financing Documents; and (c) take all such other actions that the New Financing Lenders may determine are necessary, appropriate or desirable (but only to the extent required under the New Financing Documents) in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the New

 

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Financing Documents. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that, under applicable non-bankruptcy law, any execution, delivery and performance of New Financing Documents would otherwise require the consent or approval of the stockholders, members, managers or directors of any of the Debtors or Reorganized Debtors, this Confirmation Order constitutes such consent or approval, and such actions are deemed to have been taken by unanimous action of the directors, members, managers, and stockholders of the appropriate Debtor or Reorganized Debtor. To the fullest extent possible under section 1123(a)(5) of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable jurisprudence in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and this District, the execution and consummation of the transactions under the New Financing Documents are not conditioned, prohibited, or otherwise limited by any otherwise applicable non-bankruptcy law.

22. The guarantees, mortgages, pledges, Liens and other security interests granted and continued pursuant to the New Financing Documents have been and are granted in good faith, for legitimate business purposes, for reasonably equivalent value, and will be deemed not to constitute a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, will not otherwise be subject to avoidance, or subject to recharacterization for any purpose whatsoever, and the priorities of such Liens and security interests will be as set forth in the New Financing Documents.

23. Compromise of Controversies . In consideration for the distributions and other benefits, including releases, provided under the Plan, the provisions of the Plan constitute a good faith compromise and settlement of all Claims, Interests, and controversies resolved under the Plan and the entry of this Confirmation Order constitutes approval of such compromise and settlement under Bankruptcy Rule 9019.

24. Assumption or Rejection of Contracts and Leases . Pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan, on the

 

30


Effective Date, each Debtor shall be deemed to have assumed each Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease to which it is a party (as may have been amended by the Debtors following the Petition Date) unless any such Executory Contract or Unexpired Leases (a) is listed on the Rejection Schedule, (b) has been previously assumed or rejected by Final Order or has been assumed or rejected by the Debtors by order of the Bankruptcy Court as of the Effective Date, which order becomes a final order after the Effective Date, or (c) is the subject of a motion to assume or reject pending as of the Effective Date. Except as otherwise provided in this Confirmation Order, any and all objections or reservations of rights in connection with the assumption or rejection of an Executory Contract or Unexpired Lease under the Plan, if any, are overruled on their merits.

25. Authorization to Consummate . The Debtors are authorized to consummate the Plan at any time after the entry of this Confirmation Order subject to satisfaction or waiver (by the required parties) of the conditions precedent to Consummation set forth in Article IX of the Plan.

26. Professional Compensation . All requests for payment of Professional Claims for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to the Confirmation Date must be filed no later than 45 days after the Effective Date. The Bankruptcy Court shall determine the Allowed amounts of such Professional Claims after notice and a hearing in accordance with the procedures established by the Bankruptcy Code. The Reorganized Debtors shall pay Professional Claims in Cash in the amount the Court allows. From and after the Confirmation Date, any requirement that Professionals comply with sections 327 through 331 and 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code in seeking retention or compensation for services rendered after such date shall terminate, and the Debtors and Reorganized Debtors may employ and pay

 

31


any professional (including attorneys, accountants, auditors, financial advisors and other professionals) in the ordinary course of business without any further notice to or action, order, or approval of the Court.

27. Release, Exculpation, Discharge and Injunction Provisions . The release, exculpation, discharge, injunction and related provisions set forth in Article VIII of the Plan are approved and authorized, and such provisions are effective and binding on all Persons and Entities to the extent provided therein.

28. Exemption from Transfer Taxes . In accordance with section 1146(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, any transfers of property under the Plan, including the grant of Liens and security interests in collateral as provided in the New Financing Documents (and the perfection of such Liens and security interests), are not subject to any document recording tax, stamp tax, conveyance fee, intangibles or similar tax, mortgage tax, stamp act, real estate transfer tax, mortgage recording tax, or other similar tax or governmental assessment, and upon entry of this Confirmation Order, the appropriate state or local governmental officials or agents shall forgo the collection of any such tax or governmental assessment and accept for filing and recordation any of the foregoing instruments or other documents without the payment of any such tax, recordation fee, or governmental assessment.

29. Documents, Mortgages and Instruments . Each federal, state, commonwealth, local, foreign, or other governmental agency is authorized to accept any and all documents, mortgages, and instruments necessary or appropriate to effectuate, implement, or consummate the Plan, including the transactions set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.19 of the Plan, and this Confirmation Order.

 

32


30. Continued Effect of Stays and Injunction . Unless otherwise provided in the Plan or this Confirmation Order, any injunction or stay arising under or entered during the Chapter 11 Cases under sections 105 or 362 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise that is in existence on the Confirmation Date shall remain in full force and effect until the Effective Date.

31. Nonseverability of Plan Provisions Upon Confirmation . Except as set forth herein, each provision of the Plan is: (a) valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms; (b) integral to the Plan and may not be deleted or modified without the Debtors’ consent; and (c) nonseverable and mutually dependent.

32. Post-Confirmation Modifications . Without need for further order or authorization of the Court, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors, as applicable, are authorized and empowered to make any and all modifications to any and all documents that are necessary to effectuate the Plan that do not materially modify the terms of such documents and are consistent with the Plan, subject, in the case of the New Financing Documents, to the approval of the New Financing Lenders, not to be unreasonably withheld (except that notwithstanding the foregoing any alterations, amendments, updates, or modifications to the New Financing Documents instead shall be governed by the terms of the New Financing Documents). Subject to certain restrictions and requirements set forth in section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 3019 and those restrictions on modifications set forth in the Plan, the Debtors and the Reorganized Debtors expressly reserve their respective rights to revoke or withdraw, or to alter, amend, or modify materially the Plan, after Confirmation, and, to the extent necessary, may initiate proceedings in the Court to so alter, amend, or modify the Plan, or remedy any defect or omission, or reconcile any inconsistencies in the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, or this Confirmation Order, in such manner as may be necessary to carry out the

 

33


purposes and intent of the Plan, subject, in the case of any alteration, amendment, or modification that materially and adversely effects New Financing Lenders, in their capacity as such, to the approval of the New Financing Lenders, not to be unreasonably withheld (except that notwithstanding the foregoing any alterations, amendments, updates, or modifications to the New Financing Documents instead shall be governed by the terms of the New Financing Documents). Any such modification or supplement shall be considered a modification of the Plan and shall be made in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Plan. Any modifications to the Plan shall be subject to the Restructuring Support Agreement so long as such agreement shall remain effective.

33. Governmental Approvals Not Required . This Confirmation Order shall constitute all approvals and consents required, if any, by the laws, rules, or regulations of any state or other governmental authority with respect to the dissemination, implementation or consummation of the Plan and the Disclosure Statement, any documents, instruments or agreements, and any amendments or modifications thereto, and any other acts referred to in, or contemplated by, the Plan and the Disclosure Statement.

34. Notices of Confirmation and Effective Date . The Reorganized Debtors shall serve notice of entry of this Confirmation Order and the occurrence of the Effective Date, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “ Effective Date Notice ”), in accordance with Bankruptcy Rules 2002 and 3020(c) on all holders of Claims and Interests and the Core Notice Parties; provided , however , that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Debtors are not required to serve the Effective Date Notice on Customers (as defined in the Scheduling Order). Notwithstanding the above, no notice of Confirmation or occurrence of the Effective Date or service of any kind shall be required to be mailed or made upon any Entity to whom the Debtors

 

34


mailed notice of the Confirmation Hearing, but received such notice returned marked “undeliverable as addressed,” “moved, left no forwarding address” or “forwarding order expired,” or similar reason, unless the Debtors have been informed in writing by such Entity, or are otherwise aware, of that Entity’s new address. The above-referenced notices are adequate under the particular circumstances of the Chapter 11 Cases and no other or further notice is necessary.

35. Failure of Consummation . If the Effective Date does not occur, then: (a) the Plan will be null and void in all respects; (b) any settlement or compromise embodied in the Plan, assumption or rejection of Executory Contracts or Unexpired Leases effected by the Plan, and any document or agreement executed pursuant to the Plan will be null and void in all respects; and (c) nothing contained in the Plan or Disclosure Statement shall (i) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims, Interests, or Causes of Action, (ii) prejudice in any manner the rights of any Debtor or any other Entity, or (iii) constitute an admission, acknowledgement, offer, or undertaking of any sort by any Debtor or any other Entity.

36. Termination of the Restructuring Support Agreement . On the Effective Date, the Restructuring Support Agreement will terminate in accordance with Section 3.1(b)(3) thereof.

37. Substantial Consummation . On the Effective Date, the Plan shall be deemed to be substantially consummated under sections 1101 and 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code.

38. Resolution of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Comments . The George W. Prescott Publishing Company Pension Plan (the “ Pension Plan ”) and the rights of all parties relating thereto shall not be modified or affected by any provision of the Plan, and shall be continued after the Effective Date in accordance with the terms of the Pension Plan and

 

35


otherwise applicable non-bankruptcy law. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, Disclosure Statement or the Confirmation Order, neither the Plan, the Disclosure Statement, or the Confirmation Order will (1) release, discharge or exculpate any party with respect to “controlled group liability” owed to the Pension Plan or PBGC under the ERISA, or the Internal Revenue Code or (2) release, discharge or exculpate any party for fiduciary breach related to the Pension Plan; or (3) enjoin or prevent the Pension Plan and the PBGC from collecting such liability from a liable party or any controlled group members, subject to all rights, privileges, and defenses of any such liable party or controlled group members arising from the terms of the Pension Plan and otherwise applicable non-bankruptcy law

39. Secured Debt Claims Arising Out of Swap Liability Agreements . The amount of the Allowed Secured Debt Claim held by Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC on account of the Swap Liability Agreements (as identified in Article 3.2(d)(2)(c) of the Plan) shall be fixed in the amount of $30,459,488.00 plus interest calculated at the contract non-default rate from and including the Petition Date to but excluding the Effective Date of the Plan.

40. Resolution of Internal Revenue Service Comments . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Plan, this Confirmation Order, or any document implementing the Plan (collectively, the “ Plan Documents ”), nothing in the Plan Documents shall: (1) affect the ability of the Internal Revenue Service (“ IRS ”) to pursue any non-debtors to the extent allowed by non-bankruptcy law for any liabilities that may be related to any federal tax liabilities owed by the Debtors or the Debtors’ Estates; (2) affect the rights of the IRS to assert setoff and recoupment, which rights are expressly preserved; or (3) discharge any claim of the IRS described in Section 1141(d)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code

 

36


41. Resolution of American International Group, Inc ., et al. Comments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan Documents, nothing in the Plan Documents shall impair or otherwise affect the legal, equitable or contractual rights, obligations and defenses of the insurance affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (collectively, “ AIG ”) against the debtors, arising out of or in connection with any insurance policies, related agreements, endorsements, or documents between AIG and any of the Debtors (the “ AIG Insurance Agreements ”). Notwithstanding the Plan Documents, the rights, obligations and defenses of the parties thereto shall be determined pursuant to the AIG Insurance Agreements under applicable non-bankruptcy law, including, without limitation, obligations to pay, provisions regarding arbitration, and all other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions thereof.

42. Resolution of Environmental Protection Agency Comments . Nothing in the Plan or this Order discharges or releases the Debtors or any other entity from any Environmental Claims (as defined below) or impairs any ability of a Governmental Unit (as defined in the Bankruptcy Code) to pursue any Environmental Claim against any Debtor, Reorganized Debtor or non-debtor. Any Environmental Claims shall survive the Chapter 11 Cases as if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced and shall be determined in the manner and by the administrative or judicial tribunals in which such Environmental Claims would have been resolved or adjudicated if the Chapter 11 Cases had not been commenced. “ Environmental Claims ” means all claims or causes of action of, or liabilities to, any Governmental Unit under any United States environmental statute and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, and all analogous domestic state or local statutes and regulations.

 

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43. Waiver of Stay . For good cause shown, the stay of this Confirmation Order provided by any Bankruptcy Rule is waived, and this Confirmation Order shall be effective and enforceable immediately upon its entry by the Court.

44. References to and Omissions of Plan Provisions . References to articles, sections, and provisions of the Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the interpretation of the Plan. The failure to specifically include or to refer to any particular article, section, or provision of the Plan in this Confirmation Order shall not diminish or impair the effectiveness of such article, section, or provision, it being the intent of the Court that the Plan be confirmed in its entirety and incorporated herein by this reference.

45. Headings . Headings utilized herein are for convenience and reference only, and do not constitute a part of this Confirmation Order for any other purpose.

46. Effect of Conflict . This Confirmation Order supersedes any Court order issued prior to the Confirmation Date that may be inconsistent with this Confirmation Order. If there is any inconsistency between the terms of the Plan and the terms of this Confirmation Order, the terms of this Confirmation Order govern and control.

47. Final Order . This Confirmation Order is a final order and the period in which an appeal and/or motion for reconsideration may be timely filed shall commence upon the entry hereof.

48. Retention of Jurisdiction . The Court may properly, and upon the Effective Date shall, to the full extent set forth in the Plan, retain jurisdiction over all matters arising out of, and related to, the Chapter 11 Cases, including the matters set forth in Article XI of the Plan and section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this

 

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Confirmation Order or the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court’s retention of jurisdiction shall not govern the enforcement of the New Financing Documents or any Liens, security interests, rights or remedies related thereto except to the extent that the Confirmation Order has been vacated or reversed, but instead, such enforcement shall be governed as set forth in the New Financing Documents.

 

Dated:   November  6 , 2013    
  Wilmington, Delaware    
     

/s/ Mary F. Walrath

      Mary F. Walrath
      United States Bankruptcy Judge

 

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EXHIBIT A

The Plan


EXHIBIT B

Proposed Effective Date Notice


IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

   )   
In re:    )    Chapter 11
   )   
GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.,    )    Case No. 13-12503 (MFW)
a Delaware Corporation,  et al . 1    )   
   )    (Joint Administered)
Debtors.    )   

 

   )    Ref. Docket No.     

NOTICE OF (I) ENTRY OF ORDER APPROVING DISCLOSURE

STATEMENT FOR AND CONFIRMING DEBTORS’ JOINT PREPACKAGED

CHAPTER 11 PLAN AND (II) OCCURRENCE OF EFFECTIVE DATE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on November 6, 2013, the Honorable Mary F. Walrath, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “ Bankruptcy Court ”) entered the Order Approving the Debtors’ Disclosure Statement For, and Confirming, the Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan [Docket No.     ] (the “ Confirmation Order ”) approving the Disclosure Statement 2 [Docket No.     ] and confirming the Plan of the above-captioned debtors in possession (the “ Debtors ”).

 

1   The Debtors in these cases, along with the last four digits of each Debtor’s federal tax identification number, are: GateHouse Media, Inc. (7635), Copley Ohio Newspapers, Inc. (4372), ENHE Acquisition, LLC (1504), Enterprise NewsMedia Holding, LLC (8259), Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC (4672), Enterprise Publishing Company, LLC (4666), GateHouse Media Arkansas Holdings, Inc. (7662), GateHouse Media California Holdings, Inc. (7639), GateHouse Media Colorado Holdings, Inc. (0190), GateHouse Media Connecticut Holdings, Inc. (1954), GateHouse Media Corning Holdings, Inc. (5234), GateHouse Media Delaware Holdings, Inc. (1987), GateHouse Media Directories Holdings, Inc. (4513), GateHouse Media Florida Holdings, Inc. (6448), GateHouse Media Freeport Holdings, Inc. (1508), GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (8902), GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings II, Inc. (5361), GateHouse Media Illinois Holdings, Inc. (7640), GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. (9759), GateHouse Media Iowa Holdings, Inc. (7643), GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings II, Inc. (7914), GateHouse Media Kansas Holdings, Inc. (7644), GateHouse Media Lansing Printing, Inc. (2242), GateHouse Media Louisiana Holdings, Inc. (9708), GateHouse Media Management Services, Inc. (7665), GateHouse Media Massachusetts I, Inc. (1503), GateHouse Media Massachusetts II, Inc. (0859), GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings II, Inc. (7963), GateHouse Media Michigan Holdings, Inc. (7646), GateHouse Media Minnesota Holdings, Inc. (7648), GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings II, Inc. (8013), GateHouse Media Missouri Holdings, Inc. (7649), GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings II, Inc. (8054), GateHouse Media Nebraska Holdings, Inc. (4763), GateHouse Media Nevada Holdings, Inc. (4978), GateHouse Media New York Holdings, Inc. (7660), GateHouse Media North Dakota Holdings, Inc. (1506), GateHouse Media Ohio Holdings, Inc. (5464), GateHouse Media Oklahoma Holdings, Inc. (6313), GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. (7636), GateHouse Media Pennsylvania Holdings, Inc. (7661), GateHouse Media Suburban Newspapers, Inc. (5577), GateHouse Media Tennessee Holdings, Inc. (6415), GateHouse Media Ventures, Inc. (7638), George W. Prescott Publishing Company, LLC (4668), Liberty SMC, L.L.C. (6016), Low Realty, LLC (4679), LRT Four Hundred, LLC (4676), Mineral Daily News Tribune, Inc. (3343), News Leader, Inc. (4473), SureWest Directories (7472), Terry Newspapers, Inc. (1037), and The Peoria Journal Star, Inc. (9820). The address of the Debtors’ corporate headquarters is 350 WillowBrook Office Park, Fairport, NY 14450.
2   Unless otherwise defined in this notice, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the [        ] [Docket No.     ] (as modified, and including all supplements, the “ Plan ”)


PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Confirmation Order and the Plan are available for inspection. If you would like to obtain a copy of the Confirmation Order or the Plan, you may contact Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC (“ Epiq ”), the notice, claims, and solicitations agent retained by the Debtors in these Chapter 11 Cases, by: (a) calling Epiq at (646) 282-2500; (b) visiting the Debtors’ restructuring website at: www.epiq11.com/GHM; or (c) writing to GateHouse Media, Inc. Ballot Processing Center, c/o Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC, FDR Station, P.O. Box 5071, New York, New York 10150-5071. You may also obtain copies of any pleadings filed in these Chapter 11 Cases for a fee via PACER at: www.deb.uscourts.gov.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Effective Date of the Plan occurred on November [    ], 2013.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Bankruptcy Court has approved certain discharge, release, exculpation, injunction and related provisions in Article VIII of the Plan.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Plan and its provisions are binding on the Debtors, the Reorganized Debtors, New Media, and any holder of a Claim or an Interest and such holder’s respective successors and assigns, whether or not the Claim or the Interest of such holder is Impaired under the Plan, and whether or not such holder or Entity voted to accept the Plan.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Plan and the Confirmation Order contain other provisions that may affect your rights. You are encouraged to review the Plan and the Confirmation Order in their entirety.

 

Dated:   November [    ], 2013     YOUNG CONAWAY STARGATT & TAYLOR, LLP
  Wilmington, Delaware    
     

 

      Pauline K. Morgan (No. 3650)
      Joel A. Waite (No. 2925)
      Patrick A. Jackson (No. 4976)
      Ryan M. Bartley (No. 49850
      Rodney Square
      1000 North King Street
      Wilmington, Delaware 19801
      Telephone: (302) 571-6600
      Facsimile: (302) 571-1253
      Counsel for the Reorganized Debtors

Exhibit 3.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

 

 

Pursuant to the

Delaware General Corporation Law

 

 

New Media Investment Group Inc. (the “ Corporation ”), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”), does hereby certify as follows:

(1) The original certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (the “ Original Certificate ”) was filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 18, 2013.

(2) This amended and restated certificate of incorporation (this “ Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation ”) was duly adopted by the board of directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) and by the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the DGCL.

(3) This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and amends the Original Certificate.

(4) Effective as of [ ], 2013, the text of the Original Certificate is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

FIRST : The name of the Corporation is New Media Investment Group Inc.

SECOND : The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The name of its registered agent at that address is The Corporation Trust Company.

THIRD : The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the DGCL.

FOURTH : (a)  Authorized Capital Stock . The total number of shares of stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is two billion, three hundred thousand (2,000,300,000) shares of capital stock, consisting of (i) two billion (2,000,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”) and (ii) three hundred thousand (300,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “ Preferred Stock ”).

(b) Common Stock . The powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, of the Common Stock are as follows:

(1) Voting . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by law or the relevant Preferred Stock Designation (as defined in Part (c) of this Article FOURTH) of any class or series of Preferred Stock, each holder of record of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of the stockholders and shall have one vote for each share held by such holder of record.


(2) Dividends . Subject to applicable law and the preferential rights as to dividends of the holders of all classes or series of stock at the time outstanding, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors.

(3) Liquidation . In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “ Liquidation Event ”), the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive, subject to the preferential rights as to distributions upon such Liquidation Event of each of the creditors of the Corporation and the holders of all classes or series of stock at the time outstanding, their ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets of the Corporation. The term “Liquidation Event” shall not be deemed to be occasioned by or to include any voluntary consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or entity or other corporations or entities or a sale, lease, or conveyance of all or a part of the Corporation’s assets.

(4) No Cumulative Voting Rights . No holder of shares of Common Stock shall have cumulative voting rights.

(5) No Preemptive Rights . No holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to preemptive, subscription, redemption, or conversion rights.

(c) Preferred Stock .

(1) The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of the Preferred Stock in one or more classes or series, by filing a certificate pursuant to §151(g) of the DGCL (hereinafter referred to as a “ Preferred Stock Designation ”), to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix for each such class or series such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors and stated in the applicable Preferred Stock Designation, providing for the issuance of such class or series, including, without limitation, the authority to provide that any such class or series may be (i) subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (ii) entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes or any other series; (iii) entitled to such rights upon the dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation; or (iv) convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of stock, or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock, of the Corporation at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; all as may be stated in such resolution or resolutions.

(2) The Common Stock shall be subject to the express terms of any series of Preferred Stock. Except as required by a Preferred Stock Designation or applicable law, holders of Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of stockholders.

 

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(d) Power to Sell and Purchase Shares . Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to issue and sell all or any part of any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized to such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not greater consideration could be received upon the issue or sale of the same number of shares of another class, and as otherwise permitted by law. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Corporation shall have the power to purchase any shares of any class of stock herein or hereafter authorized from such persons, and for such consideration, as the Board of Directors shall from time to time, in its discretion, determine, whether or not less consideration could be paid upon the purchase of the same number of shares of another class, and as otherwise permitted by law.

(e) Non-Voting Stock . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Corporation shall not be authorized to issue non-voting capital stock of any class, series or other designation to the extent prohibited by Section 1123(a)(6) of chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, as amended (the “Bankruptcy Code”); provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall (i) have no further force and effect beyond that required under Section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) only have such force and effect for so long as such Section 1123(a)(6) is in effect and applies to the Corporation and (iii) be deemed void or eliminated if required under applicable law.

FIFTH : The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders.

(a) Number . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of a Board of Directors consisting of not fewer than three nor more than eleven members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors.

(b) Classes . From and after the date of the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the Listing, the directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the Entire Board of Directors. The initial division of the Board of Directors into classes shall be made by the decision of the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors. The term of the initial Class I directors assigned at the time of the Listing shall terminate on the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing; the term of the initial Class II directors assigned at the time of the Listing shall terminate on the date of the second annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing; and the term of the initial Class III directors assigned at the time of the Listing shall terminate on the date of the

 

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third annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders beginning with the annual meeting of stockholders held in 2014, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class or from the removal from office, death, disability, resignation or disqualification of a director or other cause shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

(c) Removal . Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director or the Entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors (the “ Voting Shares ”), provided , however , that for so long as the Fortress Stockholders (as defined in Part (a) of Article ELEVENTH), collectively, beneficially own (as defined in Part (a) of Article ELEVENTH) at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, any director or the Entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares. The vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Directors caused by any such removal shall be filled by the Board of Directors as provided in Part (e) of this Article FIFTH.

(d) Term of Office . A director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall be elected and shall qualify, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal from office.

(e) Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships . Unless otherwise required by law, and subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock, any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, and any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, by a sole remaining director, or, solely in the event of the removal of the Entire Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.

(f) Powers . In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by statute expressly conferred upon the directors, the directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the DGCL, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and any bylaws adopted by the stockholders; provided , however , that no bylaws hereafter adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if such bylaws had not been adopted.

 

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(g) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Unless otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes (a) may be called at any time by either (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one or (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, if there be one, and (b) shall be called by any such officer at the request in writing of (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) a committee of the Board of Directors that has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers include the authority to call such meetings or (iii) the Fortress Stockholders provided that the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. If at any time the Fortress Stockholders do not, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, the ability of the stockholders to call or cause a special meeting of stockholders to be called is hereby specifically denied.

(h) Management Agreements . The Board of Directors may authorize the execution and performance by the Corporation of one or more agreements with any person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization (including, without limitation, any one or more of an affiliate of the Corporation and the Corporation’s directors) whereby, subject to the supervision and control of the Board of Directors, any such other person, corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or other organization (including, without limitation, any one or more of an affiliate of the Corporation and/the Corporation’s directors) shall render or make available to the Corporation managerial, operational, investment, either or both advisory and related services, office space and other services and facilities (including, if deemed advisable by the Board of Directors, the management or supervision of the operations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries) upon such terms and conditions as may be provided in such agreement or agreements (including, if deemed fair and equitable by the Board of Directors, the compensation payable thereunder by the Corporation).

SIXTH : No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. If the DGCL is amended hereafter to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as so amended. Any repeal or modification of this Article SIXTH shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

SEVENTH : The Corporation shall indemnify its directors and officers, to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, as now or hereafter in effect, and such right to indemnification shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit of such director’s or officer’s heirs, executors, and personal and legal representatives; provided , however , that, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or

 

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officer (or such director’s or officer’s heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors. The right to indemnification conferred by this Article SEVENTH shall include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer receiving advancement to repay the amount advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation under this Article SEVENTH.

The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article SEVENTH to directors and officers of the Corporation.

The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this Article SEVENTH shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as either or both amended and restated from time to time), the bylaws of the Corporation, as either or both amended and restated from time to time (the “ Bylaws ”), any statute, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

The Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her or on his or her behalf in such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

Any repeal or modification of this Article SEVENTH shall not adversely affect any rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or modification.

EIGHTH : Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, provided , however , that at any time the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by stockholders, including the Fortress Stockholders, holding at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

NINTH : Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the DGCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws.

 

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TENTH :

(a) In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Entire Board of Directors shall be required to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws. The Bylaws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, provided , however , that at any time the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, the Bylaws also may be adopted, amended, altered or repealed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors.

(b) Notwithstanding Part (a) of this Article TENTH, or any other provision of the Bylaws (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or to adopt any provision as part of the Bylaws inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Section 2.3 (Special Meetings), Section 2.11 (Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting), Section 3.1 (Duties and Powers), Section 3.2 (Number and Election of Directors), Section 3.3 (Vacancies), Section 3.6 (Resignations and Removals of Directors), Article IX and Article XI (Definitions) (collectively, the “ Specified Bylaws ”), provided , however , that at any time that the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, the Specified Bylaws also may be amended, altered, changed, or repealed, in whole or in part, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors (and, for the avoidance of doubt, without approval of the stockholders).

ELEVENTH : (a) Definitions . For purposes of this Article ELEVENTH, the following definitions shall apply:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to a given person, any other person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such person; provided , however , that for purposes of this definition and this Article ELEVENTH, none of (i) the New Media Entities and any entities (including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or other persons) in which such New Media Entities hold, directly or indirectly, an ownership interest, on the one hand, or (ii) the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates (excluding any New Media Entities or other entities described in clause (i)), on the other hand, shall be deemed to be “Affiliates” of one another. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as applied to any person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership of, or the power to vote, 10% or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or other

 

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persons acting in similar capacities) of such person or the power otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

beneficially own ” and “ beneficial ownership ” and similar terms used herein shall be determined in accordance with Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Corporate Opportunity ” shall include, but not be limited to, business opportunities that the Corporation is financially able to undertake, which are, from their nature, in the line of the Corporation’s business, are of practical advantage to it and are ones in which the Corporation has an interest or a reasonable expectancy, and in which, by embracing the opportunities, the self-interest of the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates or their officers or directors will be brought into conflict with that of any of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates.

Entire Board of Directors ” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

Fortress Affiliate Stockholders ” shall mean (A) any director of the Corporation who may be deemed an Affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“ FIG ”), (B) any director or officer of FIG or its Affiliates and (C) any investment funds (including any managed accounts) managed directly or indirectly by FIG or its Affiliates.

Fortress Stockholders ” shall mean (i) the Initial Stockholder and (ii) each Fortress Affiliate Stockholder and (iii) each Permitted Transferee.

Governmental Entity ” shall mean any national, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, any court, arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission, or other governmental or regulatory authority, commission, or agency, or any non-governmental, self-regulatory authority, commission, or agency.

Initial Stockholder ” shall mean Newcastle Investment Corp. and its Subsidiaries (other than Subsidiaries that constitute New Media Entities).

Judgment ” shall mean any order, writ, injunction, award, judgment, ruling, or decree of any Governmental Entity.

Law ” shall mean any statute, law, code, ordinance, rule, or regulation of any Governmental Entity.

Lien ” shall mean any pledge, claim, equity, option, lien, charge, mortgage, easement, right-of-way, call right, right of first refusal, “tag”- or “drag”- along right, encumbrance, security interest, or other similar restriction of any kind or nature whatsoever.

Listing ” shall mean the listing of the Common Stock on the NYSE or other national securities exchange.

 

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New Media Entities ” means the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, and “New Media Entity” shall mean any of the New Media Entities.

Permitted Transferee ” shall mean, with respect to each Fortress Stockholder, (i) any other Fortress Stockholder, (ii) such Fortress Stockholder’s Affiliates and (iii) in the case of any Fortress Stockholder, (A) any member or general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholder (including, without limitation, any member of the Initial Stockholder), (B) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity that is an Affiliate of such Fortress Stockholder or any member, general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholder (collectively, “ Fortress Stockholder Affiliates ”), (C) any investment funds managed directly or indirectly by such Fortress Stockholder or any Fortress Stockholder Affiliate (a “ Fortress Stockholder Fund ”), (D) any general or limited partner of any Fortress Stockholder Fund, (E) any managing director, general partner, director, limited partner, officer, or employee of any Fortress Stockholder Affiliate, or any spouse, lineal descendant, sibling, parent, heir, executor, administrator, testamentary trustee, legatee, or beneficiary of any of the foregoing persons described in this clause (E) (collectively, “ Fortress Stockholder Associates ”), or (F) any trust, the beneficiaries of which, or any corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the stockholders, members or general or limited partners of which, consist solely of any one or more of such Fortress Stockholders, any general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholders, any Fortress Stockholder Affiliates, any Fortress Stockholder Funds, any Fortress Stockholder Associates, their spouses or their lineal descendants.

Restriction ” with respect to any capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, shall mean any voting or other trust or agreement, option, warrant, preemptive right, right of first offer, right of first refusal, escrow arrangement, proxy, buy-sell agreement, power of attorney or other contract, any Law, license, permit, or Judgment that, conditionally or unconditionally, (i) grants to any person the right to purchase or otherwise acquire, or obligates any person to sell or otherwise dispose of or issue, or otherwise results or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time or both or otherwise, may result in any person acquiring, (A) any of such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, (B) any of the proceeds of, or any distributions paid or that are or may become payable with respect to, any of such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, or (C) any interest in such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security or any such proceeds or distributions, (ii) restricts or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time or both or otherwise, is reasonably likely to restrict the transfer or voting of, or the exercise of any rights or the enjoyment of any benefits arising by reason of ownership of, any such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security or any such proceeds or distributions or (iii) creates or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time, or both, or otherwise, is reasonably likely to create a Lien or purported Lien affecting such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company or other equity interest or security, proceeds or distributions.

Subsidiary ” with respect to any person means: (i) a corporation, a majority of whose capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is at the time,

 

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directly or indirectly owned by such person, by a Subsidiary of such person, or by such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person, without regard to whether the voting of such capital stock is subject to a voting agreement or similar Restriction, (ii) a partnership or limited liability company in which such person or a Subsidiary of such person is, at the date of determination, (A) in the case of a partnership, a general partner of such partnership with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such partnership or (B) in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or, in the absence of a managing member, a member with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such limited liability company or (iii) any other person (other than a corporation) in which such person, a Subsidiary of such person or such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (A) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the governing body of such person (whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar restriction) or (B) in the absence of such a governing body, a majority ownership interest.

(b) Fortress Stockholders . In anticipation and in recognition that:

(1) the Initial Stockholder or its Permitted Transferees or their Affiliates will be significant stockholders of the Corporation;

(2) any one or more directors, officers and employees of the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates may serve as any one or more directors, officers, and employees of the New Media Entities and their Affiliates;

(3) the New Media Entities and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, may engage in the same, similar or related lines of business and may have an interest in the same, similar or related areas of corporate opportunities;

(4) the New Media Entities and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, may enter into, engage in, perform and consummate contracts, agreements, arrangements, transactions and other business relations including one or more management agreements and amendments thereof; and

(5) the New Media Entities and their Affiliates will derive benefits therefrom and through their continued contractual, corporate and business relations with the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH are set forth to regulate, define and guide, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the conduct of certain affairs of the New Media Entities and their Affiliates as they may involve the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates and their officers and directors, and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the New Media Entities and their Affiliates and their officers, directors and stockholders in connection therewith.

(c) Related Business Activities . Except as the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, on the other hand, may otherwise agree in writing, the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates shall have the right to, and shall have no duty to abstain from exercising such right to, (i) engage or invest, directly

 

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or indirectly, in the same, similar, or related business activities or lines of business as the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, (ii) do business with any client, customer, vendor or lessor of any of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates or (iii) employ or otherwise engage any officer, director or employee of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates and officers, directors and employees thereof (subject to Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH) shall not have or be under any fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty or duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Corporation or its stockholders and shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for any breach or alleged breach thereof or for any derivation of any personal economic gain by reason of any such activities of the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates or of any of their officers’, directors’ or employees’ participation therein.

(d) Corporate Opportunity . Except as the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, on the other hand, may otherwise agree in writing, if the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates, or any officer, director or employee thereof (subject to the provisions of Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH), acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a Corporate Opportunity for the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates, none of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates or any stockholder thereof shall have an interest in, or expectation that, such Corporate Opportunity be offered to it or that it be offered an opportunity to participate therein, and any such interest, expectation, offer or opportunity to participate, and any other interest or expectation otherwise due to the Corporation or any other New Media Entity with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, is hereby renounced by the Corporation on its behalf and on behalf of the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders in accordance with Section 122(17) of the DGCL. Accordingly, subject to Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH and except as the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates may otherwise agree in writing, (i) none of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates or any officer, director or employee thereof will be under any obligation to present, communicate or offer any such Corporate Opportunity to the New Media Entities or their Affiliates and (ii) the Fortress Stockholders and any of their Affiliates shall have the right to hold any such Corporate Opportunity for their own account, or to direct, recommend, sell, assign or otherwise transfer such Corporate Opportunity to any person or persons other than the New Media Entities and their Affiliates, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Fortress Stockholders and their respective Affiliates and officers, directors and employees thereof (subject to Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH) shall not have or be under any fiduciary duty, duty of loyalty or duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Corporation, the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders and shall not be liable to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities or their respective Affiliates and stockholders for any breach or alleged breach thereof or for any derivation of personal economic gain by reason of the fact that any of the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates or any of their officers, directors or employees pursues or acquires the Corporate Opportunity for itself, or directs, recommends, sells, assigns, or otherwise transfers the Corporate Opportunity to another person, or any of the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates or any of their officers, directors or employees does not present, offer or communicate information regarding the Corporate Opportunity to the New Media Entities or their Affiliates.

(e) Directors, Officers and Employees . Except as the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, on the other hand,

 

11


may otherwise agree in writing, in the event that a director or officer of any of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates who is also a director, officer or employee of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a Corporate Opportunity or is offered a Corporate Opportunity, if (i) such person acts in good faith and (ii) such knowledge of such potential transaction or matter was not obtained solely in connection with, or such Corporate Opportunity was not offered to such person solely in, such person’s capacity as director or officer of any of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, then (A) such director, officer or employee, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, (1) shall be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled such person’s fiduciary duty to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (2) shall not have or be under any fiduciary duty to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders and shall not be liable to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities or their respective Affiliates and stockholders for any breach or alleged breach thereof by reason of the fact that any of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates pursues or acquires the Corporate Opportunity for itself, or directs, recommends, sells, assigns or otherwise transfers the Corporate Opportunity to another person, or any of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates or such director, officer or employee does not present, offer or communicate information regarding the Corporate Opportunity to the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, (3) shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believes to be in, and not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders for the purposes of Article SIXTH and the other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and (4) shall not have any duty of loyalty to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders or any duty not to derive any personal benefit therefrom and shall not be liable to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities or their respective Affiliates and stockholders for any breach or alleged breach thereof for purposes of Article SIXTH and the other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as a result thereof and (B) such potential transaction or matter that may be a Corporate Opportunity, or the Corporate Opportunity, shall belong to the applicable Fortress Stockholder or respective Affiliates thereof (and not to any of the New Media Entities or Affiliates thereof).

(f) Agreements with Fortress Stockholders . The New Media Entities and their Affiliates may from time to time enter into and perform one or more agreements (or modifications or supplements to pre-existing agreements) with the Fortress Stockholders and their respective Affiliates pursuant to which the New Media Entities and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fortress Stockholders and their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, agree to engage in transactions of any kind or nature with each other and/or agree to compete, or to refrain from competing or to limit or restrict their competition, with each other, including to allocate and to cause their respective directors, officers and employees (including any who are directors, officers or employees of both) to allocate corporate opportunities between or to refer corporate opportunities to each other. Subject to Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH, except as otherwise required by Law, and except as the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, on the other hand, may otherwise agree in writing, no such agreement, or the performance thereof by the New Media Entities and their Affiliates, or the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates, shall be considered contrary to or inconsistent with any fiduciary duty to the Corporation, any other New Media Entity or their respective Affiliates and stockholders of any director or officer of the Corporation, any other

 

12


New Media Entity or any Affiliate thereof who is also a director, officer or employee of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates or to any stockholder thereof. Subject to Part (e) of this Article ELEVENTH, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, and except as the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates, on the one hand, and the New Media Entities or their Affiliates, on the other hand, may otherwise agree in writing, none of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates shall have or be under any fiduciary duty to refrain from entering into any agreement or participating in any transaction referred to in this Part (f) of Article ELEVENTH and no director, officer or employee of the Corporation, any other New Media Entity or any Affiliate thereof who is also a director, officer or employee of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates shall have or be under any fiduciary duty to the Corporation, the other New Media Entities and their respective Affiliates and stockholders to refrain from acting on behalf of the Fortress Stockholders or their Affiliates in respect of any such agreement or transaction or performing any such agreement in accordance with its terms.

(g) Ambiguity . For the avoidance of doubt and in furtherance of the foregoing, nothing contained in this Article ELEVENTH amends or modifies, or will amend or modify, in any respect, any written contractual arrangement between the Fortress Stockholders or any of their Affiliates, on the one hand and the New Media Entities or any of their Affiliates, on the other hand.

(h) Application of Provision . This Article ELEVENTH shall apply as set forth above except as otherwise provided by Law. It is the intention of this Article ELEVENTH to take full advantage of statutory amendments, the effect of which may be to specifically authorize or approve provisions such as this Article ELEVENTH. No alteration, amendment, termination, expiration or repeal of this Article ELEVENTH nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article ELEVENTH shall eliminate, reduce, apply to or have any effect on the protections afforded hereby to any director, officer, employee or stockholder of the New Media Entities or their Affiliates for or with respect to any investments, activities or opportunities of which such director, officer, employee or stockholder becomes aware prior to such alteration, amendment, termination, expiration, repeal or adoption, or any matters occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article ELEVENTH, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, termination, expiration, repeal or adoption.

(i) Deemed Notice . Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH.

(j) Chairman or Chairman of a Committee . For purposes of this Article ELEVENTH, a director who is chairman of the Board of Directors or chairman of a committee of the Board of Directors is not deemed an officer of the Corporation by reason of holding that position unless that person is a full-time employee of the Corporation.

(k) Severability . If this Article ELEVENTH or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, this Article ELEVENTH shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to avoid a violation of law and, as so modified, this Article ELEVENTH and the remaining provisions hereof shall remain valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

13


Neither the alteration, amendment or repeal of this Article ELEVENTH nor the adoption of any provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with this Article ELEVENTH shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article ELEVENTH in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article ELEVENTH, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption. Following the expiration of this Article ELEVENTH, any contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction involving a Corporate Opportunity shall not by reason thereof result in any breach of any fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty or failure to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Corporation or derivation of any improper benefit or personal economic gain, but shall be governed by the other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws, the DGCL and other applicable law.

TWELFTH : The Bylaws may establish procedures regulating the submission by stockholders of nominations, proposals and other business for consideration at meetings of stockholders of the Corporation.

THIRTEENTH : The Corporation expressly elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.

FOURTEENTH : The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the DGCL, and all rights herein conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to such reservation; provided , however , that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or to adopt any provision as part of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Articles FIFTH, EIGHTH, TENTH or ELEVENTH of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or this Article FOURTEENTH.

FIFTEENTH : The Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

[Signature page follows]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be executed on its behalf this [ ] day of [ ], 2013.

 

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.
By:  

 

  Name:   Cameron D. MacDougall
  Title:   Secretary

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

A Delaware Corporation

Effective [ ], 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page  
ARTICLE I  

OFFICES

     1   

Section 1.1

  

Registered Office

     1   

Section 1.2

  

Other Offices

     1   
ARTICLE II  

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

     1   

Section 2.1

  

Place of Meetings

     1   

Section 2.2

  

Annual Meetings

     1   

Section 2.3

  

Special Meetings

     1   

Section 2.4

  

Notice

     2   

Section 2.5

  

Adjournments

     2   

Section 2.6

  

Waiver of Notice

     2   

Section 2.7

  

Quorum

     3   

Section 2.8

  

Organization

     3   

Section 2.9

  

Voting

     3   

Section 2.10

  

Proxies

     3   

Section 2.11

  

Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting

     4   

Section 2.12

  

List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote

     4   

Section 2.13

  

Record Date

     5   

Section 2.14

  

Stock Ledger

     6   

Section 2.15

  

Meetings by Remote Communications

     6   

Section 2.16

  

Reproductions

     6   

Section 2.17

  

Conduct of Meetings

     7   

Section 2.18

  

Inspectors of Election

     7   

Section 2.19

  

Nature of Business at Meetings of Stockholders

     7   

Section 2.20

  

Nomination of Directors

     10   

Section 2.21

  

Requirement to Appear

     13   
ARTICLE III  

DIRECTORS

     14   

Section 3.1

  

Duties and Powers

     14   

Section 3.2

  

Number and Election of Directors

     14   

Section 3.3

  

Vacancies

     15   

Section 3.4

  

Meetings

     15   

Section 3.5

  

Organization

     16   

Section 3.6

  

Resignations and Removals of Directors

     16   

Section 3.7

  

Quorum

     17   

Section 3.8

  

Action at Meeting

     17   

Section 3.9

  

Actions of the Board by Written Consent

     17   

Section 3.10

  

Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone

     17   

Section 3.11

  

Committees

     18   

Section 3.12

  

Compensation

     18   

Section 3.13

  

Interested Directors

     18   

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page  
ARTICLE IV  

OFFICERS

     19   

Section 4.1

  

General

     19   

Section 4.2

  

Election

     19   

Section 4.3

  

Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation

     19   

Section 4.4

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

     20   

Section 4.5

  

Chief Executive Officer

     20   

Section 4.6

  

President

     20   

Section 4.7

  

Chief Financial Officer

     21   

Section 4.8

  

Vice Presidents

     21   

Section 4.9

  

Secretary

     21   

Section 4.10

  

Other Officers

     22   

Section 4.11

  

Resignation

     22   

Section 4.12

  

Removal

     22   
ARTICLE V  

STOCK

     22   

Section 5.1

  

Issuance and Consideration

     22   

Section 5.2

  

Share Certificates

     22   

Section 5.3

  

Uncertificated Shares

     23   

Section 5.4

  

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

     23   

Section 5.5

  

Transfers

     23   

Section 5.6

  

Record Owners

     23   

Section 5.7

  

Transfer and Registry Agents

     23   

Section 5.8

  

Regulations

     23   
ARTICLE VI  

NOTICES

     24   

Section 6.1

  

Notices

     24   

Section 6.2

  

Waivers of Notice

     24   
ARTICLE VII  

GENERAL PROVISIONS

     25   

Section 7.1

  

Dividends

     25   

Section 7.2

  

Disbursements

     25   

Section 7.3

  

Fiscal Year

     25   

Section 7.4

  

Corporate Seal

     25   

Section 7.5

  

Records to be Kept

     26   

Section 7.6

  

Execution of Instruments

     26   

Section 7.7

  

Certificate of Incorporation

     26   

Section 7.8

  

Construction

     26   

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

              Page  
ARTICLE VIII  

INDEMNIFICATION

     26   

Section 8.1

  

Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation

     26   

Section 8.2

  

Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation

     27   

Section 8.3

  

Authorization of Indemnification

     27   

Section 8.4

  

Good Faith Defined

     28   

Section 8.5

  

Indemnification by a Court

     28   

Section 8.6

  

Expenses Payable in Advance

     28   

Section 8.7

  

Non-exclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

     29   

Section 8.8

  

Insurance

     29   

Section 8.9

  

Certain Definitions

     29   

Section 8.10

  

Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses

     30   

Section 8.11

  

Contractual Rights

     30   

Section 8.12

  

Limitation on Indemnification

     30   

Section 8.13

  

Indemnification of Employees and Agents

     30   

Section 8.14

  

Severability

     30   
ARTICLE IX  

AMENDMENTS

     31   

Section 9.1

  

Amendments

     31   
ARTICLE X  

EMERGENCY BYLAWS

     31   

Section 10.1

  

Emergency Board of Directors

     31   

Section 10.2

  

Membership of Emergency Board of Directors

     32   

Section 10.3

  

Powers of the Emergency Board

     32   

Section 10.4

  

Stockholders’ Meeting

     32   

Section 10.5

  

Emergency Corporate Headquarters

     32   

Section 10.6

  

Limitation of Liability

     32   

Section 10.7

  

Amendments; Repeal

     32   
ARTICLE XI      DEFINITIONS      33   

Section 11.1

  

Certain Defined Terms

     33   

 

iii


AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

Adopted by the Board of Directors and Stockholders of New Media Investment Group Inc. (the “ Corporation ”) on [ ], 2013, as amended and restated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on [ ], 2013 (as amended and restated, the “ Bylaws ”).

ARTICLE I

OFFICES

Section 1.1 Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation shall be in the State of Delaware at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801; and the Corporation shall have and maintain at all times a registered agent located at such address whose name is The Corporation Trust Company, until changed from time to time as provided by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as in effect from time to time (the “ DGCL ”).

Section 1.2 Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “ Board of Directors ”) may from time to time determine.

ARTICLE II

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 2.1 Place of Meetings . All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of the stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication in the manner authorized by the DGCL

Section 2.2 Annual Meetings . A meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors shall be held annually on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors (each, an “Annual Meeting”). Any other business prescribed by law, by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and restated from time to time (the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”), or elsewhere in these Bylaws may be transacted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Section 2.3 Special Meetings . Unless otherwise required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of stockholders, for any purpose or purposes (a) may be called at any time by either (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one or (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, if there be one, and (b) shall be called by the Chairman or Chief Executive Officer at the request in writing of (i) the Board of Directors, (ii) a committee of the Board of Directors that has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers include the

 

1


authority to call such meetings or (iii) the Fortress Stockholders provided that the Fortress Stockholders (as defined in Section 11.1 of Article XI), collectively, beneficially own (as defined in Section 11.1 of Article XI) at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors (the “ Voting Shares ”). Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. At any time the Fortress Stockholders do not, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, the ability of the stockholders to call or cause a special meeting of stockholders to be called is hereby specifically denied. At a special meeting of stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall be specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto).

Section 2.4 Notice . Except as otherwise provided by law, these Bylaws or the Certificate of Incorporation, whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be given in accordance with Section 6.1 hereof, which shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting (or the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person), describing the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. Unless otherwise required by law, such notice of any meeting shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting, except that, where any other minimum or maximum notice period for any action to be taken at such meeting is required under the DGCL, then such other minimum or maximum notice period shall control.

Section 2.5 Adjournments . Any meeting of the stockholders may be adjourned from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.4 hereof shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.

Section 2.6 Waiver of Notice . Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall not be required to be given to any stockholder who shall attend such meeting in person or by proxy and shall not, at the beginning of such meeting, object to the transaction of any business because the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened, or who shall, either before or after the meeting, submit a signed waiver of notice or waive notice by electronic transmission, in person or by proxy. To the extent permitted by law, a stockholder’s attendance at a meeting, in person or by proxy, waives objection to consideration of a particular matter at the meeting that is not within the purpose or purposes described in the meeting notice, unless the stockholder objects to considering the matter when it is presented. Any stockholder so waiving notice of a meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

 

2


Section 2.7 Quorum . Unless otherwise required by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the Corporation’s capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business. Where a separate vote by one or more series or classes is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such one or more series or classes present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. A quorum, once established, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, in the manner provided in Section 2.5 hereof, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

Section 2.8 Organization . Such person as the Chairman of the Board may have designated or, in the absence of such person, such person as the Board of Directors may have designated or, in the absence of such person, the Chief Executive Officer, or in the Chief Executive Officer’s absence, such person as may be chosen by the holders of a majority of the Corporation’s shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman of the meeting appoints.

Section 2.9 Voting . Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, or permitted by the rules of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed and traded, any question brought before any meeting of the stockholders, other than the election of directors, shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the Corporation’s capital stock present or represented at the meeting and entitled to vote on such question, voting as a single class. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to Section 2.13(a) of this Article II, each stockholder present or represented at a meeting of the stockholders shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote for each share of the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder. Such votes may be cast in person or by proxy as provided in Section 2.10 of this Article II. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, or person acting as chairman of the meeting of the stockholders, in such person’s discretion, may require that any votes cast at such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.

Section 2.10 Proxies . Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted upon after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Any proxy to be used at a meeting of stockholders must be filed with the Secretary or the Secretary’s representative at or before the time of the meeting. Except as otherwise limited therein, proxies shall entitle the persons authorized thereby with respect to a meeting of stockholders to vote at any adjournment of such meeting but shall not be valid after final adjournment of such meeting. A proxy with respect to stock held in the name of two or more persons shall be valid if executed by one of them if the person signing appears to be acting on behalf of all the co-owners unless prior to exercise of the proxy the Corporation receives a specific written notice to the contrary

 

3


from any one of them. Subject to the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL and to any express limitation on the proxy’s authority provided in the appointment form, the Corporation is entitled to accept the proxy’s vote or other action as that of the stockholder making the appointment. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy, the following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority:

(a) A stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy. Execution may be accomplished by the stockholder or such stockholder’s authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing such person’s signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means, including, but not limited to, by facsimile or electronic signature.

(b) A stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a facsimile, email or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such facsimile, email, or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that such transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that such facsimile, email, or other means of electronic transmission is valid, the inspectors or, if there are no inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information on which they relied.

Section 2.11 Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting . Subject to the provisions of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof, provided , however , that at any time the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by stockholders, including the Fortress Stockholders, holding at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

Section 2.12 List of Stockholders Entitled to Vote . In accordance with Section 219 of the DGCL, the officer of the Corporation who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make available, at least 10 days before every meeting of the stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder; provided , however , that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the 10 th day before the meeting date. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting either (i) on a reasonably

 

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accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.

Section 2.13 Record Date .

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of the stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 60 nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided , however , that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this clause (a) at the adjourned meeting.

(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting (if an action in writing is then permitted under the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation and these Bylaws), the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than 10 days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by applicable law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of the stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by applicable law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

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(c) Any stockholder’s notice requesting the setting of a record date pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 2.13 shall be valid and effective only if received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation and only if it contains the information set forth in Section 2.19 (and, if such notice relates to the nomination of any person for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation, the questionnaire, representation and agreement required by Section 2.20 must also be delivered with and at the same time as such notice). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation. In addition, a stockholder requesting a record date for proposed stockholder action by consent shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation.

Section 2.14 Stock Ledger . The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by Section 2.12 of this Article II or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of the stockholders.

Section 2.15 Meetings by Remote Communications . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, if authorized by the Board of Directors, any annual or special meeting of stockholders, whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or by means of remote communication, may be conducted in whole or in part by means of remote communication. If authorized by the Board of Directors, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board of Directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communications: (a) participate in such meeting of stockholders; and (b) be deemed present in person and vote at such meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication, provided that: (i) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder; (ii) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.

Section 2.16 Reproductions . Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a vote, consent, waiver, proxy appointment or other action by a stockholder or by the proxy or other agent of any stockholder may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or electronic transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or electronic transmission could be used, so long as the copy, facsimile or other reproduction is a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or electronic transmission.

 

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Section 2.17 Conduct of Meetings .

(a) The Board of Directors of the Corporation may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of any meeting of the stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board of Directors, the chairman of any meeting of the stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board of Directors or prescribed by the chairman of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) the determination of when the polls shall open and close for any given matter to be voted on at the meeting; (iii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iv) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the chairman of the meeting shall determine; (v) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (vi) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

(b) The chairman of any meeting of stockholders shall have the power and duty to determine all matters relating to the conduct of the meeting, including determining whether any nomination or item of business has been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with these Bylaws (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, solicited (or is part of a group that solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies in support of such stockholder’s nominee or proposal in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by Section 2.19), and if the chairman should so determine and declare that any nomination or item of business has not been properly brought before a meeting of stockholders, then such business shall not be transacted or considered at such meeting and such nomination shall be disregarded. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

Section 2.18 Inspectors of Election . In advance of any meeting of the stockholders, the Board of Directors, by resolution, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Each inspector, before assuming the duties of inspector, shall take and sign an oath to execute faithfully the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and shall take charge of the polls and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by applicable law.

Section 2.19 Nature of Business at Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business (other than nominations for election to the Board of Directors, which must comply with the provisions of Section 2.20 of this Article II) may be transacted at an Annual Meeting as is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of

 

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the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (b) otherwise properly brought before the Annual Meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), or (c) otherwise properly brought before the Annual Meeting by any stockholder of the Corporation (i) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.19 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such Annual Meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.19. This Section shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make business proposals before a special meeting of stockholders (other than matters properly bought under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting). Subject to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed to permit any stockholder, or give any stockholder the right, to include or have disseminated or described in the Corporation’s proxy statement any business proposal.

In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an Annual Meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation.

To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or be mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided , however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year, or the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not earlier than the opening of business 120 days before the date of such annual meeting, and not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of an Annual Meeting, or the public announcement of such an adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth the following information:

(a) as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting, (1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the Annual Meeting; (2) the text of the proposal to be voted on by stockholders (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the language of the proposed amendment); (3) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; and (4) a description of any direct or indirect material interest of the stockholder or of any beneficial owner on whose behalf the proposal is made, or their respective affiliates, in such business (whether by holdings of securities, or by virtue of being a creditor or contractual counterparty of the Corporation or of a third party, or otherwise), and all agreements, arrangements and understandings between such stockholder or any such beneficial owner or their respective affiliates and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) in connection with the proposal of such business; and

 

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(b) as to the stockholder giving notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is being made (each, a “ Party ”), (1) the name and address of such Party (in the case of each stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books); (2) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially or held of record by such Party or any of its affiliates (naming such affiliates); (3) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including any swap or other derivative or short position, profit interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation or similar right with exercise or conversion privileges, hedging transactions, and securities lending or borrowing arrangement) to which such Party or any of its affiliates is, directly or indirectly, a party as of the date of such notice (x) with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation; or (y) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage the potential risk or benefit of security price changes (increases or decreases) for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such Party or any of its affiliates with respect to securities of the Corporation or which has a value derived in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the value (or change in value) of any securities of the Corporation, in each case whether or not subject to settlement in the underlying security of the Corporation (each such agreement, arrangement or understanding, a “ Disclosable Arrangement ”) (specifying in each case (I) the effect of such Disclosable Arrangement on voting or economic rights in securities in the Corporation, as of the date of the notice; and (II) any changes in such voting or economic rights which may arise pursuant to the terms of such Disclosable Arrangement); (4) any proxy, agreement, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Party has a right to vote, directly or indirectly, any shares of any security of the Corporation; (5) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially by such Party that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation; (6) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Disclosable Arrangements held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such Party is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner; (7) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such Party is directly or indirectly entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Disclosable Arrangements, if any, as of the date of such notice, including any such interests held by members of such Party’s immediate family sharing the same household; (8) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination; (9) a representation whether such Party intends, or is part of a group which intends, either or both (x) to deliver either or both a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee; and (y) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected; (10) any other information relating to such Party required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, either or both the proposal and for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (11) a certification regarding whether such Party has complied with all federal, state, and other legal requirements in connection with any one or more of such Party’s acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and such Party’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation.

 

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A stockholder providing notice of business proposed to be brought before an Annual Meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.19 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and such update and supplement shall be delivered to or be mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting.

No business shall be conducted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders except business brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.19; provided , however , that, once business has been properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with such procedures, nothing in this Section 2.19 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any such business. If the chairman of an Annual Meeting determines that business was not properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman shall declare at the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not be transacted.

Nothing contained in this Section 2.19 shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision of law).

Section 2.20 Nomination of Directors . Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation, except as may be otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation with respect to the right of holders of preferred stock of the Corporation to nominate and elect a specified number of directors in certain circumstances. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at any Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or at any Special Meeting of Stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, (a) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof) or (b) by any stockholder of the Corporation (i) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.20 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such Annual Meeting or Special Meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.20. This Section shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations before a special meeting of stockholders (other than matters properly bought under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and included in the Corporation’s notice of meeting). Subject to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed to permit any stockholder, or give any stockholder the right, to include or have disseminated or described in the Corporation’s proxy statement any nomination of director or directors.

In addition to any other applicable requirements for a nomination to be made by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

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To be timely, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must be delivered to or be mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation (a) in the case of an Annual Meeting, not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided , however , that in the event that no annual meeting was held in the previous year, or the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not earlier than the opening of business 120 days before the date of such annual meeting, and not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs; and (b) in the case of a Special Meeting of Stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the Special Meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the Special Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. In no event shall the adjournment or postponement of an Annual Meeting or a Special Meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, or the public announcement of such an adjournment or postponement, commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

In the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors at an annual meeting of stockholders is increased and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Corporation’s proxy statement released to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.20 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10 th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth the following information:

(a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (1) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case in accordance with Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and such other information as may be required by the Corporation pursuant to any policy of the Corporation governing the selection of directors publicly available (whether on the Corporation’s website or otherwise) as of the date of such notice; (2) such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (3) a statement whether such person, if elected, intends to tender any advance resignation notice(s) requested by the Board of Directors in connection with subsequent elections, such advance resignation to be contingent upon the nominee’s failure to receive a majority of the votes cast by stockholders and acceptance of such resignation by the Board of Directors; and (4) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder or any beneficial owner on whose behalf such nomination is made, or their respective affiliates, and each nominee or any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) in connection with the making of such nomination or nominations; and

 

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(b) as to the stockholder giving the notice, and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is being made, (1) the name and address of such Party (in the case of each stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books); (2) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially or held of record by such Party or any of its affiliates (naming such affiliates); (3) a description of any Disclosable Arrangement (including any swap or other derivative or short position, profit interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation or similar right with exercise or conversion privileges, hedging transactions, and securities lending or borrowing arrangement) to which such Party or any of its affiliates is, directly or indirectly, a party as of the date of such notice (x) with respect to shares of stock of the Corporation; or (y) the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss to, manage the potential risk or benefit of security price changes (increases or decreases) for, or increase or decrease the voting power of such Party or any of its affiliates with respect to securities of the Corporation or which has a value derived in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the value (or change in value) of any securities of the Corporation, in each case whether or not subject to settlement in the underlying security of the Corporation (specifying in each case (I) the effect of such Disclosable Arrangement on voting or economic rights in securities in the Corporation, as of the date of the notice; and (II) any changes in such voting or economic rights which may arise pursuant to the terms of such Disclosable Arrangement); (4) any proxy, agreement, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Party has a right to vote, directly or indirectly, any shares of any security of the Corporation; (5) any rights to dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned, directly or indirectly, beneficially by such Party that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation; (6) any proportionate interest in shares of the Corporation or Disclosable Arrangements held, directly or indirectly, by a general or limited partnership in which such Party is a general partner or, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns an interest in a general partner; (7) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that such Party is directly or indirectly entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation or Disclosable Arrangements, if any, as of the date of such notice, including any such interests held by members of such Party’s immediate family sharing the same household; (8) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination; and (9) a representation whether such Party intends, or is part of a group which intends, either or both (x) to deliver either or both a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee; and (y) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination. Such notice must be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected.

The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such nominee. In addition, a stockholder seeking to nominate a director candidate or bring another item of business before the annual meeting shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation. For purposes of these Bylaws, “ public announcement ” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

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A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at an Annual Meeting or Special Meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.20 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting or Special Meeting, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to or be mailed and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five business days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of such Annual Meeting or Special Meeting.

To be eligible to be a nominee for election or re-election by the stockholders as a director of the Corporation or to serve as a Director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (not later than the deadline prescribed in the foregoing) to the Secretary a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and, if applicable, the background of any other person on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request) that such person: (i) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person as to how such person, if elected as a director, will act or vote on any issue or question that has not been disclosed in such questionnaire; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed in such questionnaire; and (iii) in such person’s individual capacity and on behalf of any person on whose behalf the nomination is being made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director, and will comply with, applicable law and all conflict of interest, confidentiality and other policies and guidelines of the Corporation (including the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines) applicable to directors generally and publicly available (whether on the Corporation’s website or otherwise) as of the date of such representation and agreement.

No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.20. If the chairman of the meeting determines that a nomination was not made in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman shall declare to the meeting that the nomination was defective and such defective nomination shall be disregarded.

Section 2.21 Requirement to Appear . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2.19 and Section 2.20, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or item of business, such proposed business shall not be transacted and such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE III

DIRECTORS

Section 3.1 Duties and Powers . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

Section 3.2 Number and Election of Directors . The Board of Directors shall consist of not fewer than three nor more than eleven members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors. From and after the date of the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the Listing, the directors shall be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the Entire Board of Directors. The initial division of the Board of Directors into classes shall be made by the decision of the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors. The term of the initial Class I directors assigned at the time of Listing shall terminate on the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing; the term of the initial Class II directors assigned at the time of the Listing shall terminate on the date of the second annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing; and the term of the initial Class III directors assigned at the time of the Listing shall terminate on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders held after the Listing. At each succeeding annual meeting of stockholders beginning in 2014, successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, and any additional director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class or from the removal from office, death, disability, resignation or disqualification of a director or other cause shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director.

The Board of Directors shall present to the stockholders nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors (or recommend the election of such candidates as nominated by others) such that, and shall take such other corporate actions as may be reasonably required to provide that, to the best knowledge of the Board of Directors, if such candidates are elected by the stockholders, following the time of Listing, at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall be Independent Directors (as hereinafter defined). Following the time of Listing, the Board of Directors shall only elect any person to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors if, to the best knowledge of the Board of Directors, after such person’s election at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall be Independent Directors. The foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall not cause a director who, upon commencing such director’s service as a member of the Board of Directors was determined by the Board of Directors to be an Independent Director but did not in fact qualify as such, or who by reason of

 

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any change in circumstances ceases to qualify as an Independent Director, from serving the remainder of the term as a director for which such director was selected. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, no action of the Board of Directors shall be invalid by reason of the failure at any time of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors to be Independent Directors.

Except as provided in Section 3.3 of this Article III, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation, present in person or represented by proxy, and entitled to vote on the election of directors at any meeting of stockholders or in any action by written consent in lieu of such a meeting with respect to which (a) the Corporation receives a notice that a stockholder has nominated a person for election to the Board of Directors (including a notice that a stockholder seeks to include a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act) that was timely made in accordance with the applicable nomination periods provided in these Bylaws (or, in the case of a notice that a stockholder seeks to include a nominee in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act, the applicable notice periods provided in such rule), and (b) such nomination or notice has not been withdrawn (and, in the case of a notice under Rule 14a-11, the Corporation has not determined that it will exclude such proposed nominee from its proxy materials) on or before the 10 th day before the Corporation first mails its initial proxy statement in connection with such election of directors; provided , however , that the determination that directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast shall be determinative only as to the timeliness of a notice of nomination or notice under Rule 14a-11 and not otherwise as to its validity. If directors are to be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, stockholders shall not be permitted to vote against a nominee.

Section 3.3 Vacancies . Unless otherwise required by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the terms of any one or more classes or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, (i) any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, provided that a quorum is present, (ii) any other vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors may be filled by a majority of the Board of Directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director or (iii) solely in the event of the removal of the Entire Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors. Any director of any class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors of such class shall hold office for a term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class. Any director elected to fill a vacancy not resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of such director’s predecessor.

Section 3.4 Meetings . The Board of Directors and any committee thereof may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be held without notice at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors or such committee, respectively. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman, if there be one, the Chief Executive Officer, or by any two directors. Special meetings of any committee of the Board of Directors may be called by the chairman of such

 

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committee, if there be one, the Chief Executive Officer or any director serving on such committee. Notice thereof stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director (or, in the case of a committee, to each member of such committee) either by mail not less than 48 hours before the date of the meeting, by telephone, facsimile, email, or other electronic means on 24 hours’ notice, or on such shorter notice as the person or persons calling such meeting may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances. A notice of a special meeting of the Board of Directors need not specify the purpose of the meeting unless required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. Notice of any meeting of the Board shall not, however, be required to be given to any director who submits a signed waiver of notice, or waives notice of such meeting by electronic transmission, whether before or after the meeting, or if he or she shall be present at such meeting; and any meeting of the Board of Directors shall be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given if all the directors of the Corporation then in office shall be present thereat or shall have waived notice thereof.

The Independent Directors shall meet periodically without any member of management present and, except as the Independent Directors may otherwise determine, without any other director present to consider the overall performance of management and the performance of the role of the Independent Directors in the governance of the Corporation; such meetings shall be held in connection with a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors except as the Independent Directors shall otherwise determine.

Section 3.5 Organization . At each meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the chairman of such committee, as the case may be, or, in such chairman’s absence or if there be none, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman. Except as provided below, the Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary at each meeting of the Board of Directors and of each committee thereof. In case the Secretary shall be absent from any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, an Assistant Secretary shall perform the duties of secretary at such meeting; and in the absence from any such meeting of the Secretary and all the Assistant Secretaries, the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the members of each committee of the Board of Directors may appoint any person to act as secretary of any meeting of such committee and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation may, but need not if such committee so elects, serve in such capacity.

Section 3.6 Resignations and Removals of Directors . Any director of the Corporation may resign from the Board of Directors or any committee thereof at any time, by giving notice in writing or electronic transmission to (i) the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, or to the Chief Executive Officer, if there is no Chairman of the Board, and (ii) the Secretary of the Corporation and, in the case of a committee, to the chairman of such committee, if there be one. Such resignation shall take effect at the time therein specified or, if no time is specified, immediately; and, unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Except as otherwise required by applicable law and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of shares of preferred stock of the Corporation then outstanding, any director or the Entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, provided , however , that at any

 

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time the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, any director or the Entire Board of Directors may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares. The vacancy or vacancies in the Board of Directors caused by any such removal shall be filled by the Board of Directors as provided in Section 3.3. Any director serving on a committee of the Board of Directors may be removed from such committee at any time by the Board of Directors.

Section 3.7 Quorum . Except as otherwise required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the rules and regulations of any stock exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed and traded, at all meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of the Entire Board of Directors or a majority of the directors constituting such committee, as the case may be, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the directors or committee members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors or such committee, as applicable. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, a majority of directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

Section 3.8 Action at Meeting . At any meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present (or such smaller number as may make a determination pursuant to Section 145 of the DGCL or any successor provision), business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present at such meeting at which there is a quorum, except as is required or provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by any other provision of these Bylaws.

Section 3.9 Actions of the Board by Written Consent . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all the members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee. Action taken under this Section 3.9 is effective when the last director signs or delivers the consent, unless the consent specifies a different effective date. A consent signed or delivered under this Section 3.9 has the effect of a meeting vote and may be described as such in any document.

Section 3.10 Meetings by Means of Conference Telephone . Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 3.10 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

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Section 3.11 Committees . The Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation. Each member of a committee must meet the requirements for membership, if any, imposed by applicable law and the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the securities of the Corporation are listed or quoted for trading. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of any such committee. Subject to the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the securities of the Corporation are listed or quoted for trading, in the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, and in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors of an alternate member to replace the absent or disqualified member, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another qualified member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any absent or disqualified member. Any committee, to the extent permitted by law and provided in the resolution establishing such committee, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it. Each committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article III, the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing any committee of the Board of Directors and/or the charter of any such committee may establish requirements or procedures relating to the governance and/or operation of such committee that are different from, or in addition to, those set forth in these Bylaws and, to the extent that there is any inconsistency between these Bylaws and any such resolution or charter, the terms of such resolution or charter shall be controlling.

Section 3.12 Compensation . The Board of Directors, by affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, and irrespective of any personal interest of any of its members, may establish reasonable compensation (including reasonable pensions, disability or death benefits, and other benefits or payments) of directors for services to the Corporation as directors, or may delegate such authority to an appropriate committee. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary for service as director, payable in cash or securities. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for service as committee members.

Section 3.13 Interested Directors . No contract or transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association or other organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or officers or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because any such director’s or officer’s vote is counted for such purpose if: (i) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative

 

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votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 4.1 General . The officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer and a Secretary. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, also may choose a Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director but is not required to be an employee of the Corporation), a Treasurer and one or more Vice Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case of the Chairman of the Board of Directors (who must be a director), need such officers be directors of the Corporation. Whenever an officer or officers is absent, or whenever for any reason the Board of Directors may deem it desirable, the Board may delegate the powers and duties of any officer or officers to any director or directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time delegate the powers or duties of any officer to any other officers or agents, notwithstanding any other provision hereof.

Section 4.2 Election . The Board of Directors shall elect the officers of the Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors; and each officer of the Corporation shall hold office until such officer’s successor is elected and qualified, or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors, including by unanimous written consent. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.3 Voting Securities Owned by the Corporation . Powers of attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation by the President or any Vice President or any other officer authorized to do so by the Board of Directors and any such officer may, in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and power incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

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Section 4.4 Chairman of the Board of Directors . The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there be one, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be designated by the Board of Directors and, except where by law the signature of the President is required, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. During the absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5 Chief Executive Officer . The Chief Executive Officer shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and if there be one, the Chairman of the Board, have general supervision of the affairs of the Corporation and general and active control of all its business. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, provided the Chief Executive Officer is also a director, the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and the stockholders are carried into effect. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general authority to execute bonds, deeds and contracts in the name of the Corporation and affix the corporate seal thereto; to sign stock certificates; to cause the employment or appointment of such employees and agents of the Corporation as the proper conduct of operations may require, and to fix their compensation, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws; to remove or suspend any employee or agent who shall have been employed or appointed under the Chief Executive Officer’s authority or under authority of an officer subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer; to suspend for cause, pending final action by the authority which shall have elected or appointed the Chief Executive Officer, any officer subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer; and, in general, to exercise all the powers and authority usually appertaining to the chief executive officer of a corporation, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws.

Section 4.6 President . The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and, if there be one, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect. The President shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and execute documents when so authorized by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President. If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if the Board of Directors shall otherwise designate, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as may from time to time be assigned to such officer by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors.

 

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Section 4.7 Chief Financial Officer . The Chief Financial Officer shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and if there be one, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and President, keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as shall be designated by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such designation in such depositories, as the Chief Financial Officer shall from time to time deem proper. The Chief Financial Officer shall be the treasurer of the Corporation, unless a Treasurer shall be appointed. The Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Assistant Chief Financial Officer, shall sign all stock certificates as treasurer of the Corporation. The Chief Financial Officer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as shall be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, shall promptly render to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors such statements of the Chief Financial Officer’s transactions and accounts as the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors respectively may from time to time require, and in general, shall exercise all the powers and authority usually appertaining to the chief financial officer of a corporation, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws.

Section 4.8 Vice Presidents . At the request of the President or in the President’s absence or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Vice President, or the Vice Presidents if there are more than one (in the order designated by the Board of Directors), shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall designate an officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

Section 4.9 Secretary . Except as otherwise provided herein, the Secretary shall record all the proceedings of meetings of the Board of Directors and all meetings of the stockholders in a book or books to be kept for that purpose, and the Secretary shall also perform like duties for committees of the Board of Directors when required. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President, under whose supervision the Secretary shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest to the affixing by such officer’s signature. The Secretary shall see that all books, reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.

 

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Section 4.10 Other Officers . Such other officers as the Board of Directors may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.

Section 4.11 Resignation . Any officer may resign by delivering such officer’s written resignation to the Corporation at its principal office, and such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at a later time. If a resignation is made effective at a later date and the Corporation accepts the future effective date, the Board of Directors may fill the pending vacancy before the effective date if the Board of Directors provides that the successor shall not take office until the effective date. An officer’s resignation shall not affect the Corporation’s contract rights, if any, with the officer.

Section 4.12 Removal . The Board of Directors may remove any officer with or without cause. Nothing herein shall limit the power of any officer to discharge any subordinate.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 5.1 Issuance and Consideration . Subject to any applicable requirements of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may direct the Corporation to issue the number of shares of each class or series of stock authorized by the Certificate of Incorporation. The Board of Directors may authorize shares to be issued for any valid consideration. Before the Corporation issues shares, the Board of Directors shall determine that the consideration received or to be received for shares to be issued is adequate. That determination by the Board of Directors is conclusive insofar as the adequacy of consideration for the issuance of shares relates to whether the shares are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to any applicable requirements of law or the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall determine the terms upon which the rights, options, or warrants for the purchase of shares or other securities of the Corporation are issued by the Corporation and the terms, including the consideration, for which the shares or other securities are to be issued.

Section 5.2 Share Certificates . If shares are represented by certificates, at a minimum each share certificate shall state on its face: (a) the name of the Corporation and that it is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware; (b) the name of the person to whom issued; and (c) the number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, the certificate represents. The front or back of each certificate shall also set forth any information or statement required to be set forth thereon by the DGCL. Unless shares can be issued only in uncertificated form as contemplated by Section 5.3, each stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, either manually or in facsimile, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel or Secretary (if there be such officers appointed) or any two officers designated by the Board of Directors, certifying the name of shares owned by him or her. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be by facsimile, and any such certificate shall bear the corporate seal or its facsimile. If the person who signed, either manually or in facsimile, a share certificate no longer holds office when the certificate is issued, the certificate shall be nevertheless valid.

 

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Section 5.3 Uncertificated Shares . The Board of Directors may authorize the issue of some or all of the shares of any or all of the Corporation’s classes or series of capital stock without certificates. The authorization shall not affect shares already represented by certificates until they are surrendered to the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided in a resolution approved by the Board of Directors, all shares of capital stock of the Corporation issued after [ ], 2013 shall be uncertificated shares. To the extent required by the DGCL, within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of shares without certificates, the Corporation shall send the stockholder a written statement of the information required by the DGCL to be on physical share certificates of the Corporation.

Section 5.4 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . The Board of Directors may, subject to Delaware Code, Title 6, Section 8-405, determine the conditions upon which a new share certificate may be issued in place of any certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed, or wrongfully taken. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, require the owner of such share certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give a bond, sufficient in its opinion, with or without surety, to indemnify the Corporation against any loss or claim which may arise by reason of the issue of the new certificate.

Section 5.5 Transfers . Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of stock of the Corporation. Subject to any restrictions on transfer and except when a certificate is issued in accordance with Section 5.4, shares of stock represented by certificates may be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the surrender to the Corporation or its transfer agent of the certificate therefor properly endorsed or accompanied by a written assignment and power of attorney properly executed, with transfer stamps (if necessary) affixed, and with such proof of the authenticity of signature as the Corporation or its transfer agent may reasonably require. Upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered owner of uncertificated shares, such uncertificated shares shall be cancelled and the issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be recorded upon the books of the Corporation. A record shall be made of each transfer and whenever a transfer shall be made for collateral security, and not absolutely, it shall be so expressed in the entry of the transfer.

Section 5.6 Record Owners . The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by law.

Section 5.7 Transfer and Registry Agents . The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agencies and registry offices or agencies at such place or places as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Section 5.8 Regulations . The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

 

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ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 6.1 Notices . Whenever written notice is required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail, addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at such person’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission if consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed to be revoked if (i) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices by the Corporation in accordance with such consent and (ii) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice; provided, however, that the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. Notice given by electronic transmission, as described above, shall be deemed given: (i) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (ii) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice; (iii) if by a posting on an electronic network, together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (A) such posting and (B) the giving of such separate notice; and (iv) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the mailing or other means of giving any notice of any stockholders’ meeting, executed by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary or any transfer agent of the Corporation giving the notice, shall be prima facie evidence of the giving of such notice or report. Notice shall be deemed to have been given to all stockholders of record who share an address if notice is given in accordance with the “householding” rules set forth in Rule 14a-3(e) under the Exchange Act, and Section 233 of the DGCL. Notice to directors or committee members may be given personally or by telegram, telex, cable or other means of electronic transmission.

Section 6.2 Waivers of Notice . Whenever any notice is required by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director, member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person or persons entitled to notice whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Attendance of a person at a meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any Annual or

 

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Special Meeting of Stockholders or any regular or special meeting of the directors or members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 7.1 Dividends .

(a) Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the requirements of the DGCL and the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors (or any action by written consent in lieu thereof in accordance with Section 3.8 of Article III hereof), and may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in its absolute discretion, deems proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for purchasing any of the shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options, bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Corporation, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.

(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

Section 7.2 Disbursements . All checks or demands for money and notes of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.

Section 7.3 Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors. If the Board makes no determination to the contrary, the fiscal year of the Corporation shall be the twelve months ending on December 31 each year.

Section 7.4 Corporate Seal . The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware”. The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal (the original of which shall be kept with the Secretary) may be kept and used by the Treasurer or by an Assistant Treasurer or Assistant Secretary (if there be such officers appointed).

 

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Section 7.5 Records to be Kept .

(a) The Corporation shall keep as permanent records minutes of all meetings of its stockholders and Board of Directors, a record of all actions taken by the stockholders or Board of Directors without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken by a committee of the Board of Directors in place of the Board of Directors on behalf of the Corporation. The Corporation or its agent shall maintain a record of its stockholders, in a form that permits preparation of a list of the names and addresses of all stockholders, in alphabetical order by class or series of shares showing the number and class or series of shares held by each. The Corporation shall maintain its records in written form or in another form capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time.

(b) The Corporation shall keep within the State of Delaware a copy of such records at its principal office or an office of its transfer agent or of its Secretary or Assistant Secretary or of its registered agent as may be required by law.

Section 7.6 Execution of Instruments . The Board of Directors may authorize, or provide for the authorization of, officers, employees or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Corporation. Any such authorization must be in writing or by electronic transmission and may be general or limited to specific contracts or instruments.

Section 7.7 Certificate of Incorporation . All references in these Bylaws to the Certificate of Incorporation shall be deemed to refer to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended and in effect from time to time, including any certificate of designations in effect from time to time with respect to Preferred Stock.

Section 7.8 Construction . The words “include” and “including” and similar terms shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever used in these Bylaws, any noun or pronoun shall be deemed to include the plural as well as the singular and to cover all genders. Any reference in these Bylaws to provision of any statute shall be deemed to include any successor provision. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “person” shall be deemed to include any natural person or any corporation, organization or other entity.

ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.1 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation . Subject to Section 8.3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving

 

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at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

Section 8.2 Power to Indemnify in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation . Subject to Section 8.3 of this Article VIII, the Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses that the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

Section 8.3 Authorization of Indemnification . Any indemnification under this Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by a majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to former directors and officers, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Corporation. To the extent, however, that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding described above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

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Section 8.4 Good Faith Defined . For purposes of any determination under Section 8.3 of this Article VIII, a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The provisions of this Section 8.4 shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be.

Section 8.5 Indemnification by a Court . Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case under Section 8.3 of this Article VIII, and notwithstanding the absence of any determination thereunder, any director or officer may apply to the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible under Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 of this Article VIII. The basis of such indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 of this Article VIII, as the case may be. Neither a contrary determination in the specific case under Section 8.3 of this Article VIII nor the absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense to such application or create a presumption that the director or officer seeking indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of any application for indemnification pursuant to this Section 8.5 shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such application. If successful, in whole or in part, the director or officer seeking indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such application; provided , however , that such notice shall not be a requirement for an award of or a determination of entitlement to indemnification or advancement of expenses.

Section 8.6 Expenses Payable in Advance . To the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law, expenses (including attorneys’ and other professionals’ fees and disbursements and court costs) incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article VIII. Such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Corporation deems appropriate.

 

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Section 8.7 Non-exclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses . The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification of and advancement of expenses to the persons specified in Section 8.1 and Section 8.2 of this Article VIII shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law, including as a result of any amendment of the DGCL expanding the right of corporations to indemnify and advance expenses. The provisions of this Article VIII shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified in Section 8.1 or Section 8.2 of this Article VIII but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the DGCL, or otherwise. The Corporation’s obligation, if any, to indemnify, to hold harmless, or to provide advancement of expenses to any indemnitee who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee, agent or manager of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise or nonprofit entity (including service with respect to an employee benefit plan) shall be reduced by any amount such indemnitee actually collects as indemnification, holding harmless, or advancement of expenses from such other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise nonprofit entity.

Section 8.8 Insurance . The Corporation may purchase and maintain at its expense insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was a director or officer of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII or Delaware law. Nothing contained in this Article VIII shall prevent the Corporation from entering into with any person any agreement that provides independent indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights to such person or further regulates the terms on which indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights are to be provided to such person or provides independent assurance of any one or more of the Corporation’s obligations to indemnify, hold harmless, and exonerate such person, whether or not such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights are on the same or different terms than provided for by this Article VIII or is in respect of such person acting in any other capacity, and nothing contained herein shall be exclusive of, or a limitation on, any right to indemnification, to be held harmless, to exoneration or to advancement of expenses to which any person is otherwise entitled. The Corporation may create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means (including a letter of credit) to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to effect indemnification and the advancement of expenses as provided in this Article VIII.

Section 8.9 Certain Definitions . For purposes of this Article VIII, references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors

 

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or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was a director or officer of such constituent corporation serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. The term “another enterprise” as used in this Article VIII shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. For purposes of this Article VIII, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director or officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Article VIII.

Section 8.10 Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses . The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VIII shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Section 8.11 Contractual Rights . The rights conferred upon any person in this Article VIII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to any person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, trustee or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under any provision of this Article VIII shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of the Bylaws of this Corporation after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought (even in the case of a proceeding based on such a state of facts that is commenced after such time).

Section 8.12 Limitation on Indemnification . Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VIII to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification (which shall be governed by Section 8.5 of this Article VIII), the Corporation shall not be obligated to indemnify any director or officer (or such director’s or officer’s heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives) or advance expenses in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Section 8.13 Indemnification of Employees and Agents . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation similar to those conferred in this Article VIII to directors and officers of the Corporation.

Section 8.14 Severability . If this Article VIII or any portion hereof shall be invalidated or held to be unenforceable on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of which shall not have been reversed on appeal, this Article VIII shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to avoid a violation of law and, as so modified, this Article and the remaining provisions hereof shall remain valid and enforceable in accordance with their terms to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

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ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

Section 9.1 Amendments . These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal or adoption of new Bylaws be contained in the notice of such meeting (if there is one) of the stockholders or Board of Directors, as the case may be. All such alterations, amendments, repeals or adoptions must be approved by either the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the Entire Board of Directors, provided , however , that at any time the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding Voting Shares, any such alterations, amendments, repeals or adoptions may be approved by either the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the Entire Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of these Bylaws (and in addition to any other vote that may be required by law), the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal, or to adopt any provision as part of these Bylaws inconsistent with the purpose and intent of Section 2.3 (Special Meetings), Section 2.11 (Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of Meeting), Section 3.1 (Duties and Powers), Section 3.2 (Number and Election of Directors), Section 3.3 (Vacancies), Section 3.6 (Resignations and Removals of Directors), this Article IX and Article XI (Definitions) (collectively, the “ Specified Bylaws ”), provided , however , that at any time that the Fortress Stockholders, collectively, beneficially own at least 20% of the then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, the Specified Bylaws also may be amended, altered, changed, or repealed, in whole or in part, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Entire Board of Directors (and, for the avoidance of doubt, without approval of the stockholders).

ARTICLE X

EMERGENCY BYLAWS

Section 10.1 Emergency Board of Directors . In case of an attack on the United States or on a locality in which the Corporation conducts its business or customarily holds meetings of the Board of Directors or its stockholders, or during any nuclear or atomic disaster, or during the existence of any catastrophe, or other similar emergency condition, as a result of which a quorum of the Board of Directors or a committee thereof cannot readily be convened for action in

 

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accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of an Emergency Board of Directors (hereinafter called the “ Emergency Board ”) established in accordance with Section 10.2.

Section 10.2 Membership of Emergency Board of Directors . The Emergency Board shall consist of at least three of the following persons present or available at the Emergency Corporate Headquarters determined according to Section 10.5: (a) those persons who were directors at the time of the attack or other event mentioned in Section 10.1, and (b) any other persons appointed by such directors to the extent required to provide a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors. If there are no such directors present or available at the Emergency Corporate Headquarters, the Emergency Board shall consist of the three highest-ranking officers or employees of the Corporation present or available and any other persons appointed by them.

Section 10.3 Powers of the Emergency Board . The Emergency Board will have the same powers as those granted to the Board of Directors in these Bylaws, but will not be bound by any requirement of these Bylaws which a majority of the Emergency Board believes impracticable under the circumstances.

Section 10.4 Stockholders’ Meeting . At such time as it is practicable to do so, as determined in the sole discretion of the Emergency Board, the Emergency Board shall call a meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing directors. Such meeting will be held at a time and place (or by means of remote communication) to be fixed by the Emergency Board and pursuant to such notice to stockholders as it is deemed practicable to give. The stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 10.5 Emergency Corporate Headquarters . Emergency Corporate Headquarters shall be at such location as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer shall determine prior to the attack or other event, or if not so determined, at such place as the Emergency Board may determine.

Section 10.6 Limitation of Liability . No officer, director or employee acting in accordance with the provisions of this Article X shall be liable except for willful misconduct.

Section 10.7 Amendments; Repeal . At any meeting of the Emergency Board, the Emergency Board may modify, amend or add to the provisions of this Article X so as to make any provision that may be practical or necessary for the circumstances of the emergency. The provisions of this Article X shall be subject to repeal or change by further action of the Board of Directors or by action of the stockholders, but no such repeal or change shall modify the provisions of Section 10.6 with regard to action taken prior to the time of such repeal or change.

 

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ARTICLE XI

DEFINITIONS

Section 11.1 Certain Defined Terms . For purposes of these Bylaws, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “ Affiliate ” means, with respect to a given person, any other person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such person; provided , however , that for purposes of this definition and this Article XI, none of (i) the New Media Entities and any entities (including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or other persons) in which such New Media Entities hold, directly or indirectly, an ownership interest, on the one hand, or (ii) the Fortress Stockholders and their Affiliates (excluding any New Media Entities or other entities described in clause (i)), on the other hand, shall be deemed to be “Affiliates” of one another. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) as applied to any person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of beneficial ownership of, or the power to vote, 10% or more of the securities having voting power for the election of directors (or other persons acting in similar capacities) of such person or the power otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

(b) “ beneficially own ” and “ beneficial ownership ” and similar terms used herein shall be determined in accordance with Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act.

(c) “ Entire Board of Directors ” means the total number of directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies.

(d) “ Fortress Affiliate Stockholders ” shall mean (A) any director of the Corporation who may be deemed an Affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“ FIG ”), (B) any director or officer of FIG or its Affiliates and (C) any investment funds (including any managed accounts) managed directly or indirectly by FIG or its Affiliates.

(e) “ Fortress Stockholders ” shall mean (i) the Initial Stockholder, (ii) each Fortress Affiliate Stockholder and (iii) each Permitted Transferee.

(f) “ Governmental Entity ” shall mean any national, state, provincial, municipal, local or foreign government, any court, arbitral tribunal, administrative agency or commission or other governmental or regulatory authority, commission, or agency, or any non-governmental, self-regulatory authority, commission, or agency.

(g) “ Independent Director ” shall mean a director who (i) qualifies as an “independent director” within the meaning of the corporate governance listing standards from time to time adopted by the NYSE (or, if at any time the Corporation’s common stock is not listed on the NYSE and is listed on a stock exchange other than the NYSE, the applicable corporate governance listing standards of such stock exchange) with respect to the composition of the board of directors of a listed company (without regard to any independence criteria applicable under such standards only to the members of a committee of the board of directors) and (ii) also satisfies the minimum requirements of director independence of Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act (as from time to time in effect), whether or not such director is a member of the audit committee.

(h) “ Initial Stockholder ” shall mean Newcastle Investment Corp. and its Subsidiaries (other than Subsidiaries that constitute New Media Entities).

 

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(i) “ Judgment ” shall mean any order, writ, injunction, award, judgment, ruling, or decree of any Governmental Entity.

(j) “ Law ” shall mean any statute, law, code, ordinance, rule, or regulation of any Governmental Entity.

(k) “ Lien ” shall mean any pledge, claim, equity, option, lien, charge, mortgage, easement, right-of-way, call right, right of first refusal, “tag”- or “drag”- along right, encumbrance, security interest, or other similar restriction of any kind or nature whatsoever.

(l) “ Listing ” shall mean the listing of the Common Stock on the NYSE or other national securities exchange.

(m) “ New Media Entities ” means the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, and “ New Media Entity ” shall mean any of the New Media Entities.

(n) “ NYSE ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

(o) “ Permitted Transferee ” shall mean, with respect to each Fortress Stockholder, (i) any other Fortress Stockholder, (ii) such Fortress Stockholder’s Affiliates and (iii) in the case of any Fortress Stockholder, (A) any member or general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholder (including, without limitation, any member of the Initial Stockholder), (B) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity that is an Affiliate of such Fortress Stockholder or any member, general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholder (collectively, “ Fortress Stockholder Affiliates ”), (C) any investment funds managed directly or indirectly by such Fortress Stockholder or any Fortress Stockholder Affiliate (a “ Fortress Stockholder Fund ”), (D) any general or limited partner of any Fortress Stockholder Fund, (E) any managing director, general partner, director, limited partner, officer, or employee of any Fortress Stockholder Affiliate, or any spouse, lineal descendant, sibling, parent, heir, executor, administrator, testamentary trustee, legatee, or beneficiary of any of the foregoing persons described in this clause (E) (collectively, “ Fortress Stockholder Associates ”), or (F) any trust, the beneficiaries of which, or any corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the stockholders, members or general or limited partners of which, consist solely of any one or more of such Fortress Stockholders, any general or limited partner of such Fortress Stockholders, any Fortress Stockholder Affiliates, any Fortress Stockholder Fund, any Fortress Stockholders Associates, their spouses or their lineal descendants.

(p) “ Restriction ” with respect to any capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, shall mean any voting or other trust or agreement, option, warrant, preemptive right, right of first offer, right of first refusal, escrow arrangement, proxy, buy-sell agreement, power of attorney or other contract, any Law, license, permit, or Judgment that, conditionally or unconditionally, (i) grants to any person the right to purchase or otherwise acquire, or obligates any person to sell or otherwise dispose of or issue, or otherwise results or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time or both or otherwise, may result in any person acquiring, (A) any of such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, (B) any of the proceeds of, or any distributions paid or that are

 

34


or may become payable with respect to, any of such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security, or (C) any interest in such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security or any such proceeds or distributions, (ii) restricts or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time or both or otherwise, is reasonably likely to restrict the transfer or voting of, or the exercise of any rights or the enjoyment of any benefits arising by reason of ownership of, any such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company, or other equity interest or security or any such proceeds or distributions or (iii) creates or, whether upon the occurrence of any event or with notice or lapse of time, or both, or otherwise, is reasonably likely to create a Lien or purported Lien affecting such capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest in a limited liability company or other equity interest or security, proceeds or distributions.

(q) “ Subsidiary ” with respect to any person means: (i) a corporation, a majority of whose capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is at the time, directly or indirectly owned by such person, by a Subsidiary of such person, or by such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person, without regard to whether the voting of such capital stock is subject to a voting agreement or similar Restriction, (ii) a partnership or limited liability company in which such person or a Subsidiary of such person is, at the date of determination, (A) in the case of a partnership, a general partner of such partnership with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such partnership or (B) in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or, in the absence of a managing member, a member with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such limited liability company or (iii) any other person (other than a corporation) in which such person, a Subsidiary of such person or such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has (A) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the governing body of such person (whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar restriction) or (B) in the absence of such a governing body, a majority ownership interest.

* * *

Adopted as of: [ ], 2013

 

35

Exhibit 4.5

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

dated as of [ ], 2013

among

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

and

THE HOLDERS NAMED HEREIN


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                Page  

SECTION

 

1.

    

DEFINITIONS

     1   
  1.1     

Defined Terms

     1   
 

1.2

    

General Interpretive Principles

     4   

SECTION

 

2.

    

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

     4   
 

2.1

    

Demand Registrations

     4   
 

2.2

    

Shelf Registration

     6   
 

2.3

    

Reserved

     7   
 

2.4

    

Registration Procedures

     8   
 

2.5

    

Underwritten Offerings

     11   
 

2.6

    

Registration Expenses

     12   
 

2.7

    

Indemnification

     13   
 

2.8

    

Rules 144 and 144A

     15   

SECTION

 

3.

    

MISCELLANEOUS

     16   
 

3.1

    

Term

     16   
 

3.2

    

Notices

     16   
 

3.3

    

Successors, Assigns and Transferees

     17   
 

3.4

    

Governing Law; Service of Process; Consent to Jurisdiction

     17   
 

3.5

    

Headings

     18   
 

3.6

    

Severability

     18   
 

3.7

    

Amendment; Waiver

     18   
 

3.8

    

Counterparts

     18   
 

3.9

    

Questionnaire

     18   

 

-i-


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of [ ], 2013, by and between New Media Investment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”) and Omega Advisors, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, the “ Investor ”).

Recitals

A. WHEREAS, GateHouse Media Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “ GateHouse ” or the “ Debtors ”), the Investor and certain other parties have entered into the Plan (as defined below) pursuant to which the Investor will receive Common Stock of the Issuer; and

B. WHEREAS, as an inducement to the Investor to enter into the Plan, the Issuer has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement;

Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual promises, covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Adverse Disclosure ” means public disclosure of material non-public information, which disclosure in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer after consultation with counsel to the Issuer: (i) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement so that such Registration Statement would not be materially misleading, (ii) would not be required to be made at such time but for the filing of such Registration Statement and (iii) would materially interfere with any pending or contemplated material financing, acquisition or corporate reorganization or other material corporate development involving the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Bankruptcy Court ” means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware or such other court having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.

Business Day ” means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Chapter 11 Cases ” means the procedurally consolidated chapter 11 cases pending for the Debtors in the Bankruptcy Court.


Common Stock ” means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Issuer.

Confirmation Date ” means the date on which the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases within the meaning of Bankruptcy Rules 5003 and 9021.

Credit Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse, the Lenders and the administrative agent thereto, dated as of February 27, 2007 (as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time).

Credit Agreement Administrative Agent ” means Cortland Products Corp. (formerly known as Gleacher Products Corp.), in its capacity as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement.

Debtors ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Demand Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Demand Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Effective Date ” means the date that is a business day selected by the Debtors, subject to the prior written consent of the Plan Sponsor, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, and in consultation with the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent, after the Confirmation Date on which all conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Effective Date set forth in Section 9.1 of the Plan have been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.2 of the Plan; provided that such date shall occur on or before 30 days after the Confirmation Date unless a later date is consented to in writing by the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) in consultation with the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

FINRA ” shall mean the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

GateHouse ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Holder ” means any holder of Registrable Securities who is a party hereto or who becomes a party hereto and agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement pursuant to Section 3.3. As of the date hereof, the Holder is the Investor.

Investor ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Issuer ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall include the Issuer’s successors by merger, acquisition, reorganization or otherwise.

Lenders ” means the several banks and other financial institutions from time to time party to the Credit Agreement and Swap Liability Agreements.

 

2


Listing ” means the commencement of regular-way trading of the Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange.

Loss ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).

Person ” means any individual, firm, limited liability company or partnership, joint venture, corporation, joint stock company, trust or unincorporated organization, incorporated or unincorporated association, government (or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

Plan ” means Plan of Reorganization confirmed by order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, dated [ ], 2013, in the chapter 11 case commenced by GateHouse Media Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.

Plan Sponsor ” means Newcastle Investment Corp.

Prospectus ” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, all amendments and supplements to such prospectus and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

Questionnaire ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.9 hereof.

Registrable Securities ” means the securities of the Issuer issued to the Investor pursuant to the Plan on the Effective Date, and any securities and/or interests that may be paid, issued or distributed or be issuable in respect thereof by the Issuer by way of stock dividend, stock split or other distribution, merger, consolidation, exchange offer, recapitalization, reorganization or reclassification or similar transaction or exercise, exchange or conversion of any of the foregoing; provided , however , that any of the foregoing securities shall cease to be “Registrable Securities” to the extent (i) that a Registration Statement with respect to their sale has been declared effective under the Securities Act and they have been disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) they have been distributed pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in force) under the Securities Act or (iii) they shall have been otherwise transferred and shares not restricted as to transfer under the Securities Act shall have been delivered that may be publicly resold (without volume or method of sale restrictions) without registration under the Securities Act. For purposes of this Agreement, a “class” of Registrable Securities shall mean all securities with the same terms and a “percentage” (or a “majority”) of the Registrable Securities (or, where applicable, of any other securities) shall be determined based on the number of shares of such securities, in the case of Registrable Securities which are equity securities.

Registration ” means a registration of the Issuer’s securities for sale to the public under a Registration Statement.

Registration Demand ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Issuer filed with, or to be filed with, the SEC under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, and all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

3


SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Shelf Registration ” means a Registration effected pursuant to Section 2.2.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a Registration Statement of the Issuer filed with the SEC on Form S-3 (or any successor form or other appropriate form under the Securities Act) for an offering to be made on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act (or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC) covering the Registrable Securities.

Shelf Take-Down ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(d).

Suspension Period ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(e).

Swap Liability Agreement ” means “Secured Hedging Agreement”, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.

Underwritten Offering ” means a Registration in which securities of the Issuer are sold to an underwriter or underwriters on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public.

1.2 General Interpretive Principles . Whenever used in this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, any noun or pronoun shall be deemed to include the plural as well as the singular and to cover all genders. The name assigned this Agreement and the section captions used herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect hereof. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and similar terms refer to this Agreement as a whole (including the exhibits, schedules and disclosure statements hereto), and references herein to Sections refer to Sections of this Agreement.

SECTION 2. REGISTRATION RIGHTS

2.1 Demand Registrations .

(a) Demand by Holder . (i) At the request of Holder received prior to the 12 month period following the Listing (a “ Registration Demand ”), but in no event prior to the earlier of (A) 120 days following the Effective Date and (B) 14 days after the date all financial statements required to be filed in connection with the filing of a Registration Statement shall have been completed in the ordinary course of business, the Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a Registration Statement providing for the Registration and sale of all or part of the Registrable Securities by the Holder thereof and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable. Such requested

 

4


Registration shall hereinafter be referred to as a “ Demand Registration .” As promptly as reasonably practicable, but no later than five Business Days after receipt of a Registration Demand, the Issuer shall give written notice of such requested registration to all Holders of Registrable Securities. The Registration Demand shall specify the aggregate amount of Registrable Securities to be registered and the intended methods of disposition thereof. Subject to Section 2.1(e), the Issuer shall, as expeditiously as possible following a Registration Demand, cause to be filed with the SEC a Registration Statement providing for the registration under the Securities Act of the Registrable Securities which the Issuer has been so requested to register by all such Holders (the “ Demand Registration Statement ”) to the extent necessary to permit the disposition of such Registrable Securities to be registered in accordance with the intended methods of disposition thereof specified in such Registration Demand. The Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such Demand Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable thereafter and to keep such Demand Registration open for the period specified in Section 2.1(d).

(ii) The Issuer also may elect to include in such Registration additional securities of the class or classes of the Registrable Securities to be registered hereunder, including securities to be sold for the Issuer’s own account or for the account of Persons who are not Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Limitation on Demand Registrations . (i) The Issuer shall not be required to effect or maintain any Registration pursuant to this Section 2.1 unless the Registrable Securities eligible to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement are at least three percent (3%) of the shares of outstanding Common Stock. Subject to the proviso in 2.1(c) below, in no event shall the Issuer be required to effect more than one (1) Demand Registration pursuant to this Section 2.1.

(c) Demand Withdrawal . The Holders may withdraw its Registrable Securities from a Demand Registration at any time. If the Holders do so, the Issuer shall cease all efforts to secure Registration and such Registration nonetheless shall be deemed the Holders’ one Demand Registration for purposes of the second sentence of Section 2.1(b); provided however , that a postponement of such Registration pursuant to Section 2.1(e) below to the extent that Holders do not sell any Registrable Securities shall not be treated as a Demand Registration and shall not be counted as a Demand Registration for purposes of Section 2.1(b).

(d) Effective Registration . The Issuer shall be deemed to have effected a Demand Registration if the applicable Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and remains effective for not less than 180 days (or such shorter period as will terminate when all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or withdrawn or cease to be Registrable Securities). The Issuer shall keep current and update the Registration Statement during the 180 day period, to the extent necessary, to allow the Holder to sell pursuant to this Section 2.1(d). The Issuer shall cease to be required to maintain the effectiveness of such Registration Statement at any time the Issuer maintains an effective Shelf Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities. The Issuer shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert any Demand Registration Statement that is on Form S-1 to a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 as soon as practicable after the Issuer is eligible to use Form S-3, which shall be governed by Section 2.2.

 

5


(e) Suspension of Registration . If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of a Demand Registration at any time would require the Issuer to make an Adverse Disclosure or would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that cannot be obtained by the Issuer through commercially reasonable efforts (as determined by the senior management of the Issuer in good faith), the Issuer may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holder, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for a period of time (each, a “ Suspension Period ”) determined in good faith by the Issuer to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Issuer exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Holder agrees to suspend, immediately upon its receipt of the notice referred to above, its use of the Prospectus relating to the Demand Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities and agrees not to disclose to any other Person the fact that the Issuer has exercised such rights or any related facts; provided , that (A) there are no more than three Suspension Periods in any 12-month period, (B) the duration of any one Suspension Period may not exceed 60 days and (C) the duration of all Suspension Periods in any 12-month period may not exceed 90 days. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Holder of the expiration of any Suspension Period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 2.1(e).

(f) Underwritten Offering . If the Holder so elects, such offering shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering and the Issuer, if necessary, shall amend or supplement the Shelf Registration Statement for such purpose. The Holder shall have the right to select the managing underwriter or underwriters for the offering subject to the right of the Issuer to approve such managing underwriter or underwriters, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer shall have the right to select counsel to the managing underwriter or underwriters for the offering subject to the right of the managing underwriter or underwriters to approve such counsel.

(g) Registration Statement Form . Registrations under this Section 2.1 shall be on such appropriate Registration form of the SEC (i) as shall be selected by the Issuer and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Holders of a majority of each class of Registrable Securities requesting participation in the Demand Registration and (ii) as shall permit the disposition of the Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition specified in the Holder’s Registration Demand.

2.2 Shelf Registration .

(a) Filing . Subject to Section 2.2(c), at any time after the Issuer is eligible to file a Shelf Registration Statement, at the request of the Holder pursuant to a completed Questionnaire, the Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the Registration and sale of the Registrable Securities by the Holder thereof from time to time in accordance with the reasonable and customary methods of distribution elected by such Holder and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as promptly thereafter as reasonably practicable; provided , that, the Issuer shall not be required to effect or maintain any Registration pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) unless the Registrable Securities eligible to be sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement are at least three percent (3%) of the shares of issued and outstanding Common Stock. The Issuer also may elect to include in

 

6


such Shelf Registration Statement additional securities of the class or classes of the Registrable Securities to be registered hereunder, including securities to be sold for the Issuer’s own account or for the account of Persons who are not Holders of Registrable Securities.

(b) Continued Effectiveness . Subject to Section 2.2(c), the Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective in order to permit the Prospectus forming a part thereof to be usable by the Holder for so long as the Issuer is required to maintain such Registration. If at least three percent (3%) of the Registrable Securities remain issued and outstanding after 3 years following the initial effective date of such Shelf Registration, upon the request of the Holders, the Company shall, prior to the expiration of such Shelf Registration, file a new Shelf Registration and shall thereafter use its best efforts to cause to be declared effective as promptly as reasonably practical, such new Shelf Registration.

(c) Suspension of Registration . If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of the Shelf Registration Statement at any time would require the Issuer to make an Adverse Disclosure or would require the inclusion in such Shelf Registration Statement of financial statements that cannot be obtained by the Issuer through commercially reasonable efforts (as determined by the senior management of the Issuer in good faith), the Issuer may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holder, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, the Shelf Registration Statement for a period of time determined in good faith by the Issuer to be necessary for such purpose. In the event the Issuer exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Holder agrees to suspend, immediately upon its receipt of the notice referred to above, its use of the Prospectus relating to the Shelf Registration Statement in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities and agrees not to disclose to any other Person the fact that the Issuer has exercised such rights or any related facts; provided that (A) there are no more than three Suspension Periods in any 12-month period, (B) the duration of any one Suspension Period may not exceed 60 days, and (C) the duration of all Suspension Periods in any 12-month period may not exceed 90 days. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Holder upon the expiration of any Suspension Period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 2.2(c).

(d) Shelf Take-Down; Underwritten Offering . The Holder shall be entitled to initiate up to three offerings or sales of all or part of its Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement (a “ Shelf Take-Down ”), and the Issuer, if necessary, shall amend or supplement the Shelf Registration Statement for such purpose. If the Holder so elects, the offering shall be in the form of an Underwritten Offering. With respect to any Underwritten Offering, the Holder shall have the right to select the managing underwriter or underwriters for the offering subject to the right of the Issuer to approve such managing underwriter or underwriters, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer shall have the right to select counsel to the managing underwriter or underwriters for the offering subject to the right of the managing underwriter or underwriters to approve such counsel.

(e) Effect on Demand . The provisions of Section 2.2 shall not apply at any time the Issuer is eligible to file and maintain the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement.

2.3 Reserved .

 

7


2.4 Registration Procedures .

(a) In connection with the Issuer’s Registration obligations in this Agreement, the Issuer will, subject to the limitations set forth herein, use commercially reasonable efforts to effect any such Registration so as to permit the sale of the applicable Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, and in connection therewith the Issuer will:

(i) before filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto and in connection therewith, furnish to the underwriter or underwriters, if any, and to one representative of the Holder of each class of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, copies of all documents prepared to be filed and such other documents reasonably requested by the Holders, which documents will be subject to the review of such underwriters and such Holder and its respective counsel;

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments or supplements to the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus as may be (A) reasonably requested by any participating Holder (to the extent such request relates to information relating to such Holder) or (B) necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the period of time required by this Agreement and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement;

(iii) promptly notify the selling Holders of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and (if requested) confirm in writing, as soon as reasonably practicable after notice thereof is received by the Issuer (A) when the applicable Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed or becomes effective and when the applicable Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto has been filed or becomes effective, (B) of any written comments by the SEC or the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state or any request by the SEC or the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance or threatened issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending or threatening to suspend the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus or the initiation or threat of any proceedings for such purposes and (D) of the receipt by the Issuer of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose;

(iv) promptly notify each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, when the Issuer becomes aware of the happening of any event as a result of which the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus (as then in effect) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus and any preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary to amend or supplement such Registration Statement or

 

8


Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act and, in either case as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC an amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance;

(v) use reasonable efforts to prevent or obtain the withdrawal of any stop order with respect to the applicable Registration Statement or other order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary or final Prospectus;

(vi) promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the applicable Registration Statement such information as the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, or the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities of the class being sold agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(vii) furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and each managing underwriter, if any, without charge, as many conformed copies as such Holder or managing underwriter may reasonably request of the applicable Registration Statement, the applicable Prospectus (including each preliminary Prospectus), each amendment and supplement thereto, all exhibits and other documents filed therewith, and upon request, a copy of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence to or received from, the SEC or any other governmental authority relating to such offer;

(viii) on or prior to the date on which the applicable Registration Statement is declared effective, use commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of each state and other jurisdiction of the United States, as any such selling Holder or underwriter, if any, or their respective counsel reasonably requests in writing, and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such Registration or qualification in effect so as to permit the commencement and continuance of sales and dealings in such jurisdictions for as long as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate the distribution of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided , however , that the Issuer will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to taxation or general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(ix) obtain for delivery to the Holders of each class of Registrable Securities being registered and to the underwriter or underwriters, if any, an opinion or opinions from counsel for the Issuer dated the effective date of the Registration Statement or, in the event of an Underwritten Offering, the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, in customary form, scope and substance, which counsel and opinions shall be reasonably satisfactory to a majority of the Holders of each such class and underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their respective counsel;

 

9


(x) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, obtain for delivery to the underwriter or underwriters, if any, with copies to the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, a cold comfort letter from the Issuer’s independent certified public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by cold comfort letters as the managing underwriter or underwriters reasonably request, dated the date of execution of the underwriting agreement and brought down to the closing under the underwriting agreement;

(xi) cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities and each underwriter or agent, if any, participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA;

(xii) use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to its security Holders, as soon as reasonably practicable (but not more than 15 months) after the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;

(xiii) provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;

(xiv) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities of a class covered by the applicable Registration Statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which any of the Issuer’s securities of such class are then listed or quoted and on each inter-dealer quotation system on which any of the Issuer’s securities of such class are then quoted;

(xv) make available upon reasonable notice at reasonable times and for reasonable periods for inspection by any Holder of Registrable Securities of each class covered by the applicable Registration Statement, by any managing underwriter or underwriters participating in any disposition to be effected pursuant to such Registration Statement and by any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such sellers or any such managing underwriter, all pertinent financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Issuer, and cause all of the Issuer’s officers, directors and employees and the independent public accountants who have certified its financial statements to make themselves available to discuss the business of the Issuer and to supply all information and participate in any due diligence sessions reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such Registration Statement as shall be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility (subject to the entry by each party referred to in this clause (xv) into customary confidentiality agreements in a form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer);

(xvi) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, provide reasonable cooperation, including causing appropriate officers of the Issuer to attend and participate in the customary “road show” presentations and other informational meetings that may be reasonably requested by the managing underwriter in any such Underwritten Offering and otherwise to facilitate, cooperate with, and participate in each proposed offering contemplated herein and customary selling efforts related thereto, with all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Issuer or such officers in connection with such attendance to be paid by the Issuer;

 

10


(xvii) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, provide officers’ certificates and other customary closing documents that are reasonably requested; and

(xviii) within the deadlines specified by the Securities Act, make all required filing fee payments in respect of any Registration Statement or Prospectus used under this Agreement (and any offering covered thereby).

(b) The Issuer may require each selling Holder of Registrable Securities as to which any Registration is being effected to furnish to the Issuer such information regarding the distribution of such Securities and such other information relating to such Holder and its ownership of the applicable Registrable Securities as the Issuer may from time to time reasonably request. Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees to furnish such information to the Issuer and to cooperate with the Issuer as necessary to enable the Issuer to comply with the provisions of this Agreement. The Issuer shall have the right to exclude any Holder that does not comply with the preceding sentence from the applicable Registration.

(c) Each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Securities that, upon receipt of any notice from the Issuer of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.4(a)(iv), such Holder will discontinue disposition of its Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(iv), or until such Holder is advised in writing by the Issuer that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus and, if so directed by the Issuer, such Holder will deliver to the Issuer (at the Issuer’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities which are current at the time of the receipt of such notice. In the event that the Issuer shall give any such notice in respect of a Demand Registration, the period during which the applicable Registration Statement is required to be maintained effective shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement either receives the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 2.4(a)(iv) or is advised in writing by the Issuer that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed.

2.5 Underwritten Offerings .

(a) Underwriting Agreements . If requested by the underwriters for any Underwritten Offering requested by Holders pursuant to, and subject to the conditions set forth in, Section 2.1 or 2.2, the Issuer and the Holders of Registrable Securities to be included therein shall enter into an underwriting agreement with such underwriters, such agreement to be reasonably satisfactory in substance and form to the Issuer, the Holder of the Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering and the underwriters, and to contain such terms and conditions as are generally prevailing in agreements of that type, including, without limitation, indemnities no less favorable to the recipient thereof than those provided in Section 2.7.

 

11


The Holders of any Registrable Securities to be included in any Underwritten Offering shall enter into such an underwriting agreement at the request of the Issuer. No Holder shall be required in any such underwriting agreement to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Issuer or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Holder, such Holder’s Registrable Securities, such Holder’s intended method of distribution and any other representations required by law.

(b) Price and Underwriting Discounts . In the case of an Underwritten Offering requested by Holders pursuant to, and subject to the conditions set forth in, Section 2.1 or 2.2, the price and underwriting discount for each class of Registrable Securities of the related underwriting agreement shall be determined by the Holders of a majority of such class of Registrable Securities.

(c) Participation in Underwritten Offerings . No Person may participate in an Underwritten Offering unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

2.6 Registration Expenses .

(a) The Issuer shall pay all of the expenses set forth in this paragraph (a) in connection with a Registration under this Agreement of Registrable Securities, other than any Registration effected by the Issuer in addition to any Demand Registration, Shelf Take-Down or Underwritten Offering in excess of those the Issuer is required to effect pursuant to this Agreement, in which case the Holders participating in such Demand Registration shall pay such expenses on behalf of the Issuer. Such expenses comprise (i) all Registration and filing fees, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the SEC or FINRA, (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “Blue Sky” laws, (including, without limitation, any expenses arising from any special audits or “comfort” letters required in connection with or incident to any registration), (iii) all printing, duplicating, word processing, messenger, telephone, facsimile and delivery expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing prospectuses), (iv) all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Issuer and of all independent certified public accountants of the Issuer and any other accounting and legal fees, charges and expenses incurred by the Issuer (including, without limitation, any expenses arising from any special audits or “comfort” letters required in connection with or incident to any registration), (v) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange or the quotation of the Registrable Securities on any inter-dealer quotation system, (vi) all applicable rating agency fees with respect to any applicable Registrable Securities, (vii) all reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the managing underwriter or underwriters and (viii) the fees and expenses incurred by the Issuer in connection with any road show for Underwritten Offerings. In addition, in all cases (including all Demand Registrations) the Issuer shall pay its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Issuer.

 

12


(b) The Issuer shall not be required to pay any other costs or expenses in the course of the transactions contemplated hereby, including underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities and the fees and expenses of counsel to any Holder.

2.7 Indemnification .

(a) Indemnification by the Issuer . The Issuer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, each Holder of Registrable Securities and their respective officers, directors, employees, members, managers and agents and each Person who controls (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) such Persons from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof, whether or not such indemnified party is a party thereto) and expenses (including reasonable costs of investigation and legal expenses), joint or several (each, a “ Loss ” and collectively, “ Losses ”), arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, under which such Registrable Securities were registered under the Securities Act (including any final, preliminary or summary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein) (the “ Offering Materials ”) or (ii) any omission or alleged omission to state in any Offering Materials a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading; provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be liable to any indemnified party in any such case to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based (i) upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any such Registration Statement in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuer by such Holder expressly for use in the preparation thereof or (ii) any sale of distribution in violation of Sections 2.1(e) or 2.2(c); and provided , further , that the Issuer will not be liable to any indemnified party in any case to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in any final, preliminary or summary Prospectus if such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is corrected in an amendment or supplement to such Prospectus which has been made available to the Holders of Registrable Securities and such Holders or underwriter fail to deliver such Prospectus as so amended or supplemented, if such delivery is required under applicable law or the applicable rules of any securities exchange, prior to or concurrently with the sales of the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability the Issuer may otherwise have.

(b) Indemnification by the Holders . Each selling Holder of Registrable Securities agrees (severally and not jointly) to indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, the Issuer, its directors, officers and employees and each Person who controls the Issuer (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) from and against any Losses resulting from any untrue statement of a material fact or any omission of a material fact

 

13


required to be stated in the Registration Statement under which such Registrable Securities were registered under the Securities Act (including any final, preliminary or summary Prospectus contained therein or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any documents incorporated by reference therein), or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission had been contained in any information furnished in writing by such selling Holder to the Issuer specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement and was not corrected in a subsequent writing prior to or concurrently with the sale of the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense. This indemnity shall be in addition to any liability such Holder may otherwise have. In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder of Registrable Securities hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such Holder under the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation (net of all underwriting discounts and commissions).

(c) Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings . Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification, provided , that the delay or failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the indemnifying party has been materially prejudiced by such delay or failure and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided , however , that any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to select and employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Person unless (A) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees or expenses, (B) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable time after having received notice of such claim from the Person entitled to indemnification hereunder and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Person or (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such Person, based upon advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest may exist between such Person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the Person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Person). Whether or not such defense is assumed by the indemnifying party, the indemnified party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent, but such consent may not be unreasonably withheld; provided , however , that an indemnified party shall not be required to consent to any settlement involving the imposition of equitable remedies or involving the imposition of any material obligations on such indemnified party other than financial obligations for which such indemnified party will be indemnified hereunder. If the indemnifying party assumes the defense and the indemnified party is indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.7(c), the indemnifying party shall have the right to settle such action without the consent of the indemnified party; provided , however , that the indemnifying party shall be required to obtain such consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) if the settlement is not solely for monetary damages subject to indemnification pursuant to this Section 2.7(c) or includes any admission of wrongdoing on the part of the indemnified party or any restriction on the indemnified party or its officers, directors, employees or control person. No indemnifying party shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an

 

14


unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to each indemnified party of an unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. The indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm at any one time representing the indemnified party or parties unless (x) the employment of more than one counsel has been authorized in writing by the indemnifying party or parties or (y) a conflict or potential conflict exists or may exist (based on advice of counsel to an indemnified party) between such indemnified party and the other indemnified parties, in each of which cases the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels.

(d) Contribution . If for any reason the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 2.7 is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless as contemplated by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 2.7, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.7(d) to the contrary, no indemnifying party (other than the Issuer) shall be required pursuant to this Section 2.7(d) to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such indemnifying party from the sale of Registrable Securities in the offering to which the Losses of the indemnified parties relate (net of all underwriting discounts and commissions) exceeds the amount of any damages which such indemnifying party has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.7(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the preceding sentences. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. If indemnification is available under this Section 2.7, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections 2.7(a) and 2.7(b) hereof without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying parties or indemnified party.

2.8 Rules 144 and 144A . The Issuer covenants that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder (or, if the Issuer is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Holder of Registrable Securities after the transfer date, make publicly available other information so long as necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144 or 144A under the Securities Act, provided , however , that the Issuer shall not be required to make any Adverse Disclosure), and it will make available information necessary and take such further action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities without Registration under the

 

15


Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 or 144A under the Securities Act, as such rules may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

SECTION 3. MISCELLANEOUS

3.1 Term . This Agreement, including, without limitation, the Issuer’s obligations under Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof to register Common Stock for sale under the Securities Act shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the first date on which there is no Holder party this Agreement or (ii) the first date on which all outstanding shares of Registrable Securities constitute less than three percent (3%) of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 3.1, the parties’ obligations under Section 2.7 hereof shall continue in full force and effect.

3.2 Notices . All notices, other communications or documents provided for or permitted to be given hereunder, shall be made in writing and shall be given either personally by hand-delivery, by facsimile transmission, by mailing the same in a sealed envelope, registered first-class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

 

 (a)

   if to the Issuer to:

New Media Investment Group Inc.

c/o Fortress Investment Group LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
Attention:    Cameron D. MacDougall, Esq.
Fax:    [FAX NUMBER]
Email:    cmacdougall@fortress.com
with copies to:
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
One Liberty Plaza
New York, New York 10006
Attention:    Duane McLaughlin, Esq.
Fax:    212-225-3999
Email:    dmclaughlin@cgsh.com

 (b)

   if to the Investors to:
[NAME]   
[ADDRESS]   
[ADDRESS]   
Attention:    [NAME]
Fax:    [FAX NUMBER]

 

16


with copies to:
[LAW FIRM]   
[ADDRESS]   
[ADDRESS]   
Attention:    [NAME]
Fax:    [FAX NUMBER]

Each Holder, by written notice given to the Issuer in accordance with this Section 3.2 may change the address to which notices, other communications or documents are to be sent to such Holder. All notices, other communications or documents shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; (ii) when receipt is acknowledged in writing, including email, by addressee, if by facsimile transmission or email; (iii) five business days after having been deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed by first class mail; and (iv) on the first business day with respect to which a reputable air courier guarantees delivery; provided , however , that notices of a change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

3.3 Successors, Assigns and Transferees . (a) The rights and obligations under this Agreement of the Holder will be assignable without consent of the Issuer to a purchaser of Registrable Securities equal to 10% or more of the Issuer’s outstanding Common Stock, provided , however , that no such assignment shall be binding upon or obligate the Issuer to any such assignee unless and until the Issuer shall have received notice of such assignment as herein provided and a written agreement of the assignee to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Issuer. Any transfer or assignment made other than as provided in the first sentence of this Section 3.3 shall be null and void.

(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

3.4 Governing Law; Service of Process; Consent to Jurisdiction . (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto (i) agrees that any claim, action or proceeding by such party seeking any relief whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought only in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in any New York State court located in the Borough of Manhattan and not in any other State or Federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts located in the State of New York for purposes of all legal proceedings arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions

 

17


contemplated hereby and (iii) irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

3.5 Headings . The section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

3.6 Severability . Whenever possible, each provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law but if any provision or portion of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect any other provision or portion of any provision in such jurisdiction, and this agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or portion of any provision had never been contained therein.

3.7 Amendment; Waiver .

(a) This Agreement may not be amended or modified and waivers and consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, except by an instrument or instruments in writing making specific reference to this Agreement and signed by the Issuer, the Holders of a majority of Registrable Securities of each class then outstanding. Each Holder of any Registrable Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be bound by any amendment, modification, waiver or consent authorized by this Section 3.7(a), whether or not such Registrable Securities shall have been marked accordingly.

(b) The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a further or continuing waiver of such breach or as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no failure on the part of any party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder, or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity, shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right, power or remedy by such party preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.

3.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of separate counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

3.9 Questionnaire . Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no Holder’s Registrable Common Stock shall be included in the Registration Statement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Issuer a fully completed notice and questionnaire substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Questionnaire ”) and such other information in writing as the Issuer may reasonably request in writing for use in connection with the Registration Statement and any related application to be filed with or under state securities laws. In order to

 

18


be named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement and to include in the Registration Statement all Registrable Common Stock requested to be included for sale by the Holder, each Holder must furnish to the Issuer in writing the completed Questionnaire and such other information reasonably requested by the Issuer and the Issuer will include information in the completed Questionnaire and such other information, if any, in the Registration Statement, as necessary and in a manner so that upon effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the Holder will be permitted to deliver the Registration Statement to purchasers of the Holder’s Registrable Common Stock. At least thirty (30) days prior to the filing of the Registration Statement, the Issuer will provide to the Holders notice of its intention to file the Registration Statement and such other information the Issuer may reasonably request to be provided by the Holders. From and after the date that the Registration Statement becomes effective, upon receipt of a completed Questionnaire and such other information that the Issuer may reasonably request in writing, if any, the Issuer shall (i) as promptly as practicable after the date on which the Questionnaire is delivered, and in any event within the later of (x) fifteen (15) business days after receipt of such Questionnaire or (y) fifteen (15) business days after the expiration of any suspension pursuant to Section 2.1(e) in effect when the Questionnaire is delivered, file any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement necessary for such Holder to be named as a selling stockholder and to include in the Registration Statement all Registrable Common Stock requested to be included for sale by such Holder or, if not permitted to name such Holder as a selling stockholder by supplement, file any necessary post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or prepare and, if required by applicable law, file any amendment or supplement to any document so that such Holder is named as a selling stockholder, and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such post-effective amendment to be declared effective as promptly as practicable; provided that the Issuer shall not be obligated to file more than one (1) post-effective amendment in any ninety (90) day period.

 

19


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

New Media Investment Group Inc.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:


THE INVESTORS:


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF SELLING STOCKHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE

The undersigned beneficial owner (the “ Selling Stockholder ”) of shares (the “ Registrable Common Stock ”) of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of New Media Investment Group Inc. (the “ Company ”), hereby gives notice to the Company of its intention to sell or otherwise dispose of Registrable Common Stock beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item 3 (unless otherwise specified under Item 3) pursuant to the Registration Statement. The undersigned, by signing and returning this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire, understands that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2013, among the Company and the Holders named therein (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Registration Rights Agreement.

In accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, Selling Stockholders that do not complete this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire and deliver it to the Company as provided below will not be named selling stockholders in the prospectus and therefore will not be permitted to sell any Registrable Common Stock pursuant to the Registration Statement.

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the undersigned has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company’s directors, officers and employees and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against certain losses arising in connection with statements concerning the undersigned made in the Registration Statement or the related prospectus in reliance upon the information provided in this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire. The undersigned hereby acknowledges its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to indemnify and hold harmless certain persons set forth therein.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, Holders and beneficial owners are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

 

(1)       (a)      Full Legal Name of Selling Stockholder:
      

 

      (b)      Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Common Stock listed in (3) below is held:
      

 

 

A-1


      (c)      Full Legal Name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) through which Registrable Common Stock listed in (3) below is held:
      

 

(2)  

Address for Notices to Selling Stockholder:

 

Telephone (including area code):

    

 

 

Fax (including area code):

    

 

 

Contact Person:

    

 

(3)  

Beneficial Ownership of Registrable Common Stock:

 

(a)

     Type and Principal Amount/Number of Registrable Common Stock beneficially owned:
      

 

 

(b)

     CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Common Stock beneficially owned:
      

 

(4)  

Beneficial Ownership of Other Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Stockholder: Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company other than the Registrable Common Stock listed above in Item (3).

 

(a)

     Type and Amount of Other Securities beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholder:
      

 

 

(b)

     CUSIP No(s). of such Other Securities beneficially owned:
      

 

(5)  

Relationship with the Company:

 

Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity Holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

 

State any exceptions here:                                                                                                                                                     

(6)  

Is the Selling Stockholder a registered broker-dealer?

 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     

 

A-2


 

If “Yes”, please answer subsection (a) and subsection (b):

 

(a)

     Did the Selling Stockholder acquire the Registrable Common Stock as compensation for underwriting/broker-dealer activities to the Company?
 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     
 

(b)

     If you answered “No” to question 6(a), please explain your reason for acquiring the Registrable Common Stock:
      

 

      

 

(7)  

Is the Selling Stockholder an affiliate of a registered broker-dealer?

 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     
 

If “Yes”, please identify the registered broker-dealer(s), describe the nature of the affiliation(s) and answer subsection (a) and subsection (b):

 

 

(a)  

Did the Selling Stockholder purchase the Registrable Common Stock in the ordinary course of business (if no, please explain)?

 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     Explain:     

 

(b)  

Did the Selling Stockholder have an agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Registrable Common Stock at the same time the Registrable Common Stock were originally purchased (if yes, please explain)?

 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     Explain:     

 

(8)  

Is the Selling Stockholder a non-public entity?

 

Yes

     ¨     
 

No

     ¨     

 

A-3


 

If “Yes”, please answer subsection (a):

 

(a)

     Identify the natural person or persons that have voting or investment control over the Registrable Common Stock that the non-public entity owns:
      

 

      

 

(9)  

Plan of Distribution:

 

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Stockholder (including its donees and pledgees) intends to distribute the Registrable Common Stock listed above in Item (3) pursuant to the Registration Statement only as follows (if at all): Such Registrable Common Stock may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Stockholder or, alternatively, in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the Registrable Common Stock is sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the Selling Stockholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent commissions. Such Registrable Common Stock may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve cross or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Common Stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, or (iv) through the writing of options. In connection with sales of the Registrable Common Stock or otherwise, the undersigned Selling Stockholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Common Stock in the course of hedging positions they assume. The undersigned Selling Stockholder may also sell Registrable Common Stock short and deliver Registrable Common Stock to close out short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Common Stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such securities.

 

State any exceptions here:                                                                                                                                                    

 The undersigned Selling Stockholder acknowledges that it understands its obligations to comply with the provisions of the Exchange Act, and the rules thereunder relating to stock manipulation, particularly Regulation M thereunder (or any successor rules or regulations), in connection with any offering of Registrable Common Stock pursuant to the Registration Statement. The undersigned agrees that neither it nor any person acting on its behalf will engage in any transaction in violation of such provisions.

 Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed under certain circumstances to indemnify the Selling Stockholder against certain liabilities.

 

A-4


In the event the undersigned transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Common Stock listed in Item (3) above after the date on which such information is provided to the Company other than pursuant to the Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire and the Registration Rights Agreement.

In accordance with the undersigned’s obligation under the Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law or by the staff of the Commission for inclusion in the Registration Statement, the undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Registration Statement remains effective. All notices hereunder and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing, by hand-delivery, first-class mail, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery to the address set forth below.

By signing below, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (9) above and the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.

By signing below, the undersigned agrees that if the Company notifies the undersigned in accordance with and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement that the Registration Statement is not available for use, the undersigned will in accordance with and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement suspend use of the Prospectus until notice from the Company that the Prospectus is again available.

Once this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire is executed by the undersigned and received by the Company, the terms of this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire, and the representations, warranties and agreements contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives and assigns of the Company and the undersigned with respect to the Registrable Common Stock beneficially owned by the undersigned and listed in Item (3) above. This Selling Stockholder Questionnaire shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York.

 

A-5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Selling Stockholder Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

 

Dated:  

 

   
     

 

      Beneficial Owner
      By:  

 

      Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

 

A-6


PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED

SELLING STOCKHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE COMPANY AT:

New Media Investment Group Inc.

c/o Fortress Investment Group LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

Tel: 212-479-3160

Fax: [ ]

Attention: Cameron D. MacDougall, Esq.

 

A-7

Exhibit 4.6

AMENDMENT TO INVESTMENT COMMITMENT LETTER

THIS AMENDMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of October 25, 2013, is made by and among GateHouse Media, Inc. (“ GateHouse ”), certain of its subsidiaries that are signatories hereto (collectively with GateHouse, the “ GateHouse Parties ”) and Newcastle Investment Corp. (“ Plan Sponsor ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the GateHouse Parties and Plan Sponsor are parties to that certain Investment Commitment Letter dated as of September 3, 2013 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “ Investment Commitment Letter ”);

WHEREAS, the GateHouse Parties and Plan Sponsor wish now to amend the Investment Commitment Letter in certain respects, as provided herein; and

WHEREAS the Investment Commitment Letter may be amended by the signatories thereto as set forth in paragraph 14 thereof.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1.     Amendment to the Investment Commitment Letter .    Effective as of the date hereof, the Investment Commitment Letter is hereby amended to insert the words “or other designees” as follows:

Funding of the Cash-Out Offer . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Support Agreement, Plan Sponsor hereby agrees that it shall purchase (or cause one or more of its designated affiliates or other designees to purchase), on the effective date of the Plan (the “ Plan Effective Date ”), the Outstanding Debt as to which a Plan Election was made (or deemed to be made) to receive cash (such Outstanding Debt, the “ Cash-Out Claims ”), for an aggregate purchase price equal to 40.0% of the sum of (i) in the case of Cash-Out Claims that are 2007 Credit Facility Claims, the principal amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest as of the Plan Effective Date with respect to all such Cash-Out Claims, and (ii) in the case of Cash-Out Claims that are Swap Liability claims, the breakage or termination cost arising from transactions pursuant to the Swap Liability Agreements as of the Plan Effective Date (the “ Cash-Out Offer ”). Pursuant to the Plan, on the Plan Effective Date and without any further action by Plan Sponsor, Plan Sponsor shall receive its pro rata share of the New Media Distribution on account of the Cash-Out Claims purchased in the Cash-Out Offer.”

Section 2.     Miscellaneous .    Except as provided herein, the Investment Commitment Letter shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same amendatory instrument and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment by signing any such counterpart. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

[ Signature pages follow ]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.

NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.

 

By:  

/s/ Jonathan Brown

Name:  Jonathan Brown
Title:  Interim Chief Financial Officer

[GateHouse Signature Pages Follow]


GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA INTERMEDIATE HOLDCO, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA HOLDCO, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA OPERATING, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MASSACHUSETTS I, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MASSACHUSETTS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


ENHE ACQUISITION, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA DIRECTORIES HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA VENTURES, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA ARKANSAS HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA CALIFORNIA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA COLORADO HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA CORNING HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Nevada corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA FREEPORT HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA IOWA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA KANSAS HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA LANSING PRINTING, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA LOUISIANA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MICHIGAN HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA MINNESOTA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MISSOURI HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEBRASKA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEVADA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEW YORK HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA NORTH DAKOTA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA PENNSYLVANIA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

LIBERTY SMC, L.L.C.,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

MINERAL DAILY NEWS TRIBUNE, INC.,

a West Virginia corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


NEWS LEADER, INC.,

a Louisiana corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

TERRY NEWSPAPERS, INC.,

an Iowa corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

ENTERPRISE NEWSMEDIA HOLDING, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

ENTERPRISE NEWSMEDIA, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

LRT FOUR HUNDRED, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GEORGE W. PRESCOTT PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


LOW REALTY, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

ENTERPRISE PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

SUREWEST DIRECTORIES,

a California corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

COPLEY OHIO NEWSPAPERS, INC.,

an Illinois corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

THE PEORIA JOURNAL STAR, INC.,

an Illinois corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA CONNECTICUT HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA DELAWARE HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA FLORIDA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA ILLINOIS HOLDINGS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA KANSAS HOLDINGS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA MICHIGAN HOLDINGS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA MISSOURI HOLDINGS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEBRASKA HOLDINGS II, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA OHIO HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

GATEHOUSE MEDIA OKLAHOMA HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer


GATEHOUSE MEDIA TENNESSEE HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

 

By:  

/s/ Michael E. Reed

Name:  Michael E. Reed
Title:  Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 10.11

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT, dated as of         , 2013 (this “Agreement”), between New Media Investment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and         (“Indemnitee”).

WHEREAS, it is essential to the Company to retain and attract as directors and officers the most capable persons available;

WHEREAS, Indemnitee is a director and/or officer of the Company;

WHEREAS, both the Company and Indemnitee recognize the increased risk of litigation and other claims being asserted against directors and officers of public companies in today’s environment;

WHEREAS, the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time to time (“Certificate of Incorporation”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended from time to time (“Bylaws”) require the Company to indemnify and advance expenses to its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and the Indemnitee has been serving and continues to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company in part in reliance on such Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws;

WHEREAS, uncertainties as to the availability of indemnification created by recent court decisions may increase the risk that the Company will be unable to retain and attract as directors and officers the most capable persons available;

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (“Board of Directors”) has determined that the inability of the Company to retain and attract as directors and officers the most capable persons would be detrimental to the interests of the Company and that the Company therefore should seek to assure such persons that indemnification and insurance coverage will be available in the future;

WHEREAS, the parties intend that any rights the Indemnitee may have from Indemnitee-Related Entities (as defined herein) shall be secondary to the primary obligation of the Company to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitee under this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of Indemnitee’s need for protection against personal liability, and in part to provide Indemnitee with specific contractual assurance that the protection promised by the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws will be available to Indemnitee (regardless of, among other things, any amendment to or revocation of such Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws or any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors or acquisition transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancing of expenses to Indemnitee to the fullest extent (whether partial or complete) permitted by law and as set forth in this Agreement, and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy of the Company.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of Indemnitee continuing to serve the Company directly or, at its request, another enterprise, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Certain Definitions . In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used in this Agreement:

 

  (a) Change in Control : shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than Fortress Investment Group LLC and its affiliates and other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding Voting Securities, or (ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors and any new director whose election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof, or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other entity other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into Voting Securities of the surviving entity) at least 80% of the total voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of (in one transaction or a series of transactions) all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

2


  (b) Claim : means any threatened, asserted, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other, including any arbitration or other alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any appeal of any kind thereof, or any inquiry or investigation, whether instituted by (or in the right of) the Company or any governmental agency or any other person or entity, in which Indemnitee was, is, may be or will be involved as a party, witness or otherwise.

 

  (c) ERISA : means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

 

  (d) Expenses : include attorneys’ fees and all other direct or indirect costs, expenses and obligations, including judgments, fines, penalties, interest, appeal bonds, amounts paid in settlement with the approval of the Company, and counsel fees and disbursements (including, without limitation, experts’ fees, court costs, retainers, appeal bond premiums, transcript fees, duplicating, printing and binding costs, as well as telecommunications, postage and courier charges) paid or incurred in connection with investigating, prosecuting, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, prosecute, defend, be a witness in or participate in, any Claim relating to any Indemnifiable Event, and shall include (without limitation) all attorneys’ fees and all other expenses incurred by or on behalf of an Indemnitee in connection with preparing and submitting any requests or statements for indemnification, advancement or any other right provided by this Agreement (including, without limitation, such fees or expenses incurred in connection with legal proceedings contemplated by Section 2(d) hereof).

 

  (e) Indemnifiable Amounts : means (i) any and all liabilities, Expenses, damages, judgments, fines, penalties, ERISA excise taxes and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such liabilities, Expenses, damages, judgments, fines, penalties, ERISA excise taxes or amounts paid in settlement) arising out of or resulting from any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event, (ii) any liability pursuant to a loan guaranty or otherwise, for any indebtedness of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, including, without limitation, any indebtedness which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company has assumed or taken subject to, and (iii) any liabilities which an Indemnitee incurs as a result of acting on behalf of the Company (whether as a fiduciary or otherwise) in connection with the operation, administration or maintenance of an employee benefit plan or any related trust or funding mechanism (whether such liabilities are in the form of excise taxes assessed by the United States Internal Revenue Service, penalties assessed by the Department of Labor, restitutions to such a plan or trust or other funding mechanism or to a participant or beneficiary of such plan, trust or other funding mechanism, or otherwise).

 

3


  (f) Indemnifiable Event : means any event or occurrence, whether occurring before, on or after the date of this Agreement, related to the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director and/or officer or fiduciary of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, manager, member, partner, tax matter partner, trustee, agent, fiduciary or similar capacity, of another company, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other entity or enterprise, or by reason of anything done or not done by Indemnitee in any such capacity (in all cases whether or not Indemnitee is acting or serving in any such capacity or has such status at the time any Indemnifiable Amount is incurred for which indemnification, advancement or any other right can be provided by this Agreement). The term “Company,” where the context requires when used in this Agreement, may be construed to include such other company, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit plan, trust or other entity or enterprise.

 

  (g) Indemnitee-Related Entities : means any company, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity or enterprise (other than the Company or any other company, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other entity or enterprise Indemnitee has agreed, on behalf of the Company or at the Company’s request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described in this Agreement) from whom an Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Company may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation.

 

  (h) Independent Legal Counsel : means an attorney or firm of attorneys (following a Change in Control, selected in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 hereof) who is experienced in matters of corporate law and who shall not have otherwise performed services for the Company or Indemnitee within the last five years (other than with respect to matters concerning the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnity agreements).

 

4


  (i) Jointly Indemnifiable Claim : means any Claim for which the Indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification from both an Indemnitee-Related Entity and the Company pursuant to applicable law, any indemnification agreement or the certificate of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Company and an Indemnitee-Related Entity.

 

  (j) Reviewing Party : means any appropriate person or body consisting of a member or members of the Board of Directors or any other person or body appointed by the Board of Directors who is not a party to the particular Claim for which Indemnitee is seeking indemnification, or Independent Legal Counsel.

 

  (k) Voting Securities : means any securities of the Company which vote generally in the election of directors.

2. Basic Indemnification Arrangement; Advancement of Expenses .

 

  (a) In the event Indemnitee was, is or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in, a Claim by reason of (or arising in part out of) an Indemnifiable Event, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee, or cause Indemnitee to be indemnified, to the fullest extent permitted by law as soon as practicable but in any event no later than thirty (30) days after written demand is presented to the Company, and hold Indemnitee harmless against any and all Indemnifiable Amounts.

 

  (b) If so requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall advance, or cause to be advanced (within two business days of such request), any and all Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (an “Expense Advance”). The Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), either (i) pay, or cause to be paid, such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, or (ii) reimburse, or cause the reimbursement of, Indemnitee for such Expenses. Subject to Section 2(d), Indemnitee’s right to an Expense Advance is absolute and shall not be subject to any prior determination by the Reviewing Party that the Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct for indemnification.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification or advancement of Expenses pursuant to this Agreement in connection with any Claim initiated by Indemnitee unless (i) the Company has joined in or the Board of Directors has authorized or consented to the initiation of such Claim or (ii) the Claim is one to enforce Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

5


  (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the indemnification obligations of the Company under Section 2(a) shall be subject to the condition that the Reviewing Party shall not have determined (in a written legal opinion, in any case in which the Independent Legal Counsel is involved as required by Section 3 hereof) that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law, and (ii) the obligation of the Company to make an Expense Advance pursuant to Section 2(b) shall be subject to the condition that, if, when and to the extent that the Reviewing Party determines (in a written legal opinion, in any case in which the Independent Legal Counsel is involved as required by Section 3 hereof) that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be so indemnified under applicable law, the Company shall be entitled to be reimbursed by Indemnitee (who hereby agrees to reimburse the Company) for all such amounts theretofore paid (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing agreement by Indemnitee shall be deemed to satisfy any requirement that Indemnitee provide the Company with an undertaking to repay any Expense Advance if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under applicable law); provided , however , that if Indemnitee has commenced or thereafter commences legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to secure a determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law, any determination made by the Reviewing Party that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law shall not be binding and Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any Expense Advance until a final judicial determination is made with respect thereto (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed). Indemnitee’s undertaking to repay such Expense Advances shall be unsecured and interest-free. If there has not been a Change in Control, the Reviewing Party shall be selected by the Board of Directors, and if there has been such a Change in Control, the Reviewing Party shall be the Independent Legal Counsel referred to in Section 3 hereof. If there has been no determination by the Reviewing Party within thirty (30) days after written demand is presented to the Company or if the Reviewing Party determines that Indemnitee would not be permitted to be indemnified in whole or in part under applicable law, Indemnitee shall have the right to commence litigation in any court in the State of New York or the State of Delaware having subject matter jurisdiction thereof and in which venue is proper seeking an initial determination by the court or challenging any such determination by the Reviewing Party or any aspect thereof, including the legal or factual bases therefor, and the Company hereby consents to service of process and to appear in any such proceeding. Any determination by the Reviewing Party otherwise shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and Indemnitee.

 

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3. Change in Control . The Company agrees that if there is a Change in Control then with respect to all matters thereafter arising concerning the rights of Indemnitee to indemnity payments and Expense Advances under this Agreement or any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect, the Company shall seek legal advice only from Independent Legal Counsel selected by Indemnitee and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld). Such counsel, among other things, shall render its written opinion to the Company and Indemnitee as to whether and to what extent the Indemnitee would be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees of the Independent Legal Counsel and to indemnify fully such counsel against any and all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

4. Indemnification for Additional Expenses . The Company shall indemnify, or cause the indemnification of, Indemnitee against any and all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall advance such Expenses to Indemnitee subject to and in accordance with Section 2(b), which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any action brought by Indemnitee for (i) indemnification or an Expense Advance by the Company under this Agreement or any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect and/or (ii) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company, regardless of whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, Expense Advance or insurance recovery, as the case may be; provided that Indemnitee shall be required to reimburse such Expenses in the event that a final judicial determination is made (as to which all rights of appeal therefrom have been exhausted or lapsed) that such action brought by Indemnitee, or the defense by Indemnitee of an action brought by the Company or any other person, as applicable, was frivolous or in bad faith.

5. Partial Indemnity, Etc. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of the Expenses or other Indemnifiable Amounts in respect of a Claim but not, however, for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled. Moreover, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any or all Claims relating in whole or in part to an Indemnifiable Event or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses incurred in connection therewith.

6. Burden of Proof, Etc . In connection with any determination by the Reviewing Party or otherwise as to whether Indemnitee is entitled to be indemnified hereunder the Reviewing Party, court, any finder of fact or other relevant person shall presume that the Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct and is entitled to indemnification, and the burden of proof shall be on the Company (or any other person or entity disputing such conclusions) to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that Indemnitee is not so entitled.

 

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7. Reliance as Safe Harbor . For purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company if Indemnitee’s actions or omissions to act are taken in good faith reliance upon the records of the Company, including its financial statements, or upon information, opinions, reports or statements furnished to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of the Company in the course of their duties, or by committees of the Board of Directors, or by any other person (including legal counsel, accountants and financial advisors) as to matters Indemnitee reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Company. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failures to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of the Company shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnity hereunder.

8. No Other Presumptions . For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any particular standard of conduct or have any particular belief or that a court has determined that indemnification is not permitted by applicable law. In addition, neither the failure of the Reviewing Party to have made a determination as to whether Indemnitee has met any particular standard of conduct or had any particular belief, nor an actual determination by the Reviewing Party that Indemnitee has not met such standard of conduct or did not have such belief, prior to the commencement of legal proceedings by Indemnitee to secure a judicial determination that Indemnitee should be indemnified under applicable law shall be a defense to Indemnitee’s claim or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any particular standard of conduct or did not have any particular belief.

9. Nonexclusivity, Etc. The rights of the Indemnitee hereunder shall be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or the Delaware General Corporation Law or otherwise. To the extent that a change in applicable law (whether by statute or judicial decision) permits greater indemnification by agreement than would be afforded currently under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. To the extent that there is a conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, it is the intent of the parties hereto that the Indemnitee shall enjoy the greater benefits regardless of whether contained herein or in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws. No amendment or alteration of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or any other agreement shall adversely affect the rights provided to Indemnitee under this Agreement.

 

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10. Liability Insurance . To the extent the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, the Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for the Company’s directors and officers. If the Company has such insurance in effect at the time the Company receives from Indemnitee any notice of the commencement of an action, suit or proceeding, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the policy. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policy.

11. Period of Limitations . No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

12. Amendments, Etc. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

13. Subrogation . Subject to Section 14 hereof, in the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do everything that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. The Company shall pay or reimburse all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such subrogation.

14. Jointly Indemnifiable Claims . Given that certain Jointly Indemnifiable Claims may arise due to the relationship between the Indemnitee-Related Entities and the Company and the service of the Indemnitee as a director and/or officer of the Company at the request of the Indemnitee-Related Entities, the Company acknowledges and agrees that the Company shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the Indemnitee in respect of indemnification and advancement of expenses in connection with any such Jointly Indemnifiable Claim, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, irrespective of any right of recovery the Indemnitee may have from the Indemnitee-Related Entities. Under no circumstance shall the Company be entitled to any right of subrogation or contribution by the Indemnitee-Related Entities and no right of recovery the Indemnitee may have from the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the Indemnitee or the obligations of the Company

 

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hereunder. In the event that any of the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall make any payment to the Indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of Expenses with respect to any Jointly Indemnifiable Claim, the Company agrees that such payment or advancement shall not extinguish or affect in any way the rights of the Indemnitee under this Agreement and further agrees that the Indemnitee-Related Entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Company. Each of the Indemnitee-Related Entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 14, entitled to enforce this Section 14 against the Company as though each such Indemnitee-Related Entity were a party to this Agreement.

15. No Duplication of Payments . Subject to Section 14 hereof, the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment in connection with any Claim made against Indemnitee to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment (under any insurance policy, or any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

16. Defense of Claims . The Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee; provided that if Indemnitee believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict of interest, (ii) the named parties in any such Claim (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company, or any subsidiary of the Company, and Indemnitee and Indemnitee concludes that there may be one or more legal defenses available to him or her that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, or (iii) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Claim) at the Company’s expense. The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event effected without the Company’s prior written consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any Claim relating to an Indemnifiable Event which the Indemnitee is or could have been a party unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money and includes a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee from all liability on all claims that are the subject matter of such Claim. Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold, condition or delay its or his or her consent to any proposed settlement; provided that Indemnitee may withhold consent to any settlement that does not provide a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee. In no event shall Indemnitee be required to waive, prejudice or limit attorney-client privilege or work-product protection or other applicable privilege or protection.

 

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17. No Adverse Settlement . The Company shall not seek, nor shall it agree to, consent to, support, or agree not to contest any settlement or other resolution of any Claim(s), or settlement or other resolution of any other claim, action, proceeding, demand, investigation or other matter that has the actual or purported effect of extinguishing, limiting or impairing Indemnitee’s rights hereunder, including without limitation the entry of any bar order or other order, decree or stipulation, pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 78u-4 (the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act), or any similar foreign, federal or state statute, regulation, rule or law.

18. Binding Effect, Etc. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, (including any direct or indirect successor or continuing company by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), assigns, spouses, heirs, executors and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee and his or her counsel, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Agreement shall continue in effect regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as an officer and/or director of the Company or of any other entity or enterprise at the Company’s request.

19. Security . To the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board of Directors, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the obligations of the Company hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral or by other means. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of such Indemnitee.

20. Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and (b) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable and to give effect to the terms of this Agreement.

21. Specific Performance, Etc. The parties recognize that if any provision of this Agreement is violated by the Company, Indemnitee may be without an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in the event of any such violation, Indemnitee shall be entitled, if Indemnitee so elects, to institute proceedings, either in law or at equity, to obtain damages, to enforce specific performance, to enjoin such violation, or to obtain any relief or any combination of the foregoing as Indemnitee may elect to pursue.

 

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22. Notices . All notices, requests, consents and other communications hereunder to any party shall be deemed to be sufficient if contained in a written document delivered in person or sent by facsimile, nationally recognized overnight courier or personal delivery, addressed to such party at the address set forth below or such other address as may hereafter be designated on the signature pages of this Agreement or in writing by such party to the other parties:

 

  (a) If to the Company, to:

New Media Investment Group Inc.

c/o FIG LLC

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10105

Attention:

Fax:

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

1 Liberty Plaza

New York, New York 10006

Fax: (212) 225-3999

Attn: Duane McLaughlin, Esq.

 

  (b) If to the Indemnitee, to the address set forth on the signature page hereto.

All such notices, requests, consents and other communications shall be deemed to have been given or made if and when received (including by overnight courier) by the parties at the above addresses or sent by electronic transmission, with confirmation received, to the facsimile numbers specified above (or at such other address or facsimile number for a party as shall be specified by like notice). Any notice delivered by any party hereto to any other party hereto shall also be delivered to each other party hereto simultaneously with delivery to the first party receiving such notice.

23. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

24. Headings . The headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction or interpretation thereof.

25. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in such state without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.
By:    
  Name:
  Title:
   
  [Indemnitee]

Exhibit 10.30

COOPERATION AGREEMENT

by and between

NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.

and

NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

dated as of

[ ], 2013


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS   
Section 1.1   Definitions      1   
Section 1.2   Interpretation      3   
ARTICLE II   
AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE   
Section 2.1   Effecting the Distribution      4   
ARTICLE III   
CERTAIN ACTIONS PRIOR TO THE DISTRIBUTION   
Section 3.1   SEC and Other Securities Filings      5   
Section 3.2   NYSE Listing Application      5   
Section 3.3   Governance Matters      5   
Section 3.4   Rights of Newcastle to Effect the Distribution      5   
ARTICLE IV   
MISCELLANEOUS   
Section 4.1   Further Assurances      6   
Section 4.2   Payment of Expenses      6   
Section 4.3   Amendments and Waivers      6   
Section 4.4   Entire Agreement      6   
Section 4.5   Survival of Agreements      7   
Section 4.6   Third Party Beneficiaries      7   
Section 4.7   Notices      7   
Section 4.8   Counterparts; Electronic Delivery      7   
Section 4.9   Severability      7   
Section 4.10   Assignability; Binding Effect      8   
Section 4.11   Governing Law      8   
Section 4.12   Construction      8   
Section 4.13   Performance      9   
Section 4.14   Title and Headings      9   

 

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COOPERATION AGREEMENT

This COOPERATION AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of [ ], 2013, by and between Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (“ Newcastle ”), and New Media Investment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation and a majority-owned subsidiary of Newcastle (“ New Media ”). Newcastle and New Media are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “ Party ,” and collectively as the “ Parties .” Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 1.1.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan, Newcastle shall receive shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of New Media (“ New Media Common Stock ”); and

WHEREAS, Newcastle has filed a Registration Statement pursuant to which Newcastle may elect to distribute shares of New Media Common Stock it receives pursuant to the Plan;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and agreements set forth below and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the specified Person. For this purpose “control” of a Person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Ancillary Agreements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.

Bankruptcy Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, as defined in Bankruptcy Rule 9006(a).

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions located in the State of New York are authorized or obligated by applicable Law or executive order to close.

[Signature Page to Cooperation Agreement]


Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Distribution Date ” means the date on which the Distribution occurs, such date to be determined by, or under the authority of, the board of directors of Newcastle, in its sole and absolute discretion.

Effective Time ” means the time at which the Distribution is effective on the Distribution Date.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Governmental Authority ” means any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Group ” means either the Newcastle Group or the New Media Group, as the context requires.

Information Statement ” means the information statement, attached as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and any related documentation to be provided to holders of Newcastle Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

Law ” means any law, statute, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, writ, proclamation, judgment, injunction or decree of any Governmental Authority.

Newcastle ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Newcastle Common Stock ” means the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newcastle.

Newcastle Group ” means Newcastle and the Subsidiaries of Newcastle other than New Media and the Subsidiaries of New Media.

New Media ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

New Media Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

New Media Group ” means New Media and the Subsidiaries of New Media.

NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

NYSE Listing Application ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a).

Party ” or “ Parties ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a union, an unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

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Plan ” means a joint, prepackaged chapter 11 plan of reorganization (including any exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) for GateHouse Media, Inc. and its affiliated debtors dated as of September 20, 2013 (together with all exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto), in each case as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, in the cases captioned In re: GateHouse Media, Inc., et al., Case No. 13-12503 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Plan Effective Date ” means the date that is a Bankruptcy Business Day, determined in accordance with the Plan, on which all conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Plan Effective Date set forth in Section 9.1 of the Plan have been satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.2 of the Plan.

Record Date ” means 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the date, to be determined by the board of directors of Newcastle, as the record date for determining holders of Newcastle Common Stock entitled to receive shares of New Media Common Stock in the Distribution.

Record Holders ” means the holders of record of Newcastle Common Stock on the Record Date.

Registration Statement ” means the registration statement on Form 10 of New Media with respect to the registration under the Exchange Act of the New Media Common Stock to be distributed in the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any specified Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, of which at least a majority of the securities or interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect at least a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation or other organization is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such specified Person or by any one or more of its subsidiaries, or by such specified Person and one or more of its subsidiaries.

Transactions ” means the Distribution and any other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

Section 1.2 Interpretation . In this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, if any, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular;

(b) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;

 

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(c) the word “or” shall have the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or”;

(d) relative to the determination of any period of time, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding” and “through” means “through and including”;

(e) accounting terms used herein shall have the meanings historically ascribed to them by Newcastle and its Subsidiaries in its and their internal accounting and financial policies and procedures in effect immediately prior to the date of this Agreement;

(f) reference to any agreement, instrument or other document means such agreement, instrument or other document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and by this Agreement;

(g) reference to any Law means such Law (including any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) as amended, modified, codified or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect at the time of determining compliance or applicability;

(h) references to any Person include such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement; a reference to such Person’s “Affiliates” shall be deemed to mean such Person’s Affiliates following the Distribution and any reference to a third party shall be deemed to mean a Person who is not a Party or an Affiliate of a Party;

(i) if there is any conflict between the provisions of the main body of this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, the provisions of the main body of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreement, as applicable, shall control unless explicitly stated otherwise in such schedule;

(j) if there is any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, the provisions of such Ancillary Agreement shall control (but only with respect to the subject matter thereof) unless explicitly stated otherwise therein; and

(k) any portion of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement obligating a Party to take any action or refrain from taking any action, as the case may be, shall mean that such Party shall also be obligated to cause its relevant Subsidiaries to take such action or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be.

ARTICLE II

AGREEMENT TO COOPERATE

Section 2.1 Effecting the Distribution . At the reasonable request of Newcastle from time to time, New Media agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Newcastle in connection with the distribution by Newcastle to its stockholders, on a pro rata basis, of shares of New Media Common Stock owned by Newcastle as of the Distribution Date (the “ Distribution ”).

 

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ARTICLE III

CERTAIN ACTIONS PRIOR TO THE DISTRIBUTION

Section 3.1 SEC and Other Securities Filings .

(a) Prior to the date of this Agreement, the Parties caused the Registration Statement to be prepared and filed with the SEC.

(b) At the request of Newcastle, New Media shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective.

(c) New Media shall cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective any other registration statements or amendments or supplements thereto that are necessary or appropriate in order to effect the Transactions, or to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit plans contemplated hereby.

(d) New Media shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under state and foreign securities or “blue sky” Laws in connection with the Transactions.

Section 3.2 NYSE Listing Application .

(a) At the request of Newcastle, New Media shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause an application for the listing on the NYSE of New Media Common Stock to be issued to the Record Holders in the Distribution (the “ NYSE Listing Application ”) be prepared and filed.

(b) At the request of Newcastle, New Media shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have the NYSE Listing Application approved, subject to official notice of issuance, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.3 Governance Matters .

(a) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws . On or prior to the Distribution Date, the Parties shall take all necessary actions to adopt each of the amended and restated articles of incorporation and the amended and restated bylaws of New Media, each substantially in the forms approved by the Plan. Any further amendments to such amended and restated articles of incorporation and such amended and restated bylaws of New Media may be adopted as determined by the board of directors of New Media.

(b) Officers and Directors . The officers and directors of New Media shall be determined by the board of directors of New Media.

Section 3.4 Rights of Newcastle to Effect the Distribution . Newcastle is under no obligation to consummate the Distribution and Newcastle may, in its absolute and sole discretion, upon approval from the board of directors of Newcastle, determine when and whether to effect the Distribution. No terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be understood to create an obligation on the part of Newcastle or any other Person to effect any of the Transactions or in any way limit Newcastle’s right to terminate this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreements.

 

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ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 4.1 Further Assurances . Each Party shall, and shall cause each applicable member of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts to execute and deliver such instruments and to take promptly, and to assist and cooperate with the other Party in taking, all actions reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective the Transactions and any other instruments, written agreements or documents (collectively, the “ Ancillary Agreements ”) as the Parties may agree are reasonable necessary or desirable. Neither Party will, nor will either Party allow any other member of its Group to, without the prior written consent of the other Party, take any action which would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impede, interfere with or delay any of the Transactions.

Section 4.2 Payment of Expenses . New Media shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred and directly related to the preparation, filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the preparation, filing and effectiveness of any other registration statement or amendments or supplements thereto under Section 3.1(c) hereof, the listing of the New Media Common Stock to be issued to the Record Holders in the Distribution on the NYSE, including the preparation and filing for the NYSE Listing Application and any actions or filings in connection with any state and foreign securities or “blue sky” Laws. Newcastle will pay all of its own costs and expenses in connection with the Transactions.

Section 4.3 Amendments and Waivers .

(a) Subject to Section 3.4, this Agreement may not be amended except by an agreement in writing signed by both Parties.

(b) This Agreement may not be amended except by an agreement in writing signed by both Parties.

(c) Any term or provision of this Agreement may be waived, or the time for its performance may be extended, by the Party entitled to the benefit thereof and any such waiver shall be validly and sufficiently given for the purposes of this Agreement if it is in writing signed by an authorized representative of such Party. No delay or failure in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall affect or operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right, power or remedy preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or remedy. The rights and remedies hereunder are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies that either Party would otherwise have.

Section 4.4 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, if any, constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior negotiations, agreements, commitments, writings, courses of dealing and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

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Section 4.5 Survival of Agreements . Except as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.

Section 4.6 Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

Section 4.7 Notices . All notices, requests, permissions, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) five (5) Business Days following sending by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, (b) when sent, if sent by facsimile, (c) when delivered, if delivered personally to the intended recipient, and (d) one (1) Business Day following sending by overnight delivery via a national courier service and, in each case, addressed to a Party at the following address for such Party:

 

(a)    If to Newcastle:
   Newcastle Investment Corp.
   c/o Fortress Investment Group
   1345 Avenue of the Americas
   New York, New York 10105
   Attention: Randal A. Nardone, Secretary
   Fax: (212) 798-6120
(b)    If to New Media:
   New Media Investment Group Inc.
   c/o FIG LLC
   1345 Avenue of the Americas
   New York, New York 10105
   Attention: Cameron MacDougall, Secretary
   Fax: (212) 798-6075

Section 4.8 Counterparts; Electronic Delivery . This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other documents pursuant to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic means shall be deemed to be, and shall have the same legal effect as, execution by an original signature and delivery in person.

Section 4.9 Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is determined by a nonappealable decision by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to either Party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is

 

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invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the court, administrative agency or arbitrator shall interpret this Agreement so as to affect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the Transactions are fulfilled to the fullest extent possible. If any sentence in this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only as broad as is enforceable.

Section 4.10 Assignability; Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns; provided , however , that the rights and obligations of each Party under this Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, whether by operation of law or otherwise, by such Party without the prior written consent of the other Party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations under this Agreement without such consent shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either Party may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any of their respective Affiliates provided that no such assignment shall release such assigning Party from any liability or obligation under this Agreement.

Section 4.11 Governing Law . (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto (i) agrees that any claim, action or proceeding by such party seeking any relief whatsoever arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought only in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in any New York State court located in the Borough of Manhattan and not in any other State or Federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country, (ii) agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts located in the State of New York for purposes of all legal proceedings arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Section 4.12 Construction . This Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parties and no rule of construction or strict interpretation shall be applied against either Party. The Parties represent that this Agreement is entered into with full consideration of any and all rights which the Parties may have. The Parties have relied upon their own knowledge and judgment. The Parties have had access to independent legal advice, have conducted such investigations they thought appropriate, and have consulted with such other independent advisors as they deemed appropriate regarding this Agreement and their rights and asserted rights in connection therewith. The Parties are not relying upon any representations or statements made by the other Party, or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys, regarding this Agreement, except to the extent such representations are expressly set forth or incorporated in this Agreement. The Parties are not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of the other Party (or such other Party’s employees, agents, representatives or attorneys) to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or their preparation, it being expressly understood that neither Party shall ever assert any failure to disclose information on the part of the other Party as a ground for challenging this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.13 Performance . Each Party shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Party.

Section 4.14 Title and Headings . Titles and headings to Sections and Articles are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers as of the date first set forth above.

 

NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.
By:  

 

  Name:   Kenneth Riis
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer
NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.
By:  

 

  Name:   Cameron D. MacDougall
  Title:   Secretary

[Signature Page to Cooperation Agreement]

Exhibit 10.31

ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

This assignment agreement (this “ Assignment Agreement ”) is entered into as of [ ], 2013, by and between Newcastle Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “ Assignor ”), and New Media Investment Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Assignee ”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2013 (as it may be amended in accordance with its terms, the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”), by and among Dow Jones Ventures VII, Inc. (“ Seller ”), Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. (the “ Company ”), the Assignor, and, solely with respect to its obligations under Sections 7.3, 7.7, 7.13, 7.14, 9.2, 9.3 and 10.2 of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

WHEREAS, the Assignor wishes to transfer and assign to the Assignee all of the Assignor’s rights and interests in and to, and obligations under, the Stock Purchase Agreement, and the Assignee wishes to be the assignee and transferee of such rights, interests and obligations;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.11 of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Assignor may not assign any of its rights, interests or obligations under the Stock Purchase Agreement, directly or indirectly (by operation of Law or otherwise), without the prior written approval of Seller; and

WHEREAS, on September [ ], 2013, Seller provided its written approval to the assignment by the Assignor of all of its rights, interests and obligations in the Stock Purchase Agreement to the Assignee.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

1. Assignment and Assumption . The Assignor hereby transfers and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby acquires from the Assignor all of the Assignor’s rights, and interests in and to the Stock Purchase Agreement, of whatever kind or nature, and the Assignee hereby assumes and agrees to perform all obligations, duties, liabilities and commitments of the Assignor under the Stock Purchase Agreement, of whatever kind or nature.

2. Retention of Obligations . Notwithstanding anything in this Assignment Agreement to the contrary, the Assignor shall remain obligated, as a principal and not a guarantor, to Seller with respect to all of the Assignor’s obligations, duties, liabilities and commitments under the Stock Purchase Agreement, of whatever kind or nature.

3. Effectiveness . This Assignment Agreement shall be effective as of the date set first set forth above.

4. Governing Law; Binding Effect . This Assignment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed in such state without giving effect to the choice of law principles of such state that would require or permit the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

5. Counterparts . This Assignment Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including facsimile counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy of this Assignment Agreement, and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of such counterparts by facsimile or electronic mail (in PDF or .tiff format) shall be deemed effective as manual delivery.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignee and Assignor have executed this Assignment Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

ASSIGNEE:
NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:

 

Title:

 
ASSIGNOR:
NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to Assignment

Agreement]

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Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

                    , 2014

Dear Newcastle Investment Corp. Stockholder:

We are pleased to inform you that on                     , 2014 the board of directors of Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”) declared the distribution of all of its shares of common stock of New Media Investment Group Inc. (“New Media”), a majority-owned subsidiary of Newcastle, to Newcastle stockholders. Prior to the distribution, New Media will hold, directly or indirectly, all of Newcastle’s local media assets, which include over 400 newspapers, approximately 350 websites and a digital marketing services business called Propel Marketing.

Upon the distribution, Newcastle stockholders will own     % of the common stock of New Media. Newcastle’s board of directors has determined upon careful review and consideration in accordance with the applicable standard of review under Maryland law that distributing the shares of New Media is in the best interests of Newcastle.

The distribution of New Media common stock will occur on                     , 2014 by way of a taxable pro rata special dividend to Newcastle stockholders of record on the record date of the distribution. Each Newcastle stockholder will be entitled to receive              shares of New Media common stock for              shares of Newcastle common stock held by such stockholder at 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                     , 2014, the record date of the distribution. The New Media common stock will be issued in book-entry form only, which means that no physical stock certificates will be issued.

Stockholder approval of the distribution is not required, and you are not required to take any action to receive your New Media common stock.

Following the distribution, you will own shares in both Newcastle and New Media. The number of Newcastle shares you own will not change as a result of this distribution. Newcastle’s common stock will continue to trade on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NCT.” New Media intends to apply to list its common stock on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NEWM.”

The information statement, which is being mailed to all holders of Newcastle common stock on the record date for the distribution, describes the distribution in detail and contains important information about New Media, its business, financial condition and operations. We urge you to read the information statement carefully.

We want to thank you for your continued support of Newcastle and we look forward to your future support of New Media.

Sincerely,

Kenneth M. Riis

Chief Executive Officer


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LOGO

                    , 2014

Dear Future New Media Investment Group Inc. Stockholder:

It is our pleasure to welcome you as a stockholder of our company, New Media Investment Group Inc. (“New Media”). Following our separation from Newcastle Investment Corp., we will be a newly listed company primarily focused on investing in a high quality, diversified portfolio of local media assets and on growing our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses.

We will be externally managed by an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”). We intend to create stockholder value through growth in our revenue and cash flow by expanding our digital marketing business, growing our online advertising business and pursuing strategic acquisitions of high quality local media assets. Our strategy will be to acquire and operate traditional local media businesses and transform them from print-centric operations to dynamic multi-media operations, through our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses. We will also leverage our existing platform to operate these businesses more efficiently. We believe all of these initiatives will lead to revenue and cash flow growth for New Media and will enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders. We expect to distribute a substantial portion of our free cash flow as a dividend to stockholders, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by our Board of Directors.

New Media intends to apply to list its common stock on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NEWM.”

We invite you to learn more about New Media by reviewing the enclosed information statement. We urge you to read the information statement carefully. We look forward to our future and to your support as a holder of New Media common stock.

Sincerely,

Michael E. Reed

Chief Executive Officer


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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 Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION STATEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 8, 2013

New Media Investment Group Inc.

Common Stock

(Par Value, $0.01 per share)

 

 

This Information Statement is being furnished to you as a stockholder of Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”) in connection with the planned distribution (the “Distribution” or the “spin-off”) by Newcastle to its stockholders of all the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of New Media Investment Group Inc. (“New Media”) (the “Common Stock”) held by Newcastle immediately prior to the spin-off. Immediately prior to the time of the Distribution, Newcastle will hold     % of New Media’s outstanding shares of Common Stock.

At the time of the Distribution, Newcastle will distribute all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock held by Newcastle on a pro rata basis to holders of Newcastle common stock. Every              shares of Newcastle common stock outstanding as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                     , 2014, the record date for the spin-off (the “Record Date”), will entitle the holder thereof to receive              shares of Common Stock. The Distribution will be made in book-entry form. Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be distributed in the spin-off. Holders of Newcastle common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of New Media Common Stock.

The Distribution will be effective after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on                     , 2014, which we refer to hereinafter as the “Distribution Date.” Immediately after the Distribution is completed, we will be a publicly traded company independent from Newcastle.

No action will be required of you to receive shares of Common Stock, which means that:

 

    no vote of Newcastle stockholders is required in connection with this Distribution and we are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy;

 

    you will not be required to pay for the shares of our Common Stock that you receive in the Distribution; and

 

    you do not need to surrender or exchange any of your shares of Newcastle common stock in order to receive shares of our Common Stock, or take any other action in connection with the spin-off.

There is currently no trading market for our Common Stock, although we expect 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 we expect “regular-way” trading of New Media Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange to begin on the first trading day following the completion of the Distribution. New Media intends to apply to list its Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “NEWM.”

 

 

In reviewing this Information Statement, you should carefully consider the matters described under “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 31 of this Information Statement.

 

 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF 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                     , 2014.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Questions and Answers About The Spin-Off

     1   

Summary

     7   

Risk Factors

     31   

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

     47   

The Spin-Off and Restructuring

     48   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution

     55   

Certain U.S. Federal Income and Estate Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock

     60   

Use of Proceeds

     62   

Determination of Offering Price

     62   

Market Price Information and Dividends

     62   

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data

     63   

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

     67   

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

     84   

Business

     107   

Our Manager and Management Agreement

     130   

Management

     135   

Compensation of Directors

     141   

Executive Compensation

     142   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     143   

Certain Relationships and Transactions with Related Persons, Affiliates and Affiliated Entities

     144   

Restructuring Agreements

     146   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     150   

Where You Can Find More Information

     155   

Index To Financial Statements

     F-1   

Presentation of Information

Except as otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, we have presented in this Information Statement the historical consolidated financial information of GateHouse Media, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“GateHouse” or our “Predecessor”). Unless the context otherwise requires, any references in this information statement (“Information Statement”) to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to New Media Investment Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as in effect upon the completion of the Distribution. For periods prior to the Restructuring (as defined below) any references in this Information Statement to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to GateHouse, our Predecessor, and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References in this Information Statement to “Newcastle” generally refer to Newcastle Investment Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. All figures included in this Information Statement are as of June 30, 2013, unless stated otherwise.


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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPIN-OFF

The following questions and answers briefly address some commonly asked questions about the spin-off. They may not include all the information that is important to you. We encourage you to read carefully this entire Information Statement and the other documents to which we have referred you. We have included references in certain parts of this section to direct you to a more detailed discussion of each topic presented in this section. Unless the context otherwise requires, any references to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to New Media Investment Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries as in effect upon the completion of the Distribution. For periods prior to the Restructuring, any references in this information statement to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to GateHouse, our Predecessor and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. References to “Newcastle” generally refer to Newcastle Investment Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

What will Newcastle stockholders receive in the spin-off?

To effect the spin-off, Newcastle will make a distribution of all of the outstanding shares of New Media Common Stock held by Newcastle to Newcastle common stockholders as of the Record Date, which will be 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                     , 2014. For every              shares of Newcastle common stock held on the Record Date for the Distribution, Newcastle will distribute              shares of New Media Common Stock. The Distribution will be made in book-entry form. Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be distributed in the spin-off. Instead, as soon as practicable after the spin-off American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the distribution agent, will aggregate the fractional shares of our Common Stock and sell these shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the applicable portion of the aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales to each holder who otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the spin-off. You will not be entitled to any interest on the amount of the cash payment made in lieu of fractional shares.

Newcastle stockholders will not be required to pay for shares of our Common Stock received in the Distribution, or to surrender or exchange any shares of Newcastle common stock or take any other action to be entitled to receive our Common Stock. The Distribution of our Common Stock will not cancel or affect the number of outstanding shares of Newcastle common stock.

Immediately after the Distribution, holders of Newcastle common stock as of the Record Date will hold     % of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. Based on the number of shares of Newcastle common stock outstanding on                     , 2014, Newcastle expects to distribute approximately              shares of our Common Stock in the spin-off. For a more detailed description, see “The Spin-Off and Restructuring” in this Information Statement.

Why is Newcastle spinning off New Media?

Newcastle’s board of directors periodically reviews strategic alternatives. Newcastle’s board of directors determined upon careful review and consideration in accordance with the applicable standard of review under Maryland law that the spin-off of New Media is in the best interests of Newcastle. Newcastle’s board of directors believes that media assets are currently undervalued and being sold at substantial discounts. Newcastle’s board of directors also believes that New Media’s value can be increased over time through a strategy aimed at acquiring local media assets and organically growing New Media’s digital marketing business. In addition, Newcastle’s board of directors believes New Media’s prospects would be enhanced by being able to operate unfettered by REIT requirements. Accordingly, Newcastle’s board of directors has determined that the separation of New Media from Newcastle, as opposed to a sale of New Media’s Common Stock or other transaction, will provide Newcastle’s stockholders with the best opportunity to benefit from the anticipated appreciation of New Media’s value over time. Moreover, Newcastle’s board of directors believes that the execution risk of a spin-off is lower than for other types of transactions. Newcastle’s board of directors determination was based on a number of factors, including those set forth below.

 

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    Added focus and simplification . We believe the spin-off of New Media will enhance Newcastle’s focus on its primary strategy of opportunistically investing in, and actively managing, a variety of real-estate related and other investments. The spin-off will simplify Newcastle’s business by separating an asset class (media assets) that is unrelated to the remainder of Newcastle’s investment portfolio. As a result, we believe the spin-off will facilitate investor and analyst understanding of Newcastle’s core businesses. In addition, the spin-off will create a dedicated vehicle to pursue a significant investment opportunity in the media industry.

 

    Tailored capital structure and financing options . New Media and Newcastle will have distinct and unrelated businesses, and the spin-off will enable each to create a capital structure tailored to its individual needs. In addition, tailored capital structures will facilitate each company’s ability to pursue acquisitions, possibly using common stock as currency, and other strategic alliances. Following the spin-off, each company may be able to attain more favorable financing terms on a stand-alone basis than Newcastle could obtain currently.

 

    Newcastle’s Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) status . As a REIT, Newcastle is not suited to own an operating business indefinitely. Newcastle’s current investment in New Media originated with a 2007 debt investment in GateHouse. GateHouse became overleveraged in the financial crisis, and Newcastle determined to maximize the value of its investment by proposing and supporting a restructuring that will result in the conversion of its debt into equity. Following the restructuring, a spin-off will facilitate Newcastle’s compliance with the REIT qualification tests.

Additionally, in determining whether to effect the spin-off, Newcastle’s board of directors also considered the costs and risks relating to the spin-off, including: (i) potential costs and disruptions to the businesses as a result of the spin-off, (ii) risks of being unable to achieve the benefits expected from the spin-off, (iii) the reaction of Newcastle’s stockholders to the spin-off, (iv) the risk that one-time and ongoing costs of the spin-off may be greater than expected and (v) the tax impact of the spin-off to Newcastle and its stockholders. Newcastle’s board of directors determined that in the aggregate the potential benefits of the spin-off outweighed the potential negative factors. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Distribution” and “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Reasons for the Distribution.”

The anticipated benefits of the spin-off are based on a number of assumptions, and there can be no assurance that such benefits will materialize to the extent anticipated or at all. In the event that the spin-off does not result in such benefits, the costs associated with the transaction and the expenses New Media will incur as an independent public company, including management compensation and general and administrative expenses, could have a negative effect on each company’s financial condition and ability to make distributions to its stockholders. For more information about the risks associated with the separation, see “Risk Factors.”

What businesses will Newcastle engage in after the spin-off?

Newcastle will continue to be a real estate investment trust that focuses on opportunistically investing in, and actively managing, a variety of real estate-related and other investments.

Who is entitled to receive shares of our Common Stock in the spin-off?

Holders of Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                      , 2014, the Record Date for the spin-off, will be entitled to receive shares of our Common Stock in the spin-off.

When will the Distribution occur?

We expect that Newcastle will distribute the shares of our Common Stock on                     , 2014 to holders of record of Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                     , 2014, subject to certain conditions described under “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Conditions to the Distribution.”

 

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What do I need to do to receive my shares of New Media Common Stock?

Nothing, but we urge you to read this Information Statement carefully. Stockholders who hold Newcastle common stock as of the Record Date will not need to take any action to receive your shares of our Common Stock in the Distribution. No stockholder approval of the Distribution is required or sought. We are not asking you for a proxy, and you are requested not to send us a proxy. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your shares of Newcastle common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of our Common Stock. If you own Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date, Newcastle, with the assistance of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the distribution agent, will electronically issue shares of our Common Stock to you or to your brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. The distribution agent will mail you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of New Media Common Stock, or your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. If you sell shares of Newcastle common stock in the “regular-way” market through the Distribution Date, you will also sell your right to receive shares of New Media Common Stock in the Distribution. Following the Distribution, stockholders whose shares are held in book-entry form may request that their shares of New Media Common Stock held in book-entry form be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time, without charge.

Will I receive physical certificates representing shares of New Media Common Stock following the Distribution?

No. Following the Distribution, neither Newcastle nor New Media will be issuing physical certificates representing shares of New Media Common Stock. Instead, Newcastle, with the assistance of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the distribution agent, will electronically issue shares of our Common Stock to you or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. The distribution agent will mail you a book-entry account statement that reflects your shares of New Media Common Stock, or your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares. A benefit of issuing stock electronically in book-entry form is that there will be none of the physical handling and safekeeping responsibilities that are inherent in owning physical stock certificates.

What will govern my rights as a New Media stockholder?

Your rights as a New Media stockholder will be governed by Delaware law, as well as our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws. A description of these rights is included in this Information Statement under the heading “Description of Our Capital Stock.”

Who will be the stockholders of New Media Common Stock after the Distribution?

Immediately following the Distribution, Newcastle stockholders as of the Record Date for the Distribution will own     % of our Common Stock. The remainder of the outstanding Common Stock will be owned by holders of GateHouse debt who elected to receive Common Stock in the Restructuring (as defined below) of GateHouse. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations” in this Information Statement for more information.

Are there risks associated with the spin-off and our business after the spin-off?

Yes. You should carefully review the risks described in this Information Statement under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31.

Is stockholder approval needed in connection with the spin-off?

No vote of Newcastle stockholders is required or will be sought in connection with the spin-off.

 

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Where will I be able to trade shares of New Media Common Stock?

There is not currently a public market for New Media Common Stock. New Media intends to apply to list its Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “NEWM.” We anticipate that trading in shares of our Common Stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis on or shortly before the Record Date and will continue through the Distribution Date and that “regular-way” trading in shares of our Common Stock will begin on the first trading day following the Distribution Date. If trading begins on a “when-issued” basis, you may purchase or sell our Common Stock up to and including through the Distribution Date, but your transaction will not settle until after the Distribution Date. We cannot predict the trading prices for our Common Stock before, on or after the Distribution Date. If the Distribution is cancelled, your transaction will not settle and will have to be disqualified.

What if I want to sell my Newcastle common stock or New Media Common Stock?

You should consult with your financial advisors, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor. Neither Newcastle nor New Media makes any recommendations on the purchase, retention or sale of Newcastle common stock or the shares of New Media Common Stock to be distributed in the spin-off.

If you decide to sell any shares before the Distribution, you should make sure your stockbroker, bank or other nominee understands whether you want to sell your Newcastle common stock or the shares of Common Stock you will receive in the Distribution. If you sell your Newcastle common stock in the “regular-way” market up to and including the Distribution Date, you will also sell your right to receive shares of Common Stock in the Distribution. If you own Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date and sell those shares on the “ex-distribution” market up to and including the Distribution Date, you will still receive the shares of Common Stock that you would be entitled to receive in respect of the Newcastle common stock you owned as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date” in this Information Statement for more information.

Will I be taxed on the shares of New Media Common Stock that I receive in the Distribution?

Yes. The Distribution will be in the form of a taxable special dividend to Newcastle stockholders. An amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock received by you will be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of your ratable share of any current or accumulated earnings and profits of Newcastle, with the excess treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in Newcastle common stock and any remaining excess treated as capital gain. If this special dividend is distributed in the structure and timeframe currently anticipated, the special dividend is expected to satisfy a portion of Newcastle’s 2014 REIT taxable income distribution requirements. For a more detailed discussion, see “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

How will the Distribution affect my tax basis and holding period in Newcastle common stock?

Your tax basis in shares of Newcastle held at the time of the Distribution will be reduced (but not below zero) to the extent the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock distributed by Newcastle in the Distribution exceeds Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as adjusted to take account of other distributions made by Newcastle in the taxable year that includes the Distribution. Your holding period for such Newcastle shares will not be affected by the Distribution. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the Distribution to you, including the applicability of any U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.

What will my tax basis and holding period be for the stock of New Media that I receive in the Distribution?

Your tax basis in the shares of our Common Stock received will equal the fair market value of such shares on the date of the Distribution. Your holding period for such shares will begin the day after the date of the Distribution. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

 

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You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the Distribution to you, including the applicability of any U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.

Can Newcastle decide to cancel the Distribution or modify its terms if all conditions to the Distribution have been met?

Yes. Although the Distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, Newcastle has the right to not to complete the Distribution if at any time prior to the Distribution Date (even if all such conditions are satisfied), its board of directors determines, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interest of Newcastle or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to separate New Media from Newcastle.

The conditions to the Distribution are that (i) our registration statement on Form 10, of which this Information Statement is a part, shall have become effective under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and no stop order related to the registration statement shall be in effect; (ii) the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE shall have been approved, subject to official notice of issuance; (iii) the Plan shall have been approved by the Bankruptcy Court without any appeals by any parties; and (iv) no order, injunction or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing consummation of the Distribution or any of the transaction related thereto, shall be in effect. We note that other than the federal securities laws, there are no federal or state regulatory requirements with which we must comply. If Newcastle’s board of directors were to waive a material condition to or abandon the Distribution, Newcastle would notify its stockholders of the decision by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Does New Media plan to pay dividends?

We currently expect New Media to distribute a substantial portion of free cash flow as a dividend, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by New Media’s board of directors. However, our ability to pay dividends is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance regarding whether we will pay dividends in the future. See, for example, “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We may not be able to pay dividends in accordance with our announced intent or at all.”

Will the number of Newcastle shares I own change as a result of the Distribution?

No. The number of shares of Newcastle common stock you own will not change as a result of the Distribution.

What will happen to the listing of Newcastle common stock?

Nothing. It is expected that after the Distribution of New Media Common Stock, Newcastle common stock will continue to be traded on the NYSE under the symbol “NCT.”

Will the Distribution affect the market price of my Newcastle shares?

Yes. As a result of the Distribution, we expect the trading price of shares of Newcastle common stock immediately following the Distribution to be lower than immediately prior to the Distribution because the trading price will no longer reflect the value of New Media’s assets. Furthermore, until the market has fully analyzed the value of Newcastle without New Media’s assets, the price of Newcastle shares may fluctuate significantly. In addition, although Newcastle believes that over time following the separation, the common stock of the separated companies should have a higher aggregate market value, on a fully distributed basis and assuming the same market conditions, than if Newcastle were to remain under its current configuration, there can be no assurance, and thus the combined trading prices of Newcastle common stock and New Media Common Stock after the Distribution may be equal to or less than the trading price of shares of Newcastle common stock before the Distribution.

 

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Where can Newcastle stockholders get more information?

Before the Distribution, if you have any questions relating to the Distribution, you should contact:

Newcastle Investment Corp.

Investor Relations

1345 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10105

Tel: 212-479-3195

www.newcastleinv.com

After the Distribution, if you have any questions relating to our Common Stock, you should contact:

New Media Investment Group Inc.

Investor Relations

Tel: 212-479-3160

 

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SUMMARY

This summary of certain information contained in this Information Statement may not include all the information that is important to you. To understand fully and for a more complete description of the terms and conditions of the spin-off, you should read this Information Statement in its entirety and the documents to which you are referred. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Our Company

We will be a newly listed company primarily focused on investing in a high quality, diversified portfolio of local media assets and on growing our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses.

We are one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by number of daily publications. We operate in 338 markets across 24 states. Our portfolio of products, which includes 438 community publications, 365 related websites, and six yellow page directories, serves more than 130,000 business advertising accounts and reaches approximately 12 million people on a weekly basis.

Our print and online products focus on the local community from both a content and advertising standpoint. As a result of our focus on small and midsize markets, we are usually the primary, and sometimes the sole, provider of comprehensive and in-depth local market news and information in the communities we serve. Our content is primarily devoted to topics that we believe are highly relevant and of interest to our audiences such as local news and politics, community and regional events, youth sports, opinion and editorial pages, and local schools.

More than 83% of our daily newspapers have been published for more than 100 years and 99% have been published for more than 50 years. We believe that the longevity of our publications demonstrates the value and relevance of the local information that we provide and has created a strong foundation of reader loyalty as well as a highly recognized media brand name in each community we serve.

We acquired our operations as part of the restructuring of GateHouse. On September 27, 2013, GateHouse commenced Chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) in which it sought confirmation of its Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Plan”) sponsored by Newcastle, as the holder of the majority of the Outstanding Debt (as defined below). The Court confirmed the Plan on November 6, 2013. After the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent of the Plan, GateHouse intends to effect the transactions contemplated by the Plan and emerge from Chapter 11 protection on the effective date (the “Effective Date”).

The Plan will effectuate the restructuring of GateHouse (the “Restructuring”). On the Effective Date, (1) reorganized GateHouse will become a wholly owned subsidiary of New Media as a result of (a) the cancellation and discharge of the currently outstanding equity interests of Gatehouse (the holders of which will receive warrants issued by New Media) and (b) the issuance of equity interests in the reorganized GateHouse to New Media; (2) Local Media Group Holdings LLC (“Local Media Parent”), which is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Newcastle, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of New Media as a result of Newcastle’s transfer of Local Media Parent to New Media; and (3) all of GateHouse’s Outstanding Debt will be cancelled and discharged and the holders of the Outstanding Debt will receive, at their option, their pro rata share of the (i) Cash-Out Offer (as defined below) and/or (ii) New Media Common Stock and the net proceeds, if any, of potential new credit facilities raised by reorganized GateHouse. Pursuant to the Cash-Out Offer, Newcastle offered to buy the claims of the holders of the Outstanding Debt (as defined below). As a result of these transactions, Newcastle will own approximately           % of New Media on the Effective Date. See “—Recent Developments,” “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

 

 

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On the Effective Date of the Plan, it is expected that New Media’s debt structure will consist of up to $150 million in new credit facilities (the “New Credit Facilities”) and additional undrawn commitments of up to $15 million for working capital and other purposes (such unfunded commitments, the “New Undrawn Commitments”). Entry into the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments will not be a condition to the effectiveness of the Plan. Additionally, New Media’s debt structure will consist of a $33.0 million senior secured term loan which was funded on September 3, 2013 and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10 million, whose full availability was activated on October 25, 2013 (the “Local Media Credit Facility”).

The newspaper industry has experienced declining revenue and profitability over the past several years due to, among other things, advertisers’ shift from print to digital media and general market conditions. GateHouse, our predecessor, was affected by this trend and experienced net losses of $31.6 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and $29.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. Total revenue decreased by 5.3% to $230.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 5.1% to $488.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. The Restructuring will significantly reduce New Media’s interest expense. In addition, New Media intends to focus its business strategy on building its digital marketing business and growing its online advertising business, which we believe will offset many of the challenges experienced by GateHouse. With its new capital structure and digital focus, we believe that New Media will be able to create stockholder value given its strengths and strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. See “Risk Factors.”

We intend to create stockholder value through growth in our revenue and cash flow by expanding our digital marketing business, growing our online advertising business and pursuing strategic acquisitions of high quality local media assets. Our strategy will be to acquire and operate traditional local media businesses and transform them from print-centric operations to dynamic multi-media operations, through our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses. We will also leverage our existing platform to operate these businesses more efficiently. We believe all of these initiatives will lead to revenue and cash flow growth for New Media and will enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders. We expect to distribute a substantial portion of our free cash flow as a dividend to stockholders, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by our Board of Directors.

Our Manager

We will be managed by FIG LLC (our “Manager”), an affiliate of Fortress, pursuant to the terms of a Management and Advisory Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) dated as of                     , 2013 between us and our Manager . We will draw upon the long-standing expertise and resources of Fortress, a global investment management firm with $54.6 billion in fee paying assets under management as of June 30, 2013.

Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, our Manager, subject to oversight by our Board of Directors, will be responsible for: (1) performing day-to-day functions, (2) determining investment criteria in conjunction with, and subject to the supervision of, our Board of Directors, (3) sourcing, analyzing and executing on investments and sales, (4) performing investment and liability management duties, including financing and hedging, and (5) performing financial and accounting management. For its services, our Manager will be entitled to an annual management fee and eligible to receive incentive compensation that is based on our performance.

Our Manager also manages Newcastle, a publicly traded REIT that pursues a broad range of real estate related investments. Our management team will not be required to exclusively dedicate their services to us and will provide services for other entities affiliated with our Manager, including, but not limited to, Newcastle.

Reasons for Distribution

Newcastle’s board of directors periodically reviews strategic alternatives. The Newcastle board determined upon careful review and consideration in accordance with the applicable standard of review under Maryland law

 

 

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that the spin-off of New Media is in the best interests of Newcastle. Newcastle’s board of directors believes that media assets are currently undervalued and being sold at substantial discounts. Newcastle’s board of directors also believes that New Media’s value can be increased over time through a strategy aimed at acquiring local media assets and organically growing New Media’s digital marketing business. In addition, Newcastle’s board of directors believes New Media’s prospects would be enhanced by being able to operate unfettered by REIT requirements. Accordingly, Newcastle’s board of directors has determined that the separation of New Media from Newcastle, as opposed to a sale of New Media’s Common Stock or other transaction, will provide Newcastle’s stockholders with the best opportunity to benefit from the anticipated appreciation of New Media’s value over time. Moreover, Newcastle’s board of directors believes that the execution risk of a spin-off is lower than for other types of transactions. Newcastle’s board of directors’ determination was based on a number of factors, including those set forth below.

 

    Added focus and simplification . We believe the spin-off of New Media will enhance Newcastle’s focus on its primary strategy of opportunistically investing in, and actively managing, a variety of real-estate related and other investments. The spin-off will simplify Newcastle’s business by separating an asset class (media assets) that is unrelated to the remainder of Newcastle’s investment portfolio. As a result, we believe the spin-off will facilitate investor and analyst understanding of Newcastle’s core businesses. In addition, the spin-off will create a dedicated vehicle to pursue a significant investment opportunity in the media industry.

 

    Tailored capital structure and financing options . New Media and Newcastle will have distinct and unrelated businesses, and the spin-off will enable each to create a capital structure tailored to its individual needs. In addition, tailored capital structures will facilitate each company’s ability to pursue acquisitions, possibly using common stock as currency, and other strategic alliances. Following the spin-off, each company may be able to attain more favorable financing terms on a stand-alone basis than Newcastle could obtain currently.

 

    Newcastle’s Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) status . As a REIT, Newcastle is not suited to own an operating business indefinitely. Newcastle’s current investment in New Media originated with a 2007 debt investment in GateHouse. GateHouse became overleveraged in the financial crisis, and Newcastle determined to maximize the value of its investment by proposing and supporting a restructuring that will result in the conversion of its debt into equity. Following the restructuring, a spin-off will facilitate Newcastle’s compliance with the REIT qualification tests.

Additionally, in determining whether to effect the spin-off, Newcastle’s board of directors also considered the costs and risks relating to the spin-off, including: (i) potential costs and disruptions to the businesses as a result of the spin-off, (ii) risks of being unable to achieve the benefits expected from the spin-off, (iii) the reaction of Newcastle’s stockholders to the spin-off, (iv) the risk that one-time and ongoing costs of the spin-off may be greater than expected and (v) the tax impact of the spin-off to Newcastle and its stockholders. Newcastle’s board of directors determined that in the aggregate the potential benefits of the spin-off outweighed the potential negative factors. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Distribution” and “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Reasons for the Distribution.”

Our Strengths

High Quality Assets with Leading Local Franchises . Our publications benefit from a long history in the communities we serve as one of the leading, and often sole, providers of comprehensive and in-depth local content. This has resulted in reader loyalty and high local audience penetration rates, which are highly valued by local advertisers. We continue to build on long-standing relationships with local advertisers and our in-depth knowledge of the consumers in our local markets.

Strong Value Proposition for Our Advertisers . Our portfolio enjoys a devoted readership in the local communities where we operate. By providing access to these communities, we help advertisers maximize the

 

 

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efficiency of their advertising spending. We offer advertisers several alternatives (daily, weekly, shopper, and niche print publications as well as an array of web, mobile and tablet products) to reach consumers and to tailor the nature and frequency of their marketing messages. We also offer advertisers the ability to target consumers based on their behavior online which is an effective and efficient way for businesses to market to their target customers.

Diverse Revenue Streams . Our revenue streams are diversified in terms of type of revenue, product source for revenue, geographic distribution of revenues and numbers of customers. We also benefit from our strong local franchises who serve local consumers and businesses in small to mid-size markets. During the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, we generated revenue in 328 markets across 21 states, serving a fragmented and diversified local customer base. For full year 2012, we served over 128,000 business advertising accounts in our publications, and our top 20 advertisers contributed less than 5% of our total revenues. Over 3.8 million classified advertisements were placed in our publications in 2012. Additionally, for the full year 2012 we generated 60% of revenue from print product advertising, 27% from subscription income from customers, 6% from digital advertising and 7% from commercial printing work for external customers and affiliated parties.

Scale Yields Operating Profit Margins and Allows Us to Realize Operating Synergies . We believe we can generate higher operating profit margins than our publications could achieve on a stand-alone basis by leveraging our operations and implementing revenue initiatives, especially digital initiatives, across a broader local footprint in a geographic cluster and by centralizing certain back office production, accounting, administrative and corporate operations. We also benefit from economies of scale in the purchase of insurance, newsprint and other large strategic supplies and equipment. Finally, we have the ability to further leverage our centralized services and buying power to reduce operating costs when making future strategic accretive acquisitions.

Local Business Profile Generates Significant Cash Flow . Our local business franchises will allow us to generate significant recurring cash flow due to our diversified revenue base, operating profit margins, and our low capital expenditure and working capital requirements. With the company’s low leverage capital structure after the Restructuring it will have significant available cash flow to create stockholder value, including investing in organic growth, investing in accretive acquisitions and returning cash to stockholders in the form of dividends, subject to approval by our Board of Directors. We further believe the strong cash flows generated and available to be invested will lead to consistent future dividend growth.

Large Locally Focused Sales Force . We have large and well known feet on the street local sales forces in the markets we serve. They are generally one of the largest locally oriented media sales forces in their respective communities. Our sales forces and their respective local media brands tend to have strong credibility and trust within the local business communities. We have long-standing relationships with many local businesses and have the ability to get in the door with most local businesses due to these unique characteristics we enjoy. These qualities also provide leverage for our sales force to grow additional future revenue streams in our markets.

Ability to Acquire and Integrate New Assets . We have created a national platform for consolidating local media businesses and have demonstrated an ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate local media asset acquisitions. We have acquired over $1.6 billion of assets since 2006. We have acquired both traditional newspaper and directory businesses. We have a very scalable infrastructure and platform to leverage with future acquisitions.

Experienced Management Team . Our senior management team is made up of executives who have an average of over 20 years of experience in the media industry, including strong traditional and digital media expertise. Our executive officers have broad industry experience with regard to both growing new digital business lines and identifying and integrating strategic acquisitions. Our management team also has key strengths in managing wide geographically disbursed teams, including the sales force, and identifying and centralizing duplicate functions across businesses leading to reduced core infrastructure costs.

 

 

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The newspaper industry has experienced declining revenue and profitability over the past several years due to, among other things, advertisers’ shift from print to digital media and general market conditions. GateHouse, our predecessor, was affected by this trend and experienced net losses of $31.6 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and $29.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. Total revenue decreased by 5.3% to $230.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 5.1% to $488.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. The Restructuring will significantly reduce New Media’s interest expense. In addition, New Media intends to focus its business strategy on building its digital marketing business and growing its online advertising business, which we believe will offset many of the challenges experienced by GateHouse. With its new capital structure and digital focus, we believe that New Media will be able to create stockholder value given its strengths and strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. See “Risk Factors.”

Our Strategy

We intend to create stockholder value through growth in our revenue and cash flow by expanding our digital marketing business, growing our online advertising business and pursuing strategic acquisitions of high quality local media assets. Our strategy will be to acquire and operate traditional local media businesses and transform them from print-centric operations to dynamic multi-media operations, through our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses. We will also leverage our existing platform to operate these businesses more efficiently. We believe all of these initiatives will lead to revenue and cash flow growth for New Media and will enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by our Board of Directors. The key elements of our strategy include:

Maintain Our Leading Position in the Delivery of Proprietary Content in Our Communities. We seek to maintain our position as a leading provider of local content in the markets we serve and to leverage this position to strengthen our relationships with both readers and advertisers, thereby increasing penetration rates and market share. A critical aspect of this approach is to continue to provide local content that is not readily obtainable elsewhere and to be able to deliver that content to our customers across multiple print and digital platforms. We believe it is very important for us to protect the content from unauthorized users who use it for their own commercial purposes. We also believe it is important for us to develop subscription revenue streams from our digitally distributed content.

Stabilize Our Core Business Operations. We have four primary drivers in our strategic plans to stabilize our core business operations, including: (i) identifying permanent structural expense reductions in our traditional business cost infrastructure and re-deploying a portion of those costs toward future growth opportunities, primarily on the digital side of our business; (ii) accelerating the growth of both our digital audiences and revenues through improvements to current products, new product development, training, opportunistic changes in hiring to create an employee base with a more diversified skill set and sharing of best practices; (iii) accelerating our consumer revenue growth through subscription pricing increases and growth in our subscriber base, which we aim to improve by employing additional strategic customer acquisition techniques, driving digital only subscriber growth through our pay meter strategy and improving our customer retention programs; and (iv) stabilizing our core print advertising revenues through improvements to pricing (understanding and selling the unique value of our local audience reach and level of engagement, at the sales rep level), packaging of products for customers that will produce the best results for them (needs based selling), more technology and training for sales management and sales representatives and increased accountability through consistent setting of expectations and measuring against those expectations on a regular basis.

Grow New Digital Business and Revenue Streams Leveraging Key Strengths. We plan to scale and expand our two new recently created digital businesses, Propel Marketing and adhance media. Propel Marketing will allow us to sell digital marketing services to small and medium sized businesses (“SMBs”) both in and outside existing markets. The SMB demand for digital service solutions is great and represents a rapidly expanding opportunity. adhance media, our private advertising exchange, allows us to more fully monetize our (and third parties’) valuable unsold digital advertising space. Advertising bought programmatically through private

 

 

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exchanges is expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, especially in private exchanges where advertisers get priority access to the advertising space. We also aim to leverage our large local sales forces and strong local media brands to create new business opportunities at the local market level.

Pursue Strategic Accretive Acquisitions. We intend to capitalize on the highly fragmented and distressed newspaper and directory industries. We initially expect to focus our investments in the local newspaper and yellow page directory sectors, primarily in the United States. We believe we have a strong operational platform, which currently owns local newspaper and directory businesses, as well as a scalable digital services business, Propel Marketing. This platform, along with deep industry specific knowledge and experience that our management team has can be leveraged to reduce costs, stabilize the core business and grow digital revenues at acquired properties. The size and fragmentation of the addressable newspaper and yellow page directory market place in the United States, the greatly reduced valuation levels that exist in these industries, and our deep experience, make this an attractive place for our initial consolidation focus and capital allocation. Over the longer term we also believe there may be opportunity to diversify and acquire these types of assets internationally, as well other traditional local media assets such as broadcast TV, out of home advertising (billboards) and radio, in the United States and internationally.

Increase Sales Force Productivity. We aim to increase the effectiveness and productivity of our sales force and, in turn, help maximize advertising revenues. We also aim to shift the culture of our sales force from that of print-centric to multi-media and feel that is critical to our long term success. Our approach includes changes to sales force compensation to be more aligned with long term strategic goals, ongoing company-wide training of sales representatives and sales managers that focuses on strengthening their ability to perform needs based assessments and selling. We set expectations by sales representatives, manager and team and regularly evaluate the performance of our sales representatives and sales management against those expectations. We believe stronger accountability and measurement of our sales force, when combined with enhanced training and access to better technologies, demographic and marketing information, will lead to greater productivity and revenue from our sales force.

Introduce New Products or Modify Our Products to Enhance our Value Proposition to Local Businesses. We believe that our established positions in local markets, combined with our publishing and distribution capabilities, allow us to develop and customize new products to address the evolving interests and needs of our readers and local businesses. A primary source for product enhancement and growth we believe exists in the digital space. Product improvement and new product development across the web, mobile and tablets will be a key component to long term success. We are actively scaling web and mobile products, including deal platforms, digital service offerings, including Propel Marketing, mobile websites and applications, and we continue to expand on our offering of behavioral targeted and audience extension advertising options.

Pursue a Content-Driven Digital Strategy. As consumers continue to spend more time online especially with regard to consumption of news, we believe that we are well-positioned to increase our digital penetration and generate additional online audience and revenues due to both our ability to deliver unique local content online, and the relationship our local brand names have with readers and advertisers. We believe this presents an opportunity to increase our overall audience penetration rates and drive additional subscription revenues in each of the communities we serve. We have developed pay meters at most all of our daily newspaper websites and several of our largest weeklies, which we use to charge customers fees for access to our content. These meters will enable us to grow our digital subscription income and capture revenues that shift to the web as consumers shift to the web. Finally, we intend to share resources across our organization in order to give each of our publications access to technology, digital management expertise, content and advertisers that they may not have been able to obtain or afford if they were operating independently.

The newspaper industry has experienced declining revenue and profitability over the past several years due to, among other things, advertisers’ shift from print to digital media and general market conditions. GateHouse,

 

 

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our predecessor, was affected by this trend and experienced net losses of $31.6 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and $29.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. Total revenue decreased by 5.3% to $230.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 5.1% to $488.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. The Restructuring will significantly reduce New Media’s interest expense. In addition, New Media intends to focus its business strategy on building its digital marketing business and growing its online advertising business, which we believe will offset many of the challenges experienced by GateHouse. With its new capital structure and digital focus, we believe that New Media will be able to create stockholder value given its strengths and strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. See “Risk Factors.”

Challenges

We will likely face challenges commonly encountered by recently reorganized entities, including the risks that:

 

    even under our new capital structure, we may not be profitable; and

 

    the Restructuring may cause our vendors and suppliers to stop providing supplies or services to us or to offer to provide such services or supplies only on unfavorable terms.

As a publisher of locally based print and online media, we face a number of additional challenges, including the risks that:

 

    the growing shift within the publishing industry from traditional print media to digital forms of publication may compromise our ability generate sufficient advertising revenues;

 

    investments in growing our digital business may not be successful, which could adversely affect our results of operations; and

 

    our advertising and circulation revenues may decline if we are unable to compete effectively with other companies in the local media industry.

For more information about New Media’s risks and challenges, see “Risk Factors.”

Management Agreement

On the Effective Date, we will enter into a Management Agreement with our Manager. Our Management Agreement will require our Manager to manage our business affairs subject to the supervision of our Board of Directors.

Our Management Agreement has an initial three-year term and will be automatically renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless terminated either by us or our Manager. From the commencement date of our Common Stock trading on the “regular way” market on a major U.S. national securities exchange (the “Listing”), our Manager is (a) entitled to receive from us a management fee, (b) eligible to receive incentive compensation that is based on our performance and (c) eligible to receive options to purchase New Media Common Stock upon the successful completion of an offering of shares of our Common Stock or any shares of preferred stock with an exercise price equal to the price per share paid by the public or other ultimate purchaser in the offering. In addition, we are obligated to reimburse certain expenses incurred by our Manager. Our Manager is also entitled to receive a termination fee from us under certain circumstances.

 

 

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The terms of our Management Agreement are summarized below and described in more detail under “Our Manager and Management Agreement” elsewhere in this Information Statement.

 

Type

  

Description

Management Fee

   1.5% per annum of our total equity calculated and payable monthly in arrears in cash, commencing from the Listing. Total equity is generally the equity transferred by Newcastle on the date on which our Common Stock trades in the “regular way” market on a major U.S. national securities exchange, plus total net proceeds from any equity capital raised (including through stock offerings), plus certain capital contributions to subsidiaries, plus the equity value of assets contributed to the Company prior to or after the date of the Management Agreement, less capital distributions and repurchases of common stock.

Incentive Compensation

   Our Manager is eligible to receive on a quarterly basis annual incentive compensation in an amount equal to the product of 25% of the dollar amount by which (a) the adjusted net income of the Company exceeds (b)(i) the weighted daily average total equity (plus cash capital raising costs), multiplied by (ii) a simple interest rate of 10% per annum. “Adjusted net income” means net income (computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, (“GAAP”)), plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and permanent cash tax savings. Adjusted net income will be computed on an unconsolidated basis. The computation of adjusted net income may be adjusted at the direction of the independent directors based on changes in, or certain applications, of GAAP.

Reimbursement of Expenses

   Commencing from the Listing, we will pay, or reimburse our Manager’s employees for performing certain legal, accounting, due diligence tasks and other services that outside professionals or outside consultants otherwise would perform, provided that such costs and reimbursements are no greater than those which would be paid to outside professionals or consultants on an arm’s-length basis. We also pay all operating expenses, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under our Management Agreement.
   Our Manager is responsible for all costs incident to the performance of its duties under the Management Agreement, including compensation of our Manager’s

 

 

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   employees, rent for facilities and other “overhead” expenses. The expenses required to be paid by us include, but are not limited to, issuance and transaction costs incident to the acquisition, disposition, operation and financing of our investments, legal and auditing fees and expenses, the compensation and expenses of our independent directors, the costs associated with the establishment and maintenance of any credit facilities and other indebtedness of ours (including commitment fees, legal fees, closing costs, etc.), expenses associated with other securities offerings of ours, the costs of printing and mailing proxies and reports to our stockholders, costs incurred by employees of our Manager for travel on our behalf, costs associated with any computer software or hardware that is used solely for us, costs to obtain liability insurance to indemnify our directors and officers and the compensation and expenses of our transfer agent.

Termination Fee

   The termination fee is payable to the Manager under the circumstances described in the section entitled “Our Manager and Management Agreement—Term; Termination.” The termination fee is equal to the sum of (1) the amount of the management fee during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of termination, and (2) the “Incentive Compensation Fair Value Amount,” if such option is exercised by the Company or the Manager. The Incentive Compensation Fair Value Amount is an amount equal to the Incentive Compensation that would be paid to the Manager if our assets were sold for cash at their then current fair market value (as determined by an appraisal, taking into account, among other things, the expected future value of the underlying investments).

Grant of Options to Our Manager

   Commencing from the Listing, upon the successful completion of an offering of shares of our Common Stock or any shares of preferred stock, we will grant our Manager options equal to 10% of the number of shares being sold in the offering (excluding the shares issued to Newcastle in the Local Media Contribution (as defined below)), with an exercise price equal to the offering price per share paid by the public or other ultimate purchaser. For the avoidance of doubt, the listing of our Common Stock does not constitute an offering for purposes of this provision.

 

 

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Conflicts of Interest

Although we have established certain policies and procedures designed to mitigate conflicts of interest, there can be no assurance that these policies and procedures will be effective in doing so. It is possible that actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest could give rise to investor dissatisfaction, litigation or regulatory enforcement actions.

One or more of our directors have responsibilities and commitments to entities other than us, including, but not limited to, Newcastle. For example, one of our directors is also a director of Newcastle. In addition, we do not have a policy that expressly prohibits our directors, officers, security holders or affiliates from engaging for their own account in business activities of the types conducted by us. Newcastle and other Fortress affiliates will not be restricted from pursuing other opportunities that may create conflicts or competition for us. However, our code of business conduct and ethics prohibits, subject to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the directors, officers and employees of our Manager from engaging in any transaction that involves an actual conflict of interest with us. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Manager—There may be conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager, including with respect to corporate opportunities.”

Transactions between the Manager and any affiliate must be approved in advance by the majority of the independent directors and be determined by such independent directors to be in the best interests of the Company. If any affiliate transaction involving the acquisition of an asset from the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager is not approved in advance by a majority of the independent directors, then the Manager may be required to repurchase the asset at the purchase price (plus closing costs) to the Company.

The structure of the Manager’s compensation arrangement may have unintended consequences for us. We have agreed to pay our Manager a management fee that is not tied to our performance and incentive compensation that is based entirely on our performance. The management fee may not sufficiently incentivize our Manager to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for us, while the performance-based incentive compensation component may cause our Manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of earnings, including through the use of leverage, at the expense of other objectives, such as preservation of capital, to achieve higher incentive distributions. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative than investments with lower yield potential. This could result in increased risk to the value of our portfolio of assets and your investment in us.

On the Effective Date, we will enter into a Management Agreement with an affiliate of Fortress pursuant to which our management team will not be required to exclusively dedicate their services to us and will provide services for other entities affiliated with our Manager, including, but not limited to, Newcastle.

The ability of our Manager and its officers and employees to engage in other business activities, subject to the terms of our Management Agreement with our Manager, may reduce the amount of time our Manager, its officers or other employees spend managing us. In addition, we may engage in material transactions with our Manager or another entity managed by our Manager or one of its affiliates, including Newcastle, that present an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest. It is possible that actual, potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to investor dissatisfaction, litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with one or more potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which could materially adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including causing an inability to raise additional funds, a reluctance of counterparties to do business with us, a decrease in the prices of our equity securities and a resulting increased risk of litigation and regulatory enforcement actions.

 

 

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Recent Developments

Support Agreement

On September 4, 2013, GateHouse and its affiliated debtors (the “Debtors”) announced that GateHouse, the Administrative Agent (as defined below), Newcastle and other lenders (the “Participating Lenders”) under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Cortland Products Corp., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), dated February 27, 2007 (as amended, the “2007 Credit Facility”) entered into the Restructuring Support Agreement (the “Support Agreement”), effective September 3, 2013, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, in which the parties agreed to support, subject to the terms and conditions of the Support Agreement, the Restructuring pursuant to the Plan.

In the Support Agreement, the parties agreed to support the Restructuring of GateHouse’s obligations under the 2007 Credit Facility and certain interest rate swaps secured thereunder (collectively, the “Outstanding Debt”) and GateHouse’s equity pursuant to the Plan. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders has agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the disclosure statement for the Plan (the “Disclosure Statement”) and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan.

Pursuant to the Restructuring, Newcastle offered to purchase the Outstanding Debt claims in cash and at 40% of (i) $1,167,449,812.96 of principal of claims under the 2007 Credit Facility, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (iii) all amounts, excluding any default interest, arising from transactions in connection with interest rate swaps secured under the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Cash-Out Offer”) on the Effective Date. The holders of the Outstanding Debt have the option of receiving, in satisfaction of their Outstanding Debt, their pro rata share of the (i) Cash-Out Offer and/or (ii) New Media Common Stock and the net proceeds, if any, of the New Credit Facilities (the “Net Proceeds”) (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the proceeds of the New Undrawn Commitments will not constitute the Net Proceeds). We intend to pay all pensions, trade and all other unsecured claims in full.

As of September 19, 2013, Newcastle held approximately 52.2% of the principal amount currently outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility and the other Participating Lenders held approximately 28.7% of such principal amount (in each case, including certain amounts still pending trade settlement). Additional holders of Outstanding Debt may join the Support Agreement in the future as Participating Lenders.

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced a pre-packaged solicitation of the Plan (the “Solicitation”). Holders of Outstanding Debt sufficient to meet the requisite threshold of 67% in amount and majority in number (calculated without including any insider) necessary for acceptance of the Plan under the Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors”) voted to accept the Plan in the Solicitation. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan and as a result, Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases and sought approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed by the Court on November 6, 2013.

On the Effective Date, the claims and interests against GateHouse will be discharged primarily through the (a) issuance of shares of Common Stock of New Media and/or payment of cash to holders of claims in connection with the 2007 Credit Facility and related interest rate swaps, as described above; (b) reinstatement of certain claims; (c) entry into the Management Agreement; (d) issuance of warrants by us to existing equity holders in GateHouse (“Existing Equity Holders”); and (e) entry into the New Credit Facilities, if any, the net

 

 

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proceeds of which will go to holders that elect to receive New Media Common Stock, and entry into the New Undrawn Commitments. In addition, 100% of the new equity interests in GateHouse will be issued to New Media. On or after the Effective Date, GateHouse may convert into limited liability companies. The occurrence of such conversions will not be a condition to the Effective Date.

Upon emergence from Chapter 11, we plan to adopt fresh-start reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 852, “Reorganizations.” Under fresh-start accounting, a new entity is deemed to have been created on the Effective Date of the Plan for financial reporting purposes and GateHouse’s recorded amounts of assets and liabilities will be adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, our reorganized company post-emergence financial statements will generally not be comparable with the financial statements of our Predecessor prior to emergence, including the historical financial information in this Information Statement. See “Restructuring Agreements,” “The Spin-Off and Restructuring” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

Investment Commitment Letter

On September 4, 2013, Newcastle and GateHouse entered into an Investment Commitment Letter, as amended (the “Investment Commitment Letter”) in connection with the Restructuring, effective September 3, 2013. Pursuant to the Investment Commitment Letter and the Plan, Newcastle agreed to purchase the Cash-Out Offer claims.

The Investment Commitment Letter provides that, on account of the claims purchased in the Cash-Out Offer, on the Effective Date of the Plan, Newcastle or the relevant affiliates or designees will receive its pro rata share of (a) New Media Common Stock and (b) Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, if any, net of transaction expenses associated with transactions under the Plan.

Contribution of Local Media Group Holdings LLC

Newcastle acquired Local Media Group, Inc. (f/k/a Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.) (“Local Media”) on September 3, 2013 from News Corp. (the “Local Media Acquisition”) for approximately $82.6 million plus associated estimated transaction costs of $4.2 million. Newcastle made a total equity investment of $53.8 million and financed the remainder of the purchase price with $33.0 million of term loan debt. The term loan debt was provided under a Credit Agreement dated September 3, 2013, by and among Local Media Parent, the borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto, Capital One Business Credit Corp., as successor to Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent and Credit Suisse Loan Funding LLC, as lead arranger (the “Local Media Credit Facility”). Newcastle contributed $2.5 million to Local Media on the closing of the Local Media Acquisition for working capital purposes, and Local Media can repay that amount when the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $10 million under the Local Media Credit Facility becomes available.

Local Media operates print and online community media franchises in seven states including daily, Sunday and weekly newspapers, Internet sites, magazines, other news and advertising niche publications and commercial print and household distribution services and had $33 million of real estate value as determined by third-party appraisals completed in the second quarter of 2012. Local Media publishes 8 daily community newspapers and 15 weeklies in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Coast regions of the United States. Many of these publications have been providing local content to their respective communities for over 75 years.

Under the Plan, Newcastle agreed to contribute 100% of the stock of Local Media Parent and to assign its rights under the stock purchase agreement pursuant to which it acquired Local Media (the “Local Media SPA”)

 

 

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to New Media, each on the Effective Date (the “Local Media Contribution”). Local Media is wholly owned by Local Media Parent. In exchange, Newcastle will receive New Media Common Stock equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition, subject to certain adjustments (the “Local Media Contribution Value”).

The Local Media Contribution Value will be adjusted (a) to include (i) Newcastle’s out-of-pocket transaction expenses for the Local Media Acquisition not to exceed $4.5 million and (ii) any additional cash equity contributions made in Local Media or Local Media Parent after the Local Media Acquisition but, prior to the occurrence of the Local Media Contribution, not to exceed $2.5 million, and (iii) the net amount owing to Newcastle under the Local Media SPA and (b) to deduct the amount of (i) any dividends paid out by Local Media or Local Media Parent on or following the closing of the Local Media Acquisition and on or prior to the occurrence of the Local Media Contribution (other than in respect of the $2.5 million contributed by Newcastle on the closing date of the Local Media Acquisition for working capital purposes, which amount Local Media can repay by dividend or otherwise prior to the Effective Date) and (ii) any funded debt obligations of Local Media or Local Media Parent (other than amounts drawn under the revolver under the Local Media Credit Facility), each as determined by the Local Media Contribution agreements and Local Media SPA assignment agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of New Media Common Stock in exchange for the Local Media Contribution will not occur prior to the distribution of the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities (if any) to the holders of New Media Common Stock.

Assuming a contribution date of October 31, 2013, the expected Local Media Contribution Value is $54.1 million, consisting of approximately $82.6 million as the estimated cost of the Local Media Acquisition, plus (a) (i) $4.2 million in estimated out-of-pocket transaction expenses of Newcastle and (ii) no additional net cash equity contributions and (iii) $0.3 million owing to Newcastle under the Local Media SPA, less (b) (i) no dividends paid out by Local Media or Local Media Parent (other than in respect of amounts contributed by Newcastle on the closing date for working capital purposes) and (ii) $33.0 million in anticipated term loan debt at Local Media Parent under the Local Media Credit Facility.

GateHouse manages the assets of Local Media pursuant to a management and advisory agreement that will terminate on the Effective Date. While the agreement is in effect, GateHouse receives an annual management fee of $1.1 million, subject to adjustments (up to a maximum annual management fee of $1.2 million), and an annual incentive compensation fee based on exceeding EBITDA targets of Local Media.

Local Media Credit Facility

The Local Media Credit Facility provides for a $33 million senior secured term loan, which was funded on September 3, 2013, and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10 million, whose full availability was activated on October 25, 2013 as a result of the accession of Capital One Business Credit Corp. as a lender thereunder and as the replacement administrative and collateral agent for Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch. Borrowings under the Local Media Credit Facility bear interest, at the Borrower’s option, equal to (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Local Media Credit Facility Credit Agreement) plus the LIBOR Rate Margin (i.e., 6.50% per annum) or (ii) Base Rate (as defined in the Local Media Credit Facility Credit Agreement) plus the Base Rate Margin (i.e., 5.50% per annum). Repayments of principal are due in an amount of $203,125 per quarter for each completed fiscal quarter through September 30, 2015 and repayments of principal are due in an amount of $406,250 per quarter for each completed fiscal quarter starting December 31, 2015, with the remaining balance of principal becoming fully due and payable on the maturity date of September 4, 2018.

New Credit Facilities

GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries will use its commercially reasonable efforts to enter into the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments. The New Credit Facilities and

 

 

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New Undrawn Commitments are intended to (i) fund a distribution under the Plan to certain holders of GateHouse’s secured debt claims that have made the New Media election, (ii) provide for ongoing working capital needs, (iii) partially fund capital expenditures and (iv) be used for general corporate needs and will be guaranteed by GateHouse and all existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries of GateHouse (other than the borrower under the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments). The weighted average interest rate across all tranches will not exceed the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.50% with a LIBOR floor of 1.25% and an original issue discount of 1.00%. The New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments will consist of one or more tranches with maturity dates of not less than 5 years and will be secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and GateHouse and the subsidiary guarantors. In the event that GateHouse enters into and receives proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, we will distribute to each holder of New Media Common Stock, including Newcastle on account of the Cash-Out Offer, its pro rata share of the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities net of transaction costs and expenses of GateHouse and Newcastle associated with transactions under the Plan, if any. The Net Proceeds will be distributed prior to the Local Media Contribution and no amount of the Net Proceeds will be distributed to Newcastle on account of the Local Media Contribution. GateHouse’s entry into a credit facility will not be a condition to the effectiveness of the Plan.

New Media Warrants

On the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, New Media will issue and distribute 10-year warrants to Existing Equity Holders to the extent required under the Plan (the “New Media Warrants”). The New Media Warrants will collectively represent the right to acquire New Media Common Stock, which in the aggregate will be equal to 5% of New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date (calculated prior to dilution from shares of New Media Common Stock issued pursuant to the Local Media Contribution) at a strike price per share calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan. New Media Warrants will not have the benefit of antidilution protections, other than customary protections including for stock splits and stock dividends. This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Warrant Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.27 to our registration statement on Form 10.

Registration Rights

New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with Omega Advisors, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Omega”) provided that Omega, directly or indirectly, receives 10% or more of New Media Common Stock on the Effective Date. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement as soon as reasonably practicable, but not prior to the earlier of (i) 120 days following the Effective Date and (ii) 14 days after the required financials are completed in the ordinary course of business, providing for the registration and sale by Omega of its New Media Common Stock (the “Registration Statement”). During the first 12 months following the trading of New Media Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, Omega may request one demand right with respect to some or all of the New Media Common Stock held by Omega under the Registration Statement (the “Demand Registration”).

Once New Media is eligible to use Form S-3, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a resale shelf registration statement providing for the registration and sale on a continuous or delayed basis by Omega of its New Media Common Stock (the “Shelf Registration”), subject to customary exceptions and limitations. Omega is entitled to initiate up to three offerings or sales with respect to some or all of the New Media Common Stock held by Omega pursuant to the Shelf Registration.

 

 

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Omega may only exercise its right to request the Demand Registration and any Shelf Registrations if the New Media Common Stock eligible to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Shelf Registration is at least 3% of the then-outstanding New Media Common Stock. This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our registration statement on Form 10.

Credit Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On September 4, 2013, GateHouse entered into an Amendment Agreement to the 2007 Credit Facility (“Credit Amendment”) with Newcastle and certain lenders under GateHouse’s 2007 Credit Facility, effective September 3, 2013, which improved certain terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, including: a clarified and expanded definition of “Eligible Assignee” (as defined therein); an increase in the base amount in the formula used to calculate the “Permitted Investments” (as defined therein) basket from $35 million to a base of $50 million; the removal of the requirement that GateHouse’s annual financial statements not have a “going concern” or like qualification to the audit; the removal of a cross default from any Secured Hedging Agreement (as defined therein) to the 2007 Credit Facility; the removal of a Bankruptcy Default (as defined therein), arising from actions in furtherance of or indicating consent to the specified actions; and a waiver of any prior Default or Event of Default, as defined therein, including without limitation from the negotiation, entry into, or performance of the Support Agreement or the Investment Commitment Letter.

In consideration of the changes described above, GateHouse agreed to pay each of the lenders party to the Credit Amendment that timely executed the Credit Amendment and the Support Agreement an amendment fee equal to 3.5% multiplied by the aggregate Outstanding Debt held (including through trades pending settlement) by such lender (the “Amendment Fee”), unless waived in writing. Newcastle and certain other lenders elected to waive their Amendment Fee.

Risk Factors

Our business is subject to various risks. For a description of these risks, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 and the other information included elsewhere in this Information Statement.

 

 

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Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10105. Our telephone number is 212-479-3160.

Organizational Structure

The charts below represent a simplified summary of the key companies within our organizational structure prior to the Effective Date of the Plan and after the spin-off.

 

LOGO

 

 

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Summary of the Spin-Off

The following is a summary of the terms of the spin-off. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring” in this Information Statement for a more detailed description of the matters described below.

 

Distributing company

Newcastle is the distributing company in the spin-off. Immediately following the Distribution, Newcastle will not own any capital stock of New Media.

 

Distributed company

New Media is the distributed company in the spin-off.

 

Primary purposes of the spin-off

For the reasons more fully discussed in “Questions and Answers About the Spin-off—What are the reasons for the spin-off?”, Newcastle believes that separating New Media from Newcastle is in the best interests of both Newcastle and New Media.

 

Distribution ratio

Each holder of Newcastle common stock will receive                 shares of New Media’s Common Stock for every                 shares of Newcastle common stock held on                     , 2014, the Record Date for the Distribution. Fractional shares of New Media’s Common Stock will not be distributed in the spin-off. Holders of Newcastle common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of New Media Common Stock.

 

Securities to be distributed

All of the shares of New Media Common Stock owned by Newcastle, which will be     % of our Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution.

 

  Based on the                 shares of Newcastle common stock outstanding on                     , 2014, and the distribution ratio of                 shares of New Media Common Stock for every                 shares of Newcastle common stock,                 shares of our Common Stock will be distributed to Newcastle stockholders. The number of shares of Common Stock that Newcastle will distribute to its stockholders will be reduced to the extent that cash payments are made or will be made in lieu of the issuance of fractional New Media Common Stock.

 

Record Date

The Record Date for the Distribution is 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on                     , 2014.

 

Distribution date

The Distribution Date will be                     , 2014.

 

The Distribution

On the Distribution Date, Newcastle, with the assistance of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the distribution agent, will electronically issue shares of our Common Stock to you or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your shares of Newcastle common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of our Common Stock. If

 

 

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you sell shares of Newcastle common stock in the “regular-way” market through the Distribution Date, you will also sell your right to receive shares of New Media Common Stock in the Distribution. Registered stockholders will receive additional information from the distribution agent shortly after the Distribution Date. Following the Distribution, stockholders whose shares are held in book-entry form may request that their shares of New Media Common Stock be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time, without charge. Beneficial stockholders that hold shares through brokerage firms will receive additional information from their brokerage firms shortly after the Distribution Date.

 

  Fractional shares of Common Stock will not be distributed in the spin-off. Holders of Newcastle common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of New Media Common Stock. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, the distribution agent, will aggregate all fractional shares of Newcastle common stock into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices on behalf of holders entitled to receive a fractional share, and distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds of the sales pro rata to these holders.

 

Conditions to Distribution

The Distribution of our Common Stock is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

 

    Our registration statement on Form 10, of which this Information Statement is a part, shall have become effective under the Exchange Act, and no stop order relating to the registration statement shall be in effect;

 

    the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE shall have been approved, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

    the Plan is approved by the Bankruptcy Court without any appeals by any parties; and

 

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

 

  Newcastle has the right not to complete the Distribution if, at any time prior to the Distribution Date (even if all such conditions are satisfied), its board of directors determines, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interest of Newcastle or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to separate New Media from Newcastle.

 

Stock exchange listing

We intend to apply to list our shares of Common Stock on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “NEWM.” We anticipate that on or prior to the Record Date for the Distribution, trading of shares of our Common Stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis and will continue

 

 

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up to and including the Distribution Date. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date,” included elsewhere in this Information Statement.

 

  It is expected that after the Distribution of New Media Common Stock, Newcastle common stock will continue to be traded on the NYSE under the symbol “NCT.”

 

Distribution agent

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

 

Tax considerations

The Distribution of our Common Stock will not qualify for tax-free treatment, and an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock received by you on the date of Distribution will be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of your ratable share of any current or accumulated earnings and profits of Newcastle. The excess will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in the shares of Newcastle common stock and any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain. Your tax basis in the shares of Newcastle common stock held at the time of the Distribution will be reduced (but not below zero) to the extent the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock distributed by Newcastle in the Distribution exceeds Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as adjusted to take account of other distributions made by Newcastle in the taxable year that includes the Distribution. Your holding period for such Newcastle shares will not be affected by the Distribution. Newcastle will not be able to advise stockholders of the amount of earnings and profits of Newcastle until after the end of the 2014 calendar year.

 

 

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Summary Historical Consolidated and Pro Forma Financial Data

The following selected financial data for the three years ended December 30, 2012 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP’s report on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2012, which appears elsewhere herein, includes an explanatory paragraph which describes an uncertainty about GateHouse’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial data for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which GateHouse considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for these periods. The selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, and the selected financial data as of and for the six months ended July 1, 2012 have been revised to reflect one of GateHouse’s publications as a discontinued operation for comparability.

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 29, 2013. Our core business performance, as presented in our revenue and our operating and selling, general and administrative expense amounts, is not anticipated to be materially impacted by the spin-off. However, as a result of the execution of the Support Agreement, all debt, including derivative liabilities and deferred financing assets, is expected to be eliminated on the Effective Date of the Plan. This will result in a significant reduction in our interest expense and the elimination of the gain (loss) on derivative instruments and deferred financing amortization. Upon the emergence from bankruptcy, fresh start accounting will lead to changes in the basis of our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that will impact future depreciation and amortization expense levels. Other significant changes to our financial information include that we expect to become subject to federal and state income taxation and to pay fees to our Manager. In addition, the Local Media Contribution and the expected consolidation of Local Media by GateHouse as a result of the management agreement between GateHouse and Local Media Parent, which was assigned to Local Media, will impact the financial position and the result of operations. The impact of these changes is discussed in greater detail within the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information section of this Information Statement. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included herein.

The following selected pro forma financial information as of June 30, 2013, for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 30, 2012 are based on (i) the audited financial statements of New Media which was formed on June 18, 2013 and subsequently capitalized, (ii) the audited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse for the year ended December 30, 2012 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and (iii) the audited combined financial statements of Local Media as of and for the year ended June 30, 2013, each included in this Information Statement.

The selected pro forma financial information is provided for informational and illustrative purposes only and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” New Media’s historical financial statements and related notes thereto, GateHouse’s historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Local Media’s historical combined financial statements and notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this Information Statement. In addition, the historical financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor, will not be comparable following its emergence from Chapter 11 due to the effects of the consummation of the Plan, as well as adjustments for fresh-start accounting. All tables are presented in thousands unless otherwise noted.

 

 

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The pro forma financial information gives effect to three categories of adjustments as if the transactions reflected in such adjustments had occurred on January 2, 2012 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations and on June 30, 2013 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. The three categories of adjustments are summarized below.

GateHouse Effects of Plan Adjustments

 

    Approximately $1.2 billion of our Predecessor’s Outstanding Debt will be cancelled and exchanged for New Media Common Stock equal in value to 40% of the face amount of the Outstanding Debt;

 

    the currently outstanding equity interests in our Predecessor will be cancelled and discharged and 100% of the new equity in the reorganized GateHouse will be issued to New Media;

 

    the Existing Equity Holders prior to the Restructuring will receive New Media Warrants representing the right to acquire New Media Common Stock equal to 5.0% of the New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date;

 

    commencing from the Listing, New Media will pay its Manager a management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of its Total Equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable monthly in arrears in cash; and

 

    the payment of estimated reorganization costs of $17.8 million.

GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments

 

    The adoption by GateHouse of fresh-start accounting, in accordance with ASC 852 upon confirmation of the Plan.

Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments

 

    Newcastle will contribute 100% of the common stock of Local Media Parent to New Media in exchange for New Media Common Stock equal in value to the cost of Newcastle’s Local Media Acquisition; and

 

    the impact of Local Media purchase accounting adjustments, in accordance with ASC 805.

 

 

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Table of Contents
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended
July 1,

2012
    Year
Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year
Ended
January 1,
2012 (4)
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
 
    Pro Forma     Historical     Historical     Pro Forma     Historical     Historical     Historical  
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  

Statement of Operations Data:

             

Revenues:

             

Advertising

  $ 189,069      $ 150,559      $ 165,870      $ 419,210      $ 330,881      $ 357,134      $ 385,579   

Circulation

    90,198        65,513        65,114        183,779        131,576        131,879        133,192   

Commercial printing and other

    26,126        14,107        12,197        50,114        26,097        25,657        25,967   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    305,393        230,179        243,181        653,103        488,554        514,670        544,738   

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Operating costs

    171,527        129,998        136,328        351,344        268,222        281,884        296,974   

Selling, general and administrative

    105,965        78,722        72,054        208,963        145,020        146,295        154,516   

Depreciation and amortization

    18,457        19,636        20,204        36,915        39,888        42,426        45,080   

Integration and reorganization costs and management fees paid to prior owner

    958        958        1,860        4,393        4,393        5,884        2,324   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    21,346        —          —          692        —          1,733        430   

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

    —          1,043        155        1,238        1,238        455        1,551   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    21,965        —          —          197,177        —          385        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    (34,825     (178     12,580        (147,619     29,793        35,608        43,863   

Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs, gain on early extinguishment of debt, (gain) loss on derivative instruments and other

    2,439        30,425        27,993        2,750        57,463        58,361        69,520   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

    (37,264     (30,603     (15,413     (150,369     (27,670     (22,753     (25,657

Income tax expense (benefit)

    (14,590     —          43        (58,870     (207     (1,803     (155
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

    (22,674     (30,603     (15,456     (91,499     (27,463     (20,950     (25,502

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    N/A        (1,034     (475     N/A        (2,340     (699     (542
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss)

    N/A        (31,637     (15,931     N/A        (29,803     (21,649     (26,044

Basic net (loss) income from continuing operations per share

         (1)     $ (0.53 ) (2)     $ (0.27 ) (2)            (1)     $ (0.47 ) (2)     $ (0.36 ) (2)     $ (0.44 ) (2)  

Diluted (loss) income from continuing operations per share

         (1)     $ (0.53 ) (2)     $ (0.27 ) (2)            (1)     $ (0.47 ) (2)     $ (0.36 ) (2)     $ (0.44 ) (2)  

Basic net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, per share

         (1)     $ (0.01     —               (1)       (0.04     (0.01     (0.01

Diluted (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, per share

         (1)     $ (0.01     —               (1)       (0.04     (0.01     (0.01

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

         (1)       58,063,901 (2)       58,032,205 (2)            (1)       58,041,907 (2)       57,949,815 (2)       57,723,353 (2)  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

         (1)       58,063,901 (2)       58,032,205 (2)            (1)       58,041,907 (2)       57,949,815 (2)       57,723,353 (2)  

 

 

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    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended
July 1,

2012
    Year
Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year
Ended
January 1,
2012 (4)
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
 
    Pro Forma     Historical     Historical     Pro Forma     Historical     Historical     Historical  
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  

Statement of Cash Flow Data:

             

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

    N/A      $ (1,089   $ 18,226        N/A      $ 23,499      $ 22,439      $ 26,453   

Net cash used in investing activities

    N/A        (1,278     (1,295     N/A        (1,044     (731     (624

Net cash used in financing activities

    N/A        (6,648     (4,600     N/A        (7,140     (11,249     (22,010

Other Data:

    N/A            N/A         

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

    N/A      $ 18,450      $ 32,824        N/A      $ 69,766      $ 80,547      $ 89,511   

Cash interest paid

    N/A        28,750        29,005        N/A      $ 55,976      $ 58,225      $ 59,317   

 

(1) Attributable to New Media during the applicable period.
(2) Attributable to GateHouse during the applicable period.
(3) We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit), interest/financing expense, depreciation and amortization and non-cash impairments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. We believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance in our day-to-day operations. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions that are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term, such as depreciation and amortization, taxation and interest expense associated with our capital structure. This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely our cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and the Board to review the financial performance of our business on a monthly basis.

Not all companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA using the same methods. Therefore, the Adjusted EBITDA figures set forth herein may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA reported by other companies. A substantial portion of our Adjusted EBITDA was dedicated to the payment of interest on our outstanding indebtedness and to service other commitments, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent an amount of funds that is available for management’s discretionary use. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Information Statement.

(4) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53 rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

The table below shows the reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
    Six Months Ended
July 1, 2012
    Year Ended
December 30, 2012
    Year Ended
January 1, 2012 (g)
    Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 
    (In Thousands)  

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (30,603   $ (15,456   $ (27,463   $ (20,950   $ (25,502

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          43        (207     (1,803     (155

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments (f)

    9        (1,644     (1,635     (913     8,277   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    522        680        1,255        1,360        1,360   

Interest expense

    28,886        28,997        57,928        58,309        60,021   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —          —          —          1,733        430   

Depreciation and amortization

    19,636        20,204        39,888        42,426        45,080   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    —          —          —          385        —     

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

  $ 18,450 (a)     $ 32,824 (b)     $ 69,766 (c)     $ 80,547 (d)     $ 89,511 (e)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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(a) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included net expenses of $7,521, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $7,521 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $5,948, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(428), integration and reorganization costs of $958 and a $1,043 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $123 from our discontinued operations.

 

(b) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended July 1, 2012 included net expenses of $4,478, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $4,478 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $2,707, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(244), integration and reorganization costs of $1,860 and a $155 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $165 from our discontinued operations.

 

(c) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 30, 2012 included net expenses of $11,009, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $11,009 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $6,274, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(896), integration and reorganization costs of $4,393 and a $1,238 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $255 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(d) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended January 1, 2012 included net expenses of $9,461, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $9,461 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $4,226, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(1,104), integration and reorganization costs of $5,884 and an $455 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $432 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(e) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2010 included net expenses of $8,231, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $8,231 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $5,005, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(649), integration and reorganization costs of $2,324 and a $1,551 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $463 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(f) Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments is related to interest rate swap agreements which are financing related and are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

 

(g) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

 

     As of  
     June 30,
2013
     June 30,
2013
    July 1,
2012
    December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
    December 31,
2010
 
     Pro Forma      Historical     Historical     Historical     Historical     Historical  
     (In Thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

             

Total assets

   $ 671,080       $ 433,704      $ 487,406      $ 469,766      $ 510,802      $ 546,327   

Total long-term obligations, including current maturities

     35,901         1,170,200        1,180,151        1,177,298        1,185,212        1,197,347   

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     539,552         (848,855     (823,093     (834,159     (805,632     (792,121

 

 

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Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Information Statement in evaluating us and our Common Stock. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. The risk factors generally have been separated into the following groups: risks related to our business, risks related to our Manager, risks related to the Distribution and risks related to our Common Stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

We depend to a great extent on the economies and the demographics of the local communities that we serve, and we are also susceptible to general economic downturns, which have had, and could continue to have, a material and adverse impact on our advertising and circulation revenues and on our profitability.

Our advertising revenues and, to a lesser extent, circulation revenues, depend upon a variety of factors specific to the communities that our publications serve. These factors include, among others, the size and demographic characteristics of the local population, local economic conditions in general and the economic condition of the retail segments of the communities that our publications serve. If the local economy, population or prevailing retail environment of a community we serve experiences a downturn, our publications, revenues and profitability in that market could be adversely affected. Our advertising revenues are also susceptible to negative trends in the general economy, like the economic downturn recently experienced, that affect consumer spending. The advertisers in our newspapers and other publications and related websites are primarily retail businesses that can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other developments. Continuing or deepening softness in the U.S. economy could also significantly affect key advertising revenue categories, such as help wanted, real estate and automotive.

Uncertainty and adverse changes in the general economic conditions of markets in which we participate may negatively affect our business.

Current and future conditions in the economy have an inherent degree of uncertainty. As a result, it is difficult to estimate the level of growth or contraction for the economy as a whole. It is even more difficult to estimate growth or contraction in various parts, sectors and regions of the economy, including the markets in which we participate. Adverse changes may occur as a result of weak global economic conditions, rising oil prices, wavering consumer confidence, unemployment, declines in stock markets, contraction of credit availability, declines in real estate values, or other factors affecting economic conditions in general. These changes may negatively affect the sales of our products, increase exposure to losses from bad debts, increase the cost and decrease the availability of financing, or increase costs associated with publishing and distributing our publications.

Our indebtedness and any future indebtedness may limit our financial and operating activities and our ability to incur additional debt to fund future needs or dividends.

Pursuant to the Plan, GateHouse may use its commercially reasonable efforts to enter into the New Credit Facilities, consisting of up to $150 million in funded debt and enter into New Undrawn Commitments of up to $15 million for working capital and other purposes. Additionally, in connection with the Local Media Acquisition, Local Media Parent entered into the Local Media Credit Facility, which consists of a $33 million senior secured term loan, which was funded on September 3, 2013, and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10 million, whose full availability was activated on October 25, 2013. This indebtedness and any future indebtedness we incur could:

 

    require us to dedicate a portion of cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness, including indebtedness we may incur in the future, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes, including dividends or other distributions;

 

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    subject us to increased sensitivity to increases in prevailing interest rates;

 

    place us at a competitive disadvantage to competitors with relatively less debt in economic downturns, adverse industry conditions or catastrophic external events; or

 

    reduce our flexibility in planning for or responding to changing business, industry and economic conditions.

In addition, our indebtedness could limit our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all to fund future acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, general corporate and other purposes, which would have a material effect on our business and financial condition. Our liquidity needs could vary significantly and may be affected by general economic conditions, industry trends, performance and many other factors not within our control.

We may not generate a sufficient amount of cash or generate sufficient funds from operations to fund our operations, pay dividends or repay our indebtedness.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness as required depends on our ability to generate cash flow from operations in the future. This ability, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot provide assurance that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timeliness and amount of proceeds realized from those sales, that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Furthermore, our ability to refinance would depend upon the condition of the finance and credit markets. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, would materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

GateHouse’s independent audit report includes cautionary language on its ability to continue as a going concern.

The audit report issued by GateHouse’s independent registered public accounting firm on its audited financials for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012, contains an explanatory paragraph regarding GateHouse’s ability to continue as a going concern. This explanatory paragraph indicates there is substantial doubt on the part of GateHouse’s independent registered public accounting firm as to its ability to continue as a going concern due to its entrance into the Support Agreement. As discussed in Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the Support Agreement required GateHouse to file a voluntary petition seeking to reorganize under chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which it did on September 27, 2013.

GateHouse has prepared its financial statements on a going concern basis that contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. GateHouse’s financial statements do not include any adjustments that would be necessary should it be unable to continue as a going concern and, therefore, be required to liquidate its assets and discharge its liabilities in other than the normal course of business and at amounts different from those reflected in its financial statements.

We may not be able to pay dividends in accordance with our announced intent or at all.

We have announced our intent to pay a substantial portion of our free cash flow as a dividend to our stockholders, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by our Board of Directors. Our ability to

 

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declare future dividends will depend on our future financial performance, which in turn depends on the successful implementation of our strategy and on financial, competitive, regulatory, technical and other factors, general economic conditions, demand and selling prices for our products and other factors specific to our industry or specific projects, many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, our ability to generate free cash flow depends on the performance of our operations and could be limited by decreases in our profitability or increases in costs, capital expenditures or debt servicing requirements.

Our Predecessor suspended the payments of dividends commencing with the second quarter of 2008. We will own substantially all of our Predecessor’s assets, and our Predecessor experienced revenue and cash flow declines in the years since 2008. In addition, we may acquire additional companies with declining cash flow as part of a strategy aimed at stabilizing cash flow through expense reduction and digital expansion. If our strategy is not successful, we may not be able to pay dividends.

As a holding company, we are also dependent on our subsidiaries being able to pay dividends to us. If our subsidiaries incur debt or losses, such indebtedness or loss may impair their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, our ability to pay dividends will be substantially affected by the ability of our subsidiaries to provide cash to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends to us will be dependent on their cash income and cash available and may be restricted under applicable law or regulation. Under Delaware law, approval of the Board of Directors is required to approve any dividend, which may only be paid out of surplus or net profit for the applicable fiscal year. In addition, we or our subsidiaries may be subject to restrictions on the ability to pay dividends under instruments governing indebtedness. We may not be able to pay dividends in accordance with our announced intent or at all.

The collectability of accounts receivable under adverse economic conditions could deteriorate to a greater extent than provided for in our financial statements and in our projections of future results.

Adverse economic conditions in the United States have increased our exposure to losses resulting from financial distress, insolvency and the potential bankruptcy of our advertising customers. Our accounts receivable are stated at net estimated realizable value and our allowance for doubtful accounts has been determined based on several factors, including receivable agings, significant individual credit risk accounts and historical experience. If such collectability estimates prove inaccurate, adjustments to future operating results could occur.

Our Predecessor experienced declines in its credit ratings, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain new financing to fund our operations and strategic initiatives or to refinance our existing debt at attractive rates.

During 2008, GateHouse’s credit rating was downgraded to below investment grade by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. GateHouse’s credit rating was further downgraded in 2009 and 2010. These downgrades will negatively affect our cost of financing and subject us to more restrictive covenants than those that might otherwise apply. As a result, our financing options may be limited. Any future downgrades in our credit ratings could further increase our borrowing costs, subject us to more onerous terms and reduce or eliminate our borrowing flexibility in the future. Such limitations on our financing options may adversely affect our ability to refinance existing debt and incur new debt to fund our operations and strategic initiatives.

If there is a significant increase in the price of newsprint or a reduction in the availability of newsprint, our results of operations and financial condition may suffer.

The basic raw material for our publications is newsprint. We generally maintain only a 45 to 55-day inventory of newsprint, although our participation in a newsprint-buying consortium has helped ensure adequate supply. An inability to obtain an adequate supply of newsprint at a favorable price or at all in the future could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce our publications. Historically, the price of newsprint has been volatile, reaching a high of approximately $823 per metric ton in 2008 and experiencing a low of almost $410 per metric ton in 2002. The average price of newsprint for 2012 was approximately $667 per metric ton.

 

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Recent and future consolidation of major newsprint suppliers may adversely affect price competition among suppliers. Significant increases in newsprint costs for properties and periods not covered by our newsprint vendor agreement could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our Predecessor experienced declines in advertising revenue, and further declines, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, may occur.

Our predecessor, GateHouse, experienced declines in advertising revenue over the past few years, due primarily to the economic recession and advertisers’ shift from print to digital media. Advertising revenue decreased by $26.2 million, or 7.3%, in the year ended December 30, 2012, as compared to the year ended January 1, 2012. Advertising revenue decreased by $15.3 million, or 9.2%, in the six months ended June 30, 2013, as compared to the six months ended July 1, 2012. We continue to search for organic growth opportunities, including in our digital advertising business, and for ways to stabilize print revenue declines through new product launches and pricing. However, there can be no assurance that our advertising revenue will not continue to decline. Further declines in advertising revenue could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We compete with a large number of companies in the local media industry; if we are unable to compete effectively, our advertising and circulation revenues may decline.

Our business is concentrated in newspapers and other print publications located primarily in small and midsize markets in the United States. Our revenues primarily consist of advertising and paid circulation. Competition for advertising revenues and paid circulation comes from direct mail, directories, radio, television, outdoor advertising, other newspaper publications, the internet and other media. For example, as the use of the internet and mobile devices has increased, we have lost some classified advertising and subscribers to online advertising businesses and our free internet sites that contain abbreviated versions of our publications. Competition for advertising revenues is based largely upon advertiser results, advertising rates, readership, demographics and circulation levels. Competition for circulation is based largely upon the content of the publication and its price and editorial quality. Our local and regional competitors vary from market to market and many of our competitors for advertising revenues are larger and have greater financial and distribution resources than us. We may incur increased costs competing for advertising expenditures and paid circulation. We may also experience a decline of circulation or print advertising revenue due to alternative media, such as the internet. If we are not able to compete effectively for advertising expenditures and paid circulation, our revenues may decline.

We are undertaking strategic process upgrades that could have a material adverse financial impact if unsuccessful.

We are implementing strategic process upgrades of our business. Among other things we are implementing the standardization and centralization of systems and processes, the outsourcing of certain financial processes and the use of new software for our circulation, advertising and editorial systems. As a result of ongoing strategic evaluation and analysis, we have made and will continue to make changes that, if unsuccessful, could have a material adverse financial impact.

We have invested in growing our digital business, but such investments may not be successful, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

We continue to evaluate our business and how we intend to grow our digital business. Internal resources and effort are put towards this business and key partnerships have been entered into to assist with our digital business. We continue to believe that our digital businesses offer opportunities for revenue growth to support and, in some cases, offset the revenue trends we have seen in our print business. There can be no assurances that the partnerships we have entered into or the internal strategy being employed will result in generating or

 

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increasing digital revenues in amounts necessary to stabilize or offset trends in print revenues. In addition, we have a limited history of operations in this area and there can be no assurances that past performance will be indicative of future performance or future trends. If our digital strategy is not as successful as we anticipate, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected.

If we are unable to retain and grow our digital audience and advertiser base, our digital businesses will be adversely affected.

Given the ever-growing and rapidly changing number of digital media options available on the internet, we may not be able to increase our online traffic sufficiently and retain or grow a base of frequent visitors to our websites and applications on mobile devices.

Accordingly, we may not be able to create sufficient advertiser interest in our digital businesses and to maintain or increase the advertising rates of the inventory on our websites.

In addition, the ever-growing and rapidly changing number of digital media options available on the internet may lead to technologies and alternatives that we are not able to offer or about which we are not able to advise. Such circumstances could directly and adversely affect the availability, applicability, marketability and profitability of the suite of SMB services and the private ad exchange we offer as a significant part of our digital business.

Technological developments and any changes we make to our business model may require significant capital investments. Such investments may be restricted by our current or future credit facilities.

Our business is subject to seasonal and other fluctuations, which affects our revenues and operating results.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations that we expect to continue to be reflected in our operating results in future periods. Our first fiscal quarter of the year tends to be our weakest quarter because advertising volume is at its lowest levels following the December holiday season. Correspondingly, our second and fourth fiscal quarters tend to be our strongest because they include heavy holiday and seasonal advertising. Other factors that affect our quarterly revenues and operating results may be beyond our control, including changes in the pricing policies of our competitors, the hiring and retention of key personnel, wage and cost pressures, distribution costs, changes in newsprint prices and general economic factors.

We could be adversely affected by continued declining circulation.

Overall daily newspaper circulation, including national and urban newspapers, has declined in recent years. For the year ended December 30, 2012, circulation revenue decreased by $0.3 million, or 0.2%, as compared to the year ended January 1, 2012. There can be no assurance that our circulation will not continue to decline in the future. We have been able to maintain our annual circulation revenue from existing operations in recent years through, among other things, increases in our per copy prices. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to increase prices to offset any declines in circulation. Further declines in circulation could impair our ability to maintain or increase our advertising prices, cause purchasers of advertising in our publications to reduce or discontinue those purchases and discourage potential new advertising customers, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay a dividend.

The increasing popularity of digital media could also adversely affect circulation of our newspapers, which may decrease circulation revenue and cause more marked declines in print advertising. If we are not successful in offsetting such declines in revenues from our print products, our business, financial condition and prospects will be adversely affected.

 

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We have a history of losses and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitable operations in the future.

We experienced losses from continuing operations of approximately $27.5 million, $21.0 million and $25.5 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our results of operations in the future will depend on many factors, including our ability to execute our business strategy and realize efficiencies through our clustering strategy. Our failure to achieve profitability in the future could adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock and our ability to pay dividends and raise additional capital for growth.

The value of our intangible assets may become impaired, depending upon future operating results.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of June 30, 2013, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units and no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the market price of the Company’s Common Stock and fair value of the Company’s debt) plus an estimated control premium.

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, the Company may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

We are subject to environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations that could cause us to incur significant compliance expenditures and liabilities.

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the environment, storage tanks and the management and disposal of wastes at our facilities. Under various environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum at that property. Such laws often impose liability on the owner or operator without regard to fault and the costs of any required investigation or cleanup can be substantial. Although in connection with certain of our acquisitions we have rights to indemnification for certain environmental liabilities, these rights may not be sufficient to reimburse us for all losses that we might incur if a property acquired by us has environmental contamination.

Our operations are also subject to various employee safety and health laws and regulations, including those pertaining to occupational injury and illness, employee exposure to hazardous materials and employee complaints. Environmental and employee safety and health laws tend to be complex, comprehensive and frequently changing. As a result, we may be involved from time to time in administrative and judicial proceedings and investigations related to environmental and employee safety and health issues. These proceedings and investigations could result in substantial costs to us, divert our management’s attention and adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop our real property. Furthermore, if it is determined that we are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or if our properties are contaminated, it could result in significant liabilities, fines or the suspension or interruption of the operations of specific printing facilities.

Future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, new laws or regulations or the discovery of conditions not currently known to us, may give rise to additional compliance or remedial costs that could be material.

 

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Sustained increases in costs of employee health and welfare benefits may reduce our profitability. Moreover, our pension plan obligations are currently unfunded, and we may have to make significant cash contributions to our plans, which could reduce the cash available for our business.

In recent years, we have experienced significant increases in the cost of employee medical benefits because of economic factors beyond our control, including increases in health care costs. At least some of these factors may continue to put upward pressure on the cost of providing medical benefits. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the profitability of our businesses.

Our pension and post retirement plans were underfunded (accumulated benefit obligation) by $15.5 million at December 30, 2012. Our pension plan invests in a variety of equity and debt securities, many of which were affected by the recent disruptions in the credit and capital markets in 2009 and 2010. Future volatility and disruption in the stock markets could cause further declines in the asset values of our pension plans. In addition, a decrease in the discount rate used to determine minimum funding requirements could result in increased future contributions. If either occurs, we may need to make additional pension contributions above what is currently estimated, which could reduce the cash available for our businesses.

We may not be able to protect intellectual property rights upon which our business relies and, if we lose intellectual property protection, our assets may lose value.

Our business depends on our intellectual property, including, but not limited to, our titles, mastheads, content and services, which we attempt to protect through patents, copyrights, trade laws and contractual restrictions, such as confidentiality agreements. We believe our proprietary and other intellectual property rights are important to our continued success and our competitive position.

Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our content, services and other intellectual property, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent any misappropriation or confusion among consumers and merchants, or unauthorized use of these rights. If we are unable to procure, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, we may not realize the full value of these assets, and our business may suffer. If we must litigate to enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of third parties, such litigation may be costly and divert the attention of our management from day-to-day operations.

We depend on key personnel and we may not be able to operate or grow our business effectively if we lose the services of any of our key personnel or are unable to attract qualified personnel in the future.

The success of our business is heavily dependent on our ability to retain our management and other key personnel and to attract and retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management personnel is intense and we may not be able to retain our personnel. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain of our key personnel, these agreements do not ensure that our key personnel will continue in their present capacity with us for any particular period of time. We do not have key man insurance for any of our current management or other key personnel. The loss of any key personnel would require our remaining key personnel to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a replacement. An inability to find a suitable replacement for any departing executive officer on a timely basis could adversely affect our ability to operate or grow our business.

A shortage of skilled or experienced employees in the media industry, or our inability to retain such employees, could pose a risk to achieving improved productivity and reducing costs, which could adversely affect our profitability.

Production and distribution of our various publications requires skilled and experienced employees. A shortage of such employees, or our inability to retain such employees, could have an adverse impact on our

 

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productivity and costs, our ability to expand, develop and distribute new products and our entry into new markets. The cost of retaining or hiring such employees could exceed our expectations which could adversely affect our results of operations.

A number of our employees are unionized, and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected if current or additional labor negotiations or contracts were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations.

As of December 30, 2012, we employed approximately 4,565 employees, of whom approximately 691 (or approximately 15%) were represented by 23 unions. 95% of the unionized employees are in three states: Massachusetts, Illinois and Ohio and represent 27%, 38% and 30% of all our union employees, respectively. Most of our unionized employees work under collective bargaining agreements that expire in 2014.

Although our newspapers have not experienced a union strike in the recent past nor do we anticipate a union strike occurring, we cannot preclude the possibility that a strike may occur at one or more of our newspapers at some point in the future. We believe that, in the event of a newspaper strike, we would be able to continue to publish and deliver to subscribers, which is critical to retaining advertising and circulation revenues, although there can be no assurance of this.

Our potential inability to successfully execute cost control measures could result in greater than expected total operating costs.

We have implemented general cost control measures, and expect to continue such cost control efforts in the future. If we do not achieve expected savings as a result of such measures or if our operating costs increase as a result of our growth strategy, our total operating costs may be greater than expected. In addition, reductions in staff and employee benefits could affect our ability to attract and retain key employees.

We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Local Media Acquisition or potential future acquisitions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Local Media Acquisition or potential future acquisitions of assets or companies will depend, in part, on our ability to scale-up to appropriately integrate the businesses of Local Media and other such acquired companies with our business. The process of acquiring assets or companies may disrupt our business and may not result in the full benefits expected. Additionally, we may not be successful in identifying acquisition opportunities, assessing the value, strengths and weaknesses of these opportunities and consummating acquisitions on acceptable terms. Furthermore, suitable acquisition opportunities may not even be made available or known to us. In addition, valuations of potential acquisitions may rise materially, making it economically unfeasible to complete identified acquisitions. The risks associated with the recent Local Media Acquisition and potential future acquisitions include, among others:

 

    uncoordinated market functions;

 

    unanticipated issues in integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses;

 

    the incurrence of indebtedness and the assumption of liabilities;

 

    the incurrence of significant additional capital expenditures, transaction and operating expenses and non-recurring acquisition-related charges;

 

    unanticipated adverse impact on our earnings from the amortization or write-off of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets;

 

    not retaining key employees, vendors, service providers, readers and customers of the acquired businesses; and

 

    the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns.

 

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If we are unable to successfully implement our acquisition strategy or address the risks associated with the Local Media Acquisition or potential future acquisitions, or if we encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications or delays frequently encountered in connection with the integration of acquired entities and the expansion of operations, our growth and ability to compete may be impaired, we may fail to achieve acquisition synergies and we may be required to focus resources on integration of operations rather than other profitable areas. Moreover, the success of any acquisition will depend upon our ability to effectively integrate the acquired assets or businesses. The acquired assets or businesses may not contribute to our revenues or earnings to any material extent, and cost savings and synergies we expect at the time of an acquisition may not be realized once the acquisition has been completed. Furthermore, if we incur indebtedness to finance an acquisition, the acquired business may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to service that indebtedness. Unsuitable or unsuccessful acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to pay dividends.

Our future financial results will be affected by the adoption of fresh start reporting and may not reflect historical trends.

We will be formed pursuant to the Plan to acquire substantially all of the assets of our Predecessor GateHouse. The Restructuring will result in us becoming a new reporting entity and adopting fresh-start accounting. As required by fresh-start accounting, we will cause our Predecessor’s assets and liabilities to be adjusted to measured value, and we will recognize certain assets and liabilities not previously recognized in our Predecessor’s financial statements. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations from and after the Effective Date may not be comparable to the financial condition and results of operations reflected in our Predecessor’s historical consolidated financial statements, including those presented herein.

The bankruptcy filing may have a negative impact on our Predecessor’s image, which may negatively impact our business going forward.

As a result of the Restructuring, our Predecessor may be the subject of negative publicity which may have an impact on its image and the image of its operations and its reputation, stature and relationship within the community. This negative publicity may have an effect on the terms under which some customers, advertisers and suppliers are willing to continue to do business with us and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Restructuring could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Restructuring could adversely affect our operations, including relationships with our advertisers, employees and others. There is a risk, due to uncertainty about our future, that, among other things:

 

    advertisers could move to other forms of media, including our competitors that have comparatively greater financial resources and that are in comparatively less financial distress;

 

    employees could be distracted from performance of their duties or more easily attracted to other career opportunities; and

 

    business partners could terminate their relationship with us or demand financial assurances or enhanced performance, any of which could impair our prospects.

Any of these factors could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot be certain that the Restructuring will not adversely affect our operations going forward.

We cannot provide assurance that the Restructuring will not adversely affect our future operations. Our suppliers and vendors could stop providing supplies or services to us or provide such supplies or services only on

 

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unfavorable terms such as “cash on delivery,” “cash on order” or other terms that could have an adverse impact on our short-term cash flows. In addition, the Restructuring may adversely affect our ability to retain existing readers and advertisers, attract new readers and advertisers and maintain contracts that are critical to our operations.

Risks Related to Our Manager

We are dependent on our Manager and may not find a suitable replacement if our Manager terminates the Management Agreement.

We are externally managed by our Manager. Our Manager does not have any prior experience directly managing our Company or media-related assets. We are completely reliant on our Manager, which has significant discretion as to the implementation of our operating policies and strategies, to conduct our business. We are subject to the risk that our Manager will terminate the Management Agreement and that we will not be able to find a suitable replacement for our Manager in a timely manner, at a reasonable cost or at all. Furthermore, we are dependent on the services of certain key employees of our Manager whose compensation is partially or entirely dependent upon the amount of incentive or management compensation earned by our Manager and whose continued service is not guaranteed, and the loss of such services could adversely affect our operations.

There may be conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager, including with respect to corporate opportunities.

We have entered into a Management Agreement with an affiliate of Fortress pursuant to which our management team will not be required to exclusively dedicate their services to us and will provide services for other entities affiliated with our Manager, including, but not limited to, Newcastle.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that if Newcastle or Fortress or any of their officers, directors or employees acquire knowledge of a potential transaction that could be a corporate opportunity, they have no duty, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to offer such corporate opportunity to us, our stockholders or our affiliates. In the event that any of our directors and officers who is also a director, officer or employee of Newcastle or Fortress acquires knowledge of a corporate opportunity or is offered a corporate opportunity, provided that this knowledge was not acquired solely in such person’s capacity as a director or officer of New Media and such person acts in good faith, then to the fullest extent permitted by law such person is deemed to have fully satisfied such person’s fiduciary duties owed to us and is not liable to us if Newcastle or Fortress, or their affiliates, pursues or acquires the corporate opportunity or if such person did not present the corporate opportunity to us.

The ability of our Manager and its officers and employees to engage in other business activities, subject to the terms of our Management Agreement with our Manager, may reduce the amount of time our Manager, its officers or other employees spend managing us. In addition, we may engage in material transactions with our Manager or another entity managed by our Manager or one of its affiliates, including Newcastle, that present an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest. It is possible that actual, potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to investor dissatisfaction, litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Appropriately dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with one or more potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Regulatory scrutiny of, or litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, which could materially adversely affect our business in a number of ways, including causing an inability to raise additional funds, a reluctance of counterparties to do business with us, a decrease in the prices of our equity securities and a resulting increased risk of litigation and regulatory enforcement actions.

The management compensation structure that we have agreed to with our Manager, as well as compensation arrangements that we may enter into with our Manager in the future (in connection with new lines of business or other activities), may have unintended consequences for us. We have agreed to pay our Manager a management

 

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fee that is not tied to our performance. The management fee may not sufficiently incentivize our Manager to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for us. In addition, our Manager may be eligible to receive incentive compensation, which may incentivize our Manager to invest in high risk investments. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn incentive compensation may lead our Manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of such measures at the expense of other criteria, such as preservation of capital, in order to achieve higher incentive compensation. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative than lower-yielding investments. Moreover, because our Manager receives compensation in the form of options in connection with the completion of our common equity offerings, our Manager may be incentivized to cause us to issue additional Common Stock, which could be dilutive to existing stockholders. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Corporate Opportunity.”

We may compete with affiliates of our Manager, including Newcastle, which could adversely affect our and their results of operations.

Affiliates of our Manager, including Newcastle, are not restricted in any manner from competing with us. After the Distribution, affiliates of our Manager, including Newcastle, may decide to invest in the same types of assets that we invest in. Furthermore, after the Distribution, we will have the same Manager as Newcastle and one of our directors will also be a director of Newcastle. See “—Risks Related to Our Manager—There may be conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager, including with respect to corporate opportunities.”

It would be difficult and costly to terminate our Management Agreement with our Manager.

It would be difficult and costly for us to terminate our Management Agreement with our Manager. The Management Agreement may only be terminated annually upon (i) the reasonable affirmative vote of a majority of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, or by a vote of the holders of a simple majority of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, that there has been unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us or (ii) a determination by a simple majority of our independent directors that the management fee payable to our Manager is not fair, subject to our Manager’s right to prevent such a termination by accepting a mutually acceptable reduction of fees. Our Manager will be provided 60 days’ prior notice of any termination and will be paid a termination fee equal to the amount of the management fee earned by the Manager during the twelve month period preceding such termination. In addition, following any termination of the Management Agreement, our Manager may require us to purchase its right to receive incentive compensation at a price determined as if our assets were sold for their fair market value (as determined by an appraisal, taking into account, among other things, the expected future value of the underlying investments) or otherwise we may continue to pay the incentive compensation to our Manager. These provisions may increase the effective cost to us of terminating the Management Agreement, thereby adversely affecting our ability to terminate our Manager without cause. In addition, our independent directors may not vigorously enforce the provisions of our Management Agreement against our Manager. For example, our independent directors may refrain from terminating our Manager because doing so could result in the loss of key personnel. Furthermore, we are dependent on our Manager and may not find a suitable replacement if our Manager terminates the Management Agreement.

Our Manager will not be liable to us for any acts or omissions performed in accordance with the Management Agreement, including with respect to the performance of our investments.

Pursuant to our Management Agreement, our Manager will not assume any responsibility other than to render the services called for thereunder in good faith and will not be responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations. Our Manager, its members, managers, officers and employees will not be liable to us or any of our subsidiaries, to our Board, or our or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for any acts or omissions by our Manager, its members, managers, officers or employees, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement. We shall, to the full extent lawful, reimburse, indemnify and hold our Manager, its members, managers, officers and employees and each other

 

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person, if any, controlling our Manager harmless of and from any and all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims of any nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees) in respect of or arising from any acts or omissions of an indemnified party made in good faith in the performance of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement and not constituting such indemnified party’s bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement.

Our Manager’s due diligence of business opportunities or other transactions may not identify all pertinent risks, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Our Manager intends to conduct due diligence with respect to each business opportunity or other transaction it pursues. It is possible, however, that our Manager’s due diligence processes will not uncover all relevant facts, particularly with respect to any assets we acquire from third parties. In these cases, our Manager may be given limited access to information about the business opportunity and will rely on information provided by the target of the business opportunity. In addition, if business opportunities are scarce, the process for selecting bidders is competitive, or the timeframe in which we are required to complete diligence is short, our ability to conduct a due diligence investigation may be limited, and we would be required to make business decisions based upon a less thorough diligence process than would otherwise be the case. Accordingly, business opportunities and other transactions that initially appear to be viable may prove not to be over time, due to the limitations of the due diligence process or other factors.

Risks Related to the Distribution

The ownership by one of our directors, some of our officers and other employees of our Manager of shares of common stock, options, or other equity awards of Newcastle may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest.

Because one of our directors, some of our officers and other employees of our Manager also currently hold positions with Newcastle, they own         % Newcastle common stock, options to purchase Newcastle common stock or other equity awards. Ownership by one of our directors, some of our officers and other employees of our Manager after our distribution, of common stock or options to purchase common stock of Newcastle, or any other equity awards, creates, or, may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when the director, officers and other employees of our Manager are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Newcastle than they do for us.

The Distribution will not qualify for tax-free treatment and may be taxable to you as a dividend.

The Distribution will not qualify for tax-free treatment. An amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock received by you on the date of the Distribution will be treated as a taxable dividend to the extent of your ratable share of any current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under federal income tax principles, of Newcastle, with the excess treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in your shares of Newcastle common stock and then as capital gain. In addition, Newcastle or other applicable withholding agents may be required or permitted to withhold at the applicable rate on all or a portion of the distribution payable to non-U.S. stockholders, and Newcastle or any such agent would satisfy any such withholding obligation by withholding and selling a portion of the New Media stock otherwise distributable to non-U.S. stockholders or by withholding from other property held in the non-U.S. stockholder’s account with the withholding agent. Your tax basis in shares of Newcastle stock held at the time of the Distribution will be reduced (but not below zero) to the extent the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock distributed to you in the Distribution exceeds your ratable share of Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Your holding period for such shares of Newcastle stock will not be affected by the Distribution. Newcastle will not be able to advise stockholders of the amount of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Newcastle until after the end of the 2014 calendar year.

Although Newcastle will be ascribing a value to the shares of our Common Stock distributed in the Distribution for tax purposes, this valuation is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or any

 

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other tax authority. These taxing authorities could ascribe a higher valuation to the shares of our Common Stock, particularly if our Common Stock trades at prices significantly above the value ascribed to our Common Stock by Newcastle in the period following the Distribution. Such a higher valuation may cause a larger reduction in the tax basis of your Newcastle stock or may cause you to recognize additional dividend or capital gain income. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences of the Distribution to you.

Newcastle’s board of directors has reserved the right, in its sole discretion to abandon the spin-off at any time prior to the Distribution Date. In addition, the spin-off is subject to the satisfaction or waiver (by Newcastle’s board of directors in its sole discretion) of a number of conditions. We cannot assure that any or all of these conditions will be met.

Newcastle’s board of directors has reserved the right, in its sole discretion to abandon the spin-off at any time prior to the Distribution Date. This means Newcastle may cancel or delay the planned Distribution of Common Stock of New Media if at any time the board of directors of Newcastle determines that the Distribution of such Common Stock is not in the best interests of Newcastle or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to separate New Media from Newcastle. If Newcastle’s board of directors determines to cancel the spin-off, stockholders of Newcastle will not receive any Distribution of New Media Common Stock and Newcastle will be under no obligation to its stockholders to distribute such shares. In addition, the spin-off is subject to the satisfaction or waiver (by Newcastle’s board of directors in its sole discretion) of a number of conditions. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Conditions to the Distribution.” We cannot assure you that any or all of these conditions will be met. The fulfillment of the conditions to the spin-off will not create any obligation on Newcastle’s part to effect the Distribution.

Risks Related to our Common Stock

There is no existing market for our Common Stock and a trading market that will provide you with adequate liquidity may not develop for our Common Stock. In addition, once our Common Stock begins trading, the market price of our shares may fluctuate widely.

There is currently no public market for our Common Stock. It is anticipated that on or prior to the Record Date for the Distribution, trading of shares of our Common Stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis and will continue up to and including through the Distribution Date. However, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our Common Stock will develop as a result of the Distribution or be sustained in the future.

We cannot predict the prices at which our Common Stock may trade after the Distribution. The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate widely, depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

 

    our business profile and market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of Newcastle stockholders;

 

    a shift in our investor base;

 

    our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other comparable companies;

 

    actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;

 

    changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;

 

    announcements by us or our competitors of significant investments, acquisitions or dispositions;

 

    the failure of securities analysts to cover our Common Stock after the Distribution;

 

    changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;

 

    the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;

 

    overall market fluctuations; and

 

    general economic conditions.

 

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Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock.

Substantial sales of Common Stock may occur in connection with the Distribution, which could cause our stock price to decline.

The shares of our Common Stock that Newcastle intends to distribute to its stockholders generally may be sold immediately in the public market. Pursuant to the registration rights granted to Omega (provided that Omega, directly or indirectly, receives 10% or more of New Media Common Stock on the Effective Date), any sales by Omega may lower the market prices of our Common Stock. In addition, Newcastle stockholders may sell our Common Stock because our business profile or market capitalization as an independent company does not fit their investment objectives or because our Common Stock is not included in certain indices after the Distribution. The sales of significant amounts of our Common Stock or the perception in the market that this will occur may result in the lowering of the market price of our Common Stock.

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

As a public company, we will be required to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Internal control over financial reporting is complex and may be revised over time to adapt to changes in our business, or changes in applicable accounting rules. We cannot assure you that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in the future or that a material weakness will not be discovered with respect to a prior period for which we had previously believed that internal controls were effective. If we are not able to maintain or document effective internal control over financial reporting, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis, or may cause us to restate previously issued financial information, and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions or investigations by the SEC, or violations of applicable stock exchange listing rules. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements is also likely to suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm reports a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. This could materially adversely affect us by, for example, leading to a decline in our share price and impairing our ability to raise capital.

Your percentage ownership in New Media may be diluted in the future.

We may issue equity in order to raise capital or in connection with future acquisitions and strategic investments, which would dilute investors’ percentage ownership in New Media. In addition, your percentage ownership may be diluted if we issue equity instruments such as debt and equity financing.

Your percentage ownership in New Media may also be diluted in the future as result of the issuance of ordinary shares in New Media upon the exercise of the New Media Warrants. The New Media Warrants will collectively represent the right to acquire New Media Common Stock, which in the aggregate will be equal to 5% of New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date (calculated prior to dilution from shares of New Media Common Stock issued pursuant to the Local Media Contribution) at a strike price calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date. As a result, New Media Common Stock may be subject to dilution upon the exercise of such New Media Warrants.

Furthermore, your percentage ownership in New Media may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that we expect will be granted to our Manager pursuant to our Management Agreement. Commencing from the listing, upon the successful completion of an offering of shares of our Common Stock or any shares of preferred stock, we will grant our Manager options equal to 10% of the number of shares being sold in the

 

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offering (excluding the shares issued to Newcastle in the Local Media Contribution), with an exercise price equal to the offering price per share paid by the public or other ultimate purchaser. For the avoidance of doubt, the listing of our Common Stock does not constitute an offering for purposes of this provision. If our Board of Directors adopts an equity compensation plan and makes grants of equity awards to our directors, officers and employees pursuant to any such plan, any such grants would cause further dilution.

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of our company, which could decrease the trading price of our Common Stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to the raider and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions provide for:

 

    a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms;

 

    amendment of provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws regarding the election of directors, classes of directors, the term of office of directors, the filling of director vacancies and the resignation and removal of directors only upon the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the then issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon (provided, however, that for so long as Newcastle and certain other affiliates of Fortress and permitted transferees (collectively, the “Fortress Stockholders”) beneficially own at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock, such provisions may be amended with the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote or by a majority of the entire Board of Directors);

 

    amendment of provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation regarding corporate opportunity only upon the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the then issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote thereon;

 

    removal of directors only for cause and only with the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors (provided, however, that for so long as the Fortress Stockholders beneficially own at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock, directors may be removed with or without cause with the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote);

 

    our Board to determine the powers, preferences and rights of our preferred stock and to issue such preferred stock without stockholder approval;

 

    provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws prevent stockholders from calling special meetings of our stockholders (provided, however, that for so long as the Fortress Stockholders beneficially own at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock, Fortress Stockholders may call special meetings of our stockholders);

 

    advance notice requirements applicable to stockholders for director nominations and actions to be taken at annual meetings;

 

    a prohibition, in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, stating that no holder of shares of our Common Stock will have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors, which means that the holders of majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock can elect all the directors standing for election; and

 

    action by our stockholders outside a meeting, in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, only by unanimous written consent (provided, however, that for so long as the Fortress Stockholders beneficially own at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock, our stockholders may act without a meeting by written consent of a majority of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote).

 

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Public stockholders who might desire to participate in these types of transactions may not have an opportunity to do so, even if the transaction is considered favorable to stockholders. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public stockholders to benefit from a change in control or a change in our management and Board and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws.”

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this Information Statement may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views regarding, among other things, our future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities, as well as other statements that are other than historical fact. Words such as “anticipate(s),” “expect(s)”, “intend(s)”, “plan(s)”, “target(s)”, “project(s)”, “believe(s)”, “will”, “aim”, “would”, “seek(s)”, “estimate(s)” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Our actual results, liquidity and financial condition may differ from the anticipated results, liquidity and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and there are certain important factors that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially from expectations or estimates reflected in such forward-looking statements, including, among others:

 

    general economic, market and political conditions;

 

    the potential adverse effects of the Restructuring;

 

    the risk that we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the Local Media Acquisition or potential future acquisitions;

 

    the availability and cost of capital for future investments;

 

    our ability to pay dividends;

 

    our ability to realize the benefits of the Management Agreement;

 

    the competitive environment in which we operate;

 

    our ability to grow our digital business and digital audience and advertiser base;

 

    our ability to recruit and retain key personnel.

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited, to the risks identified by us under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Information Statement. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

 

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THE SPIN-OFF AND RESTRUCTURING

General

The board of directors of Newcastle has determined upon careful review and consideration in accordance with the applicable standard of review under Maryland law that the separation of New Media’s assets from the rest of Newcastle and the establishment of New Media as a separate, publicly traded company is in Newcastle’s best interests.

In furtherance of this plan, Newcastle will distribute all of the shares of our Common Stock held by Newcastle to holders of Newcastle common stock, subject to certain conditions. The distribution of the shares of our Common Stock will take place on                     , 2014. On the Distribution Date, each holder of Newcastle common stock will receive              shares of our Common Stock for every              shares of Newcastle common stock held as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date, as described below.

Immediately following the Distribution, Newcastle’s stockholders will own     % of our Common Stock. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your shares of Newcastle common stock or take any other action to receive your shares of our Common Stock.

The Distribution of our Common Stock as described in this Information Statement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. We cannot provide any assurances that the Distribution will be completed. For a more detailed description of these conditions, see the section entitled “—Conditions to the Distribution” included elsewhere in this Information Statement.

The Number of Shares You Will Receive

For every              shares of Newcastle common stock that you owned as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on                     , 2014, the Record Date, you will receive              shares of our Common Stock on the Distribution Date. Fractional shares of New Media’s Common Stock will not be distributed in the spin-off. Holders of Newcastle common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of New Media Common Stock.

Transferability of Shares You Receive

The shares of New Media Common Stock distributed to Newcastle stockholders will be freely transferable, except for shares received by persons who may be deemed to be New Media “affiliates” under the Securities Act. Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of New Media after the Distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by or are under common control with New Media and may include directors and certain officers or principal stockholders of New Media. New Media affiliates will be permitted to sell their shares of New Media Common Stock only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemptions afforded by Rule 144.

When and How You Will Receive the Distributed Shares

Newcastle will distribute the shares of our Common Stock on                     , 2014, the Distribution Date. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC will serve as distribution agent and registrar for our Common Stock and as distribution agent in connection with the Distribution.

If you own Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date, the shares of New Media Common Stock that you are entitled to receive in the Distribution will be issued electronically, as of the Distribution Date, to you or to your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. Registration in book-entry form refers to a method of recording stock ownership when no physical share certificates are issued to stockholders, as is the case in the Distribution.

 

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If you sell shares of Newcastle common stock in the “regular-way” market prior to the Distribution Date, you will also sell your right to receive shares of our Common Stock in the Distribution.

For more information see the section entitled “—Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date” included elsewhere in this Information Statement.

Commencing on or shortly after the Distribution Date, if you hold physical stock certificates that represent your shares of Newcastle common stock, or if you hold your shares in book-entry form, and you are the registered holder of such shares, the distribution agent will mail to you an account statement that indicates the number of shares of our Common Stock that have been registered in book-entry form in your name.

Most Newcastle stockholders hold their shares of Newcastle common stock through a bank or brokerage firm. In such cases, the bank or brokerage firm would be said to hold the stock in “street name” and ownership would be recorded on the bank’s or brokerage firm’s books. If you hold your Newcastle common stock through a bank or brokerage firm, your bank or brokerage firm will credit your account for the shares of our Common Stock that you are entitled to receive in the Distribution. If you have any questions concerning the mechanics of having shares of our Common Stock held in “street name,” we encourage you to contact your bank or brokerage firm.

Results of the Distribution

After the Distribution, we will be a separate, publicly-traded company. Immediately following the Distribution, we expect to have approximately              stockholders of record, based on the number of registered stockholders of Newcastle common stock on                     , 2014, and              holders who received our Common Stock pursuant to the Restructuring. Immediately following the Distribution, we expect to have              shares of our Common Stock outstanding. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined on the Record Date and will reflect any changes in the number of shares of Newcastle common stock between                     , 2014 and the Record Date for the Distribution. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

The number of shares of Common Stock that Newcastle will distribute to its stockholders will be reduced to the extent that cash payments are made in lieu of the issuance of fractional New Media Common Stock.

The Distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Newcastle common stock or any rights of Newcastle stockholders.

Ownership of New Media

Immediately following the Distribution, Newcastle stockholders as of the Record Date for the Distribution will own     % of our Common Stock. The remainder of the outstanding Common Stock will be owned by holders of the Outstanding Debt who elected to receive Common Stock in the Restructuring. For a description of the Restructuring, see “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements,” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations” in this Information Statement. For further information about the ownership of New Media, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

Market for Common Stock

There is currently no public market for our Common Stock. A condition to the Distribution is the listing on the NYSE of our Common Stock. We intend to apply to list our Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “NEWM.”

 

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Trading Between the Record Date and Distribution Date

Beginning shortly before the Record Date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, we expect that there will be two markets in Newcastle common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Shares of Newcastle common stock that trade on the regular way market will trade with an entitlement to shares of our Common Stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution. Shares that trade on the “ex-distribution” market will trade without an entitlement to shares of our Common Stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution. Therefore, if you sell shares of Newcastle common stock in the “regular-way” market through the Distribution Date, you will also sell your right to receive shares of New Media Common Stock in the Distribution. If you own shares of Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, on the Record Date and sell those shares on the “ex-distribution” market through the Distribution Date, you will still receive the shares of our Common Stock that you would be entitled to receive pursuant to your ownership of the shares of Newcastle common stock on the Record Date.

Furthermore, beginning on or shortly before the Record Date and continuing up to and through the Distribution Date, we expect that there will be a “when-issued” market in our 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 shares of our Common Stock that will be distributed to Newcastle stockholders on the Distribution Date. If you owned shares of Newcastle common stock as of 5:00 P.M., Eastern time, on the Record Date, you would be entitled to shares of our Common Stock distributed pursuant to the Distribution. You may trade this entitlement to shares of our Common Stock, without trading the shares of Newcastle common stock you own, on the “when-issued” market. On the first trading day following the Distribution Date, “when-issued” trading with respect to our Common Stock will end and “regular-way” trading will begin.

Conditions to the Distribution

We expect that the Distribution will occur on                     , 2014, the Distribution Date, provided that, among other conditions described in this Information Statement, the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

 

    Our registration statement on Form 10, of which this Information Statement is a part, shall have become effective under the Exchange Act, and no stop order relating to the registration statement is in effect;

 

    the listing of our Common Stock on the NYSE shall have been approved, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

    the Plan is approved by the Bankruptcy Court without any appeals by any parties; and

 

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

Newcastle has the right not to complete the Distribution if, at any time, the board of directors of Newcastle determines, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interests of Newcastle or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to separate New Media from Newcastle.

Reasons for the Distribution

Newcastle’s board of directors periodically reviews strategic alternatives. Newcastle’s board of directors determined upon careful review and consideration in accordance with the applicable standard of review under Maryland law that the spin-off of New Media is in the best interests of Newcastle. Newcastle’s board of directors believes that media assets are currently undervalued and being sold at substantial discounts. Newcastle’s board of

 

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directors also believes that New Media’s value can be increased over time through a strategy aimed at acquiring local media assets and organically growing New Media’s digital marketing business. In addition, Newcastle’s board of directors believes New Media’s prospects would be enhanced by being able to operate unfettered by REIT requirements. Accordingly, Newcastle’s board of directors has determined that the separation of New Media from Newcastle, as opposed to a sale of New Media’s Common Stock or other transaction, will provide Newcastle’s stockholders with the best opportunity to benefit from the anticipated appreciation of New Media’s value over time and that the execution risk of a spin-off is lower than for other types of transactions. Newcastle’s board of directors’ determination was based on a number of factors, including those set forth below.

 

    Added focus and simplification . We believe the spin-off of New Media will enhance Newcastle’s focus on its primary strategy of opportunistically investing in, and actively managing, a variety of real-estate related and other investments. The spin-off will simplify Newcastle’s business by separating an asset class (media assets) that is unrelated to the remainder of Newcastle’s investment portfolio. As a result, we believe the spin-off will facilitate investor and analyst understanding of Newcastle’s core businesses. In addition, the spin-off will create a dedicated vehicle to pursue a significant investment opportunity in the media industry.

 

    Tailored capital structure and financing options . New Media and Newcastle will have distinct and unrelated businesses, and the spin-off will enable each to create a capital structure tailored to its individual needs. In addition, tailored capital structures will facilitate each company’s ability to pursue acquisitions, possibly using common stock as currency, and other strategic alliances. Following the spin-off, each company may be able to attain more favorable financing terms on a stand-alone basis than Newcastle could obtain currently.

 

    Newcastle’s REIT status . As a REIT, Newcastle is not suited to own an operating business indefinitely. Newcastle’s current investment in New Media originated with a 2007 debt investment in GateHouse. GateHouse became overleveraged in the financial crisis, and Newcastle determined to maximize the value of its investment by proposing and supporting a restructuring that will result in the conversion of its debt into equity. Following the restructuring, a spin-off will facilitate Newcastle’s compliance with the REIT qualification tests.

Local Media is being contributed to New Media as part of the Plan. Pursuant to the Support Agreement, negotiated with the Participating Lenders, Newcastle agreed to contribute Local Media to New Media in exchange for New Media Common Stock equal to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition. The contribution of Local Media is part of the overall consideration that Participating Lenders who elected to receive Common Stock in the Restructuring received in exchange for the extinguishment of their Outstanding Debt claims of GateHouse pursuant to the Plan.

Additionally, in determining whether to effect the spin-off, Newcastle’s board of directors also considered the costs and risks relating to the spin-off, including: (i) potential costs and disruptions to the businesses as a result of the spin-off, (ii) risks of being unable to achieve the benefits expected from the spin-off, (iii) the reaction of Newcastle’s stockholders to the spin-off, (iv) the risk that one-time and ongoing costs of the spin-off may be greater than expected and (v) the tax impact of the spin-off to Newcastle and its stockholders. Newcastle’s board of directors determined that in the aggregate the potential benefits of the spin-off outweighed the potential negative factors. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Distribution” and “The Spin-Off and Restructuring—Reasons for the Distribution.”

The anticipated benefits of the spin-off are based on a number of assumptions, and there can be no assurance that such benefits will materialize to the extent anticipated or at all. In the event that the spin-off does not result in such benefits, the costs associated with the transaction and the expenses New Media will incur as an independent public company, including management compensation and general and administrative expenses, could have a negative effect on each company’s financial condition and ability to make distributions to its stockholders. For more information about the risks associated with the separation, see “Risk Factors.”

 

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The Restructuring

On September 4, 2013, GateHouse announced that GateHouse, Newcastle (and certain of its affiliates), the Administrative Agent, and Participating Lenders entered into the Support Agreement in which the parties agreed to support, subject to the terms and conditions of the Support Agreement, the Restructuring pursuant to the consummation of the Plan.

Pursuant to the Support Agreement and Investment Commitment Letter:

 

    Newcastle offered to make the Cash-Out Offer;

 

    The holders of the Outstanding Debt have option of receiving, in satisfaction of their Outstanding Debt (i) the Cash-Out Offer and/or (ii) (A) New Media Common Stock and (B) the Net Proceeds, if any, of the New Credit Facilities;

 

    Newcastle would contribute its interests in Local Media to New Media in exchange for, pursuant to the Plan, the issuance of New Media Common Stock equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition (as adjusted pursuant to the Plan);

 

    On account of any purchases of the Outstanding Debt in connection with the Cash-Out Offer, Newcastle would receive a pro rata share of (a) New Media Common Stock and (b) the Net Proceeds, if any, of the New Credit Facilities;

 

    GateHouse would use commercially reasonable efforts, in light of market conditions and other relevant factors, to raise the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments. Entry into the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments will not be a condition to the effectiveness of the Restructuring;

 

    Pension, trade and all other unsecured claims against GateHouse will be unimpaired by the Restructuring; and

 

    The Existing Equity Interests would be cancelled, and the holders of Existing Equity Interests would receive 10-year warrants, collectively representing the right to acquire, in the aggregate, 5% of the common stock of New Media Common Stock (subject to dilution) as of the Effective Date, with the strike price per share for such warrants calculated based on a total equity value of New Media, prior to contribution of Local Media, of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date.

As of September 19, 2013, Newcastle held approximately 52.2% of the principal amount currently outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility and the other Participating Lenders held approximately 28.7% of such principal amount (in each case, including certain amounts still pending trade settlement). Additional holders of Outstanding Debt may join the Restructuring Support Agreement in the future as Participating Lenders.

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced the Solicitation. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan. Holders of Outstanding Debt sufficient to meet the requisite threshold of 67% in amount and majority in number (calculated without including any insider) necessary for acceptance of the Plan under the Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors”) voted to accept the Plan in the Solicitation. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan under the terms of the Support Agreement. As a result, Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases and sought approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed by the Court on November 6, 2013.

 

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Upon emergence from Chapter 11, we plan to adopt fresh-start reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 852, “Reorganizations.” Under fresh-start accounting, a new entity is deemed to have been created on the Effective Date of the Plan for financial reporting purposes and GateHouse’s recorded amounts of assets and liabilities will be adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, our reorganized company post-emergence financial statements will generally not be comparable with the financial statements of our Predecessor prior to emergence, including the historical financial information in this Information Statement.

The Support Agreement could terminate prior to the Effective Date. The Support Agreement will terminate automatically upon certain events, including the following: (i) GateHouse has commenced Chapter 11 cases that are subsequently dismissed or converted to Chapter 7, or a Chapter 11 trustee, responsible officer or examiner with enlarged powers is appointed; (ii) GateHouse has elected to terminate the Support Agreement in accordance with the exercise of its fiduciary duties; or (iii) the occurrence of the earlier of (a) December 16, 2013 and (b) the Effective Date.

In the event of a material breach, the Support Agreement may be terminated by GateHouse, Newcastle, or Participating Lenders holding a majority in amount of the Outstanding Debt held by Participating Lenders other than Newcastle, Fortress Investment Group LLC, and their respective affiliates (the “Majority Unaffiliated Participating Creditors”), respectively, upon delivery of notice and the expiration of a ten business day cure period.

In addition, the Support Agreement may be terminated by Newcastle or by the Majority Unaffiliated Participating Creditors ten business days after GateHouse receives written notice that any of the following events has occurred and is continuing and such events have not been cured or waived within such ten business day period: (i) GateHouse has commenced Chapter 11 cases prior to commencing the Solicitation; (ii) fifteen business days have elapsed since the Participating Lenders became party to the Support Agreement, and the Solicitation has not been commenced; (iii) five business days have elapsed since the completion of a Solicitation in which the Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors have accepted the Plan, and GateHouse has not commenced the Chapter 11 cases; (iv) the Investment Commitment Letter has terminated or ceased to be in full force and effect; (v) a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental or regulatory authority has issued a ruling or order restricting a material aspect of the transaction in a manner materially adverse to Newcastle or the Participating Lenders; or (vi) GateHouse has commenced the Chapter 11 cases and (a) an order is entered terminating GateHouse’s exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization, (b) GateHouse fails to file the Plan and Disclosure Statement with the bankruptcy court on the commencement date of the Chapter 11 cases, (c) the bankruptcy court has not, within specified time periods, entered interim and final orders (I) authorizing GateHouse to use cash collateral, (II) granting adequate protection to creditors holding the Outstanding Debt, and (III) approving cash managements systems, (d) GateHouse’s consensual use of cash collateral is terminated in accordance with an interim or final cash collateral order entered by the bankruptcy court, (e) the bankruptcy court has not entered an order confirming the Plan within 60 business days after the bankruptcy filing date, (f) GateHouse withdraws the Plan or publicly announces an intention not to proceed with the Plan; GateHouse files any motion, pleading, plan of reorganization and/or disclosure statement, or the bankruptcy courts enters any order, in each case, that is materially inconsistent with the term sheet attached to the Support Agreement or materially adversely affects the rights of the party seeking to terminate the Support Agreement, or (g) GateHouse challenges or supports a challenge to, or the bankruptcy court enters an order granting a challenge to, GateHouse’s obligations under or the liens securing the Outstanding Debt, or against the Administrative Agent, or Participating Lenders. On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced the Solicitation. See “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

 

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On the Effective Date, 100% of the new equity interests in GateHouse will be issued to New Media. On or after the Effective Date, GateHouse may convert into limited liability companies. The occurrence of such conversions will not be a condition to the Effective Date.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION

The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution that may be relevant to beneficial holders of Newcastle stock.

For purposes of this section under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution,” references to “New Media,” “we,” “our” and “us” mean only New Media Investment Group Inc. and not its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, published administrative interpretations of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in this summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions. In addition, the discussion does not describe any tax consequences arising out of the laws of any state or local or foreign jurisdiction.

This summary does not constitute tax advice. The Code provisions governing the federal income tax treatment of REITs (such as Newcastle) and their stockholders are highly technical and complex, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by the express language of applicable Code provisions, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof. This summary does not address all possible tax considerations that may be material to an investor and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Moreover, this summary does not purport to discuss all aspects of federal income taxation that may be important to a particular investor in light of its investment or tax circumstances, or to investors subject to special tax rules, such as:

 

    financial institutions;

 

    insurance companies;

 

    dealers in securities;

 

    regulated investment companies;

 

    entities taxed as partnerships and partners therein;

 

    trusts;

 

    persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

    persons who hold Newcastle stock on behalf of another person as a nominee;

 

    persons who have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar

 

    persons who received Newcastle stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;

 

    persons holding Newcastle stock as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security” or other integrated investment; and

 

    except to the extent discussed below, tax-exempt entities.

This summary assumes that investors will hold their Common Stock as a capital asset, which generally means as property held for investment.

For purposes of this discussion under the heading “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution,” a U.S. holder is a beneficial holder of Newcastle stock that is a citizen or resident of the United States, a domestic corporation or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of its Newcastle stock. A “Non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial holder of Newcastle stock that is not a U.S. holder.

 

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THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF NEWCASTLE STOCK DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO ANY PARTICULAR BENEFICIAL OWNER OF NEWCASTLE STOCK WILL DEPEND ON THE BENEFICIAL OWNER’S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE DISTRIBUTION IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES.

Tax Classification of the Distribution in General

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Distribution will not be eligible for treatment as a tax-free distribution by Newcastle with respect to its stock. Accordingly, the Distribution will be treated as if Newcastle had distributed to each Newcastle stockholder an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of New Media Common Stock received by such stockholder, determined as of the date of the Distribution (such amount, the “amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution”). The tax consequences of the Distribution for beneficial owners of Newcastle’s stock are thus generally the same as the tax consequences of a distribution of cash by Newcastle.

Although Newcastle will ascribe a value to the shares of New Media Common Stock distributed in the Distribution, this valuation is not binding on the IRS or any other tax authority. These taxing authorities could ascribe a higher valuation to the distributed shares of New Media Common Stock, particularly if, following the Distribution, those shares trade at prices significantly above the value ascribed to those shares by Newcastle. Such a higher valuation may affect the distribution amount and thus the tax consequences of the Distribution to beneficial owners of Newcastle’s stock.

Newcastle will be required to recognize any taxable gain, but will not be permitted to recognize any taxable loss, with respect to the New Media Common Stock that it distributes in the Distribution.

Tax Basis and Holding Period of New Media Stock Received by Holders of Newcastle Stock

A beneficial owner of shares of New Media Common Stock will generally have a tax basis in the shares received in the Distribution that equals the fair market value of such shares on the date of the Distribution, and the holding period for such shares will begin the day after the date of the Distribution.

Tax Treatment of the Distribution to U.S. Holders

Ordinary Dividends. The portion of the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution that is payable out of Newcastle’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under federal income tax principles, and not designated by Newcastle as a capital gain dividend (as discussed below) will generally be taken into account by a U.S. holder as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. The Distribution will not be eligible for taxation at the preferential income tax rates for qualified dividends received by U.S. holders that are individuals, trusts and estates from taxable C corporations.

If any “excess inclusion income” (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) from a taxable mortgage pool or REMIC residual interest is allocated by Newcastle to any U.S. holder, that income will be taxable in the hands of the U.S. holder and would not be offset by any net operating losses of the U.S. holder that would otherwise be available. As required by IRS guidance, Newcastle intends to notify its stockholders if any portion of the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution is attributable to excess inclusion income.

Non-Dividend Distribution. If and to the extent that the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution is in excess of Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will generally represent a return of capital and will generally not be taxable to a U.S. holder. Rather, the Distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of the

 

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holder’s shares of Newcastle stock (but not below zero) by the extent to which the value of the amount distributed exceeds Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. A U.S. holder will however recognize gain to the extent that this excess exceeds the adjusted basis of its shares of Newcastle stock. Any such gain will generally be long-term capital gain if the holder has held its Newcastle shares for more than one year at the time of the Distribution.

Capital Gain Dividends. Any portion of the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution that Newcastle designates as a capital gain dividend will generally be taxable to U.S. holders as long-term capital gain, except to the extent that such distribution exceeds Newcastle’s actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the holder that receives such distribution has held its Newcastle stock. Certain U.S. Holders that are not corporations are eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains.

Tax Treatment of the Distribution to Non-U.S. Holders

Ordinary Dividends. The amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution generally will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of Newcastle’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under federal income tax principles, and not designated as a capital gain dividend by Newcastle. The amount treated as a dividend will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced or eliminated by treaty. Income attributable to “excess inclusion income” allocable to the non-U.S. holder is not eligible for any exemption or reduction in the rates of applicable withholding taxes. Accordingly, Newcastle will withhold at a rate of 30% on any portion of a dividend that is paid to a non-U.S. holder and is or may be treated as attributable to that non-U.S. holder’s share of Newcastle’s excess inclusion income. As required by IRS guidance, Newcastle intends to notify its stockholders if a portion of a dividend paid by it is attributable to excess inclusion income.

Non-Dividend Distributions. The amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution, to the extent not made out of Newcastle’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, will not be subject to U.S. income tax. If Newcastle cannot determine at the time of the Distribution whether or not the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the aggregate amount distributed will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to ordinary dividends, as described above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Newcastle’s stock constitutes a USRPI, if and to the extent that the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution exceeds the sum of (a) the Non-U.S. holder’s proportionate share of Newcastle’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under federal income tax principles, and (b) the Non-U.S. holder’s basis in its Newcastle stock, it will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (“FIRPTA”) in the same manner as if the Newcastle stock had been sold. In such situations, the non-U.S. holder would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return and would be subject to the same treatment and same tax rates as a U.S. holder with respect to such excess, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals. It is not currently anticipated that Newcastle’s stock will constitute a USRPI and therefore the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution is not likely to be subject to tax under FIRPTA. However, no assurance can be given that Newcastle’s stock will not become a USRPI.

Gain in respect of any non-dividend portion of the Distribution will nonetheless be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year, and certain other conditions are met, or if the non-U.S. holder’s investment in Newcastle common stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. holder.

Capital Gain Dividends. Under FIRPTA, a dividend distribution by Newcastle to a non-U.S. holder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs that Newcastle held directly or indirectly through pass-through subsidiaries (such gains, “USRPI capital gains”), will, except as described below, be considered

 

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effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. holder and will be subject to U.S. income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations. Newcastle will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the maximum amount that could have been designated as a USRPI capital gain dividend. In addition, such amount may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain dividend if Newcastle held an interest in the USRPI solely as a creditor. It is not anticipated that any portion of the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution will be attributable to USRPI capital gains. However, no assurance can be given in this regard.

Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to dispositions of Newcastle’s assets other than USRPIs are not subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to tax on his capital gains.

Withholding of Amounts Distributable to Non-U.S. Holders in the Distribution. If Newcastle is required to withhold any amounts otherwise distributable to a non-U.S. holder in the Distribution, Newcastle or other applicable withholding agents will collect the amount required to be withheld by reducing to cash for remittance to the IRS a sufficient portion of New Media Common Stock that such non-U.S. holder would otherwise receive or by withholding from other property held in the non-U.S. stockholder’s account with the withholding agent. Such holder may bear brokerage or other costs for this withholding procedure. A non-U.S. holder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it is subsequently determined that the amounts withheld exceeded the holder’s U.S. tax liability for the year in which the Distribution occurred.

Tax Treatment of the Distribution to Tax-Exempt Holders

Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from federal income taxation. Such entities, however, may be subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). While some investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, and provided that (1) a beneficial owner of Newcastle stock that is a tax-exempt entity (such entity, a “tax-exempt holder”) has not held Newcastle stock as “debt financed property” within the meaning of the Code (i.e., where the acquisition or holding of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt holder), and (2) such Newcastle stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, the Distribution generally should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt holder. To the extent that Newcastle (or a part of Newcastle, or a disregarded subsidiary of Newcastle) is a taxable mortgage pool for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or if Newcastle holds residual interests in a REMIC, a portion of the dividends paid to a tax-exempt holder that is allocable to excess inclusion income may be treated as UBTI. If, however, excess inclusion income is allocable to some categories of tax-exempt holders that are not subject to UBTI, Newcastle might be subject to corporate level tax on such income, and, in that case, may reduce the amount of distributions to those holders whose ownership gave rise to the tax. As required by IRS guidance, Newcastle intends to notify its stockholders if a portion of a dividend paid by it is attributable to excess inclusion income.

Tax-exempt holders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally require such holders to characterize distributions that Newcastle makes as UBTI.

In certain circumstances, a pension trust that owns more than 10% of Newcastle’s stock could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends as UBTI, if Newcastle is a “pension-held REIT.” Newcastle will not be a pension held REIT unless (1) it is required to “look through” one or more of its pension stockholders in order to satisfy certain REIT requirements and (2) either (i) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of Newcastle’s stock, or (ii) a group of pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of

 

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Newcastle’s stock, collectively owns more than 50% of Newcastle’s stock. Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of Newcastle’s stock should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of Newcastle’s stock, and should generally prevent Newcastle from becoming a pension-held REIT.

Time for Determination of the Tax Impact of the Distribution

The actual tax impact of the Distribution will be affected by a number of factors that are unknown at this time, including Newcastle’s final current and accumulated earnings and profits for 2014 (including as a result of the gain, if any, Newcastle recognizes in the Distribution), the fair market value of New Media’s Common Stock on the date of the Distribution, the extent to which Newcastle recognizes excess inclusion income during the year of the Distribution and sales of FIRPTA or other capital assets. Thus, a definitive calculation of the U.S. federal income tax impact of the Distribution will not be possible until after the end of the 2014 calendar year. Newcastle will notify its stockholders of the tax attributes of the Distribution (including the amount distributed pursuant to the Distribution) on an IRS Form 1099-DIV.

 

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME AND ESTATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR

NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our Common Stock by Non-U.S. Holders. For purposes of this section under the heading “Certain U.S. Federal Income and Estate Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders of our Common Stock”, a “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our Common Stock that is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign corporation, or any other person that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of such Common Stock.

This discussion deals only with Common Stock held as capital assets by Non-U.S. Holders who received Common Stock pursuant to the Distribution. This discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership or disposition of our Common Stock by investors in light of their specific facts and circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to persons in special tax situations, including persons that will hold our Common Stock in connection with a U.S. trade or business or a U.S. permanent establishment, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, and persons that are a “controlled foreign corporation,” a “passive foreign investment company” or a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or are otherwise subject to special treatment under the Code. This section does not address any other U.S. federal tax considerations (such as gift tax) or any state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations. You should consult your own tax advisors about the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Common Stock in light of your own particular circumstances, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the possible effects of any changes in applicable tax laws.

Furthermore, this summary is based upon on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, published administrative interpretations of the IRS, and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in this summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions.

Dividends

In the event that we make a distribution of cash or property with respect to our Common Stock, any such distributions generally will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of a Non-U.S. Holder’s investment, up to such Non-U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our Common Stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below in “—Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of our Common Stock.”

Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty. Even if a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a lower treaty rate, we and other payors will generally be required to withhold at a 30% rate (rather than the lower treaty rate) on dividend payments to such Non-U.S. Holder, unless:

 

    such Non-U.S. Holder has furnished to us or such other payor a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or other documentary evidence establishing its entitlement to the lower treaty rate with respect to such payments and neither we nor our paying agent (or other payor) have actual knowledge or reason to know to the contrary, and

 

   

in the case of actual or constructive dividends paid on or after July 1, 2014, if required by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act or any intergovernmental agreement enacted pursuant to that law, such Non-U.S. Holder or any entity through which it receives such dividends have provided the withholding

 

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agent with certain information with respect to its or the entity’s direct and indirect U.S. owners, and if such Non-U.S. Holder holds our Common Stock through a foreign financial institution, such institution has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities information about its accountholders (including certain investors in such institution or entity) and such Non-U.S. Holder has provided any required information to such institution.

If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty or otherwise, it may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these withholding requirements on their investment in our Common Stock.

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of our Common Stock

A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our Common Stock unless:

 

    in the case of an individual, such holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition, and certain other conditions are met, or

 

    we are or have been a United States real property holding corporation for federal income tax purposes and a Non-U.S. Holder held, directly or indirectly, at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition, more than 5% of our Common Stock.

In the case of the sale or disposition of our Common Stock on or after January 1, 2017, a Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on the gross proceeds of the sale or disposition unless the requirements described in the last bullet point under “—Dividends” above are satisfied. Investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these withholding requirements on their investment in our Common Stock and the potential for a refund or credit in the case of any withholding tax.

We have not been, are not and do not anticipate becoming a United States real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

We must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which Non-U.S. Holders reside under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

A Non-U.S. Holder may be subject to backup withholding for dividends paid to it unless it certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise establish an exemption. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

Any Common Stock held (or deemed held) by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at the time of his or her death will be included in such Non-U.S. Holder’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

New Media will not receive any proceeds from the Distribution of our Common Stock in the spin-off.

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

No consideration will be paid for the shares of New Media Common Stock distributed in the spin-off.

MARKET PRICE INFORMATION AND DIVIDENDS

Market Price Data

There is no established trading market for shares of New Media Common Stock. At                     , 2013, there were shares of our Common Stock outstanding,     % of which immediately prior to the spin-off were owned by Newcastle. The remainder of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock are owned by holders of GateHouse debt who elected to receive Common Stock in the Restructuring.

In connection with the spin-off, Newcastle will distribute              shares of our Common Stock on a pro rata basis to holders of Newcastle common stock as of the Record Date for the spin-off. We intend to apply to list our Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “NEWM.”

Dividends

New Media expects to distribute a substantial portion of free cash flow as a dividend, subject to satisfactory financial performance and Board approval.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data for the five years ended December 30, 2012 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP’s report on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 30, 2012, which appears elsewhere herein, includes an explanatory paragraph which describes an uncertainty about GateHouse’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial data for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 are derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which GateHouse considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for these periods. The selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012, December 31, 2010, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the selected financial data as of and for the six months ended July 1, 2012 have been revised to reflect one of GateHouse’s publications as a discontinued operation for comparability.

Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 29, 2013. The historical financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor, will not be comparable following its emergence from Chapter 11 due to the effects of the consummation of the Plan, as well as adjustments for fresh-start accounting. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included in this Information Statement.

 

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    Six Months
Ended June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended July 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012 (2)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  

Statement of Operations Data:

             

Revenues:

             

Advertising

  $ 150,559      $ 165,870      $ 330,881      $ 357,134      $ 385,579      $ 398,927      $ 477,993   

Circulation

    65,513        65,114        131,576        131,879        133,192        138,233        141,803   

Commercial printing and other

    14,107        12,197        26,097        25,657        25,967        30,960        37,700   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    230,179        243,181        488,554        514,670        544,738        568,120        657,496   

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Operating costs

    129,998        136,328        268,222        281,884        296,974        324,263        368,345   

Selling, general and administrative

    78,722        72,054        145,020        146,295        154,516        159,197        179,198   

Depreciation and amortization

    19,636        20,204        39,888        42,426        45,080        54,237        69,897   

Integration and reorganization costs and management fees paid to prior owner

    958        1,860        4,393        5,884        2,324        1,857        7,011   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —          —          —          1,733        430        193,041        123,717   

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

    1,043        155        1,238        455        1,551        (418     337   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    —          —          —          385        —          273,914        487,744   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    (178     12,580        29,793        35,608        43,863        (437,971     (578,753

Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs, gain on early extinguishment of debt, (gain) loss on derivative instruments and other

    30,425        27,993        57,463        58,361        69,520        72,502        100,530   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

    (30,603     (15,413     (27,670     (22,753     (25,657     (510,473     (679,283

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          43        (207     (1,803     (155     342        (21,139
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

    (30,603     (15,456     (27,463     (20,950     (25,502     (510,815     (658,144

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (1,034     (475     (2,340     (699     (542     (19,287     (15,162
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $ 31,637      $ 15,931      $ (29,803   $ (21,649   $ (26,044   $ (530,102   $ (673,306
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.53   $ (0.27   $ (0.47   $ (0.36   $ (0.44   $ (8.90   $ (11.53

Diluted loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.53   $ (0.27   $ (0.47   $ (0.36   $ (0.44   $ (8.90   $ (11.53

Basic net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.01   $ —        $ (0.04   $ (0.01   $ (0.01   $ (0.33   $ (0.27

Diluted (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.01   $ —        $ (0.04   $ (0.01   $ (0.01   $ (0.33   $ (0.27

Basic net loss available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.54   $ (0.27   $ (0.51   $ (0.37   $ (0.45   $ (9.23   $ (11.80

Diluted net loss available to common stockholders per share

  $ (0.54   $ (0.27   $ (0.51   $ (0.37   $ (0.45   $ (9.23   $ (11.80

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    58,063,901        58,032,205        58,041,907        57,949,815        57,723,353        57,412,401        57,058,454   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    58,063,901        58,032,205        58,041,907        57,949,815        57,723,353        57,412,401        57,058,454   

 

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    Six Months
Ended June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended July 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012 (2)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  

Statement of Cash Flow Data:

             

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $ (1,089   $ 18,226      $ 23,499      $ 22,439      $ 26,453      $ 2,990      $ 20,309   

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,278     (1,295     (1,044     (731     (624     8,400        11,675   

Net cash used in financing activities

    (6,648     (4,600     (7,140     (11,249     (22,010     (13,003     (37,533

Other Data:

             

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

  $ 18,450      $ 32,824      $ 69,766      $ 80,547      $ 89,511      $ 82,571      $ 102,664   

Cash interest paid

    28,750        29,005      $ 55,976      $ 58,225      $ 59,317      $ 67,950      $ 89,677   

 

(1) We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit), interest/financing expense, depreciation and amortization and non-cash impairments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. We believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance in our day-to-day operations. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term, such as depreciation and amortization, taxation and interest expense associated with our capital structure. This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely our cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and the Board to review the financial performance of our business on a monthly basis.

Not all companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA using the same methods; therefore, the Adjusted EBITDA figures set forth herein may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA reported by other companies. A substantial portion of our Adjusted EBITDA was dedicated to the payment of interest on our outstanding indebtedness and to service other commitments, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent an amount of funds that is available for management’s discretionary use. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Information Statement.

(2) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53 rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

The table below shows the reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:

 

    Six Months
Ended June 30,
2013
    Six Months
Ended July 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012 (j)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year Ended
December 31,
2008
 
    (In Thousands)  

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (30,603   $ (15,456   $ (27,463   $ (20,950   $ (25,502   $ (510,815   $ (658,144

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          43        (207     (1,803     (155     342        (21,139

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments (h)

    9        (1,644     (1,635     (913     8,277        12,672        10,119   

Gain on early extinguishment of debt (i)

    —          —          —          —          —          (7,538     —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    522        680        1,255        1,360        1,360        1,360        1,845   

Write-off of financing costs

    —          —          —          —          —          743        —     

Interest expense

    28,886        28,997        57,928        58,309        60,021        64,615        88,625   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —          —          —          1,733        430        193,041        123,717   

Depreciation and amortization

    19,636        20,204        39,888        42,426        45,080        54,237        69,897   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    —          —          —          385        —          273,914        487,744   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

  $ 18,450 (a)     $ 32,824 (b)     $ 69,766 (c)     $ 80,547 (d)     $ 89,511 (e)     $ 82,571 (f)     $ 102,664 (g)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(a) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included net expenses of $7,521, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $7,521 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $5,948, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(428), integration and reorganization costs of $958 and a $1,043 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $123 from our discontinued operations.

 

(b) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended July 1, 2012 included net expenses of $4,478, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $4,478 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $2,707, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(244), integration and reorganization costs of $1,860 and a $155 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $165 from our discontinued operations.

 

(c) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 30, 2012 included net expenses of $11,009, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $11,009 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $6,274, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(896), integration and reorganization costs of $4,393 and a $1,238 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $255 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(d) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended January 1, 2012 included net expenses of $9,461, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $9,461 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $4,226, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(1,104), integration and reorganization costs of $5,884 and an $455 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $432 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(e) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2010 included net expenses of $8,231, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $8,231 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $5,005, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(649), integration and reorganization costs of $2,324 and a $1,551 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $463 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(f) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2009 included net expenses of $9,289, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $9,289 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $8,632, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(782), integration and reorganization costs of $1,857 and a $418 gain on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $(855) of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(g) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2008 included net expenses of $24,487, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $24,487 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $18,638, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(1,499), integration and reorganization costs of $7,011 and $337 loss on the sale of assets.

Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $4,663 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(h) Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments is related to interest rate swap agreements which are financing related and are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.
(i) Non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs are similar to interest expense and amortization of financing fees and are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.
(j) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

 

    As of  
    June 30,
2013
    July 1,
2012
    December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
    December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 
    (In Thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data:

             

Total assets

  $ 433,704      $ 487,406      $ 469,766      $ 510,802      $ 546,327      $ 591,929      $ 1,149,621   

Total long-term obligations, including current maturities

    1,170,220        1,180,151        1,177,298        1,185,212        1,197,347        1,222,102        1,242,075   

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

    (848,855     (823,093     (834,159     (805,632     (792,121     (753,576     (229,078

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2013 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 30, 2012 are based on (i) the financial statements of New Media, which was formed on June 18, 2013 and subsequently capitalized, (ii) the audited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse for the year ended December 30, 2012 and the unaudited consolidated financial statements of GateHouse as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and (iii) the audited combined financial statements of Local Media as of and for the year ended June 30, 2013, each included in this Information Statement. New Media, GateHouse and Local Media, subsequent to the Restructuring, are collectively referred to in this section as ‘‘the Combined Company.’’

The pro forma financial information is provided for informational and illustrative purposes only and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” New Media’s historical financial statements and related notes thereto, GateHouse’s historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Local Media’s historical combined financial statements and notes thereto, each included elsewhere in this Information Statement. In addition, the historical financial statements of GateHouse, our Predecessor, will not be comparable following its emergence from Chapter 11 due to the effects of the consummation of the Plan, as well as adjustments for fresh-start accounting. All tables are presented in thousands unless otherwise noted.

The pro forma financial information gives effect to three categories of adjustments as if the transactions reflected in such adjustments had occurred on January 2, 2012 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations and on June 30, 2013 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. The three categories of adjustments are summarized below:

GateHouse Effects of Plan Adjustments

 

    Approximately $1.2 billion of our Predecessor’s Outstanding Debt will be cancelled and exchanged for New Media Common Stock equal in value to 40% of the face amount of the Outstanding Debt;

 

    the currently outstanding equity interests in our Predecessor will be cancelled and discharged and 100% of the new equity in the reorganized GateHouse will be issued to New Media;

 

    the Existing Equity Holders prior to the Restructuring will receive New Media Warrants representing the right to acquire New Media Common Stock equal to 5.0% of the New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date;

 

    commencing from the Listing, New Media will pay its Manager a management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of its Total Equity (as defined in the Management Agreement), calculated and payable monthly in arrears in cash; and

 

    the payment of estimated reorganization costs of $17.8 million.

GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments

 

    The adoption by GateHouse of fresh-start accounting, in accordance with ASC 852 upon confirmation of the Plan.

Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments

 

    Newcastle will contribute 100% of the common stock of Local Media Parent to New Media in exchange for New Media Common Stock equal in value to the cost of Newcastle’s Local Media Acquisition; and

 

    the impact of Local Media purchase accounting adjustments, in accordance with ASC 805.

 

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Each of the transactions reflected in the adjustments is described in more detail below.

The pro forma financial information does not purport to represent what the Combined Company’s actual results of operations or financial position would have been had the Plan become effective or had the other transactions described above occurred on January 2, 2012 or June 30, 2013, respectively. In addition, the dollar amount of new equity and stockholders’ equity in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet is not an estimate of the market value of the New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date or at any other time. We make no representations as to the market value, if any, of the New Media Common Stock after the Effective Date.

GateHouse Effects of Plan Adjustments

The “GateHouse Effects of Plan Adjustments” column in the pro forma financial information gives effect to the consummation of the Plan and the implementation of the transactions contemplated by the Plan, including the recapitalization, upon emergence from Chapter 11 on the Effective Date.

The Plan provides for the issuance of new equity of reorganized GateHouse to New Media and the issuance of New Media Common Stock to the holders of GateHouse’s Outstanding Debt. The estimated reorganization gain resulting from the extinguishment of the Outstanding Debt pursuant to the Plan is approximately $718.3 million less the related loss on derivative instruments included in accumulated other comprehensive income of $31.0 million and estimated reorganization costs of $17.8 million. These amounts are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet in the “GateHouse Effects of the Plan Adjustments” column in stockholders’ deficit (total $669.5 million). These amounts are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations because the gain is non-recurring.

For additional information regarding the “GateHouse Effects of Plan Adjustments,” see the notes to the pro forma financial information.

GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments

The “GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments” column of the pro forma financial information gives effect to preliminary fresh-start accounting adjustments in accordance with ASC 852 and other pro forma adjustments as described in more detail below. The reorganization value of GateHouse will be allocated to the fair value of net assets in conformity with ASC 852, resulting in an estimated gain of $148.4 million upon emergence. This gain is reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet but is not reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations because this gain is non-recurring.

The total enterprise value was estimated between approximately $385.0 million to $515.0 million, with a midpoint of $450.0 million as disclosed in the Disclosure Statement presented to the Bankruptcy Court and prior to giving effect to the Plan. Management used an enterprise value of $487.7 million as the basis for determining the reorganization value for the fresh start allocation rather than the $450.0 million midpoint of the range. This enterprise value was based upon the Cash-Out Offer and equity distribution plus estimated transaction fees and the reorganized GateHouse was ascribed this value throughout the Plan. Accordingly, fresh-start adjustments are based on this assumed enterprise value of $487.7 million. Under ASC 852, reorganization value is generally allocated first to tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets, and lastly to excess reorganization value (i.e., goodwill).

 

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GateHouse estimates its reorganization value at $562.4 million as of June 30, 2013, which consists of the following:

 

Present value of discounted cash flows of emerging entity (estimated enterprise value)

   $  487,700   

Less transaction fees

     (3,970
  

 

 

 

Total consideration

     483,730   

Non-interest bearing liabilities not subject to compromise

     78,637   
  

 

 

 

Reorganization value

   $ 562,367   
  

 

 

 

In order to apply fresh-start reporting, ASC 852 requires two criteria to be satisfied: (1) that total post-petition liabilities and allowed claims immediately before the date of confirmation of the Plan be in excess of reorganization value, as outlined in the table below, and (2) that holders of our Predecessor’s voting shares immediately before confirmation of the Plan receive less than 50.0% of the voting shares of the emerging entity. The table below shows how the first criterion is met.

 

Estimated post-petition current liabilities

   $ 78,637   

Liabilities deferred pursuant to Chapter 11 proceeding

     1,202,007   
  

 

 

 

Total post-petition liabilities and allowed claims

     1,280,644   

Reorganization value

     (562,367
  

 

 

 

Excess of liabilities over reorganization value

   $ 718,277   
  

 

 

 

The second criterion is also satisfied because the equity interests in GateHouse will be canceled and the holders of the equity interests prior to the Restructuring are expected to own less than approximately 10.0% of the reorganized GateHouse equity subsequent to the confirmation, resulting in a change in control. As a result, GateHouse plans to apply fresh start reporting upon emergence from Chapter 11.

The determination of the estimated reorganization value was based on a discounted cash flow analysis. This value was reconciled to the transaction value as outlined within the Plan and was within a reasonable range of comparable market multiples. The discounted cash flow method reflects the following assumptions:

 

    Forecasted cash flows for the six months ended December 29, 2013 and the years ending 2014 through 2016. These projections are based on the following significant assumptions:

 

    Continued declines in print advertising revenue of 5.0% to 9.0% per year, which is expected to moderate in later years;

 

    Growth in circulation revenue of up to 2.0% per year;

 

    Declines in non-digital marketing services expenses of up to 4.0% per year; and

 

    Significant growth in digital marketing services revenue, which represents approximately 2.0% of total 2013 revenues, is projected to be 13.2% of total revenues by 2016 with the digital marketing services expense projected to increase by 200% from 2013 to 2016.

 

    A terminal value, which was determined using a growth model that applied a long-term growth rate of 0.0% to GateHouse’s projected cash flows beyond 2016. The long-term growth rate was based on GateHouse’s internal projections as well as industry growth prospects;

 

    Discount rates that considered various factors including bond yields, risk premiums, and tax rates to determine a weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”), which represents a company’s cost of debt and equity weighted by the percentage of debt and equity in a company’s target capital structure. A WACC of 13.5% was used; and

 

 

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    An effective tax rate of 39.2% and an assumed carry-over tax basis of $673.7 million for fixed assets and intangibles. A deferred tax asset is not reflected within the fresh start opening balances given GateHouse’s history of losses.

The estimate of reorganization value assumes that forecasted cash flows will be realized, but future results may differ significantly. There can be no assurance regarding future financial results or actual reorganization value. The estimates and assumptions used are subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond GateHouse’s control. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis that have the most significant effect on GateHouse’s estimated reorganization value are estimated WACC, estimated long-term growth rates, and estimated revenues.

GateHouse anticipates the digital market to continue to grow as small to medium businesses (“SMBs”) move from print to digital advertising, primarily in the areas of online and mobile websites. Recent studies indicate that 89.0% of consumers expect all businesses to have a website, while 52.0% of SMBs do not have a website and 90.0% do not have a mobile website. The Propel Marketing digital marketing business, which GateHouse launched in 2012, offers SMBs digital services, including website design, search engine optimization, mobile websites, social media, retargeting and other advertising services. GateHouse believes that Propel Marketing is well positioned to assist SMBs in the digital space and expects Propel Marketing to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth.

If our anticipated assumptions as to the factors vary significantly, they could have a significant impact on our estimate of the enterprise value.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the reorganization value to the fair value of GateHouse’s assets and liabilities and the identified intangible assets pursuant to fresh start accounting based on pro forma values as of June 30, 2013. The excess of reorganization value over the amounts allocated to the identified intangible assets and the fair value of tangible assets and liabilities will be recorded as goodwill. No assurance can be given that the amount recorded as goodwill would be recoverable as part of the required annual test for goodwill impairment.

 

Current assets

   $ 82,627   

Other assets

     2,405   

Property, plant and equipment

     202,902   

Advertising relationships

     69,190   

Subscriber relationships

     34,680   

Mastheads

     42,130   

Customer relationships

     6,050   

Goodwill

     122,383   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     562,367   

Current liabilities

     62,682   

Long-term liabilities

     15,955   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     78,637   

Stockholders’ equity

     483,730   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 562,367   
  

 

 

 

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the estimation of the fair values of the subscriber relationships, advertiser relationships and customer relationships related to the fresh start valuation. The appraisals used an excess earnings approach, a form of the income approach, which values assets based upon associated estimated discounted cash flows. A static pool approach using historical attrition rates was used to estimate attrition rates of 5.0% to 7.5% for advertiser relationships, subscriber relationships and customer

 

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relationships. The growth rate was estimated to be 0.0% and the discount rates were estimated to range from 14.5% to 17.0% for advertiser relationships and 14.5% to 15.5% for subscriber and customer relationships.

Estimated cash flows extend up to periods of approximately 30 years, which takes into account that a majority of GateHouse’s newspapers have been in existence for over 50 years and many have been in existence for over 100 years. The Company plans to amortize the fair values of the subscriber and advertiser relationships over the periods at which 90.0% of the cumulative undiscounted net cash flows are estimated to be realized. Therefore, the subscriber relationships, advertiser relationships and customer relationships are expected to be amortized over an approximate 15 year period, on a straight-line basis as no other discernible pattern of usage was more readily determinable. An effective tax rate of 39.2% and carry over tax basis of $673.7 million were used in the fair value calculation.

The appraisal utilized a relief from royalty method, an income approach, to determine the fair value of mastheads. Key assumptions utilized in this valuation include revenue projections, royalty rates of 1.3% to 2.0%, a long term growth rate of 0.0% and discount rates of 14.5% to 16.5%.

The table below provides the estimated fair value and the fresh start fair value adjustment for each class of intangible assets:

 

     Fair Value      Fair Value Adjustment  

Goodwill

   $ 122,383       $ 108,641  

Mastheads

     41,860         6,619  

Advertiser relationships

     69,190         (54,849 )

Customer relationships

     6,050         1,031  

Subscriber relationships

     34,680         (5,938 )

Other (including Trade Names and Publication Rights)

     270         (2,021 )

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The property, plant and equipment appraisal included an analysis of recent comparable sales and offerings of land parcels in each of the subject’s markets. The appraised value used the standard accepted appraisal practices and valuation procedures. Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice require that the appraiser consider three basic approaches to value: the cost approach (used for equipment where an active secondary market is not available and building improvements), the direct sales comparison (market) approach (used for land and equipment where an active market is available), and the income approach (used for intangibles). These approaches are based on the cost to reproduce assets, market exchanges for comparable assets and the capitalization of income. Useful lives range from 1 to 14 years for personal property and 10 to 30 years for real property.

The valuations used in this Information Statement represent current estimates based on data available. However, updates to these valuations will be completed as of the fresh-start accounting date based on the results of asset and liability valuations, as well as the related calculation of deferred income taxes. The differences between the actual valuations and the current estimated valuations used in preparing the pro forma financial information may be material and will be reflected in our future balance sheets and may affect amounts, including depreciation and amortization expense, which we will recognize in our statement of operations post-emergence. In addition, the Combined Company may recognize certain non-recurring expenses subsequent to the Effective Date related to its Chapter 11 reorganization. As a result, the pro forma financial information may not accurately represent our post-emergence financial condition or results from operations and any differences may be material.

For additional information regarding the “GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments,” see the notes to the pro forma financial information. GateHouse anticipates that it will continue to have a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset upon emergence from Chapter 11 and no deferred tax asset is included on the pro forma balance sheet. In this regard, GateHouse will be required to reduce its tax attributes by the excess of the

 

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adjusted issue price of indebtedness satisfied pursuant to the Restructuring over the sum of (x) the amount of cash paid and (y) the fair market value of stock delivered to holders of such indebtedness (“COD Income”). As a result, New Media will not have any net operating loss carryovers (“NOLs”) from GateHouse after the taxable year which includes the Effective Date. In addition, because GateHouse expects that the amount of COD Income will be in excess of the NOLs that GateHouse had before the Effective Date, GateHouse will be required to reduce the tax basis in its assets by the excess of the amount of COD income over the amount of NOLs that GateHouse had prior to the Effective Date, so that New Media will have a lower tax basis in its assets than GateHouse had in those assets prior to the Effective Date.

Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments

On September 3, 2013, Newcastle completed the acquisition of Local Media from News Corp. The Local Media operations are managed by GateHouse, pursuant a management and advisory agreement. As a result of this agreement, management has determined that Local Media is a variable interest entity and that GateHouse is the primary beneficiary because it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Local Media and it participates in the residual returns of Local Media that could be significant to Local Media. Because GateHouse is the primary beneficiary, it consolidates Local Media.

As part of the Plan, Newcastle has agreed to contribute Local Media to New Media in exchange for shares of Common Stock in New Media. Consideration received is collectively equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition (as adjusted pursuant to the Plan), upon the emergence from Chapter 11 on the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, New Media will have a controlling financial interest in Local Media, and accounting for the transaction in accordance with ASC 805.

The “Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments” column of the pro forma financial information gives effect to preliminary purchase accounting adjustments in accordance with ASC 805. Accordingly, the purchase price of $83.7 million, which includes a projected working capital settlement of $1.1 million, will be allocated to the fair value of the net assets acquired.

The valuations used in this Information Statement represent current estimates based on data available. However, updates to these valuations will be completed as of the acquisition date based on the results of asset and liability valuations, as well as the related calculation of deferred income taxes. The differences between the actual valuations and the current estimated valuations used in preparing the pro forma financial information may be material, will be reflected in our future balance sheets and may affect amounts, including depreciation and amortization expense, which we will recognize in our statement of operations post acquisition. As such, the pro forma financial information may not accurately represent our post acquisition financial condition or results from operations and any differences may be material.

 

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The Company will account for this acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their acquisition-date fair values. Any excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. As the numbers in the pro forma may change prior to the acquisition date, the allocated goodwill is subject to significant change. We expect the goodwill to be minimal after updating the allocation as of the acquisition date. The purchase price will be allocated to the fair value of the net assets acquired in accordance with ASC 805. The purchase price, including a projected working capital adjustment of $1.1 million, is estimated to be approximately $83.7 million and the associated estimated transaction costs are $4.2 million.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of June 30, 2013:

 

Current assets

   $ 19,960   

Property, plant and equipment

     73,718   

Mastheads

     4,100   

Goodwill

     5,367   

Other Assets

     448   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     103,593   

Current liabilities

     19,891   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     19,891   
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 83,702   
  

 

 

 

The Company obtained third party independent appraisals to assist in the determination of the fair values of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The property, plant and equipment appraisal included an analysis of recent comparable sales and offerings of land parcels in each of the subject’s markets. The appraised value is supported by the consideration paid and was determined using standard generally accepted appraisal practices and valuation procedures. The appraiser used the three basic approaches to value: the cost approach (used for equipment where an active secondary market is not available and building improvements), the direct sales comparison (market) approach (used for land and equipment where an active secondary market is available) and the income approach (used for intangible assets). These approaches used are based on the cost to reproduce assets, market exchanges for comparable assets and the capitalization of income. Useful lives range from 1 to 7 years for personal property and 17 to 38 years for real property.

The appraisal utilized a relief from royalty method, an income approach, to determine the fair value of mastheads. Key assumptions utilized in this valuation include revenue projections, a royalty rate of 1.5%, a long term growth rate of 0.0%, a tax rate of 39.2% and a discount rate of 25.0%. Based on estimated discount rates, attrition levels and other available data, the advertiser and subscriber relationships were determined to have a fair value of $0.0.

Trade accounts receivable, having an estimated fair value of $13.4 million, were included in the acquired assets. The gross contractual amount of these receivables was $14.9 million and the contractual cash flows not expected to be collected was estimated at $1.5 million as of the acquisition date.

Local Media accounted for inventory using a weighted cost methodology, which was deemed to approximate fair value. The FIFO valuation method will be utilized after the acquisition and is consistent with GateHouse’s inventory valuation. The difference between the weighted average and FIFO methodology is not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations.

For tax purposes, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible is $0.5 million for Local Media.

 

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Local Media’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in June. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations were created with a year end on the last Sunday in December, which is consistent with historical GateHouse consolidated financial statements. The historical results of Local Media for the six months ended June 30, 2013 were derived by taking the historical results of operations of Local Media for the year ended June 30, 2013, and subtracting Local Media’s historical results of operations for the six months ended December 30, 2012. The historical results of Local Media for the twelve months ended December 30, 2012, were derived by taking the historical results of operations of Local Media for the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, and July 1, 2012, and subtracting Local Media’s historical results of operations for the six month periods from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2013, and July 4, 2011 to January 1, 2012.

To conform the fiscal periods of Local Media’s historical financial statements to that of New Media, the following amounts were excluded from the pro forma financial information. No amounts were included more than once in the preparation of the pro forma financial information.

 

     Local Media’s Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2013
    Local Media’s
Fiscal Year Ended
June 30, 2012
 
     Excluded from the
Six Months Ended

June 30, 2013
     Excluded from the
Year Ended

December 30, 2012
    Excluded from the
Year Ended
December 30, 2012
 
     (In Thousands)  

Revenues

   $ 83,345       $ 75,214      $ 88,066   

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 11,913       $ (39,820   $ 13,048   

 

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NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Year Ended December 30, 2012  
    New Media
December 30,
2012
    GateHouse
Historical
December 30,
2012
    GateHouse
Effects of
The Plan
Adjustments
    GateHouse
Fresh Start
and Other
Adjustments
    GateHouse
Pro Forma
    Local Media
Historical
December 30,
2012
    Local Media
Purchase
Accounting
and Other
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
December 30,
2012
 

Revenues:

               

Advertising

  $   —        $ 330,881            330,881      $ 88,329        $ 419,210   

Circulation

    —          131,576            131,576        52,203          183,779   

Commercial printing and other

    —          26,097            26,097        24,017          50,114   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

      488,554        —          —          488,554        164,549        —          653,103   

Operating costs and expenses:

               

Operating costs

    —          268,222          (212 ) (g)       268,010        139,220        (55,886 ) (k)       351,344   

Selling, general, and administrative

    —          145,020        8,057  (a)         153,077          55,886  (k)       208,963   

Depreciation and amortization

    —          39,888          (14,317 ) (h)       25,571        7,975        3,369  (l)       36,915   

Integration and reorganization costs

    —          4,393            4,393            4,393   

Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets

            —          197,869          197,869   

Loss (gain) on sale of assets

    —          1,238            1,238            1,238   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    —          29,793        (8,057     14,529        36,265        (180,515     (3,369     (147,619

Interest expense

    —          57,928        (57,903 ) (b)         25          2,445  (m)       2,470   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    —          1,255        (1,255 ) (c)         —            365  (m)       365   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

    —          (1,635     1,635  (d)         —              —     

Other (income) expense

    —          (85         (85         (85
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

    —          (27,670     49,466        14,529        36,325        (180,515     (6,179     (150,369

Income tax (benefit) expense

    —          (207     11,152  (e)       3,276  (i)       14,221        (32,767     (40,324 ) (n)       (58,870
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

  $ —        $ (27,463   $ 38,314      $ 11,253      $ 22,104      $ (147,748   $ 34,145      $ (91,499
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted:

               

Loss from continuing operations

  $ —        $ (0.47               [            

Basic weighted average
shares outstanding

    —          58,041,907                  [             ] (j)  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    —          58,041,907                  [             ] (j)  

 

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NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Six Months Ended June 30, 2013  
    New Media
June 30,
2013
    GateHouse
Historical
June 30,
2013
    GateHouse
Effects
of The Plan
Adjustments
    GateHouse
Fresh Start
and Other
Adjustments
    GateHouse
Pro Forma
    Local Media
Historical
June 30,
2013
    Local Media
Purchase
Accounting
and Other
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
June 30,
2013
 

Revenues:

               

Advertising

  $   —        $ 150,559          $ 150,559      $ 38,510        $ 189,069   

Circulation

    —          65,513            65,513        24,685          90,198   

Commercial printing and other

    —          14,107            14,107        12,019          26,126   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    —          230,179        —          —          230,179        75,214        —          305,393   

Operating costs and expenses:

               

Operating costs

    —          129,998          (106 ) (g)       129,892        68,704        (27,069 ) (k)       171,527   

Selling, general, and administrative

    —          78,722        174  (a,f)         78,896          27,069  (k)       105,965   

Depreciation and amortization

    —          19,636          (6,851 ) (h)       12,785        4,062        1,610 (l)       18,457   

Integration and reorganization costs

    —          958            958            958   

Impairment of long-lived and intangible assets

    —          1,043            1,043        42,268          43,311   

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

    —          —              —              —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

    —          (178     (174     6,957        6,605        (39,820     (1,610     (34,825

Interest expense

    —          28,886        (28,859 ) (b)         27          1,222  (m)       1,249   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    —          522        (522 ) (c)         —            182  (m)       182   

Loss (gain) on derivative instruments

    —          9        (9 ) (d)         —              —     

Other expense (income)

      1,008            1,008            1,008   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

    —          (30,603     29,216        6,957        5,570        (39,820     (3,014     (37,264

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          —          1,761  (e)       419  (i)       2,180        (14,614     (2,156 ) (n)       (14,590
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

  $ —        $ (30,603   $ 27,455      $ 6,538      $ 3,390      $ (25,206   $ (858   $ (22,674
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share:

               

Basic and diluted:

               

Loss from continuing operations

  $ —        $ (0.53               [            

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    —          58,063,901                  [             ] (j)  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    —          58,063,901                  [             ] (j)  

 

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GateHouse Effects of the Plan Adjustments

 

(a) Commencing from the Listing, we will pay our Manager a management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of Total Equity (as defined in the Management Agreement) calculated and payable monthly in arrears in cash. Total equity is generally the equity transferred by Newcastle to the Company upon Listing, plus total net proceeds from any equity capital raised (including through stock offerings), plus certain capital contributions to subsidiaries, plus the equity value of assets transferred to the Company prior to or after the date of the Management Agreement, less capital distributions and repurchases of common stock. In addition to the management fee and commencing from the Listing, our Manager will be eligible to receive on a quarterly basis annual incentive compensation in an amount equal to the product of 25.0% of the dollar amount by which (a) the adjusted net income of the Company exceeds (b)(i) the weighted daily average total equity (plus cash capital raising costs), multiplied by (ii) a simple interest rate of 10.0% per annum.

This adjustment reflects the impact of the management fee and is calculated based on the pro forma financial information. A Total Equity value of $537.1 million, which is equal to the New Media pro forma additional paid in capital line item as reflected in the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet, was used in the calculation and resulted in a management fee of $8.1 million for the year ended December 30, 2012 and $4.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The adjusted net loss, which excludes depreciation and amortization and adjusts for cash taxes, was $113.5 million for the year ended December 30, 2012 and $18.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and resulted in no incentive compensation for the year ended December 30, 2012 and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively. The table below sets forth the calculation of the estimated management fee and incentive compensation:

 

     Year ended
December 30,
2012
    Six months ended
June 30, 2013
 

New Media pro forma net loss

   $ (91,499   $ (22,674

Plus: income taxes

     (58,870     (14,590

Plus: depreciation and amortization

     36,915        18,457   

Less: cash taxes

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net loss

     (113,454     (18,807

10% of pro forma Total Equity

     53,710        53,710   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income less 10% of pro forma Total Equity

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Incentive compensation at 25% of the excess of adjusted net income over 10% of pro forma Total Equity

   $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(b) The terms of the Plan will result in the elimination of long term debt and derivative instruments. This adjustment reflects the elimination of interest expense related to these instruments. Refer to note (q) below for additional discussion.
(c) This adjustment reflects the elimination of our Predecessor’s deferred financing costs and the amortization expense as the related debt will be extinguished as part of the GateHouse Plan.
(d) The Plan will discharge all derivative instruments that are secured pursuant to the 2007 Credit Facility. As a result, this adjustment eliminates any gain or loss on these instruments.
(e) This adjustment provides the estimated impact of income tax expense based on the Combined Company’s estimated effective tax rate of 39.2%. As the historical loss from continuing operations before income taxes resulted in an insignificant tax benefit, this loss partially offset pro forma income from continuing operations and reduced the effective tax rate applied to the effects of plan adjustments.

 

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The table below provides a calculation of the pro forma income tax expense for GateHouse for the year ended December 30, 2012:

 

Historical GateHouse pre-tax net loss

   $ (27,670

Effects of plan adjustments

     49,466   

Fresh start and other adjustments

     14,529   
  

 

 

 

GateHouse pro forma pre-tax net income

   $ 36,325   

Effective tax rate

     39.2
  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 14,221   
  

 

 

 

The table below provides a calculation of the pro forma income tax expense for GateHouse for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

 

Historical GateHouse pre-tax net loss

   $ (30,603

Effects of plan adjustments

     29,216   

Fresh start and other adjustments

     6,957   
  

 

 

 

GateHouse pro forma pre-tax net income

   $ 5,570   

Effective tax rate

     39.2
  

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ 2,180   
  

 

 

 

 

(f) During the six months ended June 30, 2013, GateHouse incurred $3.9 million of expenses related to the Restructuring. This adjustment removes the impact of these expenses.

GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments

(g) This adjustment will modify historical rent expense to the amounts computed based on recording leases at their fair value. The impact of resetting escalating lease terms to their new straight line expense recognition will increase rent expense by $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the year ended December 30, 2012 and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively.

 

     As part of the fresh start valuation, leases were reviewed to determine if terms were favorable or unfavorable compared to current market conditions. Based on a comparison of contractual lease terms and current market lease rates, eight leases were identified as unfavorable and a $1.6 million liability, $0.4 million current and $1.2 million long term, will be recognized for the year ended December 30, 2012. The amortization of the unfavorable lease liability will result in a decrease in rent expense of $0.4 million for the year ended December 30, 2012 on an annual basis and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. No leases were identified as having favorable terms.
(h) In accordance with ASC 852, the reorganization value of GateHouse is allocated to the fair value of its assets and liabilities. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations, the fair value of GateHouse’s property, plant and equipment exceeds its carrying value by approximately $94.2 million and its intangible assets carrying value exceeds its fair value by approximately $55.2 million based on the current estimate. This adjustment will modify historical depreciation and amortization expense based on the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. The pro forma adjustment to depreciation expense will result in an increase of $1.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2012, and $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The pro forma adjustment to amortization expense will result in a decrease of $16.3 million for the year ended December 30, 2012, and $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The amount of the reorganization value assigned to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, and the related pro forma calculation of depreciation and amortization expense, are preliminary and subject to the completion of valuations to determine the fair market value of the tangible and intangible assets.
(i)

This adjustment provides the estimated impact of income tax expense, related to fresh-start accounting adjustments, at an estimated effective tax rate of 39.2% for the Combined Company. As the historical loss

 

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  from continuing operations before income taxes resulted in an insignificant tax benefit, this loss partially offset pro forma income from continuing operations and reduced the effective tax rate applied to the fresh-start and other adjustments. Refer to note (e) for tax impacts.

 

(j) Pursuant to the Plan,             shares of New Media Common Stock (par value of $0.01 per share and shares authorized) will be issued and outstanding on the Effective Date. The amount of common shares to be issued will change as the claim reconciliation continues. At this time, we believe those holders who elected to receive New Media Common Stock equal             common shares.

In addition, on the Effective Date, Existing Equity Holders will receive New Media Warrants exercisable for shares of New Media Common Stock at an exercise price of         per share. The New Media Warrants expire ten years from the Effective Date. For further information about the New Media Warrants, refer to note (r) to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet.

Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments

(k) Historical results for Local Media reported operating expense, which includes both operating and selling, general and administrative expenses. This adjustment allocates expense to both categories to conform to our Predecessor Statement of Operations classifications.
(l) In accordance with ASC 805, the purchase price of Local Media is allocated to the fair value of its assets and liabilities. For purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations, the fair value of its property, plant and equipment exceeds its carrying value by approximately $9.4 million and the carrying value of its intangible assets exceeds its fair value by approximately $0.3 million based on the current estimate. This adjustment modifies historical depreciation and amortization expense based on the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. The pro forma adjustments to depreciation expense include an increase of $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and $3.4 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. No adjustment was made for amortization expense. The amount of the purchase price allocated to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and the related pro forma calculation of depreciation and amortization expense, are preliminary and subject to the completion of appraisals to determine the fair market value of the tangible and intangible assets.
(m) The financing of the Local Media Acquisition included $33.0 million of debt, which matures in September 2018 and has an interest rate of LIBOR, or minimum of 1.0%, plus 6.5%. Financing costs of $1.8 million were incurred related to this financing and will be amortized over the five year term. This adjustment estimates the impact of interest expense and the amortization of deferred financing costs for Local Media. Every 1/8 of a percent change in LIBOR, after the 1.0% minimum is exceeded, would result in a $41,000 change in interest expense.
(n) This adjustment provides the estimated impact of income tax expense for Local Media at the Combined Company’s estimated effective tax rate of 39.2%.

 

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NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet (In thousands)

 

     As of June 30, 2013  
     New Media
Historical
June 30, 2013
     GateHouse
Historical
June 30, 2013
    GateHouse
Effects
of The Plan
Adjustments
    GateHouse
Fresh Start
and Other
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
GateHouse
     Local Media
Historical
June 30, 2013
     Local Media
Purchase
Accounting
and Other
Adjustments
    Pro Forma
June 30, 2013
 

Assets

                   

Current assets:

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $   —         $ 25,512      $ (17,846 ) (o)       $ 7,666       $ 567       $ 3,803  (y)     $ 12,036   

Restricted cash

     —           6,467            6,467         —             6,467   

Accounts receivable, net

     —           49,409            49,409         13,984           63,393   

Inventory

     —           5,309            5,309         1,657           6,966   

Prepaid expenses

     —           5,243            5,243         —             5,243   

Other current assets

     —           8,533            8,533         4,095         (849 ) (z)       11,779   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     —           100,473        (17,846     —          82,627         20,303         2,954        105,884   

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     —           108,679          94,223  (u)       202,902         64,299         9,419  (aa)       276,620   

Goodwill

     —           13,742          108,641  (u)       122,383         —           5,367  (aa)       127,750   

Intangible assets, net

     —           207,208          (55,158 ) (u)       152,050         4,426         (326 ) (aa)       156,150   

Deferred financing costs, net

     —           1,197        (1,197 ) (p)         —           —           1,823  (ab)       1,823   

Other assets

     —           1,931            1,931         —           448  (ac)       2,379   

Deferred income taxes

     —           —              —           38,408         (38,408 ) (z)    

Assets held for sale

     —           474            474                   474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ —         $ 433,704      $ (19,043   $ 147,706      $ 562,367       $ 127,436       $ (18,723   $ 671,080   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity

                   

Current liabilities:

                   

Current portion of long-term liabilities

   $   —         $ 708          $ 708       $ 1,417       $ (1,417 ) (z)     $ 708   

Current portion of long-term debt

        —              —           —           406  (ab)       406   

Accounts payable

     —           8,367            8,367         1,320           9,687   

Accrued expenses

     —           28,407          217  (v)       28,624         10,899         (34 ) (z)       39,489   

Accrued interest

     —           4,701        (4,701 ) (q)         —           —             —     

Deferred revenue

     —           24,983            24,983         7,706           32,689   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     —           67,166        (4,701     217        62,682         21,342         (1,045     82,979   

Long-term liabilities:

                   

Long-term debt

     —           1,167,450        (1,167,450 ) (q)         —           —           32,594  (ab)       32,594   

Long-term liabilities, less current portion

     —           2,062          131  (v)       2,193         12,191         (12,191 ) (z)       2,193   

Derivative instruments

     —           31,053        (31,053 ) (q)         —           —             —     

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     —           14,828          (1,066 ) (w)       13,762         53,265         (53,265 ) (z)       13,762   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     —           1,282,559        (1,203,204     (718     78,637         86,798         (33,907     131,528   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity (deficit)

                   

Common stock

     —           568          (568 ) (x)       —           —             —     

Common stock warrants

     —           —          2,450  (r)       —          2,450         —             2,450   

Additional paid-in capital

     —           831,369        481,280  (s)       (831,369 ) (x)       481,280         —           55,822  (ad)       537,102   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —           (37,928     30,968  (t)       6,960  (x)       —           —             —     

Accumulated (deficit) income

     —           (1,642,554     669,463  (t)       973,091  (x)       —           40,638         (40,638 ) (ae)       —     

Treasury stock

     —           (310       310  (x)       —           —             —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ (deficit) equity

     —           (848,855     1,184,161        148,424        483,730         40,638         15,184        539,552   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ (deficit) equity

   $ —         $ 433,704      $ (19,043   $ 147,706      $ 562,367       $ 127,436       $ (18,723   $ 671,080   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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GateHouse Effects of the Plan Adjustments

(o) This adjustment to Cash and cash equivalents reflects the estimated payment of $17.8 million of additional reorganization related expenses.
(p) This adjustment reflects the elimination of all deferred financing costs that were capitalized by our Predecessor.
(q) This adjustment removes historical long-term debt, derivative instruments and accrued interest balances as a result of the Restructuring.

The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts based on market conditions and other factors, to enter into the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments on the same or better terms for GateHouse than those set forth in the new debt facility term sheet attached as an exhibit to the Disclosure Statement. In the event that the Company enters into and receives proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, we will distribute to each holder of New Media Common Stock, its pro rata share of the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities. For the avoidance of doubt, the New Credit Facilities will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan and the impact of the potential New Credit Facilities is not reflected in the pro forma financial information. As negotiations are in progress, the Company does not know if it will enter into the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments.

(r) Existing Equity Holders will receive New Media Warrants representing the right to acquire equity equal to 5.0% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Media as of the Effective Date of the Plan, with the strike price for such warrants calculated based on a total equity value of New Media, prior to the Local Media Acquisition, of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date, subject to adjustment. Existing Predecessor equity values will be cancelled under the Plan. The New Media Warrants were valued at $2.45 per share using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Significant assumptions used in determining the fair value of such warrants at issuance included an assumed dividend yield of 6.9%, share price volatility of 44.7% and a risk-free rate of return of 2.9% with an estimated 10 year term. The dividend yield and volatility assumption were based on the implied volatility and historical realized volatility for comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumption was based on 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yields. For purposes of this calculation, an estimate of 1,000,000 shares was utilized. This assumption is subject to change based on the actual number of shares to be issued.
(s) This adjustment reflects the net additional paid-in capital resulting from the following:

 

Exchange by Newcastle of Outstanding Debt acquired other than in the Cash-Out Offer for New Media Common Stock

   $ 251,228   

Exchange by Newcastle of Outstanding Debt acquired in the Cash-Out Offer for New Media Common Stock

     143,200   

Exchange by debtholders other than Newcastle of Outstanding Debt for New Media Common Stock

     86,852   
  

 

 

 

Total additional paid-in capital

   $ 481,280   
  

 

 

 

 

(t) This adjustment reflects the net effect of the transaction related to the consummation of the Plan on our Predecessor’s accumulated deficit and accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

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The table below provides a summary of the adjustments to accumulated deficit as it pertains to the Plan:

 

Liabilities subject to compromise eliminated:

  

Secured indebtedness of $1,167,450, deferred financing costs of ($1,197) and accrued interest outstanding of $4,701

   $ 1,170,954   

Derivative instrument liability

     31,053   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities subject to compromise eliminated

     1,202,007   

Consideration given:

  

Issuance of New Media common stock

     (481,280

Issuance of New Media warrants

     (2,450
  

 

 

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt

     718,277   

Derivative instruments included in accumulated other comprehensive income

     (30,968

Payments of reorganization expenses related to professional fees, Chapter 11 exit costs and bank fees

     (17,846
  

 

 

 

Total adjustment to accumulated deficit

   $ 669,463   
  

 

 

 

The adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss reflects the elimination of the derivative instruments which will be extinguished pursuant to the Plan.

GateHouse Fresh-Start and Other Adjustments

 

(u) In accordance with ASC 852, the reorganization value of GateHouse is allocated to the fair value of its assets and liabilities (including identifiable intangible assets). The amount of the reorganization value assigned to property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets is preliminary and subject to the completion of valuations to determine the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets. The excess of reorganization value of assets in excess of amounts allocated to identified tangible and intangible assets will be recorded as Successor company goodwill. See “GateHouse Fresh Start and Other Adjustments” section for the discussion of the valuation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets and the table below for how goodwill is estimated.

 

Business enterprise value

   $ 487,700   

Less: Transaction fees

     (3,970

Add: Fair value of liabilities excluded from enterprise value

     78,637   

Less: Fair value of tangible assets

     (287,934

Less: Fair value of identified intangible assets

     (152,050
  

 

 

 

Reorganization value of assets in excess of amounts allocated to identified tangible and intangible assets (Successor company goodwill)

   $ 122,383   
  

 

 

 

 

(v) As prescribed in ASC 805, lease arrangements are recognized at fair value as of the Effective Date. This adjustment reflects the amounts estimated to record leases at their fair value. At June 30, 2013, accrued expenses and long-term liabilities, less current portion included $0.2 million and $1.0 million related to leases with escalating payment terms. This adjustment eliminates those historical balances. The income approach was used to value the leases. Key assumptions included contract rent (the physical attributes of the lease location, lease commencement date, future rent adjustments, termination dates and relevant option terms), market rent, options, and discount rate. As part of the fresh start valuation, leases were reviewed to determine if terms were favorable or unfavorable. Based on a comparison of contractual lease terms and current market lease rates, eight leases were identified as unfavorable and a $1.6 million liability, $0.4 million current and $1.2 million long term, was recognized. The Company continues to review the impact of lease modifications that may result from the Plan. No modifications have occurred to date and any favorable outcomes are not reflected in the pro forma financial information.

 

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(w) In accordance with ASC 852, the reorganization value of GateHouse is allocated to the fair value of its assets and liabilities (including pension and post-retirement liabilities). The valuation assumptions were consistent with those used as of December 30, 2012. However, the discount rate for the pension plan is estimated at 4.5%, and the postretirement medical and life plan is estimated at 3.9%. The amount of the reorganization value assigned to pension and post-retirement liabilities is preliminary and subject to the completion of actuarial valuations to determine the fair market value.
(x) Our Predecessor’s stockholders’ deficit accounts have been eliminated in accordance with fresh- start accounting.

Local Media Purchase Accounting and Other Adjustments

 

(y) This adjustment reflects an additional equity contribution by Newcastle for approximately $2.5 million of working capital and $4.2 million of transaction-related costs which were partly offset by an estimated $1.8 million of deferred financing costs and the elimination of the historical cash balance that was not an acquired asset.
(z) This adjustment removes those assets and liabilities that were not assumed in the Local Media Acquisition, including deferred tax assets and liabilities, current and long term pension and other benefit obligations and long-term liabilities.
(aa) In accordance with ASC 805, the purchase price for Local Media is allocated to the fair value of its assets and liabilities (including identifiable intangible assets). The value assigned to property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets is preliminary and subject to the completion of valuations to determine the fair market value of the tangible and intangible assets.
(ab) The Local Media Acquisition was financed with $33.0 million of debt which matures in September 2018 and has an interest rate of LIBOR, or minimum of 1.0%, plus 6.5%. Financing costs of $1.8 million were incurred related to the consummation of this debt. This adjustment recognizes the deferred financing costs and debt amounts.
(ac) As prescribed in ASC 805, lease arrangements should be recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. This adjustment recognizes the impact of favorable leases assumed in the Local Media Acquisition.
(ad) This adjustment reflects the impact of the capital contribution by Newcastle into Local Media.

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 83,702   

Less: debt

     (33,000
  

 

 

 

Adjusted net assets

     50,702   

Plus: estimated additional contribution

     5,120   
  

 

 

 

Total capital contribution

   $ 55,822   
  

 

 

 

 

(ae) This adjustment eliminates the historical stockholders’ equity as a result of purchase accounting.

 

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

Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, for purposes of this section under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, references to “we,” “our” “us” and the “Company” mean GateHouse Media, Inc. (“GateHouse,” or our “Predecessor”) and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial information to conform to the current period classifications. For further information on discontinued operations, see Note 19 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 14 to GateHouse’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following discussion is based on the consolidated financial statements of GateHouse, included in this Information Statement (the “Information Statement”). The following discussion of GateHouse’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with this entire Information Statement, including the “Risk Factors” section and GateHouse’s consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements appearing elsewhere in this Information Statement. The discussion and analysis below includes certain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors described in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Information Statement that could cause our actual future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information.”

Comparability of Information

Our core business performance, as presented in our revenue and our operating and selling, general, and administrative expense amounts, is not anticipated to be materially impacted by the spin-off. However, as a result of the execution of the Support Agreement (as defined below), all debt, including derivative liabilities and deferred financing assets, is expected to be eliminated on the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the pre-packaged plan under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Plan”). This will result in a significant reduction in our interest expense and the elimination of the gain (loss) on derivative instruments and deferred financing amortization. Upon the emergence from bankruptcy, fresh start accounting will lead to changes in the basis of our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that will impact future depreciation and amortization expense levels. Other significant changes to our financial information include that we expect to become subject to federal and state income taxation and to pay fees to our Manager, as defined below. The impact of these changes is discussed in greater detail within the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information section of this Information Statement.

Overview

We are one of the largest publishers of locally based print and digital media in the United States as measured by number of daily publications. Our business model is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in the small and midsize markets we serve. Our portfolio of products, which includes 404 community publications, 343 related websites, 313 mobile sites and six yellow page directories, serves over 128,000 business advertising accounts and reaches approximately 10 million people on a weekly basis.

Our core products include:

 

    78 daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 547,000;

 

    235 weekly newspapers (published up to three times per week) with total paid circulation of approximately 282,000 and total free circulation of approximately 706,000;

 

    91 “shoppers” (generally advertising-only publications) with total circulation of approximately 1.5 million;

 

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    343 locally focused websites and 313 mobile sites, which extend our franchises onto the internet and mobile devices with approximately 97 million page views per month; and

 

    six yellow page directories, with a distribution of approximately 488,000, that covers a population of approximately 1.2 million people.

In addition to our core products, we also opportunistically produce niche publications that address specific local market interests such as recreation, sports, healthcare and real estate.

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1997 for purposes of acquiring a portion of the daily and weekly newspapers owned by American Publishing Company. We accounted for the initial acquisition using the purchase method of accounting.

On May 9, 2005, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with the Company pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”). The Merger was effective on June 6, 2005, thus at the time making FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC our principal and controlling stockholder at that time. As of June 30, 2013, Fortress beneficially owned approximately 39.6% of our outstanding common stock.

Since 1998, we have acquired 416 daily and weekly newspapers and shoppers and launched numerous new products. We generate revenues from advertising, circulation and commercial printing. Advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisements. Circulation revenue from subscribers, which is billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription period, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related subscription. The revenue for commercial printing is recognized upon delivery of the printed product to our customers. Directory revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which the corresponding directory is distributed and in use in the market, which is typically 12 months.

Our advertising revenue tends to follow a seasonal pattern, with higher advertising revenue in months containing significant events or holidays. Accordingly, our first quarter, followed by our third quarter, historically are our weakest quarters of the year in terms of revenue. Correspondingly, our second and fourth fiscal quarters, historically, are our strongest quarters. We expect that this seasonality will continue to affect our advertising revenue in future periods.

We have experienced on-going declines in print advertising revenue streams and increased volatility of operating performance, despite our geographic diversity, well-balanced portfolio of products, strong local franchises, broad customer base and reliance on smaller markets. We may experience additional declines and volatility in the future. These recent declines in print advertising revenue that we have experienced are typical in a soft economy. We believe our local advertising tends to be less sensitive to economic cycles than national advertising because local businesses generally have fewer advertising channels through which to reach their target audience. We also believe some of the declines are due to a secular shift from print media to digital media. We are making investments in digital platforms, such as online, mobile and applications, to support our print publications in order to capture this shift as witnessed by our digital advertising revenue growth.

Our operating costs consist primarily of labor, newsprint, and delivery costs. Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of labor costs.

Compensation represents just over 50% of our operating expenses. Over the last few years, we have worked to drive efficiencies and centralization of work throughout our Company. Additionally, we have taken steps to cluster our operations thereby increasing the usage of facilities and equipment while increasing the productivity of our labor force. We expect to continue to employ these steps as part of our business and clustering strategy.

The Company’s operating segments (Large Community Newspapers, Small Community Newspapers and Directories) are aggregated into one reportable business segment.

 

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Recent Developments

Industry

The newspaper industry and our Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. As a result, we previously implemented plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. This includes the suspension of the payment of cash dividends by GateHouse, the continued implementation of cost reduction and restructuring programs, and the sale of non-core assets. We believe these initiatives, together with the Restructuring described below, will provide the appropriate capital structure and financial resources necessary to invest in the business and ensure our future success and provide sufficient cash flow to enable us to meet our commitments for the next year.

General economic conditions, including declines in consumer confidence, continued high unemployment levels, declines in real estate values, and other trends, have also impacted the markets in which we operate. Additionally, media companies continue to be impacted by the migration of consumers and businesses to an internet and mobile-based, digital medium. These conditions may continue to negatively impact print advertising and other revenue sources as well as increase operating costs in the future, even after an economic recovery.

We periodically perform testing for impairment of goodwill and newspaper mastheads in which the fair value of our reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and individual newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows and recent industry transaction multiples, using estimates, judgments and assumptions, that we believe were appropriate in the circumstances. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

During 2008, our credit rating was downgraded to be rated below-investment grade by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service and was further downgraded in 2009 and 2010. Any future long-term borrowing or the extension or replacement of our short-term borrowing will reflect the negative impact of these ratings, increase our borrowing costs, limit our financing options and subject us to more restrictive covenants than our existing debt arrangements. Additional downgrades in our credit ratings could further increase our borrowing cost, subject us to more onerous borrowing terms and reduce or eliminate our borrowing flexibility in the future.

Restructuring

On September 4, 2013, GateHouse and its affiliated debtors (the “Debtors”) announced that GateHouse, the Administrative Agent (as defined below), Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”) and other lenders (the “Participating Lenders”) under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among certain affiliates of GateHouse, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Cortland Products Corp., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), dated February 27, 2007 (the “2007 Credit Facility”) entered into the Restructuring Support Agreement, effective September 3, 2013, as may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time (the “Support Agreement”), in which the parties agreed to support, subject to the terms and conditions of the Support Agreement, the restructuring of GateHouse (the “Restructuring”) pursuant to the consummation of a pre-packaged plan under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Plan”). The Support Agreement relates to the Restructuring of GateHouse’s obligations under the 2007 Credit Facility and certain interest rate swaps secured thereunder (collectively, the “Outstanding Debt”) and GateHouse’s equity pursuant to the Plan.

The Plan, once effective, will discharge claims and interests against GateHouse primarily through the (a) issuance of shares of common stock in a new holding company, New Media Investment Group Inc. (“New Media,” and such common stock, “Common Stock”) and/or payment of cash to holders of claims in connection with the 2007 Credit Facility and related interest rate swaps, (b) reinstatement of certain claims, (c) entry into the Management Agreement (as defined below), (d) issuance of warrants by New Media to existing equity holders in GateHouse (“Existing Equity Holders”) and (e) entry into the New Credit Facilities (as defined below), if any, the net proceeds of which will go to holders that elect to receive New Media Common Stock, and entry into the New Undrawn Commitments (as defined below). See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

 

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Pursuant to the Restructuring, Newcastle offered to purchase the Outstanding Debt claims in cash and at 40% of (i) $1,167,449,812.96 of principal of claims under the 2007 Credit Facility, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (iii) all amounts, excluding any default interest, arising from transactions in connection with interest rate swaps secured under the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Cash-Out Offer”) on the effective date of the Plan (the “Effective Date”). The holders of the Outstanding Debt have the option of receiving, in satisfaction of their Outstanding Debt, their pro rata share of the (i) Cash-Out Offer and/or (ii) New Media Common Stock and the net proceeds, if any, of a potential new debt facility (the “New Credit Facilities”). Newcastle will receive its pro rata share of New Media Common Stock and the net proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, if any, for all Outstanding Debt it holds, including Outstanding Debt purchased in the Cash-Out Offer. GateHouse intends to pay all pensions, trade and all other unsecured claims in full.

As of September 19, 2013, Newcastle held approximately 52.2% of the principal amount currently outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility and the other Participating Lenders held approximately 28.7% of such principal amount (in each case, including certain amounts still pending trade settlement). Additional holders of Outstanding Debt may join the Restructuring Support Agreement in the future as Participating Lenders.

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced a pre-packaged solicitation of the Plan (the “Solicitation”). Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan. Holders of Outstanding Debt sufficient to meet the requisite threshold of 67% in amount and majority in number (calculated without including any insider) necessary for acceptance of the Plan under the Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors”) voted to accept the Plan in the Solicitation. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan under the terms of the Support Agreement. As a result, Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases and sought approval of the disclosure statement for the Plan (the “Disclosure Statement”) and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed by the Court on November 6, 2013.

Upon emergence from Chapter 11, New Media plans to adopt fresh-start reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 852, “Reorganizations.” Under fresh-start accounting, a new entity is deemed to have been created on the Effective Date for financial reporting purposes and GateHouse’s recorded amounts of assets and liabilities will be adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, New Media’s reorganized company post-emergence financial statements will generally not be comparable with the financial statements of GateHouse prior to emergence, including the historical financial information in this Information Statement. See “Restructuring Agreements,” “The Spin-Off and Restructuring” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

Critical Accounting Policy Disclosure

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we find reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from such estimates under different conditions. The following accounting policies require significant estimates and judgments.

 

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Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives on an annual basis in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350 “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ” (“ASC 350”). We perform our impairment analysis on each of our reporting units, represented by our six regions. The regions have discrete financial information and are regularly reviewed by management. The fair value of the applicable reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. We estimate fair value by applying third-party market value indicators to projected cash flows and/or projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, we rely on a number of factors, including current operating results and cash flows, expected future operating results and cash flows, future business plans, and market data. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, we calculate the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value.

We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, “ Property, Plant and Equipment ” (“ASC 360”). We assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and definite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets, or related group of assets, may not be fully recoverable. Factors leading to impairment include significant under-performance relative to historical or projected results, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates. If undiscounted projected future operating cash flows do not exceed the net book value of the long-lived assets, then a permanent impairment has occurred. We would record the difference between the net book value of the long-lived asset and the fair value of such asset as a charge against income in our consolidated statements of operations if such a difference arose.

The fair values of our reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and individual newspaper mastheads are estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes are appropriate in the circumstances.

The sum of the fair values of the reporting units are reconciled to our current market capitalization (based upon the stock market price) plus an estimated control premium.

Significant judgment is required in determining the fair value of our goodwill and long-lived assets to measure impairment, including the determination of multiples of revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and future earnings projections. The estimates and judgments that most significantly affect the future cash flow estimates are assumptions related to revenue, and in particular, potential changes in future advertising (including the impact of economic trends and the speed of conversion of advertising and readership to online products from traditional print products); trends in newsprint prices; and other operating expense items.

We performed annual impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets during the second quarter of 2012, 2011 and 2010. Additionally, we performed impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles during the first quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2011 due to operational management changes. As a result, impairment charges related to goodwill were recorded in fiscal 2012 and 2011, see additional information in Note 5 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements “Goodwill and Intangible Assets.”

Newspaper mastheads (newspaper titles and website domain names) are not subject to amortization and are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of each group of mastheads with their carrying amount. We used a relief from royalty approach which utilizes a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of each newspaper masthead. Our judgments and estimates of future operating results

 

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in determining the reporting unit fair values are consistently in determining the fair value of mastheads. We performed impairment tests on newspaper mastheads as of July 1, 2012, April 1, 2012, January 1, 2012, June 26, 2011 and June 30, 2010. See Note 5 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” for a discussion of the impairment charges taken.

Intangible assets subject to amortization (primarily advertiser and subscriber lists) are tested for recoverability whenever events or change in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of each asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of such asset group. We performed impairment tests on long lived assets (including intangible assets subject to amortization) as of July 1, 2012, June 26, 2011 and June 30, 2010. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” for a discussion of the impairment charges taken.

The newspaper industry and our Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

Derivative Instruments

We record all of our derivative instruments on our balance sheet at fair value pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 815, “ Derivatives and Hedging ” (“ASC 815”) and FASB ASC Topic 820 “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ” (“ASC 820”). Fair value is based on counterparty quotations adjusted for our credit related risk. Our derivative instruments are measured using significant unobservable inputs and they represent all liabilities measured at fair value. To the extent a derivative qualifies as a cash flow hedge under ASC 815, unrealized changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. However, any ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings. Fair values of derivatives are subject to significant variability based on market conditions, such as future levels of interest rates. This variability could result in a significant increase or decrease in our accumulated other comprehensive income and/or earnings but will generally have no effect on cash flows, provided the derivative is carried through to full term. We also assess the capabilities of our counterparties to perform under the terms of the contracts. A change in the assessment could have an impact on the accounting and economics of our derivatives.

Revenue Recognition

Advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisement. Circulation revenue from subscribers is billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription period and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related subscription. Circulation revenue from single copy sales is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue for commercial printing is recognized upon delivery. Directory revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which the corresponding directory is distributed.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, “ Income Taxes ” (“ASC 740”). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected to be realized. When we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be made and reflected either in income or as an adjustment to goodwill. This determination will be made by considering various factors, including our expected future results, that in our judgment will make it more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

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FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes , an interpretation of SFAS No. 109 ” (“FIN 48”) and now codified as ASC 740. ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under ASC 740, the financial statements will reflect expected future tax consequences of such positions presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts, but without considering time values.

Pension and Postretirement Liabilities

FASB ASC Topic 715, “ Compensation—Retirement Benefits ” (“ASC 715”) requires recognition of an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans such as retiree health and life, with current-year changes in the funded status recognized in the statement of stockholders’ equity.

The determination of pension plan obligations and expense is based on a number of actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate applied to pension plan obligations. For other postretirement benefit plans, which provide for certain health care and life insurance benefits for qualifying retired employees and which are not funded, critical assumptions in determining other postretirement benefit obligations and expense are the discount rate and the assumed health care cost-trend rates.

Our only pension plan has assets valued at $18.2 million and the plans benefit obligation is $27.1 million resulting in the plan being 67% funded.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan’s assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the actuaries and investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. We used an assumption of 7.75% for its expected return on pension plan assets for 2012. If we were to reduce its rate of return by 50 basis points then the expense for 2012 would have increased approximately $0.1 million.

We developed our discount rate for our other postretirement benefit plans using the same methodology as that described for the pension. The assumed health care cost-trend rate also affects other postretirement benefit liabilities and expense. A 100 basis point increase in the health care cost trend rate would result in an increase of approximately $0.4 million in the December 30, 2012 postretirement benefit obligation and a 100 basis point decrease in the health care cost trend rate would result in a decrease of approximately $0.4 million in the December 30, 2012 postretirement benefit obligation.

Self-Insurance Liability Accruals

We maintain self-insured medical and workers’ compensation programs. We purchase stop loss coverage from third parties which limits our exposure to large claims. We record a liability for healthcare and workers’ compensation costs during the period in which they occur as well as an estimate of incurred but not reported claims.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our historical results of operations for the following periods.

GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Three
Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Three
Months
Ended
July 1,
2012
    Six
Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six
Months
Ended
July 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012 (1)
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 
    (Unaudited)                    
                (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)  

Statement of Operations Data:

             

Revenues:

             

Advertising

  $ 79,220      $ 86,952      $ 150,559      $ 165,870      $ 330,881      $ 357,134      $ 385,579   

Circulation

    33,047        32,744        65,513        65,114        131,576        131,879        133,192   

Commercial printing and other

    7,331        6,275        14,107        12,197        26,097        25,657        25,967   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    119,598        125,971        230,179        243,181        488,554        514,670        544,738   

Operating costs and expenses:

             

Operating costs

    64,978        68,324        129,998        136,328        268,222        281,884        296,974   

Selling, general and administrative

    41,156        35,215        78,722        72,054        145,020        146,295        154,516   

Depreciation and amortization

    9,791        9,893        19,636        20,204        39,888        42,426        45,080   

Integration and reorganization costs

    741        738        958        1,860        4,393        5,884        2,324   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —          —          —          —          —          1,733        430   

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

    649        158        1,043        155        1,238        455        1,551   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          385        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    2,283        11,643        (178     12,580        29,793        35,608        43,863   

Interest expense

    14,456        14,449        28,886        28,997        57,928        58,309        60,021   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    261        340        522        680        1,255        1,360        1,360   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

    5        (809     9        (1,644     (1,635     (913     8,277   

Other (income) expense

    737        5        1,008        (40     (85     (395     (138
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

    (13,176     (2,342     (30,603     (15,413     (27,670     (22,753     (25,657

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          148        —          43        (207     (1,803     (155
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (13,176   $ (2,490   $ (30,603   $ (15,456   $ (27,463   $ (20,950   $ (25,502

 

(1) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53 rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 Compared To Three Months Ended July 1, 2012

Revenue. Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $6.4 million, or 5.1%, to $119.6 million from $126.0 million for the three months ended July 1, 2012. The difference between same store revenue and GAAP revenue for the current quarter is immaterial, therefore, revenue discussions will be limited to GAAP results. The decrease in total revenue was comprised of a $7.7 million, or 8.9%, decrease in advertising revenue which was offset by a $0.3 million, or 0.9%, increase in circulation revenue and a $1.0 million, or 16.8%, increase in commercial printing and other revenue. Advertising revenue declines were primarily driven

 

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by declines on the print side of our business in the local retail and classified categories, which were partially offset by growth in digital advertising. The local retail print declines reflect both secular pressures and a continuing uncertain and weak economic environment. These secular trends and economic conditions have also led to a decline in our print circulation volumes which have been slightly offset by price increases in certain locations. Our circulation revenue was also impacted by approximately $0.5 million for a net to gross accounting change at two of our larger locations. The $1.0 million increase in commercial printing and other revenue is primarily the result of the launch of our small business marketing services within GateHouse Ventures during 2012. GateHouse Ventures is an operating subsidiary of GateHouse that develops high-growth business ventures that leverage GateHouse resources and access to local markets to expand the local services we offer, while also expanding our geographic reach. Propel Marketing, our digital marketing solutions company, is the primary business in GateHouse Ventures.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $3.3 million, or 4.9%, to $65.0 million from $68.3 million for the three months ended July 1, 2012. The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a decrease in compensation expenses, professional and consulting fees, newsprint expenses, and supplies of $1.9 million, $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, which were partially offset by an increase in outside services of $1.5 million. These decreases are the result of permanent cost reductions as we continue to work to consolidate operations and improve the productivity of our labor force.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2013 increased by $5.9 million, or 16.9%, to $41.1 million from $35.2 million for the three months ended July 1, 2012. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in outside services and compensation expenses of $5.0 million and $0.5 million. The increase in outside services is primarily from legal expenses related to the exploration of alternatives to improve our capital structure.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $0.1 million to $9.8 million from $9.9 million for the three months ended July 1, 2012. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the sale and disposal of assets, which reduced depreciation expense.

Integration and Reorganization Costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, we recorded integration and reorganization costs of $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively, primarily resulting from severance costs related to the continued consolidation of our operations resulting from our ongoing implementation of our plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow.

(Gain) Loss on Derivative Instruments. During the three months ended July 1, 2012, we recorded a net gain on derivative instruments of $0.8 million, which was comprised of reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive income amortization related to swaps terminated in 2008 that were partially offset by the impact of the ineffectiveness of our remaining swap agreements. The accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification for swaps terminated in 2008 was fully amortized in 2012 and the 2013 loss on derivative instruments relates only to the ineffectiveness of our remaining swaps.

Income Tax Expense. During the three months ended July 1, 2012, we recorded an income tax expense of $0.1 million due to the elimination of the tax effect related to the expiration of a previously terminated swap that could be fully recognized for tax purposes in the current year.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $13.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 Compared To Six Months Ended July 1, 2012

Revenue. Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $13.0 million, or 5.3%, to $230.2 million from $243.2 million for the six months ended July 1, 2012. The difference between same store

 

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revenue and GAAP revenue for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 is immaterial, therefore, revenue discussions will be limited to GAAP results. The decrease in total revenue was comprised of a $15.3 million, or 9.2%, decrease in advertising revenue which was offset by a $0.4 million, or 0.6%, increase in circulation revenue and a $1.9 million, or 15.7%, increase in commercial printing and other revenue. Advertising revenue declines were primarily driven by declines on the print side of our business in the local retail and classified categories, which were partially offset by growth in digital advertising. The local retail print declines reflect both secular pressures and a continuing uncertain and weak economic environment. These secular trends and economic conditions have also led to a decline in our print circulation volumes which have been slightly offset by price increases in certain locations. Our circulation revenue was also impacted by approximately $1.0 million for a net to gross accounting change at two of our larger locations. The $1.9 million increase in commercial printing and other revenue is primarily the result of the launch of our small business marketing services within GateHouse Ventures during 2012.

Operating Costs. Operating costs for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $6.3 million, or 4.6%, to $130.0 million from $136.3 million for the six months ended July 1, 2012. The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a decrease in compensation expenses, professional and consulting fees, newsprint expenses, and supplies of $4.1 million, $2.2 million, $2.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, which were partially offset by an increase in outside services of $3.4 million. These decreases are the result of permanent cost reductions as we continue to work to consolidate operations and improve the productivity of our labor force.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2013 increased by $6.7 million, or 9.3%, to $78.7 million from $72.0 million for the six months ended July 1, 2012. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in outside services and compensation expenses of $5.7 million and $0.5 million. The increase in outside services is primarily from legal expenses related to the exploration of alternatives to improve our capital structure.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013 decreased by $0.6 million to $19.6 million from $20.2 million for the six months ended July 1, 2012. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the sale and disposal of assets, which reduced depreciation expense.

Integration and Reorganization Costs. During the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, we recorded integration and reorganization costs of $1.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, primarily resulting from severance costs related to the continued consolidation of our operations resulting from our ongoing implementation of our plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow.

(Gain) Loss on Derivative Instruments. During the six months ended July 1, 2012, we recorded a net gain on derivative instruments of $1.6 million, which was comprised of reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive income amortization related to swaps terminated in 2008 that were partially offset by the impact of the ineffectiveness of our remaining swap agreements. The accumulated other comprehensive income reclassification for swaps terminated in 2008 was fully amortized in 2012 and the 2013 loss on derivative instruments relates only to the ineffectiveness of our remaining swaps.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations. Net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $30.6 million and $15.5 million, respectively. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

Year Ended December 30, 2012 Compared To Year Ended January 1, 2012

Comparisons to the prior year were impacted by two factors around the number of days in the reporting period. First, there was a 53 rd week in 2011 for approximately 60% of the business already on a 52 week (5-4-4 quarterly) reporting cycle. Also in 2011, the remaining 40% of the Company changed its reporting cycle from a

 

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calendar year to a 52 week reporting cycle in order to be consistent with the rest of the Company. We estimate the 53 rd week in 2011 resulted in $4.8 million of revenue and $3.8 million of operating and selling, general and administrative expense. Comparisons below have not been adjusted for this calendar change.

Revenue . Total revenue for the year ended December 30, 2012 decreased by $26.1 million, or 5.1%, to $488.6 million from $514.7 million for the year ended January 1, 2012. The difference between same store revenue and GAAP revenue for the current period is immaterial, therefore, revenue discussions will be limited to GAAP results. The decrease in total revenue was comprised of a $26.3 million, or 7.4%, decrease in advertising revenue and a $0.3 million, or 0.2%, decrease in circulation revenue which was partially offset by a $0.4 million, or 1.7%, increase in commercial printing and other revenue. Advertising revenue declines were primarily driven by declines on the print side of our business in the local retail and classified categories, which were partially offset by growth in digital advertising. The local retail print declines reflect both secular pressures and an uncertain and weak economic environment. These secular trends and economic conditions have also led to a decline in our print circulation volumes which have been offset by price increases in select locations. Our circulation revenue was also impacted by approximately $1.5 million for a net to gross accounting change due to a change from a carrier to a distributor model at one of our largest locations. The $0.4 million increase in commercial printing and other revenue is primarily the result of the launch of our small business marketing services and the stabilizing of our commercial printing operations during 2012.

Operating Costs.  Operating costs for the year ended December 30, 2012 decreased by $13.7 million, or 4.8%, to $268.2 million from $281.9 million for the year ended January 1, 2012. The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a decrease in compensation expenses, newsprint and ink, delivery and utility expenses of $12.4 million, $6.5 million, $3.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, which were partially offset by an increase in outside services of $9.0 million. This decrease is the result of permanent cost reductions as we continue to work to consolidate operations and improve the productivity of our labor force.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 30, 2012 decreased by $1.3 million, or 0.9%, to $145.0 million from $146.3 million for the year ended January 1, 2012. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in compensation of $1.6 million. We expect that the majority of these reductions will be permanent in nature.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 30, 2012 decreased by $2.5 million to $39.9 million from $42.4 million for the year ended January 1, 2012. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the sale and disposal of assets in 2011 and 2012, which reduced depreciation expense.

Integration and Reorganization Costs. During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, we recorded integration and reorganization costs of $4.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively, primarily resulting from severance costs related to the consolidation of certain print and other operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the year ended January 1, 2012 we incurred an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to the consolidation of our print operations and property, plant and equipment which were classified as held for sale. There were no such charges during the year ended December 30, 2012.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the year ended January 1, 2012, we recorded a $0.4 million impairment on our goodwill due to an operational management change in the fourth quarter of 2011 which transferred a goodwill balance of $0.4 million to a reporting unit that previously did not have a goodwill balance. A similar operational change occurred in the first quarter of 2012 and resulted in a $0.2 million impairment that was subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations.

 

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Interest Expense.  Total interest expense for the year ended December 30, 2012 decreased by $0.4 million, or 0.7%, to $57.9 million from $58.3 million for the year ended January 1, 2012. The decrease was due to declines in interest rates and their related impact on the unhedged position or our debt and a slight decrease in our total outstanding debt.

(Gain) Loss on Derivative Instruments.  During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, we recorded a net gain of $1.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, which was comprised of reclassifications of accumulated other comprehensive income amortization related to swaps terminated in 2008 that were partially offset by the impact of the ineffectiveness of our remaining swap agreements.

Income Tax Benefit.  During the year ended December 30, 2012, we recorded an income tax benefit of $0.2 million due to a reduction in uncertain tax positions which was partially offset by a tax expense due to the elimination of the tax effect related to the expiration of a previously terminated swap that could be fully recognized for tax purposes in the current year. During the year ended January 1, 2012, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.8 million primarily due to the elimination of the tax effect related to the expiration of a previously terminated swap that could be fully recognized for tax purposes in the current year.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations.  Net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 30, 2012 was $27.5 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $21.0 million. Our net loss from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.

Year Ended January 1, 2012 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2010

Comparisons to the prior year were impacted by two factors around the number of days in the reporting period. First, there was a 53 rd week in 2011 for approximately 60% of the business already on a 52 week (5-4-4 quarterly) reporting cycle. Also in 2011, the remaining 40% of the Company changed its reporting cycle from a calendar year to a 52 week reporting cycle in order to be consistent with the rest of the Company, which resulted in a one additional day for the year. The discussion of our results of operations that follows is based upon our historical results of operations for the years ended January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010.

Revenue . Total revenue for the year ended January 1, 2012 decreased by $30.0 million, or 5.5%, to $514.7 million from $544.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The difference between same store revenue and GAAP revenue for the current period is immaterial, therefore, revenue discussions will be limited to GAAP results. We estimate the impact of the 53 rd week to be $4.8 million on total revenue, comparisons below have not been adjusted for this impact. The decrease in total revenue was comprised of a $28.4 million, or 7.4%, decrease in advertising revenue, a $1.3 million, or 1.0%, decrease in circulation revenue and a $0.3 million, or 1.2%, decrease in commercial printing and other revenue. Advertising revenue declines were primarily driven by declines on the print side of our business in the local retail and classified categories which were partially offset by growth in digital. The print declines reflect an uncertain economic environment, which continued to put pressure on our local advertisers. These economic conditions have also led to a decline in our circulation volumes which have been partially offset by price increases in select locations. Our circulation revenue was also impacted by approximately $0.5 million for a net to gross accounting change implemented at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2011 at one of our largest locations which puts it more in line with the Company as a whole. The decrease in commercial printing and other revenue was due to declines in printing projects as a result of continued weak economic conditions as well as the strategic closure of certain of our print facilities.

Operating Costs.  Operating costs for the year ended January 1, 2012 decreased by $15.1 million, or 5.1%, to $281.9 million from $297.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a decrease in compensation, newsprint and ink, delivery and postage expenses of $9.4 million, $2.6 million, $1.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The majority of these decreases were the result of permanent cost reductions and were implemented as we continue to work to consolidate operations and improve the productivity of our labor force. We estimate the impact of the 53 rd week to be $3.8 million on operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended January 1, 2012 decreased by $8.2 million, or 5.3%, to $146.3 million from $154.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in compensation of $10.4 million offset by an increase in professional and consulting fees of $2.0 million. The majority of the decrease in compensation relates to permanent cost reductions, which continue to be implemented as we consolidate operations and improve the productivity of our labor force. We believe the majority of these reductions are also permanent in nature.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended January 1, 2012 decreased by $2.7 million to $42.4 million from $45.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to the sale and disposal of assets in 2010 and 2011, which reduced depreciation expense.

Integration and Reorganization Costs. During the years ended January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, we recorded integration and reorganization costs of $5.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively, primarily resulting from severance costs related to the consolidation of certain print operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. During the year ended January 1, 2012 we incurred an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to the consolidation of certain print operations and property, plant and equipment which were classified as held for sale. There was a $0.4 million of long-lived asset impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Goodwill and Mastheads Impairment. During the year ended January 1, 2012, we recorded a $0.4 million impairment on our goodwill due to an operational management change in the fourth quarter of 2011 which transferred a goodwill balance of $0.4 million to a reporting unit that previously did not have a goodwill balance. There were no such charges during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Expense.  Total interest expense for the year ended January 1, 2012 decreased by $1.7 million, or 2.9%, to $58.3 million from $60.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease was due to declines in interest rates and their related impact on the unhedged position or our debt and a slight decrease in our total outstanding debt.

(Gain) Loss on Derivative Instruments.  During the years ended January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, we recorded a net gain of $0.9 million and a net loss of $8.3 million, respectively, comprised of accumulated other comprehensive income amortization related to swaps terminated in 2008 partially offset by the impact of the ineffectiveness of our remaining swap agreements.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $1.8 million compared to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The change of $1.6 million was primarily due to the elimination of the tax effect related to the expiration of a previously terminated swap that could be fully recognized for tax purposes in the current year.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations.  Net loss from continuing operations for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $21.0 million. Net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $25.5 million. Our net loss from continuing operations decreased due to the factors noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following represents the liquidity and capital resources disclosure of GateHouse. New Media’s primary cash requirements and cash flows are expected to be comparable to GateHouse, except that as a result of the Restructuring, New Media and its subsidiaries will have significantly less leverage and therefore substantially less interest and debt servicing expenses.

 

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Our primary cash requirements are for working capital, debt obligations and capital expenditures. We have no material outstanding commitments for capital expenditures. We expect our 2013 capital expenditure to total approximately $5.0 million. Historically, we had significant long term debt and debt service obligations that do not remain following the Restructuring. For more information on our previous long term debt and debt service obligations, see Note 6 of GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Our principal sources of funds have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, cash provided by operating activities.

As a holding company, we have no operations of our own and accordingly we have no independent means of generating revenue, and our internal sources of funds to meet our cash needs, including payment of expenses, are dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries.

In the future, we expect to fund our operations through cash provided by operating activities, the incurrence of debt or the issuance of additional equity securities. The Company expects that it will have adequate capital resources and liquidity to meet its working capital needs, borrowing obligations and all required capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. We expect our 2013 capital expenditure to total approximately $5.0 million.

Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 Compared to Six Months Ended July 1, 2012

The following table summarizes our historical cash flows for the periods presented.

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2013
    Six months ended
July 1, 2012
 

Cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (1,089   $ 18,226   

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,278     (1,295

Cash used in financing activities

     (6,648     (4,600

The discussion of our cash flows that follows is based on our historical cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.1 million, a decrease of $19.3 million when compared to $18.2 million of cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended July 1, 2012. This $19.3 million decrease was the result of an increase in net loss of $15.7 million and a decrease in cash provided by working capital of $5.5 million, which was offset by an increase in non-cash charges of $1.9 million.

The $15.7 million increase in net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2013 when compared to the six months ended July 1, 2012 primarily related to the following one-time expenditures; $5.9 million investment in our small business marketing services business and $3.9 million of expenses related to our restructuring.

The $5.5 million decrease in cash provided by working capital for the six months ended June 30, 2013 when compared to the six months ended July 1, 2012 is primarily attributable to an increase in prepaid expenses of $10.0 million in December 2011 related to a newsprint pricing agreement that was not required in 2012, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses.

The $1.9 million increase in non-cash charges primarily consisted of an increase in loss on sale of assets of $2.0 million and an increase in loss on derivative instruments of $1.7 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $1.0 million, a decrease in goodwill impairment included in discontinued operations of $0.2 million, a decrease in pension and other postretirement benefit obligations of $0.2 million, a decrease in impairment of long-lived assets included in discontinued operations of $0.2 million, and a decrease in amortization of deferred financing costs of $0.2 million.

 

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Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $1.3 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we used $2.0 million for capital expenditures, which was offset by $0.7 million we received from the sale of publications and other assets.

Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended July 1, 2012 was $1.3 million. During the six months ended July 1, 2012, we used $1.7 million for capital expenditures, which was offset by $0.4 million we received from the sale of real property and insurance proceeds.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $6.6 million due to a repayment under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended.

Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended July 1, 2012 was $4.6 million due to a repayment under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended.

Changes in Financial Position

The discussion that follows highlights significant changes in our financial position and working capital from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable decreased $5.3 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, which relates to the timing of cash collections and lower revenue recognized in the 2013 six month period compared to 2012.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Property, plant, and equipment decreased $7.8 million during the period from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, of which $8.0 million relates to depreciation and $1.7 million relates to assets sold and discontinued operations, which was partially offset by $2.0 million that was used for capital expenditures.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets decreased $11.8 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, which primarily relates to amortization.

Current Portion of Long-term Debt. Current portion of long-term debt decreased $6.6 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, due to a principal payment as required by the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended, which represented 50% of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) related to the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012.

Accounts Payable. Accounts payable decreased $1.0 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, which primarily relates to the disposal of a of a non wholly owned subsidiary in Chicago, Illinois.

Derivative Instruments. Derivative instrument liability decreased $14.7 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, due to changes in the fair value measurement of our interest rate swaps.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $14.7 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, which resulted from the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps of $14.7 million.

Accumulated Deficit. Accumulated deficit increased $29.4 million from December 30, 2012 to June 30, 2013, due to a net loss of $31.6 million.

 

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Year Ended December 30, 2012 Compared to Year Ended January 1, 2012 and Year Ended January 1, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

The following table summarizes our historical cash flows for the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 23,499      $ 22,439      $ 26,453   

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,044     (731     (624

Cash used in financing activities

     (7,140     (11,249     (22,010

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 30, 2012 was $23.5 million. The net cash provided by operating activities resulted from a depreciation and amortization of $40.6 million, a net increase in cash provided by working capital of $10.3 million, an impairment of long-lived assets of $2.1 million, a $1.3 million loss on the sale of assets, amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.2 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $0.2 million, and non-cash compensation of $0.1 million, partially offset by a net loss of $29.8 million, a gain of $1.6 million on derivative instruments, and an increase funding of pension and other post-retirement obligations of $0.9 million. The increase in cash provided by working capital primarily resulted from a decrease in prepaid expenses related to a newsprint pricing agreement that required a prepayment of $10 million in fiscal 2011. No such prepayment was required in fiscal 2012.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $22.4 million. The net cash provided by operating activities resulted from a depreciation and amortization of $43.4 million, an impairment of long-lived assets of $2.1 million, amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.4 million, a $0.8 million loss on the sale of assets, non-cash compensation of $0.5 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $0.4 million, partially offset by a net loss of $21.6 million, an increase funding of pension and other post-retirement obligations of $1.9 million, a net decrease in cash provided by working capital of $1.6 million, and a gain of $0.9 million on derivative instruments. The decrease in cash provided by working capital primarily resulted from a decrease in accrued expenses and an increase in prepaid expenses related to a newsprint pricing agreement that allowed for fixed pricing in 2012 below market rates from December 31, 2010 to January 1, 2012 offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and an increase in accounts payable.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $26.5 million. The net cash provided by operating activities resulted from a depreciation and amortization of $46.1 million, a loss of $8.3 million on derivative instruments, non-cash compensation of $1.7 million, a $1.5 million loss on the sale of assets, amortization of deferred financing costs of $1.4 million, an impairment of long-lived assets of $0.8 million, partially offset by a net loss of $26.0 million, a net decrease in cash provided by working capital of $6.0 million, an increase funding of pension and other post-retirement obligations of $1.4 million. The decrease in cash provided by working capital primarily resulted from an increase in prepaid expenses related to a newsprint pricing agreement that allowed for fixed pricing in 2011 below market rates from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 30, 2012 was $1.0 million. During the year ended December 30, 2012, we used $4.6 million for capital expenditures, which was offset by $3.6 million received from the sale of publications, other assets and insurance proceeds.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $0.7 million. During the year ended January 1, 2012, we used $3.3 million for capital expenditures, which was offset by $2.6 million received from the sale of publications, other assets and insurance proceeds.

Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $0.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we used $4.8 million for capital expenditures, which was offset by $4.2 million received from the collection of a receivable due from a previous real estate sale and the sale of other real property.

 

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 30, 2012 was $7.1 million due to repayments under the 2007 Credit Facility.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended January 1, 2012 was $11.2 million due to a repayment under the 2007 Credit Facility.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $22.0 million, which primarily resulted from a $2.5 million repayment under the 2007 Credit Facility, the repurchase of subsidiary preferred stock of $11.5 million and an $8.0 million repayment under the 2008 Bridge Facility.

Changes in Financial Position

The discussion that follows highlights significant changes in our financial position and working capital from December 30, 2012 to January 1, 2012.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable decreased $4.5 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, which relates to the timing of cash collections and lower revenue recognized in 2012 compared to 2011. An additional $1.4 million relates to assets sold during the current year.

Prepaid Expenses. Prepaid expenses decreased $9.7 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to a $10.0 million prepayment during the year ended January 1, 2012 which related to a newsprint pricing agreement that allowed for fixed pricing in 2012 at below market rates. The pricing agreement for fiscal 2013 did not require a prepayment at December 30, 2012.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Property, plant, and equipment decreased $14.4 million during the period from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, of which $16.6 million relates to depreciation and $2.3 million relates to assets sold and held for sale, which was partially offset by $4.6 million that was used for capital expenditures.

Goodwill. Goodwill decreased $0.2 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to an impairment charge included in income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets decreased $27.7 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to amortization of $24.0 million, $1.9 million due to an impairment of assets sold during the current year, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations, and $1.8 million which was sold during the current year.

Others Assets. Other assets increased $0.7 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to an investment in joint ventures where our ownership is less than 10%.

Long-term Assets Held for Sale. Long-term assets held for sale decreased $0.5 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to proceeds of $0.3 million and a $0.2 million impairment of assets classified as held for sale as of January 1, 2012. Assets held for sale as of December 30, 2012 consist of real estate in Winter Haven, FL.

Current Portion of Long-term Debt. Current portion of long-term debt increased $2.0 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012 due to an increase in the estimated payment as required by the 2007 Credit Facility, which represented 50% of the Excess Cash Flow related to the year ended December 30, 2012. This amount increased from $4.6 million at January 1, 2012 to $6.6 million at December 30, 2012.

Accounts Payable. Accounts payable increased $1.2 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, which was primarily attributable to the timing of vendor payments.

Accrued Interest. Accrued interest increased $1.8 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, which was primarily attributable to the timing of interest payments.

 

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Long-term Debt. Long-term debt decreased $9.2 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012 due to a $6.6 million reclassification to current portion of long-term debt of a principal payment due in 2013 as required by the 2007 Credit Facility, which represented 50% of the Excess Cash Flow related to the year ended December 30, 2012 and a $2.5 million repayment under the 2007 Credit Facility from the proceeds of the sale of our Suburban Chicago publications.

Derivative Instruments. Derivative instrument liability decreased $5.9 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to changes in the fair value measurement of our interest rate swaps.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $1.7 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, which resulted from the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps of $5.9 million, which was offset by a $2.6 million change to the Company’s pension and post retirement plans, a gain on derivative instruments due to amortization of $1.6 million, and a $0.1 million reclassification of income tax benefit from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Accumulated Deficit. Accumulated deficit increased $30.3 million from January 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012, due to a net loss of $29.8 million.

Indebtedness

As of June 30, 2013, a total of $1.2 billion was outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility; consisting of $654.5 million under the term loan facility, $244.2 million under the delayed draw term loan facility, $268.6million under the incremental term loan facility. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Indebtedness,” for a discussion on our indebtedness.

As part of the Restructuring, we expect that our previous long term debt will be extinguished pursuant to the Support Agreement on the Effective Date of the Plan.

GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries will use its commercially reasonable efforts to enter into the New Credit Facilities in the aggregate principal amount of up to $150 million of funded debt and enter into additional undrawn commitments of up to $15 million for working capital and other purposes (the “New Undrawn Commitments”). Together, the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments are intended to (i) fund a distribution under the Plan to certain holders of GateHouse’s secured debt claims that have made the New Media election, (ii) provide for ongoing working capital needs, (iii) partially fund capital expenditures and (iv) be used for general corporate needs and will be guaranteed by GateHouse and all existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries of GateHouse (other than the borrower under the New Credit Facilities). The weighted average interest rate across all tranches will not exceed the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.50% with a LIBOR floor of 1.25% and an original issue discount of 1.00%. The New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments will consist of one or more tranches with maturity dates of not less than 5 years and will be secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and GateHouse and the subsidiary guarantors.

In the event that we enter into and receive proceeds from the New Credit Facilities, New Media will distribute to each holder of New Media Common Stock, including Newcastle on account of the Cash-Out Offer, its pro rata share of the net proceeds of the New Credit Facilities net of transaction costs and expenses of GateHouse and Newcastle associated with transactions under the Plan (the “Net Proceeds”), if any. For the avoidance of doubt, the proceeds of the New Undrawn Commitments will not constitute the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities. Our entry into the New Credit Facilities will not be a condition to the effectiveness of the Plan.

The Credit Agreement dated September 3, 2013 by and among Local Media Group Holdings LLC (“Local Media Parent”), its direct subsidiary Local Media Group, Inc. (f/k/a Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.) (“Local Media”) certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Local Media (collectively, the “Borrower”), Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as the administrative agent and collateral agent, Credit Suisse Loan Funding LLC, as

 

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lead arranger, and each of the lenders party thereto (the “Local Media Credit Facility”) provides for a $33 million senior secured term loan, which was funded on September 3, 2013, and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $10 million, whose full availability was activated on October 25, 2013 as a result of the accession of Capital One Business Credit Corp. as a lender thereunder and as the replacement administrative and collateral agent for Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch. Borrowings under the Dow Jones Credit Facility bear interest, at the Borrower’s option, equal to (i) the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Dow Jones Credit Facility Credit Agreement) plus the LIBOR Rate Margin (i.e., 6.50% per annum) or (ii) Base Rate (as defined in the Dow Jones Credit Facility Credit Agreement) plus the Base Rate Margin (i.e., 5.50% per annum). Repayments of principal are due in an amount of $203,125 per quarter for each completed fiscal quarter through September 30, 2015 and repayments of principal are due in an amount of $406,250 per quarter for each completed fiscal quarter starting December 31, 2015, with the remaining balance of principal becoming fully due and payable on the maturity date of September 4, 2018.

Summary Disclosure About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table reflects a summary of our contractual cash obligations, including estimated interest payments where applicable, as of December 30, 2012:

 

     2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      Thereafter      Total  
     (In Thousands)  

2007 Credit Facility (1)

   $ 63,324       $ 1,204,780       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 1,268,104   

Noncompete payments

     421         286         250         200         200         200         1,557   

Operating lease obligations

     4,640         4,616         3,447         2,523         2,203         2,551         19,980   

Letters of credit

     5,182         —           —           —           —           —           5,182   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 73,567       $ 1,209,682       $ 3,697       $ 2,723       $ 2,403       $ 2,751       $ 1,294,823   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Pursuant to the Restructuring, the 2007 Credit Facility will be extinguished on the Effective Date.

The table above excludes future cash requirements for pension and postretirement obligations. The periods in which these obligations will be settled in cash are not readily determinable and are subject to numerous future events and assumptions. We estimate cash requirements for these obligations in 2013 totaling approximately $1,577. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, “Pension and Postretirement Benefits,” included herein.

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2012-02, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The amendments in this update allow companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not the asset is impaired. The changes to the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as a result of this update are effective for annual and interim impairment test performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2012-02 did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2013-02 “Comprehensive Income Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)”, which amends ASC Topic 220. The amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition an entity is required to present

 

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either on the face of the Statement of Income or in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI and should be provided by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures require under GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. The changes to the ASC as a result of this updated guidance became effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 did not have a material effect on GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

A non-GAAP financial measure is generally defined as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable GAAP measure. In this Information Statement, we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, as set forth below.

Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as follows:

Income (loss) from continuing operations before :

 

    Income tax expense (benefit);

 

    interest/financing expense;

 

    depreciation and amortization; and

 

    non-cash impairments.

Management’s Use of Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income from operations, net income (loss), cash flow from continuing operating activities or any other measure of performance or liquidity derived in accordance with GAAP. We believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on our day-to-day operations. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. We believe that it also provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term, such as depreciation and amortization, taxation and interest expense associated with our capital structure. This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and GateHouse’s Board of Directors to review the financial performance of the business on a monthly basis.

Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. It should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures of earnings or cash flows. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to GAAP net income (loss), include: the cash portion of interest/financing expense, income tax (benefit) provision and charges related to gain (loss) on sale of facilities represent charges (gains), which may significantly affect our financial results.

 

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Readers of our financial statements may find this item important in evaluating our performance, results of operations and financial position. We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

Adjusted EBITDA is not an alternative to net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Readers of our financial statements should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for any such GAAP financial measure. We strongly urge readers of our financial statements to review the reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA, along with our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Information Statement. We also strongly urge readers of our financial statements to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and is susceptible to varying calculations, the Adjusted EBITDA measure, as presented in this Information Statement, may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

We use Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of our core operating performance, which is evidenced by the publishing and delivery of news and other media and excludes certain expenses that may not be indicative of our core business operating results. We consider the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments and the (gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt to be financing related costs associated with interest expense or amortization of financing fees. Accordingly, we exclude financing related costs such as the early extinguishment of debt because they represent the write-off of deferred financing costs and we believe these non-cash write-offs are similar to interest expense and amortization of financing fees, which by definition are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, the non-cash gains (losses) on derivative contracts, which are related to interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate risk, are financing costs associated with interest expense. Such charges are incidental to, but not reflective of, our core operating performance and it is appropriate to exclude charges related to financing activities such as the early extinguishment of debt and the unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments which, depending on the nature of the financing arrangement, would have otherwise been amortized over the period of the related agreement and does not require a current cash settlement.

The table below shows the reconciliation of loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

    Three
Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Three
Months
Ended
July 1,
2012
    Six
Months
Ended
June 30,
2013
    Six
Months
Ended
July 1,
2012
    Year
Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year
Ended
January 1,
2012 (l)
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2010
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2009
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Loss from continuing operations

  $ (13,176   $ (2,490   $ (30,603   $ (15,456   $ (27,463   $ (20,950   $ (25,502   $ (510,815   $ (658,144

Income tax expense (benefit)

    —          148        —          43        (207     (1,803     (155     342        (21,139

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments (j)

    5        (809     9        (1,644     (1,635     (913     8,277        12,672        10,119   

Gain on early extinguishment of debt (k)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (7,538     —     

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    261        340        522        680        1,255        1,360        1,360        1,360        1,845   

Write-off of financing costs

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          743        —     

Interest expense

    14,456        14,449        28,886        28,997        57,928        58,309        60,021        64,615        88,625   

Impairment of long-lived assets

    —          —          —          —          —          1,733        430        193,041        123,717   

Depreciation and amortization

    9,791        9,893        19,636        20,204        39,888        42,426        45,080        54,237        69,897   

Goodwill and mastheads impairment

    —          —          —          —          —          385        —          273,914        487,744   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

  $ 11,337 (a)     $ 21,531 (b)     $ 18,450 (c)     $ 32,824 (d)     $ 69,766 (e)     $ 80,547 (f)     $ 89,511 (g)     $ 82,571 (h)     $ 102,664 (i)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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(a) Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2013 included net expenses of $6,066, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $6,066 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $4,889, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(213), integration and reorganization costs of $741 and a $649 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $275 from our discontinued operations.

 

(b) Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended July 1, 2012 included net expenses of $2,638, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $2,638 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $1,890, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(148), integration and reorganization costs of $738 and a $158 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $109 from our discontinued operations.

 

(c) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included net expenses of $7,521, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $7,521 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $5,948, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(428), integration and reorganization costs of $958 and a $1,043 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $123 from our discontinued operations.

 

(d) Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended July 1, 2012 included net expenses of $4,478, which are one-time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $4,478 is non-cash compensation and other expense of $2,707, non-cash portion of postretirement benefits expense of $(244), integration and reorganization costs of $1,860 and a $155 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $165 from our discontinued operations.

 

(e) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 30, 2012 included net expenses of $11,009, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $11,009 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $6,274, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(896), integration and reorganization costs of $4,393 and a $1,238 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $255 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(f) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended January 1, 2012 included net expenses of $9,461, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $9,461 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $4,226, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(1,104), integration and reorganization costs of $5,884 and an $455 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $432 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(g) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2010 included net expenses of $8,231, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $8,231 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $5,005, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(649), integration and reorganization costs of $2,324 and a $1,551 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $463 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(h) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2009 included net expenses of $9,289, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $9,289 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $8,632, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(782), integration and reorganization costs of $1,857 and a $418 gain on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $(855) of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(i) Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2008 included net expenses of $24,487, which are one time in nature or non-cash compensation. Included in these net expenses of $24,487 are non-cash compensation and other expenses of $18,638, non-cash portion of post-retirement benefits expense of $(1,499), integration and reorganization costs of $7,011 and $337 loss on the sale of assets.

 

     Adjusted EBITDA also does not include $4,663 of EBITDA generated from our discontinued operations.

 

(j) Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments is related to interest rate swap agreements which are financing related and are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

 

(k) Non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs are similar to interest expense and amortization of financing fees and are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

 

(l) The year ended January 1, 2012 included a 53 rd week of operations for approximately 60% of the business.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in earnings and cash flow. In the normal course of business, exposure to certain of these market risks is managed as described below.

Interest Rates

On August 18, 2008, we terminated interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $570.0 million. At December 30, 2012, after consideration of the interest rate swaps described below, $570.0 million of the remaining principal amount of our term loans are subject to floating interest rates.

Our debt structure and interest rate risks are managed through the use of floating rate debt and interest rate swaps. Our primary exposure is to LIBOR. A 100 basis point change in LIBOR would change our income from

 

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continuing operations before income taxes on an annualized basis by approximately $5.6 million, based on average pro forma floating rate debt outstanding during 2012, after consideration of the interest rate swaps of $625.0 million described below, and average amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility during 2012.

On February 27, 2007, we executed an interest rate swap in the notional amount of $100.0 million with a forward starting date of February 28, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 5.14% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing, interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to the one month LIBOR.

On April 4, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $250.0 million with a forward starting date of April 13, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 4.971% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

On April 13, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap in the notional amount of $200.0 million with a forward starting date of April 30, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under this swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 5.079% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

On September 18, 2007, we executed an additional interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $75.0 million with a forward starting date of September 18, 2007. The interest rate swap has a term of seven years. Under the swap, we pay an amount to the swap counterparty representing interest on a notional amount at a rate of 4.941% and receive an amount from the swap counterparty representing interest on the notional amount at a rate equal to one month LIBOR.

Commodities

Certain materials we use are subject to commodity price changes. We manage this risk through instruments such as purchase orders, membership in a buying consortium, fixed pricing agreements for certain newsprint purchases and continuing programs to mitigate the impact of cost increases through identification of sourcing and operating efficiencies. Primary commodity price exposures are newsprint, energy costs and, to a lesser extent, ink.

A $10 per metric ton newsprint price change would result in a corresponding annualized change in our income from continuing operations before income taxes of $0.4 million based on newsprint usage for the year ended December 30, 2012 of approximately 41,400 metric tons. In 2013, 95% of the companies’ newsprint is fixed through a pricing agreement, therefore only 5% of the usage would be impacted by a price increase.

 

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BUSINESS

Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, for purposes of this section under the heading “Business”, references to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” mean GateHouse and its consolidated subsidiaries.

General Overview

GateHouse

We are one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by number of daily publications. Our portfolio of products, which includes 404 community publications, 343 related websites, 313 mobile sites and six yellow page directories, serves over 128,000 business advertising accounts and reaches approximately 10 million people on a weekly basis.

Our core products include:

 

    78 daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 547,000;

 

    235 weekly newspapers (published up to three times per week) with total paid circulation of approximately 282,000 and total free circulation of approximately 706,000;

 

    91 “shoppers” (generally advertising-only publications) with total circulation of approximately 1.5 million;

 

    343 locally focused websites and 313 mobile sites, which extend our franchises onto the internet and mobile devices with approximately 97 million page views per month; and

 

    six yellow page directories, with a distribution of approximately 488,000, that covers a population of approximately 1.2 million people.

In addition to our core products, we also opportunistically produce niche publications that address specific local market interests such as recreation, sports, healthcare and real estate.

Our print and online products focus on the local community from both a content and advertising standpoint. As a result of our focus on small and midsize markets, we are usually the primary, and sometimes, the sole provider of comprehensive and in-depth local market news and information in the communities we serve. Our content is primarily devoted to topics that we believe are highly relevant and of interest to our audience such as local news and politics, community and regional events, youth sports, opinion and editorial pages, and local schools.

More than 86% of our daily newspapers have been published for more than 100 years and 100% have been published for more than 50 years. We believe that the longevity of our publications demonstrates the value and relevance of the local information that we provide and has created a strong foundation of reader loyalty and a highly recognized media brand name in each community we serve. As a result of these factors, we believe that our publications have high local audience penetration rates in our markets, thereby providing advertisers with strong local market reach.

We have a history of growth through acquisitions and new product launches. Since our inception, we have acquired 420 daily and weekly newspapers, shoppers and directories. Due to the weak economic backdrop over the past several years and tough financing market we have not done an acquisition since 2009 and instead have focused on transforming our business to a multi-media content and advertising business while maintaining our local orientation and pursuing cost reductions and de-levering opportunities. As part of our cost reduction efforts, we have engaged in a series of individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right size our employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations.

We operate in 328 markets across 21 states. A key element of our business strategy is geographic clustering of publications to realize operating efficiencies and provide consistent management practices. We share best

 

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practices across our organization, giving each publication the benefit of proven and executable revenue producing and cost saving initiatives. We regionally cluster functions such as ad composition, accounting and production and give each publication in a cluster access to top quality production equipment, which we believe enables us to cost-efficiently provide superior products and service to our customers. We are also centralizing certain functions across the entire company, particularly in the ad production and content areas in an effort to become more efficient and better serve our publications and customers. In addition, we believe that our size allows us to achieve economies of scale.

We believe that our below-average industry advertising revenue volatility is a result of our geographic diversity combined with our concentration of small markets. We have revenues coming from markets across 21 states, the large number of products we publish and our fragmented, diversified local advertising customer base. We also believe that local advertising tends to be less sensitive to economic cycles than national advertising because local businesses generally have fewer advertising channels in which to reach the local audience. We believe we are also less reliant than large metropolitan newspapers upon classified advertising, particularly the recruiting and real estate categories, which are generally more sensitive to economic conditions.

Our operating costs consist primarily of labor, newsprint, and delivery costs. Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of labor costs.

Compensation represents just over 50% of our operating expenses. Over the last few years, we have worked to drive efficiencies and centralization of work throughout our Company. Additionally, we have taken steps to cluster our operations thereby increasing the usage of facilities and equipment while increasing the productivity of our labor force. We expect to continue to employ these steps as part of our business and clustering strategy.

On September 4, 2013, Debtors and the Participating Lenders under the 2007 Credit Facility entered into a Support Agreement in which the parties agreed to support, subject to the terms and conditions of the Support Agreement, the restructuring of GateHouse pursuant to the consummation of the Plan. The Plan, once effective, will discharge claims and interests against GateHouse primarily through the (a) issuance of shares of Common Stock of New Media and/or payment of cash to holders of claims in connection with the 2007 Credit Facility and related interest rate swaps, (b) reinstatement of certain claims, (c) entry into the Management Agreement (as defined below), (d) issuance of warrants by New Media to Existing Equity Holders and (e) entry into the New Credit Facilities, if any, the net proceeds of which will go to holders that elect to receive New Media Common Stock, and entry into the New Undrawn Commitments. See “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

Local Media

Local Media is a publisher of locally based print and online media. Local Media publishes eight daily community newspapers and thirteen weekly papers in seven states in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Coast regions of the United States. Local Media also publishes associated internet sites, magazines and other news and advertising niche publications and offers commercial print and household distribution services. During the period between July 2011 through June 2012, the Local Media portfolio of products had a combined average circulation of 186,000 daily and 225,000 Sunday circulations, as well as 187,000 average daily unique visitors to its local websites.

Local Media has five print production facilities which are located at Hyannis, Massachusetts; Middletown, New York; Medford, Oregon; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Stockton, California.

Industry Overview

We operate in what is sometimes referred to as the “hyper-local” or community market within the media industry. Media companies that serve this segment provide highly focused local content and advertising that is

 

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generally unique to each market they serve and is not readily obtainable from other sources. Local publications include community newspapers, websites, shoppers, traders, real estate guides, special interest magazines and directories. Due to the unique nature of their content, community publications compete for advertising customers with other forms of traditional media, including: direct mail, directories, radio, television, and outdoor advertising. We also compete with new digital and social media businesses for advertising customers. We believe that local print and online publications are the most effective medium for local retail advertising, which emphasizes the price of goods in an effort to move inventory on a regular basis, in contrast to radio, broadcast and cable, television, and the internet, which are generally used for image or branding advertising. In addition, we believe local print and online publications generally have the highest local audience penetration rates, which allows local advertisers to get their message to a large portion of the local audience.

Locally focused media in small and midsize communities is distinct from national and urban media delivered through outlets such as television, radio, metropolitan and national newspapers and the internet. Larger media outlets tend to offer broad based information to a geographically scattered audience, which tends to be more of a commodity. In contrast, locally focused media delivers a highly focused product that is often the only source of local news and information in the market it serves. Our segment of the media industry is also characterized by high barriers to entry, both economic and social. Small and midsize communities can generally only sustain one newspaper. Moreover, the brand value associated with long-term reader and advertiser loyalty, and the high start-up costs associated with developing and distributing content and selling advertisements, help to limit competition.

Advertising Market

The primary sources of advertising revenue for local publications are small businesses, corporations, government agencies and individuals who reside in the market that a publication serves. By combining paid circulation publications with total market coverage publications such as shoppers and other specialty publications (tailored to the specific attributes of a local community), local publications are able to reach nearly 100% of the households in a distribution area. As macroeconomic conditions in advertising change due to increasing internet and mobile usage and the wide array of available information sources, we have seen advertisers shift their focus to have a digital component to their local advertising strategy. To that end, in addition to printed products, the majority of our local publications have an online presence that further leverages the local brand, ensures higher penetration into the market, and provides a digital alternative for local advertisers.

Digital Media

The time spent online and on mobile devices each day by media consumers continues to grow and newspaper web and mobile sites offer a wide variety of content providing comprehensive, in-depth and up to the minute coverage of news and current events. The ability to generate, publish and archive more news and information than most other sources has allowed newspapers to produce some of the most visited sites on the internet. Newspaper websites have shown to be some of the most visited websites by online media news consumers.

We believe that our local publications are well positioned to capitalize on their existing market franchises and grow their total audience base by publishing proprietary local content digitally; via the internet, mobile websites and mobile applications. Local digital media include traditional classifieds, directories of business information, local advertising, databases, audience-contributed content and mobile applications. We believe this additional community-specific content will further extend and expand both the reach and the brand of our publications with readers and advertisers. We believe that building a strong local digital business extends the core audience of a local publication.

The opportunity created by the digital extension of the core audience makes local digital advertising an attractive complement for existing print advertisers, while opening up opportunities to attract new local

 

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advertisers that have never advertised with local publications. In addition, we believe that national advertisers have an interest in reaching buyers on a hyper-local level and, although they historically have not been significant advertisers in community publications, we believe the digital media offers them a powerful medium to reach local audiences. This opportunity is further enhanced by our behavioral targeting products which allow advertisers to reach specific demographics of our audience. We also plan to hire a new digital only sales force to focus on digital growth in key designated market areas (“DMAs”).

We believe that a strong digital business will enhance our revenues. In addition, we believe that we have the knowledge and reach to help other businesses maximize their digital opportunities. Accordingly, we have launched two digital businesses designed to help others grow their digital presence: Propel Marketing and adhance media. Propel Marketing will allow us to sell digital marketing services to small and medium sized businesses (“SMBs”) both in and outside existing markets. adhance media, our private advertising exchange, allows us to more fully monetize our (and third parties’) valuable unsold digital advertising space. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We have invested in growing our digital business, but such investments may not be successful, which could adversely affect our results of operations.”

Circulation

Overall daily newspaper print circulation, including national and urban newspapers, has been declining steadily over the past several years. Small and midsize local market newspapers have generally had smaller declines and more stability in their paid print circulation volumes due to the relevant and unique hyper-local news they produce. In addition, this unique and valuable hyper-local content allows smaller market newspapers to continue to raise prices, leading to stable circulation revenues.

Our Strengths

High Quality Assets with Leading Local Franchises . Our publications benefit from a long history in the communities we serve as one of the leading, and often sole, providers of comprehensive and in-depth local content. This has resulted in reader loyalty and high local audience penetration rates, which are highly valued by local advertisers. We continue to build on long-standing relationships with local advertisers and our in-depth knowledge of the consumers in our local markets.

Strong Value Proposition for Our Advertisers . Our portfolio enjoys a devoted readership in the local communities where we operate. By providing access to these communities, we help advertisers maximize the efficiency of their advertising spending. We offer advertisers several alternatives (daily, weekly, shopper, and niche print publications as well as an array of web, mobile and tablet products) to reach consumers and to tailor the nature and frequency of their marketing messages. We also offer advertisers the ability to target consumers based on their behavior online which is an effective and efficient way for businesses to market to their target customers.

Diverse Revenue Streams . Our revenue streams are diversified in terms of type of revenue, product source for revenue, geographic distribution of revenues and numbers of customers. We also benefit from our strong local franchises who serve local consumers and businesses in small to mid-size markets. During the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, we generated revenue in 328 markets across 21 states, serving a fragmented and diversified local customer base. For full year 2012, we served over 128,000 business advertising accounts in our publications, and our top 20 advertisers contributed less than 5% of our total revenues. Over 3.8 million classified advertisements were placed in our publications in 2012. Additionally, for the full year 2012 we generated 60% of revenue from print product advertising, 27% from subscription income from customers, 6% from digital advertising and 7% from commercial printing work for external customers and affiliated parties.

Scale Yields Operating Profit Margins and Allows Us to Realize Operating Synergies . We believe we can generate higher operating profit margins than our publications could achieve on a stand-alone basis by leveraging

 

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our operations and implementing revenue initiatives, especially digital initiatives, across a broader local footprint in a geographic cluster and by centralizing certain back office production, accounting, administrative and corporate operations. We also benefit from economies of scale in the purchase of insurance, newsprint and other large strategic supplies and equipment. Finally, we have the ability to further leverage our centralized services and buying power to reduce operating costs when making future strategic accretive acquisitions.

Local Business Profile Generates Significant Cash Flow . Our local business franchises will allow us to generate significant recurring cash flow due to our diversified revenue base, operating profit margins, and our low capital expenditure and working capital requirements. With the company’s low leverage capital structure after the Restructuring it will have significant available cash flow to create stockholder value, including investing in organic growth, investing in accretive acquisitions and returning cash to stockholders in the form of dividends, subject to approval by our Board of Directors. We further believe the strong cash flows generated and available to be invested will lead to consistent future dividend growth.

Large Locally Focused Sales Force . We have large and well known feet on the street local sales forces in the markets we serve. They are generally one of the largest locally oriented media sales forces in their respective communities. Our sales forces and their respective local media brands tend to have strong credibility and trust within the local business communities. We have long-standing relationships with many local businesses and have the ability to get in the door with most local businesses due to these unique characteristics we enjoy. These qualities also provide leverage for our sales force to grow additional future revenue streams in our markets.

Ability to Acquire and Integrate New Assets . We have created a national platform for consolidating local media businesses and have demonstrated an ability to successfully identify, acquire and integrate local media asset acquisitions. We have acquired over $1.6 billion of assets since 2006. We have acquired both traditional newspaper and directory businesses. We have a very scalable infrastructure and platform to leverage with future acquisitions.

Experienced Management Team . Our senior management team is made up of executives who have an average of over 20 years of experience in the media industry, including strong traditional and digital media expertise. Our executive officers have broad industry experience with regard to both growing new digital business lines and identifying and integrating strategic acquisitions. Our management team also has key strengths in managing wide geographically disbursed teams, including the sales force, and identifying and centralizing duplicate functions across businesses leading to reduced core infrastructure costs.

The newspaper industry has experienced declining revenue and profitability over the past several years due to, among other things, advertisers’ shift from print to digital media and general market conditions. GateHouse, our predecessor, was affected by this trend and experienced net losses of $31.6 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and $29.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. Total revenue decreased by 5.3% to $230.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 5.1% to $488.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. The Restructuring will significantly reduce New Media’s interest expense. In addition, New Media intends to focus its business strategy on building its digital marketing business and growing its online advertising business, which we believe will offset many of the challenges experienced by GateHouse. With its new capital structure and digital focus, we believe that New Media will be able to create stockholder value given its strengths and strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. See “Risk Factors.”

Our Strategy

We intend to create stockholder value through growth in our revenue and cash flow by expanding our digital marketing business, growing our online advertising business and pursuing strategic acquisitions of high quality local media assets. Our strategy will be to acquire and operate traditional local media businesses and transform them from print-centric operations to dynamic multi-media operations, through our existing online advertising and digital marketing businesses. We will also leverage our existing platform to operate these businesses more efficiently. We believe all of these initiatives will lead to revenue and cash flow growth for New Media and will

 

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enable us to pay dividends to our stockholders. We expect to distribute a substantial portion of our free cash flow as a dividend to stockholders, subject to satisfactory financial performance and approval by our Board of Directors. The key elements of our strategy include:

Maintain Our Leading Position in the Delivery of Proprietary Content in Our Communities . We seek to maintain our position as a leading provider of local content in the markets we serve and to leverage this position to strengthen our relationships with both readers and advertisers, thereby increasing penetration rates and market share. A critical aspect of this approach is to continue to provide local content that is not readily obtainable elsewhere and to be able to deliver that content to our customers across multiple print and digital platforms. We believe it is very important for us to protect the content from unauthorized users who use it for their own commercial purposes. We also believe it is important for us to develop subscription revenue streams from our digitally distributed content.

Stabilize Our Core Business Operations . We have four primary drivers in our strategic plans to stabilize our core business operations, including: (i) identifying permanent structural expense reductions in our traditional business cost infrastructure and re-deploying a portion of those costs toward future growth opportunities, primarily on the digital side of our business; (ii) accelerating the growth of both our digital audiences and revenues through improvements to current products, new product development, training, opportunistic changes in hiring to create an employee base with a more diversified skill set and sharing of best practices; (iii) accelerating our consumer revenue growth through subscription pricing increases and growth in our subscriber base, which we aim to improve by employing additional strategic customer acquisition techniques, driving digital only subscriber growth through our pay meter strategy and improving our customer retention programs; and (iv) stabilizing our core print advertising revenues through improvements to pricing (understanding and selling the unique value of our local audience reach and level of engagement, at the sales rep level), packaging of products for customers that will produce the best results for them (needs based selling), more technology and training for sales management and sales representatives and increased accountability through consistent setting of expectations and measuring against those expectations on a regular basis.

Grow New Digital Business and Revenue Streams Leveraging Key Strengths . We plan to scale and expand our two new recently created digital businesses, Propel Marketing and adhance media. Propel Marketing will allow us to sell digital marketing services to SMBs both in and outside existing markets. The SMB demand for digital service solutions is great and represents a rapidly expanding opportunity. adhance media, our private advertising exchange, allows us to more fully monetize our (and third parties’) valuable unsold digital advertising space. Advertising bought programmatically through private exchanges is expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, especially in private exchange where advertisers get priority access to the advertising space. We also aim to leverage our large local sales forces and strong local media brands to create new business opportunities at the local market level.

Pursue Strategic Accretive Acquisitions . We intend to capitalize on the highly fragmented and distressed newspaper and directory industries. We initially expect to focus our investments in the local newspaper and yellow page directory sectors, primarily in the United States. We believe we have a strong operational platform, which currently owns local newspaper and directory businesses, as well as a scalable digital services business, Propel Marketing. This platform, along with deep industry specific knowledge and experience that our management team has can be leveraged to reduce costs, stabilize the core business and grow digital revenues at acquired properties. The size and fragmentation of the addressable newspaper and yellow page directory market place in the United States, the greatly reduced valuation levels that exist in these industries, and our deep experience make this an attractive place for our initial consolidation focus and capital allocation. Over the longer term we also believe there may be opportunity to diversify and acquire these types of assets internationally, as well other traditional local media assets such as broadcast TV, out of home advertising (billboards) and radio, in the United States and internationally.

Increase Sales Force Productivity . We aim to increase the effectiveness and productivity of our sales force and, in turn, help maximize advertising revenues. We also aim to shift the culture of our sales force from that of

 

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print-centric to multi-media and feel that is critical to our long term success. Our approach includes changes to sales force compensation to be more aligned with long term strategic goals, ongoing company-wide training of sales representatives and sales managers that focuses on strengthening their ability to perform needs based assessments and selling. We set expectations by sales representatives, manager and team and regularly evaluate the performance of our sales representatives and sales management against those expectations. We believe stronger accountability and measurement of our sales force, when combined with enhanced training and access to better technologies, demographic and marketing information, will lead to greater productivity and revenue from our sales force.

Introduce New Products or Modify Our Products to Enhance our Value Proposition to Local Businesses. We believe that our established positions in local markets, combined with our publishing and distribution capabilities, allow us to develop and customize new products to address the evolving interests and needs of our readers and local businesses. A primary source for product enhancement and growth we believe exists in the digital space. Product improvement and new product development across the web, mobile and tablets will be a key component to long term success. We are actively scaling web and mobile products, including deal platforms, digital service offerings, including Propel Marketing, mobile websites and applications, and we continue to expand on our offering of behavioral targeted and audience extension advertising options.

Pursue a Content-Driven Digital Strategy . As consumers continue to spend more time online especially with regard to consumption of news, we believe that we are well-positioned to increase our digital penetration and generate additional online audience and revenues due to both our ability to deliver unique local content online, and the relationship our local brand names have with readers and advertisers. We believe this presents an opportunity to increase our overall audience penetration rates and drive additional subscription revenues in each of the communities we serve. We have developed pay meters at most all of our daily newspaper websites and several of our largest weeklies, which we use to charge customers fees for access to our content. These meters will enable us to grow our digital subscription income and capture revenues that shift to the web as consumers shift to the web. Finally, we intend to share resources across our organization in order to give each of our publications access to technology, digital management expertise, content and advertisers that they may not have been able to obtain or afford if they were operating independently.

The newspaper industry has experienced declining revenue and profitability over the past several years due to, among other things, advertisers’ shift from print to digital media and general market conditions. GateHouse, our predecessor, was affected by this trend and experienced net losses of $31.6 million during the six month period ended June 30, 2013 and $29.8 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012. Total revenue decreased by 5.3% to $230.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 5.1% to $488.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2012. The Restructuring will significantly reduce New Media’s interest expense. In addition, New Media intends to focus its business strategy on building its digital marketing business and growing its online advertising business, which we believe will offset many of the challenges experienced by GateHouse. With its new capital structure and digital focus, we believe that New Media will be able to create stockholder value given its strengths and strategy. However, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable. See “Risk Factors.”

Challenges

We will likely face challenges commonly encountered by recently reorganized entities, including the risks that:

 

    even under our new capital structure, we may not be profitable; and

 

    the Restructuring may cause our vendors and suppliers to stop providing supplies or services to us or to offer to provide such services or supplies only on unfavorable terms.

 

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As a publisher of locally based print and online media, we face a number of additional challenges, including the risks that:

 

    the growing shift within the publishing industry from traditional print media to digital forms of publication may compromise our ability generate sufficient advertising revenues;

 

    investments in growing our digital business may not be successful, which could adversely affect our results of operations; and

 

    our advertising and circulation revenues may decline if we are unable to compete effectively with other companies in the local media industry.

For more information about New Media’s risks and challenges, see “Risk Factors.”

 

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Products

Our product mix consists of four publication types: (i) daily newspapers, (ii) weekly newspapers, (iii) shoppers and (iv) niche publications. Most of these publications have a digital presence as discussed in the following table. Some of the key characteristics of each of these types of publications are also summarized in the table below.

 

   

Daily Newspapers

 

Weekly Newspapers

 

Shoppers

 

Niche Publications

Cost:

  Paid   Paid and free   Paid and free   Paid and free

Distribution:

  Distributed four to seven days per week   Distributed one to three days per week   Distributed weekly   Distributed weekly, monthly or on annual basis

Format:

  Printed on newsprint, folded   Printed on newsprint, folded   Printed on newsprint, folded or booklet   Printed on newsprint or glossy, folded, booklet, magazine or book

Content:

  50% editorial (local news and coverage of community events, some national headlines) and 50% ads (including classifieds)   50% editorial (local news and coverage of community events, some national headlines for smaller markets which cannot support a daily newspaper) and 50% ads (including classifieds)   Almost 100% ads, primarily classifieds, display and inserts   Niche content and targeted ads (e.g., Chamber of Commerce city guides, tourism guides and special interest publications such as, seniors, golf, real estate, calendars and directories)

Income:

  Revenue from advertisers, subscribers, rack/box sales   Paid: Revenue from advertising, subscribers, rack/box sales   Paid: Revenue from advertising, rack/box sales   Paid: Revenue from advertising, rack/box sales
    Free: Advertising revenue only, provide 100% market coverage.   Free: Advertising revenue only, provide 100% market coverage   Free: Advertising revenue only

Internet Availability:

  Maintain locally oriented websites, mobile sites and mobile apps, for select locations   Major publications maintain locally oriented websites and mobile sites for select locations   Major publications maintain locally oriented websites   Selectively available online

Overview of Operations

GateHouse

We operate in three publication groups: Small Community Newspapers, Metros and Large Daily Newspapers. A list of our dailies, weeklies, shoppers and websites in each of our publication groups is included as Exhibit 99.2 to New Media’s registration statement on Form 10. We also operate over 343 related websites and 313 mobile sites.

 

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The following table sets forth information regarding our publications.

 

     Number of Publications      Circulation (1)  
Operating Group    Dailies      Weeklies      Shoppers      Paid      Free      Total
Circulation
 

Small Community Newspapers

     59         105         72         304,259         1,217,531         1,521,790   

Metro Newspapers

     7         127         7         276,231         503,391         779,622   

Large Daily Newspapers

     12         3         12         248,847         511,107         759,854   

Total

     78         235         91         829,337         2,232,029         3,061,366   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Circulation statistics are estimated by our management as of December 30, 2012, except that audited circulation statistics, to the extent available, are utilized as of the audit date.

Small Community Newspaper Group. Our Small Community Newspaper group encompasses publications typically located in communities have a population less than 35,000 people, in the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Michigan, California, Minnesota, Arkansas, New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Iowa. There are a total of 59 daily newspapers, 105 weekly newspapers and 72 shoppers. In addition to a good geographic mix, we benefit from a diverse economic and employment base across this group.

From the western shore of Lake Michigan to the eastern shore of the Mississippi River and running over 400 miles north to south, Illinois is a picture of manufacturing, agricultural and recreational diversity. Coupled with major daily newspapers from our Large Daily Newspaper Group in Rockford, Peoria, and the state capital of Springfield, we are the largest publishing company in Illinois. 20 paid daily newspapers, 30 paid weekly newspapers, and 20 shoppers provide inclusive coverage across the state which are further supported by four print production facilities.

La Junta in the southeastern part of the state represents the Colorado properties. Along with La Junta we also serve Bent County and Fowler and produce the weekly agricultural newspaper, The Ag Journal .

We are represented in California by two daily newspapers in Ridgecrest and Yreka, five paid weekly papers in Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Gridley and Taft, and five shoppers in Gridley, Mt. Shasta, Ridgecrest and Yreka. These publications reach from northern California through the southern desert and China Lake naval base in Ridgecrest.

The greatest concentration of circulation and market presence in Missouri is in the northern part of the state where we operate seven daily newspapers and four weekly newspapers and five shoppers. We serve the 22,000 square mile area from Hannibal, on the state’s eastern border, to the western border and from Columbia in the south to the Iowa border in the north. Local employers include the University of Missouri and other colleges, local and federal governments, State Farm Insurance and 3M.

Our southern Missouri operations are clustered around Lake of the Ozarks and Joplin. Located midway between Kansas City and St. Louis and approximately 90 miles from Springfield, Missouri, our three daily newspapers, seven weekly newspapers and three shoppers that serve the Lake of the Ozarks area reach approximately 165,000 people.

Located in southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas is our Joplin cluster with three daily and four weekly newspapers and four shoppers, serving a population of approximately 170,000. There are several colleges and universities in the area, a National Guard Fort, several large medical centers and a diverse mix of retail businesses, including the 120-store Northpark Mall.

This group also includes our Kansas City cluster with six publications (two daily and two weekly newspapers and two shoppers) located in the eastern Kansas cities of Leavenworth and Lansing and on the

 

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Missouri side, Independence and Blue Springs. The Leavenworth Times was one of our original daily newspapers and the balance of the cluster was acquired afterward. In addition, we secured the military publication, The Fort Leavenworth Lamp , in Fort Leavenworth. The Kansas City cluster is home to several prominent companies, including Hallmark, H&R Block, Interstate Bakeries, and the University of Kansas.

The Wichita cluster consists of three dailies, six weeklies and three shoppers in the towns of Andover, Augusta, El Dorado, Pratt, Wellington, Newton and McPherson near Wichita, Kansas. The clustering of the small dailies in this area allows the group to sell advertisers a package providing access to multiple communities. Major aircraft manufacturers Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna and Raytheon have facilities nearby and McConnell Air Force Base is a major component of the local economy.

We also have clusters in and around Grand Forks, North Dakota (home to the Grand Forks Air Force Base and the University of North Dakota) and near Mason City, Iowa, where Cargill, ConAgra, Kraft, Winnebago and Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth, each maintain significant operations.

We are represented in southwestern Minnesota through seven paid weekly newspapers and four shoppers. St. James, Redwood Falls, Sleepy Eye, Granite Falls, Cottonwood, Wabasso, and Montevideo are all communities with populations of 10,000 and under. These papers represent the primary local news and information source for these communities.

In Louisiana, we have an operating cluster in the southwestern part of the state, located between Lake Charles and Alexandria. This cluster consists of five publications located in the cities of Leesville, Sulpher, DeRidder and Vinton. Local employers include major manufacturers such as Alcoa, Firestone, International Paper and Proctor & Gamble.

Our Baton Rouge cluster consists of four weeklies and three shoppers in the southeastern Louisiana cities of Donaldsville, Gonzales, and Plaquemine. Numerous petrochemical companies such as BASF, Exxon Mobil and Dow Chemical, plus universities including Louisiana State, support the local economies.

In southwestern New York, our operations are centered around five publications based in Steuben County. In Corning, The Leader , a 7,709 circulation daily newspaper, dominates the eastern half of the county and shares its hometown namesake with Corning Incorporated. The Hornell Evening Tribune circulates daily throughout the western half of the county. Situated directly between these two dailies in the county seat of Bath is the 10,850 circulation Steuben Courier , a free-distribution weekly. The Pennysaver Plus , a standalone shopper, solidifies this flagship group.

We also have a strong presence in the print advertising markets in three other New York counties that surround Steuben. In Allegany County to the west, the Wellsville Daily Reporter and its shopper, the Pennysaver Plus , cover most households. In Livingston County to the north, the Pennysaver Plus and the Genesee Country Express complement one another with combined circulation of 33,480. In Yates County to the north and east, The Chronicle-Express and Chronicle Ad-Visor shopper distribute weekly to nearly 14,000 households centered around the county seat of Penn Yan.

In nearby Chemung County, the 21,000 circulation Horseheads Shopper anchors our presence in this area. The majority of the southwestern New York cluster parallels Interstate 86 across the central southern tier of New   York State, which is benefiting from continued improvement and expansion under an omnibus federal highway appropriations bill. Moreover, the cluster has several colleges and universities nearby, including Cornell University, Ithaca College, Elmira College and Houghton College.

Our Honesdale cluster, approximately 30 miles from Scranton, Pennsylvania, consists of seven publications in the cities of Carbondale, Honesdale and Hawley, Pennsylvania, along with Liberty, New York, located just across the Delaware River to the east. The cluster was created from our daily and shopper operations in

 

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Honesdale and later supplemented by our acquisition of weeklies and shoppers in Carbondale and Liberty. Local employers include General Dynamics, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Commonwealth Telephone and various colleges and universities, medical centers and governmental agencies.

Our Pennsylvania/West Virginia cluster includes dailies in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, Keyser and Ripley, West Virginia. We also have two weeklies throughout the group and a commercial printing operation in Ravenswood, West Virginia.

We have a strong presence in southern Michigan where five of our dailies, Adrian, Coldwater, Holland, Hillsdale and Sturgis, along with two weeklies and seven shoppers blanket the southern tier of the state and into Indiana. The 12,853 circulation Holland Sentinel is the flagship publication of the group. This area has several large employers, including Delphi, ConAgra, Tecumseh Products, Kellogg, JCI, Herman Miller, Hayworth, Gentex, Jackson State Prison, and a number of colleges and universities.

The communities we serve in the Small Community Newspaper group are largely rural but also support educational institutions, government agencies (including prisons and military bases), tourism, veterinary medicine and ethanol and agricultural chemical manufacturing. The area also includes automotive (including recreational vehicles), boat, home construction products and furniture manufacturing businesses.

The following table sets forth information regarding the number of publications and production facilities in the Small Community Newspaper Group:

 

     Publications      Production
Facilities
 

State of Operations

   Dailies      Weeklies      Shoppers     

Illinois

     15         30         13         2   

Missouri

     13         15         12         5   

Kansas

     5         10         7         1   

Michigan

     8         2         10         4   

California

     2         5         5         1   

Minnesota

     1         8         6         0   

Arkansas

     3         11         0         2   

New York

     3         4         7         0   

Louisiana

     1         8         4         1   

Pennsylvania

     2         4         2         2   

West Virginia

     1         2         2         2   

Colorado

     1         3         0         1   

Nebraska

     0         2         2         0   

Oklahoma

     2         0         1         2   

North Dakota

     1         0         1         1   

Tennessee

     1         0         0         0   

Iowa

     0         1         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     59         105         72         24   

Metro Newspaper Group. Our Metro Newspaper Group includes publications that are typically within 50 miles of a metropolitan area with total population greater than 1.0 million people in the states of Massachusetts, New York, and Delaware. We are one of the largest community newspaper publishers in Massachusetts by number of daily publications and also publish a large concentration of weekly newspapers, serving 113 communities in markets across eastern Massachusetts. The three largest daily newspapers in this region are: The Patriot Ledger (founded in 1837 with circulation of 31,853), the Enterprise (founded in 1880 with circulation of 19,407) and the MetroWest Daily News (founded in 1897 with circulation of 15,456). We also have over 170 web sites, with more than 3.5 million average combined monthly unique visitors in Massachusetts.

 

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Many of the towns within our Massachusetts were founded in the 1600s and our daily and weekly newspapers in the region have long been institutions within these communities. In fact, our Massachusetts publications have 31 daily and weekly newspapers that are over 100 years old. The Boston DMA is the seventh largest market in the United States with 2.4 million households and 6.2 million people, and ranks first nationally in concentration of colleges and universities. Massachusetts has more than one million households in the region earning greater than $75,000, and a substantial homeownership rate. We reach 1.7 million readers in the eastern Massachusetts market. Eastern Massachusetts is also an employment center for technology, biotechnology, healthcare and higher education.

In New York we operate and own a combination of 16 publications in Suburban Rochester that span four counties and have a combined circulation of 123,580. This market has a tourism industry and is known for boutique wineries and recreational activities. The flagship of Messenger Post Media is the 7,600 circulation Daily Messenger in Canandaigua.

The Delaware cluster publishes six weekly newspapers, one shopper, and various specialty papers that cover most of the state of Delaware, and range from suburban Wilmington in the north to Georgetown, Delaware at the southern end of the state. The weekly Express shopper serves nearly all of lower Delaware and a good portion of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Circulation for the cluster is primarily free, and totals approximately 94,763 weekly.

The following table sets forth information regarding the number of publications and production facilities in the Metro Newspaper Group:

 

     Publications      Production
Facilities
 

State of Operations

   Dailies      Weeklies      Shoppers     

Massachusetts

     6         110         2         2   

New York

     1         11         4         1   

Delaware

     0         6         1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     7         127         7         4   

Large Daily Newspaper Group. Our Large Daily Newspaper Group includes publication clusters in communities that typically have more than 35,000 people and are greater than 50 miles from a major metropolitan area. These publications are in Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Connecticut with a total of 12 daily newspapers, 3 weekly newspapers and 12 shoppers. In addition to a good geographic mix, we benefit from a diverse economic and employment base across this group.

Approximately 85 miles to the west of Chicago, Illinois is the Rockford Register Star supported by its 34,237 daily paid circulation base and its TMC product The Weekly, with six zoned editions. The Rockford Register Star operates successful web sites that have more than 0.7 million average monthly unique visitors.

The Journal (Freeport, IL) Standard is published Tuesdays through Sundays. The newspaper’s coverage area includes Caroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle and Stephenson counties. The newspaper has a daily circulation of 7,143 and a Sunday circulation of 7,896. The Journal Standard also publishes a website journalstandard.com and receives a monthly average of 1.1 million page views and monthly unique visitors over 105,000.

The Peoria Journal Star with its daily paid circulation of 49,855 is the dominant newspaper in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties and is also distributed in an additional 17 surrounding counties. There are two shoppers— JS Shopper and Pekin Extra —which have a combined weekly circulation of 65,832. The Peoria facility provides print services to our neighboring New Media publications and commercial printing for Lee Enterprises’ The Pantagraph . The market includes manufacturing facilities for Caterpillar and Komatsu, and higher education at Bradley University, Illinois Central College and Midstate College. Peoria has a large medical community including

 

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OSF Healthcare, Methodist Medical Center, Proctor Hospital, University Of Illinois College Of Medicine and St. Jude Children’s Hospital Midwest Affiliate. It has agricultural facilities Archer Daniels Midland, LG Seeds and the USDA Ag Lab. The Journal Star has pjstar.com and pjstar.mobi with combined page views of over 9.1 million per month. The combined average monthly unique visitors are over 0.7 million.

The Springfield State Journal-Register with a daily paid circulation of 32,902 and a Sunday paid circulation of 40,935 covers the state capital of Illinois. The daily paid circulation includes a branded edition of 3,065 of the Lincoln Courier. The State Journal-Register also has successful web sites with monthly unique visitors of more than 1.1 million.

The Ohio cluster is anchored in Canton, Ohio and covers Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. It is comprised of three daily newspapers, one weekly publication and two shoppers. The Repository is a 49,386 daily newspaper that covers the entire area of Stark County. The Dover New Philadelphia Times Reporter is a 16,559 daily publication located 40 miles south of Canton in Tuscarawas County. The Massillon Independent is an 8,007 circulation daily that circulates in western Stark County. The Suburbanite is a 32,600 weekly publication that circulates in the affluent northern Stark County area. The Ohio cluster has very successful web sites with more than 1.4 million combined monthly unique visitors. Together the newspapers and web sites dominate their local markets.

The Central New York cluster is anchored by the Observer-Dispatch in Utica New York which has circulation of 28,009 Daily and 35,379 Sunday subscribers. The Utica operations include one daily and two shoppers and one weekly newspaper in Hamilton. Utica also has web sites with combined monthly unique visitors of more than 454,000. Other dailies in this group are located in Herkimer and Little Falls. The Utica and Herkimer County operations take advantage of numerous synergies in printing, circulation, and advertising.

Our Norwich, Connecticut publication diversifies the Large Daily Newspapers as the eastern Connecticut economy differs from the nation and New England markedly. Primary economic drivers include casinos, military submarine manufacture and pharmaceutical research. Major industrial employers in the region include General Dynamics, Pfizer, Dow Chemical, Dominion Resources and the United States Navy.

The following table sets forth information regarding the number of publications and production facilities in the Large Daily Newspaper Group:

 

     Publications      Production
Facilities
 

State of Operations

   Dailies      Weeklies      Shoppers     

Illinois

     5         0         7         2   

New York

     3         2         2         0   

Ohio

     3         1         2         2   

Connecticut

     1         0         1         0   

Total

     12         3         12         4   

Directories

The core of our directory portfolio is comprised of the three yellow page directories, which are located in and around the Sacramento, California area, primarily in Roseville, California. The three directories have an aggregate circulation of approximately 408,000 and service Roseville, Auburn/Grass Valley/Nevada City and Folsom/El Dorado/Placerville, reaching four counties within the Sacramento region.

Our SureWest portfolio is highlighted by the Roseville directory. The Roseville directory is the incumbent (with a circulation of approximately 250,000) and has served the local Roseville community for over 95 years and has achieved more than 50% market share.

We also own three additional directories including two Michigan and Indiana phone guides servicing St. Joseph County, Michigan and LaGrange County, Indiana, and Branch County, Michigan and Steuben County, Indiana, respectively, and one yellow page directory based in Mt. Shasta, California.

 

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Local Media

Local Media operates in five publication group clusters: the (1) New York/Pennsylvania Media Group, (2) Southeastern Massachusetts Media Group, (3) Seacoast Media Group (Coastal New Hampshire and Maine cluster), (4) San Joaquin Media Group (Stockton, California cluster) and (5) Southern Oregon Media Group. The following table sets forth information regarding our publications.

PUBLICATION SUMMARY

 

     June 2011 – June 2012 Circulation  

Operating

Group

   Location   

Newspaper

   Frequency    Paid      Daily         Sunday         Weekly   

New York/

Pennsylvania

Media Group

   Middletown    Times Herald-Record    Daily    Y      51,403         64,902         —     
   Middletown    The Gazette    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Middletown    Pointer View    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Middletown    Extra/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Stroudsburg    Pocono Record    Daily    Y      12,612         18,699         —     
     Stroudsburg    Eastern Pocono Community News    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Stroudsburg    Plus/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
                    
               
Southeastern    Cape Cod    Cape Cod Times    Daily    Y      38,228         43,440        
Massachusetts    Cape Cod    Barnstable Patriot    Weekly    Y      —           —           2,450   
Media Group    Cape Cod    DollarSaver/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Nantucket    Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror    Weekly    Y      —           —           7,390   
     New Bedford    The Standard-Times    Daily    Y      20,387         22,834         —     
     New Bedford    Spectator    Weekly    Y      —           —           3,586   
     New Bedford    Chronicle    Weekly    Y      —           —           1,962   
     New Bedford    Middleboro Gazette    Weekly    Y      —           —           3,634   
     New Bedford    Advocate    Weekly    Y      —           —           839   
     New Bedford    Middleboro Gazette EXTRA/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     New Bedford    Fall River Spirit    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     New Bedford    SouthCoast MarketPlace/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
                    
               
Seacoast    Seacoast    Portsmouth Herald    Daily    Y      8,241         —           —     
Media Group    Seacoast    Seacoast Sunday    Sunday    Y      —           12,623         —     
     Seacoast    Hampton Union    3 x per Wk    Y      —           —           2,482   
     Seacoast    Exeter News-Letter    3 x per Wk    Y      —           —           3,000   
     Seacoast    York County Coast Star    Weekly    Y      —           —           3,379   
     Seacoast    York Weekly    Weekly    Y      —           —           1,805   
     Seacoast    Beachcomber    Weekly
(Seasonal)
   N      —           —           —     
                    
San Joaquin    Stockton    The Stockton Record    Daily    Y      32,708         38,696         —     
Media Group    Stockton    VIDA    Weekly    N      —           —           —     
     Stockton    The Valley Marketplace/TMC    Weekly    N      —           —           —     

 

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Southern    Medford    Mail Tribune    Daily      Y         20,294         24,205         —     
Oregon    Medford    Ashland Daily Tidings    Daily      Y         1,671         —           —     
Media Group    Medford    Nickel    Weekly      N         —           —           —     
     Medford    A la Carte/TMC    Weekly      N         —           —           —     

New York/Pennsylvania Cluster.  This cluster includes the Hudson Valley Media Group and the Pocono Mountains Media Group.

The Hudson Valley Media Group publishes one paid daily and three free weekly newspapers. The flagship publication of the Hudson Valley Media Group is the Times Herald-Record. The Times Herald-Record, with a daily circulation of 51,400, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in Orange County, NY.

The Pocono Mountains Media Group publishes one paid daily and two free weekly newspapers. The flagship publication of the Pocono Mountains Media Group is the Pocono Record. The Pocono Record, with a daily circulation of 12,600, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in the Pocono Mountains area.

Southeastern Massachusetts Cluster.  This cluster includes the Cape Cod Media Group, the Southcoast Media Group and the Nantucket Island Media Group.

The Cape Cod Media Group publishes one paid daily, one paid weekly and one free weekly newspaper. The flagship publication of the Cape Cod Media Group is the Cape Cod Times. The Cape Cod Times, with a daily circulation of 38,200 is the premier daily and Sunday local paper on Cape Cod. The Barnstable Patriot, the paid weekly newspaper, has a weekly circulation of 2,450.

The Southcoast Media Group publishes one paid daily, four paid weekly and three free weekly newspapers. The flagship publication of the Southcoast Media Group is the Standard-Times. The Standard-Times, with a daily circulation of 20,400, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in the New Bedford, MA area. The other paid weeklies, the Spectator, the Chronicle, the Middleboro Gazette and the Advocate, have weekly circulations of 3,586, 1,962, 3,634 and 839, respectively.

The Nantucket Island Media Group publishes The Inquirer and Mirror. With a weekly circulation of 7,400, it has the largest circulation of any island newspaper.

Seacoast Media Group.  The Seacoast Media Group publishes one paid daily, one paid Sunday paper, two newspapers which are published three times a week and two paid weekly newspapers. The flagship publication of the Seacoast Media Group is the Portsmouth Herald. The Portsmouth Herald, with a daily circulation of 8,200, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in coastal New Hampshire. Seacoast Sunday, the Sunday paper, has a Sunday circulation of 12,623. The Hampton Union and the Exeter News-Letter, the two newspapers published three time a week, have weekly circulations of 2,482 and 3,000, respectively. The two paid weekly newspapers, the York County Coast Star and the York Weekly, have weekly circulations of 3,379 and 1,805, respectively.

San Joaquin Media Group. The San Joaquin Media Group publishes one paid daily and two free weekly papers. The flagship publication of the San Joaquin Media Group is the Record. The Record, with a daily circulation of 32,700, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in the Stockton, CA area.

Southern Oregon Media Group.  The Southern Oregon Media Group publishes two paid daily and two free weekly papers. The flagship publication of the Southern Oregon Media Group is the Medford Mail Tribune. The Medford Mail Tribune, with a daily circulation of 20,300, is the premier daily and Sunday local paper in southern Oregon. The other paid daily paper, the Ashland Daily Tidings, has a daily circulation of 1,671.

 

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Revenue

Our operations generate three primary types of revenue: (i) advertising, (ii) circulation (including home delivery subscriptions, single copy sales and digital subscriptions) and (iii) other (primarily commercial printing). In 2012, these revenue streams accounted for approximately 68%, 27% and 5%, respectively, of our total revenue. The contribution of advertising, circulation and other revenue to our total revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 30, 2012
     Year Ended
January 1,
2012
     Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 
     (In thousands)  

Revenue:

        

Advertising

   $ 330,881       $ 357,134       $ 385,579   

Circulation

     131,576         131,879         133,192   

Commercial printing and other

     26,097         25,657         25,967   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

   $ 488,554       $ 514,670       $ 544,738   

Advertising

Advertising revenue, which includes revenue generated from online and mobile products, is the largest component of our revenue, accounting for approximately 68%, 69% and 71% of our total revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We categorize advertising as follows:

 

    Local Retail—local retailers, local stores for national retailers, grocers, drug stores, department and furniture stores, local financial institutions, niche shops, restaurants and other consumer related businesses.

 

    Local Classified—local employment, automotive, real estate, legal, obituaries and other advertising.

 

    Online—banner, display, classified, behavioral targeting, audience extension, search and other advertising on websites or mobile devices.

 

    National—national and major accounts such as wireless communications companies, airlines and hotels.

We believe that our advertising revenue tends to be less volatile than the advertising revenue of large metropolitan and national print media because we rely primarily on local, rather than national, advertising and we have less exposure to classified revenue than others within our industry. We generally derive 95% or more of our advertising revenue from local advertising (local retail, local classified and online) and less than 5% from national advertising. We believe that local advertising tends to be less sensitive to economic cycles than national advertising because local businesses generally have fewer effective advertising channels through which they may reach their customers. We are also less reliant than large metropolitan newspapers upon classified advertising, particularly the recruiting and real estate categories, which are generally more sensitive to economic conditions.

Our advertising rate structures vary among our publications and are a function of various factors, including local market conditions, competition, circulation, readership and demographics. Our corporate management works with our local newspaper management to approve advertising rates and a portion of our publishers’ incentive compensation is based upon growing advertising revenue. Our sales compensation program emphasizes digital and new business growth. We share advertising concepts throughout our network of publishers and advertising directors including periodic special section programs, enabling them to utilize advertising products and sales strategies that are successful in other markets we serve.

Substantially all of our advertising revenue is derived from a diverse group of local retailers and local classified advertisers, resulting in very limited customer concentration. No single advertiser accounted for more than 1% of our total revenue in 2010, 2011 or 2012 and our 20 largest advertisers account for less than 5% of total revenue.

 

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Our advertising revenue tends to follow a seasonal pattern, with higher advertising revenue in months containing significant events or holidays. Accordingly, our first quarter, followed by our third quarter, historically are our weakest quarters of the year in terms of revenue. Correspondingly, our second fiscal quarter, and fourth fiscal quarter, historically are our strongest quarters. We expect that this seasonality will continue to affect our advertising revenue in future periods.

We have experienced declines in advertising revenue over the past few years, due primarily to a combination of the economic recession and secular pressures on the business. We continue to search for organic growth opportunities, specifically in our digital advertising and ways to stabilize print revenue declines through new product launches and pricing.

Circulation

Our circulation revenue is derived from home delivery sales to subscribers, single copy sales at retail stores and vending racks and boxes, and digital subscriptions. We own 78 paid daily publications that range in circulation from approximately 500 to 50,000 and 168 paid weekly publications that range in circulation from approximately 100 to 10,000. Circulation revenue accounted for approximately 27%, 26% and 24% of our total revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Subscriptions are typically sold for three to twelve-month terms and often include promotions to extend the average subscription period or convert someone to become a subscriber. We also provide bundled print and digital subscriptions and employ pay meters for our website content at most of our daily publications. We implement marketing programs to increase readership through subscription and single copy sales, including company-wide and local circulation contests, direct mail programs, door-to-door sales and strategic alliances with local schools in the form of “Newspapers in Education” programs. In addition, since the adoption of the Telemarketing Sales Rule by the Federal Trade Commission in 2003, which created a national “do not call” registry, we have increased our use of “EZ Pay” programs, kiosks, sampling programs, in-paper promotions and online promotions to increase our circulation.

We encourage subscriber use of EZ Pay, a monthly credit card charge or direct bank debit payment program, which has led to higher retention rates for subscribers. We also use an active stop-loss program for all expiring subscribers. Additionally, in order to improve our circulation revenue and circulation trends, we periodically review the need for quality enhancements, such as:

 

    Increasing the amount of unique hyper-local content;

 

    Increasing the use of color and color photographs;

 

    Improving graphic design, including complete redesigns;

 

    Developing creative and interactive promotional campaigns; and

 

    Improving customer service and company wide customer retention efforts.

 

    Better use of demographic data to specifically target pricing and customer acquisition opportunities.

We believe that our unique and valuable hyper-local content allows us to continue to produce products of great relevance to our local market audiences. This allows us to be able to periodically raise prices, both for home delivery and on a single copy basis, resulting in increased circulation revenues. We also believe this hyper-local unique content will allow us to find ways to grow circulation revenues from our wide array of digital products.

Other

We provide commercial printing services to third parties on a competitive bid basis as a means to generate incremental revenue and utilize excess printing capacity. These customers consist primarily of other publishers

 

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that do not have their own printing presses and do not compete with our publications. We also print other commercial materials, including flyers, business cards and invitations. Other sources of revenue, including commercial printing, accounted for approximately 5%, 5% and 5% of our total revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Printing and Distribution

We own and operate 32 print facilities. Our print facilities produce 10 publications on average and are generally located within 60 miles of the communities served. By clustering our production resources or outsourcing where cost beneficial, we are able to reduce the operating costs of our publications while increasing the quality of our small and midsize market publications that would typically not otherwise have access to high quality production facilities. We also believe that we are able to reduce future capital expenditure needs by having fewer overall pressrooms and buildings. We believe our superior production quality is critical to maintaining and enhancing our position as the leading provider of local news coverage in the markets we serve.

The distribution of our daily newspapers is typically outsourced to independent, locally based, third-party distributors that also distribute a majority of our weekly newspapers and non-newspaper publications. We continuously evaluate lower cost options for newspaper delivery. In addition, certain of our shopper and weekly publications are delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.

Newsprint

We are a member of a consortium which enables our local publishers to obtain favorable pricing when investing in newsprint by going to local mills at reduced rates negotiated by the consortium. As a result, we have generally been able to purchase newsprint at a price of $10 to $12 per metric ton below the market price. In addition we have an agreement with a newsprint vendor to supply certain of our properties with all their newsprint requirements at a fixed price. We generally maintain a 45 to 55 day inventory of newsprint. Newsprint is a readily available commodity.

Historically, the market price of newsprint has been volatile, reaching a high of approximately $823 per metric ton in 2008 and a low of $410 per metric ton in 2002. The average market price of newsprint during 2012 was approximately $667 per metric ton.

In 2012 we consumed approximately 41,400 metric tons of newsprint (inclusive of commercial printing) and the cost of our newsprint consumption totaled approximately $27.7 million. Our newsprint expense typically averages less than 10% of total revenue, which we believe generally compares favorably to larger, metropolitan newspapers.

For our 2011 and 2012 purchases of newsprint we negotiated a fixed price for approximately 75% of our newsprint tons which allowed us to eliminate some of the volatility of the market price.

Competition

Each of our publications competes for advertising revenue to varying degrees with traditional media outlets such as direct mail, yellow pages, radio, outdoor advertising, broadcast and cable television, magazines, local, regional and national newspapers, shoppers and other print and online media sources, including local blogs. We also increasingly compete with new digital and social media companies for advertising revenue. However, we believe that barriers to entry remain high in many of the markets we serve in terms of being the preeminent source for local news and information therein, because our markets are generally not large enough to support a second newspaper and because our local news gathering infrastructures, sales networks and relationships would be time consuming and costly to replicate. We also have highly recognized local brand names and long histories in the towns we serve.

 

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We also provide our readers with community-specific content, which is generally not available from other media sources. We believe that our direct and focused coverage of the market and our cost effective advertising rates relative to more broadly circulated metropolitan newspapers allow us to tailor an approach for our advertisers. As a result, our publications generally capture a large share of local advertising in the markets they serve.

The level of competition and the primary competitors we face vary from market to market. Competition tends to be based on market penetration, demographic and quality factors, as opposed to price factors. The competitive environment in each of our operating regions is discussed in greater detail below.

Small Community Newspaper Group. The Small Community Newspaper Group operates in 164 markets and we believe our publications are the dominant print advertising media in the vast majority of these markets. There are radio stations in or within 20 miles of every market in which we operate, but we do not believe that any of these radio station operators pose a significant competitive threat to our publications. Yellow page advertising is prevalent in all of our markets with either a local phone book or a regional phone book. We believe that, in most cases, yellow page advertising is geared more towards the professional services advertisers such as attorneys and doctors and not the local retail advertisers, as is the focus with our non-directory publications. Lee Enterprises has the Southern Illinoisan that is located in Carbondale. This is a regional newspaper that competes with our dailies in Marion, Benton, West Frankfort and DuQuoin. In all four of these cases, we believe our publications are the dominant local daily, but do compete on a regional basis with the larger dailies. We also compete with shoppers or weekly newspapers. This competition comes from small independent operators and is not significant. We have very little television competition in this group because of our geographic location in relation to major markets. There are no local television affiliates in our markets.

In the southern regions of this group we believe our publications are generally the dominant media in those markets. Our major competition comes from regional daily newspapers, specifically: The Advocate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; The American Press in Lake Charles, Louisiana; The Joplin Globe ; and the Wichita Eagle . We also face competition from numerous other daily and weekly papers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications.

In the Northeast market we believe our publications are generally the dominant media. The competition we face in this region are from major newspaper companies: daily newspapers owned by Gannett Company, Inc. ( The Star-Gazette in Elmira, NY and the Chambersburg (PA) Public-Opinion ); Times-Shamrock Company’s Scranton (PA) The Times-Tribune and Towanda Daily/Sunday Review ; Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.’s (“CNHI”) Sunbury Daily Item ; and Ogden-Nutting’s Williamsport Sun-Gazette. We believe our publications tend to be the dominant local publication in those markets.

In our Great Lakes markets we believe our publications are generally the dominant media in those markets. Our only significant competition comes from regional television stations in Adrian, Michigan. We also face competition from dozens of other competitors such as other local daily and weekly papers and niche publications, as well as radio and television stations, directories, direct mail and non-local internet websites, but none of these have proven to be significant.

Metro Newspaper Group. In the Metro Newspaper Group, the Boston Globe and boston.com , a metropolitan daily and website, respectively, owned by the New York Times Company, compete with us throughout eastern Massachusetts. In addition, we compete in Massachusetts with more than 30 other weekly or daily newspaper companies (that publish a combined total of approximately 16 dailies and 50 weeklies), three major radio station operators, five local network television broadcasters, one cable company and numerous niche publications for advertising revenues. We believe that our publications generally deliver the highest household coverage in their respective markets.

Large Daily Newspaper Group. In our Large Daily Newspaper Group we believe our publications are generally the dominant media in those markets. Daily newspapers owned by Gannett Company, Inc. ( Daily

 

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Sentinel in Rome, NY and The Dispatch in Oneida, NY) compete with in the New York market. We also face competition from other major newspaper companies in other regional markets such as Newhouse Newspaper’s Syracuse Post-Standard . Our competitors also include numerous other daily and weekly newspapers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications. We believe our publications, many of which have an extensive history in the relevant market, tend to be the dominant local publication.

Employees

GateHouse

As of December 30, 2012, we had approximately 4,131 full time equivalent employees, consisting of hourly and salaried employees. We employ union personnel at a number of our core publications representing approximately 612 full-time equivalent employees. As of December 30, 2012, there were 23 collective bargaining agreements covering union personnel. Most of our unionized employees work under collective bargaining agreements that expire in 2014. We believe that relations with our employees are generally good and we have had no work stoppages at any of our publications.

Local Media

Local Media employed 1,229 people as of December 2012, consisting of both hourly and salaried employees. Local Media has labor unions at three of its newspapers, the Cape Cod Times (Massachusetts), the Times Herald-Record (New York) and the Medford Mail Tribune (Oregon), representing 94 employees in total (71 in New York, 14 in Massachusetts, and 9 in Oregon). The Massachusetts unions consist of two different unions representing four and 10 employees, respectively. We believe that relations with Local Media employees are generally good and that Local Media has had no work stoppages at any of its publications.

Environmental Matters

We believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees based upon existing facts presently known to us. Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes and other related activities has had, and will continue to have, an impact on our operations, but has, since our incorporation in 1997, been accomplished without having a material adverse effect on our operations. While it is difficult to estimate the timing and ultimate costs to be incurred due to uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations and technology, based on information currently known to us and insurance procured with respect to certain environmental matters, we do not expect environmental costs or contingencies to be material or to have a material adverse effect on our financial performance. Our operations involve risks in these areas, however, and we cannot assure you that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in the future which could adversely affect us.

Properties

GateHouse

We own and operate 32 print facilities across the United States. Our print facilities range in size from approximately 500 to 55,000 square feet. Our executive offices are located in Fairport, New York, where we lease approximately 15,000 square feet under a lease terminating in June 2014.

We maintain our properties in good condition and believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet the present needs of our business. We do not believe any individual property is material to our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Local Media

Local Media has five print production facilities which are located in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Middletown, New York, Medford, Oregon, Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Stockton, California. These print facilities range in size from approximately 31,000 square feet to approximately 82,000 square feet (combined printing and office space). Local Media’s executive offices are in a 47,000 square feet owned building in Middletown, New York.

Local Media maintains its properties in good condition and we believe that Local Media’s current facilities are adequate to meet the present needs of Local Media’s business. We do not believe any individual property is material to our financial condition or results of operations.

Corporate Governance and Public Information

The address of New Media’s website is              . Stockholders can access a wide variety of information on New Media’s website, including news releases, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, information New Media is required to post online pursuant to applicable SEC rules, newspaper profiles and online links. New Media makes available via its website, all filings it makes under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and related amendments, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. All such filings are available free of charge. Neither the content of New Media’s corporate website nor any other website referred to in this Information Statement are incorporated by reference into this Information Statement unless expressly noted. The public may read and copy any information New Media files with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) where New Media’s filings filed with the SEC are available free of charge.

List of Our Dailies, Weeklies, Shoppers, Websites and Directories

For a list of our dailies, weeklies, shoppers, websites and directories, please see Exhibit 99.2 to New Media’s registration statement on Form 10.

Legal Proceedings

We become involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of our business, including such matters as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination actions, and complaints alleging discrimination. In addition, we are involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental and other claims. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material adverse effect upon our consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any currently outstanding legal actions, we believe that it is not a likely possibility that the disposition of these matters would have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

On September 4, 2013, Debtors entered into a Support Agreement, effective September 3, 2013, with Newcastle, the Administrative Agent and the Participating Lenders relating to a Restructuring of the Outstanding Debt and GateHouse’s equity pursuant to the Plan.

Pursuant to the Restructuring, Newcastle would make a Cash-Out Offer. On the Effective Date, the holders of the Outstanding Debt would have the option of receiving, in satisfaction of their Outstanding Debt, their pro rata share of the (i) Cash-Out Offer and/or (ii) New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds, if any, of the New Credit Facilities. Newcastle will receive its pro rata share of New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, if any, for all Outstanding Debt it holds, including Outstanding Debt purchased in the Cash-Out Offer. GateHouse intends to pay all pensions, trade and all other unsecured claims in full.

 

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As of September 19, 2013, Newcastle held approximately 52.2% of the principal amount currently outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility and the other Participating Lenders held approximately 28.7% of such principal amount (in each case, including certain amounts still pending trade settlement). Additional holders of Outstanding Debt may join the Support Agreement in the future as Participating Lenders.

GateHouse commenced the Solicitation on September 20, 2013. Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, the Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors voted to accept the Plan in the Solicitation. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan under the terms of the Support Agreement. As a result, Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases and sought approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed by the Court on November 6, 2013. See additional discussion in “The Spin-Off and Restructuring,” “Restructuring Agreements” and Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations.”

 

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OUR MANAGER AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the “Management Agreement,” filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form 10.

General

New Media will be externally managed by FIG LLC (our “Manager”), an affiliate of Fortress, pursuant to the terms of a Management and Advisory Agreement (the “Management Agreement”) dated as of                     , 2013 between us and our Manager. Our Manager also manages Newcastle and is an affiliate of Fortress.

Management Agreement

On the Effective Date, we will enter into a Management Agreement with our Manager, which will provide for the day-to-day management of our operations. Our Management Agreement will require our Manager to manage our business affairs subject to the supervision of our Board of Directors (the “Board”).

Our Manager will be responsible for, among other things, (i) the purchase and sale of our investments, (ii) the financing of our investments, and (iii) investment advisory services. Our Manager will be responsible for our day-to-day operations and will perform (or cause to be performed) such services and activities relating to our assets and operations as may be appropriate, which may include, without limitation, the following:

 

  (i) serving as the Company’s consultant with respect to the periodic review of the investment criteria and parameters for investments of the Company (“Investments”), borrowings and operations;

 

  (ii) investigation, analysis, valuation and selection of investment opportunities;

 

  (iii) with respect to prospective Investments by the Company and dispositions of Investments, conducting negotiations with brokers, sellers and purchasers and their respective agents and representatives, investment bankers and owners of privately and publicly held companies;

 

  (iv) engaging and supervising, on behalf of the Company and at the Company’s expense, independent contractors that provide services relating to the Investments, including, but not limited to, investment banking, legal advisory, tax advisory, accounting advisory, securities brokerage, real estate advisory and brokerage, and other financial and consulting services as the Manager determines from time to time is advisable;

 

  (v) negotiating on behalf of the Company for the sale, exchange or other disposition of any Investments;

 

  (vi) coordinating and managing operations of any joint venture or co-investment interests held by the Company and conducting all matters with the joint venture or co-investment partners;

 

  (vii) providing executive and administrative personnel, office space and office services required in rendering services to the Company;

 

  (viii) administering the day-to-day operations of the Company and performing and supervising the performance of such other administrative functions necessary in the management of the Company as may be agreed upon by the Manager and our Board, including, without limitation, the collection of revenues and the payment of the Company’s debts and obligations and maintenance of appropriate computer services to perform such administrative functions;

 

  (ix) communicating on behalf of the Company with the holders of any equity or debt securities of the Company as required to satisfy the reporting and other requirements of any governmental bodies or agencies or trading markets and to maintain effective relations with such holders;

 

  (x) counseling the Company in connection with policy decisions to be made by our Board;

 

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  (xi) evaluating and recommending to our Board modifications to the hedging strategies in effect on the date hereof and engaging in hedging activities on behalf of the Company;

 

  (xii) counseling the Company regarding the maintenance of its exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) and monitoring compliance with the requirements for maintaining an exemption from the Investment Company Act;

 

  (xiii) assisting the Company in developing criteria that are specifically tailored to the Company’s investment objectives and making available to the Company its knowledge and experience with respect to its target assets;

 

  (xiv) representing and making recommendations to the Company in connection with the purchase and finance, and commitment to purchase and finance, of its target assets, and in connection with the sale and commitment to sell such assets;

 

  (xv) monitoring the operating performance of the Investments and providing periodic reports with respect thereto to our Board, including comparative information with respect to such operating performance, valuation and budgeted or projected operating results;

 

  (xvi) investing and re-investing any moneys and securities of the Company (including investing in short-term Investments pending investment in Investments, payment of fees, costs and expenses, or payments of dividends or distributions to stockholders and partners of the Company) and advising the Company as to its capital structure and capital raising;

 

  (xvii) causing the Company to retain qualified accountants and legal counsel, as applicable, to assist in developing appropriate accounting procedures, compliance procedures and testing systems with respect to financial reporting obligations and to conduct quarterly compliance reviews with respect thereto;

 

  (xviii) causing the Company to qualify to do business in all applicable jurisdictions and to obtain and maintain all appropriate licenses;

 

  (xix) assisting the Company in complying with all regulatory requirements applicable to the Company in respect of its business activities, including preparing or causing to be prepared all financial statements required under applicable regulations and contractual undertakings and all reports and documents required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

 

  (xx) taking all necessary actions to enable the Company to make required tax filings and reports, including soliciting stockholders for required information to the extent provided by the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

  (xxi) handling and resolving all claims, disputes or controversies (including all litigation, arbitration, settlement or other proceedings or negotiations) in which the Company may be involved or to which the Company may be subject arising out of the Company’s day-to-day operations, subject to such limitations or parameters as may be imposed from time to time by our Board;

 

  (xxii) using commercially reasonable efforts to cause expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Company to be reasonable or customary and within any budgeted parameters or expense guidelines set by our Board from time to time;

 

  (xxiii) performing such other services as may be required from time to time for management and other activities relating to the assets of the Company as our Board shall reasonably request or the Manager shall deem appropriate under the particular circumstances; and

 

  (xxiv) using commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company to comply with all applicable laws.

Indemnification

Pursuant to our Management Agreement, our Manager will not assume any responsibility other than to render the services called for thereunder in good faith and will not be responsible for any action of our Board in

 

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following or declining to follow its advice or recommendations. Our Manager, its members, managers, officers and employees will not be liable to us or any of our subsidiaries, to our Board, or our or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for any acts or omissions by our Manager, its members, managers, officers or employees, except by reason of acts constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement. We shall, to the full extent lawful, reimburse, indemnify and hold our Manager, its members, managers, officers and employees and each other person, if any, controlling our Manager, harmless of and from any and all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims of any nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees) in respect of or arising from any acts or omissions of an indemnified party made in good faith in the performance of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement and not constituting such indemnified party’s bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of our Manager’s duties under our Management Agreement.

Our Manager will, to the full extent lawful, reimburse, indemnify and hold us, our stockholders, directors, officers and employees and each other person, if any, controlling us, harmless of and from any and all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims of any nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees) in respect of or arising from our Manager’s bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties under our Management Agreement. Our Manager carries errors and omissions and other customary insurance.

Management Team

Following the commencement date of “regular-way” trading of Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange, the Manager will be responsible for the compensation and benefits of our Chief Executive Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and benefits will be subject to the review and approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Any increase to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and benefits in effect as of the date of the Management Agreement will either be approved by the Manager or be paid for by the Company.

Devotion of Additional Time; Conflicts of Interest

Our management team will not be required to exclusively dedicate their services to us and will provide services for other entities affiliated with our Manager, including, but not limited to, Newcastle.

In addition, Newcastle and other Fortress affiliates will not be restricted from pursuing other opportunities that may create conflicts or competition for us. However, our code of business conduct and ethics prohibits, subject to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the directors, officers and employees of our Manager from engaging in any transaction that involves an actual conflict of interest with us. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Manager—There may be conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager, including with respect to corporate opportunities” and “Description of Our Capital Stock—Corporate Opportunity.”

Assignment

Our Manager may generally only assign our Management Agreement with the written approval of a majority of our independent directors; provided, however, that our Manager may assign our Management Agreement to an entity whose day-to-day business and operations are managed and supervised by Mr. Wesley R. Edens (the “Principal”), provided, further, that such transaction is determined at the time not to be an “assignment” for purposes of Section 205 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated under such act and the interpretations thereof issued by the SEC. We may not assign our Management Agreement without the prior written consent of our Manager, except in the case of an assignment to our successor, in which case such successor organization shall be bound under our Management Agreement and by the terms of such assignment in the same manner as we are bound under our Management Agreement.

 

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Term; Termination

The initial term of our Management Agreement will expire on the third anniversary of the Distribution and will be renewed automatically each year for an additional one-year period unless (i) a majority consisting of at least two-thirds of our independent directors or a simple majority of the holders of outstanding shares of our Common Stock, reasonably agree that there has been unsatisfactory performance that is materially detrimental to us or (ii) a simple majority of our independent directors agree that the management fee payable to our Manager is unfair; provided, that we shall not have the right to terminate our Management Agreement under clause (ii) foregoing if the Manager agrees to continue to provide the services under the Management Agreement at a fee that our independent directors have determined to be fair.

If we elect not to renew our Management Agreement at the expiration of the original term or any such one-year extension term as set forth above, our Manager will be provided with 60 days’ prior notice of any such termination. In the event of such termination, we would be required to pay the termination fee described below. We may also terminate our Management Agreement at any time for cause effective upon sixty (60) days prior written notice of termination from us to our Manager, in which case no termination fee would be due, for the following reasons:

 

  (i) the willful violation of the Management Agreement by the Manager in its corporate capacity (as distinguished from the acts of any employees of the Manager which are taken without the complicity of the Principal) under the Management Agreement;

 

  (ii) our Manager’s fraud, misappropriation of funds, or embezzlement against us; and

 

  (iii) our Manager’s gross negligence of duties under our Management Agreement.

In addition, our Manager may terminate our Management Agreement effective upon sixty (60) days prior written notice of termination to us in the event that we default in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in our Management Agreement and such default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof specifying such default and requesting that the same be remedied in such 30 day period.

If our Management Agreement is terminated by our Manager upon our breach, we would be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described below.

Management Fee

After the commencement date of our Common Stock trading in the “regular way” market on a major U.S. national securities exchange, we will pay our Manager an annual management fee equal to 1.5% per annum of our total equity calculated and payable monthly in arrears in cash, commencing from the date on which our shares trade in the “regular way” market on a major U.S. national securities exchange (the “Listing”). Total equity is generally the equity transferred by Newcastle on the date on which our shares trade in the “regular way” market on the NYSE, plus total net proceeds from any equity capital raised (including through stock offerings), plus certain capital contributions to subsidiaries, plus the equity value of certain assets contributed to the Company, less capital distributions and repurchases of Common Stock.

Our Manager shall compute each installment of the management fee within 15 days after the end of the calendar month with respect to which such installment is payable.

Incentive Compensation

Commencing from the Listing, our Manager will be eligible to receive on a quarterly basis annual incentive compensation in an amount equal to the product of 25% of the dollar amount by which (a) the adjusted net income of the Company exceeds (b)(i) the weighted daily average total equity (plus cash capital raising costs), multiplied by (ii) a simple interest rate of 10% per annum.

 

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“Adjusted net income” means net income (computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”)), plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and permanent cash tax savings. Adjusted net income will be computed on an unconsolidated basis. The computation of adjusted net income may be adjusted at the direction of the independent directors based on changes in, or certain applications, of GAAP.

Upon any termination of our Management Agreement by either party, we shall be entitled to purchase our Manager’s right to receive incentive compensation from our Manager for a cash purchase price equal to the amount that would be distributed to our Manager if all of our assets were sold for cash at their then current fair market value (taking into account, among other things, expected future performance of the underlying investments) or otherwise continue to pay the incentive compensation to the Manager. In addition, if we do not elect to so purchase the Manager’s right to receive incentive compensation, our Manager will have the right to require us to purchase the same at the price described above. In either case, such fair market value shall be determined by independent appraisal to be conducted by a nationally recognized appraisal firm mutually agreed upon by us and our Manager.

Our Board may request that our Manager accept all or a portion of its incentive compensation in shares of our Common Stock, and our Manager may elect, in its discretion, to accept such payment in the form of shares, subject to limitations that may be imposed by the rules of the NYSE or otherwise.

Commencing from the Listing, upon the successful completion of an offering of shares of our Common Stock or any shares of preferred stock, we will grant our Manager options equal to 10% of the number of shares being sold in the offering (excluding the shares issued to Newcastle or its affiliates in the Local Media Contribution), with an exercise price equal to the offering price per share paid by the public or other ultimate purchaser. For the avoidance of doubt, the listing of our Common Stock does not constitute an offering for purposes of this provision.

Reimbursement of Expenses

Because our Manager’s employees perform certain legal, accounting, due diligence tasks and other services that outside professionals or outside consultants otherwise would perform, on the date on which our shares trade in the “regular way” market on the NYSE, our Manager will be paid or reimbursed for the cost of performing such tasks, provided that such costs and reimbursements are no greater than those which would be paid to outside professionals or consultants on an arm’s-length basis.

We also pay all operating expenses, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under our Management Agreement. Our Manager is responsible for all costs incident to the performance of its duties under the Management Agreement, including compensation of our Manager’s employees, rent for facilities and other “overhead” expenses. The expenses required to be paid by us include, but are not limited to, issuance and transaction costs incident to the acquisition, disposition, operation and financing of our investments, legal and auditing fees and expenses, the compensation and expenses of our independent directors, the costs associated with the establishment and maintenance of any credit facilities and other indebtedness of ours (including commitment fees, legal fees, closing costs, etc.), expenses associated with other securities offerings of ours, the costs of printing and mailing proxies and reports to our stockholders, costs incurred by employees of our manager for travel on our behalf, costs associated with any computer software or hardware that is used solely for us, costs to obtain liability insurance to indemnify our directors and officers and the compensation and expenses of our distribution agent.

Termination Fee

The termination fee is a fee equal to the sum of (1) the amount of the management fee during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of termination, and (2) the “Incentive Compensation Fair Value Amount,” if such option is exercised by the Company or the Manager. The Incentive Compensation Fair Value Amount is an amount equal to the Incentive Compensation that would be paid to the Manager if our assets were sold for cash at their then current fair market value (as determined by an appraisal, taking into account, among other things, the expected future value of the underlying investments).

 

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MANAGEMENT

Officers of GateHouse, our Predecessor

The following individuals serve as the officers of our Predecessor, GateHouse:

Michael E. Reed, age 47 , became our Chief Executive Officer in January of 2006. He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., or “CNHI”, a leading publisher of local news and information and had served in that capacity since 1999. Mr. Reed served as CNHI’s Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 1999. Prior to that, he worked for Park Communications, Inc., a multimedia company, located in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Reed formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Newspaper Association of America. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, on which he has served since 2009. Mr. Reed formerly served as a director of the Associated Press and Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Associated Press. Mr. Reed was also a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences and was a member of the Grady College Journalism School’s Board of Advisors. Mr. Reed has a deep understanding of our operations, strategy and people, as well as our industry, serving as our Chief Executive Officer for over seven years. He has also served in senior executive capacities with other companies in the newspaper and publishing industries. Mr. Reed also has extensive corporate board experience.

Melinda A. Janik, age 56 , became our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2009. She formerly served as an officer and Vice President and Controller of Paychex, Inc., a provider of payroll, human resource services, from 2005 to 2009. Prior to joining Paychex, Inc., Ms. Janik served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Glimcher Realty Trust, a mall Real Estate Investment Trust based in Columbus, Ohio, from 2002 to 2004. Ms. Janik was formerly Vice President and Treasurer of NCR Corporation, a global provider of financial and retail self service solutions and data warehousing based in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1997 to 2002. Prior to that, she worked for the accounting firm Pricewaterhouse LLP. Ms. Janik is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA in finance and accounting and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Kirk Davis, age 52 , became our President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2009. Mr. Davis has been with us since 2006, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of GateHouse Media New England. Prior to joining us, Mr. Davis served as the Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise NewsMedia, LLC, also known as the South of Boston Media Group, from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Davis served as Vice President of Publishing for Turley Publications, Inc., a publishing and printing company, from 2002 to 2004. In 2001, Mr. Davis formed Cracked Rock Media, Inc. and began acquiring newspapers in Central Massachusetts. Mr. Davis still owns Cracked Rock Media, but has no day-to-day operational involvement. Prior to that, Mr. Davis served as President of Community Newspaper Company (“CNC”) from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Davis also served as President of a newspaper group in the Boston area (TAB Newspapers), which was part of CNC, from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Davis also served as a Publisher and managed newspaper companies in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California from 1990 to 1996. Mr. Davis also served as Vice President of Circulation and Marketing for Ingersoll Publications from 1985 to 1990. Mr. Davis attended Wright State University and Ohio University. He is past chairman of the board for the Suburban Newspapers of America (“SNA”) and as well as past chairman of the SNA Foundation. In 2007, Mr. Davis was elected to the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Audited Media.

Polly G. Sack, age 53 , became our Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel in May 2006. Ms. Sack was named a Senior Vice President of ours in February 2009. She was formerly Senior Vice President and Director of Mergers and Acquisitions of IMG Worldwide, Inc. (“IMG”), a global sports, media and entertainment company, and had served in that capacity since 2001. Ms. Sack also served as IMG’s associate counsel and a vice president from 1992 to 2001. Prior to that, she worked in private practice for a major international law firm. Ms. Sack holds bachelor degrees in civil engineering and mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University, in addition to a law degree from Stanford University Law School.

 

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Mark Maring, age 47 , became our Vice President of Investor Relations and Strategic Development in March 2008 and became our Treasurer in January 2009. Mr. Maring also served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 2008 to February 2009. He was formerly a Vice President of Mendon Capital Advisors Corp, a registered investment advisor, from 2004 through 2008 where his responsibilities included risk management and hedging strategies. From 2000 to 2004 Mr. Maring was Vice President Investor Relations for Constellation Brands, Inc. (“Constellation”) an international producer and marketer of beverage alcohol brands. Mr. Maring also served as Constellation’s Director of Planning from 1997 to 2000. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Maring worked with the accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP. From 1987 to 1992 he worked for The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. in investment banking. Mr. Maring is a certified public accountant and holds a master’s degree in finance and accounting, from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester and a B.S. from St. John Fisher College.

Directors of GateHouse, our Predecessor

For a description of GateHouse’s directors, see Exhibit 99.3 to New Media’s registration statement on Form 10.

Directors of New Media

In accordance with the terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, from and after the date of the first meeting of the Board of New Media following the Listing, the Board of New Media will be divided into three classes of directors (designated Class I, Class II and Class III) of the same or nearly the same number to the extent practicable. At each annual meeting of stockholders, one class of directors will be elected for a three-year term to succeed the directors of the same class whose terms are then expiring. As a result, absent extenuating circumstances, a portion of the Board will be elected each year.

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes a Board consisting of at least three, but no more than eleven, members, with the exact number of directors to be fixed from time to time by a resolution of the majority of the Board (or by a duly adopted amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation). Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of the Board into classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of management or a change in control.

 

Name, Position, Age

  

Description

Wesley R. Edens

Director

Age: 51

   Mr. Edens has been Chairman of Newcastle’s board of directors since its inception and served as its Chief Executive Officer from its inception until February 2007. Mr. Edens is a principal and a Co-Chairman of the board of directors of Fortress, an affiliate of our Manager. Mr. Edens has been a principal and a member of the Management Committee of Fortress since co-founding Fortress in May 1998. Mr. Edens is responsible for the private equity and publicly traded alternative investment businesses of Fortress. He is also Chairman of the board of directors of each of GateHouse Media, Inc., Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc., Springleaf Holdings, Inc. and Mapeley Limited, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Investment Holdings LLC (the predecessor of Newcastle) and a director of GAGFAH S.A., Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and Penn National Gaming Inc. Mr. Edens was the Chief Executive Officer of Global Signal Inc. from February 2004 to April 2006 and Chairman of the board of directors from October 2002 to January 2007. Mr. Edens serves or has served in various capacities in the following five current or former registered investment companies: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of Fortress Registered Investment Trust and Fortress

 

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Name, Position, Age

  

Description

   Investment Trust II; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fortress Brookdale Investment Fund LLC and Fortress Pinnacle Investment Fund LLC and Chief Executive Officer of RIC Coinvestment Fund GP LLC. Prior to forming Fortress Investment Group LLC, Mr. Edens was a partner and a managing director of BlackRock Financial Management Inc., where he headed BlackRock Asset Investors, a private equity fund. In addition, Mr. Edens was formerly a partner and a managing director of Lehman Brothers. As a result of his past experiences, Mr. Edens has private equity finance and management expertise. These factors and his other qualifications and skills, led our board of directors to conclude that Mr. Edens should serve as a director.

Michael E. Reed

Director

Age: 47

   Mr. Reed became GateHouse’s Chief Executive Officer in January of 2006. Mr. Reed is a member of the board of directors of GateHouse since October 2006. He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., or ‘‘CNHI’’, a leading publisher of local news and information and had served in that capacity since 1999. Mr. Reed served as CNHI’s Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 1999. Prior to that, he worked for Park Communications, Inc., a multimedia company, located in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Reed formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Newspaper Association of America. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis Star Tribune since 2009. Mr. Reed formerly served as a director of the Associated Press and Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Associated Press. Mr. Reed was also a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences and was a member of the Grady College Journalism School’s Board of Advisors. Mr. Reed has a deep understanding of our operations, strategy and people, as well as our industry, serving as our Chief Executive Officer for over seven years. He has also served in senior executive capacities with other companies in the newspaper and publishing industries. Mr. Reed also has extensive corporate board experience.

Kevin Sheehan

Director

Age 59

  

Mr. Sheehan is a member of the board of directors of GateHouse since October 2006. Mr. Sheehan currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, which he joined in 2007. Previously, Mr. Sheehan provided consulting services to Cerebrus Capital Management LP (2006-2007) and provided consulting services to Clayton Dubilier & Rice from 2005 until 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Sheehan was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant Corporation’s Vehicle Services Division (included responsibility for Avis Rent A Car, Budget Rent A Car, Budget Truck, PHH Fleet Management and Wright Express) from January 2003 until May 2005. From March 2001 until May 2003, Mr. Sheehan served as Chief Financial Officer of Cendant Corporation. From August 1999 to February 2001, Mr. Sheehan was President-Corporate and Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer of Avis Group Holdings, Inc. and a director of that company from June 1999 until February 2001. From August 2005 to January 2008, Mr. Sheehan served on the faculty of Adelphi University as a Distinguished Visiting Professor — Accounting, Finance and Economics. Mr. Sheehan currently serves on the Boards of Dave & Busters and XOJETS.

 

Mr. Sheehan has significant experience in a senior management capacity for large corporations. Specifically, his experience as the Chief Financial Officer of several

 

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Name, Position, Age

  

Description

   large corporations provide him with important experience and skills, as well as an understanding of the complexities of our current economic environment. Mr. Sheehan also brings significant financial expertise to our Board.

Corporate Governance Principles and Board Matters

New Media is committed to maintaining high standards of business conduct and corporate governance, which we believe are essential to running our business efficiently, serving our stockholders well and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. To that end, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees, including a separate Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. In addition, we have adopted the Corporate Governance Guidelines of New Media on             (our “Corporate Governance Guidelines”), which, in conjunction with our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, Amended and Restated Bylaws and Audit Committee charter, form the framework for our corporate governance. All of our corporate governance materials, including the Audit Committee charter, are available under the Investors tabs on our website at                     .

These materials also are available in print to any stockholder upon request. The Board regularly reviews corporate governance developments and makes modifications as warranted.

Board and Board Committee Independence

According to our Corporate Governance Guidelines, all members of the Audit Committee must be independent directors. Members of the Audit Committee also must satisfy a separate SEC independence requirement, which provides that they may not accept directly or indirectly any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from us or any of our subsidiaries other than their compensation for service as directors.

Board Structure and Committee Composition

As of the date of this Information Statement, the Board has five directors, a standing Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee. The committees’ memberships and functions are described below. The Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Compensation Committee operate under written charters adopted by the Board.

Board Leadership Structure

Although we currently have no policy against combining the two roles, we currently split the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that separating these two positions allows each person to focus on their individual responsibilities and enhances the accountability of our Chief Executive Officer to the Board. Under this structure, our Chief Executive Officer can focus his attention on the day-to-day operations and performance of our Company and on implementing our longer-term strategic direction. At the same time, our Chairman of the Board can focus his attention on longer term strategic issues, setting the agenda for and on providing insight and guidance to our Chief Executive Officer. We currently believe that the separation of the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer is appropriate, however, our Corporate Governance Guidelines do not require the separation of the offices of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. The Board is free to choose its Chairman of the Board in any way that it deems best at any given point in time.

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board is responsible for enterprise risk management, including risks associated with our corporate governance, such as board organization, membership, structure and leadership succession planning, as well as the management of risks arising from our executive compensation policies and programs. While the Board retains

 

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responsibility for the general oversight of risks, it has delegated financial oversight to our Audit Committee, which focuses on financial risk, including those that could arise from our accounting and financial reporting processes and our consolidated financial statement audits.

The Board and the Audit Committee work together to provide enterprise-wide oversight of our management and handling of risk. These responsibilities are satisfied through periodic reports from the Audit Committee chairman regarding the risk considerations within its area of expertise, as well as through periodic reports to the Board, or the Audit Committee, from our management team on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal, regulatory and strategic risks. The Board, or the Audit Committee with respect to risks within its scope, reviews these reports to enable it to understand our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies. The Audit Committee chairman will report to the Board at subsequent Board meetings regarding particular risks within the scope of the Audit Committee, enabling the Board and the Audit Committee to coordinate the risk oversight role.

Committees of the Board

We have established the following committees of our Board:

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee:

 

    reviews the audit plans and findings of our independent registered public accounting firm and our internal audit and risk review staff, as well as the results of regulatory examinations, and tracks management’s corrective action plans where necessary;

 

    reviews our financial statements, including any significant financial items and/or changes in accounting policies, with our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm;

 

    reviews our financial risk and control procedures, compliance programs and significant tax, legal and regulatory matters; and

 

    has the sole discretion to appoint annually our independent registered public accounting firm, evaluate its independence and performance and set clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm.

The members of the Audit Committee are             (chair),             , and             . Upon effectiveness of the registration statement, each member of the committee will be “independent,” as defined under the rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Our Board has determined that each director appointed to the Audit Committee is financially literate, and the board has determined that              is our Audit Committee financial expert.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:

 

    reviews the performance of our Board and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of candidates, qualification and competency requirements for service on the Board and the suitability of proposed nominees as directors;

 

    advises the Board with respect to the corporate governance principles applicable to us;

 

    oversees the evaluation of the Board and management;

 

    reviews and approves in advance any related party transaction, other than those that are pre-approved pursuant to pre-approval guidelines or rules established by the committee; and

 

    recommends guidelines or rules to cover specific categories of transactions.

 

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The members of the nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are              (chair),             , and             . Each member of our nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent, as defined under the rules of the NYSE.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee:

 

    reviews and recommends to the Board the salaries, benefits and equity incentive grants for all employees, consultants, officers, directors and other individuals we compensate;

 

    reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to Chief Executive Officer compensation, evaluates the Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determines the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation based on that evaluation; and

 

    oversees our compensation and employee benefit plans.

The members of the Compensation Committee are              (chair),             , and             . Each member of our Compensation Committee is independent, as defined under the rules of the NYSE. The “independent” directors that are appointed to the Compensation Committee are also “non-employee” directors as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) under the Exchange Act and “outside” directors within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(c)(i) of the Code.

 

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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Compensation of GateHouse’s Directors

For a description of the compensation of GateHouse’s directors, see Exhibit 99.3 to New Media’s registration statement on Form 10.

Compensation of New Media Directors

We have not yet paid any compensation to our directors. Following completion of the Distribution, we will pay an annual fee to each independent director equal to $        , payable semi-annually. In addition, an annual fee of $         will be paid to the chairs of each of the audit and compensation committees of the board of directors. Fees to independent directors may be made by issuance of common stock, based on the value of such common stock at the date of issuance, rather than in cash, provided that any such issuance does not prevent such director from being determined to be independent and such shares are granted pursuant to a stockholder-approved plan or the issuance is otherwise exempt from NYSE listing requirements. Affiliated directors, however, will not be separately compensated by us. All members of the board of directors will be reimbursed for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in attending meetings of our board of directors.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

GateHouse Executive Compensation

For a description of the compensation of GateHouse’s executive officers, see Exhibit 99.3 to New Media’s registration statement on Form 10.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

As of the date hereof,              of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock are owned by Newcastle. After the Distribution, Newcastle will own none of our Common Stock. The following table provides information with respect to the expected beneficial ownership of our Common Stock by (i) each person who we believe will be a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each of our directors and our named executive officer, and (iii) all directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group. We based the share amounts on each person’s beneficial ownership of Newcastle common stock as of                     , 2013, unless we indicate some other basis for the share amounts, and assuming a distribution ratio of              shares of our Common Stock for every              shares of Newcastle common stock.

To the extent our directors and officer own Newcastle common stock at the time of the Distribution, they will participate in the Distribution on the same terms as other holders of Newcastle common stock.

On the Effective Date of the Plan, or as soon as practicable thereafter, we will issue and distribute the New Media Warrants. The New Media Warrants will collectively represent the right to acquire New Media Common Stock, which in the aggregate will be equal to 5% of New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date (calculated prior to dilution from shares of New Media Common Stock issued pursuant to the Local Media Contribution) at a strike price calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution of $1.2 billion. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan.

Except as otherwise noted in the footnotes below, each person or entity identified below has sole voting and investment power with respect to such securities. Following the Distribution, we will have outstanding an aggregate of shares of Common Stock based upon              shares of Newcastle common stock outstanding on                     , 2013, assuming no exercise of Newcastle options and applying the distribution ratio of              shares of our Common Stock for every              shares of Newcastle common stock held as of the record date of the Distribution.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)    Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
   Percent of Class (2)

Wesley R. Edens

     

Michael E. Reed

     

Kevin M. Sheehan

     

All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (         persons)

     

 

* Denotes less than 1%.
(1) The address of all of the officers and directors listed above are in the care of Fortress Investment Group LLC, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 46th Floor, New York, New York 10105.
(2) Percentages shown assume the exercise by such persons of all options to acquire shares of our Common Stock that are exercisable within 60 days of                     , 2013 and no exercise by any other person.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS, AFFILIATES AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES

Our Board intends to adopt written policies and procedures upon Listing regarding the approval of any “related person transaction,” which is any transaction or series of transactions in which we or any of our subsidiaries is or are to be a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a “related person” (as defined under SEC rules) has a direct or indirect material interest. Under the policy, a related person would need to promptly disclose to the legal department of our Manager any proposed related person transaction and all material facts about the proposed transaction. The legal department would then assess and promptly communicate that information to our independent directors. Based on their consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, our independent directors will decide whether or not to approve such transaction and will generally approve only those transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of New Media, as determined by at least a majority of the independent directors acting with ordinary care and in good faith. If we become aware of an existing related person transaction that has not been pre-approved under this policy, the transaction will be referred to our independent directors, who will evaluate all options available, including ratification, revision or termination of such transaction. Our policy requires any director who may be interested in a related person transaction to recuse himself or herself from any consideration of such related person transaction.

Transactions between the Manager and any affiliate must be approved in advance by the majority of the independent directors and be determined by such independent directors to be in the best interests of the Company. If any affiliate transaction involving the acquisition of an asset from the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager is not approved in advance by a majority of the independent directors, then the Manager may be required to repurchase the asset at the purchase price (plus closing costs) to the Company.

Management Agreement

We intend to enter into a Management Agreement, pursuant to which our Manager provides for the day-to-day management of our operations. The Management Agreement will require our Manager to manage our business affairs subject to the supervision of our Board. See “Our Manager and Management Agreement” included elsewhere in this Information Statement.

Local Media Management and Advisory Agreement

GateHouse manages the assets of Local Media pursuant to a management and advisory agreement that will terminate on the Effective Date. While the agreement is in effect, GateHouse receives an annual management fee of $1.1 million, subject to adjustments (up to a maximum annual management fee of $1.2 million), and an annual incentive compensation fee based on exceeding EBITDA targets of Local Media.

Registration Rights Agreement

New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with Omega Advisors, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Omega”) provided that Omega directly or indirectly, receives 10% or more of New Media Common Stock on the Effective Date. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement as soon as reasonably practicable, but not prior to the earlier of (i) 120 days following the Effective Date and (ii) 14 days after the required financials are completed in the ordinary course of business, providing for the registration and sale by Omega of its New Media Common Stock (the “Registration Statement”). During the first 12 months following the “regular-way” trading of New Media Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, Omega may request one demand right with respect to some or all of the New Media Common Stock held by Omega under the Registration Statement (the “Demand Registration”).

 

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Once New Media is eligible to use Form S-3, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a resale shelf registration statement providing for the registration and sale on a continuous or delayed basis by Omega of its New Media Common Stock (the “Shelf Registration”), subject to customary exceptions and limitations. Omega is entitled to initiate up to three offerings or sales with respect to some or all of the New Media Common Stock held by Omega pursuant to the Shelf Registration.

Omega may only exercise its right to request the Demand Registration and any Shelf Registrations if the New Media Common Stock eligible to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Shelf Registration is at least 3% of the then-outstanding New Media Common Stock. This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our registration statement on Form 10.

 

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RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENTS

This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the “Debtors’ Joint Prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan,” “Support Agreement,” “Warrant Agreement,” “Investment Commitment Letter,” “New Credit Facilities” and “Credit Amendment”(as defined below) filed as exhibits to our registration statement on Form 10.

The Plan

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced the Solicitation of holders of Outstanding Debt to accept or reject the Plan. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan. As a result, the Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases on September 27, 2013 in which they sought confirmation of the Plan. The Plan was confirmed by the Court on November 6, 2013. The Restructuring of GateHouse more fully described below is subject to the effectiveness of the Plan.

Support Agreement

On September 4, 2013, Debtors entered into a Support Agreement, effective September 3, 2013, with Newcastle, the Administrative Agent and the Participating Lenders relating to a Restructuring of the Outstanding Debt and GateHouse’s equity pursuant to the Plan.

Pursuant to the Restructuring, Newcastle would make a Cash-Out Offer. On the Effective Date, the holders of the Outstanding Debt would have the option of receiving, in satisfaction of their Outstanding Debt, their pro rata share of the (i) Cash-Out Offer and/or (ii) New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds, if any, of the New Credit Facilities. Newcastle will receive a pro rata share of New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, if any, for all Outstanding Debt they hold, including Outstanding Debt purchased in the Cash-Out Offer. GateHouse intends to pay all pensions, trade and all other unsecured claims in full.

As of September 19, 2013, Newcastle held approximately 52.2% of the principal amount currently outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility and the other Participating Lenders held approximately 28.7% of such principal amount (in each case, including certain amounts still pending trade settlement). Additional holders of Outstanding Debt may join the Support Agreement in the future as Participating Lenders.

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced the Solicitation. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders has agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan. 100% of the holders of the Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan subject to the terms of the Support Agreement. As a result, Debtors commenced Chapter 11 cases and sought approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed on November 6, 2013.

Upon emergence from Chapter 11, we plan to adopt fresh-start reporting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 852, “Reorganizations.” Under fresh-start accounting, a new entity is deemed to have been created on the Effective Date of the Plan for financial reporting purposes and GateHouse’s recorded amounts of assets and liabilities will be adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. As a result of the adoption of fresh-start accounting, our reorganized company post-emergence financial statements will generally not be comparable with the financial statements of our Predecessor prior to emergence, including the historical financial information in this Information Statement.

 

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The Support Agreement could terminate prior to the Effective Date. The Support Agreement will terminate automatically upon certain events, including the following: (i) GateHouse has commenced Chapter 11 cases that are subsequently dismissed or converted to Chapter 7, or a Chapter 11 trustee, responsible officer or examiner with enlarged powers is appointed; (ii) GateHouse has elected to terminate the Support Agreement in accordance with the exercise of its fiduciary duties; or (iii) the occurrence of the earlier of (a) December 16, 2013 and (b) the Effective Date.

In the event of a material breach, the Support Agreement may be terminated by GateHouse, Newcastle, or Participating Lenders holding a majority in amount of the Loans held by Participating Lenders other than Newcastle, Fortress Investment Group LLC, and their respective affiliates (the “Majority Unaffiliated Participating Creditors”), respectively, upon delivery of notice and the expiration of a ten business day cure period.

In addition, the Support Agreement may be terminated by Newcastle or by the Majority Unaffiliated Participating Creditors ten business days after GateHouse receives written notice that any of the following events has occurred and is continuing and such events have not been cured or waived within such ten business day period: (i) GateHouse has commenced Chapter 11 cases prior to commencing the Solicitation; (ii) fifteen business days have elapsed since the Participating Lenders became party to the Support Agreement, and the Solicitation has not been commenced; (iii) five business days have elapsed since the completion of a Solicitation in which the Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors have accepted the Plan, and GateHouse has not commenced the Chapter 11 cases; (iv) the Investment Commitment Letter (as defined below) has terminated or ceased to be in full force and effect; (v) a court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental or regulatory authority has issued a ruling or order restricting a material aspect of the transaction in a manner materially adverse to Newcastle or the Participating Lenders; or (vi) GateHouse has commenced the Chapter 11 cases and (a) an order is entered terminating GateHouse’s exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization, (b) GateHouse fails to file the Plan and Disclosure Statement with the bankruptcy court on the commencement date of the Chapter 11 cases, (c) the bankruptcy court has not, within specified time periods, entered interim and final orders (I) authorizing GateHouse to use cash collateral, (II) granting adequate protection to creditors holding the Outstanding Debt, and (III) approving cash managements systems, (d) GateHouse’ consensual use of cash collateral is terminated in accordance with an interim or final cash collateral order entered by the bankruptcy court, (e) the bankruptcy court has not entered an order confirming the Plan within 60 business days after the bankruptcy filing date, (f) GateHouse withdraws the Plan or publicly announces an intention not to proceed with the Plan; GateHouse files any motion, pleading, plan of reorganization and/or disclosure statement, or the bankruptcy courts enters any order, in each case, that is materially inconsistent with the term sheet attached to the Support Agreement or materially adversely affects the rights of the party seeking to terminate the Support Agreement, or (g) GateHouse challenges or supports a challenge to, or the bankruptcy court enters an order granting a challenge to, GateHouse’s obligations under or the liens securing the Outstanding Debt, or against the Administrative Agent, or Participating Lenders. See additional discussion in Note 21 to GateHouse’s Consolidated Financial Statements, “Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations,” and “The Spin-Off and Restructuring.”

Investment Commitment Letter

On September 4, 2013, Newcastle and GateHouse entered into an Investment Commitment Letter, as amended (the “Investment Commitment Letter”) in connection with the Restructuring, effective September 3, 2013. Under the Investment Commitment Letter and pursuant to the Plan, Newcastle has agreed to purchase the Cash-Out Offer claims.

The Investment Commitment Letter provides that, on account of the claims purchased in the Cash-Out Offer, on the Effective Date of the Plan, Newcastle will receive its pro rata share of (a) New Media Common Stock and (b) Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, if any, net of transaction expenses associated with transactions under the Plan.

 

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Newcastle may assign the Investment Commitment Letter to any of its affiliates, successors or designees as may be reasonably acceptable to GateHouse. The Investment Commitment Letter will terminate automatically and immediately if the Support Agreement has terminated or ceased to be in full force and effect. In addition, the Investment Commitment Letter may be terminated with notice upon certain events, as detailed in the Investment Commitment Letter.

New Media Warrants

On the Effective Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, New Media will issue and distribute 10-year warrants to Existing Equity Holders (the “New Media Warrants”). The New Media Warrants will collectively represent the right to acquire New Media Common Stock, which in the aggregate will be equal to 5% of New Media Common Stock as of the Effective Date of the Plan (calculated prior to dilution from shares of New Media Common Stock issued pursuant to the Local Media Contribution) at a strike price per share calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan. New Media Warrants will not have the benefit of antidilution protections, other than customary protections including for stock splits and stock dividends. This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Warrant Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.27 to our registration statement on Form 10.

New Credit Facilities

GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries will use its commercially reasonable efforts to enter into the New Credit Facilities in the aggregate principal amount of up to $150 million of funded debt and the New Undrawn Commitments of up to $15 million for working capital and other purposes. Together, the New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments are intended to (i) fund a distribution under the Plan to certain holders of GateHouse’s secured debt claims that have made the New Media election, (ii) provide for ongoing working capital needs, (iii) partially fund capital expenditures and (iv) be used for general corporate needs and will be guaranteed by GateHouse and all existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries of GateHouse (other than the borrower under the New Credit Facilities). The weighted average interest rate across all tranches will not exceed LIBOR plus 7.50% with a LIBOR floor of 1.25% and an original issue discount of 1.00%. The New Credit Facilities and New Undrawn Commitments will consist of one or more tranches with maturity dates of not less than 5 years and will be secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and GateHouse and the subsidiary guarantors. In the event that GateHouse enters into and receives proceeds of the New Credit Facilities, we will distribute to each holder of New Media Common Stock, including Newcastle on account of the Cash-Out Offer, its pro rata share of the Net Proceeds, if any. The Net Proceeds will be distributed prior to the Local Media Contribution and no amount of the Net Proceeds will be distributed to Newcastle on account of the Local Media Contribution. GateHouse’s entry into a credit facility will not be a condition to the effectiveness of the Plan.

Credit Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On September 4, 2013, GateHouse entered into an Amendment Agreement to the 2007 Credit Facility (“Credit Amendment”) with Newcastle and certain lenders under GateHouse’s 2007 Credit Facility, effective September 3, 2013, which improved certain terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, including: a clarified and expanded definition of “Eligible Assignee” (as defined therein); an increase in the base amount in the formula used to calculate the “Permitted Investments” (as defined therein) basket from $35 million to a base of $50 million; the removal of the requirement that GateHouse’s annual financial statements not have a “going concern” or like qualification to the audit; the removal of a cross default from any Secured Hedging Agreement (as defined therein) to the 2007 Credit Facility; the removal of a Bankruptcy Default (as defined therein), arising from actions in furtherance of or indicating consent to the specified actions; and a waiver of any prior Default or Event of Default, as defined therein, including without limitation from the negotiation, entry into, or performance of the Support Agreement or the Investment Commitment Letter.

 

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In consideration of the changes described above, GateHouse agreed to pay each of the lenders party to the Credit Amendment that timely executed the Credit Amendment and the Support Agreement an amendment fee equal to 3.5% multiplied by the aggregate Outstanding Debt held (including through trades pending settlement) by such lender (the “Amendment Fee”), unless waived in writing. Newcastle and certain other lenders elected to waive their Amendment Fee.

Contribution of Local Media Group Holdings LLC

Newcastle acquired Local Media from News Corp. for approximately $82.6 million with the associated estimated transaction costs of $4.2 million. Newcastle made a total equity investment of $53.8 million and financed the remainder of the purchase price with $33.0 million of term loan debt provided under the Local Media Credit Facility. Newcastle contributed $2.5 million to Local Media on the closing of the Local Media Acquisition for working capital purposes and Local Media can repay that amount when the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $10 million under the Local Media Credit Facility becomes available.

Local Media operates print and online community media franchises in seven states including daily, Sunday and weekly newspapers, Internet sites, magazines, other news and advertising niche publications and commercial print and household distribution services, and had $33 million of real estate value as determined by third-party appraisals completed in the second quarter of 2012. Local Media publishes 8 daily community newspapers and 15 weeklies in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Coast regions of the United States. Many of these publications have been providing local content to their respective communities for over 75 years.

Under the Plan, Newcastle agreed to make the Local Media Contribution and to assign its rights under the stock purchase agreement pursuant to which it acquired Local Media (the “Local Media SPA”) to New Media, each on the Effective Date. In exchange, Newcastle will receive New Media Common Stock equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition, subject to certain adjustments (the “Local Media Contribution Value”). For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution of New Media Common Stock in exchange for the Local Media Contribution will not occur prior to the distribution of the Net Proceeds of the New Credit Facilities (if any) to the holders of New Media Common Stock.

Assuming a contribution date of October 31, 2013, the Local Media Contribution Value is currently anticipated to be approximately $54.1 million, which represents approximately $82.6 million as the estimated cost of the Local Media Acquisition, plus (a) (i) $4.2 million in estimated out-of-pocket transaction expenses of Newcastle and (ii) no additional net cash equity contributions and (iii) $0.3 million owing to Newcastle under the Local Media SPA, less (b) (i) no dividends paid out by Local Media or Local Media Parent (other than in respect of amounts contributed by Newcastle on the closing date for working capital purposes) and (ii) $33.0 million in anticipated term loan debt at Local Media Parent under the Local Media Credit Facility.

GateHouse manages the assets of Local Media pursuant to a management and advisory agreement that will terminate on the Effective Date. While the agreement is in effect, GateHouse receives an annual management fee of $1.1 million, subject to adjustments (up to a maximum annual management fee of $1.2 million), and an annual incentive compensation fee based on exceeding EBITDA targets of Local Media.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The following descriptions are summaries of the material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. These descriptions contain all information which we consider to be material, but may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand them fully, you should read our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which are filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Information Statement is a part.

Please note that, with respect to any of our shares held in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company or any other share depositary, the depositary or its nominee will be the sole registered and legal owner of those shares, and references in this Information Statement to any “stockholder” or “holder” of those shares means only the depositary or its nominee. Persons who hold beneficial interests in our shares through a depositary will not be registered or legal owners of those shares and will not be recognized as such for any purpose. For example, only the depositary or its nominee will be entitled to vote the shares held through it, and any dividends or other distributions to be paid, and any notices to be given, in respect of those shares will be paid or given only to the depositary or its nominee. Owners of beneficial interests in those shares will have to look solely to the depositary with respect to any benefits of share ownership, and any rights they may have with respect to those shares will be governed by the rules of the depositary, which are subject to change from time to time. We have no responsibility for those rules or their application to any interests held through the depositary.

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, our authorized capital stock consists of:

 

    2,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share; and

 

    300,000 preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share.

Upon completion of the Distribution, there will be outstanding              shares of our Common Stock and no outstanding shares of preferred stock.

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. We refer you to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement of which this Information Statement forms a part.

Common Stock

Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of our Common Stock will possess the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock can elect all of the directors standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares are not able to elect any directors.

Subject to any preference rights of holders of any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, declared from time to time by our Board out of legally available funds. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after the payment of liabilities, subject to any rights of holders of our preferred stock prior to distribution.

Holders of our Common Stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights.

 

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Preferred Stock

Our Board has the authority, without action by our stockholders, to issue preferred stock and to fix voting powers for each class or series of preferred stock, and to provide that any class or series may be subject to redemption, entitled to receive dividends, entitled to rights upon dissolution, or convertible or exchangeable for shares of any other class or classes of capital stock. The rights with respect to a series or class of preferred stock may be greater than the rights attached to our Common Stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of our preferred stock on the rights of holders of our Common Stock until our Board determines the specific rights attached to that preferred stock. The effect of issuing preferred stock could include, among other things, one or more of the following:

 

    restricting dividends in respect of our Common Stock;

 

    diluting the voting power of our Common Stock or providing that holders of preferred stock have the right to vote on matters as a class;

 

    impairing the liquidation rights of our Common Stock; or

 

    delaying or preventing a change of control of us.

Registration Rights

New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with Omega Advisors, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Omega”) provided that Omega, directly or indirectly, receives 10% or more of New Media Common Stock on the Effective Date. Under the terms of the registration rights agreement, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file the Registration Statement as soon as reasonably practicable, but not prior to the earlier of (i) 120 days following the Effective Date and (ii) 14 days after the required financials are completed in the ordinary course of business. During the first 12 months following “regular-way” trading of New Media Common Stock on a major U.S. national securities exchange, subject to customary exceptions and limitations, Omega may request one Demand Registration.

Once New Media is eligible to use Form S-3, New Media will be required to use commercially reasonable efforts to file the Shelf Registration, subject to customary exceptions and limitations. Omega is entitled to initiate up to three offerings or sales with respect to some or all of the New Media Common Stock held by Omega pursuant to the Shelf Registration.

Omega may only exercise its right to request the Demand Registration and any Shelf Registrations if the New Media Common Stock eligible to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Shelf Registration is at least 3% of the then-outstanding New Media Common Stock. This description is a summary and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.5 to our registration statement on Form 10.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law, Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

The following is a summary of certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

The authorized but unissued shares of our Common Stock and our preferred stock will be available for future issuance without obtaining stockholder approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of

 

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corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of our Common Stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control over us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Delaware Business Combination Statute

We are organized under Delaware law. Some provisions of Delaware law may delay or prevent a transaction that would cause a change in our control.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), as amended, an anti-takeover law, will not apply to us. In general, this statute prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction by which that person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. For purposes of Section 203, a business combination includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and an interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior, did own, 15% or more of voting stock.

Other Provisions of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides for a staggered Board consisting of three classes of directors from and after the date of the first meeting of the Board of New Media following the Listing. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms and each year one class of our directors will be elected by our stockholders. The terms of the first, second and third classes will expire in             ,              and             , respectively. We believe that classification of our Board will help to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined by our Board. Additionally, there is no cumulative voting in the election of directors. This classified board provision could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent directors more time consuming and difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of our Board. Thus, the classified board provision could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or an attempt to change control of us, even though a tender offer or change in control might be believed by our stockholders to be in their best interest. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that directors may be removed only for cause and only with the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the voting interest of stockholders entitled to vote.

Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, shares of our preferred stock may be issued from time to time, and the Board is authorized to determine and alter all rights, preferences, privileges, qualifications, limitations and restrictions without limitation. See “—Preferred Stock.”

Ability of our Stockholders to Act

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not permit our stockholders to call special stockholders meetings (provided, however, that for so long as Newcastle and certain other affiliates of Fortress and permitted transferees (collectively, the “Fortress Stockholders”) beneficially own at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock, Fortress Stockholders may call special meetings of our stockholders). Written notice of any special meeting so called shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting not less than 10 or more than 60 days before the date of such meeting, unless otherwise required by law.

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders may be taken without a meeting by written

 

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consent of a majority of our stockholders for so long as Fortress Stockholders beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least 20% of our issued and outstanding Common Stock. After Fortress Stockholders beneficially own less than 20% of our issued and outstanding stock, only action by unanimous written consent of our stockholders can be taken without a meeting.

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that nominations of persons for election to our Board may be made at any annual meeting of our stockholders, or at any special meeting of our stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, (a) by or at the direction of our Board or (b) by any of our stockholders. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be properly brought by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to our Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices (a) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by a stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs; and (b) in the case of a special meeting of our stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting was made, whichever first occurs.

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that no business may be transacted at any annual meeting of our stockholders, other than business that is either (a) specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of our Board, (b) otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of our Board, or (c) otherwise properly brought by any of our stockholders. In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to our Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by a stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs.

Forum Selection Clause

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the us governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of a fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption is not permitted under the DGCL, as amended from time to time.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and court costs) to our directors and

 

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officers and carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors and officers for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

Prior to the Distribution, we intend to enter into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Each indemnification agreement will provide, among other things, for indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation against (i) any and all expenses and liabilities, including judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of any claim with our approval and counsel fees and disbursements, (ii) any liability pursuant to a loan guarantee, or otherwise, for any of our indebtedness, and (iii) any liabilities incurred as a result of acting on our behalf (as a fiduciary or otherwise) in connection with an employee benefit plan. The indemnification agreements will provide for the advancement or payment of all expenses to the indemnitee and for reimbursement to us if it is found that such indemnitee is not entitled to such indemnification under applicable law and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. These provisions and agreements may have the practical effect in some cases of eliminating our stockholders’ ability to collect monetary damages from our directors and executive officers.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Corporate Opportunity

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, to the extent permitted by law:

 

    the Fortress Stockholders have the right to, and have no duty to abstain from, exercising such right to, engage or invest in the same or similar business as us, do business with any of our clients, customers or vendors or employ or otherwise engage any of our officers, directors or employees;

 

    if the Fortress Stockholders or any of their officers, directors or employees acquire knowledge of a potential transaction that could be a corporate opportunity, they have no duty to offer such corporate opportunity to us, our stockholders or affiliates;

 

    we have renounced any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, such corporate opportunities; and

 

    in the event that any of our directors and officers who is also a director, officer or employee of any of the Fortress Stockholders acquires knowledge of a corporate opportunity or is offered a corporate opportunity, provided that this knowledge was not acquired solely in such person’s capacity as our director or officer and such person acted in good faith, then such person is deemed to have fully satisfied such person’s fiduciary duty and is not liable to us if any of the Fortress Stockholders pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity or if such person did not present the corporate opportunity to us.

Transfer Agent

The registrar and transfer agent for our Common Stock is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC.

Listing

We intend to list our Common Stock on the NYSE under the symbol “NEWM.”

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Before the date of this Information Statement, we were not required to file reports with the SEC. This Information Statement and all future materials we file with the SEC may be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. New Media maintains an Internet site at             . The information contained on or accessible through our website or the SEC’s website shall not be deemed to be a part of this Information Statement or the registration statement of which this Information Statement forms a part.

We have filed a registration statement on Form 10 to register with the SEC the shares of our Common Stock to be distributed in the spin-off. This document constitutes a part of that registration statement, together with all amendments, supplements, schedules and exhibits to the registration statement.

This Information Statement does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. Each statement contained in this Information Statement as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to that exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved. The registration statement can be examined at the SEC’s Public Reference Room or on its Internet website at http://www.sec.gov .

 

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I NDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Beginning Balance Sheet of New Media Investment Group Inc.:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Audited Balance Sheet as of September 16, 2013

     F-3   

Notes to the Audited Balance Sheet

     F-4   

Consolidated Financial Statements of GateHouse Media Inc.:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-7   

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012

     F-8   

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December  30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010

     F-9   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 30, 2012,  January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010

     F-10   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 30, 2012, January  1, 2012 and December 31, 2010

     F-11   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-12   

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of GateHouse Media Inc.:

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 (unaudited) and December 30, 2012

     F-50   

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012

     F-51   

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2013

     F-52   

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June  30, 2013 and July 1, 2012

     F-53   

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-54   

Combined Financial Statements of Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

  

Report of Independent Auditors

     F-76   

Combined Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2013 and 2012

     F-77   

Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013

     F-78   

Combined Statements of Equity for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013

     F-79   

Combined Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013

     F-80   

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

     F-81   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of New Media Investment Group Inc.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of New Media Investment Group Inc. as of September 16, 2013. This balance sheet is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the balance sheet is free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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 balance sheet, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall presentation of the balance sheet. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of New Media Investment Group Inc. at September 16, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

September 26, 2013

 

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NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

BALANCE SHEET

September 16, 2013

 

Cash

   $ 100   
  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

  

Stockholder’s Equity

  

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding

   $ 10   

Additional paid-in-capital

     90   
  

 

 

 

Total Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 100   
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to balance sheet.

 

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NEW MEDIA INVESTMENT GROUP INC.

NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET

September 16, 2013

 

1. ORGANIZATION

New Media Investment Group Inc. (“New Media”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on June 18, 2013. Under the Certificate of Incorporation, New Media is authorized to issue up to 1,000 common shares. On September 16, 2013, New Media was capitalized and issued 1,000 common shares to Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”). Newcastle is the sole stockholder of New Media. New Media expects to operate newspaper, media directory and other media content businesses. New Media has had no operations since its formation.

On September 4, 2013, Newcastle entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (“RSA”) with GateHouse Media, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (“GateHouse”) and certain other debt holders of GateHouse. The terms of the RSA are summarized as follows. This summary only discussed the key terms of the RSA and is not intended to be a complete description of the RSA.

The RSA proposes a restructuring of GateHouse pursuant to a pre-packaged restructuring plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (“the Plan”) whereby each Creditor (as defined below) has the option of exchanging its holdings in the Outstanding Debt (as defined below) for either its pro rata share of cash or common stock in New Media with ownership interests in the reorganized GateHouse.

New Media intends to distribute a portion of its estimated EBITDA (as defined in the RSA) less (i) cash taxes; (ii) interest expense; (iii) principal payments under the financing to be entered into by GateHouse, using commercially reasonable efforts, of up to $150,000,000 of new debt, (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) changes in net working capital to its shareholders and reinvest the remainder for general corporate purposes which may include accretive acquisitions.

The RSA includes the restructuring of certain indebtedness of GateHouse (the “Outstanding Debt”) including indebtedness under the 2007 Credit Facility and swap liability. Holders of the Outstanding Debt are referred to herein as “Creditors.” Subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the RSA proposes a restructuring of the Outstanding Debt as follows:

 

  (a) Each Creditor of the Outstanding Debt would receive, in full and final satisfaction of its respective claim, at its election (with respect to all or any portion of its claims) to be made in connection with solicitation of the Plan, its pro rata share of:

 

  i. Cash pursuant to the Cash-Out Offer (described below under “Cash-Out Offer”) (the “Cash-Out Option”); and/or

 

  ii. (A) 100% of New Media common stock and (B) 100% of the net proceeds, if any , of new debt that GateHouse intends to raise (collectively, the “New Media Equity Option”).

Creditors that do not make an election before the expiration of the September 26, 2013 deadline of the pre-packaged solicitation of the Plan (“the Solicitation”), as such date may be extended by Newcastle in its sole discretion (the “Solicitation Period”) with respect to their claims, will be deemed to have elected the Cash-Out Option.

 

  (b) Holders of equity interests in GateHouse, including warrants, rights and options to acquire such equity interests (“Existing Equity Holders”), would be cancelled, and Existing Equity Holders will receive 10-year warrants, collectively representing the right to acquire, in the aggregate, equity equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Media (subject to dilution) as of the effective date of the Plan (the “Effective Date”), with the strike price per share for such warrants calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution (as defined below) of $1.2 billion as of the Effective Date. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan.

 

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  (c) Pension, trade and all other unsecured claims will be unimpaired by the Plan.

Cash-Out Offer

In connection with the restructuring, Newcastle (or its designated affiliates) will offer to purchase, in cash, an amount equal to 40.0% of the sum of (i) (a) principal of the claims under the 2007 Credit Facility, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (c) all amounts due under and subject to the terms of the interest rate swaps secured under the 2007 Credit Facility (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any default interest) on the Effective Date of the Plan. The Cash-Out Offer will be coterminous with the Solicitation Period.

Registration Rights

As of the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with certain holders of the Outstanding Debt that received 10% or more of the New Media common stock, to provide customary registration rights.

New Media Equity Option

Instead of the Cash-Out Offer, each holder of Outstanding Debt may elect to receive in satisfaction of its claims, a pro rata share of New Media common stock and the net proceeds of the Financing, if any. Following the completion of the restructuring, New Media will use commercially reasonable efforts, based on market conditions and other factors, to list New Media Common Stock (the “Listing”) and may raise additional equity capital in connection with or subsequent to the Listing. New Media intends to seek the Listing on the New York Stock Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, a Listing will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan. Under the Plan, New Media will not impose any transfer restrictions on New Media common stock (excepting restrictions imposed by applicable law).

Contribution of Local Media Group Holdings LLC

Newcastle acquired Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. (“Local Media”), a publisher of weekly newspaper publications, on September 3, 2013. Subject to the terms of the RSA, Newcastle will contribute Local Media Group Holdings LLC (“Local Media Parent”) and assign its rights under the related stock purchase agreement to New Media on the Effective Date (the “Local Media Contribution”) in exchange for shares of common stock of New Media (and at Newcastle’s option, $50,000), collectively equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition (as adjusted pursuant to the Plan) based upon the equity value of New Media as of the Effective Date prior to the contribution.

The parties to the RSA have agreed to support the Plan and take reasonable actions in furtherance of the restructuring.

Management Agreement

On the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a management agreement with an affiliate of Newcastle (the “Manager”) pursuant to which the Manager will manage the operations of New Media. The annual management fee will be 1.50% of New Media’s gross equity as set forth in the Management Agreement.

 

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2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying balance sheet is prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash is comprised of cash held in a major banking institution. New Media considers all highly liquid short term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of New Media’s cash approximates fair value at the date of the balance sheet.

Organizational Costs

Costs incurred to organize New Media will be expensed as incurred.

3. Subsequent Events

There have not been any events that have occurred that would require adjustments to or disclosures to the audited balance sheet.

4. Event (Unaudited) Subsequent to Date of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report

On September 27, 2013, GateHouse commenced a pre-packaged restructuring proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The terms of the restructuring were substantially consistent with those discussed in Note 1.

On November 6, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

GateHouse Media, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GateHouse Media, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2012. 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 (United States). 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 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 consolidated financial position of GateHouse Media, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2012, 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.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 21 to the financial statements, the Company entered into an agreement with the lenders under its 2007 credit facility to restructure the terms of the credit facility. Among other matters, the restructuring agreement requires the Company to file a voluntary petition seeking to reorganize under chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which would constitute an event of default under the terms of the Company’s 2007 credit facility. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 21. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Rochester, New York

March 7, 2013,

except for Note 21, as to which the date is

September 26, 2013

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
 
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 34,527      $ 19,212   

Restricted Cash

     6,467        6,167   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,456 and $2,976 at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively

     54,692        59,236   

Inventory

     6,019        6,017   

Prepaid expenses

     5,815        15,483   

Other current assets

     8,215        7,347   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     115,735        113,462   

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $128,208 and $116,780 at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively

     116,510        130,937   

Goodwill

     13,742        13,958   

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $196,878 and $179,327 at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively

     218,981        246,661   

Deferred financing costs, net

     1,719        2,974   

Other assets

     2,605        1,876   

Assets held for sale

     474        934   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 469,766      $ 510,802   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT     

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term liabilities

   $ 853      $ 1,039   

Current portion of long-term debt

     6,648        4,600   

Accounts payable

     9,396        8,216   

Accrued expenses

     26,258        27,625   

Accrued interest

     4,665        2,876   

Deferred revenue

     25,217        27,171   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     73,037        71,527   

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term debt

     1,167,450        1,176,638   

Long-term liabilities, less current portion

     2,347        2,935   

Derivative instruments

     45,724        51,576   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     15,367        13,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,303,925        1,316,434   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012; 58,313,868 issued, and 58,077,031 outstanding at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012

     568        568   

Additional paid-in capital

     831,344        831,249   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (52,642     (54,359

Accumulated deficit

     (1,610,917     (1,581,114

Treasury stock, at cost, 236,837 shares at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012

     (310     (310
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total GateHouse Media stockholders’ deficit

     (831,957     (803,966

Noncontrolling interest

     (2,202     (1,666
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (834,159     (805,632
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 469,766      $ 510,802   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 

Revenues:

      

Advertising

   $ 330,881      $ 357,134      $ 385,579   

Circulation

     131,576        131,879        133,192   

Commercial printing and other

     26,097        25,657        25,967   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     488,554        514,670        544,738   

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Operating costs

     268,222        281,884        296,974   

Selling, general, and administrative

     145,020        146,295        154,516   

Depreciation and amortization

     39,888        42,426        45,080   

Integration and reorganization costs

     4,393        5,884        2,324   

Impairment of long-lived assets

     —          1,733        430   

Loss on sale of assets

     1,238        455        1,551   

Goodwill impairment

     —          385        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     29,793        35,608        43,863   

Interest expense

     57,928        58,309        60,021   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,255        1,360        1,360   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

     (1,635     (913     8,277   

Other income

     (85     (395     (138
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (27,670     (22,753     (25,657

Income tax benefit

     (207     (1,803     (155
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (27,463     (20,950     (25,502

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (2,340     (699     (542
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (29,803   $ (21,649   $ (26,044
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share:

      

Basic and diluted:

      

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.47   $ (0.36   $ (0.44

Net loss

   $ (0.51   $ (0.37   $ (0.45

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

   $ 4,364      $ 11,052      $ (12,691

Pension and other postretirement benefit items:

      

Net actuarial loss

     (2,530     (2,663     (662

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     383        83        112   

Amortization of prior service credit

     (457     (457     (457

Other adjustment

     (43     240        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total pension and other postretirement benefit items, net of income taxes of $0

     (2,647     (2,797     (1,007
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     1,717        8,255        (13,698
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

   $ (28,086   $ (13,394   $ (39,742
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Common stock     Additional
paid-in
capital
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
    Accumulated
deficit
    Treasury stock     Non-
controlling
interest in
subsidiary
    Total  
    Shares     Amount           Shares     Amount      

Balance at December 31, 2009

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 829,009      $ (48,916   $ (1,533,421     209,859      $ (306   $ (510   $ (753,576

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (26,044     —          —          —          (26,044

Loss on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          (12,691     —          —          —          —          (12,691

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          (1,007     —          —          —          —          (1,007

Disposal of non wholly owned subsidiary

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (596     (596

Non-cash compensation expense

    —          —          1,715        —          —          —          —          —          1,715   

Stock issued by non wholly owned subsidiary

    —          —          63        —          —          —          —          19        82   

Purchase of treasury stock

    —          —          —          —          —          25,402        (4     —          (4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 830,787      $ (62,614   $ (1,559,465     235,261      $ (310   $ (1,087   $ (792,121
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (21,649     —          —          —          (21,649

Gain on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          11,052        —          —          —          —          11,052   

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          (2,797     —          —          —          —          (2,797

Disposal of non wholly owned subsidiary

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (579     (579

Non-cash compensation expense

    —          —          462        —          —          —          —          —          462   

Purchase of treasury stock

    —          —          —          —          —          1,576        —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2012

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 831,249      $ (54,359   $ (1,581,114     236,837      $ (310   $ (1,666   $ (805,632
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (29,803     —          —            (29,803

Gain on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          4,364        —          —          —          —          4,364   

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          (2,647     —          —          —          —          (2,647

Disposal of non wholly owned subsidiary

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (536     (536

Non-cash compensation expense

    —          —          95        —          —          —          —          —          95   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2012

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 831,344      $ (52,642   $ (1,610,917     236,837      $ (310   $ (2,202   $ (834,159
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Year ended
December 30,
2012
    Year ended
January 1,
2012
    Year ended
December 31,
2010
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (29,803   $ (21,649   $ (26,044

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     40,627        43,393        46,122   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,255        1,360        1,360   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

     (1,635     (913     8,277   

Non-cash compensation expense

     95        462        1,715   

Loss on sale of assets

     1,270        806        1,540   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (939     (1,859     (1,401

Impairment of long-lived assets

     2,128        2,051        834   

Goodwill impairment

     216        385        —     

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net

     3,448        2,478        6,157   

Inventory

     (2     1,714        (682

Prepaid expenses

     9,605        (4,977     (5,378

Other assets

     (1,903     (585     (78

Accounts payable

     1,322        2,311        (170

Accrued expenses

     (1,789     (1,731     (2,227

Accrued interest

     1,789        71        (430

Deferred revenue

     (1,597     (177     (478

Other long-term liabilities

     (588     (701     (2,664
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     23,499        22,439        26,453   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

     (4,687     (3,330     (4,780

Proceeds from sale of publications, other assets and insurance

     3,643        2,599        4,156   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,044     (731     (624
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Repayments under short-term debt

     —          —          (8,000

Repayments under current portion of long-term debt

     (4,600     (11,249     (2,513

Repayments under long-term debt

     (2,540     —          —     

Purchase of treasury stock

     —          —          (4

Stock issued by non wholly owned subsidiary

     —          —          7   

Repurchase of subsidiary preferred stock

     —          —          (11,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (7,140     (11,249     (22,010
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     15,315        10,459        3,819   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     19,212        8,753        4,934   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 34,527      $ 19,212      $ 8,753   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures on cash flow information:

      

Cash interest paid

   $ 55,976      $ 58,225      $ 59,317   

Cash income taxes paid

     —          —          80   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share data)

(1) Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Description of Business

GateHouse Media, Inc. (“GateHouse”), formerly Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. (“LGP”), and its subsidiaries is a leading U.S. publisher of local newspapers and related publications that are generally the dominant source of local news and print advertising in their markets. As of December 30, 2012, the Company (as defined below) owned and operated 406 publications located in 21 states. The majority of the Company’s paid daily newspapers have been published for more than 100 years and are typically the only paid daily newspapers of general circulation in their respective nonmetropolitan markets. The Company’s publications generally face limited competition as a result of operating in small and midsized markets that can typically support only one newspaper. The Company has strategically clustered its publications in geographically diverse, nonmetropolitan markets in the Midwest and Northeast United States, which limits its exposure to economic conditions in any single market or region.

Unlike large metropolitan newspapers, the Company derives a majority of its revenues from local advertising, rather than national advertising which the Company believes is generally more sensitive to economic conditions.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized its management structure to align with its publication types. The resulting operating segments are Large Community Newspapers, Small Community Newspapers and Directories. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable business segment.

(b) Basis of Presentation

GateHouse was formed in 1997 for purposes of acquiring 166 daily and weekly newspapers. GateHouse is a holding company for its wholly owned subsidiary, GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. (“Operating Company”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GateHouse and Operating Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

(c) Recent Developments

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. These trends have eliminated the availability to the Company of additional borrowings under its 2007 Credit Facility, see Note 8. As a result, the Company previously implemented and continues to implement plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. This includes the suspension of the payment of cash dividends, cost reduction programs, and the sale of non-core assets. The Company believes these initiatives will provide it with the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and provide sufficient cash flow to enable the Company to meet its commitments for the next year.

In February 2013, the US Postal Service announced that it will end Saturday delivery beginning in August 2013. The Company is evaluating the impact of this change, but does not expect it to be material.

(d) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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(e) Fiscal Year

Prior to 2011, the Company’s fiscal year ended on December 31. Effective January 1, 2011, the Company’s fiscal year changed to a 52 week operating year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. For 2012 a portion of the business had 364 days of operations compared to 366 days in 2011. The 2012 fiscal year ended on December 30, 2012. The year ended January 1, 2012 encompassed a 53-week period for approximately 60% of the Company.

(f) Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and current economic factors. The Company generally does not require collateral.

(g) Inventory

Inventory consists principally of newsprint, which is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. In 2011 and 2012 the Company purchased approximately 75% of its newsprint from one vendor. In 2013 the Company expects to purchase approximately 95% of newsprint from the same vendor.

(h) Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is recorded at cost. Routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is calculated under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, principally 25 years for buildings and improvements, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures, and computer software. Leasehold improvements are amortized under the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.

(i) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of advertiser, subscriber and customer relationships, mastheads, non-compete agreements with former owners of acquired newspapers, trade names and publication rights. The excess of acquisition costs over the estimated fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Goodwill and mastheads are not amortized pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Update (ASU) Topic 350 “ Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ” (“ASC 350”). Mastheads are not amortized because it has been determined that the useful lives of such mastheads are indefinite.

In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually or when events indicate that an impairment could exist which may include an economic downturn in a market, a change in the assessment of future operations or a decline in the Company’s stock price. The Company performs an annual impairment assessment on the last day of its fiscal second quarter. As required by ASC 350, the Company performs its impairment analysis on each of its reporting units. The reporting units have discrete financial information which are regularly reviewed by management. The fair value of the applicable reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires significant estimates and assumptions by the Company. The Company estimates fair value by applying third-party market value indicators to projected cash flows and/or projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, the Company relies on a number of factors, including current operating results and

 

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cash flows, expected future operating results and cash flows, future business plans, and market data. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimate of fair value, the Company calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized its management structure to align with its publication types. The fair value of goodwill was allocated to each of the new reporting units: Small Community Newspapers, Large Daily Newspapers and Metro Newspapers. The Company determined that impairment indicators were present for the Metro Newspaper reporting unit, which had a goodwill balance of $216. As of April 1, 2012 the Company performed a Step 1 analysis for this reporting unit and determined that its carrying value exceeded fair value. As a result of the Step 2 analysis, the entire $216 of goodwill was impaired and this amount was subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations, see Note 19. The fair value of this reporting unit for impairment testing purposes was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of this reporting unit. The Company performed further analysis of this reporting unit’s intangible and long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present.

Due to an operational management change in the fourth quarter of 2011, certain properties having a goodwill balance of $385 were transferred to a reporting unit that previously did not have a goodwill balance. The Company performed an impairment assessment for this reporting unit and as a result an impairment charge related to goodwill of $385 was recorded as of January 1, 2012. The Company performed further analysis of this reporting unit’s intangible assets and determined that additional impairments were not present as of year-end. A review of impairment indicators was performed for the Company’s other reporting units and it was determined that financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 26, 2011 impairment test and it was determined that no indicators of impairment were present.

Refer to Note 5 for additional information on the impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.

The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, “ Property, Plant and Equipment ” (“ASC 360”). The Company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment and definite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets, or related group of assets, may not be fully recoverable. Impairment indicators include significant under performance relative to historical or projected future operating losses, significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the Company’s overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates. If the carrying value of the assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset would be deemed to be impaired. Impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value.

(j) Revenue Recognition

Circulation revenue from subscribers is billed to customers at the beginning of the subscription period and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related subscription. Circulation revenue from single copy sales is recognized at the time of sale. Advertising revenue is recognized upon publication of the advertisement. Revenue for commercial printing is recognized upon delivery. Directory revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which the corresponding directory is distributed.

 

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(k) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company has determined that more likely than not its existing deferred tax assets will not be realized, and accordingly has provided a valuation allowance. Any changes in the scheduled reversals of deferred taxes may require an additional valuation allowance against the remaining deferred tax assets. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance could result in an increase or decrease in income tax expense in the period of adjustment.

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes”. The Company does not anticipate significant increases or decreases in our uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. The Company recognizes penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in tax expense.

(l) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s debt is disclosed in Note 8.

The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “ Derivatives and Hedging ” (“ASC 815”) and FASB ASC Topic 820 “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ” (“ASC 820”). These standards require an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either accumulated other comprehensive loss or net loss depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as an effective hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is disclosed in Note 9.

(m) Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid certificates of deposit which have original maturities of three months or less.

(n) Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs consist of costs incurred in connection with debt financings. Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated remaining term of the related debt.

(o) Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. The Company incurred total advertising expenses of $3,419, $2,620 and $3,549 during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

(p) Earnings (loss) per share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed as net income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issued through common stock equivalents.

 

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(q) Stock-based Employee Compensation

FASB ASC Topic 718, “ Compensation—Stock Compensation ” (“ASC 718”) requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in the consolidated financial statements over the service period (generally the vesting period) based on fair values measured on grant dates.

(r) Pension and Postretirement Liabilities

FASB ASC Topic 715, “ Compensation—Retirement Benefits ” (“ASC 715”) requires recognition of an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans such as retiree health and life, with current-year changes in the funded status recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. During the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 a total of $(2,647), $(2,797) and $(1,007) net of taxes of $0, $0 and $0, respectively, was recognized in other comprehensive loss (see Note 13).

(s) Self-Insurance Liability Accruals

The Company maintains self-insured medical and workers’ compensation programs. The Company purchases stop loss coverage from third parties which limits our exposure to large claims. The Company records a liability for healthcare and workers’ compensation costs during the period in which they occur as well as an estimate of incurred but not reported claims.

(t) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior periods consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

(u) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2012-02, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” The amendments in this update allow companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An entity is not required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not the asset is impaired. The changes to the ASC as a result of this update are effective for annual and interim impairment test performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2012-02 will not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2013-02 “Comprehensive Income Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)”, which amends ASC Topic 220. The amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition an entity is required to present either on the face of the Statement of Income or in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI and should be provided by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures require under GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. The changes to the ASC as a result of this updated guidance are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 will not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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(2) Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognized compensation expense for share-based payments of $95, $462 and $1,715, during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The total compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested awards as of December 30, 2012 was $23, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.3 years through April 2013.

(a) Restricted Share Grants (“RSGs”)

Prior to the Company’s IPO in 2006, the Company had issued 792,500 RSGs to certain management investors pursuant to each investor’s management stockholder agreement (each, a “Management Stockholder Agreement”). Under the Management Stockholder Agreements, RSGs vest by one-third on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries from the grant date. Following the adoption of the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in October 2006, an additional 268,680 RSGs were granted during the year ended December 31, 2006 to Company directors, management, and employees. During the year ended December 31, 2007 an additional 198,846 RSGs were granted to Company directors, management and employees, 105,453 of which were both granted and forfeited. During the year ended December 31, 2008 an additional 266,795 RSGs were granted to Company directors, management and employees, 42,535 of which were both granted and forfeited. During the year ended December 31, 2009 an additional 100,000 RSGs were granted to Company management. The majority of the RSGs issued under the Plan vest in increments of one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. In the event a grantee of an RSG is terminated by the Company without cause, a number of unvested RSGs immediately vest that would have vested under the normal vesting period on the next succeeding anniversary date following such termination. In the event an RSG grantee’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause within twelve months after a change in control as defined in the applicable award agreement, all unvested RSGs become immediately vested at the termination date. During the period prior to the lapse and removal of the vesting restrictions, a grantee of an RSG will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive all dividends or other distributions. As a result, the RSGs are reflected as outstanding common stock and the unvested RSGs have been excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share. With respect to Company employees, the value of the RSGs on the date of issuance is recognized as employee compensation expense over the vesting period or through the grantee’s eligible retirement date, if shorter, with an increase to additional paid-in-capital. During the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 the Company recognized $95, $462 and $1,715 respectively in share-based compensation expense related to RSGs and is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

As of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, there were 25,424 and 84,181 RSGs, respectively, issued and outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.04 and $3.67, respectively. As of December 30, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSGs was $2. As of December 30, 2012, the aggregate fair value of vested RSGs was $4.

RSG activity was as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 30, 2012
     Year Ended
January 1, 2012
     Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 
     Number
of RSGs
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Number
of RSGs
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
     Number
of RSGs
    Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at beginning of year

     84,181      $ 3.67         299,560      $ 8.89         570,696      $ 10.01   

Granted

     —          —           —          —           —          —     

Vested

     (58,757     2.65         (215,379     10.93         (264,403     11.29   

Forfeited

     —          —           —          —           (6,733     9.75   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

Unvested at end of year

     25,424      $ 6.04         84,181      $ 3.67         299,560      $ 8.89   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

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ASC 718 requires the recognition of share-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company’s estimated forfeitures are based on forfeiture rates of comparable plans. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and the estimate may change based on new facts and circumstances.

(b) Valuation of Equity Securities Issued as Compensation

The Company values equity securities issued as compensation using the fair value of the securities as of the grant date.

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company recorded deferred share-based compensation, which consisted of the amounts by which the estimated fair value of the instrument underlying the grant exceeded the grant or exercise price, at the date of grant or other measurement date, if applicable and recognized the expense over the related service period. In determining the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the dates of grant prior to the IPO on October 25, 2006, the Company’s stock was not publicly traded and, therefore, the Company was unable to rely on a public trading market for its stock prior to October 25, 2006.

As the Company began the process of preparing for its IPO, it developed a preliminary valuation using a discounted cash flow approach as of July 2006. The Company estimated that the fair value of its common stock was $15.01 per share based on a valuation using a discounted cash flow approach as of July 2006.

The Company retrospectively applied the valuation to share-based compensation relating to RSGs and common stock sales which occurred from January 2006 to May 2006. Therefore, the financial statements reflect this valuation for grants made prior to the Company’s IPO.

(3) Restructuring

Over the past several years, and in furtherance of the Company’s cost reduction and cash preservation plans outlined in Note 1, the Company has engaged in a series of individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right size the Company’s employee base, consolidate facilities and improve operations. These initiatives impact all of the Company’s geographic regions and are often influenced by the terms of union contracts within the region. All costs related to these programs, which primarily reflect involuntary severance expense, are accrued at the time of announcement.

Information related to restructuring program activity during the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 is outlined below.

 

     Severance
and Related
Costs
    Other
Costs (1)
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 253      $ 1      $ 254   

Restructuring provision included in Integration and Reorganization (2)

     3,724        2,226        5,950   

Cash payments

     (3,077     (1,801     (4,878
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 900      $ 426      $ 1,326   

Restructuring provision included in Integration and Reorganization (2)

     3,610        800        4,410   

Cash payments

     (3,826     (1,062     (4,888
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2012

   $ 684      $ 164      $ 848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Other costs primarily included costs to consolidate operations.
(2) Included above are amounts that were initially recognized in integration and reorganization and were subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations expense at the time the operations ceased.

 

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The restructuring reserve balance as of December 30, 2012, for all programs was $848, which is expected to be paid out over the next twelve months.

The following table summarizes the costs incurred and cash paid in connection with these restructuring programs for the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012.

 

     Years Ended  
     December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
 

Severance and related costs (2)

   $ 3,610      $ 3,724   

Other costs (1) (2)

     800        2,226   

Cash payments

     (4,888     (4,878

 

(1) Other costs primarily included costs to consolidate operations.
(2) Included above are amounts that were initially recognized in integration and reorganization and were subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations expense at the time the operations ceased.

Additionally, during the year ended January 1, 2012, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $1,696 related to the consolidation of its print operations. Refer to Note 16 for fair value measurement discussion.

(4) Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following:

 

     December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
 

Land

   $ 19,384      $ 19,627   

Buildings and improvements

     84,028        86,786   

Machinery and equipment

     118,907        120,554   

Furniture, fixtures, and computer software

     20,673        20,225   

Construction in progress and other non-depreciating assets

     1,726        525   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     244,718        247,717   

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (128,208     (116,780
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 116,510      $ 130,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 was $16,435, $18,669 and $21,099, respectively.

 

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(5) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

     December 30, 2012  
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Carrying
Amount
 

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 4,970       $ 4,839       $ 131   

Advertiser relationships

     278,543         145,878         132,665   

Customer relationships

     8,940         3,597         5,343   

Subscriber relationships

     82,280         39,226         43,054   

Trade name

     5,493         3,204         2,289   

Publication rights

     345         134         211   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 380,571       $ 196,878       $ 183,693   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 13,742         

Mastheads

     35,288         
  

 

 

       

Total

   $ 49,030         
  

 

 

       

 

     January 1, 2012  
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Carrying
Amount
 

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 4,970       $ 4,479       $ 491   

Advertiser relationships

     286,478         134,228         152,250   

Customer relationships

     8,940         2,946         5,994   

Subscriber relationships

     83,158         34,908         48,250   

Trade name

     5,493         2,655         2,838   

Publication rights

     345         111         234   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 389,384       $ 179,327       $ 210,057   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 13,958         

Mastheads

     36,604         
  

 

 

       

Total

   $ 50,562         
  

 

 

       

The weighted average amortization periods for amortizable intangible assets are 4.4 years for noncompete agreements, 16.7 years for advertiser relationships, 13.8 years for customer relationships, 17.2 years for subscriber relationships, 10.0 years for trade names and 15.0 years for publication rights.

Amortization expense for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 was $23,598, $23,914 and $24,037, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense as of January 1, 2012, is as follows:

 

For the years ending the Sunday closest to December 31:

  

2013

   $ 23,323   

2014

     23,277   

2015

     23,243   

2016

     21,316   

2017

     20,242   

Thereafter

     72,292   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 183,693   
  

 

 

 

 

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The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:

 

Gross balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 886,843   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (872,500
  

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 14,343   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill impairment

     (385
  

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 13,958   
  

 

 

 

Gross balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 886,843   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (872,885
  

 

 

 

Net balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 13,958   
  

 

 

 

Goodwill impairment from divestitures (1)

     (216
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2012

   $ 13,742   
  

 

 

 

Gross balance at December 30, 2012

   $ 886,843   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (873,101
  

 

 

 

Net balance at December 30, 2012

   $ 13,742   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Goodwill impairment was initially recognized in continuing operations and was subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations expense at the time the operations were classified as held for sale.

As of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, goodwill in the amount $606,013 was deductible for income tax purposes.

The Company’s annual impairment assessment is made on the last day of its fiscal second quarter.

As of March 31, 2010 a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 30, 2009 impairment test and its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value. It was determined that an impairment analysis was not required.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of June 30, 2010, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and individual newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that current transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units. Given the stabilization of operating results for the only reporting unit having a goodwill balance at the time, no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price and fair value of debt) plus an estimated control premium.

As of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, and March 27, 2011 a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 30, 2010 impairment test and its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value. It was determined that an impairment analysis was not required.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of June 26, 2011, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and

 

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assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units. Given the stabilization of operating results for the only reporting unit having a goodwill balance at the time, no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price and fair value of debt) plus an estimated control premium.

As of September 25, 2011 a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 26, 2011 impairment test and its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value. It was determined that an impairment analysis was not required.

Due to an operational management change in the fourth quarter of 2011, certain properties having a goodwill balance of $385 were transferred to a reporting unit that previously did not have a goodwill balance. The Company performed a Step 1 analysis for this reporting unit and determined that its carrying value exceeded fair value. As a result of the Step 2 analysis, the entire $385 of goodwill was impaired. The fair value of this reporting unit for impairment testing purposes was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of this reporting unit. The Company performed further analysis of this reporting unit’s intangible and long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present as of year-end.

As of January 1, 2012, a review of impairment indicators was performed for the Company’s other reporting units and it was determined that financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 26, 2011 impairment test and it was determined no indicators of impairment were present.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized its management structure to align with its publication types. The fair value of goodwill was allocated to each of the new reporting units: Small Community Newspapers, Large Daily Newspapers and Metro Newspapers. The Company determined that impairment indicators were present for the Metro Newspaper reporting unit, which had a goodwill balance of $216. As of April 1, 2012 the Company performed a Step 1 analysis for this reporting unit and determined that its carrying value exceeded fair value. As a result of the Step 2 analysis, the entire $216 of goodwill was impaired and this amount was subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations, see Note 19. The fair value of this reporting unit for impairment testing purposes was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of this reporting unit. The Company performed further analysis of this reporting unit’s intangible and long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present.

As of April 1, 2012, a review of impairment indicators was performed for the Company’s other reporting units and it was determined that financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 26, 2011 impairment test and it was determined no indicators of impairment were present.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of July 1, 2012, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the

 

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assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units. Given the stabilization of operating results for the two reporting units that had a goodwill balance as of the annual impairment assessment date, no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the stock market price and fair value of debt) plus an estimated control premium.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 30, 2012, a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the July 1, 2012 impairment test and its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value. It was determined no indicators of impairment were present.

The newspaper industry and our Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

(6) Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

 

     December 30,
2012
     January 1,
2012
 

Accrued payroll

   $ 4,305       $ 3,790   

Accrued bonus

     2,219         4,465   

Accrued vacation

     959         1,396   

Accrued insurance

     6,903         6,488   

Accrued newsprint

     —           45   

Accrued other

     11,872         11,441   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 26,258       $ 27,625   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(7) Lease Commitments

The future minimum lease payments related to the Company’s non-cancelable operating lease commitments as of December 30, 2012 are as follows:

 

For the years ending the Sunday closest to December 31:

  

2013

   $ 4,640   

2014

     4,616   

2015

     3,447   

2016

     2,523   

2017

     2,203   

Thereafter

     2,551   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 19,980   
  

 

 

 

Rental expense under operating leases for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 was $5,009, $5,382 and $5,297, respectively.

 

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(8) Indebtedness

2007 Credit Facility

GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. (“Operating”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of GateHouse Media, GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (“Holdco”), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of GateHouse Media, and certain of their subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, with a syndicate of financial institutions with Wells Fargo Bank as administrative agent.

The 2007 Credit Facility, prior to execution of the Second Amendment (defined below), provided for a: (a) $670,000 term loan facility that matures on August 28, 2014; (b) a delayed draw term loan facility of up to $250,000 that matures on August 28, 2014 and (c) a revolving credit facility with a $40,000 aggregate loan commitment amount available, including a $15,000 sub-facility for letters of credit and a $10,000 swingline facility, that matures on February 28, 2014. The borrowers used the proceeds of the 2007 Credit Facility to refinance existing indebtedness and for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, financing acquisitions permitted under the 2007 Credit Facility. The 2007 Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in: (a) all present and future capital stock or other membership, equity, ownership or profits interest of Operating and all of its direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries, (b) 65% of the voting stock (and 100% of the nonvoting stock) of all present and future first-tier foreign subsidiaries and (c) substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdco, Operating and their present and future direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries. In addition, the loans and other obligations of the borrowers under the 2007 Credit Facility are guaranteed, subject to specified limitations, by Holdco, Operating and their present and future direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility bear interest, at the borrower’s option, equal to the LIBOR Rate for a LIBOR Rate Loan (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), or the Alternate Base Rate for an Alternate Base Rate Loan (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the LIBOR Rate term loans and Alternate Base Rate term loans, as amended by the First Amendment (defined below), is 2.00% and 1.00%, respectively. The applicable margin for revolving loans is adjusted quarterly based upon Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) ( i.e ., the ratio of Holdco’s Consolidated Indebtedness (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) on the last day of the preceding quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) for the four fiscal quarters ending on the date of determination). The applicable margin ranges from 1.50% to 2.00%, in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans, and 0.50% to 1.00% in the case of Alternate Base Rate Loans. Under the revolving credit facility, GateHouse Media will also pay a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility ranging from 0.25% to 0.5% based on the same total leverage ratio (as described above), and a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR Rate Loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit. In addition, GateHouse Media will be required to pay a ticking fee at the rate of 0.50% of the aggregate unfunded amount available to be borrowed under the delayed draw term facility.

No principal payments are due on the term loan facilities or the revolving credit facility until the applicable maturity date. The borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities in an amount equal to 50.0% of Holdco’s Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) earned during the previous fiscal year, except that no prepayments are required if the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) is less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 at the end of such fiscal year. In addition, the borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with asset disposition proceeds in excess of specified amounts to the extent necessary to cause Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio to be less than or equal to 6.25 to 1.00, and with cash insurance proceeds and condemnation or expropriation awards, in excess of specified amounts, subject, in each case, to reinvestment rights. The borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with the net proceeds of equity issuances by GateHouse Media in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the amount by which 50.0% of the net cash proceeds exceeds the amount (if any) required to repay any credit facilities of GateHouse Media or (b) the amount of proceeds required to reduce Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio to 6.0 to 1.0. The borrowers are also required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with 100% of the proceeds of

 

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debt issuances (with specified exceptions), except that no prepayment is required if Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio is less than 6.0 to 1.0. If the term loan facilities have been paid in full, mandatory prepayments are applied to the repayment of borrowings under the swingline facility and revolving credit facilities and the cash collateralization of letters of credit.

The 2007 Credit Facility contains a financial covenant that requires Holdco to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio of less than or equal to 6.5 to 1.0 at any time an extension of credit is outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The 2007 Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Holdco, Operating and their restricted subsidiaries customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions, including restrictions on their ability to incur indebtedness (which GateHouse Media is generally permitted to incur so long as it satisfies an incurrence test that requires it to maintain a pro forma Total Leverage Ratio of less than 6.5 to 1.0), create liens on assets, engage in certain lines of business, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments or acquisitions, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale leaseback transactions, enter into negative pledges or pay dividends or make other restricted payments (except that Holdco is permitted to (a) make restricted payments (including quarterly dividends) so long as, after giving effect to any such restricted payment, Holdco and its subsidiaries have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) equal to or greater than 1.0 to 1.0 and would be able to incur an additional $1.00 of debt under the incurrence test referred to above and (b) make restricted payments of proceeds of asset dispositions to GateHouse Media to the extent such proceeds are not required to prepay loans under the 2007 Credit Facility and/or cash collateralize letter of credit obligations and such proceeds are used to prepay borrowings under acquisition credit facilities of GateHouse Media. The 2007 Credit Facility also permits the borrowers, in certain limited circumstances, to designate subsidiaries as “unrestricted subsidiaries” which are not subject to the covenant restrictions in the 2007 Credit Facility. The 2007 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including defaults based on a failure to pay principal, reimbursement obligations, interest, fees or other obligations, subject to specified grace periods; a material inaccuracy of representations and warranties; breach of covenants; failure to pay other indebtedness and cross-accelerations; a Change of Control (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility); events of bankruptcy and insolvency; material judgments; failure to meet certain requirements with respect to ERISA; and impairment of collateral. There were no extensions of credit outstanding under the revolving credit portion of the facility at December 30, 2012 and, therefore, the Company was not required to be in compliance with the Total Leverage Ratio covenant.

First Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On May 7, 2007, the borrowers entered into the First Amendment to amend the 2007 Credit Facility (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment provided an incremental term loan facility under the 2007 Credit Facility in the amount of $275,000. As amended by the First Amendment, the 2007 Credit Facility includes $1,195,000 of term loan facilities and $40,000 of a revolving credit facility. The incremental term loan facility amortizes at the same rate and matures on the same date as the existing term loan facilities under the 2007 Credit Facility. Interest on the incremental term loan facility accrues at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the borrowers, (a) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin equal to (i) 2.00%, if the corporate family ratings and corporate credit ratings of Operating by Moody’s Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, are at least B1, and B+, respectively, in each case with stable outlook or (ii) 2.25%, otherwise, as was the case as of December 30, 2012, or (b) the greater of the prime rate set by Wells Fargo Bank, or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin 1.00% lower than that applicable to adjusted LIBOR-based loans. Any voluntary or mandatory repayment of the First Amendment term loans made with the proceeds of a new term loan entered into for the primary purpose of benefiting from a margin that is less than the margin applicable as a result of the First Amendment will be subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium. The First Amendment term loans are subject to a “most favored nation” interest provision that grants the First Amendment term loans an interest rate margin that is 0.25% less than the highest margin of any future term loan borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility.

As previously noted, the First Amendment also modified the interest rates applicable to the term loans under the 2007 Credit Facility. Term loans thereunder accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the Borrower, (a) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin equal to 2.00% or (b) the greater of the prime rate set by Wells

 

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Fargo Bank, or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin equal to 1.00%. The terms of the previously outstanding borrowings were also modified to include a 1.00% prepayment premium corresponding to the prepayment premium applicable to the First Amendment term loans and a corresponding “most favored nation” interest provision.

Second Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On February 3, 2009, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Second Amendment”).

The Second Amendment, among other things, permits the borrowers to repurchase term loans outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility at prices below par through one or more Modified Dutch Auctions (as defined in the Second Amendment) through December 31, 2011, provided that: (a) no Default or Event of Default (each as described in the 2007 Credit Facility) under the 2007 Credit Facility has occurred and is continuing or would result from such repurchases; (b) the sum of Unrestricted Cash and Accessible Borrowing Availability (as defined in the Second Amendment) under the 2007 Credit Facility is greater than or equal to $20,000; and (c) no Extension of Credit (as defined in the Second Amendment) is outstanding under the revolving credit facility before or after giving effect to such repurchases. The Second Amendment further provides that such repurchases may result in the prepayment of term loans on a non-pro rata basis. No debt repurchases were required to be made pursuant to the Second Amendment and no repurchases were made.

The Second Amendment also reduced the aggregate principal amounts available under the 2007 Credit Facility, as follows: (a) for revolving loans, from $40,000 to $20,000; (b) for the letter of credit subfacility, from $15,000 to $5,000; and (c) for the swingline loan subfacility, from $10,000 to $5,000.

In addition, the Second Amendment provides that Holdco may not incur additional term debt under the 2007 Credit Facility unless the Senior Secured Incurrence Test (as defined in the Second Amendment) is less than 4.00 to 1 and the current Incurrence Test (as defined in the Second Amendment) is satisfied. At December 30, 2012, Holdco was not able to incur additional debt under the 2007 Credit Facility.

In conjunction with the Second Amendment, the Company incurred and expensed approximately $550 of fees. The existing unamortized deferred financing fees that should be written off, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 855, “ Debt ”, as a result of the decrease in borrowing capacity were not significant. The Company determined that the approximate net impact of $400 was immaterial and as a result the Company expensed the $550 of new fees and continues to amortize the existing deferred financing fees.

Agency Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On April 1, 2011, the borrowers entered into an Agency Succession and Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011, to the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Agency Amendment”).

Pursuant to the Agency Amendment, among other things, (a) Wells Fargo Bank resigned as Agent and (b) Gleacher was appointed as Agent. In addition, the Agency Amendment effected certain amendments to the 2007 Credit Facility that provide that (x) the Agent need not be a lender under the 2007 Credit Facility and (y) the lenders holding a majority of the outstanding term loans and loan commitments under the 2007 Credit Facility have (i) the right, in their discretion, to remove the Agent and (ii) the right to make certain decisions and exercise certain powers under the 2007 Credit Facility that had previously been within the discretion of the Agent.

2007 Credit Facility Excess Cash Flow Payment and Outstanding Balance

As required by the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended, on March 15, 2012 and March 2, 2011, the Company made principal payments of $4,600 and $11,249, respectively, which represented 50% of the Excess Cash Flow related to the fiscal years ended January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, respectively. As of December 30, 2012,

 

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a total of $1,174,098 was outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility; consisting of $658,281 under the term loan facility, $245,627 under the delayed draw term loan facility, and $270,190 under the incremental term loan facility. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. Following the filing of this Annual Report (Form 10-K) on March 7, 2013 the Company expects to make a principal payment of $6,648, which represents 50% of the Excess Cash Flow related to the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012, as required by the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. This amount has been classified as current portion of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 30, 2012.

Compliance with Covenants

The Company currently is in compliance with all of the covenants and obligations under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. However, due to restrictive covenants and conditions within the facility, the Company currently does not have the ability to draw upon the revolving credit facility portion of the 2007 Credit Facility for any immediate short-term funding needs or to incur additional long-term debt and do not expect to be able to do so in the foreseeable future.

2008 Bridge Facility

On February 15, 2008, GateHouse Media Intermediate Holdco, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, and the Company entered into the 2008 Bridge Facility with Barclays Capital (“Barclays”), as subsequently modified and amended. The 2008 Bridge Facility originally provided for a $20,600 secured term loan facility. On June 7, 2010, the Company paid off in full the remaining balance under the 2008 Bridge Facility.

Preferred Stock Agreement with Subsidiary

On August 21, 2008, FIF III Liberty Holdings LLC (“FIF III”) purchased an aggregate of $11,500 in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb Holdings, Inc. (“Macomb”), an operating subsidiary of the Company. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, used the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11,500 cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. On December 7, 2010, FIF III exercised its right to require the Company to purchase its Macomb preferred stock. During the five-year period following the full repayment by the Company of its 2008 Bridge Facility, which repayment occurred in the second quarter of 2010, FIF III had the right to require the Company to purchase the preferred stock. The Company paid the purchase price of $14,144 on December 8, 2010, which represented the sum of original purchase price of $11,500 paid by FIF III for the Macomb preferred stock and accrued but unpaid dividends of $2,644. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, LLC, the owner of approximately 39.6% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.

Fair Value

The fair value of the Company’s total long-term debt, determined based on the average yield to maturity of publicly traded debt with similar ratings and consistent maturities and terms, Level 2 inputs (see Note 16), was approximately $715,000. The average yield to maturity of such publicly traded debt used in valuing the Company’s debt ranged from 6.9% to 52.0% with an average of 19.7%. The fair value is an estimate based on publicly available information and may not necessarily represent the fair market value in an arm’s length transaction.

 

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Payment Schedule

As of December 30, 2012, scheduled principal payments of outstanding debt are as follows:

 

2013

     6,648   

2014

     1,167,450   
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,174,098   

Less: Short-Term Debt

     6,648   
  

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

   $ 1,167,450   
  

 

 

 

(9) Derivative Instruments

The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to hedge the aggregate risk of interest rate fluctuations with respect to its long-term debt, which requires payments based on a variable interest rate index. These risks include: increases in debt rates above the earnings of the encumbered assets, increases in debt rates resulting in the failure of certain debt ratio covenants, increases in debt rates such that assets can no longer be refinanced, and earnings volatility.

In order to reduce such risks, the Company primarily uses interest rate swap agreements to change floating-rate long term debt to fixed-rate long-term debt. This type of hedge is intended to qualify as a “cash-flow hedge” under ASC 815. For these instruments, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the same period in which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is immediately recognized in earnings.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 

     Liability Derivatives  
     December 30, 2012      January 1, 2012  
     Balance Sheet Location      Fair Value      Balance Sheet Location      Fair Value  

Derivative designed as hedging instruments under ASC 815

           

Interest rate swaps

     Derivative Instruments       $ 45,724         Derivative Instruments       $ 51,576   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives

      $ 45,724          $ 51,576   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010

 

Derivatives in ASC 815
Cash Flow Hedging
Relationships

  

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on

Derivative

     Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivative
 
        2012      2011      2010  

Interest rate swaps

   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments      $ 1,635       $ 913       $ (8,277

 

Derivatives in
ASC 815
Cash Flow
Hedging

Relationships

  Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
    Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI into Income

(Effective Portion)
  Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
    Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness

Testing)
  Amount of Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized in

Income on
Derivative

(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
  2012     2011     2010       2012     2011     2010         2012         2011         2010    

Interest rate swaps

  $ 5,832      $ 13,829      $ (20,801   Interest income/
(expense)
  $ (28,771   $ (29,560   $ (38,209   Other income
(expense)
  $ 20      $ 85      $ (167

On June 23, 2005, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $300,000 maturing June 2012 as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company received interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.135%, with settlements occurring monthly. On February 20, 2006, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. At December 31, 2006, the swap no longer qualified as an effective hedge. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income has been reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. On January 1, 2007, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. On August 18, 2008, the Company terminated the swap and entered into a settlement agreement with Goldman Sachs in the aggregate amount of $18,947, which also includes the termination of the swap having a notional value of $270,000. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the item previously hedged. During the twelve months ended December 30, 2012, ($1,615) was amortized and recognized through earnings relating to balances in accumulated other comprehensive income and the associated deferred income taxes of $148 were recognized in income tax expense. As of December 30, 2012, all amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income have been reclassified into earnings.

In connection with financing obtained in 2006, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $270,000 maturing July 2011 as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company received interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.359%, with settlements occurring monthly. On January 1, 2007, the swap was redesignated. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income has been reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. On August 18, 2008, the Company terminated the swap and entered into a settlement agreement with Goldman Sachs in the aggregate amount of $18,947 which also includes the termination of the swap having a notional value of $300,000. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the item previously hedged. As of December 30, 2012, all amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income have been reclassified into earnings.

In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $100,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.14%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the year ended December 30, 2012, the fair value of the swap increased by $969, net, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $969 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $250,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the

 

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Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.971%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the year ended December 30, 2012, the fair value of the swap increased by $2,293, net, of which $3 was recognized through earnings and $2,290 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the First Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $200,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.079% with settlements occurring monthly. During the year ended December 30, 2012, the fair value of the swap increased by $1,900, net, of which a decrease of $20 was recognized through earnings and an increase of $1,920 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

During September, 2007, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $75,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.941% with settlements occurring monthly. During the year ended December 30, 2012, the fair value of the swap increased by $690, net, of which $37 was recognized through earnings and $653 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

Upon the maturity of a redesignated hedge the Company reviewed all amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income and determined $240 should be reclassified from the derivative to the pension balance during the twelve months ended January 1, 2012.

The aggregate amount of unrealized loss related to derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive loss as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $45,651 and $50,017, respectively.

(10) Income Taxes

Income tax expense (benefit) on loss from continuing operations for the periods shown below consisted of:

 

     Current     Deferred      Total  

Year ended December 30, 2012:

       

U.S. Federal

   $ 149      $     —         $ 149   

State and local

     (356     —           (356
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (207     —         $ (207
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended January 1, 2012:

       

U.S. Federal

   $ (1,368   $ —         $ (1,368

State and local

     (435     —           (435
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (1,803     —         $ (1,803
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2010:

       

U.S. Federal

   $ —        $ —         $ —     

State and local

     (155     —           (155
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (155     —         $ (155
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Income tax expense (benefit) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 34% to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
December 31,
2010
 

Computed “expected” tax benefit

   $ (9,303   $ (8,171   $ (8,755

Increase (decrease) in income tax benefit resulting from:

      

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

     20        (367     —     

Nondeductible meals, entertainment, and other expenses

     393        358        82   

Return to provision adjustment

     288        6        (60

Impairment of Non-Deductible Goodwill

     —          51        —     

Change in valuation allowance

     8,462        6,183        7,755   

Increase (decrease) to provision for unrecognized tax benefits

     (356     120        (155

Preferred stock dividend

     —          —          899   

Other

     289        17        79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (207   $ (1,803   $ (155
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the year ended December 30, 2012, the income tax benefit, net of income tax valuation allowance, was $207.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are presented below:

 

     December 30,
2012
    January 1,
2012
 

Current deferred tax assets:

    

Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 962      $ 1,165   

Accrued expenses

     12,077        12,976   

Inventory capitalization

     2,356        2,356   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross current deferred tax assets

     15,395        16,497   

Less valuation allowance

     (15,395     (16,497
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current deferred tax assets

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current deferred tax assets:

    

Derivative instruments

     17,870        20,219   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligation

     8,922        7,489   

Long-lived and intangible assets, principally due to differences in depreciation and amortization

     160,131        183,794   

Net operating losses

     242,272        204,955   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross non-current deferred tax assets

     429,195        416,457   

Less valuation allowance

     (429,195     (416,457
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net non-current deferred tax assets

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the valuation allowance increased by $10,980, of which $5,617 was charged to earnings and $5,363 was recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the

 

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year ended January 1, 2012, the valuation allowance increased by $2,707 of which $6,551 was charged to earnings and $3,844 was recorded as a reduction through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the year ended December 30, 2012, the valuation allowance increased by $11,636 of which $11,795 was charged to earnings, $513 was charged to discontinued operations, and $672 was recorded as a reduction through accumulated other comprehensive income.

At December 30, 2012, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for Federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $632,120, which are available to offset future taxable income, if any. These Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire on various dates from 2018 through 2031. A portion of these net operating losses are subject to the limitations of Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) Section 382. This section provides limitations on the availability of net operating losses to offset current taxable income if significant ownership changes have occurred for Federal tax purposes.

At December 30, 2012, the Company had uncertain tax positions of $4,677 which, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The Company did not record significant amounts of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 30, 2012. Certain amounts were recognized in 2012 due to expiration of the statute of limitations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:

 

Balance as of January 1, 2011

   $ 4,913   

Increases based on tax positions prior to 2011

     120   
  

 

 

 

Uncertain tax positions as of January 1, 2012

   $ 5,033   

Decreases based on tax positions prior to 2012

     (399

Increases based on tax positions prior to 2012

     43   
  

 

 

 

Uncertain tax positions as of December 30, 2012

   $ 4,677   
  

 

 

 

The Company does not anticipate significant increases or decreases in our uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months. The Company recognizes penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes.

The Company files a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return for which the statute of limitations remains open for the 2009 tax year and beyond. U.S. state jurisdictions have statute of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 6 years.

 

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(11) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”):

 

     Year Ended
December 30, 2012
    Year Ended
January 1, 2012
    Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 

Numerator for earnings per share calculation:

      

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (27,463   $ (20,950   $ (25,502

Loss from discontinued operations

     (2,340     (699     (542
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (29,803   $ (21,649   $ (26,044

Denominator for earnings per share calculation:

      

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     58,041,907        57,949,815        57,723,353   

Dilutive securities, including restricted share grants

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     58,041,907        57,949,815        57,723,353   

Loss per share—basic and diluted:

      

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.47   $ (0.36   $ (0.44

Loss from discontinued operations

     (0.04     (0.01     (0.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (0.51   $ (0.37   $ (0.45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, 25,424, 84,181 and 299,560 RSGs, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because their effect would have been antidilutive.

(12) Employee Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a GateHouse Media, Inc. defined contribution plan (the “Defined Plan”) designed to conform to IRS rules for 401(k) plans for all of its employees satisfying minimum service requirements as set forth under the plan. The plan allows for a matching contribution at the discretion of the Company. Employees can contribute amounts up to 100% of their eligible gross wages to the plan, subject to IRS limitations. The Company implemented a Companywide matching contribution on January 1, 2008 and discontinued offering such matching contribution across the Company on January 1, 2009. Effective January 2, 2012 the Company reinstated the matching contribution across the Company. During fiscal 2010 and 2011 the Company only offered a matching contribution to certain groups of the Company’s employees. The Company’s current match ranges from 50% to 100% of a specified portion of employee contribution, which specified portion ranges from 1% to 6% of eligible gross wages. During the year ended December 30, 2012, when the Company offered a matching contribution across the entire Company, the Company’s matching contribution to the plan was $1,033. During the years ended January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, when the Company did not offer a matching contribution across the entire Company, the Company’s matching contributions to the plan were $117 and $102, respectively.

The Company maintains three nonqualified deferred compensation plans, as described below, for certain of its employees.

The Company maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Publishers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (“Publishers Plan”), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain designated publishers of the Company’s newspapers. Under the Publishers Plan, the Company credits an amount to a bookkeeping account established for each participating publisher pursuant to a pre-determined formula, which is based upon the gross operating profits of each such publisher’s newspaper. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating publisher vest on an installment basis over a period of 15 years. A participating publisher forfeits all amounts under the Publishers Plan in the event that the publisher’s

 

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employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Publishers Plan. Amounts credited to a participating publisher’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the publisher’s employment with the Company and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the publisher. The Publisher’s Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006, and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Publisher’s Plan became 100% vested. The Company recorded $0, $0 and $0 of compensation expense related to the Publishers Plan for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

The Company maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Executive Benefit Plan (“Executive Benefit Plan”), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain key employees of the Company. Under the Executive Benefit Plan, the Company credits an amount, determined at the Company’s sole discretion, to a bookkeeping account established for each participating key employee. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. The amounts credited to the bookkeeping account on behalf of each participating key employee vest on an installment basis over a period of 5 years. A participating key employee forfeits all amounts under the Executive Benefit Plan in the event that the key employee’s employment with the Company is terminated for “cause”, as defined in the Executive Benefit Plan. Amounts credited to a participating key employee’s bookkeeping account are distributable upon termination of the key employee’s employment with the Company, and will be made in a lump sum or installments as elected by the key employee. The Executive Benefit Plan was frozen effective as of December 31, 2006, and all accrued benefits of participants under the terms of the Executive Benefit Plan became 100% vested. The Company recorded $0, $0 and $0 of compensation expense related to the Executive Benefit Plan for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

The Company maintains the GateHouse Media, Inc. Executive Deferral Plan (“Executive Deferral Plan”), a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain key employees of the Company. Under the Executive Deferral Plan, eligible key employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation for payment at a later date. Currently, the Executive Deferral Plan allows a participating key employee to defer up to 100% of his or her annual compensation until termination of employment or such earlier period as elected by the participating key employee. Amounts deferred are credited to a bookkeeping account established by the Company for this purpose. The bookkeeping account is credited with earnings and losses based upon the investment choices selected by the participant. Amounts deferred under the Executive Deferral Plan are fully vested and non-forfeitable. The amounts in the bookkeeping account are payable to the key employee at the time and in the manner elected by the key employee.

(13) Pension and Postretirement Benefits

As a result of the Enterprise News Media, LLC and Copley Press, Inc. acquisitions, the Company maintains a pension plan and postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. The Company uses the accrued benefit actuarial method and best estimate assumptions to determine pension costs, liabilities and other pension information for defined benefit plans.

The Enterprise News Media, LLC pension plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals as of December 31, 2008, except for a select group of union employees whose benefits were frozen during 2009. Also, during 2008 the medical and life insurance benefits were frozen and the plan was amended to limit future benefits to a select group of active employees under the Enterprise News Media, LLC postretirement medical and life insurance plan.

 

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The following provides information on the pension plan and postretirement medical and life insurance plan as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, for the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012.

 

     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement  
     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

   $ 23,926      $ 6,461      $ 23,142      $ 6,413   

Service cost

     300        40        200        42   

Interest cost

     1,203        273        1,238        303   

Actuarial loss

     3,422        187        946        23   

Benefits and expenses paid

     (1,725     (282     (1,600     (321

Participant contributions

     —          14        —          18   

Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled

     —          (27     —          (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of period

   $ 27,126      $ 6,666      $ 23,926      $ 6,461   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

   $ 16,498      $ —        $ 17,101      $ —     

Actual return on plan assets

     2,353        —          (372     —     

Employer contributions

     1,115        268        1,369        303   

Employer implicit subsidy contribution

     —          27        —          17   

Participant contributions

     —          14        —          18   

Employer implicit subsidy fulfilled

     —          (27     —          (17

Benefits paid

     (1,402     (282     (1,295     (321

Expenses paid

     (323     —          (305     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

   $ 18,241      $ —        $ 16,498      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of funded status:

        

Benefit obligation at end of period

   $ (27,126   $ (6,666   $ (23,926   $ (6,461

Fair value of assets at end of period

     18,241        —          16,498        —     

Funded status

     (8,885     (6,666     (7,428     (6,461

Unrecognized prior service cost

     —          (1,525     —          (2,155

Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss

     8,294        220        6,289        206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net accrued benefit cost

   $ (591   $ (7,971   $ (1,139   $ (8,410
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement  
     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
 

Balance sheet presentation:

        

Accrued liabilities

   $ —        $ 423      $ —        $ 393   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     8,885        6,243        7,428        6,068   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (8,294     1,305        (6,289     1,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net accrued benefit cost

   $ 591      $ 7,971      $ 1,139      $ 8,410   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ 300      $ 40      $ 200      $ 42   

Interest cost

     1,203        273        1,238        303   

Expected return on plan assets

     (1,275     —          (1,324     —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     —          (457     —          (457

Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss

     382        —          82        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 610      $ (144   $ 196      $ (112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:

        

Net actuarial loss

   $ 2,343      $ 187      $ 2,640      $ 23   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     (383     —          (83     —     

Amortization of prior service credit

     —          457        —          457   

Other adjustment

     43        —          (240     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

   $ 2,003      $ 644      $ 2,317      $ 480   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comparison of obligations to plan assets:

        

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 27,126      $ 6,666      $ 23,926      $ 6,461   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     27,126        6,666        23,926        6,461   

Fair value of plan assets

     18,241        —          16,498        —     

The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension and post retirement plans:

 

     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement  
     Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
December 30,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
    Year Ended
January 1,
2012
 

Weighted average discount rate

     4.1     3.6     5.1     4.4

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

     —          —          —          —     

Expected return on assets

     7.75     —          7.75     —     

Current year trend

     —          7.7     —          8.1

Ultimate year trend

     —          4.8     —          4.8

Year of ultimate trend

     —          2022        —          2021   

 

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The following assumptions were used to calculate the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s defined benefit pension and post retirement plans:

 

     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement  
     Year Ended
December 30, 2012
    Year Ended
December 30, 2012
    Year Ended
January 1, 2012
    Year Ended
January 1, 2012
 

Weighted average discount rate

     5.1     4.4     5.7     5.3

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

     —          —          —          —     

Expected return on assets

     7.75     —          7.75     —     

Current year trend

     —          8.1     —          8.5

Ultimate year trend

     —          4.8     —          4.8

Year of ultimate trend

     —          2022        —          2021   

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, the Company considers the current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets, input from the actuaries and investment consultants, and long-term inflation assumptions. The expected allocation of pension plan assets is based on a diversified portfolio consisting of domestic and international equity securities and fixed income securities. This expected return is then applied to the fair value of plan assets. The Company amortizes experience gains and losses, including the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions over a period equal to the average future service of plan participants.

Amortization of prior service costs was calculated using the straight-line method over the average remaining service periods of the employees expected to receive benefits under the plan.

 

     Postretirement  
     Year Ended
December 30, 2012
 

Effect of 1% increase in health care cost trend rates

  

APBO

   $ 7,092   

Dollar change

   $ 426   

Percent change

     6.4

Effect of 1% decrease in health care cost trend rates

  

APBO

   $ 6,308   

Dollar change

   $ (358

Percent change

     (5.4 )% 

Fair Value of plan assets are measured on a recurring basis using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 1 input. The pension plan’s assets by asset category are as follows:

 

     December 30, 2012     January 1, 2012  
     Dollar      Percent     Dollar      Percent  

Equity mutual funds

   $ 12,299         67   $ 10,105         61

Fixed income mutual funds

     5,320         29     5,353         33

Cash and cash equivalents

     575         3     346         2

Other

     47         1     694         4
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 18,241         100   $ 16,498         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Plan fiduciaries of the George W. Prescott Publishing Company LLC Pension Plan set investment policies and strategies for the pension trust. Objectives include preserving the funded status of the plan and balancing risk against return. The general target allocation is 70% in equity funds and 30% in fixed income funds for the plan’s investments. To accomplish this goal, each plan’s assets are actively managed by outside investment managers

 

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with the objective of optimizing long-term return while maintaining a high standard of portfolio quality and proper diversification. The Company monitors the maturities of fixed income securities so that there is sufficient liquidity to meet current benefit payment obligations.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future services, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:

 

     Pension      Postretirement  

2013

   $ 1,451       $ 430   

2014

     1,451         428   

2015

     1,498         433   

2016

     1,528         428   

2017

     1,536         393   

2018-2022

     7,942         1,743   

Employer contribution expected to be paid during the year ending December 31, 2013

   $ 1,147       $ 430   

The postretirement plans are not funded.

The aggregate amount of net actuarial loss and prior service cost related to the Company’s pension and post retirement plans recognized in other comprehensive income as of December 30, 2012 was $6,991.

Multiemployer Plans

The Company is a participant in three multi-employer pension plans covering certain employees with Collective Bargaining Agreements (“CBAs”) in Ohio, Massachusetts and Illinois. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

 

    The Company plays 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 the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multi-employer plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability.

The Company’s participation in these plans for the year ended December 30, 2012, 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 for the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. The zone status is based on information that the company 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.

 

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The Company makes all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, the Company’s contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan.

 

Pension Plan Name

  EIN Number/ Plan
Number
    Zone
Status
    FIP/RP
Status
Pending/
Implemented
    Contributions
(in thousands)
    Surcharge
Imposed
  Expiration
Dates of CBAs
    2012     2011       2012     2011     2010      

CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan

    13-6212879/001        Red        Red        Implemented      $ 13      $ 9      $ 8      No   Under
negotiation

GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a)(b)

    91-6024903/001        Red        Red        Implemented        89        87        89      No   11/14/2014

The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a)

    52-1082662/001        Red        Red        Implemented        49        130        146      No   09/30/2014
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

          $ 151      $ 226      $ 243       
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

(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) During the fiscal year 2012 the Company accrued $1,185 related to this plan due to the discontinuance of press operations at its Suburban Chicago location.

(14) Stock Compensation Plans

Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan

On October 5, 2006, the Company adopted a new equity incentive plan for its employees, the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and presented the Plan to the Company’s stockholders’ for approval, which was received on October 6, 2006. The Plan provides for the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, deferred shares, performance shares, unrestricted shares and other stock-based awards. A total of 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were initially reserved for issuance under the Plan, provided however, that commencing on the first day of each fiscal year beginning in calendar year 2007, the number of shares reserved and available for issuance is increased by an amount equal to 100,000. All such shares of the Company’s common stock that are available for the grant of awards under the Plan may be granted as incentive stock options. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) states that the maximum aggregate number of shares that is subject to stock options or stock appreciation rights that may be granted to any individual during any fiscal year is 400,000 and the maximum aggregate number of shares that is subject to awards of restricted stock, deferred shares, unrestricted shares or other stock-based awards that may be granted to any individual during any fiscal year is 400,000.

The Plan is administered by the Company’s board of directors, although it may be administered by either the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors including a committee that complies with the applicable requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other applicable legal or stock exchange listing requirements.

Except as otherwise provided by the Plan administrator, on the first business day after the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders and each such annual meeting thereafter during the term of the Plan, each of the Company’s independent directors who is serving following such annual meeting will automatically be granted under the Plan a number of unrestricted shares of common stock having a fair market value of $15 as of the date of grant; however, those of the Company’s independent directors who were granted restricted common stock upon the consummation of the IPO will not be eligible to receive these automatic annual grants.

 

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The terms of the Plan provide that the board of directors may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no such action may impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent. The Plan administrator, however, reserves the right to amend, modify, or supplement an award to either bring it into compliance with Section 409A of the Code, or to cause the award to not be subject to such section. The Plan will terminate on October 5, 2016.

As of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, a total of 25,424 and 84,181 RSGs were outstanding under the Plan, respectively.

(15) Assets Held for Sale

As of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company intended to dispose of various assets which are classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC 360. The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012:

 

     December 30,
2012
     January 1,
2012
 

Long-term assets held for sale:

     

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 474       $ 934   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term assets held for sale

   $ 474       $ 934   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

These assets are real property and no publication related assets are included.

During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 the Company recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $2,128 and $355, respectively, related to property, plant and equipment which were classified as held for sale, refer to Note 16 for fair value measurement discussion.

(16) Fair Value Measurement

The Company measures and records in the accompanying consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs).

These inputs are prioritized as follows:

 

    Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

    Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market corroborated inputs; and

 

    Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants price the asset or liability.

The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

    Market approach—Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities;

 

    Income approach—Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectation about those future amounts;

 

    Cost approach—Based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).

 

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The following table provides information for the Company’s major categories of financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      Total Fair
Value
Measurements
     Valuation
Technique
 
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       

As of January 1, 2012

              

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,212       $     —         $ —         $ 19,212         Income   

Restricted cash

     6,167         —           —           6,167         Income   

Liabilities

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ —         $ —         $ 51,576       $ 51,576         Income   

As of December 30, 2012

              

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 34,527       $ —         $ —         $ 34,527         Income   

Restricted cash

     6,467         —           —           6,467         Income   

Liabilities

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ —         $ —         $ 45,724       $ 45,724         Income   

 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps which are measured using the Company’s estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the derivative. The fair value of the interest rate derivative is determined based on the upper notional band using cash flows discounted at the relevant market interest rates in effect at the period close and incorporates an assessment of the risk of non-performance by the interest rate derivative counterparty in valuing derivative assets and an evaluation of the Company’s credit risk in valuing derivative liabilities.

The following table reflects the activity of our derivative liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for year ended December 30, 2012:

 

     Derivative
Liabilities
 

Balance as of January 1, 2012

   $ 51,576   

Total (gains) losses, net:

  

Included in earnings

     (20

Included in other comprehensive income

     (5,832
  

 

 

 

Balance as of December 30, 2012

   $ 45,724   
  

 

 

 

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). During the quarters ended April 1, 2012 and January 1, 2012, goodwill was written down to implied fair value using Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques utilized to measure fair value are discussed in Note 5.

Refer to Note 8 for the discussion on the fair value of the Company’s total long-term debt.

Refer to Note 13 for the discussion on the fair value of the Company’s pension plan.

During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $2,128 and $355, respectively, related to property, plant and equipment which were classified as held for sale. The Company used assessed values and current market data, Level 2 inputs, to

 

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determine the fair value. Additionally, during the three months ended June 26, 2011, the Company wrote-off presses having a net book value of $1,696 related to the consolidation of its print operations, utilizing recent sale activity, Level 2 inputs.

(17) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company becomes involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including with respect to such matters as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination actions, and complaints alleging employment discrimination. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental and other claims. Insurance coverage maintained by the Company mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material effect upon the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any currently outstanding legal actions, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that it is a remote possibility that the disposition of these matters would have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

Restricted cash at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, in the aggregate amount of $6,467 and $6,167, respectively, is used to collateralize standby letters of credit in the name of the Company’s insurers in accordance with certain insurance policies and as cash collateral for certain business operations.

(18) Related-Party Transactions

Fortress Investment Group, LLC

On May 9, 2005, FIF III, FIF III Liberty Acquisitions, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III (“Merger Subsidiary”), and the Company entered into an agreement that provided for the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III (the “Merger”). The Merger was completed on June 6, 2005. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC.

As of December 30, 2012, Fortress Investment Group LLC and its affiliates (“Fortress”) beneficially owned approximately 39.6% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

In addition, the Company’s Chairman, Wesley Edens, is also the Co-Chairman of the board of directors of Fortress Investment Group LLC. The Company does not pay Mr. Edens a salary or any other form of compensation.

Affiliates of Fortress own $410,862 of the $1,174,098 outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended as of March 7, 2013, of which $49,085 is still waiting to be settled. These amounts were purchased on arms’ length terms in secondary market transactions.

On August 21, 2008, FIF III purchased an aggregate of $11,500 in 10% cumulative preferred stock of GateHouse Media Macomb. The preferred stock was issued on August 21, 2008. Macomb, an Unrestricted Subsidiary under the terms of the 2007 Credit Facility, used the proceeds from such sale of preferred stock to make an $11,500 cash investment in Holdco non-voting 10% cumulative preferred stock. On December 7, 2010, FIF III exercised its right to require the Company to purchase its Macomb preferred stock. The Company paid the purchase price of $14,144 on December 8, 2010, which represented the sum of original purchase price of $11,500 paid by FIF III for the Macomb preferred stock and accrued but unpaid dividends of $2,644.

On October 24, 2006, the Company entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with FIF III. The Investor Rights Agreement provides FIF III with certain rights with respect to the nomination of directors to the Company’s board of directors as well as registration rights for securities of the Company owned by Fortress.

 

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The Investor Rights Agreement requires the Company to take all necessary or desirable action within its control to elect to its board of directors so long as Fortress beneficially owns (i) more than 50% of the voting power of the Company, four directors nominated by FIG Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Fortress (“FIG Advisors”), or such other party nominated by Fortress; (ii) between 25% and 50% of the voting power of the Company, three directors nominated by FIG Advisors; (iii) between 10% and 25% of the voting power of the Company, two directors nominated by FIG Advisors; and (iv) between 5% and 10% of the voting power of the Company, one director nominated by FIG Advisors. In the event that any designee of FIG Advisors shall for any reason cease to serve as a member of the board of directors during his term of office, FIG Advisors will be entitled to nominate an individual to fill the resulting vacancy on the board of directors. The Company is also to take all necessary or desirable action to limit the overall size of the Company’s board of directors to not more than seven directors.

Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, the Company has granted FIF III, for so long as it or its permitted transferees beneficially own an amount of the Company’s common stock at least equal to 5% or more of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of its IPO (a “Registrable Amount”), “demand” registration rights that allow FIF III at any time to request that the Company register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, an amount equal to or greater than a Registrable Amount (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement). Parent is entitled to an aggregate of four demand registrations. The Company is not required to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for more than 60 days. The Company is also not required to effect any demand registration within nine months of a “firm commitment” underwritten offering to which the requestor held “piggyback” rights and which included at least half of the securities requested by the requestor to be included. The Company is not obligated to grant a request for a demand registration within four months of any other demand registration and may refuse a request for demand registration if, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, it is not feasible for the Company to proceed with the registration because of the unavailability of audited financial statements.

FIF III also has “piggyback” registration rights that allow FIF III to include the shares of common stock that FIF III and its permitted transferees own in any public offering of equity securities initiated by the Company (other than those public offerings pursuant to registration statements on Forms S-4 or S-8) or by any of the Company’s other stockholders that may have registration rights in the future. The “piggyback” registration rights of FIF III are subject to proportional cutbacks based on the manner of the offering and the identity of the party initiating such offering.

The Company has additionally granted FIF III and its permitted transferees for as long as Fortress beneficially owns a Registrable Amount, the right to request shelf registrations on Form S-3, providing for an offering to be made on a continuous basis, subject to a time limit on the Company’s efforts to keep the shelf registration statement continuously effective and the Company’s right to suspend the use of a shelf registration prospectus for a reasonable period of time (not exceeding 60 days in succession or 90 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period) if the Company determines that certain disclosures required by the shelf registration statement would be detrimental to the Company or the Company’s stockholders.

The Company has agreed to indemnify FIF III and its permitted transferees against any losses or damages resulting from any untrue statement or omission of material fact in any registration statement or prospectus pursuant to which FIF III and its permitted transferees sells shares of the Company’s common stock, unless such liability arose from FIF III misstatement or omission, and Parent has agreed to indemnify the Company against all losses caused by its misstatements or omissions. The Company will pay all expenses incident to registration and Fortress will pay its respective portions of all underwriting discounts, commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of its shares under such a registration statement.

 

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(19) Discontinued Operations

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company discontinued a publication in New York. An impairment loss of $404 is included in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for this period for the aforementioned discontinued operation and previously sold and discontinued operations.

During the year ended December 30, 2012, the Company sold 22 publications in Suburban Chicago, Illinois for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2,800. As a result, an impairment loss of $1,922 is included in loss from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for this period. Additionally, an impairment loss of $206 is included in loss from discontinued operations net of income taxes on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for this period related to previously discontinued operations. The financial position and results of operations of the publications in Suburban Chicago, Illinois are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The net revenue during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 for the aforementioned discontinued operations was $8,722, $11,123 and $13,941, respectively. Loss, net of income taxes of $0, during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 for the aforementioned discontinued operations was $2,340, $699 and $542, respectively.

(20) Quarterly Results (unaudited)

 

     Quarter Ended
April 1 (a)
    Quarter Ended
July 1 (a)
    Quarter Ended
September 30 (a)
    Quarter Ended
December 30 (a)
 

Year Ended December 30, 2012

        

Revenues

   $ 117,211      $ 125,970      $ 119,980      $ 125,393   

Operating income

     936        11,644        6,881        10,332   

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (13,072     (2,341     (7,945     (4,312

Net income (loss)

     (13,241     (2,690     (9,313     (4,559

Basic income (loss) per share

   $ (0.23   $ (0.05   $ (0.16   $ (0.08

Diluted income (loss) per share

   $ (0.23   $ (0.05   $ (0.16   $ (0.08

 

     Quarter Ended
March 27 (a)
    Quarter Ended
June 26 (a)
    Quarter Ended
September 25 (a)
    Quarter Ended
January 1 (a)
 

Year Ended January 1, 2012

        

Revenues

   $ 117,080      $ 131,842      $ 124,295      $ 141,453   

Operating income (loss)

     (2,625     10,394        9,314        18,525   

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (17,121     (4,454     (4,865     3,687   

Net income (loss)

     (17,968     (4,876     (4,978     6,173   

Basic income (loss) per share

   $ (0.31   $ (0.08   $ (0.09   $ 0.11   

Diluted income (loss) per share

   $ (0.31   $ (0.08   $ (0.09   $ 0.11   

 

(a) Certain amounts differ from those previously reported on Forms 10-Q and 10-K due to the reclassification of discontinued operations as described in Note 19 to the consolidated Financial Statements.

(21) Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations

On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with Cortland Products Corp., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and certain of the lenders under the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility, including Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”) and its affiliates. The terms of the RSA are summarized as follows. This summary only discusses the key terms of the RSA and is not intended to be a complete description of the RSA.

 

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The key terms of the RSA are as follows:

The RSA proposes a restructuring of the Company pursuant to a pre-packaged restructuring plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (“the Plan”) whereby each Creditor (as defined below) has the option of exchanging its holdings in the Outstanding Debt (as defined below) for either its pro rata share of cash or common stock in a new holding company (such common stock, “ New Media Common Stock ,” and such holding company from and after the Effective Date, “ New Media ”) with ownership interests in the reorganized Company (such reorganized Company, “ New GateHouse ”). New Media is an entity that is unrelated to GateHouse and currently is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newcastle.

New Media intends to distribute a portion of its estimated EBITDA (as defined in the RSA) less (i) cash taxes; (ii) interest expense; (iii) principal payments under the Financing (as defined below), (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) changes in net working capital to its shareholders and reinvest the remainder for general corporate purposes which may include accretive acquisitions.

The RSA includes the restructuring of the following indebtedness of the Company (the “ Outstanding Debt ”):

 

  (a) Indebtedness under the 2007 Credit Facility, consisting of a “Revolving Credit Facility,” a “Term Loan Facility,” a “Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility” and an “Incremental Term Loan Facility” (collectively, the “ 2007 Credit Facility Claims ”). The 2007 Credit Facility Claims consisted of a (i) Revolving Credit Facility of $0 and $0 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, (ii) Term Loan Facility of $658,281 and $654,554 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, (iii) Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility of $245,627 and $244,236 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively and (iv) Incremental Term Loan Facility of $270,190 and $268,660 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

 

  (b) Swap Liability, including (i) $100,000 notional amount executed February 27, 2007, (ii) $250,000 notional amount executed April 4, 2007, (iii) $200,000 notional amount executed April 13, 2007 and (iv) $75,000 notional amount executed September 18, 2007. As of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, the carrying value of the Swap Liability totaled $45,724 and $31,053, respectively.

Holders of the Outstanding Debt are referred to herein as “ Creditors .”

Subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the RSA proposes a restructuring of the Outstanding Debt as follows:

 

  (a) Each Creditor of the Outstanding Debt would receive, in full and final satisfaction of its respective claim, at its election (with respect to all or any portion of its claims) to be made in connection with solicitation of the Plan, its pro rata share of:

 

  i. Cash pursuant to the Cash-Out Offer (described below under “Cash-Out Offer”) (the “ Cash-Out Option ”); and/or

 

  ii. (A) 100% of New Media Common Stock (subject to dilution as discussed herein) and (B) 100% of the Net Proceeds (as defined below), if any (collectively, the “ New Media Equity Option ”).

Creditors that do not make an election during the Solicitation Period (as defined below) with respect to their claims will be deemed to have elected the Cash-Out Option.

 

  (b) Pension, trade and all other unsecured claims will be unimpaired by the Plan.

 

  (c)

Holders of equity interests in GateHouse Media, including warrants, rights and options to acquire such equity interests (“ Existing Equity Holders ”), would be cancelled, and Existing Equity Holders will receive 10-year warrants, collectively representing the right to acquire, in the aggregate, equity equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Media (subject to dilution) as of the effective date of the Plan (the “ Effective Date ”), with the strike price per share for such warrants calculated based on a

 

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  total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution (as defined below) of $1,200,000 as of the Effective Date. New Media Warrants will not have the benefit of antidilution protections, other than customary protections including for stock splits and stock dividends. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan.

Cash-Out Offer

In connection with the restructuring, Newcastle (“ Plan Sponsor ”) (or its designated affiliates) has offered to purchase, in cash, an amount equal to 40.0% of the sum of (a) $1,167,450 of principal of the claims under the 2007 Credit Facility, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (c) all amounts due under and subject to the terms of the interest rate swaps secured under the 2007 Credit Facility (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any default interest) on the Effective Date of the Plan. The Cash-Out Offer will be coterminous with the Solicitation Period (as defined below).

Registration Rights

As of the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with certain holders of the Outstanding Debt that received 10% or more of the New Media Common Stock, to provide customary registration rights.

New Media Equity Option

Instead of the Cash-Out Offer, each Creditor may elect to receive in satisfaction of its claims, a pro rata share of New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds (as defined below), if any. Following the completion of the restructuring, New Media will use commercially reasonable efforts, based on market conditions and other factors, to list New Media Common Stock (the “ Listing ”) and may raise additional equity capital in connection with or subsequent to the Listing. New Media intends to seek the Listing on the New York Stock Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, a Listing will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan. Under the Plan, New Media will not impose any transfer restrictions on New Media Common Stock.

Financing

GateHouse will use commercially reasonable efforts based on market conditions and other factors, to raise up to $150,000 of new debt (the “Financing”). The net proceeds, if any, will be distributed to holders of New Media Common Stock, including Plan Sponsor (or its designated affiliates) on account of the Cash-Out Offer, on the Effective Date (the “Net Proceeds”). For the avoidance of doubt the Financing will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan.

Contribution of Local Media Group Holdings LLC

The Plan Sponsor acquired Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. (“ Local Media ”), a publisher of weekly newspaper publications, on September 3, 2013. Subject to the terms of the RSA, the Plan Sponsor will contribute Local Media Group Holdings LLC (“ Local Media Parent ) and assign its rights under the related stock purchase agreement to New Media on the Effective Date (the “ Local Media Contribution ”) in exchange for shares of common stock of New Media (and at Plan Sponsor’s option, $50), collectively equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition (as adjusted pursuant to the Plan) based upon the equity value of New Media as of the Effective Date prior to the contribution.

Solicitation of the Plan and Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced a pre-packaged solicitation of the Plan (the “Solicitation”), with a voting deadline of September 26, 2013, as such date may be extended by Plan Sponsor in its sole discretion (the “ Solicitation Period ”), such that the Plan could become effective no later than December 16,

 

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2013. Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, if holders of Outstanding Debt sufficient to meet the requisite threshold of 67% in amount and majority in number (calculated without including any insider) necessary for acceptance of the Plan under the Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors”) vote to accept the Plan in the Solicitation, GateHouse and its affiliated debtors (the “Debtors”) intend to commence Chapter 11 cases and seek approval of the disclosure statement for the Plan (the “Disclosure Statement”) and confirmation of the Plan therein. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders has agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan.

Management Agreement

On the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a management agreement with an affiliate of the Plan Sponsor (the “ Manager ) pursuant to which the Manager will manage the operations of New Media. The annual management fee will be 1.50% of New Media’s gross equity as set forth in the Management Agreement.

Releases

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the restructuring shall include a full release from liability of GateHouse, Plan Sponsor, the Administrative Agent, the Creditors, and all current and former direct and indirect members, partners, subsidiaries, affiliates, funds, managers, managing members, officers, directors, employees, advisors, principals, attorneys, professionals, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, agents, and other representatives (including their respective members, partners, subsidiaries, affiliates, funds, managers, managing members, officers, directors, employees, advisors, principals, attorneys, professionals, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, agents, and other representatives) by GateHouse, Plan Sponsor and the Creditors from any claims or causes of action related to or arising out of GateHouse, the Outstanding Debt or the Restructuring on or prior to the Effective Date, except for any claims and causes of action for fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Conditions Precedent to Closing

The occurrence of the Effective Date shall be subject to the satisfaction (unless waived) of conditions precedent customary for transactions of this type and the satisfaction of such other conditions precedent agreed upon by the lenders, Plan Sponsor and GateHouse, including but not limited to, the following:

 

    Each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Plan having been satisfied or waived;

 

    Entry of an order confirming the Plan in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Sponsor; and

 

    The confirmation order has (a) not been reversed, stayed, modified, or amended, and (b) the time to appeal or seek certiorari has expired and (i) no appeal or petition for certiorari has been timely taken, or (ii) any appeal or petition for certiorari has been fully resolved, denied, resulted in no modification, or has otherwise been dismissed with prejudice.

Investment Commitment Letter

On September 4, 2013 the Plan Sponsor and the Company entered into an investment commitment letter in connection with the restructuring, described above, under which Plan Sponsor has agreed to purchase the Cash-Out Offer claims, described above. The investment commitment letter provides that, on account of the claims purchased in the Cash-Out Offer on the Effective Date of the Plan, Plan Sponsor will receive its pro rata share of (a) New Media Common Stock and (b) Net Proceeds, if any, net of transaction expenses associated with transactions under the Plan.

 

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Discontinued Operations

In May 2013, the Company disposed of a non wholly owned subsidiary in Chicago, Illinois. As a result, the asset, liability and noncontrolling interest carrying amounts of this subsidiary were derecognized. A loss of $1,146 was recognized in discontinued operations and no noncontrolling interest amounts remain after this disposal.

The net revenues during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 for the aforementioned discontinued operation and previously discontinued operations $8,722, $11,123 and $13,941, respectively. Loss, net of income taxes of $0, during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 for the aforementioned discontinued operation and previously discontinued operations was $2,340, $699 and $542, respectively. The loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest during the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2010 was $536, $579 and $596, respectively. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been recast to reflect the results of the discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility

On September 4, 2013, the Company executed an amendment to its 2007 Credit Facility effective September 3, 2013. Among other matters, the amendment revised certain terms and conditions of the 2007 Credit Facility, including the removal of an event of default related to the Company taking any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to or approval of a bankruptcy or similar filing, while still maintaining as an event of default the filing by the Company of a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The amendment also eliminated the requirement that the Company’s annual audited financial statements include an auditors’ report without a going concern uncertainty or like modification.

On September 20, 2013, the Company delivered notice to lenders under the 2007 Credit Facility terminating the Revolving Credit Facility of the 2007 Credit Facility effective September 27, 2013.

Going Concern Considerations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations, realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. As discussed in Note 1 (c), the Company has experienced declining same stores revenue and profitability over the past several years, has incurred significant recurring losses from continuing operations and has a net capital deficiency. Further, the RSA described above requires the Company to file a voluntary petition seeking to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, which filing would constitute an event of default under the terms of the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility. The ability of the Company, both during and after the Chapter 11 proceedings, to continue as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things; (i) the ability of the Company to generate cash from operations and to maintain adequate cash on hand; (ii) the resolution of the uncertainty as to the amount of claims that will be allowed; (iii) the ability of the Company to confirm its reorganization plan in the Chapter 11 proceedings and obtain any financing which may be required to emerge from bankruptcy protection; and (iv) the Company’s ability to achieve profitability. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully achieve these objectives in order to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

(22) Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

Management Agreement

On August 27, 2013, the Company entered into a management agreement (the “ Local Media Management Agreement ”) with Local Media Parent. Under the terms of the Local Media Management Agreement, the Company will manage the operations of Local Media. In return, the Company will receive compensation

 

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including an annual fee of $1,100, which may be adjusted to an amount not to exceed $1,210 based on a formula defined in the Local Media Management Agreement. In addition, the Company will be eligible to earn an annual incentive pay out equal to 12.5% of the EBITDA of Local Media in excess of budget. Although Local Media Parent owns 100% of the equity of Local Media, GateHouse manages the daily operations of Local Media. The Company has determined that the Local Media Management Agreement results in Local Media being a variable interest entity as the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the entity. As a result, GateHouse expects that it will be the primary beneficiary and therefore expects to consolidate Local Media’s financial position and results of operations. Local Media had revenues of $158,559 and pre-tax loss of $27,907 for the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, and total assets of $127,436 at June 30, 2013.

Bankruptcy Filing

On September 27, 2013, the Company commenced a pre-packaged restructuring proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The terms of the restructuring were substantially consistent with those discussed in Note 21.

On November 6, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     June 30, 2013     December 30, 2012  
     (unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 25,512      $ 34,527   

Restricted cash

     6,467        6,467   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,233 and $2,456 at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively

     49,409        54,692   

Inventory

     5,309        6,019   

Prepaid expenses

     5,243        5,815   

Other current assets

     8,533        8,215   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     100,473        115,735   

Property, plant, and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $133,283 and $128,208 at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively

     108,679        116,510   

Goodwill

     13,742        13,742   

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $208,177 and $196,878 at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively

     207,208        218,981   

Deferred financing costs, net

     1,197        1,719   

Other assets

     1,931        2,605   

Assets held for sale

     474        474   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 433,704      $ 469,766   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT     

Current liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term liabilities

   $ 708      $ 853   

Current portion of long-term debt

     —          6,648   

Accounts payable

     8,367        9,396   

Accrued expenses

     28,407        26,258   

Accrued interest

     4,701        4,665   

Deferred revenue

     24,983        25,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     67,166        73,037   

Long-term liabilities:

    

Long-term debt

     1,167,450        1,167,450   

Long-term liabilities, less current portion

     2,062        2,347   

Derivative instruments

     31,053        45,724   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     14,828        15,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,282,559        1,303,925   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ deficit:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012; 58,313,868 issued and 58,077,031 outstanding at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012

     568        568   

Additional paid-in capital

     831,369        831,344   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (37,928     (52,642

Accumulated deficit

     (1,642,554     (1,610,917

Treasury stock, at cost, 236,837 shares at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012

     (310     (310
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total GateHouse Media stockholders’ deficit

     (848,855     (831,957

Noncontrolling interest

     —          (2,202
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ deficit

     (848,855     (834,159
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

   $ 433,704      $ 469,766   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     Three months
ended
June 30, 2013
    Three months
ended
July 1, 2012
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2013
    Six months
ended
July 1, 2012
 

Revenues:

        

Advertising

   $ 79,220      $ 86,952      $ 150,559      $ 165,870   

Circulation

     33,047        32,744        65,513        65,114   

Commercial printing and other

     7,331        6,275        14,107        12,197   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     119,598        125,971        230,179        243,181   

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Operating costs

     64,978        68,324        129,998        136,328   

Selling, general, and administrative

     41,156        35,215        78,722        72,054   

Depreciation and amortization

     9,791        9,893        19,636        20,204   

Integration and reorganization costs

     741        738        958        1,860   

Loss on sale of assets

     649        158        1,043        155   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     2,283        11,643        (178     12,580   

Interest expense

     14,456        14,449        28,886        28,997   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     261        340        522        680   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

     5        (809     9        (1,644

Other (income) expense

     737        5        1,008        (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

     (13,176     (2,342     (30,603     (15,413

Income tax expense

     —          148        —          43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (13,176     (2,490     (30,603     (15,456

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (946     (200     (1,034     (475
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (14,122     (2,690     (31,637     (15,931
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss per share:

        

Basic and diluted:

        

Loss from continuing operations

   $ (0.23   $ (0.05   $ (0.53   $ (0.27

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (0.01     —          (0.01     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (0.24   $ (0.05   $ (0.54   $ (0.27

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     58,076,193        58,051,049        58,063,901        58,032,205   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     58,076,193        58,051,049        58,063,901        58,032,205   

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (7,126   $ 757      $ (16,923   $ (17,204

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    Common stock     Additional
paid-in capital
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive

loss
    Accumulated
deficit
    Treasury stock     Non-
controlling
interest in

subsidiary
    Total  
    Shares     Amount           Shares     Amount      

Balance at December 31, 2012

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 831,344      $ (52,642   $ (1,610,917     236,837      $ (310   $ (2,202   $ (834,159

Net loss

    —          —          —          —          (31,637     —          —          —          (31,637

Gain on derivative instruments, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          14,680        —          —          —          —          14,680   

Net actuarial loss and prior service cost, net of income taxes of $0

    —          —          —          34        —          —          —          —          34   

Disposal of non wholly owned subsidiary

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          2,202        2,202   

Non-cash compensation expense

    —          —          25        —          —          —          —          —          25   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2013

    58,313,868      $ 568      $ 831,369      $ (37,928   $ (1,642,554     236,837      $ (310   $ —        $ (848,855
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

     Six months
ended
June 30, 2013
    Six months
ended
July 1, 2012
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (31,637   $ (15,931

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     19,693        20,678   

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     522        680   

(Gain) loss on derivative instruments

     9        (1,644

Non-cash compensation expense

     25        48   

Loss on sale of assets

     2,198        187   

Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations

     (428     (244

Impairment of long-lived assets

     —          206   

Goodwill impairment

     —          216   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     4,912        6,857   

Inventory

     710        (417

Prepaid expenses

     518        9,991   

Other assets

     194        (1,295

Accounts payable

     (293     1,469   

Accrued expenses

     2,549        (1,530

Accrued interest

     42        (65

Deferred revenue

     112        (558

Other long-term liabilities

     (215     (422
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (1,089     18,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

     (2,018     (1,737

Proceeds from sale of assets and insurance

     740        442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,278     (1,295
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments under current portion of long-term debt

     (6,648     (4,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (6,648     (4,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (9,015     12,331   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     34,527        19,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 25,512      $ 31,543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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GATEHOUSE MEDIA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

(1) Unaudited Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of GateHouse Media, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable provisions of Regulation S-X, each as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in comprehensive annual financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have generally been condensed or omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations.

Management believes that the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 30, 2012, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company’s operating segments (Large Community Newspapers, Small Community Newspapers and Directories) are aggregated into one reportable business segment.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are outlined below.

 

     Gain (loss)
on derivative

instruments
    Net actuarial
loss and prior
service cost
    Total  

For the six months ended June 30, 2013:

      

Balance at December 30, 2012

   $ (45,651   $ (6,991   $ (52,642
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (396     —          (396

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

     15,076        34        15,110   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income, net of taxes

     14,680        34        14,714   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2013

   $ (30,971   $ (6,957   $ (37,928
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.

 

     Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss
   

Affected Line Item in the

Consolidated Statements of

Operations and Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

     Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2013
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
   

Realized gain on interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges

   $ 7,543      $ 15,076      Interest expense

Amortization of prior service cost

     (114     (228   (1)

Amortization of unrecognized loss

     131        262      (1)
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

     7,560        15,110      Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax expense

     —          —        Income tax expense
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 7,560      $ 15,110      Net loss
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) This accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 10.

Recent Developments

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. These trends have eliminated the availability to the Company of additional borrowings under its 2007 Credit Facility, see Note 6. As a result, the Company previously implemented and continues to implement plans to reduce costs and preserve cash flow. This includes the suspension of the payment of cash dividends, cost reduction and restructuring programs, and the sale of non-core assets. Additionally, the Company is exploring alternatives to improve its capital structure. The Company believes these initiatives will provide it with the financial resources necessary to invest in the business and provide sufficient cash flow to enable the Company to meet its commitments for the next year.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2013-02 “Comprehensive Income Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)”, which amends ASC Topic 220. The amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) by component. In addition an entity is required to present either on the face of the Statement of Income or in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI and should be provided by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures require under GAAP that provide additional detail about these amounts. The changes to the ASC as a result of this updated guidance became effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(2) Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognized compensation cost for share-based payments of $1, $23, $25 and $48 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, all compensation cost for share-based payments have been recognized.

 

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Restricted Share Grants (“RSGs”)

Under the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), 266,795 RSGs were granted to Company directors, management and employees, 42,535 of which were both granted and forfeited during the year ended December 31, 2008. An additional 100,000 RSGs were granted to Company management during the year ended December 31, 2009. The majority of the RSGs issued under the Plan vest in increments of one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. In the event a grantee of an RSG is terminated by the Company without cause, a number of unvested RSGs immediately vest that would have vested under the normal vesting period on the next succeeding anniversary date following such termination. In the event an RSG grantee’s employment with the Company is terminated without cause within twelve months after a change in control (as defined in the applicable award agreement), all unvested RSGs become immediately vested at the termination date. During the period prior to the lapse and removal of the vesting restrictions, a grantee of an RSG will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive all dividends or other distributions. As a result, the RSGs are reflected as outstanding common stock and the unvested RSGs have been excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share. With respect to Company employees, the value of the RSGs on the date of issuance is recognized as employee compensation expense over the vesting period or through the grantee’s eligible retirement date, if shorter, with an increase to additional paid-in-capital.

As of June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, there were 0 and 25,424 RSGs, respectively, issued and outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.00 and $6.04, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSGs was $0. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the aggregate fair value of vested RSGs was $1.

RSG activity during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was as follows:

 

     Number of RSGs     Weighted-Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at December 30, 2012

     25,424      $ 6.04   

Vested

     (25,424     6.04   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unvested at June 30, 2013

     —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FASB ASC Topic 718, “ Compensation—Stock Compensation ”, requires the recognition of share-based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company’s estimated forfeitures are based on forfeiture rates of comparable plans. Estimated forfeitures are reassessed periodically and the estimate may change based on new facts and circumstances.

 

(3) Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the prior period unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.

 

(4) Restructuring

Over the past several years, and in furtherance of the Company’s cost reduction and cash flow preservation plans outlined in Note 1, the Company has engaged in a series of individual restructuring programs, designed primarily to right size the Company’s employee base, consolidate facilities and improve its operations. These initiatives impact all of the Company’s geographic regions and are often influenced by the terms of union contracts within each region. All costs related to these programs, which primarily reflect severance expense, are accrued at the time of announcement.

 

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Information related to restructuring program activity during the twelve months ended December 30, 2012 and the six months ended June 30, 2013 is outlined below.

 

     Severance
and
Related Costs
    Other
Costs (1)
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2012

   $ 900      $ 426      $ 1,326   

Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization (2)

     3,610        800        4,410   

Cash payments

     (3,826     (1,062     (4,888
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2012

   $ 684      $ 164      $ 848   

Restructuring provision included in integration and reorganization

     920        38        958   

Cash payments

     (942     (79     (1,021
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2013

   $ 662      $ 123      $ 785   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Other costs primarily included costs to consolidate operations.
(2) Included above are amounts that were initially recognized in integration and reorganization and were subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations expense at the time the affected operations ceased.

The restructuring reserve balance as of June 30, 2013, for all programs was $785, which is expected to be paid out over the next twelve months.

The following table summarizes the costs incurred and cash paid in connection with these restructuring programs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012.

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30, 2013     July 1, 2012     June 30, 2013     July 1, 2012  

Severance and related costs (2)

   $ 726      $ 547      $ 920      $ 1,362   

Other costs (1)

     15        200        38        515   

Cash payments

     (371     (953     (1,021     (2,484

 

(1) Other costs primarily included costs to consolidate operations.
(2) Included above are amounts that were initially recognized in integration and reorganization and were subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations expense at the time the affected operations ceased.

 

(5) Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

     June 30, 2013  
     Gross carrying
amount
     Accumulated
amortization
     Net carrying
amount
 

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 4,970       $ 4,893       $ 77   

Advertiser relationships

     278,458         154,422         124,036   

Customer relationships

     8,940         3,922         5,018   

Subscriber relationships

     81,934         41,316         40,618   

Trade name

     5,493         3,479         2,014   

Publication rights

     345         145         200   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 380,140       $ 208,177       $ 171,963   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 13,742         

Mastheads

     35,245         
  

 

 

       

Total

   $ 48,987         
  

 

 

       

 

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Table of Contents
     December 30, 2012  
     Gross Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Carrying
Amount
 

Amortized intangible assets:

        

Noncompete agreements

   $ 4,970       $ 4,839       $ 131   

Advertiser relationships

     278,543         145,878         132,665   

Customer relationships

     8,940         3,597         5,343   

Subscriber relationships

     82,280         39,226         43,054   

Trade name

     5,493         3,204         2,289   

Publication rights

     345         134         211   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 380,571       $ 196,878       $ 183,693   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonamortized intangible assets:

        

Goodwill

   $ 13,742         

Mastheads

     35,288         
  

 

 

       

Total

   $ 49,030         
  

 

 

       

The weighted average amortization periods for amortizable intangible assets are 4.4 years for noncompete agreements, 16.7 years for advertiser relationships, 13.8 years for customer relationships, 17.2 years for subscriber relationships, 10.0 years for trade names and 15.0 years for publication rights.

Amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $5,823, $5,893, $11,668 and $11,801, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense as of June 30, 2013 is as follows:

For the years ending the Sunday closest to December 31:

 

2013

   $ 11,592   

2014

     23,277   

2015

     23,244   

2016

     21,316   

2017

     20,242   

Thereafter

     72,292   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 171,963   
  

 

 

 

The Company’s annual impairment assessment is made on the last day of its fiscal second quarter.

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company reorganized its management structure to align with its publication types. The fair value of goodwill was allocated to each of the new reporting units: Small Community Newspapers, Large Daily Newspapers and Metro Newspapers. The Company determined that impairment indicators were present for the Metro Newspaper reporting unit, which had a goodwill balance of $216. As of April 1, 2012 the Company performed a Step 1 analysis for this reporting unit and determined that its carrying value exceeded fair value. As a result of the Step 2 analysis, the entire $216 of goodwill was impaired and this amount was subsequently reclassified to discontinued operations, see Note 14. The fair value of this reporting unit for impairment testing purposes was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of this reporting unit. The Company performed further analysis of this reporting unit’s intangible and long-lived assets and determined that impairments of these assets were not present.

 

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As of April 1, 2012, a review of impairment indicators was performed for the Company’s other reporting units and it was determined that financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the June 26, 2011 impairment test and it was determined no indicators of impairment were present.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of July 1, 2012, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units and no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock and fair value of the Company’s debt) plus an estimated control premium.

As of September 30, 2012, December 30, 2012 and March 31, 2013, a review of impairment indicators was performed with the Company noting that its financial results and forecast had not changed materially since the July 1, 2012 impairment test and its market capitalization exceeded its consolidated carrying value. It was determined no indicators of impairment were present.

As part of the annual impairment assessment, as of June 30, 2013, the fair values of the Company’s reporting units for goodwill impairment testing and newspaper mastheads were estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, recent industry transaction multiples and using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believed were appropriate in the circumstances. The estimates and judgments used in the assessment included multiples for revenue and EBITDA, the weighted average cost of capital and the terminal growth rate. Given the current market conditions, the Company determined that recent transactions provided the best estimate of the fair value of its reporting units and no impairment indicators were identified. Additionally, the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value for all mastheads. The total Company’s estimate of fair value was reconciled to its then market capitalization (based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock and fair value of the Company’s debt) plus an estimated control premium.

The newspaper industry and the Company have experienced declining same store revenue and profitability over the past several years. Should general economic, market or business conditions decline, and have a negative impact on estimates of future cash flow and market transaction multiples, the Company may be required to record additional impairment charges in the future.

 

(6) Indebtedness

2007 Credit Facility

GateHouse Media Operating, Inc. (“Operating”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, GateHouse Media Holdco, Inc. (“Holdco”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and certain of their subsidiaries (together, the “Borrowers”) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2007, with a syndicate of financial institutions with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., successor-by-merger to Wachovia Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”), as administrative agent (the “2007 Credit Facility”).

The 2007 Credit Facility, prior to execution of the Second Amendment (defined below), provided for: (a) a $670,000 term loan facility that matures on August 28, 2014; (b) a delayed draw term loan facility of up to $250,000 that matures on August 28, 2014, and (c) a revolving credit facility with a $40,000 aggregate loan commitment amount available, including a $15,000 sub-facility for letters of credit and a $10,000 swingline facility, that matures on February 28, 2014. The Borrowers used the proceeds of the 2007 Credit Facility to refinance existing indebtedness and for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including, without

 

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limitation, financing acquisitions permitted under the 2007 Credit Facility. The 2007 Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in: (a) all present and future capital stock or other membership, equity, ownership or profits interest of Operating and all of its direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries; (b) 65% of the voting stock (and 100% of the nonvoting stock) of all present and future first-tier foreign subsidiaries; and (c) substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Holdco, Operating and their present and future direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries. In addition, the loans and other obligations of the Borrowers under the 2007 Credit Facility are guaranteed, subject to specified limitations, by Holdco, Operating and their present and future direct and indirect domestic restricted subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility bear interest, at the borrower’s option, equal to the LIBOR Rate for a LIBOR Rate Loan (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), or the Alternate Base Rate for an Alternate Base Rate Loan (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility), plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the LIBOR Rate term loans and Alternate Base Rate term loans, as amended by the First Amendment (defined below), are 2.00% and 1.00%, respectively. The applicable margin for revolving loans is adjusted quarterly based upon Holdco’s Total Leverage (defined as the ratio of Holdco’s Consolidated Indebtedness (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) on the last day of the preceding quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) for the four fiscal quarters ending on the date of determination). The applicable margin ranges from 1.50% to 2.00%, in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans and, 0.50% to 1.00% in the case of Alternate Base Rate Loans. Under the revolving credit facility, GateHouse Media will also pay a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% based on the same ratio of Consolidated Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA and a quarterly fee equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR Rate Loans on the aggregate amount of outstanding letters of credit. In addition, GateHouse Media will be required to pay a ticking fee at the rate of 0.50% of the aggregate unfunded amount available to be borrowed under the delayed draw term facility.

No principal payments are due on the term loan facilities or the revolving credit facility until the applicable maturity date. The Borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities in an amount equal to 50.0% of Holdco’s Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) earned during the previous fiscal year, except that no prepayments are required if the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) is less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0 at the end of such fiscal year. In addition, the Borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with asset disposition proceeds in excess of specified amounts to the extent necessary to cause Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio to be less than or equal to 6.25 to 1.00, and with cash insurance proceeds and condemnation or expropriation awards, in excess of specified amounts, subject, in each case, to reinvestment rights. The Borrowers are required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with the net proceeds of equity issuances by GateHouse Media in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the amount by which 50.0% of the net cash proceeds exceeds the amount (if any) required to repay any credit facilities of GateHouse Media or (b) the amount of proceeds required to reduce Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio to 6.0 to 1.0. The Borrowers are also required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facilities with 100% of the proceeds of debt issuances (with specified exceptions), except that no prepayment is required if Holdco’s Total Leverage Ratio is less than 6.0 to 1.0. If the term loan facilities have been paid in full, mandatory prepayments are applied to the repayment of borrowings under the swingline facility and revolving credit facilities and the cash collateralization of letters of credit.

The 2007 Credit Facility contains a financial covenant that requires Holdco to maintain a Total Leverage Ratio of less than or equal to 6.5 to 1.0 at any time an extension of credit is outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The 2007 Credit Facility contains affirmative and negative covenants applicable to Holdco, Operating and their restricted subsidiaries customarily found in loan agreements for similar transactions, including restrictions on their ability to incur indebtedness (which GateHouse Media is generally permitted to incur so long as it satisfies an incurrence test that requires it to maintain a pro forma Total Leverage Ratio of less than 6.5 to 1.0), create liens on assets, engage in certain lines of business, engage in mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, make investments or acquisitions, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into sale leaseback transactions, enter into negative pledges or pay dividends or make other restricted payments, except

 

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that Holdco is permitted to (a) make restricted payments (including quarterly dividends) so long as, after giving effect to any such restricted payment, Holdco and its subsidiaries have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility) equal to or greater than 1.0 to 1.0 and would be able to incur an additional $1.00 of debt under the incurrence test referred to above and (b) make restricted payments of proceeds of asset dispositions to GateHouse Media to the extent such proceeds are not required to prepay loans under the 2007 Credit Facility and/or cash collateralize letter of credit obligations and such proceeds are used to prepay borrowings under acquisition credit facilities of GateHouse Media. The 2007 Credit Facility also permits the borrowers, in certain limited circumstances, to designate subsidiaries as “unrestricted subsidiaries” which are not subject to the covenant restrictions in the 2007 Credit Facility. The 2007 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including defaults based on a failure to pay principal, reimbursement obligations, interest, fees or other obligations, subject to specified grace periods; any material inaccuracy of a representation or warranty; breach of covenant; failure to pay other indebtedness and cross-accelerations; a Change of Control (as defined in the 2007 Credit Facility); events of bankruptcy and insolvency; material judgments; failure to meet certain requirements with respect to ERISA; and impairment of collateral. There were no extensions of credit outstanding under the revolving credit portion of the facility at June 30, 2013 and, therefore, the Company was not required to be in compliance with the Total Leverage Ratio covenant at such time.

First Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On May 7, 2007, the Borrowers entered into the First Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility (“the First Amendment”). The First Amendment provided an incremental term loan facility under the 2007 Credit Facility in the amount of $275,000. As amended by the First Amendment, the 2007 Credit Facility includes $1,195,000 of term loan facilities and $40,000 of a revolving credit facility. The incremental term loan facility amortizes at the same rate and matures on the same date as the existing term loan facilities under the 2007 Credit Facility. Interest on the incremental term loan facility accrues at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the borrower, (a) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin equal to (i) 2.00%, if the corporate family ratings and corporate credit ratings of Operating by Moody’s Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, are at least B1, and B+, respectively, in each case with stable outlook or (ii) 2.25%, otherwise, as was the case as of June 30, 2013, or (b) the greater of the prime rate set by Wells Fargo Bank, or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin 1.00% lower than that applicable to adjusted LIBOR-based loans. Any voluntary or mandatory repayment of the First Amendment term loans made with the proceeds of a new term loan entered into for the primary purpose of benefiting from a margin that is less than the margin applicable as a result of the First Amendment will be subject to a 1.00% prepayment premium. The First Amendment term loans are subject to a “most favored nation” interest provision that grants the First Amendment term loans an interest rate margin that is 0.25% less than the highest margin of any future term loan borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility.

As previously noted, the First Amendment also modified the interest rates applicable to the term loans under the 2007 Credit Facility. Term loans thereunder accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the Borrower, (a) adjusted LIBOR plus a margin equal to 2.00% or (b) the greater of the prime rate set by Wells Fargo Bank, or the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin equal to 1.00%. The terms of the previously outstanding borrowings were also modified to include a 1.00% prepayment premium corresponding to the prepayment premium applicable to the First Amendment term loans and a corresponding “most favored nation” interest provision.

Second Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On February 3, 2009, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Second Amendment”).

Among other things, the Second Amendment reduced the aggregate principal amounts available under the 2007 Credit Facility, as follows: (a) for revolving loans, from $40,000 to $20,000; (b) for the letter of credit subfacility, from $15,000 to $5,000; and (c) for the swingline loan subfacility, from $10,000 to $5,000.

 

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In addition, the Second Amendment provides that Holdco may not incur additional term debt under the 2007 Credit Facility unless the Senior Secured Incurrence Test (as defined in the Second Amendment) is less than 4.00 to 1.00 and the current Incurrence Test (as defined in the Second Amendment) is satisfied.

Agency Amendment to 2007 Credit Facility

On April 1, 2011, the Borrowers entered into an Agency Succession and Amendment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2011, to the 2007 Credit Facility (the “Agency Amendment”).

Pursuant to the Agency Amendment, among other things, (a) Wells Fargo Bank resigned as administrative agent and (b) Gleacher Products Corp. was appointed as administrative agent. In addition, the Agency Amendment effected certain amendments to the 2007 Credit Facility that provide that (x) the administrative agent need not be a lender under the 2007 Credit Facility and (y) the lenders holding a majority of the outstanding term loans and loan commitments under the 2007 Credit Facility have (i) the right, in their discretion, to remove the administrative agent and (ii) the right to make certain decisions and exercise certain powers under the 2007 Credit Facility that had previously been within the discretion of the administrative agent.

2007 Credit Facility Excess Cash Flow Payment and Outstanding Balance

As required by the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended, on March 26, 2013 and March 15, 2012, the Company made principal payments of $6,648 and $4,600, respectively, which represented 50% of the Excess Cash Flow related to the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2013, a total of $1,167,450 was outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility: $654,554 was outstanding under the term loan facility, $244,236 was outstanding under the delayed draw term loan facility, $268,660 was outstanding under the incremental term loan facility and no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Compliance with Covenants

As of June 30, 2013 the Company is in compliance with all of the covenants and obligations under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended. However, due to restrictive covenants and conditions within the facility, the Company currently does not have the ability to draw upon the revolving credit facility portion of the 2007 Credit Facility for any immediate short-term funding needs or to incur additional long-term debt and does not expect to be able to do so in the foreseeable future.

Fair Value

As of June 30, 2013, the fair value of the Company’s total long-term debt, determined based on the average yield to maturity of publicly traded debt with similar ratings and consistent maturities and terms, Level 2 inputs (see Note 12), was approximately $857,000. As of June 30, 2013, the average yield to maturity of such publicly traded debt used in valuing the Company’s debt ranged from 8.4% to 41.8% with an average of 18.3%. The fair value is an estimate based on publicly available information and may not necessarily represent the fair market value in an arm’s length transaction.

Payment Schedule

As of June 30, 2013, scheduled principal payments of outstanding debt are as follows:

 

2013

     —     

2014

     1,167,450   
  

 

 

 
   $ 1,167,450   
  

 

 

 

 

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(7) Derivative Instruments

The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to hedge the aggregate risk of interest rate fluctuations with respect to its long-term debt, which requires payments based on a variable interest rate index. These risks include: increases in debt rates above the earnings of the encumbered assets, increases in debt rates resulting in the failure of certain debt ratio covenants, increases in debt rates such that assets can no longer be refinanced, and earnings volatility.

In order to reduce such risks, the Company primarily uses interest rate swap agreements to change floating-rate long-term debt to fixed-rate long-term debt. This type of hedge is intended to qualify as a “cash-flow hedge” under FASB ASC Topic 815, “ Derivatives and Hedging ” (“ASC 815”). For these instruments, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the same period in which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is immediately recognized in earnings.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 

     Liability Derivatives  
     June 30, 2013      December 30, 2012  
     Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value      Balance Sheet
Location
   Fair Value  

Derivative designed as hedging instruments under ASC 815

           

Interest rate swaps

   Derivative
Instruments
   $ 31,053       Derivative
Instruments
   $ 45,724   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives

      $ 31,053          $ 45,724   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012

 

Derivatives in ASC 815

Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

  

Location of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

   Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative
                  2013                           2012            

Interest rate swaps

   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments    $(5)   $809

 

Derivatives in ASC 815
Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

   Amount of Gain or
(Loss)

Recognized in Other
Comprehensive
Income (“OCI”)  on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)
     Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income

(Effective  Portion)
   Amount of Gain or
(Loss)

Reclassified from
Accumulated

OCI into Income
(Effective  Portion)
     Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion
and  Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness

Testing)
   Amount of Gain or
(Loss)

Recognized in Income
on Derivative
(Ineffective

Portion  and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
   2013      2012         2013      2012         2013     2012  

Interest rate swaps

   $ 6,979       $ 3,991       Interest
income/
(expense)
   $ 7,543       $ 6,785       Gain (loss)
on derivative
instruments
   $ (5   $ 3   

 

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The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012

 

Derivatives in ASC 815
Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

  

Location of Gain or (Loss)

Recognized in Income on

Derivative

   Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative
                  2013                           2012            

Interest rate swaps

   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments    $(9)   $1,644

 

Derivatives in ASC 815
Cash Flow Hedging

Relationships

   Amount of Gain or
(Loss)
Recognized in
OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
    Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI
into Income

(Effective  Portion)
  Amount of Gain or
(Loss)

Reclassified from
Accumulated

OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
     Location of
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion

and  Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness

Testing)
   Amount of Gain or
(Loss)

Recognized in Income
on Derivative
(Ineffective

Portion  and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
   2013      2012       2013      2012         2013     2012  

Interest rate swaps

   $ 14,680       $ (34   Interest
income/

(expense)

  $ 15,076       $ 13,441       Gain (loss)
on derivative
instruments
   $ (9   $ 29   

On June 23, 2005, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $300,000, which matured in June 2012, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company received interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.135%, with settlements occurring monthly. On February 20, 2006, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. At December 31, 2006, the swap no longer qualified as an effective hedge. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income has been reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. On January 1, 2007, the Company redesignated the same interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. On August 18, 2008, the Company terminated the swap and entered into a settlement agreement with Goldman Sachs in the aggregate amount of $18,947, which also includes the termination of the swap having a notional value of $270,000. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income was reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the item previously hedged. As of June 30, 2013, all amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income have been reclassified into earnings.

In connection with financing obtained in 2006, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $270,000, which matured in July 2011, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company received interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and paid a fixed rate of 5.359%, with settlements occurring monthly. On January 1, 2007, the swap was redesignated. Therefore, the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income has been reclassified into earnings over the life of the hedged item. On August 18, 2008, the Company terminated the swap and entered into a settlement agreement with Goldman Sachs in the aggregate amount of $18,947 which also includes the termination of the swap having a notional value of $300,000. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income was reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the item previously hedged. As of June 30, 2013, all amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income have been reclassified into earnings.

In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $100,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.14%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $1,142, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $1,142 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $2,401, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $2,401 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

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In connection with the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $250,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.971%, with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $2,754, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $2,754 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $5,794, of which $1 was recognized through earnings and $5,793 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the First Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $200,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.079% with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $2,254, of which a decrease of $5 was recognized through earnings and an increase of $2,259 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $4,742, of which a decrease of $10 was recognized through earnings and an increase of $4,752 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

In connection with the First Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility, the Company entered into and designated an interest rate swap based on a notional amount of $75,000 maturing September 2014, as a cash flow hedge. Under the swap agreement, the Company receives interest equivalent to one month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.941% with settlements occurring monthly. During the three months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $824, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $824 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income. During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the fair value of the swap increased by $1,734, of which $0 was recognized through earnings and $1,734 was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income.

The aggregate amount of unrealized loss related to derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive loss as of June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $30,971 and $51,517, respectively.

 

(8) Related Party Transactions

Fortress Investment Group, LLC

On May 9, 2005, FIF III, FIF III Liberty Acquisitions, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III (“Merger Subsidiary”), and the Company entered into an agreement that provided for the merger of Merger Subsidiary with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIF III (the “Merger”). The Merger was completed on June 6, 2005. FIF III is an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“Fortress”).

As of June 30, 2013, Fortress and its affiliates beneficially owned approximately 39.6% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

In addition, the Company’s Chairman, Wesley Edens, is also the Co-Chairman of the board of directors of Fortress. The Company does not pay Mr. Edens a salary or any other form of compensation.

Affiliates of Fortress own $639,233 of the $1,167,450 outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility, as amended, as of August 1, 2013, of which $33,456 is still waiting to be settled. These amounts were purchased on arms’ length terms in secondary market transactions.

 

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On October 24, 2006, the Company entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with FIF III. The Investor Rights Agreement provides FIF III with certain rights with respect to the nomination of directors to the Company’s board of directors as well as registration rights for securities of the Company owned by Fortress.

The Investor Rights Agreement requires the Company to take all necessary or desirable action within its control to elect to its board of directors so long as Fortress beneficially owns (a) more than 50% of the voting power of the Company, four directors nominated by FIG Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Fortress (“FIG Advisors”), or such other party nominated by Fortress; (b) between 25% and 50% of the voting power of the Company, three directors nominated by FIG Advisors; (c) between 10% and 25% of the voting power of the Company, two directors nominated by FIG Advisors; and (d) between 5% and 10% of the voting power of the Company, one director nominated by FIG Advisors. In the event that any designee of FIG Advisors shall for any reason cease to serve as a member of the board of directors during his term of office, FIG Advisors will be entitled to nominate an individual to fill the resulting vacancy on the board of directors.

Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, the Company has granted FIF III, for so long as it or its permitted transferees beneficially own an amount of the Company’s common stock at least equal to 5% or more of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of its IPO (a “Registrable Amount”), “demand” registration rights that allow FIF III at any time to request that the Company register under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, an amount equal to or greater than a Registrable Amount (as defined in the Investor Rights Agreement). FIF III is entitled to an aggregate of four demand registrations. The Company is not required to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement for more than 60 days. The Company is also not required to effect any demand registration within nine months of a “firm commitment” underwritten offering to which the requestor held “piggyback” rights and which included at least half of the securities requested by the requestor to be included. The Company is not obligated to grant a request for a demand registration within four months of any other demand registration and may refuse a request for demand registration if, in the Company’s reasonable judgment, it is not feasible for the Company to proceed with the registration because of the unavailability of audited financial statements.

FIF III also has “piggyback” registration rights that allow FIF III to include the shares of common stock that FIF III and its permitted transferees own in any public offering of equity securities initiated by the Company (other than those public offerings pursuant to registration statements on Forms S-4 or S-8) or by any of the Company’s other stockholders that may have registration rights in the future. The “piggyback” registration rights of FIF III are subject to proportional cutbacks based on the manner of the offering and the identity of the party initiating such offering.

The Company has additionally granted FIF III and its permitted transferees for as long as Fortress beneficially owns a Registrable Amount, the right to request shelf registrations on Form S-3, providing for an offering to be made on a continuous basis, subject to a time limit on the Company’s efforts to keep the shelf registration statement continuously effective and the Company’s right to suspend the use of a shelf registration prospectus for a reasonable period of time (not exceeding 60 days in succession or 90 days in the aggregate in any 12-month period) if the Company determines that certain disclosures required by the shelf registration statement would be detrimental to the Company or the Company’s stockholders.

The Company has agreed to indemnify FIF III and its permitted transferees against any losses or damages resulting from any untrue statement or omission of material fact in any registration statement or prospectus pursuant to which FIF III and its permitted transferees sells shares of the Company’s common stock, unless such liability arose from FIF III misstatement or omission, and Parent has agreed to indemnify the Company against all losses caused by its misstatements or omissions. The Company will pay all expenses incident to registration and Fortress will pay its respective portions of all underwriting discounts, commissions and transfer taxes relating to the sale of its shares under such a registration statement.

 

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(9) Income Taxes

The Company performs a quarterly assessment of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. FASB ASC Topic 740, “ Income Taxes ” (“ASC 740”) limits the ability to use future taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets when a company has experienced a history of losses even if future taxable income is supported by detailed forecasts and projections.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. The Company concluded that during the six months ended June 30, 2013, a net increase to the valuation allowance of $6,221 would be necessary to offset additional deferred tax assets. Of this amount, an $11,548 increase was recognized through the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), a $5,658 decrease was recognized through accumulated other comprehensive loss, and a $331 increase was recognized through discontinued operations.

The realization of the remaining deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on the scheduled reversals of deferred taxes. Any changes in the scheduled reversals of deferred taxes may require an additional valuation allowance against the remaining deferred tax assets. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance could result in an increase or decrease in income tax expense in the period of adjustment.

The computation of the annual expected effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and assumptions including, but not limited to, the expected operating income (loss) for the year, projections of the proportion of income (or loss), permanent and temporary differences, including the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current year. The accounting estimates used to compute the provision for income taxes may change as new events occur, more experience is acquired, or as additional information is obtained. To the extent that the estimated annual effective tax rate changes during a quarter, the effect of the change on prior quarters is included in tax expense for the current quarter.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the expected federal tax benefit at 34% is $10,405. The difference between the expected tax and the effective tax of $0 is primarily attributable to the tax effect of the federal valuation allowance of $10,032, the tax effect related to non-deductible expenses of $280, and deferred tax benefits that expired of $93.

The Company and its subsidiaries file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. The U.S. federal and state statute of limitations generally remains open for the 2009 tax year and beyond.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognizes penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. As of June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4,677 and $4,677, respectively. The Company did not record significant amounts of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits for the periods ending June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012. The Company does not expect significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

 

(10) Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company maintains a pension plan and several postretirement medical and life insurance plans which cover certain employees. The Company uses the accrued benefit actuarial method and best estimate assumptions to determine pension costs, liabilities and other pension information for defined benefit plans.

 

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The following provides information on the pension plan and postretirement medical and life insurance plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012.

 

    Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
    Three Months Ended
July 1, 2012
    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
    Six Months Ended
July 1, 2012
 
    Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement     Pension     Postretirement  

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

               

Service cost

  $ 75      $ 10      $ 50      $ 9      $ 150      $ 20      $ 100      $ 19   

Interest cost

    271        57        296        68        542        115        592        136   

Expected return on plan assets

    (340     —          (310     —          (680     —          (620     —     

Amortization of prior service cost

    —          (114     —          (114     —          (228     —          (228

Amortization of unrecognized loss

    131        —          92        —          262        —          184        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 137      $ (47   $ 128      $ (37   $ 274      $ (93   $ 256      $ (73
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012, the Company recognized a total of $90, $91, $181 and $183 in pension and postretirement benefit expense, respectively.

The following assumptions were used in connection with the Company’s actuarial valuation of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans:

 

     Pension     Postretirement  

Weighted average discount rate

     4.10     3.62

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

     —          —     

Expected return on assets

     7.5     —     

Current year trend

     —          7.7

Ultimate year trend

     —          4.8

Year of ultimate trend

     —          2022   

 

(11) Assets Held for Sale

As of June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, the Company intended to dispose of various assets which are classified as held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with ASC 360.

The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012:

 

     June 30,
2013
     December 30,
2012
 

Long-term assets held for sale:

     

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 474       $ 474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term assets held for sale

   $ 474       $ 474   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During the twelve months ended December 30, 2012 the Company recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $2,128 related to property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets which were classified as held for sale, refer to Note 12 for fair value measurement discussion. No such impairment charges were recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2013.

 

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(12) Fair Value Measurement

Fair value measurements and disclosures require the use of valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

 

    Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market corroborated inputs.

 

    Level 3: Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop our own assumptions about how market participants price the asset or liability.

The valuation techniques that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

    Market approach—Uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

 

    Income approach—Uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount based on current market expectation about those future amounts.

 

    Cost approach—Based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost).

The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented:

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      Total Fair Value
Measurements
     Valuation
Technique
 
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
       

As of December 30, 2012

              

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $   34,527       $   —         $ —         $   34,527         Income   

Restricted cash

     6,467         —           —           6,467         Income   

Liabilities

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ —         $ —         $   45,724       $ 45,724         Income   

As of June 30, 2013

              

Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 25,512       $ —         $ —         $ 25,512         Income   

Restricted cash

     6,467         —           —           6,467         Income   

Liabilities

              

Derivatives (1)

   $ —         $ —         $ 31,053       $ 31,053         Income   

 

(1) Derivative assets and liabilities consist of interest rate swaps which are measured using the Company’s estimates of the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the derivative. The fair value of the interest rate derivative is determined based on the upper notional band using cash flows discounted at the relevant market interest rates in effect at the period close and incorporates an assessment of the risk of non-performance by the interest rate derivative counterparty in valuing derivative assets and an evaluation of the Company’s credit risk in valuing derivative liabilities.

 

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The following table reflects the activity of our derivative liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

 

     Derivative
Liabilities
 

Balance as of December 30, 2012

   $ 45,724   

Total (gains) losses, net:

  

Included in earnings

     9   

Included in other comprehensive income

     (14,680
  

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2013

   $ 31,053   
  

 

 

 

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). During the quarter ended April 1, 2012, goodwill was written down to implied fair value using Level 3 inputs. The valuation techniques utilized to measure fair value are discussed in Note 5.

Refer to Note 6 for the discussion on the fair value of the Company’s total long-term debt.

During the twelve months ended December 30, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge in the amount of $2,128 related to property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets which were classified as held for sale. The Company used assessed values and current market data, Level 2 inputs, to determine the fair value.

 

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company becomes involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including with respect to matters such as libel, invasion of privacy, intellectual property infringement, wrongful termination actions, and complaints alleging employment discrimination. In addition, the Company is involved from time to time in governmental and administrative proceedings concerning employment, labor, environmental and other claims. Insurance coverage maintained by the Company mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. Historically, such claims and proceedings have not had a material effect upon the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial condition. While the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any currently outstanding legal actions, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that it is a remote possibility that the disposition of these matters would have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Restricted cash at June 30, 2013 and December 30, 2012, in the aggregate amount of $6,467 for both periods, is used to collateralize standby letters of credit in the name of the Company’s insurers in accordance with certain insurance policies and as cash collateral for certain business operations.

 

(14) Discontinued Operations

In May 2013, the Company disposed of a non wholly owned subsidiary in Chicago, Illinois. As a result, the asset, liability and noncontrolling interest carrying amounts of this subsidiary were derecognized. A loss of $1,146 was recognized in discontinued operations and no noncontrolling interest amounts remain after this disposal.

The net revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 for the aforementioned discontinued operation and previously discontinued operations was $394 and $5,598, respectively. Loss, net of income taxes of $0, during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 for the aforementioned

 

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discontinued operation and previously discontinued operations was $1,034 and $475, respectively. The loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and July 1, 2012 was $55 and $304, respectively.

 

(15) Subsequent Events and Going Concern Considerations

On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a restructuring support agreement (RSA) with Cortland Products Corp., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and certain of the lenders under the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility, including Newcastle Investment Corp. (“Newcastle”) and its affiliates. The terms of the RSA are summarized as follows. This summary only discusses the key terms of the RSA and is not intended to be a complete description of the RSA.

The key terms of the RSA are as follows:

The RSA proposes a restructuring of the Company pursuant to a pre-packaged restructuring plan under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (“the Plan”) whereby each Creditor (as defined below) has the option of exchanging its holdings in the Outstanding Debt (as defined below) for either its pro rata share of cash or common stock in a new holding company (such common stock, “ New Media Common Stock ,” and such holding company from and after the Effective Date, “ New Media ”) with ownership interests in the reorganized Company (such reorganized Company, “ New GateHouse ”). New Media is an entity that is unrelated to GateHouse and currently is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newcastle.

New Media intends to distribute a portion of its estimated EBITDA (as defined in the RSA) less (i) cash taxes; (ii) interest expense; (iii) principal payments under the Financing (as defined below), (iv) capital expenditures; and (v) changes in net working capital to its shareholders and reinvest the remainder for general corporate purposes which may include accretive acquisitions.

The RSA includes the restructuring of the following indebtedness of the Company (the “ Outstanding Debt ”):

(a) Indebtedness under the 2007 Credit Facility, consisting of a “Revolving Credit Facility,” a “Term Loan Facility,” a “Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility” and an “Incremental Term Loan Facility” (collectively, the “ 2007 Credit Facility Claims ”). The 2007 Credit Facility Claims consisted of a (i) Revolving Credit Facility of $0 and $0 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, (ii) Term Loan Facility of $658,281 and $654,554 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively, (iii) Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility of $245,627 and $244,236 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively and (iv) Incremental Term Loan Facility of $270,190 and $268,660 at December 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

(b) Swap Liability, including (i) $100,000 notional amount executed February 27, 2007, (ii) $250,000 notional amount executed April 4, 2007, (iii) $200,000 notional amount executed April 13, 2007 and (iv) $75,000 notional amount executed September 18, 2007. As of December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013, the carrying value of the Swap Liability totaled $45,724 and $31,053, respectively.

Holders of the Outstanding Debt are referred to herein as “ Creditors .”

Subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the RSA proposes a restructuring of the Outstanding Debt as follows:

(a) Each Creditor of the Outstanding Debt would receive, in full and final satisfaction of its respective claim, at its election (with respect to all or any portion of its claims) to be made in connection with solicitation of the Plan, its pro rata share of:

i. Cash pursuant to the Cash-Out Offer (described below under “Cash-Out Offer”) (the “ Cash-Out Option ”); and/or

ii.(A) 100% of New Media Common Stock (subject to dilution as discussed herein) and (B) 100% of the Net Proceeds (as defined below), if any (collectively, the “ New Media Equity Option ”).

 

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Creditors that do not make an election during the Solicitation Period (as defined below) with respect to their claims will be deemed to have elected the Cash-Out Option.

(b) Pension, trade and all other unsecured claims will be unimpaired by the Plan.

(c) Holders of equity interests in GateHouse Media, including warrants, rights and options to acquire such equity interests (“ Existing Equity Holders ”), would be cancelled, and Existing Equity Holders will receive 10-year warrants, collectively representing the right to acquire, in the aggregate, equity equal to 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Media (subject to dilution) as of the effective date of the Plan (the “ Effective Date ”), with the strike price per share for such warrants calculated based on a total equity value of New Media prior to the Local Media Contribution (as defined below) of $1,200,000 as of the Effective Date. New Media Warrants will not have the benefit of antidilution protections, other than customary protections including for stock splits and stock dividends. Existing equity interests will be cancelled under the Plan.

Cash-Out Offer

In connection with the restructuring, Newcastle (“ Plan Sponsor ”) has offered to purchase, in cash, an amount equal to 40.0% of the sum of (a) $1,167,450 of principal of the claims under the 2007 Credit Facility, plus (b) accrued and unpaid interest at the applicable contract non-default rate with respect thereto, plus (c) all amounts due under and subject to the terms of the interest rate swaps secured under the 2007 Credit Facility (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any default interest) on the Effective Date of the Plan. The Cash-Out Offer will be coterminous with the Solicitation Period (as defined below).

Registration Rights

As of the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a registration rights agreement with certain holders of the Outstanding Debt that received 10% or more of the New Media Common Stock, to provide customary registration rights.

New Media Equity Option

Instead of the Cash-Out Offer, each Creditor may elect to receive in satisfaction of its claims, a pro rata share of New Media Common Stock and the Net Proceeds (as defined below), if any. Following the completion of the restructuring, New Media will use commercially reasonable efforts, based on market conditions and other factors, to list New Media Common Stock (the “ Listing ”) and may raise additional equity capital in connection with or subsequent to the Listing. New Media intends to seek the Listing on the New York Stock Exchange. For the avoidance of doubt, a Listing will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan. Under the Plan, New Media will not impose any transfer restrictions on New Media Common Stock.

Financing

GateHouse will use commercially reasonable efforts based on market conditions and other factors, to raise up to $150,000 of new debt (the “Financing”) and additional unknown commitments of up to $15,000. The net proceeds of the Financing, if any, will be distributed to holders of New Media Common Stock, including Plan Sponsor on account of the Cash-Out Offer, on the Effective Date (the “Net Proceeds”). For the avoidance of doubt the Financing will not be a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan.

Contribution of Local Media Group Holdings LLC

The Plan Sponsor acquired Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. (“ Local Media ”), a publisher of weekly newspaper publications, on September 3, 2013. Subject to the terms of the RSA, the Plan Sponsor will contribute Local Media Group Holdings LLC (“ Local Media Parent ”) and assign its rights under the related stock purchase agreement to New Media on the Effective Date (the “ Local Media Contribution ”) in exchange for shares of

 

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common stock of New Media (and at Plan Sponsor’s option, $50), collectively equal in value to the cost of the Local Media Acquisition (as adjusted pursuant to the Plan) based upon the equity value of New Media as of the Effective Date prior to the contribution.

Solicitation of the Plan and Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code

On September 20, 2013, GateHouse commenced a pre-packaged solicitation of the Plan (the “Solicitation”), with a voting deadline of September 26, 2013, such that the Plan could become effective no later than December 16, 2013. Under the Support Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders has agreed to (a) support and take any reasonable action in furtherance of the Restructuring, (b) timely vote their Outstanding Debt to accept the Plan and not change or withdraw such vote, (c) support approval of the Disclosure Statement and confirmation of the Plan, as well as certain relief to be requested by Debtors from the Bankruptcy Court, (d) refrain from taking any action inconsistent with the confirmation or consummation of the Plan, and (e) not propose, support, solicit or participate in the formulation of any plan other than the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Support Agreement, holders of Outstanding Debt sufficient to meet the requisite threshold of 67% in amount and majority in number (calculated without including any insider) necessary for acceptance of the Plan under the Bankruptcy Code (“Bankruptcy Threshold Creditors”) voted to accept the Plan in the Solicitation. 100% of the holders of Outstanding Debt voted to accept the Plan. As a result, GateHouse and its affiliated debtors (the “Debtors”) commenced Chapter 11 cases and seek approval of the disclosure statement for the Plan (the “Disclosure Statement”) and confirmation of the Plan therein. The Plan was confirmed on November 6, 2013.

Management Agreement

On the Effective Date of the Plan, New Media will enter into a management agreement with an affiliate of the Plan Sponsor (the “Manager”) pursuant to which the Manager will manage the operations of New Media. The annual management fee will be 1.50% of New Media’s gross equity as set forth in the Management Agreement.

Releases

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the restructuring shall include a full release from liability of GateHouse, Plan Sponsor, the Administrative Agent, the Creditors, and all current and former direct and indirect members, partners, subsidiaries, affiliates, funds, managers, managing members, officers, directors, employees, advisors, principals, attorneys, professionals, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, agents, and other representatives (including their respective members, partners, subsidiaries, affiliates, funds, managers, managing members, officers, directors, employees, advisors, principals, attorneys, professionals, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, agents, and other representatives) by GateHouse, Plan Sponsor and the Creditors from any claims or causes of action related to or arising out of GateHouse, the Outstanding Debt or the Restructuring on or prior to the Effective Date, except for any claims and causes of action for fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Conditions Precedent to Closing

The occurrence of the Effective Date shall be subject to the satisfaction (unless waived) of conditions precedent customary for transactions of this type and the satisfaction of such other conditions precedent agreed upon by the lenders, Plan Sponsor and GateHouse, including but not limited to, the following:

 

    Each of the conditions precedent set forth in the Plan having been satisfied or waived;

 

    Entry of an order confirming the Plan in form and substance satisfactory to the Plan Sponsor; and

 

    The confirmation order has (a) not been reversed, stayed, modified, or amended, and (b) the time to appeal or seek certiorari has expired and (i) no appeal or petition for certiorari has been timely taken, or (ii) any appeal or petition for certiorari has been fully resolved, denied, resulted in no modification, or has otherwise been dismissed with prejudice.

 

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Investment Commitment Letter

On September 4, 2013 the Plan Sponsor and the Company entered into an investment commitment letter in connection with the restructuring, described above, under which Plan Sponsor has agreed to purchase the Cash-Out Offer claims, described above. The investment commitment letter provides that, on account of the claims purchased in the Cash-Out Offer on the Effective Date of the Plan, Plan Sponsor will receive its pro rata share of (a) New Media Common Stock and (b) Net Proceeds, if any, net of transaction expenses associated with transactions under the Plan.

Amendment to the 2007 Credit Facility

On September 4, 2013, the Company executed an amendment to its 2007 Credit Facility effective September 3, 2013. Among other matters, the amendment revised certain terms and conditions of the 2007 Credit Facility, including the removal of an event of default related to the Company taking any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to or approval of a bankruptcy or similar filing, while still maintaining as an event of default the filing by the Company of a proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The amendment also eliminated the requirement that the Company’s annual audited financial statements include an auditors’ report without a going concern uncertainty or like modification.

On September 20, 2013, the Company delivered notice to lenders under the 2007 Credit Facility terminating the Revolving Credit Facility of the 2007 Credit Facility effective September 27, 2013.

Management Agreement

On August 27, 2013, the Company entered into a management agreement (the “Local Media Management Agreement ”) with Local Media Parent. Under the terms of the Local Media Management Agreement, the Company will manage the operations of Local Media. In return, the Company will receive compensation including an annual fee of $1,100, which may be adjusted to an amount not to exceed $1,210 based on a formula defined in the Local Media Management Agreement. In addition, the Company will be eligible to earn an annual incentive pay out equal to 12.5% of the EBITDA of Local Media in excess of budget. Although Local Media Parent currently owns 100% of the equity of Local Media, GateHouse manages the daily operations of Local Media. The Company has determined that the Local Media Management Agreement results in Local Media being a variable interest entity as the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the entity. As a result, GateHouse expects that it will be the primary beneficiary and therefore expects to consolidate Local Media’s financial position and results of operations. Local Media had revenues of $158,559 and pre-tax loss of $27,907 for the twelve months ended June 30, 2013 and total assets of $127,436 at June 30, 2013.

Bankruptcy Filing

On September 27, 2013, the Company commenced a pre-packaged restructuring proceeding under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The terms of the restructuring were substantially consistent with those discussed above.

On November 6, 2013, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Plan.

Going Concern Considerations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations, realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. As discussed in Note 1, the Company has experienced declining same stores revenue and profitability over the past several years, has incurred significant recurring losses from continuing operations and has a net capital deficiency. Further, the RSA described above requires the Company to file a voluntary petition seeking to

 

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reorganize under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, which filing would constitute an event of default under the terms of the Company’s 2007 Credit Facility. The ability of the Company, both during and after the Chapter 11 proceedings, to continue as a going concern is contingent upon, among other things; (i) the ability of the Company to generate cash from operations and to maintain adequate cash on hand; (ii) the resolution of the uncertainty as to the amount of claims that will be allowed; (iii) the ability of the Company to confirm its reorganization plan in the Chapter 11 proceedings and obtain any financing which may be required to emerge from bankruptcy protection; and (iv) the Company’s ability to achieve profitability. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully achieve these objectives in order to continue as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

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Report of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying combined financial statements of Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc., which comprise the combined balance sheets as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, and the related combined statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013, and the related notes to the combined financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. at June 30, 2013 and 2012, and the combined results of its operations and it cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

September 10, 2013

 

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Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Combined Balance Sheets

(In Thousands)

 

     June 30  
     2013      2012  

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash

   $ 567       $ 1,878   

Accounts receivable, net

     13,984         14,130   

Inventory

     1,657         1,579   

Deferred income taxes

     848         949   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     3,247         2,580   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     20,303         21,116   

Property and equipment, net

     64,299         70,644   

Deferred income taxes

     38,408         34,508   

Intangible assets, net

     4,426         46,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 127,436       $ 172,982   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 1,320       $ 1,235   

Accrued wages

     5,259         4,929   

Deferred revenue

     7,706         7,967   

Pension and postretirement benefits

     1,417         1,672   

Income taxes payable

     34         —     

Other current liabilities

     5,606         5,574   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     21,342         21,377   

Pension and postretirement benefits

     53,265         73,772   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     12,191         12,050   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     86,798         107,199   

Commitments and contingencies

     

Total equity

     40,638         65,783   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 127,436       $ 172,982   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.

 

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Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(In Thousands)

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011  

Revenues:

      

Advertising

   $ 83,096      $ 92,502      $ 106,381   

Circulation and subscription

     51,192        52,493        52,332   

Other

     24,271        24,275        23,131   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     158,559        169,270        181,844   

Operating expenses

     136,340        142,281        154,026   

Depreciation and amortization

     7,858        8,500        9,601   

Impairments and restructuring

     42,268        197,869        247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     186,466        348,650        163,874   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

     (27,907     (179,380     17,970   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     10,242        34,682        (8,504
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

     (17,665     (144,698     9,466   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

      

Pension and postretirement plans adjustment

     11,578        (29,955     6,114   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive (loss) income

   $ (6,087   $ (174,653   $ 15,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.

 

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Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Combined Statements of Equity

(In Thousands)

Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011

 

     Parent
Company
Investment
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    Total  

Balance, June 30, 2010

   $ 295,273      $ (30,740   $ 264,533   

Net income

     9,466        —          9,466   

Comprehensive income

     —          6,114        6,114   

Net decrease in parent company investment

     (23,962     —          (23,962
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2011

     280,777        (24,626     256,151   

Net loss

     (144,698     —          (144,698

Comprehensive loss

     —          (29,955     (29,955

Net decrease in parent company investment

     (15,715     —          (15,715
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2012

     120,364        (54,581     65,783   

Net loss

     (17,665     —          (17,665

Comprehensive income

     —          11,578        11,578   

Net decrease in parent company investment

     (19,058     —          (19,058
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2013

   $ 83,641      $ (43,003   $ 40,638   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.

 

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Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Combined Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands)

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011  

Operating activities

      

Net (loss) income

   $ (17,665   $ (144,698   $ 9,466   

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     7,858        8,500        9,601   

Impairments

     42,268        197,869        —     

Provision for doubtful accounts

     802        478        1,170   

(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment

     (81     (1,458     1,371   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable, net

     (656     1,510        (198

Inventory

     (78     (716     (1,534

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (666     1,293        (390

Accounts payable and accrued wages

     449        (465     590   

Deferred income taxes, net

     (11,635     (36,695     5,119   

Pension and postretirement benefits

     (1,349     (10,082     1,467   

Deferred revenue

     (261     121        (317

Other liabilities

     173        (18     (1,763
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     19,159        15,639        24,582   

Investing activities

      

Capital expenditures

     (1,938     (2,180     (3,758

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     526        2,036        3,569   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,412     (144     (189

Financing activities

      

Net transfers to Parent and affiliates

     (19,058     (15,715     (23,962
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (19,058     (15,715     (23,962
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash

     (1,311     (220     431   

Cash, beginning of year

     1,878        2,098        1,667   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   $ 567      $ 1,878      $ 2,098   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the combined financial statements.

 

F-80


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

(In Thousands)

June 30, 2013

1. Organization

Overview

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc. (LMG or the Company) operates as a business unit of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (Parent), a wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corporation. The Company operates print and online community media franchises, Internet sites, digital services, magazines, other news, and advertising niche publications and commercial print and household distribution services. These combined financial statements were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the financial statements and accounting records of the Company and Parent, and reflect the combined historical financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company’s businesses in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Certain costs that were incurred centrally by Parent for functions such as corporate overhead for services and administrative functions have been allocated to the Company and included in the combined financial statements. We believe the assumptions underlying such allocations were made on a reasonable basis.

On June 28, 2013, the Company and Parent entered into a stock purchase agreement with Newcastle Investment Corp., whereby Newcastle Investment Corp. would acquire the Company for $82 million. The transaction received regulatory approvals and closed on September 3, 2013. These combined financial statements have been prepared in contemplation of this transaction.

Basis of Presentation

These financial statements are presented as if the businesses of the Company had been combined for all periods presented. All intracompany transactions and accounts within LMG have been eliminated in combination. The assets and liabilities in the combined financial statements have been reflected on an historical cost basis as adjusted for the acquisition of Parent by News Corporation in December 2007. Cash is managed centrally, with net earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. LMG reflects transfers of cash to and from Parent’s cash management system as a component of parent company investment.

Income tax benefit (expense) in the combined statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income has been calculated as if LMG filed a separate tax return and was operating as a stand-alone business. Therefore, cash tax payments and items of current and deferred taxes may not be reflective of LMG’s actual tax balances had it been a stand-alone business.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Combination

The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at Parent’s corporate level, but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to LMG. All significant intercompany transactions between Parent and LMG have been included within parent company investment in these combined financial statements.

LMG’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to June 30. Fiscal 2013 and 2012 included 52 weeks, while fiscal 2011 included 53 weeks with the 53rd week falling in the fourth fiscal quarter. All references to June 30, 2013, June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2011 relate to the twelve month periods ended June 30, 2013, July 1, 2012, and July 3, 2011, respectively. For convenience purposes, LMG continues to date its combined financial statements as of June 30.

 

F-81


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of LMG’s combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable, Net

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to estimated uncollectible amounts. The Company’s estimate is based on historical collection experience and a review of the current status of such accounts receivable. It is reasonably possible that the Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts will change. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,450 and $1,572 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Advertising Expenses

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Included in operating expenses are advertising expenses of $22,521, $23,553, and $22,760 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Shipping and Handling

Costs incurred for shipping and handling are reflected in operating expenses in the combined statements of operations.

Concentrations of Credit and Other Risks

Advertising spending, which drives a significant portion of LMG’s revenues, is sensitive to economic conditions. Local economic conditions affect the levels of advertising revenues. Economic factors that have adversely affected advertising revenues include lower consumer and business spending, high unemployment and depressed home sales. Advertising revenues are particularly adversely affected if advertisers respond to weak and uneven economic conditions by reducing their budgets or shifting spending patterns or priorities, or if they are forced to consolidate or cease operations. Continuing weak and uncertain economic conditions and outlook could adversely affect the level of advertising revenues and combined financial condition and results of operations.

Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management, insurance advisers and legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company, or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims, as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s combined

 

F-82


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they arise from guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

Income Taxes

LMG accounts for income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). ASC 740 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are established where management determines that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Inventory

Inventory is comprised of newsprint and is valued using weighted average cost.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 3 to 25 years for equipment and 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the life of the lease. Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of property are expensed as incurred. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances or changes to LMG’s business model or capital strategy could result in the actual useful lives differing from LMG’s estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Advertising revenues from the publication of newspapers are recognized when advertisements are published in newspapers or placed on digital platforms or, with respect to certain digital advertising, each time a user either clicks on or views certain ads, net of commissions and provisions for estimated sales incentives including rebates, rate adjustments, and discounts.

Circulation revenues include single-copy and subscription revenues. Circulation revenues are based on the number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy sales) and digital subscriptions sold and the rates charged to the respective customers. Single-copy revenue is recognized based on date of publication, net of provisions for related returns. Proceeds from subscription revenues are deferred at the time of sale and are recognized in earnings on a pro rata basis over the terms of the subscriptions. Several factors are considered to determine whether the Company is a principal, most notably whether the Company is primary obligor to the customer and has determined the selling price and product specifications.

Other revenues are recognized when the related service or product has been delivered.

 

F-83


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Billings to clients and payments received in advance of the performance of services or delivery of products are recorded as deferred revenue until the services are performed or the product is delivered.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

LMG has intangible assets, including goodwill, trade names, and advertising and subscriber relationships. Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the cost of acquired entities and amounts assigned to their tangible and identifiable intangible net assets. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (ASC 350), LMG’s indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or earlier if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below its carrying amount. Intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized over their estimated useful lives. The impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangibles compares the fair value of these intangible assets to their carrying value.

LMG’s goodwill impairment reviews are performed using a two-step process. The first step of the process is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment review is not necessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment review is required to be performed to estimate the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Long-lived Assets

ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment , and ASC 350 require that LMG periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, including property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment adjustment is recognized if the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value. LMG generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets; accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.

Self-Insurance Plans

The Company has self-insured health plans for all its employees. The Company has purchased stop-loss insurance in order to limit its exposure, which will reimburse the Company for individual claims in excess of $450 annually. Self-insurance losses are accrued based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liability for uninsured claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry. Included in accrued wages is an estimate for self-insured health plan expenses of $850 and $950 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company is self-insured for property and casualty losses, and included in other current liabilities is an accrual for losses of $3,622 and $3,755 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements , LMG measures assets and liabilities using inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy: (i) inputs that are quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities (Level 2); and (iii) inputs that require the entity to use its own assumptions about market participant assumptions (Level 3).

The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying values due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of such assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable or at least annually as of June 30 for indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. Any resulting asset impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value measurements of the assets are considered to be Level 3 measurements.

During fiscal 2012, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $152,842 relating to Goodwill, $44,335 relating to Trade Names and $692 relating to long-lived assets as a result of a potential sale of the Company below its carrying value. The Company recorded an additional impairment in fiscal 2013 for $42,268 to further reduce the carrying value as a result of the pending sale that subsequently closed on September 3, 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles— Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02), which permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit’s indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than the asset’s carrying value before applying a quantitative impairment assessment. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that the fair value of a reporting unit’s indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not greater than the asset’s carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. ASU 2012-02 is effective for the Company for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed beginning July 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2012-02 will have a significant impact on its combined financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02), which requires the Company to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, it requires the Company to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, the Company is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 is effective for the Company for interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2012-02 will have a significant impact on its combined financial statements, as it relates to disclosures only.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (ASU 2013-11). ASU 2013-11 clarifies guidance and eliminates diversity in practice on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. This new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and subsequent interim periods. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2013-11 will have a significant impact on its combined financial statements.

3. Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net was comprised of the following:

 

     As of June 30  
     2013     2012  

Property and equipment:

    

Land

   $ 11,252      $ 11,334   

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     38,604        39,207   

Machinery and equipment

     61,435        57,953   

Construction-in-progress

     60        1,699   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     111,351        110,193   

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (47,052     (39,549
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 64,299      $ 70,644   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $7,838, $8,431, and $8,995, respectively. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded impairment to property and equipment of $692.

4. Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill

The changes in the carrying values of LMG’s intangible assets, goodwill and related accumulated amortization for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:

 

     Goodwill (a)     Trade
Names (a)
    Subscriber
Relationships (b)
    Advertising
Relationships (c)
    Total
Intangible
Assets, Net
 

Balance, June 30, 2011

   $ 152,842      $ 66,300      $ 3,010      $ 21,808      $ 91,118   

Amortization

     —          —          (69     —          (69

Impairments

     (152,842     (44,335     —          —          (44,335
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2012

     —          21,965        2,941        21,808        46,714   

Amortization

     —          —          (20     —          (20

Impairments

     —          (21,965     (2,399     (17,904     (42,268
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2013

   $ —        $ —        $ 522      $ 3,904      $ 4,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Goodwill and Trade Names are not subject to amortization.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

4. Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill (continued)

 

(b) Net of accumulated amortization of $2,379 and $2,359 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The useful life of Subscriber Relationships is ten years, primarily based on historical attrition rates of subscribers.
(c) Net of accumulated amortization of $7,292 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012. The useful life of Advertising Relationships is 25 years, primarily based on historical attrition rates of advertisers.

Aggregate amortization expense for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $20, $69, and $606, respectively.

Based on the current amount of amortizable intangible assets, net, the estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding five fiscal years is less than $1.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of identifiable intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an intangible asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, (2) a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or (3) an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition of an asset. The Company measures the carrying amount of the asset against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with it. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less than the carrying value of the asset being evaluated, an impairment loss would be recognized. The impairment loss would be calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value is measured based on quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. The evaluation of asset impairment requires the Company to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset being evaluated. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts.

During fiscal 2012, LMG received an offer to sell its business for an amount that was less than the carrying amount of its net assets, excluding goodwill. As of result, this indicator led the Company to record an impairment charge to Goodwill of $152,842 and Trade Names of $44,335 during the year ended June 30, 2012. On June 28, 2013, Parent entered into an agreement to sell the Company for $82,000 and due to the net proceeds being less than previously estimated, the Company recorded an additional impairment to Trade Names, Advertising Relationships and Subscriber Relationships totaling $42,268. Impairment charges of $42,268 and $197,177 for fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are included in impairment and restructuring in the accompanying combined statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of LMG’s U.S. employees participate in defined benefit pension plans sponsored by the Company (Direct Plans), of which certain plans are frozen. Accordingly, the funded and unfunded position of each Direct Plan is recorded in LMG’s combined balance sheets. Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized through income are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income net of taxes, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. The determination of benefit obligations and the recognition of expenses related to Direct Plans are dependent on various assumptions. The major assumptions primarily relate to discount rates, long-term expected rates of return on plan assets, and future compensation increases. Management develops each assumption using relevant company experience in conjunction with market-related data. The funded status of the Direct Plans can change from year to year, but the assets of the funded plans have been sufficient to pay all benefits that came due in each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

The Company uses a June 30 measurement date for all direct pension and postretirement benefit plans. The following table sets forth the change in the projected benefit obligation, change in the fair value of Direct Plans plan assets and funded status:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement
Benefits
 
     As of June 30  
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year

   $ 254,431      $ 223,237      $ 7,854      $ 7,628   

Service cost

     51        45        162        124   

Interest cost

     10,551        12,436        277        371   

Benefits paid

     (13,868     (13,674     (913     (1,158

Settlements

     (10,238     (8,896     —          —     

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (16,549     41,283        (970     889   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation, end of year

     224,378        254,431        6,410        7,854   

Change in the fair value of plan assets

        

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year

     186,842        195,662        —          —     

Actual return on plan assets

     12,649        3,248        —          —     

Employer contributions

     721        10,501        913        1,158   

Benefits paid

     (13,868     (13,674     (913     (1,158

Settlements

     (10,238     (8,895     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, end of year

     176,106        186,842        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

   $ (48,272   $ (67,589   $ (6,410   $ (7,854
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the balance sheets consist of:

 

     Pension Benefits    

Postretirement Benefits

 
     As of June 30  
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Pension and postretirement benefits

   $ (48,272   $ (67,590   $ (6,410   $ (7,854
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

   $ (48,272   $ (67,590   $ (6,410   $ (7,854
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

 

     Pension Benefits     

Postretirement Benefits

 
     As of June 30  
     2013      2012      2013     2012  

Actuarial loses (gains)

   $ 79,933       $ 99,510       $ (1,895   $ (937

Prior service benefit

     —           —           (5,544     (6,666
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

   $ 79,933       $ 99,510       $ (7,439   $ (7,603
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost in fiscal 2014:

 

     Pension Benefits      Postretirement
Benefits
 
     As of June 30  
     2013      2012  

Actuarial loses (gains)

   $ 2,336       $ (111

Prior service benefit

     —           (1,122
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

   $ 2,336       $ (1,233
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated pension benefit obligations as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 were $224,378 and $254,432, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets for all of the Company’s plans. Below is information about funded and unfunded pension plans:

 

     Funded Plans      Unfunded Plans  
     As of June 30  
     2013      2012      2013      2012  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 216,734       $ 246,036       $ 7,644       $ 8,395   

Accumulated benefit obligation

     216,672         245,968         7,644         8,395   

Fair value of plan assets

     176,106         186,842         —           —     

The components of net periodic pension and postretirement expense (benefit) were as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011     2013         2012             2011      

Service cost benefits earned during the period

   $ 51      $ 45      $ 197      $ 162      $ 124      $ 113   

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

     10,551        12,436        12,406        277        371        416   

Expected return on plan assets

     (12,615     (13,235     (12,622     —          —          —     

Amortization of deferred losses

     2,993        3,025        4,176        (12     (87     (104

Amortization of prior service benefit

     —          —          —          (1,122     (1,122     (1,122
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net pension and postretirement expense (benefit)

   $ 980      $ 2,271      $ 4,157      $ (695   $ (714   $ (697
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-89


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

Assumptions

The following are weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at year end:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     For the Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011     2013     2012     2011  

Additional information

            

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:

            

Discount rate

     5.00     4.25     5.75     4.75     3.75     5.25

Rate of increase in future compensation

     N/A        3.25     3.25     N/A        N/A        N/A   

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:

            

Discount rate

     4.25     5.75     5.75     3.75     5.25     5.50

Expected return on plan assets

     7.00     7.00     7.00     N/A        N/A        N/A   

Rate of increase in future compensation

     N/A        3.25     3.25     N/A        N/A        N/A   

The following assumed health care trend rates as of June 30 were also used in accounting for postretirement benefits:

 

     Postretirement Benefits  
     2013     2012  

Health care cost trend rate

     6.8     7.2

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     5.0     5.0

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2019        2019   

Assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plan. The effect of a one percentage point increase and one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects on the results for fiscal 2013:

 

     Service and
Interest Cost
    Benefit
Obligation
 

One percentage point increase

   $ 46,874      $ 385,456   

One percentage point decrease

     (38,895     (334,384

The following table sets forth the estimated benefit payments for the next five fiscal years, and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter. The expected benefits are estimated based on the same assumptions used to measure LMG’s benefit obligation at the end of the fiscal year and include benefits attributable to estimated future employee service:

 

     Pension
Benefits
     Postretirement
Benefits
 

2014

   $ 14,119       $ 716   

2015

     14,261         603   

2016

     14,391         539   

2017

     14,479         486   

2018

     14,559         435   

2019–2023

     74,323         2,333   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 146,132       $ 5,112   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

The Company does not expect to receive U.S. Medicare subsidy receipts.

Plan Assets

LMG applies the provisions of ASC 715 Compensation—Retirement Plans , which required disclosures include: (i) investment policies and strategies; (ii) the major categories of plan assets; (iii) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure plan assets; (iv) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period; and (v) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.

The table below presents LMG’s plan assets by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 2 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, by asset category, are as follows:

 

     As of June 30, 2013      As of June 30, 2012  
            Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
            Fair Value Measurements
at Reporting Date Using
 

Description

   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1     Level 2      Level 3  

Assets

                   

Short-term investments

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —        $ —         $   —     

Pooled funds (a) :

                   

Money market funds

     142         —           142         —           24,175         —          24,175         —     

Domestic equity funds

     46,552         —           46,552         —           13,514         13,514        —           —     

International equity funds

     43,227         —           43,227         —           27,219         19,148        8,071         —     

Domestic fixed income funds

     76,479         —           76,479         —           33,584         33,584        —           —     

Balanced funds

                 28,490         15,773        12,717   

Common stocks (b)

                   

U.S. common stocks

     —           —           —           —           27,847         27,760        87         —     

Government and agency obligations (c) :

                   

Domestic government obligations

     —           —           —           —           2,767         —          2,767         —     

International government obligations

     —           —           —           —           8,029         —          8,029         —     

Corporate obligations (c)

     —           —           —           —           2,720         —          2,720         —     

Partnership interests (d)

     —           —           —           —           4,067         —          4,067         —     

Other

     9,706         9,706         —           —           14,430         (359     14,726         63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 176,106       $ 9,706       $ 166,400       $   —         $ 186,842       $ 109,420      $ 77,359       $ 63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Open-ended pooled funds that are registered and/or available to the general public are valued at the daily published net asset value (NAV). Other pooled funds are valued at the NAV provided by the fund issuer.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

(b) Common stocks that are publicly traded are valued at the closing price reported on active markets in which the individual securities are traded.
(c) The fair value of corporate, government, and agency obligations are valued based on a compilation of primary observable market information or a broker quote in a non-active market.
(d) The fair values of partnerships that are not publicly traded are based on fair value obtained from the general partner.

The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of investments reflected as Level 3 assets as of June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Partnership
Interests
     Other     Total  

Beginning balance at June 30, 2011

   $     —         $ 2      $ 2   

Actual return on plan assets:

       

Relating to assets still held at end of year

     —           42        42   

Purchases, sales, settlements, and issuances

     —           19        19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

     —           63        63   

Purchases, sales, settlements, and issuances

     —           (63     (63
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance at June 30, 2013

   $ —         $     —        $     —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants. The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the policy are target allocation ranges by asset class.

The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.

The investment policy is periodically reviewed by the Company and a designated third-party fiduciary for investment matters. The policy is established and administered in a manner that is compliant at all times with applicable government regulations.

LMG pension assets are managed by News Corporation. News Corporation’s investment strategy for its pension plans is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan assets within an acceptable level of risk in order to minimize the cost of providing pension benefits, while maintaining adequate funding levels. News Corporation’s practice is to conduct a periodic strategic review of its asset allocation. News Corporation’s current broad strategic targets are to have a pension asset portfolio comprising of 54% equity securities and 46% fixed income securities. News Corporation’s equity portfolios are managed in such a way as to achieve optimal diversity. News Corporation’s fixed income portfolio is investment grade in the aggregate. News Corporation does not manage any assets internally.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

5. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (continued)

 

LMG’s benefit plan weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits
As of June 30
 
     2013     2012  

Asset category:

    

Equity securities

     50     37

Debt securities

     42        35   

Cash and other

     8        28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Required pension plan contributions for the next fiscal year are expected to be approximately $701; however, actual contributions may be affected by pension asset and liability valuation changes during the year.

Defined Contribution Plan

LMG has a defined contribution plan for the benefit of substantially all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The Company has limited contribution requirements for this plan.

6. Income Taxes

The income tax (benefit) expense in the combined statements of operations has been calculated as if LMG filed a separate tax return and was operating as a stand-alone business. Therefore, cash tax payments and items of current and deferred taxes may not be reflective of LMG’s actual tax balances had it been a standalone business.

(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense) was attributable to the following jurisdiction:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011  

U.S.

   $ (27,907   $ (179,380   $ 17,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)

   $ (27,907   $ (179,380   $ 17,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant components of LMG’s (benefit) provision for income taxes were as follows:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ (18   $ 456      $ 2,115   

State and local

     1,410        1,556        2,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     1,392        2,012        4,153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (9,426     (29,061     3,676   

State and local

     (2,208     (7,633     675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     (11,634     (36,694     4,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (benefit) provision for income taxes

   $ (10,242   $ (34,682   $ 8,504   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

6. Income Taxes (continued)

 

The reconciliation between the effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate was as follow:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended
June 30
 
     2013     2012     2011  

U.S. federal income tax rate

     35.00     35.00     35.00

Non-deductible goodwill on asset impairment (a)

     —          (17.82     —     

State and local taxes, net of federal benefit

     2.40        2.22        10.04   

Other

     (0.70     (0.06     2.28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     36.70     19.34     47.32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 4

The following is a summary of the components of the deferred tax accounts:

 

     As of June 30  
     2013     2012  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Pension and postretirement benefits

   $ 22,069      $ 30,554   

Amortization of goodwill and intangibles

     16,365        3,483   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     11,295        11,098   

Other

     1,616        3,205   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     51,345        48,340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Property and equipment

     (11,638     (12,432
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (11,638     (12,432
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

     39,707        35,908   

Less: valuation allowance

     (451     (451
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 39,256      $ 35,457   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LMG had net current deferred tax assets of $848 and $949 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and noncurrent deferred tax assets of $38,408 and $34,508 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. LMG had no current and non-current deferred tax liabilities as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

We have recorded a deferred tax asset of $1,404 and $2,982 associated with our net operating loss carryforwards as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, valuation allowances of $451 and $451 have been established to reduce the deferred tax asset associated with our net operating losses to an amount that will more likely than not be realized as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

As of June 30, 2013, LMG had $15,824 net operating loss or capital loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income.

 

F-94


Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

6. Income Taxes (continued)

 

The following table sets forth the change in the accrual for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30  
     2013     2012     2011  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 12,606      $ 12,107      $ 12,347   

Adjustment for current year tax positions

     1,560        2,438        1,939   

Reductions for prior year tax position

     (1,617     (1,939     (2,179
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 12,549      $ 12,606      $ 12,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LMG recognizes interest and penalty charges related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense, which is consistent with the recognition in prior reporting periods. LMG recognized interest charges of $911, $895 and $855 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. LMG recorded liabilities for accrued interest of approximately $5,614 and $4,703 as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

LMG is subject to tax in various domestic jurisdictions and, as a matter of ordinary course, LMG is regularly audited by federal and state tax authorities. LMG believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of all other pending tax matters and does not currently anticipate that the ultimate resolution of other pending tax matters will have a material adverse effect on its combined financial condition, future results of operations or liquidity. LMG’s income tax returns for 2006 and later are subject to examination in various jurisdictions. As of June 30, 2013 and 2012, approximately $11,171 would affect LMG’s effective income tax rate, if and when recognized in future fiscal years. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $11,728 in unrecognized tax benefits related to state exposures may occur within the next twelve months.

LMG paid $70, $163 and $143 for income taxes during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

7. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is related to the actuarial gains and losses related to the pension and postretirement benefit plans. The balance of $43,003 and $54,581 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is net of tax of $29,491 and $37,326 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

 

8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Operating Leases

Operating lease commitments are primarily for office space and equipment. Certain office space leases provide for rent adjustments relating to changes in real estate taxes and other operating costs. Rental expense amounted to $437 in 2013, $467 in 2012, and $397 in 2011. The minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases, net of subleases, as of June 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

2014

   $ 274   

2015

     69   

2016

     28   

2017

     5   

Thereafter

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 376   
  

 

 

 

9. Related Parties

Parent and News Corporation provide various cash management, human resources, financial, tax, legal, insurance, and other services to LMG. These services include processing certain cash activity; cash is generally maintained by News Corporation. Costs of these services are allocated to LMG based upon established criteria, primarily determined by the associated cash outflows of the business or the specific amount of services provided. The total costs allocated to LMG for these services were $2,254, $2,200, and $1,496 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. In addition, News Corporation billed LMG for insurance related to certain specified events of $2,769, $4,468, and $2,723 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Management believes that the allocations are reasonable. Settlement of amounts owed to and by the Parent are generally cleared through equity.

LMG purchases content for its newspapers from Parent and in certain geographic area purchases and/or delivers Parent’s and News Corporation’s newspapers for agreed-upon fees. Under these agreements, total purchases were $2,880, $2,933, and $2,891 and fees received were $271, $299, and $303 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

LMG’s arrangements with Parent and News Corporation have been entered into in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship; therefore, these arrangements are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations between independent parties. There can be no assurance that any of such arrangements has been effected on terms more or less as favorable to LMG as could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

10. Subsequent Events

In accordance with ASC 855, Subsequent Events , the Company evaluated subsequent events through September 10, 2013, the date these combined financial statements were available to be issued.

On September 3, 2013, Parent sold the Company to a subsidiary of Fortress Investment Group LLC. As a result, the Company’s operations are now managed by GateHouse Media, Inc.

 

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Table of Contents

Dow Jones Local Media Group, Inc.

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (continued)

(In Thousands)

 

11. Event (unaudited) subsequent to date of independent auditor’s report

On September 3, 2013, the Company along with other specified related parties entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement consists of a $33.0 million senior secured term loan, which was funded on September 3, 2013, and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $10 million, but which will not be funded until certain conditions precedent have been met under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement expires on September 4, 2018 or earlier in the case of an Event of Default as defined per the Credit Agreement.

 

F-97

Exhibit 99.3

COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The Board has responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring executive compensation. The Board’s focus is to establish compensation at levels necessary to attract, retain and motivate the best possible executive talent. Historically, the Board has developed our executive compensation programs based on input from our Chief Executive Officer, the officers’ current compensation, our financial condition, our operating results, and individual performance.

Throughout this section, the individual who served as the Company’s chief executive officer during 2012, as well as the three other individuals included in the 2012 Summary Compensation Table included below, are referred to as our “Named Executive Officers.” For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, the principal components of compensation for Named Executive Officers consisted of base salary and discretionary cash bonuses.

2012 Summary Compensation Table

The table below summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years 2012 and 2011, ending December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)
    Total
($)
 

Michael E. Reed

     2012       $ 500,000       $ 800,000 (1)    $ 1,300,000   

— Chief Executive Officer

     2011         500,000         800,000 (2)      1,300,000   

Melinda A. Janik

     2012         275,000         125,000 (1)      400,000   

— Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

     2011         275,000         125,000 (2)      400,000   

Kirk Davis

     2012         461,261         350,000 (1)      811,261 (3) 

— President and Chief Operating Officer

     2011         461,261         350,000 (2)      811,261 (4) 

Polly Grunfeld Sack

     2012         260,000         140,000 (1)      400,000   

— Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

     2011         260,000         140,000 (2)      400,000   

 

(1) This amount reflects the bonus amount earned and paid in 2012.
(2) This amount reflects the bonus amount earned in 2011 and paid in 2012.
(3) This amount does not include $15,117 representing the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of Mr. Davis’ accumulated benefit under the George W. Prescott Publishing Company Pension Plan, which was frozen effective December 31, 2008.
(4) This amount does not include $8,527 representing the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of Mr. Davis’ accumulated benefit under the George W. Prescott Publishing Company Pension Plan, which was frozen effective December 31, 2008.

2012 Discretionary Cash Bonuses

Each of our Named Executive Officers is entitled to a discretionary annual bonus that is based upon the achievement of certain performance goals of the Company and individual, as agreed to by each Named Executive Officer and the Board. The annual bonus incentives are used to ensure that a portion of our Named Executive Officer’s compensation is at risk, and that each Named Executive Officer has the opportunity to receive a variable amount of compensation based on Board’s evaluation of our and the individual’s performance. The bonus is payable in our common stock or cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion unless otherwise limited by the terms of the applicable Employment Agreement. Any bonus that is payable in common stock vests over a specified period.

While the amount, if any, of an annual bonus is determined by the Board in its sole discretion, the Board has established an evaluation process used to assist in its decision-making process relating to the amount, if any, of the annual bonus for our Named Executive Officers. The evaluation process involves the following four steps:

 

  (a)

Setting Company-wide Annual Performance Goals. Early in each fiscal year, the Board and senior management establish annual performance measures for us. For a particular fiscal year, those performance measures may include one or any combination of the following: (i) net income or operating income (before or after taxes, interest, capital expenses, depreciation, amortization or


  nonrecurring or unusual items); (ii) return on assets, return on capital, return on equity, return on economic capital, return on other measures of capital, return on sales or other financial criteria; (iii) revenue or net sales; (iv) gross profit or operating gross profit; (v) share price or total stockholder return; (vi) earnings per share; (vii) budget and expense management; or (viii) customer or product measures. In determining the extent to which the performance measures are met for a given period, the Board exercises its judgment whether to reflect or exclude the impact of changes in accounting principles and extraordinary, unusual or infrequently occurring events.

 

  (b) Setting Individual Performance Measures. As it sets our company-wide performance measures, the Board also establishes individual performance measures for each Named Executive Officer. These measures are used by the Board to evaluate individual performance beyond purely financial measures, and may include one or any combination of the following: (i) exceptional performance of each individual’s functional responsibilities; (ii) leadership; (iii) creativity; (iv) innovation; (v) collaboration; (vi) development and implementation of growth initiatives; and (vii) other activities that are critical to driving long-term value for stockholders.

 

  (c) Measuring Performance . After the end of the fiscal year, the Board reviews our actual performance against each of the performance goals established at the outset of the year. The Board also makes an assessment of performance against the individual goals set at the outset of the year as well as each Named Executive Officer’s performance in relation to any extraordinary events or transactions. The Board does not apply a rigid set of rules for determining the relative importance of these factors. The Board may emphasize or weight particular factors differently for each Named Executive Officer and differently for each fiscal year.

For 2012, the Board considered the above factors and, on December 26, 2012, awarded the following discretionary cash bonuses to our Named Executive Officers as follows: Mr. Reed — $800,000; Ms. Janik — $125,000; Mr. Davis — $350,000; and Ms. Sack — $140,000.

Employment Agreements

On March 6, 2012, the Board approved and we entered into an amendment to the existing employment agreement with each of our Named Executive Officers, other than Ms. Janik. These amendments provide for enhanced severance benefits upon the executive’s involuntary termination of employment without “cause” or voluntary termination of employment for “good reason,” in each case, within 18 months of the earlier to occur of the commencement of any discussion with any individual or entity that ultimately results in a “change in control” (as defined in the Incentive Plan) or the occurrence of a change in control transaction. The amendments also added voluntary termination of employment for “good reason” as an event that would entitle the executive to non-enhanced severance that is unrelated to a change of control. The amendments also clarify our approach to compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make conforming and clarifying changes to each of such executive’s restrictive covenants (such as non-competition, confidentiality and non-solicitation). No other changes were made to the existing employment agreements.

Cause ” is defined as: (a) a conviction of, guilty plea concerning or confession of any felony; (b) any act of dishonesty in connection with our business; (c) any uncured material breach by the executive of his or her employment agreement; (d) any material breach of any reasonable and lawful rule or directive from us; (e) the gross or willful neglect of duties or gross misconduct by the executive; or (f) the habitual use of drugs or habitual, excessive use of alcohol to the extent that any of such uses materially interferes with the performance of the executive’s duties under his or her employment agreement.

Good reason ” is defined as the occurrence of any one or more of the following at any time during the executive’s employment without the executive’s written consent: (a) the failure to maintain the executive in the same or better position with us which the executive held immediately prior to a change in control, or the removal of Executive as a member of the Board; (b) a significant adverse change in the


nature or scope of the executive’s authorities, powers, functions, responsibilities or duties immediately prior to the change in control; (c) a reduction in the aggregate of the executive’s base salary or annual cash bonus; (d) a reduction in the executive’s long-term incentive compensation opportunity; (e) the termination or denial of the executive’s rights to retirement or welfare benefits or a reduction in the scope or value of such benefits (other than any a reduction that is generally applicable to all employees); (f) any change of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the executive’s principal place of employment immediately prior to a change in control; (g) any uncured failure to pay the executive any compensation when due; (h) the delivery to the executive of a written notice of the intent to terminate the executive’s employment for any reason, other than cause or disability, regardless of when such termination is intended to become effective; or (i) any failure by us to comply with any provision of the executive’s employment agreement.

The enhanced severance benefit consists of: (a) a monthly payment for a specified period (27 months for our Mr. Reed, 24 months for our Mr. Davis and 21 months for our Ms. Sack) equal to the executive’s monthly base salary and average monthly bonus (the average of the last three annual cash bonuses, or, if three annual cash bonuses have not been paid to the executive, the average of such bonuses that have been paid to the executive, in each case, divided by 12); (b) a pro-rated annual cash bonus for the year that the executive’s employment is terminated; (c) the accelerated vesting of any restricted stock awards that are unvested as of the date that the executive’s employment is terminated; (d) up to six months of outplacement services immediately following the executive’s termination of employment; and (e) up to 12 months of continued healthcare coverage.

The above description of the amendments is qualified in its entirety by the text of each respective amendment, which are attached as Exhibits 10.22, 10.23 and 10.25 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 8, 2012.

Also on March 6, 2012, the Board approved and we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Janik, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. This employment agreement generally embodies the terms of that certain offer letter, dated December 23, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2009.

Under the employment agreement, Ms. Janik has the title of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and is entitled to continue to receive her current base salary at the annual rate of $275,000 (“Base Salary”). Ms. Janik is eligible to receive each fiscal year a bonus (for each such fiscal year, a “Bonus”), based on the achievement, as determined by the Board, of certain performance standards as agreed to by Ms. Janik and the Board. Such Bonus is payable in such combination of cash and shares of common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) as determined by the Board, under the GateHouse Media, Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (or any similar or successor plan) (the stock portion of any such Bonus being a “Restricted Stock Grant”). The number of shares comprising any Restricted Stock Grant shall be determined by dividing the applicable portion of the Bonus being awarded in Common Stock by the fair market value (as determined by the Board) of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The cash portion of each Bonus shall be paid to Ms. Janik within a reasonable time after the end of the fiscal year, but in no event later than four months following completion of the fiscal year to which such Bonus relates (“Outside Payment Date”). The Restricted Stock Grant portion of each Bonus shall be made on such date as the Board determines in its discretion, though no later than the applicable Outside Payment Date. No Bonus in respect of any fiscal year will be due to Ms. Janik unless she is employed by us on the last day of the fiscal year in respect of which the Bonus is awarded. As described below, Ms. Janik’s employment agreement has the same type of severance provisions as those that are in Ms. Sack’s employment agreement.

The above description of Ms. Janik’s employment agreement is qualified in its entirety by the text of such agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.24 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 8, 2012.


Michael E. Reed

Mr. Reed is employed as our Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of January 30, 2006, as amended on March 6, 2012. Under this agreement, he has the duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by the person serving as chief executive officer of our size and nature.

Pursuant to his employment agreement, which has an initial three-year term that automatically renews subject to the same terms and conditions for additional one-year terms unless either we or Mr. Reed gives notice of non-renewal within ninety days prior to the end of the term, Mr. Reed receives an annual base salary of $500,000. Mr. Reed also is eligible for an annual, performance-based bonus. The agreement provides that Mr. Reed is eligible to receive an annual target bonus of $200,000 upon the achievement of certain performance goals agreed to by Mr. Reed and the Board. The bonus is payable in either our common stock or cash in the discretion of the Board, provided that no more than 50% of the bonus shall be payable in our common stock without Mr. Reed’s approval.

Melinda A. Janik

On March 6, 2012, the Board approved and we entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Janik. This employment agreement is generally consistent with the prior offer letter between Ms. Janik and us. Under her employment agreement, Ms. Janik is entitled to receive a base salary of $275,000. Ms. Janik is also eligible to receive an annual bonus based on the achievement of certain performance requirements and satisfaction of a continuous employment requirement, as determined by the Board. Such annual bonus is payable in such combination of cash and shares of our common stock under the Incentive Plan, as determined by the Board. Ms. Janik will be entitled to all of the usual benefits offered to employees at the executive level, including vacation, sick time, participation in our medical, dental and insurance programs, as well as the ability to participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan. We will also reimburse Ms. Janik for any expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by her in furtherance of her duties under the employment agreement.

Ms. Janik’s employment may be terminated (a) by us for “cause” (as such term is defined above); (b) by us at any time without “cause”; or (c) by Ms. Janik at any time. If Ms. Janik’s employment with us is terminated by us for “cause,” she shall not be entitled to any further compensation or benefits other than accrued but unpaid base salary and accrued and unused vacation pay through the date of such termination (collectively, the “Accrued Benefits”).

If Ms. Janik’s employment is terminated by us other than for “cause,” and not within 18 months of a “change in control” (as such term is defined above), then she shall be entitled to, upon providing us with a signed release of claims and subject to Ms. Janik’s continued compliance with restrictive covenants and confidentiality provisions of the employment agreement: (a) the Accrued Benefits, (b) an amount equal to 12 months base salary payable in the same manner as provided under the employment agreement, (c) any declared annual bonus not yet paid, and (d) continuation of her coverage under our medical plan for 12 months from the date of such termination. If Ms. Janik’s employment is terminated by us without “cause” or Ms. Janik terminates her employment for “good reason” (as such term is defined above), in each case, within 18 months of the earlier to occur of the commencement of any discussion with any individual or entity that ultimately results in a change in control or the occurrence of a change in control transaction, Ms. Janik could become eligible to receive the same enhanced severance benefits described above in connection with the amendment to Ms. Sack’s employment agreement.

Unless Ms. Janik breaches one of the restrictive covenants contained in the employment agreement, the payments described in the termination provisions in the employment agreement shall be paid over a period of 12 months commencing on the date of Ms. Janik’s termination of employment with us; provided that if such termination is by Ms. Janik for “good reason” or occurs within 18 months of a “change in control,” such payments shall be paid over a 21-month period.


Kirk Davis

Mr. Davis is employed as our President and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of January 9, 2009, as amended on March 6, 2012. Under this agreement, he has the duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by the person serving as president and chief operating officer of a company of our size and nature.

Pursuant to his employment agreement, which has no guaranteed term of employment or renewal provision, Mr. Davis’ annual base salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted in our sole discretion. Mr. Davis also is eligible for an annual bonus, based on the achievement, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, of certain performance standards agreed to by Mr. Davis and the Board. Such bonus may be paid in such combination of cash and shares of our common stock as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion under the Incentive Plan (or any similar or successor plan).

Polly G. Sack

Ms. Sack is employed as our Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel pursuant to an employment agreement effective as of May 17, 2006, as amended on March 6, 2012. Under this agreement, she has the duties and responsibilities customarily exercised by the person serving as chief legal officer of a company of our size and nature.

Pursuant to her employment agreement, which has no guaranteed term of employment or renewal provision, Ms. Sack’s annual base salary shall be reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted in our sole discretion. Ms. Sack also is eligible for an annual, performance-based bonus, without a target level, based upon the achievement of certain performance goals agreed to by Ms. Sack and the Board. Such bonus may be a Restricted Stock Bonus as determined by the Board and without restriction as to the relative proportions of common stock or cash comprising such bonus. Ms. Sack’s employment agreement also provided for the reimbursement of her reasonable relocation expenses.

General

The employment agreements with the Named Executive Officers are referred to collectively as the “ Employment Agreements .” Our Named Executive Officers have restrictive covenants in the Employment Agreements and/or their management stockholder agreements for our benefit relating to non-competition during the term of employment and for the one year period following termination of their employment for any reason. Each of the Employment Agreements also contains restrictive covenants relating to non-solicitation of our employees, directors, agents, clients, customers, vendors, suppliers or consultants during the term of employment and for the one year period following termination of their employment for any reason.

No Equity Compensation Granted During 2012 and

No Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

We did not grant any equity compensation to our Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ending December 30, 2012. No equity awards were outstanding at the end of fiscal 2012.

Retirement Benefits

We maintain one defined benefit plan, the George W. Prescott Publishing Company Pension Plan (the “ Prescott Pension Plan ”). The Prescott Pension Plan benefits the employees of the George W. Prescott Publishing Company by providing funded, tax-qualified benefits up to the limits on compensation and benefits under the Internal Revenue Code. Benefits under the Prescott Pension Plan are funded by an irrevocable tax-exempt trust. An executive’s benefits under the Prescott Pension Plan are payable from the assets held by a tax-exempt trust, and are based on earnings up to a compensation limit under the Internal Revenue Code (which was $230,000 in 2008).


Effective December 31, 2008, the Prescott Pension Plan was amended to freeze benefit accruals and participation. The only Named Executive Officer who has benefits in the Prescott Pension Plan is Mr. Davis. The terms and conditions below relate solely to participants in the Prescott Pension Plan.

The “Normal Retirement Benefit” is expressed as an annual single life annuity payable from normal retirement age for the remainder of his life. The benefit under the Prescott Pension Plan is equal to an amount equal to the sum of (i) and (ii):

(i) an amount equal to the product of:

(a) 0.5% of Mr. Davis’ Average Compensation not in excess of the covered compensation base plus 1% of his Average Compensation in excess of the covered compensation base; and (b) Mr. Davis’ years of Accrued Service (not in excess of 40).

(ii) an amount equal to the product of:

(a) 0.67% of Mr. Davis’ Average Compensation; and

(b) Mr. Davis’ years of Accrued Service in excess of 40.

“Average Compensation” means the average of Mr. Davis’ highest compensation paid during any five consecutive plan years of the ten plan years prior to December 31, 2008. “Compensation” means Mr. Davis’ total compensation in a plan year, excluding any bonuses, any overtime payments, and employer contributions under the Prescott Pension Plan or under any other employee benefit plan of an affiliated company. Pay in excess of the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) limit, is not considered. “Accrued Service” is the total number of years prior to January 1, 2009 (June 1, 2009 for IBT Union employees), during which the executive has completed at least 1,000 Hours of Service.

If Mr. Davis retires after reaching the age of 60 and has completed five years of vesting service, he is entitled to the benefit amount. However, the benefit amount will be reduced 0.56% for each month his retirement precedes his reaching the age of 65.

In the event Mr. Davis dies prior to the commencement of benefit payments, his spouse will be eligible for a death benefit protection. This provides that if Mr. Davis and spouse were married for at least one year prior to his date of death, then the spouse of Mr. Davis shall receive a survivor annuity which is equal to 50% of the pension Mr. Davis would have received had he retired on his date of death or age 60, if later, with a joint and 50% survivor annuity option.

If Mr. Davis dies after payment of his benefit under the Prescott Pension Plan has commenced, the death benefit payable, if any, shall be determined in accordance with the form in which the benefit was being paid. The pension benefit under the Prescott Pension Plan is reduced if paid before normal retirement age. The pension benefit is defined as a single life annuity. Optional annuity forms which are approximately equal in value are also available.

Potential Payments Upon Resignation, Termination or Change in Control

Each of our Named Executive Officers is entitled to receive amounts earned during his or her term of employment regardless of the manner in which the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated. These amounts include accrued but unpaid base salary and accrued and unused vacation pay through the date of such termination (the “ Accrued Benefits ”). In addition, each of our Named Executive Officers may receive compensation under the terms of our Management Stockholder Agreements or the Incentive Plan, as well as under the terms of their respective employment agreements.

The Management Stockholder Agreements with each of Mr. Reed and Ms. Sack contains a call option exercisable at our discretion pursuant to which we may purchase the shares of non-forfeited common stock which are subject to the Management Stockholder Agreement upon termination of his or her employment for any reason (the “ Call Option ”). The amount we will pay is determined as follows: (a) in the case of a termination for cause, the lower of the purchase price of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per share or the fair market value (as determined by the Board) or (b) in the case of a termination for any reason other than cause, the fair market value (as determined by the Board).


Additionally, under the Incentive Plan, if a Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated for any reason, we will immediately repurchase any remaining unvested restricted shares at a price equal to the par value ($.01) per share (the “ Repurchase Obligation ”).

Payments Made Upon Termination for Cause or Resignation without Good Reason

If the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by the Company for cause or he or she voluntarily resigns without “good reason” (as such term is defined above), he or she would not be entitled to any further compensation or benefits other than Accrued Benefits. The Named Executive Officer would also forfeit all unvested shares subject to his or her initial stock grant and any restricted stock bonuses and, in the case of termination due to an act of dishonesty committed in connection with our business, he or she would forfeit all shares subject to his or her initial stock grant and any restricted stock bonuses. Under the Management Stockholder Agreements, we may exercise our Call Option. Under the Incentive Plan, we will purchase any remaining unvested restricted shares pursuant to our Repurchase Obligation.

Payments Made Upon Termination without Cause or Termination for Good Reason Unrelated to a Change in Control

If the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or is terminated by the Named Executive Officer for “good reason” (as such term is defined above) unrelated to a Change in Control, in each case, not within 18 months of the earlier to occur of the commencement of any discussion with any individual or entity that ultimately results in a change in control or the occurrence of a change in control transaction (this period is referred to as the “Protection Period”), then he or she shall be entitled to:

(a) the Accrued Benefits;

(b) an amount equal to 12 months current base salary;

(c) the annual bonus, including any declared bonus not yet paid;

(d) continuation of health benefits at the same levels until the earlier of: (i) the time it takes the Named Executive Officer to become eligible for benefits from a new employer; or (ii) 12 months from the date of termination;

(e) the shares subject to the initial stock grant and any additional restricted stock bonuses that would have vested on the next anniversary date following the date of such termination, but in no event less than one-third (1/3) each of the shares to the initial stock grant and any additional restricted stock bonuses; and

(f) with respect to each of Mr. Reed and Ms. Sack only, under the Management Stockholder Agreement, we may exercise our Call Option.

Payments Made Upon Termination without Cause or Termination for Good Reason following a Change in Control

If the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or is terminated by the Named Executive Officer for Good Reason following a Change in Control, in each case within the Protection Period, then he or she shall be entitled to:

(a) the Accrued Benefits;

(b) an amount equal to:

 

  i. with respect to Mr. Reed, 27 months Base Salary plus Average Monthly Bonus (as defined in the Employment Agreements) current base salary;

 

  ii. with respect to Mr. Davis, 24 months Base Salary plus Average Monthly Bonus; and


  iii. with respect to each of Ms. Janik and Ms. Sack, 21 months Base Salary plus Average Monthly Bonus.

(c) a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination;

(d) the vesting portion of the shares of any Restricted Stock Grant and the Initial Restricted Stock Grant, respectively, that are not vested as of the date of termination, if the date of termination is within 12 months of the Change in Control;

(e) up to 6 months of outplacement services;

(f) continuation of health benefits at the same levels until the earlier of: (i) the time it takes the Named Executive Officer to become eligible for benefits from a new employer; or (ii) 12 months from the date of termination;

(g) the shares subject to the initial stock grant and any additional restricted stock bonuses that would have vested on the next anniversary date following the date of such termination, but in no event less than one-third (1/3) each of the shares to the initial stock grant and any additional restricted stock bonuses, if the date of termination is not within 12 months of the Change in Control; and

(h) with respect to each of Mr. Reed and Ms. Sack only, under the Management Stockholder Agreement, we may exercise our Call Option.

Payments Made Upon Resignation, Death or Disability

If the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by reason of voluntary resignation (other than a voluntary termination for good reason), death or Disability (as defined in the Employment Agreements), he or she would not be entitled to receive any further compensation or benefits other than the Accrued Benefits. If any Named Executive Officer fails to perform his or her duties as a result of Disability or incapacity, he or she shall continue to receive his or her Base Salary and all other benefits and all other compensation unless and until his or her employment is terminated. If the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, we may exercise our Repurchase Obligation under the Incentive Plan. In addition, under the Management Stockholder Agreements, we may exercise our Call Option.

Under the Incentive Plan, if the Named Executive Officer’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, he or she shall be entitled to the restricted shares that would have vested on the next vesting date following the date of such termination. In addition, we will purchase any remaining unvested restricted shares pursuant to our Repurchase Obligation.

DIRECTORS

 

Michael E. Reed
Director since October 2006
Age 46

Mr. Reed became GateHouse Media’s Chief Executive Officer in February of 2006. He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., or ‘‘CNHI’’, a leading publisher of local news and information and had served in that capacity since 1999. Mr. Reed served as CNHI’s Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 1999. Prior to that, he worked for Park Communications, Inc., a multimedia company, located in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Reed currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Newspaper Association of America. Mr. Reed also serves on the Board of Directors for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Mr. Reed formerly served as a director of the Associated Press and Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Associated Press. Mr. Reed was also a member of the Board of Visitors of the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences and was a member of the Grady College Journalism School’s Board of Advisors.


  Mr. Reed has a deep understanding of our operations, strategy and people, as well as our industry, serving as our Chief Executive Officer for over seven years. He has also served in senior executive capacities with other companies in the newspaper and publishing industries. Mr. Reed has extensive corporate board experience.

 

Wesley R. Edens
Chairman of the Board since June 2005
Age 51

Mr. Edens is a principal and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fortress Investment Group LLC (“ Fortress ”). Mr. Edens has been Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fortress since August 2009 and a member of the Board of Directors of Fortress since November 2006. Mr. Edens has been a member of the Management Committee of Fortress since 1998. Mr. Edens is responsible for Fortress’ private equity and publicly traded alternative investment businesses. Prior to co-founding Fortress in 1998, Mr. Edens was a partner and managing director of BlackRock Financial Management Inc., where he headed BlackRock Asset Investors, a private equity fund. In addition, Mr. Edens was formerly a partner and managing director of Lehman Brothers.

 

  Mr. Edens has extensive experience in the venture capital, private equity and investment advisory fields. Mr. Edens brings to our board his expertise in leading organizations, dealing with capital markets, finance transactions and acquisition matters, as well as fundamental financial statement analysis, including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.

 

Kevin Sheehan
Director since October 2006
Age 59

Mr. Sheehan currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, which he joined in 2007. Previously, Mr. Sheehan provided consulting services to Cerebrus Capital Management LP (2006-2007) and provided consulting services to Clayton Dubilier & Rice from 2005 until 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Sheehan was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant Corporation’s Vehicle Services Division (included responsibility for Avis Rent A Car, Budget Rent A Car, Budget Truck, PHH Fleet Management and Wright Express) from January 2003 until May 2005. From March 2001 until May 2003, Mr. Sheehan served as Chief Financial Officer of Cendant Corporation. From August 1999 to February 2001, Mr. Sheehan was President-Corporate and Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer of Avis Group Holdings, Inc. and a director of that company from June 1999 until February 2001. From August 2005 to January 2008, Mr. Sheehan served on the faculty of Adelphi University as a Distinguished Visiting Professor — Accounting, Finance and Economics. Mr. Sheehan currently serves on the Boards of Dave & Busters and XOJETS.

 

  Mr. Sheehan has significant experience in a senior management capacity for large corporations. Specifically, his experience as the Chief Financial Officer of several large corporations provide him with important experience and skills, as well as an understanding of the complexities of our current economic environment. Mr. Sheehan also brings significant financial expertise to our Board.


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Our outside directors receive an annual cash retainer of $50,000, which is payable in two semi-annual installments. We pay our Audit Committee chairperson a $10,000 annual cash retainer, which is payable in two semi-annual installments.

On February 19, 2013, the Board approved (without the participation of Mr. Sheehan) that Mr. Sheehan will receive (a) an annual cash retainer of $50,000; and (b) a per meeting fee of $1,000, as remuneration for his service on the Special Committee. These amounts are in addition to other amounts paid to Mr. Sheehan for service on the Board and for service as the Audit Committee chairperson.

2012 Director Compensation Table

The following table provides information about the compensation earned by our predecessor GateHouse’s outside directors during 2012.

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)(1)(2)
     Total
($)
 

Wesley R. Edens(3)

     0         0   

Burl Osborne(4)

     31,250         31,250   

Kevin M. Sheehan

     60,000         60,000   

 

(1) Amounts in this column reflect the annual cash retainer of $50,000 earned for 2012.
(2) Mr. Sheehan’s annual cash retainer includes an additional $10,000 retainer he earned as Chair of the Audit Committee.
(3) Mr. Edens is not an independent director (he is affiliated with our largest stockholder — Fortress Investment Group) and he receives no compensation for his services as a director.
(4) Mr. Osborne died on August 15, 2012. Cash retainer reflects prorated payment for time served as director.