SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ![[X]](xbox.gif){kind=small}
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ![[ ]](ebox.gif){kind=small}
Check the appropriate box:
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| Preliminary Proxy Statement
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12 |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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COURTSIDE ACQUISITION CORP.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
Common stock of Courtside Acquisition Corp.
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| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
2,192,982 (maximum) shares
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| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
Average of the bid and ask price as of , 2007 ($ )
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| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
$206,000,000
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| (5) | Total fee paid: |
$6,324.20
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: $5,065.50 |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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| (1) | Amount previously paid: |
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| (2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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| (3) | Filing Party: |
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| (4) | Date Filed: |
This proxy statement is dated , 2007 and is first being mailed to Courtside stockholders on or about , 2007.
COURTSIDE ACQUISITION CORP.
1700 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10019
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING IN LIEU OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE , 2007
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF COURTSIDE ACQUISITION CORP.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of stockholders of Courtside Acquisition Corp. (‘‘Courtside’’), a Delaware corporation, will be held at 10:00 a.m. eastern time, on June , 2007, at the offices of Graubard Miller, Courtside’s counsel, at The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10174. You are cordially invited to attend the meeting, which will be held for the following purposes:
(1) to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2007, among Courtside, American Community Newspapers LLC (‘‘ACN’’), and ACN Holding LLC, as amended on May 2, 2007, which, among other things, provides for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets, and the assumption of certain liabilities, of ACN for a total consideration of $203,762,997 (of which up to $12,500,000 may be paid in shares of Courtside common stock valued at $5.70 per share and the balance will be paid in cash), subject to certain increases or decreases, including adjustments for working capital, plus, if certain newspaper cash flow and Courtside stock price targets are achieved, up to an additional $25,000,000 – we refer to this proposal as the acquisition proposal;
(2) to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of Courtside to change the name of Courtside from ‘‘Courtside Acquisition Corp.’’ to ‘‘American Community Newspapers Inc.’’ – we refer to this proposal as the name change amendment;
(3) to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of Courtside to remove provisions that are no longer applicable to Courtside – we refer to this proposal as the Article Sixth amendment;
(4) to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an equity-based incentive compensation plan for directors, officers, employees, consultants and others – we refer to this proposal as the incentive compensation plan proposal;
(5) to elect seven directors to Courtside’s board of directors, of whom two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2008, three will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2009 and two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2010 and, in each case, until their successors are elected and qualified – we refer to this proposal as the director election proposal; and
(6) to consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the special meeting, Courtside is not authorized to consummate the acquisition – we refer to this proposal as the adjournment proposal.
These items of business are described in the attached proxy statement, which we encourage you to read in its entirety before voting. Only holders of record of Courtside common stock at the close of business on , 2007 are entitled to notice of the special meeting and to vote and have their votes counted at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.
The acquisition proposal must be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock sold in its initial public offering (‘‘IPO’’), including holders who purchased
such shares subsequent to the IPO, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. We refer to such shares as the ‘‘Public Shares.’’ The name change amendment and Article Sixth amendment proposals must each be approved by the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Courtside common stock. The incentive compensation plan proposal must be approved by the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Courtside common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Those directors who receive a plurality of votes cast for the respective positions will be elected. If the acquisition proposal is not approved, the other proposals, including the election of directors, will not be presented to the stockholders for a vote.
Each Courtside stockholder who holds Public Shares has the right to vote against the acquisition proposal and at the same time demand that Courtside convert such stockholder’s shares into cash equal to a pro rata portion of the funds held in the trust account into which a substantial portion of the net proceeds of Courtside’s IPO was deposited. See the section entitled ‘‘Special Meeting of Courtside Stockholders – Conversion Rights’’ for the procedures to be followed if you wish to convert your shares into cash. The conversion price will be the amount equal to the funds in the trust account, determined as of two business days prior to the consummation of the acquisition, divided by the number of Public Shares on such date. No fees or expenses of any nature will be deducted from or charged to the trust account. Courtside’s board of directors will review and confirm the calculation. On , 2007, the record date for the meeting of stockholders, the conversion price (calculated in such manner) would have been $ in cash for each Public Share. Public Shares owned by Courtside stockholders who validly exercise their conversion rights will be converted into cash only if the acquisition is consummated. If, however, the holders of 20% (2,760,000) or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition proposal and demand conversion of their shares, Courtside will not consummate the acquisition. Prior to exercising conversion rights, Courtside stockholders should verify the market price of Courtside’s common stock as they may receive higher proceeds from the sale of their common stock in the public market than from exercising their conversion rights. Shares of Courtside’s common stock are listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol CRB. On , 2007, the record date, the last sale price of Courtside common stock was $ .
Courtside’s initial stockholders, who purchased their shares of common stock prior to its IPO and presently own an aggregate of approximately 17.9% of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock, have agreed to vote all of the shares they purchased prior to the IPO on the acquisition proposal in accordance with the vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of Public Shares. As a consequence, the voting of such shares will not have any effect on the outcome of the vote on the acquisition proposal. The initial stockholders have also indicated that they will vote such shares ‘‘FOR’’ the approval of the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment and the incentive compensation plan proposal and in favor of the director nominees and will vote any shares they acquired after the IPO for all of the proposals and the director nominees.
After careful consideration, Courtside’s board of directors has determined that the acquisition proposal and the other proposals are fair to and in the best interests of Courtside and its stockholders and unanimously recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote ‘‘FOR’’ the approval of all of the proposals and the persons nominated by Courtside’s management for election as directors.
All Courtside stockholders are cordially invited to attend the special meeting in person. To ensure your representation at the special meeting, however, you are urged to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. If you are a stockholder of record of Courtside common stock, you may also cast your vote in person at the special meeting. If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm or bank, you must instruct your broker or bank on how to vote your shares or, if you wish to attend the meeting and vote in person, obtain a proxy from your broker or bank. If you do not vote or do not instruct your broker or bank how to vote, it will have the same effect as voting against the name change amendment and the Article Sixth amendment.
A complete list of Courtside stockholders of record entitled to vote at the special meeting will be available for 10 days before the special meeting at the principal executive offices of Courtside for inspection by stockholders during ordinary business hours for any purpose germane to the special meeting.
Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether you plan to attend the special meeting or not, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible in the envelope provided.
Thank you for your participation. We look forward to your continued support.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Richard D. Goldstein
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
, 2007
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has determined if this proxy statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
SEE ‘‘RISK FACTORS’’ FOR A DISCUSSION OF VARIOUS FACTORS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION
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| • | The parties to the acquisition are Courtside Acquisition Corp. and American Community Newspapers LLC. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal.’’ |
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| • | ACN is a community newspaper publisher with operations in four major U.S. markets – Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) and Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus operations were acquired by ACN on April 30, 2007. In these markets, it publishes three daily, and 83 weekly newspapers, each serving a specific community, and 14 niche publications, with a combined circulation of approximately 1,386,000 households as of April 30, 2007. See the section entitled ‘‘Business of ACN.’’ |
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| • | Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Courtside will pay to ACN consideration of: |
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| • | $203,762,997 (of which up to $12,500,000 may be paid in shares of Courtside common stock valued at $5.70 per share and the balance will be paid in cash), plus an amount equal to the working capital of the business associated with the Columbus assets on April 30, 2007, the date of acquisition, and ACN’s capitalized expenses incurred in connection with such acquisition, for substantially all of ACN’s assets at the closing, subject to certain adjustments, including working capital. See ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Acquisition Consideration – Purchase Price.’’ As of , 2007, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Columbus acquisition, such adjustments (including an estimated working capital payment in respect of the Columbus business of $1,886,245). would have increased the purchase price by $ . |
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| • | $1,000,000 if ACN’s newspaper cash flow (‘‘NCF’’) for 2008 is equal to or greater than $19,000,000, with such payment increasing to $15,000,000, in specified increments, if ACN’s NCF for 2008 equals or exceeds $21,000,000. NCF is a measurement of cash flow frequently used in evaluating newspaper operations and is equal to earnings before interest expense, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization expense and corporate overhead expense subject to adjustment for nonrecurring and extraordinary items. |
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| • | $10,000,000 if, during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period through July 7, 2009, the last reported sale price of Courtside common stock exceeds $8.50 per share (equitably adjusted to account for stock combinations, stock splits, stock dividends and the like). |
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| • | Courtside will also assume ACN’s contractual liabilities (including the liabilities that ACN assumed in the Columbus acquisition) arising after the closing and other liabilities, to the extent such other liabilities are taken into account in the calculation of the working capital adjustments, but in no event will it assume ACN’s liabilities for indebtedness for borrowed money or capital leases. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Acquisition Consideration – Assumed Liabilities.’’ On a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the Columbus acquisition, such liabilities that are capable of being quantified total approximately $500,000 for the period July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 and approximately $700,000 for the year ending December 31, 2008. |
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| • | Upon execution of the purchase agreement, Courtside placed $700,000 in escrow with an independent escrow agent as a deposit. If the acquisition is not consummated, all or a portion of the deposit will be paid to ACN or returned to Courtside, depending on the reason that the acquisition was not consummated. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Acquisition Consideration – Purchase Price Deposit.’’ |
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| • | Courtside has received financing commitments for up to $152,000,000 ($20,000,000 of which is a revolving credit facility), which will be used to pay $133,352,700 (less up to $12,500,000 to the extent that shares of Courtside common stock are issued in lieu of cash) of the purchase price (including working capital payments and transaction and finance fees) in excess of the amount available from the funds to be released to Courtside from the trust account (assuming |
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| no conversions) at the closing of the acquisition and also for working capital, future acquisitions and other corporate purposes. Cash interest payments will be due on approximately $106.3 million of such indebtedness and will be approximately $9,555,000 per year, assuming interest at 8.61% per annum for certain portions and 8.86% per annum for the remainder and no repayment of principal. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Financing Commitments.’’ |
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| • | To provide a fund for payment to Courtside with respect to its post-closing rights to indemnification under the purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants by ACN and liabilities not assumed by Courtside, there will be placed in escrow (with an independent escrow agent) $12,500,000 of the purchase price payable to ACN at closing (‘‘Escrow Fund’’). Claims for indemnification, other than those arising out of the acquisition of the Columbus operations, may be asserted against ACN by Courtside once its damages exceed $500,000 and will be reimbursable to the extent damages exceed such amount, except that claims made with respect to certain representations and warranties will not be subject to such deductible. Indemnification claims may be made until the later of (i) one year from the closing date and (ii) 45 days after the earlier of (A) the date that Courtside files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 and (B) the date on which Courtside’s audited financial statements for such year have been completed, or for such further period as may be required pursuant to the Escrow Agreement, after which any monies remaining in the escrow fund shall be released to ACN, except that ACN shall continue to be responsible to pay Courtside, but no more than an amount equal to the funds so released, for indemnified losses resulting from breaches of specified representations of ACN and made prior to the expiration of the thirtieth day after the applicable statute of limitations. ACN and Courtside have also agreed that following Courtside’s acquisition of ACN’s assets, any claims for indemnification in respect of the Columbus operations will only be made by Courtside against the seller under the Columbus purchase agreement and not against ACN under the purchase agreement with Courtside. Under the Columbus purchase agreement, $3,063,410 of the purchase price was placed in escrow with an independent escrow agent to provide a fund in respect of post-closing rights to indemnification under the Columbus purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants of the seller. Any monies remaining in the escrow on April 30, 2008 will be released to the seller, except that the seller will continue to be responsible for indemnified losses resulting from claims made with respect to certain representations and warranties made prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation, but only in an aggregate amount not to exceed the purchase price paid for the Columbus operations (less the amount of any other indemnifiable claims paid). See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Indemnification of Courtside.’’ |
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| • | In addition to voting on the acquisition, the stockholders of Courtside will vote on proposals to change its name to American Community Newspapers Inc., to amend its charter to delete certain provisions that will no longer be applicable after the acquisition, to approve the incentive compensation plan, to elect seven directors to Courtside’s board of directors and, if necessary, to approve an adjournment of the meeting. See the sections entitled ‘‘Name Change Amendment Proposal,’’ ‘‘Article Sixth Amendment Proposal,’’ ‘‘Adjournment Proposal,’’ ‘‘2007 Incentive Equity Plan Proposal’’ and ‘‘Director Election Proposal.’’ |
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| • | After the acquisition, if management’s nominees are elected, the directors of Courtside will be Eugene (Gene) Carr, Richard D. Goldstein, Bruce M. Greenwald, Dennis H. Leibowitz, Peter R. Haje, Robert H. Bloom and John A. Erickson. Upon completion of the acquisition, certain officers of ACN will become officers of Courtside holding positions similar to the positions such officers held with ACN. These officers are Gene Carr, who will become chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Courtside, Daniel J. Wilson, |
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| who will become vice-president and chief financial officer of Courtside, and Jeffrey Coolman, who will become vice-president of sales and Minnesota group publisher of Courtside. Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman have each entered into an employment agreement with Courtside, effective upon the acquisition. See the section entitled ‘‘Director Election Proposal – Employment Agreements.’’ |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROPOSALS
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Why am I receiving this proxy statement? | |
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Courtside and ACN have agreed to a business combination under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of January 24, 2007, and amended on May 2, 2007, that is described in this proxy statement. This agreement, as amended, is referred to as the purchase agreement. Copies of the purchase agreement and the amendment are attached to this proxy statement as Annex A, which we encourage you to read. |
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You are being asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the purchase agreement, which, among other things, provides for the acquisition by Courtside of substantially all of the assets, and the assumption by Courtside of contractual liabilities arising after the closing and other liabilities of ACN to the extent they are taken into account in the adjustments for working capital but not liabilities for indebtedness for borrowed money and capital leases. You are also being requested to vote to approve (i) an amendment to Courtside’s certificate of incorporation to change the name of Courtside from ‘‘Courtside Acquisition Corp.’’ to ‘‘American Community Newspapers Inc.,’’ (ii) an amendment to Courtside’s certificate of incorporation to make certain modifications to Article Sixth thereof, and (iii) the incentive compensation plan, but such approvals are not conditions to the acquisition. If the acquisition proposal is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders, the other proposals will not be presented to the stockholders for a vote. Courtside’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as it will appear if all amendments to its certificate of incorporation are approved, is annexed as Annex B hereto. The incentive compensation plan is annexed as Annex C hereto. In addition to the foregoing proposals, the stockholders will also be asked to consider and vote upon the election of seven directors of Courtside, which proposal will not be presented for a vote if the acquisition proposal is not approved. The stockholders will also be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the meeting to a later date or dates to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the special meeting, Courtside would not have been authorized to consummate the acquisition. | |||
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Courtside will hold a special meeting of its stockholders to consider and vote upon these proposals. This proxy statement contains important information about the proposed acquisition and the other matters to be acted upon at the special meeting. You should read it carefully. | |||
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Your vote is important. We encourage you to vote as soon as possible after carefully reviewing this proxy statement. | |||
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Why is Courtside proposing the acquisition? | |
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Courtside was organized to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. |
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ACN is a privately-owned publisher of community newspapers. Based on its due diligence investigations of ACN and the community newspaper industry, including the financial and other information provided by ACN in the course of their negotiations, Courtside believes that ACN’s management has successful experience in the community newspaper industry and that ACN has in place the infrastructure for strong business operations and to achieve growth both organically and through accretive strategic acquisitions. As a result, Courtside also believes that a business combination with ACN will provide Courtside stockholders with an opportunity to participate in a company with significant growth potential. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Factors Considered by Courtside’s Board of Directors.’’ | |||
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Do I have conversion rights? | |
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If you are a holder of Public Shares, you have the right to vote against the acquisition proposal and demand that Courtside convert such shares into a pro rata portion of the trust account in which a substantial portion of the net proceeds of Courtside’s IPO are held. We sometimes refer to these rights to vote against the acquisition and demand conversion of the shares into a pro rata portion of the trust account as conversion rights. |
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How do I exercise my conversion rights? | |
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If you wish to exercise your conversion rights, you must (i) vote against the acquisition proposal, (ii) demand that Courtside convert your shares into cash, (iii) continue to hold your shares through the closing of the acquisition and (iv) then deliver your certificate to our transfer agent. In lieu of delivering your stock certificate, you may deliver your shares to the transfer agent electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit Withdrawal at Custodian) System. |
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Any action that does not include an affirmative vote against the acquisition will prevent you from exercising your conversion rights. Your vote on any proposal other than the acquisition proposal will have no impact on your right to seek conversion. | |||
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You may exercise your conversion rights either by checking the box on the proxy card or by submitting your request in writing to Gregg H. Mayer, vice president, controller and secretary of Courtside, at the address listed at the end of this section. If you (i) initially vote for the acquisition proposal but then wish to vote against it and exercise your conversion rights or (ii) initially vote against the acquisition proposal and wish to exercise your conversion rights but do not check the box on the proxy card providing for the exercise of your conversion rights or do not send a written request to Courtside to exercise your conversion rights, or (iii) initially vote against the acquisition but later wish to vote for it, you may request Courtside to send you another proxy card on which you may indicate your intended vote and, if that vote is against the acquisition proposal, exercise your conversion rights by checking the box provided for such purpose on the proxy card. You may make such request by contacting Courtside at the phone number or address listed at the end of this section. | |||
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Any corrected or changed proxy card or written demand of conversion rights must be received by Courtside prior to the special meeting. No demand for conversion will be honored unless the holder’s stock certificate has been delivered (either physically or electronically) to the transfer agent after the meeting. | |||
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If, notwithstanding your negative vote, the acquisition is completed, then, if you have also properly exercised your conversion rights, you will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the trust account, including any interest earned thereon, calculated as of two business days prior to the date of the consummation of the acquisition. As of the record date, there was approximately $ in trust, which would amount to approximately $ per share upon conversion. If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of Courtside common stock for cash and will no longer own these shares. | |||
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See the section entitled ‘‘Special Meeting of Courtside Stockholders – Conversion Rights’’ for the procedures to be followed if you wish to convert your shares into cash. | |||
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Exercise of your conversion rights does not result in either the conversion or a loss of any Courtside warrants that you may hold. Your warrants will continue to be outstanding and exercisable following a conversion of your common stock unless we do not consummate the acquisition. A registration statement must be in effect to allow you to exercise any warrants you may hold or to allow Courtside to call the warrants for redemption if the redemption conditions are satisfied. | |||
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Do I have appraisal rights if I object to the proposed acquisition? | |
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No. Courtside stockholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (‘‘DGCL’’). |
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What happens to the funds deposited in the trust account after consummation of the acquisition? | |
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After consummation of the acquisition, Courtside stockholders who properly exercise their conversion rights will receive their pro rata portion of the funds in the trust account promptly after the special meeting. The balance of the funds in the trust account will be released to Courtside and used by Courtside, together with funds that it will borrow, to pay the purchase price for the acquired assets to ACN and expenses it incurred in pursuing its business combination. |
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What happens if the acquisition is not consummated? | |
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Courtside must liquidate if it does not consummate the acquisition by July 7, 2007. In any liquidation of Courtside, the funds deposited in the trust account, plus any interest earned thereon, will be distributed pro rata to the holders of Courtside’s Public Shares. Holders of Courtside common stock issued prior to the IPO, including all of Courtside’s officers and directors, have waived any right to any liquidation distribution with respect to those shares. |
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When do you expect the acquisition to be completed? | |
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It is currently anticipated that the acquisition will be consummated promptly following the Courtside special meeting on June , 2007. |
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For a description of the conditions for the completion of the acquisition, see the section entitled ‘‘The Purchase Agreement – Conditions to the Closing of the Acquisition.’’ | |||
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What do I need to do now? | |
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Courtside urges you to read carefully and consider the information contained in this proxy statement, including the annexes, and to consider how the acquisition will affect you as a stockholder of Courtside. You should then vote as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions provided in this proxy statement and on the enclosed proxy card. |
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How do I vote? | |
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If you are a holder of record of Courtside common stock, you may vote in person at the special meeting or by submitting a proxy for the special meeting. You may submit your proxy by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying pre-addressed postage paid envelope. If you hold your shares in ‘‘street name,’’ which means your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or nominee, you must provide the record holder of your shares with instructions on how to vote your shares or, if you wish to attend the meeting and vote in person, obtain a proxy from your broker, bank or nominee. |
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If my shares are held in ‘‘street name,’’ will my broker, bank or nominee automatically vote my shares for me? | |
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No. Your broker, bank or nominee cannot vote your shares unless you provide instructions on how to vote in accordance with the information and procedures provided to you by your broker, bank or nominee. |
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May I change my vote after I have mailed my signed proxy card? | |
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Yes. Send a later-dated, signed proxy card to Courtside’s secretary at the address set forth below prior to the date of the special meeting or attend the special meeting in person and vote. You also may revoke your proxy by sending a notice of revocation to Courtside’s secretary, which must be received by Courtside’s secretary prior to the special meeting. |
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What should I do with my stock certificates? | |
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Courtside stockholders who do not elect to have their shares converted into the pro rata share of the trust account should not submit their stock certificates now or after the acquisition, because their shares will not be converted or exchanged in the acquisition. Courtside stockholders who vote against the acquisition and exercise their conversion rights must deliver their certificates to Courtside’s transfer agent (either physically or electronically) after the meeting. |
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What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials? | |
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You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a holder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive in order to cast a vote with respect to all of your Courtside shares. |
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Who can help answer my questions? | |
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If you have questions about the acquisition or if you need additional copies of the proxy statement or the enclosed proxy card you should contact:
Gregg H. Mayer Vice President, Controller and Secretary Courtside Acquisition Corp. 1700 Broadway, 17th Floor New York, New York 10019 Tel: (212) 641-5000 |
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You may also obtain additional information about Courtside from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by following the instructions in the section entitled ‘‘Where You Can Find More Information.’’ | |||
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If you intend to vote against the acquisition and seek conversion of your shares, you will need to deliver your stock certificate (either physically or electronically) to our transfer agent at the address below after the meeting. If you have questions regarding the certification of your position or delivery of your stock certificate, please contact:
Mark Zimkind Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company 17 Battery Place, 8th Floor New York, New York 10004 Tel: (212) 845-3287 |
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SUMMARY OF THE PROXY STATEMENT
This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement and does not contain all of the information that is important to you. To better understand the acquisition, you should read this entire document carefully, including the purchase agreement attached as Annex A to this proxy statement. The purchase agreement is the legal document that governs the acquisition and the other transactions that will be undertaken in connection with the acquisition. It is also described in detail elsewhere in this proxy statement.
The Parties
Courtside
Courtside is a blank check company organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 18, 2005. It was formed to effect a business combination with an unidentified operating business. In July 2005, it consummated an IPO of its equity securities, from which it derived net proceeds of approximately $75,691,000, including proceeds from the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Approximately $73,764,000 of the net proceeds of the IPO was placed in a trust account. The funds deposited in the trust account, with the interest earned thereon, will be released to Courtside upon consummation of the acquisition, and used, together with funds to be borrowed by Courtside, to pay the balance of the cash portion of the purchase price to ACN and any amounts payable to Courtside stockholders who vote against the acquisition and exercise their conversion rights. Remaining proceeds, including borrowed funds, if any, will be used to repay loans made to Courtside by two of its officers and for working capital, which to the extent available will be used to fund organic growth and acquisitions.
The remainder of the net proceeds of the IPO, or approximately $1,927,000, was held outside of the trust account and has since been used by Courtside to pay the expenses incurred for business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective business combinations, taxes and continuing general and administrative expenses. As of March 31, 2007, Courtside had incurred a total of approximately $1,955,000 of expenses for such purposes, of which approximately $457,000 was unpaid at that date. In addition, $700,000 was paid in escrow as a deposit upon execution of the purchase agreement. As a result of payments for these expenses and the deposit, Courtside had expended all of the non-trust account proceeds it received from the IPO by March 31, 2007 and, through May 4, 2007, had borrowed $318,000 from two of its officers to fund the excess. These officers, Richard Goldstein and Bruce Greenwald, have agreed to fund Courtside’s continuing operating expenses through the closing of the acquisition, with repayment to them to be made from funds, including borrowed funds, that will be released to Courtside upon the closing. Other than its IPO and the pursuit of a business combination, Courtside has not engaged in any business to date.
If Courtside does not complete the acquisition by July 7, 2007, upon approval of its stockholders, it will dissolve and promptly distribute to its public stockholders the amount in its trust account plus any remaining non-trust account funds after payment of its liabilities, including loans from officers. It is not expected that Courtside will have any remaining non-trust account funds except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. To the extent any funds received from the return of the deposit are not required for the payment of Courtside’s liabilities, such funds will be available for distribution to its public stockholders. As of April 30, 2007, ACN had incurred approximately $400,000 of potentially reimbursable expenses. All of the $700,000 is expected to be reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses that would be due to it if the reason for termination entitles it to such reimbursement.
The Courtside common stock, warrants to purchase common stock and units (each unit consisting of one share of common stock and two warrants to purchase common stock) are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols CRB for the common stock, CRBWS for the warrants and CRBU for the units.
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The mailing address of Courtside’s principal executive office is 1700 Broadway, New York, New York 10019. After the consummation of the acquisition, it will be 14875 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 110, Dallas, Texas 75254.
ACN
ACN is a community newspaper publisher having operations within four major U.S. markets – Minneapolis - St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) and Columbus, Ohio. In these markets, it publishes three daily, 83 weekly newspapers, each serving a specific community, and 14 niche publications, with a combined circulation of approximately 1,386,000 households as of April 30, 2007.
ACN’s principal executive offices are located at 14875 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 110, Dallas, Texas 75254.
The Acquisition
The purchase agreement provides for a business combination transaction by means of an acquisition by Courtside of substantially all of ACN’s assets and the assumption by Courtside of ACN’s contractual liabilities arising after the closing and other liabilities of ACN to the extent they are taken into account in the calculation of working capital adjustments but not any liabilities for indebtedness for borrowed money and capital leases. Courtside will also assume all liabilities assumed by ACN in connection with ACN’s recent acquisition of its Columbus operations, which consist of liabilities and obligations arising after the closing of that acquisition under agreements assigned to and assumed by ACN, as well as trade accounts payable and accrued expenses that constituted current liabilities and liabilities in respect of deferred subscription revenues and prepaid advertising and liabilities relating to ownership of the purchased assets and operation of the Columbus business prior to the closing of that acquisition, to the extent such liabilities were taken into account in the calculation of the working capital adjustment under the Columbus purchase agreement. While certain of ACN’s assets are not being acquired by Courtside, none of them is material to the operation of the ACN business and their exclusion from the purchase will have no material adverse impact upon Courtside’s ability to operate that business. Courtside has assigned its rights under the ACN purchase agreement to a wholly owned subsidiary formed to effect the acquisition. After the closing, the subsidiary will operate the business that was operated by ACN with the acquired assets. As used in this proxy statement, references to ACN include the subsidiary if the context requires. At the closing, $12,500,000 of the purchase price payable to ACN will be placed in escrow to provide a fund for the payment of claims under Courtside’s rights to indemnity set forth in the purchase agreement. Under the terms of the Columbus acquisition, $3,063,410 has been placed in escrow by the seller to provide a fund for the payment of claims arising as a result of the seller’s breaches of representations, warranties and covenants.
Courtside and ACN plan to complete the acquisition promptly after the Courtside special meeting, provided that:
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| • | Courtside’s stockholders have approved the acquisition proposal; |
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| • | holders of fewer than 20% of Courtside’s Public Shares have voted against the acquisition proposal and demanded conversion of their shares into cash; and |
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| • | the other conditions specified in the purchase agreement have been satisfied or waived. |
The Certificate of Incorporation Amendments
The proposed amendments to Courtside’s certificate of incorporation would, upon consummation of the acquisition, change Courtside’s name and eliminate certain provisions that are applicable to Courtside only prior to its completion of a business combination. If the two proposals to amend
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Courtside’s certificate of incorporation are approved, Courtside will be named ‘‘American Community Newspapers Inc.’’ and Article Sixth of its certificate of incorporation will address only its classified board of directors, with existing provisions that relate to it as a blank check company being deleted.
The Proposed 2007 Incentive Equity Plan
The proposed 2007 Incentive Equity Plan reserves 1,650,000 shares of Courtside common stock for issuance to executive officers (including executive officers who are also directors), employees and consultants in accordance with the plan’s terms, of which options for an aggregate of 1,122,000 shares will be granted to Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman pursuant to their employment agreements, effective upon the closing of the acquisition. Based on the closing price of $5.57 per share of the Courtside common stock on April 19, 2007, such options would have had an aggregate value of approximately $2,200,000 if issued on that date, utilizing the Black-Scholes method of valuation. The plan also reserves an additional 100,000 shares of Courtside common stock for issuance to non-employee directors. The purpose of the plan is to provide Courtside’s directors, executive officers and other employees as well as persons who, by their position, ability and diligence are able to make important contributions to Courtside’s growth and profitability, with an incentive to assist Courtside in achieving its long-term corporate objectives, to attract and retain executive officers and other employees of outstanding competence and to provide such persons with an opportunity to acquire an equity interest in Courtside. The plan is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement. We encourage you to read the plan in its entirety. If the plan is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders, Courtside will nevertheless issue the options to Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman that it is obligated to issue pursuant to their employment agreements. However, such options will not have the income tax benefits they would have if the plan is approved by the stockholders.
The Director Election Proposal; Management of Courtside
At the special meeting, seven directors will be elected to Courtside’s board of directors, of whom two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2008, three will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2009 and two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2010 and, in each case, until their successors are elected and qualified.
Upon consummation of the acquisition, if management’s nominees are elected, the directors of Courtside will be classified as follows:
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| • | in the class to stand for reelection in 2008: Eugene Carr and Robert H. Bloom; |
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| • | in the class to stand for reelection in 2009: John A. Erickson, Bruce M. Greenwald, and Dennis H. Leibowitz; and |
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| • | in the class to stand for reelection in 2010: Peter R. Haje and Richard D. Goldstein. |
Upon the consummation of the acquisition, the executive officers of Courtside, and the Courtside subsidiary, will be Eugene Carr, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, Daniel J. Wilson, vice president and chief financial officer, and Jeffrey Coolman, vice president – sales and Minnesota group publisher. Each of Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman is currently an executive officer of ACN.
If the acquisition is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders at the special meeting, the director election proposal will not be presented to the meeting for a vote and Courtside’s current directors will continue in office until Courtside is liquidated.
Adjournment Proposal
If, based on the tabulated vote, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting authorize Courtside to consummate the acquisition, Courtiside’s board of directors may submit a proposal to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies. See the section entitled ‘‘The Adjournment Proposal.’’
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Courtside Inside Stockholders
As of April 30, 2007 Richard D. Goldstein, Courtside’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Bruce M. Greenwald, Courtside’s president and a director, Carl D. Harnick, Courtside’s vice president and chief financial officer, Gregg H. Mayer, Courtside’s vice president, controller and secretary, Dennis H. Leibowitz, Peter R. Haje and Darren M. Sardoff, each a Courtside director, and Oded Aboodi, Courtside’s special advisor, and their affiliates (the ‘‘Courtside Inside Stockholders’’) beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,000,000 shares (‘‘Original Shares’’) or approximately 17.9% of Courtside’s outstanding common stock, which were issued to the Courtside Inside Stockholders prior to Courtside’s IPO. In connection with its IPO, Courtside and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., the representative of the underwriters of the IPO, entered into agreements with each of the Courtside Inside Stockholders pursuant to which each Courtside Inside Stockholder agreed to vote his or its Original Shares on the acquisition proposal in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Public Shares. Accordingly, the vote of such shares has no bearing on the outcome of the acquisition proposal. The Courtside Inside Stockholders have also indicated that they intend to vote their Original Shares in favor of all other proposals being presented at the meeting. The Original Shares have no liquidation rights and will be worthless if no business combination is effected by Courtside. In connection with the IPO, the Courtside Inside Stockholders placed their Original Shares in escrow until June 30, 2008.
In addition to such shares of Courtside common stock, Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Aboodi (and persons or entities affiliated or associated with such individuals) also own warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,400,000 additional shares of Courtside common stock. These Courtside Inside Stockholders have agreed not to sell any of these warrants until after the consummation of a business combination and such warrants will be worthless if no business combination is effected by Courtside.
Acquisition Consideration
Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Courtside will pay ACN $203,762,997 (of which up to $12,500,000 may be paid in shares of Courtside common stock valued at $5.70 per share and the balance will be paid in cash), plus an amount equal to the working capital of the business operated with the Columbus assets on April 30, 2007, the date of their acquisition, and the capitalized expenses incurred by ACN in connection therewith, for substantially all of ACN’s assets at the closing, subject to post-closing increase or decrease to the extent that ACN’s Balance Sheet Working Capital is greater or less than the Target Working Capital. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Balance Sheet Working Capital means ACN’s working capital (current assets less current liabilities), as of the closing date of the acquisition. If calculated as of April 30, 2007, Balance Sheet Working Capital (including the working capital of the Columbus operations) would have been approximately $ . ‘‘Target Working Capital’’ is equal to $1,200,000 plus the amount of working capital of the Columbus operations on April 30, 2007, increased by the amount by which ACN’s actual paid time off accruals as of the closing date are less than $325,000 or decreased by the amount by which such accruals are greater than $325,000. If calculated as of April 30, 2007, Target Working Capital would have been approximately $ and the purchase price payable by Courtside to ACN as a result of the working capital adjustments would have been increased by $ . Courtside will also pay ACN an additional $1,000,000 if ACN’s NCF for 2008 is equal to or greater than $19,000,000, with such payment increasing to $15,000,000, in specified increments, if ACN’s NCF for 2008 equals or exceeds $21,000,000. Courtside will also pay ACN a further $10,000,000 if, during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period from the closing of the acquisition through July 7, 2009, the last reported sale price of Courtside common stock exceeds $8.50 per share (equitably adjusted to account for stock combinations, stock splits, stock dividends and the like). As this payment would be triggered by the same events that would allow Courtside to call its outstanding warrants for redemption (and thus induce the holders of the warrants to exercise), it is Courtside’s intention, in such circumstances, to issue a warrant redemption call and use the funds so obtained to make the payment.
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With respect to ACN’s operations other than those in Columbus, Courtside will assume ACN’s contractual liabilities arising after the closing and other liabilities to the extent such other liabilities are taken into account in the calculation of ACN’s Balance Sheet Working Capital but will not assume obligations for indebtedness for borrowed money or capital leases. Courtside will also assume all liabilities assumed by ACN in connection with ACN’s recent acquisition of its Columbus operations, which consist of liabilities and obligations arising after the closing of that acquisition under agreements assigned to and assumed by ACN, as well as trade accounts payable and accrued expenses that constituted current liabilities and liabilities in respect of deferred subscription revenues and prepaid advertising and liabilities relating to ownership of the purchased assets and operation of the Columbus business occurring prior to the closing of that acquisition, to the extent such liabilities were taken into account in the calculation of the working capital adjustment under the Columbus purchase agreement. The post-closing contractual obligations of ACN that Courtside will assume that can be quantified will obligate Courtside to make payments aggregating approximately $500,000 for the six months ending December 31, 2007 and $700,000 for the year ending December 31, 2008. Courtside will have no net payment obligation for the obligations that it will assume that are taken into account in the determination of Balance Sheet Working Capital as their amounts equal the reductions made in such determination as a result of their existence. ACN’s existing credit facility and term loan facility will be repaid from the sale proceeds it receives from Courtside and not assumed by Courtside.
Concurrently with the execution of the purchase agreement on January 24, 2007, Courtside placed $700,000 in escrow (with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company) as a deposit on the purchase price. The deposit will be used to reimburse ACN for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if the purchase agreement is terminated because of the failure of Courtside’s stockholders to approve the acquisition or the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition and seek conversion of their shares into a pro-rata portion of Courtside’s trust account, so long as such failure was not the result of a material adverse effect on ACN. The deposit is also payable to ACN as liquidated damages upon termination of the purchase agreement for failure of the acquisition to be consummated by the termination date specified in the purchase agreement as a result of certain uncured breaches by Courtside if, at such time, ACN is not in material breach of its obligations under the purchase agreement. Upon closing of the acquisition, the deposit will be applied against payment of the purchase price. The deposit escrow agreement is attached as Annex D hereto. We encourage you to read the deposit escrow agreement in its entirety. See also ‘‘Summary of the Proxy Statement – Termination, Amendment and Waiver,’’ below.
Financing Commitments
Courtside has received funding commitments from the Bank of Montreal for financing of up to $152 million, of which $20 million will be for a secured revolving credit facility, $35 million and $70 million will be for two secured term loans and $27 million will be in the form of senior notes to be issued by Courtside. The commitments are subject to execution of definitive agreements and other conditions. The revolving credit facility and the $35 million term loan will have a floating rate of interest equal to the London Interbank Offering Rate for Eurodollar deposits (LIBOR) plus 3.25% per annum and will mature on the sixth anniversary of the closing date and the $70 million term loan will have a floating rate of interest equal to LIBOR plus 3.50% per annum and will mature on the six and one-half year anniversary of the closing date. The senior notes will bear interest at 15.5% per annum, payable in kind, quarterly in arrears, and mature seven years after the closing date. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Financing Commitments.’’
Fairness Opinion
Pursuant to an engagement letter dated December 22, 2006, we engaged Capitalink, L.C. to render an opinion that our acquisition of substantially all of the assets, and assumption of certain of the liabilities, of ACN on the terms and conditions set forth in the purchase agreement is fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view and that the fair market value of ACN is at least equal to
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80% of our net assets. Capitalink is an investment banking firm that regularly is engaged in the evaluation of businesses and their securities in connection with acquisitions, corporate restructuring, private placements and for other purposes. Our board of directors determined to use the services of Capitalink because it is a recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in similar matters. On April 16, 2007, in anticipation of the possibility that ACN would be acquiring newspaper operations in Columbus, Ohio, we further engaged Capitalink to render an additional opinion that our acquisition, taking into account the acquisition of the Columbus operations and the increase in the purchase price we will pay to ACN as a result thereof, continued to be fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view and that the fair market value of ACN, after giving effect to the Columbus acquisition, is at least equal to 80% of our net assets. The engagement letters provide that we will pay Capitalink a total fee of $147,500 (which has been paid) and will reimburse Capitalink for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including attorneys’ fees. We have also agreed to indemnify Capitalink against certain liabilities that may arise out of the rendering of the opinion.
Capitalink delivered its initial written opinion to our board of directors on January 22, 2007, which stated that, as of such date, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on its review as set forth in the opinion, (i) the consideration then agreed to be paid by us in the acquisition was fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view, and (ii) the fair market value of ACN was at least equal to 80% of our net assets. Such opinion did not take into account the subsequent Columbus acquisition by ACN. Capitalink delivered its second opinion to our board on May 2, 2007, which stated that, in its opinion, as of such date, the purchase price to be paid by us for the assets we will acquire from ACN, including those relating to its Columbus operations, is fair, from a financial point of view, to our stockholders and that the fair market value of ACN, after giving effect to the Columbus acquisition, is at least equal to 80% of our net assets.
The amount of the consideration to be paid by us to ACN was determined pursuant to negotiations between us and ACN and not pursuant to recommendations of Capitalink. The full texts of Capitalink’s written opinions, attached hereto as Annex E, are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. You are encouraged to read the Capitalink opinions carefully and in their entirety for descriptions of the assumptions made, matters considered, procedures followed and limitations on the review undertaken by Capitalink in rendering them. However, it is Capitalink’s view that its duties in connection with its fairness opinions extend solely to Courtside’s board of directors and that it has no legal responsibilities in respect thereof to any other person or entity (including Courtside stockholders) under the law of the State of Florida, which is the governing law under the terms of the engagement letters between Courtside and Capitalink. The summaries of the Capitalink opinions set forth in this proxy statement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full texts of the opinions. See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Fairness Opinions.’’
Indemnification of Courtside
To provide a fund for payment to Courtside with respect to its post-closing rights to indemnification under the purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants by ACN and liabilities not assumed by Courtside, other than arising out of ACN’s acquisition of the Columbus operations, there will be placed in escrow (with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company) $12,500,000 of the purchase price payable to ACN at closing. Claims for indemnification may be asserted by Courtside against ACN once its damages exceed $500,000 and will be reimbursable to the extent damages exceed such amount, except that claims made with respect to representations and warranties relating to title to property, employee benefit plans, taxes and environmental matters and claims based on fraud or intentional misconduct and liabilities (to the extent not taken into account in the calculation of Balance Sheet Working Capital) for accounts payable and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business, employee compensation and benefit payments incurred by ACN in the ordinary course of business and income or other taxes measured or based on ACN’s gross income will not be subject to such threshold or deductible.
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Indemnification claims may be made until the later of (i) one year from the closing date and (ii) 45 days after the earlier of (A) the date that Courtside files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 and (B) the date on which Courtside’s audited financial statements for such year have been completed, or for such further period as may be required pursuant to the escrow agreement, after which any monies remaining in the escrow fund shall be released to ACN. However, notwithstanding such release from escrow, ACN shall continue to be responsible to pay Courtside, but not in excess of an amount equal to the funds so released, for established indemnification claims resulting from breaches of specified representations of ACN and made prior to the expiration of the thirtieth day after the respective statutes of limitations applicable to the subject matter of such representations. The escrow agreement is attached as Annex F hereto. We encourage you to read the escrow agreement in its entirety.
ACN and Courtside have also agreed that following Courtside’s acquisition of ACN’s assets, any claims for indemnification in respect of the Columbus operations will only be made by Courtside against the seller under the Columbus purchase agreement and not against ACN under the purchase agreement with Courtside. Under the Columbus purchase agreement, $3,063,410 of the purchase price was placed in escrow with an independent escrow agent to provide a fund in respect of post-closing rights to indemnification under the Columbus purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants of the seller. Any monies remaining in the escrow on April 30, 2008 will be released to the seller except that the seller will continue to be responsible to pay ACN for indemnified losses resulting from claims made prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation with respect to representations and warranties relating to title to property, employee benefit plans, taxes and environmental matters and claims based on seller’s specified covenants but only in an aggregate amount not to exceed the purchase price paid for the Columbus operations (less the amount of any other indemnifiable claims paid).
See the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Indemnification of Courtside.’’
Date, Time and Place of Special Meeting of Courtside’s Stockholders
The special meeting of the stockholders of Courtside will be held at 10:00 a.m., eastern time, on June , 2007, at the offices of Graubard Miller, Courtside’s counsel, at The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10174 to consider and vote upon the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment, the incentive compensation plan proposal and the director election proposal. A proposal to adjourn the meeting to a later date or dates may be presented, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the special meeting, Courtside is not authorized to consummate the acquisition. See the section entitled ‘‘The Adjournment Proposal.’’
Voting Power; Record Date
You will be entitled to vote or direct votes to be cast at the special meeting if you owned shares of Courtside common stock at the close of business on 2007, which is the record date for the special meeting. You will have one vote for each share of Courtside common stock you owned at the close of business on the record date. Courtside warrants do not have voting rights. On the record date, there were 16,800,000 shares of Courtside common stock outstanding.
Approval of ACN Member
The sole member of ACN has approved the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby by consent action for purposes of the Delaware Limited Liability Act. Accordingly, no further action by ACN’s member is needed to approve the acquisition.
Quorum and Vote of Courtside Stockholders
A quorum of Courtside stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present at the Courtside special meeting if a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the
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meeting are represented in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes will count as present for the purposes of establishing a quorum.
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| • | Pursuant to Courtside’s charter, the approval of the acquisition proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. There are currently 16,800,000 shares of Courtside common stock outstanding, of which 13,800,000 are Public Shares. The acquisition will not be consummated if the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares (2,760,000 shares or more) exercise their conversion rights. |
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| • | The approval of the name change amendment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock on the record date. |
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| • | The approval of the Article Sixth amendment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock on the record date. |
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| • | The approval of the incentive compensation plan will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Courtside common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. |
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| • | The election of directors requires a plurality vote of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. ‘‘Plurality’’ means that the individuals who receive the largest number of votes cast ‘‘FOR’’ are elected as directors. Consequently, any shares not voted ‘‘FOR’’ a particular nominee (whether as a result of abstentions, a direction to withhold authority or a broker non-vote) will not be counted in the nominee’s favor. |
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| • | The approval of an adjournment proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Courtside common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. |
Courtside’s certificate of incorporation requires the favorable vote of holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting for the approval of the acquisition proposal. The Delaware General Corporation Law requires the favorable vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock of Courtside for the approval of the name change amendment and the Article Sixth amendment. Under Courtside’s bylaws, matters not addressed by its certificate of incorporation or state law, including the incentive compensation plan proposal and an adjournment proposal, must be approved by the vote of holders of a majority of its common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal at the special meeting. A consequence of the difference in these voting requirements is that the vote of holders of fewer shares may be required for the approval of the acquisition proposal, the incentive compensation plan proposal and an adjournment proposal than for the approval of the other matters being presented at the special meeting.
Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote ‘‘AGAINST’’ the acquisition proposal and the proposals to amend the certificate of incorporation and to adopt the incentive compensation plan and an adjournment proposal. Broker non-votes, while considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum, will have the effect of votes against the proposals to amend the certificate of incorporation, but will have no effect on the acquisition proposal, the incentive compensation plan proposal or an adjournment proposal. Please note that you cannot seek conversion of your shares unless you affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal.
The acquisition is not conditioned upon approval of the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment, the incentive compensation plan proposal or the director election proposal. However, those proposals will not be presented for a vote at the special meeting if the acquisition proposal is not approved.
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Conversion Rights
Pursuant to Courtside’s certificate of incorporation, a holder of Public Shares may, if the stockholder affirmatively votes against the acquisition, demand that Courtside convert such shares into cash. See the section entitled ‘‘Special Meeting of Courtside Stockholders – Conversion Rights’’ for the procedures to be followed if you wish to convert your shares into cash. If properly demanded, Courtside will convert each Public Share into a pro rata portion of the trust account, calculated as of two business days prior to the anticipated consummation of the acquisition. As of the record date, this would amount to approximately $ per share. If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of Courtside common stock for cash and will no longer own the shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for these shares only if you affirmatively vote against the acquisition, properly demand conversion and, after the meeting, tender your stock certificate (either physically or electronically) to our transfer agent. If the acquisition is not completed, these shares will not be converted into cash. However, if Courtside is unable to complete the acquisition by July 7, 2007, it will be forced to liquidate and all holders of shares issued in the IPO will receive at least the amount they would have received if they sought conversion of their shares and Courtside did consummate the acquisition, as both the per share liquidation price and the per share conversion price are equal to the amount of funds in the trust account divided by the number of Public Shares but there will greater earned interest in the account at the time of a liquidation distribution because it would occur at a later date than a conversion.
The acquisition will not be consummated if the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares (2,760,000 shares or more) exercise their conversion rights.
Appraisal Rights
Courtside stockholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with the acquisition under the DGCL.
Proxies
Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone or in person. Courtside has engaged to assist in the solicitation of proxies.
If you grant a proxy, you may still vote your shares in person if you revoke your proxy before the special meeting. You may also change your vote by submitting a later-dated proxy.
Interests of Courtside’s Directors and Officers in the Acquisition
When you consider the recommendation of Courtside’s board of directors in favor of approval of the acquisition proposal, you should keep in mind that Courtside’s executive officers and members of Courtside’s board have interests in the acquisition transaction that are different from, or in addition to, your interests as a stockholder. These interests include, among other things:
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| • | If the acquisition is not approved, Courtside will be required to liquidate. In such event, the 3,000,000 shares of common stock held by the Courtside Inside Stockholders, including Courtside’s officers and directors and their affiliates and other persons, that were acquired prior to the IPO for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 will be worthless because the Courtside Inside Stockholders are not entitled to receive any liquidation proceeds with respect to such shares. Such shares had an aggregate market value of $ based on the last sale price of $ on the American Stock Exchange on , 2007, the record date. |
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| • | Following Courtside’s IPO, Richard D. Goldstein, Bruce M. Greenwald and Oded Aboodi (or persons or entities affiliated or associated with such individuals) purchased 2,400,000 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $1,185,151 (or approximately $0.49 per warrant), pursuant |
17
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| to agreements between them and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. entered into in connection with Courtside’s IPO. These 2,400,000 warrants had an aggregate market value of $ based upon the last sale price of $ on the American Stock Exchange on , 2007, the record date. All of the warrants will become worthless if the acquisition is not consummated. |
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| • | If Courtside liquidates prior to the consummation of a business combination, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald will be personally liable to pay debts and obligations to vendors and other entities that are owed money by Courtside for services rendered or products sold to Courtside, or to any target business, to the extent such creditors bring successful claims that would otherwise require payment from moneys in the trust account. This arrangement was entered into to ensure that, in the event of liquidation, the trust account is not reduced by claims of creditors. As of March 31, 2007, Courtside had accounts payable and accrued liabilities of approximately $457,000. It estimates that it will incur additional expenses of approximately $700,000 that would be required to be paid if the acquisition is not consummated. Of such total of $1,157,000, vendors and service providers to whom approximately $681,000 is or would be owed have waived their rights to make claims for payment from amounts in the trust account. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald would be obligated to indemnify Courtside for the balance of approximately $476,000 that would be owed to vendors and service providers that have not given such waivers to the extent that they successfully claim against the trust account funds. Such amount would be reduced by payments from funds available to Courtside that will be provided by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to fund Courtside’s operating expenses and from the return to it of all or part of the $700,000 deposit it has made on the purchase price of the acquisition. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald have no reason to believe that they will not be able to fulfill their indemnity obligations to Courtside. |
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| • | As of , 2007, the record date, Messrs Goldstein and Greenwald have loaned Courtside approximately $ to fund its expenses. The loans are evidenced by promissory notes that bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum and are non-recourse against the trust account. If a business combination is not consummated, Courtside will not have any remaining non-trust account funds to repay the loans except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. As of April 30, 2007, ACN had incurred approximately $400,000 of potentially reimbursable expenses. All of the $700,000 is expected to be reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses if the reason for termination entitles it to such reimbursement. |
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| • | Pursuant to a letter agreement dated January 24, 2007 between ACN and Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald, if the purchase agreement is terminated because either the acquisition proposal is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders or 20% or more of the holders of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition proposal and seek conversion of their shares into cash, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald will have the right, upon payment of $5,000,000 to ACN, to enter into an agreement providing for the sale to them (or an entity controlled by the current principals of Alpine Capital LLC) by ACN of substantially all of ACN’s assets on substantially the same terms and conditions as those contained in the purchase agreement except that the purchase price will be the amount that would have been paid by Courtside to ACN plus $10,000,000, payable in cash at closing, with additional consideration of up to $15,000,000 based on NCF, but with no provision requiring an additional payment based on Courtside’s stock price. |
Recommendation to Stockholders
Courtside’s board of directors believes that the acquisition proposal and the other proposals to be presented at the special meeting are fair to and in the best interest of Courtside’s stockholders and unanimously recommends that its stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ each of the proposals.
18
Conditions to the Closing of the Acquisition
General Conditions
Consummation of the acquisition is conditioned on (i) the holders of the Courtside Public Shares, at a meeting called for these purposes, approving the purchase agreement and (ii) the holders of fewer than 20% of the Public Shares voting against the acquisition and exercising their right to convert their Public Shares into a pro-rata portion of the trust fund, calculated as of two business days prior to the anticipated consummation of the acquisition.
In addition, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) no order, stay, judgment or decree being issued by any governmental authority preventing, restraining or prohibiting in whole or in part, the consummation of such transactions, (ii) the execution by and delivery to each party of each of the various transaction documents, (iii) the delivery by each party to the other party of a certificate to the effect that the representations and warranties of each party are true and correct in all material respects as of the closing and all covenants contained in the purchase agreement have been materially complied with by each party, (iv) the receipt of all necessary consents and approvals by third parties and the completion of necessary proceedings, and (v) Courtside’s common stock being listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange or Nasdaq or quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board.
ACN’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of ACN to consummate the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement also are conditioned upon, among other things, there being no material adverse change in the business of Courtside since the date of the purchase agreement.
Courtside’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of Courtside to consummate the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement also are conditioned upon each of the following, among other things:
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| (i) | At the closing, there shall have been no material adverse change in the assets, liabilities or financial condition of ACN, its subsidiaries or their businesses since the date of the purchase agreement; and |
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| (ii) | Messrs. Carr and Wilson being ready, willing and able to perform under their respective employment agreements. |
Termination, Amendment and Waiver
The purchase agreement may be terminated at any time, but not later than the closing, as follows:
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| • | By mutual written consent of Courtside and ACN; |
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| • | By either Courtside or ACN if the acquisition is not consummated on or before the later of (A) May 31, 2007 and (B) 30 days after this proxy statement has been approved for distribution by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in any event by July 7, 2007, provided that such termination is not available to a party whose action or failure to act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the acquisition to be consummated before such date and such action or failure to act is a breach of the purchase agreement; |
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| • | By either Courtside or ACN if a governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the acquisition, which order, decree, judgment, ruling or other action is final and nonappealable; |
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| • | By either Courtside or ACN if the other party has breached any of its covenants or representations and warranties in any material respect and has not cured its breach within thirty days of the notice of an intent to terminate, provided that the terminating party is itself not in breach; and |
19
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| • | By either Courtside or ACN if, at the Courtside stockholder meeting, the purchase agreement shall fail to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting or the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares exercise conversion rights. |
Other than in the circumstances addressed by payment of the deposit described in ‘‘Acquisition Consideration’’ above, the purchase agreement does not specifically address the rights of a party in the event of a material breach by a party of its covenants or warranties or a refusal or wrongful failure of the other party to consummate the acquisition. However, the non-wrongful party would be entitled to assert its legal rights for breach of contract against the wrongful party.
If permitted under the applicable law, either ACN or Courtside may waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such party contained in the purchase agreement and waive compliance with any agreements or conditions for the benefit of itself or such party contained in the purchase agreement. The condition requiring that the holders of fewer than 20% of the Public Shares affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal and demand conversion of their shares into cash may not be waived. We cannot assure you that any or all of the conditions will be satisfied or waived.
Tax Consequences of the Acquisition
Courtside has received an opinion from its counsel, Graubard Miller, that, for federal income tax purposes:
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| • | A stockholder of Courtside who exercises conversion rights and effects a termination of the stockholder’s interest in Courtside will generally be required to recognize capital gain or loss upon the exchange of that stockholder’s shares of common stock of Courtside for cash, if such shares were held as a capital asset on the date of the acquisition. Such gain or loss will be measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the tax basis of that stockholder’s shares of Courtside common stock; and |
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| • | No gain or loss will be recognized by non-converting stockholders of Courtside. |
The tax opinion is attached to this proxy statement as Annex G. Graubard Miller has consented to the use of its opinion in this proxy statement. For a description of the material federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, please see the information set forth in ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition.’’
Anticipated Accounting Treatment
The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘‘U.S. GAAP’’), with Courtside being the acquiror. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the net assets of ACN will be stated at their fair value based on an appraisal of the principal ACN assets acquired and liabilities assumed. It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the purchase price will be allocated to amortizable intangibles and non-amortizable goodwill and intangibles. To the extent that any portion or all of the contingent purchase price becomes payable, additional intangible assets will be recorded.
Regulatory Matters
The acquisition and the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement are not subject to any additional federal or state regulatory requirement or approval, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, or HSR Act, except for filings with the State of Delaware necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement.
20
Risk Factors
In evaluating the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment, the incentive compensation plan proposal, the director election proposal and the adjournment proposal, you should carefully read this proxy statement and especially consider the factors discussed in the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors.’’
21
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following financial information is provided to assist you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the acquisition. Courtside’s historical information is derived from (i) its audited financial statements at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the year ended December 31, 2006, the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 and (ii) its unaudited financial statements at March 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 and the cumulative period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2007. ACN’s and its subsidiary’s historical information is derived from (i) its audited financial statements at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and for each of the years then ended and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004 and consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the period December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 and (ii) its unaudited financial statements at April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 and for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006.
The information is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with each of ACN’s and Courtside’s historical consolidated financial statements and related notes and ‘‘Plan of Operations’’ and ‘‘ACN’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ contained elsewhere herein. The historical results included below and elsewhere in this document are not indicative of the future performance of ACN or Courtside.
Courtside Acquisition Corp.
(a development stage company)
(amounts in thousands except share data and per share data)
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Three Months
March 31, 2007 (unaudited) |
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Three Months
March 31, 2006 (unaudited) |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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From
Inception (March 18, 2005) to December 31, 2005 |
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From
Inception (March 18, 2005) to March 31, 2007 (unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||
| Statement of Operations Data: | |
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| Operating expenses | |
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$ | 82 | |
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$ | 96 | |
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$ | 563 | |
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$ | 175 | |
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$ | 820 | |
| Net income | |
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$ | 330 | |
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$ | 243 | |
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$ | 1,046 | |
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$ | 411 | |
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$ | 1,787 | |
| Earnings per share: | |
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| Basic and diluted | |
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$ | 0.02 | |
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$ | 0.01 | |
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$ | 0.06 | |
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$ | 0.04 | |
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| Weighted Average shares: | |
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| Basic and diluted | |
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16,800,000 | |
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16,800,000 | |
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16,800,000 | |
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11,474,740 | |
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March 31,
2007 (unaudited) |
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December 31,
2006 |
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December 31,
2005 |
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| Balance Sheet Data: | |
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| Total assets | |
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$ | 78,933 | |
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$ | 78,354 | |
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$ | 76,390 | |
| Long-term debt | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
| Common stock subject to possible conversion for cash inclusive of deferred dividends | |
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$ | 15,528 | |
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$ | 15,399 | |
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$ | 14,916 | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | |
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$ | 62,758 | |
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$ | 62,428 | |
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$ | 61,382 | |
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22
American Community Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly owned subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
(amounts in thousands)
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Three Months
April 1, 2007 (unaudited) |
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Three Months
April 2, 2006 (unaudited) |
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Year ended
December 31, 2006 |
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Year ended
January 1, 2006 |
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Year ended
December 26, 2004(1) |
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Period from
December 10 through December 26, 2004 |
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Period from
December 29, 2003 through December 9, 2004(2) |
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| Statement of Operations Data: | |
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| Net sales | |
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$12,500 | |
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$10,638 | |
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$52,194 | |
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$39,546 | |
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$34,195 | |
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$1,401 | |
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$32,794 | |
| Operating income | |
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$1,611 | |
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$1,207 | |
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$9,554 | |
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$6,562 | |
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$5,234 | |
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$33 | |
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$5,201 | |
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | |
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$376 | |
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$34 | |
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$4,628 | |
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$2,306 | |
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$1,122 | |
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$(140 | ) | |
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$1,262 | |
| Net income (loss) | |
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$376 | |
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$34 | |
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$4,626 | |
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$6,898 | |
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$1,828 | |
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$(60 | ) | |
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$1,888 | |
| Earnings per share: | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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N/A | |
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As of
April 1, 2007 (unaudited) |
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As of
December 31, 2006 |
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As of
January 1, 2006 |
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| Balance Sheet Data: | |
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| Current Assets | |
|
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$ | 6,528 | |
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$ | 6,474 | |
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$ | 5,386 | |
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| Total assets | |
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$ | 95,249 | |
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$ | 95,964 | |
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$ | 90,287 | |
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| Current Liabilities | |
|
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$ | 10,415 | |
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$ | 10,789 | |
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$ | 8,664 | |
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| Long-term liabilities | |
|
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$ | 46,940 | |
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$ | 47,656 | |
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$ | 48,730 | |
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| Member’s equity | |
|
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$ | 37,894 | |
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$ | 37,519 | |
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$ | 32,893 | |
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| (1) | The year ended December 26, 2004 includes the combined operations of ACN and its predecessor, American Community Newspapers, Inc. |
| (2) | Information from the operations of ACN’s predecessor, American Community Newspapers, Inc. |
23
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following selected unaudited pro forma financial information has been derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this proxy.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet information combines the historical unaudited balance sheets of Courtside and the Printing and Publishing Divisions of C.M. Media, Inc. (‘‘CMM’’) as of March 31, 2007, and the unaudited balance sheet of ACN as of April 1, 2007, giving effect to the transactions described in the purchase agreement (with purchase accounting applied to the acquired ACN assets (including assets of CMM and related financing) as if they had occurred on the last day of the period.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income information combines (i) the historical audited statements of income of Courtside, ACN and CMM for the year ended December 31, 2006 and (ii) the historical unaudited statements of income of Courtside and CMM for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and the unaudited statement of income of ACN for the three months ended April 1, 2007, giving effect to the transactions described in the purchase agreement (with purchase accounting applied to the acquired ACN assets (including assets of CMM) and related financing) as if they had occurred on January 1, 2006 with respect to Courtside and CMM and January 2, 2006 with respect to ACN (ACN’s fiscal year typically ends on the Sunday closest to December 31st).
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the transaction, are factually supportable and, in the case of the pro forma income statements, have a recurring impact.
The purchase price allocation has not been finalized and is subject to change based upon recording of actual transaction costs, finalization of working capital adjustments, and completion of appraisals of the principal ACN assets.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet information at March 31, 2007 and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income information for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and year ended December 31, 2006 and have been prepared using two different levels of approval of the transaction by the Courtside stockholders, as follows:
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| • | Assuming No Conversions: This presentation assumes that none of the Courtside stockholders exercise their conversion rights and assumes either (i) that Courtside issues $12.5 million of shares to ACN or (ii) that Courtside issues no shares to ACN; and |
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| • | Assuming Maximum Conversions: This presentation assumes that 19.99% of the Courtside stockholders exercise their conversion rights and assumes either (i) that Courtside issues $12.5 million of shares to ACN or (ii) that Courtside issues no shares to ACN. |
Courtside is providing this information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the transaction. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that may have actually occurred had the transaction taken place on the dates noted, or the future financial position or operating results of the combined company.
24
Courtside Acquisition Corp.
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
(amounts in thousands)
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As of
March 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
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Maximum Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
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| Current assets | |
|
|
$ | 9,283 | |
|
|
|
$ | 9,283 | |
|
|
|
$ | 9,658 | |
|
|
|
$ | 9,658 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 217,712 | |
|
|
|
$ | 218,151 | |
|
|
|
$ | 217,712 | |
|
|
|
$ | 218,151 | |
| Current liabilities | |
|
|
$ | 5,337 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,337 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,337 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,337 | |
| Long-term debt | |
|
|
$ | 133,353 | |
|
|
|
$ | 149,320 | |
|
|
|
$ | 120,853 | |
|
|
|
$ | 136,820 | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 78,286 | |
|
|
|
$ | 62,758 | |
|
|
|
$ | 90,786 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,258 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Courtside Acquisition Corp.
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income Information
(amounts in thousands except share data and per share data)
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|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 | |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | |
|
|
$ | 18,027 | |
|
|
|
$ | 18,027 | |
|
|
|
$ | 18,027 | |
|
|
|
$ | 18,027 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,446 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,446 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,446 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,446 | |
| Operating income (loss) | |
|
|
$ | 1,958 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,958 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,958 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,958 | |
|
|
|
$ | 11,572 | |
|
|
|
$ | 11,572 | |
|
|
|
$ | 11,572 | |
|
|
|
$ | 11,572 | |
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | (1,579 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (2,189 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (1,081 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (1,691 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (2,576 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (5,015 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (585 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (3,024 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Earnings per share: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
$ | (0.09 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.16 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.06 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.10 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.15 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.36 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.03 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.19 | ) |
| Diluted | |
|
|
$ | (0.08 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.13 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.05 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.09 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.14 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.32 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.03 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.17 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
14,041,380 | |
|
|
|
|
18,992,982 | |
|
|
|
|
16,234,362 | |
|
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
14,041,380 | |
|
|
|
|
18,992,982 | |
|
|
|
|
16,234,362 | |
| Diluted | |
|
|
|
19,178,208 | |
|
|
|
|
16,419,558 | |
|
|
|
|
21,371,190 | |
|
|
|
|
18,612,570 | |
|
|
|
|
18,536,193 | |
|
|
|
|
15,777,573 | |
|
|
|
|
20,729,175 | |
|
|
|
|
17,970,555 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comparative Per Share Data
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma Combined Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Courtside | |
|
ACN | |
|
CMM | |
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Book Value per share | |
|
|
$ | 4.471 | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
$ | 4.66 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4.47 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4.78 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4.64 | |
| Cash dividends declared per share | |
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
| Income from continuing operations per share | |
|
|
$ | 0.02 | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
$ | (0.09 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.16 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.06 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.10 | ) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 | Assuming maximum conversion of common stock |
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comparative Per Share Data
Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma Combined Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Courtside | |
|
ACN | |
|
CMM | |
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes No Share Issuance |
|
|
No Share
Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
|
|
Maximum
Share Conversions Assumes $12.5 million Share Issuance |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per share | |
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
| Income from continuing operations per share | |
|
|
$ | 0.06 | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
|
N/A | |
|
|
|
$ | (0.15 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.36 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.03 | ) | |
|
|
$ | (0.19 | ) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
26
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this proxy statement, before you decide whether to vote or instruct your vote to be cast to approve the acquisition proposal.
Risks Related to our Business and Operations Following the Acquisition with ACN
The value of your investment in Courtside following consummation of the acquisition will be subject to the significant risks inherent in the community newspaper business. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and other information included in this proxy statement. If any of the events described below occur, Courtside post-acquisition business and financial results could be adversely affected in a material way. This could cause the trading price of its common stock to decline, perhaps significantly, and you therefore may lose all or part of your investment.
ACN depends to a great extent on the economies and the demographics of the local communities that it serves and is also susceptible to general economic downturns, which could have a material and adverse impact on its revenues and profitability.
ACN’s advertising revenues, which accounted for 94% of ACN’s 2006 revenues (94% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 91% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 89% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007), and, to a lesser extent, circulation, depend upon a variety of factors specific to the communities that its 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 the publications serve. If the local economy, population or prevailing retail environment of a community ACN serves experiences a downturn, ACN’s publications, revenues and profitability in that market would be adversely affected. ACN’s advertising revenues are also susceptible to negative trends in the general economy that affect consumer spending. The advertisers in ACN’s newspapers and other publications and related websites include many businesses that can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other developments.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and reduce the funds available to us for other purposes, including acquisitions and dividend payments.
After the offering, we will have a significant amount of indebtedness, which we estimate will be approximately $133 million, assuming that none of the Courtside stockholders exercise their conversion rights ($149 million, assuming that 19.99% of the Courtside stockholders exercise their conversion rights, with such additional indebtedness bearing interest at a fixed rate paid in kind). Each of the foregoing amounts also assumes that the entire purchase price will be paid in cash, without the issuance of any shares of Courtside common stock. This indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health in the following ways:
|
|
|
| • | most of the debt will carry a floating rate of interest with only half of the principal amount thereof protected by interest rate swaps, interest caps or similar arrangements; thus we will be subject to the risk of paying greater interest if interest rates rise. Assuming $53 million of indebtedness is unprotected by interest rate swaps, if interest rates change by 0.125% for a full year, interest expense would change by $66,470 for such year; |
|
|
|
| • | a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of interest on our outstanding indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes. Annual cash interest expense is expected to be $9,555,000 ($9,666,000 if the maximum number of shares are converted), assuming no annual repayment of outstanding indebtedness and interest rates on the revolving credit facility, term A senior secured loan and term B senior secured loan are charged at 8.61%, 8.61% and 8.86% per annum, respectively (assuming a 3-month LIBOR rate of 5.36% as of April 19, 2007); |
27
|
|
|
| • | approximately 50% of our excess cash flow (cash flow from operations, investing activities and financing activities before such excess cash flow indebtedness payment) must be dedicated to the payment of our outstanding indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for other purposes; |
|
|
|
| • | our substantial degree of leverage could make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or other adverse events in our business; |
|
|
|
| • | our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes maybe impaired; and |
|
|
|
| • | there would be a material and adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to service our indebtedness or obtain additional financing, as needed. |
As Courtside’s obligations under the purchase agreement are not conditioned on its ability to obtain adequate outside funding, a failure by Courtside to close because it could not get such funding will be a breach by Courtside of its obligations.
We intend to continue to pursue acquisition opportunities, which may subject us to considerable business and financial risk.
ACN has grown, and we anticipate that we will continue to grow, in part through acquisitions of weekly and some daily newspapers and niche publications and free circulation and total market coverage publications. We will evaluate potential acquisitions on an ongoing basis and regularly pursue acquisition opportunities (although we are not party to any agreements for future acquisitions), some of which could be significant. We may not be successful in identifying acquisition opportunities, assessing the value, strengths and weaknesses of these opportunities or in consummating acquisitions on acceptable terms. Also, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow or borrow sufficient funds to finance desired acquisitions. If completed, on the other hand, acquisitions may expose us to particular business and financial risks that include, but are not limited to:
|
|
|
| • | diversion of our management’s attention, as integrating the operations and assets of the acquired businesses will require a substantial amount of our management’s time; |
|
|
|
| • | difficulties associated with obtaining the level of cooperation of the employees in the acquired businesses with our integration efforts and assimilating the operations of the acquired businesses, including billing and customer information systems; |
|
|
|
| • | incurring unexpected costs of integration; |
|
|
|
| • | the inability to achieve operating and financial synergies anticipated to result from the acquisitions; |
|
|
|
| • | failing to retain key personnel, readers and customers of acquired companies. |
|
|
|
| • | incurring significant additional capital expenditures, transaction and operating expenses and non-recurring acquisition-related charges; and |
|
|
|
| • | experiencing an adverse impact on our earnings from the amortization or write-off of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. |
We cannot assure you that we will be successful in finding and effecting suitable acquisitions or in integrating acquired assets into our current businesses. The failure to find and effect new acquisitions and to successfully integrate the acquired businesses would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
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 ACN’s publications is newsprint. In 2006, ACN, in its production facilities, consumed approximately 6,500 metric tons (1,700 metric tons in the three months ending April 1, 2007; 9,300 metric tons in 2006 assuming the Columbus operations had been acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2006 fiscal year; and 2,400 metric tons in the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming the Columbus operations had been acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2007 fiscal year) of
28
newsprint (including for commercial printing) and the cost of such newsprint consumption totaled approximately $4.1 million, which was approximately 7.9% of its 2006 total revenue ($1.0 million, or 8.1% of total revenues, for the three months ending April 1, 2007; $6.0 million, or 8% of total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2006 assuming the Columbus operations had been acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2006 fiscal year; $1.5 million, or 8.3% of total revenues, for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming the Columbus operations had been acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2007 fiscal year). ACN generally maintains only a 30-day inventory of newsprint, although participation in a newsprint-buying consortium helps ensure adequate supply. An inability to obtain an adequate supply of newsprint at a favorable price 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 $750 per metric ton in 1995 and dropping to a low of almost $410 per metric ton in 2002. The industry average price of newsprint for 2006 was approximately $655 per metric ton. Significant increases in newsprint costs could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See ‘‘Business of ACN – Newsprint.’’
Newer forms of media communications, such as the Internet, are increasingly competing with newspapers and magazines for advertising revenue and are drawing such revenue away from such traditional media.
Many newspapers, particularly those serving large national or metropolitan readerships, have been adversely affected by loss of advertising revenue and paid circulation subscriptions to other media forms, particularly Internet-based publications. There can be no assurance that this trend will not continue or that community newspapers and, more particularly, the ACN newspapers will not be adversely affected by it.
We could be adversely affected by declining circulation.
According to the Newspaper Association of America, overall daily newspaper circulation, including national and urban newspapers, has declined at an average annual rate of 1.0% since 1996 and 2.0% during the period from 2002 to 2005. Circulation represented 4% of ACN’s total revenue in 2006 (4% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ended April 1, 2007; 4% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2006 fiscal year; and 5% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ended April 1, 2007 assuming the Columbus operations had acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2007 fiscal year). ACN’s circulation revenue is derived from home delivery sales to subscribers and single copy sales at retail stores and vending racks and boxes. There can be no assurance that ACN’s circulation will not decline in the future which would negatively affect ACN’s circulation revenue. In addition, declines in circulation could impair ACN’s ability to maintain or increase its advertising prices, cause purchasers of advertising in its publications to reduce or discontinue those purchases and discourage potential new advertising customers which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Our business will be subject to seasonal and other fluctuations, which will affect our revenues and operating results.
The business we will acquire from ACN is subject to seasonal fluctuations that we expect to be reflected in our operating results in future periods. The first fiscal quarter of the year tends to be the weakest quarter because advertising volume is at its lowest levels following the holiday season. Other factors that will 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 will be subject to environmental and employee safety and health laws and regulations that could cause us to incur significant compliance expenditures and liabilities.
Our operations will be 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, including ink and certain chemicals. Under various environmental laws, an owner or operator of real property may be liable for contamination resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous or toxic
29
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. Our operations will also be 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 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.
We will depend on key personnel and we may not be able to operate and 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.
We will be dependent upon the efforts of our key personnel and our ability to retain them and hire other qualified employees. In particular, we will dependent upon the management and leadership of Eugene Carr, who will be our chief executive officer, Daniel J. Wilson, who will be our chief financial officer, and Jeffrey Coolman, who will be our vice president – sales and Minnesota group publisher. The loss of any of them or other key personnel could affect our ability to run our business effectively.
Competition for senior management personnel is intense and we may not be able to retain our personnel even though we have entered into employment agreements with certain of them. Other than a $4.5 million policy on the life of Mr. Carr, we will not have key man insurance for any of our management or other key personnel. The loss of any key personnel requires the 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 and grow our business.
Production and distribution of our various publications and the generation of advertising revenue will also require skilled and experienced employees. A shortage of such employees, or our inability to retain such employees, could have an adverse impact on our productivity and costs, our ability to expand, develop and distribute new products, generate advertising sales and our entry into new markets. The cost of retaining or hiring such employees could exceed our expectations.
Risks Related to the Acquisition
Our existing cash will not be sufficient to pay the purchase price that is due at closing and we will be required to borrow significant funds to complete the acquisition. While we have received commitments from a large and reputable financial institution to provide such financing, there is no assurance that we will be able to negotiate favorable definitive documentation with the lender or that we will be able to fulfill the conditions included in that documentation to be able to receive the financing. Without such financing being available at the closing of the acquisition, we would be in breach of our obligations to close under the purchase agreement, which are not contingent upon the receipt of financing.
While the purchase price payable at closing will be $203,762,997 plus an amount equal to the working capital of the Columbus business at April 30, 2007 and ACN’s capitalized expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition, and subject to working capital adjustments, we will have only approximately $78 million of our own funds available for such payment and will have to borrow the balance, together with other funds required for transaction expenses, working capital and other corporate purposes. We expect that the total borrowings we will require at the time of closing will be approximately $133 million, assuming that none of the Courtside stockholders exercise their conversion rights and the purchase price is paid totally in cash, with no issuance of shares of Courtside common stock. Although we have commitments from the Bank of Montreal to provide such funds, we
30
have yet to negotiate the definitive loan documents and it is possible that matters could arise in the course of negotiation that will not be able to be resolved favorably or at all. Also, it is possible that the definitive documents could contain conditions that we won’t be able to satisfy because of unforeseen events between the time they are signed and the closing of the acquisition. If, for any of such reasons, or others, we are not able to receive the necessary financing at the closing, we would be unable to meet our obligation to close the acquisition and would be in breach under the purchase agreement, as our obligation to close is not contingent upon receipt of financing. In the event of a breach for this or other reasons, ACN would be entitled to receive, as liquidated damages, the entire $700,000 deposit we put in escrow on the signing of the purchase agreement. As of April 30, 2007, approximately $400,000 was reserved for payment of ACN reimbursable expenses if the reason for termination entitles it to such payment. It is expected that such expenses will ultimately total in excess of $700,000.
Our working capital will be reduced if Courtside stockholders exercise their right to convert their shares into cash. This will require us to obtain further debt or equity financing to be able to close the acquisition and, in any event, would reduce our cash reserve after the acquisition.
Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, holders of Public Shares may vote against the acquisition proposal and demand that we convert their shares, calculated as of two business days prior to the anticipated consummation of the acquisition, into a pro rata share of the trust account where a substantial portion of the net proceeds of the IPO are held. We and ACN will not consummate the acquisition if holders of 2,760,000 or more Public Shares exercise these conversion rights. To the extent the acquisition is consummated and holders have demanded to so convert their shares, there will be a corresponding reduction in the amount of funds available to us. Conversions in excess of approximately 1.7% ($1,350,000) will likely require us to seek further debt or equity financing to be able to close the acquisition. We presently have no commitments from any financial institution or otherwise to obtain funds needed to pay for conversions in excess of such amount, although, if all or any portion of the shares of Courtside common stock that may be issued to ACN are actually issued, then additional funds (up to $12,500,000) would be available to fund such conversions. As of , 2007, the record date, assuming the acquisition proposal is adopted, the maximum amount of funds that could be disbursed to our stockholders upon the exercise of their conversion rights is approximately $ , or approximately 20% of the funds held in the trust account. Any payment upon exercise of conversion rights will reduce our cash after the acquisition, which may limit our ability to implement our business plan. Although Courtside believes that such financing will be available on reasonably commercial terms, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.
Our outstanding warrants and underwriter’s purchase options may be exercised in the future, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our stockholders.
Outstanding redeemable warrants to purchase an aggregate of 27,600,000 shares of common stock issued in the IPO will become exercisable after the consummation of the acquisition. These will be exercised only if the $5.00 per share exercise price is below the market price of our common stock. In addition, in connection with the IPO, we granted EarlyBirdCapital an option to purchase, at $7.50 per unit, 600,000 units, each consisting of one share of common stock and two warrants (exercisable at $6.65 per share), which units and underlying warrants, if fully exercised, would result in an additional 1,800,000 shares of common stock being outstanding. To the extent such warrants or options (or the warrants underlying the options) are exercised, additional shares of our common stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to our stockholders and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of such shares.
If Courtside stockholders fail to vote or abstain from voting on the acquisition proposal, or fail to deliver their shares to our transfer agent, they may not exercise their conversion rights to convert their shares of common stock of Courtside into a pro rata portion of the trust account.
Courtside stockholders holding Public Shares who affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal may, at the same time, demand that we convert their shares into a pro rata portion of the
31
trust account, calculated as of two business days prior to the anticipated consummation of the acquisition. Courtside stockholders who seek to exercise this conversion right must affirmatively vote against the acquisition and deliver their stock certificates (either physically or electronically) to our transfer agent after the special meeting. Any Courtside stockholder who fails to vote or who abstains from voting on the acquisition proposal or who fails to deliver his stock certificate may not exercise his conversion rights and will not receive a pro rata portion of the trust account for conversion of his shares. See the section entitled ‘‘Special Meeting of Courtside Stockholders – Conversion Rights’’ for the procedures to be followed if you wish to convert your shares to cash.
The American Stock Exchange may delist our securities from quotation on its exchange which could limit investors’ ability to make transactions in our securities and subject us to additional trading restrictions.
Our securities are listed on the American Stock Exchange. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on the American Stock Exchange in the future. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition, it is likely that the American Stock Exchange may require us to file a new initial listing application and meet its initial listing requirements as opposed to its more lenient continued listing requirements. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet those initial listing requirements at that time.
If the American Stock Exchange delists our securities from trading on its exchange, we could face significant material adverse consequences including:
|
|
|
| • | a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; |
|
|
|
| • | a determination that our common stock is a ‘‘penny stock’’ which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; |
|
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| • | a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and |
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| • | a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. |
Our ability to request indemnification from ACN for damages arising out of the acquisition is limited to those claims where damages exceed $500,000.
At the closing of the acquisition, $12,500,000 of the purchase price we will pay to ACN will be deposited in escrow to provide a fund for payment to Courtside with respect to its post-closing rights to indemnification under the purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants by ACN and liabilities not assumed by Courtside. Claims for indemnification may only be asserted by Courtside once the damages exceed $500,000 and are indemnifiable only to the extent that damages exceed $500,000 and recoveries may not exceed $12,500,000. Accordingly, it is possible that Courtside will not be entitled to indemnification even if ACN is found to have breached its representations and warranties and covenants contained in the purchase agreement if such breach would only result in damages to Courtside of less than $500,000. Similarly, Courtside will not be entitled to indemnification for damages in excess of $12,500,000. The foregoing limitations will not apply to claims for indemnification that Courtside may have in respect of the Columbus operations, as Courtside and ACN have agreed that Courtside will only be entitled to make such claims against the Columbus seller under the Columbus acquisition agreement and not against ACN.
Our current directors and executive officers own shares of common stock and warrants that will be worthless if the acquisition is not approved. Such interests may have influenced their decision to approve the business combination with ACN.
All of our officers and directors and/or their affiliates beneficially own stock in Courtside that they purchased prior to our IPO. Additionally, Messrs. Richard D. Goldstein, our chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Bruce M. Greenwald, our president and a director, and Oded Aboodi, our special advisor (and persons and entities affiliated or associated with such individuals) purchased 2,400,000 warrants in the public market after our IPO. Our executive officers and directors and their affiliates are not entitled to receive any of the cash proceeds that may be distributed upon our liquidation with respect to shares they acquired prior to our IPO. Therefore, if the acquisition is not approved and we are forced to liquidate, such shares held by such persons will be worthless, as will the warrants.
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In addition, if Courtside liquidates prior to the consummation of a business combination, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald will be personally liable to pay the debts and obligations to vendors and other entities that are owed money by Courtside for services rendered or products sold to Courtside, or to any target business, to the extent such creditors bring claims that would otherwise require payment from moneys in the trust account. As of March 31, 2007 Courtside had accounts payable and accrued liabilities of approximately $457,000. It estimates that it will incur additional expenses of approximately $700,000 that would be required to be paid if the acquisition is not consummated. Of such total of $1,157,000, vendors and service providers to whom approximately $681,000 is or would be owed have waived their rights to make claims for payment from amounts in the trust account. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald would be obligated to indemnify Courtside for the balance of approximately $476,000 that would be owed to vendors and service providers that have not given such waivers to the extent that they successfully claim against the trust account funds. Such amount would be reduced by payments from funds available to Courtside that will be provided by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to fund Courtside’s operating expenses and from the return to it of all or part of the $700,000 deposit it has made on the purchase price of the acquisition. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald have no reason to believe that they will not be able to fulfill their indemnity obligations to Courtside.
Through May 4, 2007, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald advanced Courtside approximately $318,000 to fund its current expenses. Such advances are evidenced by promissory notes that bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum and are non-recourse to the trust account. If a business combination is not consummated, Courtside will not have any remaining non-trust account funds to repay the loans except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. As of April 30, 2007, ACN had incurred approximately $400,000 of potentially reimbursable expenses. All of the $700,000 is expected to be reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses if the reason for termination entitles it to such reimbursement.
These personal and financial interests of our directors and officers may have influenced their decision to approve our business combination with ACN. In considering the recommendations of our board of directors to vote for the acquisition proposal and other proposals, you should consider these interests.
The exercise of our directors’ and officers’ discretion in agreeing to changes or waivers in the terms of the business combination may result in a conflict of interest when determining whether such changes to the terms of the business combination or waivers of conditions are appropriate and in our stockholders’ best interest.
In the period leading up to the closing of the acquisition, events may occur that, pursuant to the purchase agreement, would require Courtside to agree to amendments to the purchase agreement, to consent to certain actions taken by ACN or to waive rights that Courtside is entitled to under the purchase agreement. Such events could arise because of changes in the course of ACN’s business, a request by ACN to undertake actions that would otherwise be prohibited by the terms of the purchase agreement or the occurrence of other events that would have a material adverse effect on ACN’s business and would entitle Courtside to terminate the purchase agreement. In any of such circumstances, it would be discretionary on Courtside, acting through its board of directors, to grant its consent or waive its rights. The existence of the financial and personal interests of the directors described in the preceding risk factor may result in a conflict of interest on the part of one or more of the directors between what he may believe is best for Courtside and what he may believe is best for himself in determining whether or not to take the requested action.
If we are unable to complete the business combination with ACN and are forced to dissolve and liquidate, third parties may bring claims against us and, as a result, the proceeds held in trust could be reduced and the per-share liquidation price received by stockholders could be less than $ per share.
If we are unable to complete the business combination with ACN by July 7, 2007 and are forced to dissolve and liquidate, third parties may bring claims against us. Although we have obtained waiver agreements from certain vendors and service providers we have engaged and owe money to, and the prospective target businesses we have negotiated with, whereby such parties have waived any right,
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title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the trust fund, there is no guarantee that they or other vendors who did not execute such waivers will not seek recourse against the trust fund notwithstanding such agreements. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that a court will uphold the validity of such agreements. Accordingly, the proceeds held in trust could be subject to claims which could take priority over those of our public stockholders. Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us which is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. To the extent any bankruptcy or other claims deplete the trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public stockholders at least $ per share.
If we do not consummate the business combination with ACN by July 7, 2007 and are forced to dissolve and liquidate, payments from the trust account to our public stockholders may be delayed.
If we do not consummate the business combination with ACN by July 7, 2007, we will dissolve and liquidate. We anticipate that, promptly after such date, the following will occur:
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| • | our board of directors will convene and adopt a specific plan of dissolution and liquidation, which it will then vote to recommend to our stockholders; at such time it will also cause to be prepared a preliminary proxy statement setting out such plan of dissolution and liquidation as well as the board’s recommendation of such plan; |
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| • | we will promptly file our preliminary proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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| • | if the Securities and Exchange Commission does not review the preliminary proxy statement, then, 10 days following the filing of such preliminary proxy statement, we will mail the definitive proxy statement to our stockholders, and, 10 to 20 days following the mailing of such definitive proxy statement, we will convene a meeting of our stockholders, at which they will vote on our plan of dissolution and liquidation; and |
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| • | if the Securities and Exchange Commission does review the preliminary proxy statement, we currently estimate that we will receive their comments 30 days after the filing of such proxy statement. We would then mail the definite proxy statement to our stockholders following the conclusion of the comment and review process (the length of which we cannot predict with any certainty, and which may be substantial) and we will convene a meeting of our stockholders at which they will vote on our plan of dissolution and liquidation. |
We expect that a significant part or all of the costs associated with the implementation and completion of our plan of dissolution and liquidation will be funded (to the extent that the deposit paid by Courtside on execution of the purchase agreement is not returned to it) by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald, who will advance us the funds necessary to complete such dissolution and liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $50,000) and not seek reimbursement thereof.
We will not liquidate the trust account unless and until our stockholders approve our plan of dissolution and liquidation. Accordingly, the foregoing procedures may result in substantial delays in our liquidation and the distribution to our public stockholders of the funds in our trust account and any remaining net assets as part of our plan of dissolution and liquidation.
Our stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against us to the extent of distributions received by them.
If we are unable to complete the business combination with ACN, we will dissolve and liquidate pursuant to Section 275 of the DGCL. Under Sections 280 through 282 of the DGCL, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. Pursuant to Section 280, if the corporation complies with certain procedures intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provisions for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of a
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stockholder with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. Although we will seek stockholder approval to liquidate the trust account to our public stockholders as part of our plan of dissolution and liquidation, we will seek to conclude this process as soon as possible and as a result do not intend to comply with those procedures. Because we will not be complying with those procedures, we are required, pursuant to Section 281 of the DGCL, to adopt a plan that will provide for our payment, based on facts known to us at such time, of (i) all existing claims, (ii) all pending claims and (iii) all claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years. Accordingly, we would be required to provide for any creditors known to us at that time or those that we believe could be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years prior to distributing the funds held in the trust to stockholders. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such dissolution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from our stockholders amounts owed to them by us.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us that is not dismissed, any distributions received by stockholders in our dissolution might be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a ‘‘preferential transfer’’ or a ‘‘fraudulent conveyance.’’ As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders in our dissolution. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders as soon as possible after our dissolution, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. Furthermore, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors and/or complying with certain provisions of the DGCL with respect to our dissolution and liquidation. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.
Risks if the Adjournment Proposal is not Approved
If the adjournment proposal is not approved, and an insufficient number of votes have been obtained to authorize the consummation of the acquisition, Courtside’s board of directors will not have the ability to adjourn the special meeting to a later date in order to solicit further votes, and, therefore, the acquisition will not be approved and Courtside will be required to liquidate.
Courtside’s board of directors is seeking approval to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates if, at the special meeting, based upon the tabulated votes, there are insufficient votes to approve the consummation of the acquisition. If the adjournment proposal is not approved, Courtside’s board will not have the ability to adjourn the special meeting to a later date and, therefore, will not have more time to solicit votes to approve the consummation of the acquisition. In such event, the acquisition would not be completed and Courtside would be required to liquidate.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We believe that some of the information in this proxy statement constitutes forward-looking statements within the definition of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. However, the safe-harbor provisions of that act do not apply to statements made in this proxy statement. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘contemplate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ and ‘‘continue’’ or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they:
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| • | discuss future expectations; |
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| • | contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition; or |
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| • | state other ‘‘forward-looking’’ information. |
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our stockholders. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or over which we have no control. The risk factors and cautionary language discussed in this proxy statement provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described by us or ACN in such forward-looking statements, including among other things:
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| • | the number and percentage of our stockholders voting against the acquisition proposal and seeking conversion; |
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| • | fluctuations in advertiser demand; |
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| • | management of rapid growth; |
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| • | general economic conditions; |
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| • | ACN’s business strategy and plans; and |
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| • | the result of future financing efforts. |
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement.
All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to any of Courtside, ACN or any person acting on either party’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, Courtside and ACN undertake no obligations to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this proxy statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Before you grant your proxy or instruct how your vote should be cast or vote on the approval of the purchase agreement, you should be aware that the occurrence of the events described in the ‘‘Risk Factors’’ section and elsewhere in this proxy statement could have a material adverse effect on Courtside and/or ACN.
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SPECIAL MEETING OF COURTSIDE STOCKHOLDERS
General
We are furnishing this proxy statement to Courtside stockholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by our board of directors for use at the special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of Courtside stockholders to be held on June , 2007, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement is first being furnished to our stockholders on or about , 2007 in connection with the vote on the acquisition proposal, the certificate of incorporation amendments, the incentive compensation plan proposal and the director election proposal. This document provides you with information you need to know to be able to vote or instruct your vote to be cast at the special meeting.
Date, Time and Place
The special meeting of stockholders will be held on June , 2007, at 10:00 a.m., eastern time, at the offices of Graubard Miller, Courtside’s counsel, at The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10174.
Purpose of the Courtside Special Meeting
At the special meeting, we are asking holders of Courtside common stock to:
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| • | consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (acquisition proposal); |
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| • | consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to change our name from ‘‘Courtside Acquisition Corporation’’ to ‘‘American Community Newspapers Inc.’’ (name change amendment); |
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| • | consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to remove the preamble and sections A through D, inclusive, of Article Sixth from the certificate of incorporation from and after the closing of the acquisition, as these provisions will no longer be applicable to us, and to redesignate section E of Article Sixth, which relates to the staggered board, as Article Sixth (Article Sixth amendment); |
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| • | consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the adoption of the 2007 Incentive Equity Plan (incentive compensation plan proposal); |
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| • | elect seven directors to Courtside’s board of directors, of whom two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2008, three will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2009 and two will serve until the annual meeting to be held in 2010 and, in each case, until their successors are elected and qualified (director election proposal); and |
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| • | consider and vote upon a proposal to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event that, based upon the tabulated votes at the time of the special meeting, Courtside would not have been authorized to consummate the acquisition (adjournment proposal). |
Recommendation of Courtside Board of Directors
Our board of directors:
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| • | has unanimously determined that each of the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment and the incentive compensation plan proposal is fair to and in the best interests of us and our stockholders; |
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| • | has unanimously approved the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment and the incentive compensation plan proposal; |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the acquisition proposal; |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the proposal to adopt the name change amendment; |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the proposal to adopt the Article Sixth amendment; |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the incentive compensation plan proposal; |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our common stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the persons nominated by our management for election as directors; and |
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| • | unanimously recommends that our stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ an adjournment proposal if one is presented to the meeting. |
Record Date; Who is Entitled to Vote
We have fixed the close of business on , 2007, as the ‘‘record date’’ for determining Courtside stockholders entitled to notice of and to attend and vote at the special meeting. As of the close of business on , 2007, there were 16,800,000 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote per share at the special meeting.
Pursuant to agreements with us, the 3,000,000 shares of our common stock held by stockholders who purchased their shares of common stock prior to our IPO will be voted on the acquisition proposal in accordance with the majority of the votes cast at the special meeting on such proposal by the holders of the Public Shares. The vote of such shares will not effect the outcome of the vote on the proposal.
Quorum
The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of all the outstanding shares of common stock constitutes a quorum at the special meeting.
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
Proxies that are marked ‘‘abstain’’ and proxies relating to ‘‘street name’’ shares that are returned to us but marked by brokers as ‘‘not voted’’ will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum on all matters. The latter will not be treated as shares entitled to vote on the matter as to which authority to vote is withheld from the broker. If you do not give the broker voting instructions, under applicable self-regulatory organization rules, your broker may not vote your shares on the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment and the incentive compensation plan proposal. Since a stockholder must affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal to have conversion rights, individuals who fail to vote or who abstain from voting may not exercise their conversion rights. See the information set forth in ‘‘Special Meeting of Courtside Stockholders – Conversion Rights.’’
Vote of Our Stockholders Required
The approval of the acquisition proposal will require the affirmative vote for the proposal by the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote ‘‘AGAINST’’ the acquisition proposal and broker non-votes, while considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum, will have no effect on the acquisition proposal. You cannot seek conversion unless you affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal.
The name change amendment and the Article Sixth amendment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of Courtside common stock outstanding on the record date. Because each of these proposals to amend our charter requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding, abstentions and shares not entitled to vote because of a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote against these proposals.
The approval of the incentive compensation plan and an adjournment proposal, if presented, will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock represented and entitled
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to vote at the meeting. Abstentions are deemed entitled to vote on such proposals. Therefore, they have the same effect as a vote against either proposal. Broker non-votes are not deemed entitled to vote on such proposals and, therefore, they will have no effect on the vote on such proposals.
Directors are elected by a plurality. ‘‘Plurality’’ means that the individuals who receive the largest number of votes cast ‘‘FOR’’ are elected as directors. Consequently, any shares not voted ‘‘FOR’’ a particular nominee (whether as a result of abstentions, a direction to withhold authority or a broker non-vote) will not be counted in the nominee’s favor.
Voting Your Shares
Each share of Courtside common stock that you own in your name entitles you to one vote. Your proxy card shows the number of shares of our common stock that you own.
There are two ways to vote your shares of Courtside common stock at the special meeting:
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| • | You can vote by signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. If you vote by proxy card, your ‘‘proxy,’’ whose name is listed on the proxy card, will vote your shares as you instruct on the proxy card. If you sign and return the proxy card but do not give instructions on how to vote your shares, your shares will be voted as recommended by our board ‘‘FOR’’ the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment, the incentive compensation plan proposal, the persons nominated by Courtside’s management for election as directors and, if necessary, an adjournment proposal. Votes received after a matter has been voted upon at the special meeting will not be counted. |
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| • | You can attend the special meeting and vote in person. We will give you a ballot when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or another nominee, you must get a proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee. That is the only way we can be sure that the broker, bank or nominee has not already voted your shares. |
Revoking Your Proxy
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by doing any one of the following:
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| • | you may send another proxy card with a later date; |
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| • | you may notify Gregg H. Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary, in writing before the special meeting that you have revoked your proxy; or |
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| • | you may attend the special meeting, revoke your proxy, and vote in person, as indicated above. |
Who Can Answer Your Questions About Voting Your Shares
If you have any questions about how to vote or direct a vote in respect of your shares of our common stock, you may call , our proxy solicitor, at , or Gregg H. Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary at (212) 641-5000.
No Additional Matters May Be Presented at the Special Meeting
This special meeting has been called only to consider the approval of the acquisition proposal, the name change amendment, the Article Sixth amendment, the incentive compensation plan proposal and the election of directors. Under our by-laws, other than procedural matters incident to the conduct of the meeting, no other matters may be considered at the special meeting if they are not included in the notice of the meeting. An adjournment or postponement of the special meeting may occur to solicit additional votes if an adjournment proposal is presented and approved.
Conversion Rights
Any of our stockholders holding Public Shares as of the record date who affirmatively votes his or her Public Shares against the acquisition proposal may also demand that we convert such shares
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into a pro rata portion of the trust account, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the acquisition. If demand is properly made and the acquisition is consummated, we will convert these shares into a pro rata portion of funds deposited in the trust account plus interest, calculated as of such date.
Courtside stockholders who seek to exercise this conversion right (‘‘converting stockholders’’) must affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes do not satisfy this requirement. Additionally, holders demanding conversion must deliver their stock certificates (either physically or electronically using Depository Trust Company’s DWAC (Deposit Withdrawal at Custodian) System) to our transfer agent promptly after the meeting.
If you hold the shares in street name, you will have to coordinate with your broker to have your shares certificated or delivered electronically. Certificates that have not been tendered (either physically or electronically) in accordance with these procedures will not be converted into cash.
The closing price of our common stock on , 2007 (the record date) was $ and the per-share, pro-rata cash held in the trust account on the record date was approximately $ . Prior to exercising conversion rights, stockholders should verify the market price of our common stock as they may receive higher proceeds from the sale of their common stock in the public market than from exercising their conversion rights if the market price per share is higher than the conversion price. We cannot assure our stockholders that they will be able to sell their shares of Courtside common stock in the open market, even if the market price per share is higher than the conversion price stated above, as there may not be sufficient liquidity in our securities when our stockholders wish to sell their shares.
If the holders of at least 2,760,000 or more Public Shares (an amount equal to 20% or more of the Public Shares), vote against the acquisition proposal and properly demand conversion of their shares, we will not be able to consummate the acquisition.
If you exercise your conversion rights, then you will be exchanging your shares of our common stock for cash and will no longer own those shares. You will be entitled to receive cash for these shares only if you affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal, properly demand conversion, and deliver your stock certificate (either physically or electronically) to our transfer agent promptly after the meeting.
Appraisal Rights
Stockholders of Courtside do not have appraisal rights in connection the acquisition under the DGCL.
Proxy Solicitation Costs
We are soliciting proxies on behalf of our board of directors. This solicitation is being made by mail but also may be made by telephone or in person. We and our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by other electronic means.
We have hired to assist in the proxy solicitation process. We will pay a fee of approximately $ plus disbursements. Such fee will be paid with non-trust account funds.
We will ask banks, brokers and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries to forward its proxy materials to their principals and to obtain their authority to execute proxies and voting instructions. We will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses.
Courtside Inside Stockholders
As of April 30, 2007, Richard D. Goldstein, Courtside’s chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Bruce M. Greenwald, Courtside’s president and a director, Carl D. Harnick, Courtside’s vice president and chief financial officer, Gregg H. Mayer, Courtside’s vice president,
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controller and secretary, Dennis H. Leibowitz, Peter R. Haje and Darren M. Sardoff, each a Courtside director, and Oded Aboodi, Courtside’s special advisor, and their affiliates, to whom we collectively refer as the Courtside Inside Stockholders, beneficially owned and were entitled to vote 3,000,000 shares (‘‘Original Shares’’) or approximately 17.9% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock, which were issued to the Courtside Inside Stockholders prior to Courtside’s IPO. In connection with its IPO, Courtside and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., the representative of the underwriters of the IPO, entered into agreements with each of the Courtside Inside Stockholders pursuant to which each Courtside Inside Stockholder agreed to vote his or its Original Shares on the acquisition proposal in accordance with the majority of the votes cast by the holders of Public Shares. The Courtside Inside Stockholders have also indicated that they intend to vote their Original Shares in favor of all other proposals being presented at the meeting. The Original Shares have no liquidation rights and will be worthless if no business combination is effected by Courtside. In connection with the IPO, the Courtside Inside Stockholders placed their shares issued prior to the IPO in escrow until June 30, 2008.
In addition to such shares of Courtside common stock, Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Aboodi (and individuals or entities affiliated or associated with such individuals) also own warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,400,000 additional shares of Courtside common stock. These Courtside Inside Stockholders have agreed not to sell any of these warrants until after the consummation of a business combination and such warrants will be worthless if no business combination is effected by Courtside.
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THE ACQUISITION PROPOSAL
The discussion in this document of the acquisition and the principal terms of the purchase agreement by and among Courtside, ACN and, for limited purposes, ACN Holding LLC, is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the purchase agreement. A copy of the purchase agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement.
General Description of the Acquisition
On January 24, 2007, Courtside entered into an asset purchase agreement with ACN providing for the purchase by Courtside (or a subsidiary of Courtside to be formed for such purchase) of substantially all of ACN’s assets and the assumption by Courtside (or such subsidiary, without the release of Courtside from its obligations) of certain of ACN’s liabilities. ACN Holding LLC, the sole member of ACN, is also a party to the purchase agreement, solely for limited purposes, and has approved the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby in accordance with the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. See the section entitled ‘‘Beneficial Ownership of Securities – Security Ownership of ACN’’ for information concerning the ownership of ACN Holding LLC.
ACN is a community newspaper publisher, having operations within four major U.S. markets – Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) and Columbus, Ohio. In these markets, it publishes three daily and 83 weekly newspapers, each serving a specific community, and 14 niche publications, with a combined circulation of approximately 1,386,000 households as of April 30, 2007.
On April 30, 2007, ACN purchased the assets of C.M. Media, Inc.’s publishing and printing divisions that now constitute ACN’s Columbus operations. As a result of this acquisition and also because of the anticipated results for the second quarter of 2007 (see ‘‘Background to the Acquisition,’’ below), ACN and Courtside entered into an amendment to the purchase agreement on May 2, 2007, that provided, among other things, for changes in the purchase price that Courtside would pay to ACN for ACN’s assets, including those it acquired in the Columbus transaction.
Upon consummation of the acquisition, Eugene Carr, ACN’s chief executive officer, will become chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Courtside.
The acquisition is expected to be consummated in the second quarter of 2007, after the required approval by the stockholders of Courtside and the fulfillment of certain other conditions, as discussed herein.
Name; Headquarters; Stock Symbols
After completion of the acquisition:
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| • | the name of Courtside will be American Community Newspapers Inc.; |
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| • | the corporate headquarters and principal executive offices of Courtside will be located at 14875 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 110, Dallas, Texas 75254, which are ACN’s corporate headquarters; and |
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|
| • | Courtside’s common stock, warrants and units (each consisting of one share of common stock and two warrants) will continue to be traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols CRB, CRBWS and CRBU, respectively. |
Acquisition Consideration
Acquired Assets
The purchase agreement provides that Courtside will acquire substantially all of ACN’s assets, including those used in the Columbus operations. Although not delineated in the purchase agreement, such acquired assets include owned real property, machinery and equipment, vehicles, inventories, contract rights and intangibles and all other of ACN’s assets necessary for the operation of its business. Excluded from the sale are cash and cash equivalents except insurance proceeds in respect of
42
loss or damage to tangible property prior to the closing and not applied to repair or replacement thereof, ACN’s organizational records, ACN’s rights under the purchase agreement, claims relating to liabilities that are not being assumed by Courtside, accounts receivable, tax, insurance and other refunds which relate to the period prior to the closing and are not included in the calculation of Balance Sheet Working Capital and books and records relating exclusively to any of the foregoing. The exclusion of such assets from the transaction will not have any material adverse impact upon Courtside’s ability to operate the acquired business.
Purchase Price
Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Courtside will pay ACN $203,762,997 plus an amount equal to the working capital of the Columbus operations on April 30, 2007 and ACN’s capitalized expenses incurred in connection with its acquisition thereof, for substantially all of ACN’s assets at the closing, including those used in ACN’s Columbus operations, subject to increase or decrease to the extent that ACN’s Balance Sheet Working Capital is greater or less than Target Working Capital. As defined in the purchase agreement, Balance Sheet Working Capital means ACN’s working capital (current assets less current liabilities) as derived from a balance sheet for ACN as of the closing date of the acquisition. Target Working Capital is an amount equal to $1,200,000, increased by the amount by which actual paid time off (‘‘PTO’’) accruals of ACN as of the closing date are less than $325,000 or decreased by the amount by which actual PTO accruals of ACN as of the closing date are greater than $325,000. As a result of the Columbus acquisition, the Target Working Capital is also to be increased by the amount of any purchase price increase equal to the ‘‘Columbus Adjustment Amount’’ described in the following paragraph resulting from adjustments under the purchase agreement for the Columbus acquisition. If the Columbus Adjustment Amount has been finally determined by the closing, the actual amount thereof shall be used in the determination of the Target Working Capital. If it has not been finally determined, the Columbus Adjustment Amount shall be deemed to be $1,886,245. The determination of Balance Sheet Working Capital will be made after the closing of the purchase agreement pursuant to procedures that are described below in the subsection entitled ‘‘Purchase Price Adjustments.’’
The purchase price is also subject to increase to the extent that, at the close of business on April 30, 2007, the accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and (to the extent ACN or Courtside receives the value thereof after April 30, 2007) deposits of the Columbus operations exceeds the prepaid subscription and advertising deposits and other liabilities of the Columbus operations assumed by ACN (the ‘‘Columbus Adjustment Amount’’). At the closing of its acquisition of the Columbus operations, ACN made a preliminary payment of $1,886,245 to the seller in respect of the Columbus Adjustment Amount. The final determination of the Columbus Adjustment Amount is to be made by ACN and the Columbus seller pursuant to post-closing procedures that are described below in the subsection entitled ‘‘Purchase Price Adjustments.’’ If that determination is made prior to the closing of the ACN-Courtside transaction, Courtside will pay to ACN the actual Columbus Adjustment Amount due to the Columbus seller. If it is made after the closing of the ACN-Courtside transaction, Courtside will pay to ACN $1,886,245 at such closing and, if the actual Columbus Adjustment Amount is greater, will pay to the Columbus seller the excess or, if the Columbus Adjustment Amount is lower, will be entitled to receive the difference from the Columbus seller.
Courtside will also pay to ACN an additional $1,000,000 if ACN’s NCF for 2008 is equal to or greater than $19,000,000, with such payment increasing to $15,000,000, in specified increments, if ACN’s NCF for 2008 equals or exceeds $21,000,000, as follows;
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|
|
|
|
| If Combined Company
Achieves 2008 NCF of: |
|
|
Then 2008
NCF Earnout is: |
| $19,000,000 | |
|
$1,000,000 |
| 19,100,000 | |
|
1,400,000 |
| 19,200,000 | |
|
1,800,000 |
| 19,300,000 | |
|
2,200,000 |
| 19,400,000 | |
|
2,600,000 |
| 19,500,000 | |
|
3,000,000 |
| 19,600,000 | |
|
3,800,000 |
| 19,700,000 | |
|
4,600,000 |
| 19,800,000 | |
|
5,400,000 |
| 19,900,000 | |
|
6,200,000 |
| 20,000,000 | |
|
7,000,000 |
| 20,100,000 | |
|
7,800,000 |
| 20,200,000 | |
|
8,600,000 |
| 20,300,000 | |
|
9,400,000 |
| 20,400,000 | |
|
10,200,000 |
| 20,500,000 | |
|
11,000,000 |
| 20,600,000 | |
|
11,800,000 |
| 20,700,000 | |
|
12,600,000 |
| 20,800,000 | |
|
13,400,000 |
| 20,900,000 | |
|
14,200,000 |
| 21,000,000 and greater | |
|
15,000,000 |
|
Courtside will also pay to ACN a further $10,000,000 if, during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period from the closing of the acquisition through July 7, 2009, the last reported sale price of Courtside common stock exceeds $8.50 per share (equitably adjusted to account for stock combinations, stock splits, stock dividends and the like).
Concurrently with the execution of the purchase agreement, Courtside placed $700,000 in escrow (with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company) as a deposit on the purchase price. The deposit will be used to reimburse ACN for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if the purchase agreement is terminated because of the failure of Courtside’s stockholders to approve the acquisition or the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition and seek conversion of their shares into a pro-rata portion of Courtside’s trust account, so long as such failure was not the result of a material adverse effect on ACN. The deposit is also payable to ACN as liquidated damages upon termination of the agreement for failure of the acquisition to be consummated by the termination date specified in the purchase agreement as a result of certain uncured breaches by Courtside if, at such time, ACN is not in material breach of its obligations under the purchase agreement. Upon closing of the acquisition, the deposit will be applied against payment of the purchase price. The deposit escrow agreement is attached as Annex D hereto. We encourage you to read the deposit escrow agreement in its entirety. See also the section entitled ‘‘The Purchase Agreement – Termination.’’
Determination of NCF
By no later than April 15, 2009, Courtside is required to deliver to ACN Courtside’s audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2008, together with its calculation of the NCF, derived from the income statement included in such financial statements. The preparation of the financial information used in the calculation will be prepared by management, some of whom are potential payment beneficiaries, and then will be reviewed by Courtside’s audit committee. If ACN does not dispute such calculation, on the thirtieth day following such delivery, Courtside will pay ACN the amount of additional purchase price consideration associated with such amount of NCF, which will be $1,000,000 if the NCF is at least $19,000,000 and increasing in specified increments to $15,000,000 if the NCF is $21,000,000 or greater. If ACN disputes Courtside’s calculation, it must give notice to Courtside within 15 days after the 2008 audited financial statements are delivered to it. If the parties can’t resolve the disputed matters within 30 days after the dispute notice is delivered to Courtside, such matters will be determined by a recognized independent accounting firm chosen by mutual
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agreement of ACN and Courtside, whose fees shall be shared equally by ACN and Courtside. Payment of the additional purchase price consideration associated with the independent accounting firm’s determination of NCF shall be made not later than three business days after receipt of such determination by ACN and Courtside.
Assumed Liabilities
Courtside will also assume ACN’s contractual liabilities arising after the closing and other liabilities to the extent such other liabilities are taken into account in the calculation of ACN’s Balance Sheet Working Capital, but in no event will it assume liabilities for indebtedness for borrowed money or capital leases. As a result of ACN’s acquisition of the Columbus operations, ACN has assumed the Columbus seller’s liabilities and obligations arising after the closing of that acquisition under agreements assigned to and assumed by ACN as well as trade accounts payable and accrued expenses that constituted current liabilities and liabilities in respect of deferred subscription revenues and prepaid advertising and liabilities relating to ownership of the purchased assets and operation of the Columbus business from facts or circumstances occurring prior to the closing of that acquisition, to the extent such liabilities were taken into account in the calculation of the working capital adjustment under the Columbus purchase agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, Courtside will assume such liabilities and obligations from ACN.
Payment of Purchase Price
In payment of the purchase price, Courtside will issue to ACN or its designees shares of its common stock having an aggregate value of up to $12,500,000 and will pay the balance to ACN in cash. The shares issued will be valued at $5.70 per share and the maximum number of shares that may be issued will be 2,192,982. To the extent that ACN or its affiliates purchase up to 2,192,982 shares of Courtside common stock in the public market or in private transactions with third parties prior to or concurrently with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement, the number of shares that Courtside will issue to ACN and its designees will be reduced share-for-share and the cash component of the purchase price will be increased by $5.70 per share. Shares of Courtside common stock issued in payment of the purchase price will be subject to restrictions on transfer for a period of one year following the closing of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement and the holders thereof will be entitled to demand and piggyback registration rights substantially identical to those granted by Courtside to the Courtside Inside Stockholders. The shares of Courtside common stock that will be issued to ACN and its designees will be delivered at the closing as will payment of the cash portion, representing the balance of the purchase price, less the $700,000 deposit previously made, with $12,500,000 of the cash payment to be placed in escrow pursuant to the escrow and indemnity provisions of the purchase agreement.
Purchase Price Adjustments
At the closing of the ACN acquisition, ACN will deliver to Courtside its estimate of its working capital as of the closing date (the ‘‘Closing Working Capital’’). If the Closing Working Capital is greater than the Target Working Capital, the purchase price payable to ACN and the amount to be paid by Courtside at the closing will be increased dollar-for-dollar by the amount of the difference. If the Closing Working Capital is less than the Target Working Capital, the purchase price payable to ACN and the amount to be paid by Courtside at the closing will be decreased dollar-for-dollar by the amount of the difference.
As promptly as practicable following the closing date, but not more than 45 days thereafter, Courtside shall prepare and deliver to ACN an unaudited balance sheet of the business acquired from ACN as of the closing date (the ‘‘Closing Balance Sheet’’) and Courtside’s calculation of the Closing Working Capital. If, within 15 days after delivery of the Closing Balance Sheet, Courtside’s calculation of the Closing Working Capital derived from the Closing Balance Sheet (which is the Balance Sheet Working Capital) is not disputed by ACN, Courtside will pay to ACN any excess of the amount of the Balance Sheet Working Capital over the amount of Closing Working Capital estimated by ACN at the closing, or, if the Closing Working Capital estimated by ACN at the closing is greater than Courtside’s determination of the Balance Sheet Working Capital, ACN will pay the difference to Courtside.
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If, within 15 days after delivery by Courtside to ACN of the Closing Balance Sheet, ACN disputes the Closing Balance Sheet or Courtside’s calculation of the Balance Sheet Working Capital, and the parties are unable to resolve their differences within 30 days thereafter, the dispute shall be submitted to a recognized independent accounting firm for resolution and such firm’s resolution of the disputed items shall be binding on the parties. The fees and disbursements of such firm shall be shared equally by Courtside and ACN.
In calculating the final amount of any payment due with respect to such working capital adjustment, the parties will use the amount of the Columbus Adjustment Amount as finally determined in calculating such payment in lieu of the amount used at the closing in the determination of Target Working Capital, if it has been determined; otherwise the parties will use $1,886,245. The first $400,000 of any payment due to Courtside shall be paid from the $12,500,000 escrow fund and that fund shall be reduced by the amount of such payment (including payment after final resolution of any dispute).
To determine the Columbus Adjustment Amount, as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than 120 days following the closing of the Columbus acquisition, ACN will prepare and deliver to the Columbus seller a balance sheet of the Columbus business as of April 30, 2007, setting forth its calculation of the purchase price, together with the extent to which the Columbus Adjustment Amount is more or less than what was paid at closing based on the Columbus seller’s estimate of the Columbus Adjustment Amount at April 30, 2007. To the extent the $1,886,245 paid at the closing of the Columbus acquisition is less than the final Columbus Adjustment Amount calculated based on the April 30, 2007 balance sheet, ACN shall pay the difference between the two to the Columbus seller. To the extent the $1,886,245 paid at the closing of the Columbus acquisition is more that the Columbus Adjustment Amount calculated based on the April 30, 2007 balance sheet, the Columbus seller shall pay the difference between the two to ACN. If there is a dispute as to what the final purchase price should be, the seller and ACN have agreed to submit the dispute to Ernst & Young LLP for resolution. In addition, to the extent any accounts receivable of the Columbus business that were outstanding on April 30, 2007 remain unpaid at the time the Columbus Adjustment Amount is finally determined, ACN can require the seller of the Columbus business to repurchase them at their face value. If the final determination of the Columbus Adjustment Amount is not made until after the closing of Courtside’s acquisition of ACN, Courtside shall pay any amount due to the Columbus seller from ACN and the Columbus seller shall pay to Courtside any amount due to ACN.
Purchase Price Deposit
Concurrently with the execution of the purchase agreement, Courtside placed $700,000 in escrow as a deposit on the purchase price. The deposit will be used to reimburse ACN for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if the purchase agreement is terminated because of the failure of Courtside’s stockholders to approve the acquisition or the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition and seek conversion of their shares into a pro-rata portion of Courtside’s trust fund, so long as such failure was not the result of a material adverse effect on ACN. The deposit is also payable to ACN as liquidated damages upon termination of the agreement for failure of the acquisition to be consummated by the termination date specified in the purchase agreement as a result of certain uncured breaches by Courtside if, at such time, ACN is not in material breach of its obligations under the purchase agreement. Upon closing of the acquisition, the deposit will be applied against payment of the purchase price. If the purchase agreement is terminated in circumstances that entitle ACN to reimbursement of its out-of-pocket expenses, it is expected that it will be entitled to receive the full $700,000 and that no part of the deposit will be returned to Courtside.
Indemnification of Courtside
To provide a fund for payment to Courtside with respect to its post-closing rights to indemnification under the purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants by ACN and liabilities not assumed by Courtside, there will be placed in escrow (with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company) $12,500,000 of the purchase price payable to ACN at
46
closing. Claims for indemnification may be asserted by Courtside against ACN once its damages exceed $500,000 and will be reimbursable to the extent damages exceed such amount, except that claims made with respect to representations and warranties relating to title to property, employee benefit plans, taxes and environmental matters and claims based on fraud or intentional misconduct and liabilities (to the extent not taken into account in the calculation of Balance Sheet Working Capital) for accounts payable and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business, employee compensation and benefit payments incurred by ACN in the ordinary course of business and income or other taxes measured or based on ACN’s gross income will not be subject to such threshold or deductible. Any monies remaining in the escrow fund on the later of (i) one year from the closing date and (ii) the 45th day after the earlier of (A) the date that Courtside files its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2007 and (B) the date on which Courtside’s audited financial statements for such year have been completed, or for such further period as may be required pursuant to the escrow agreement, shall be released to ACN. However, notwithstanding such release from escrow, ACN shall continue to be responsible to pay Courtside, but not in excess of an amount equal to the funds so released, for established indemnification claims resulting from breaches of ACN’s representations and warranties relating to title to property, employee benefit plans, taxes and environmental matters and claims based on fraud or intentional misconduct and liabilities and made prior to the expiration of the thirtieth day after the respective statutes of limitations applicable to the subject matter of such representations. Any payment due to Courtside as a result of the working capital adjustment described above under ‘‘Purchase Price Adjustments,’’ up to a maximum of $400,000, shall be paid from the funds held in escrow, thus reducing the amount available to pay indemnification claims by the amount of such payment. The escrow agreement is attached as Annex F hereto. We encourage you to read the escrow agreement in its entirety.
ACN and Courtside have also agreed that following Courtside’s acquisition of ACN’s assets, any claims for indemnification in respect of the Columbus operations will only be made by Courtside against the seller under the Columbus purchase agreement and not against ACN under the purchase agreement with Courtside. Under the Columbus purchase agreement, $3,063,410 of the purchase price was placed in escrow with an independent escrow agent to provide ACN with a fund in respect of ACN’s post-closing rights to indemnification under the Columbus purchase agreement for breaches of representations and warranties and covenants of the seller. Any monies remaining in the escrow on April 30, 2008, will be released to the seller. However, notwithstanding such release from escrow, the seller will continue to be responsible to pay ACN for indemnified losses resulting from claims made with respect to representations and warranties relating to title to property, employee benefit plans, taxes and environmental matters and claims based on seller’s specified covenants which are made prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation, but only in an aggregate amount not to exceed the purchase price paid for the Columbus operations (less the amount of any other indemnifiable claims paid).
Financing Commitments
Courtside has received financing commitments for a total of $152,000,000 from Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch, and BMO Capital Markets Corporation for funding to provide the balance of the purchase price payable to ACN that won’t be available from funds in its trust account, payment of related transaction expenses and for working capital and general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Of the funding to be provided pursuant to such commitments, $125,000,000 will be senior secured credit facilities and $27,000,000 will in the form of senior notes of Courtside.
Bank of Montreal presently is one of the primary providers of financing to ACN. Courtside has also engaged BMO Capital Markets to assist it in analyzing, structuring, negotiating and effecting the acquisition, to provide financial and general advice as to the consideration to be offered to ACN and to assist in making presentations to Courtside’s board of directors concerning the acquisition, for which it will pay BMO Capital Markets an advisory fee if and when the acquisition is consummated.
The commitments are subject to the execution of definitive agreements and other conditions.
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Senior secured credit facilities
The senior secured credit facilities will consist of a $20,000,000 secured revolving credit facility, a $35,000,000 term A secured loan and a $70,000,000 term B secured loan. The borrower will be Courtside’s subsidiary that has been formed to hold and operate the assets acquired from ACN.
The definitive agreements for the senior secured credit facilities will include the following terms and conditions, among others:
Maturity – The revolving credit facility and term loan A will mature on the sixth anniversary of the closing date. Term loan B will mature on the six and one-half year anniversary of the closing date.
Amortization – There will be no amortization on the revolving credit facility. Up to its full amount may be drawn, repaid and reborrowed at any time subject to compliance with the terms of the credit agreement. Amortization of term loan A will commence following a one-year grace period, in amounts to be determined. Amortization of term loan B will commence following a one-year grace period, at 1.0% per annum with the balance due at maturity.
Security – The bank will receive a perfected first priority security interests in all present and future acquired tangible and intangible assets and stock/ownership interests of Courtside and each of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Commitment Fees – 50 basis points (bps) per annum payable on the average daily unused portion of the revolving credit facility.
Interest – Interest on the revolving credit facility and term loan A will be determined according to a leverage-based grid as follows:
|
|
|
|
| Total Leverage (excl pref. stock): | |
|
Interest Rate: |
| Greater than 5.50x | |
|
LIBOR plus 300 - 325 bps / Base Rate plus 175 – 200 bps* |
| Greater than 4.50x but less than or equal to 5.50x | |
|
LIBOR plus 275 - 300 bps / Base Rate plus 150 – 175 bps |
| Greater than 3.50x but less than or equal to 4.50x | |
|
LIBOR plus 250 - 275 bps / Base Rate plus 125 – 150 bps |
| Less than or equal to 3.50x | |
|
LIBOR plus 225 - 250 bps / Base Rate plus 100 – 125 bps |
|
| * | Fixed at this level for first six months. |
Interest on term loan B will be at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 325-350 bps or Base Rate plus 200-225 bps, as Courtside may elect from time to time.
LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offering Rate) means the rate (adjusted for statutory reserve requirements for Eurocurrency liabilities) at which Eurodollar deposits for the appropriate permitted interest period are offered in the interbank Eurodollar market. Base Rate means the higher of the prime rate of interest or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%.
All interest will be calculated based upon a year of 360 days for actual days elapsed and shall be payable at the end of each interest period, but not less than quarterly. After an event of default, interest will accrue at the rate otherwise applicable to Base Rate loans plus 2.00% per annum.
Optional prepayments or commitment reductions – The borrower may prepay the term loans or permanently reduce the unused revolving credit facility commitment at any time without penalty, subject to payment of any LIBOR breakage costs and minimum amounts to be agreed upon.
Mandatory prepayments – Subject to certain exceptions to be agreed upon, the borrower shall prepay the facilities by an amount equal to:
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|
|
| 1) | 100% of the net proceeds from asset sales (except ordinary course dispositions) and insurance proceeds, net of amounts used to repair or replace property, subject to a one year reinvestment period so long as an Event of Default shall not have occurred; |
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|
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| 2) | 100% of the net proceeds from future debt issuances, excluding the facilities and any debt permitted under the credit agreement; |
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| 3) | 100% of net proceeds from the issuance of equity, except equity issued for a permitted acquisition and in connection with the Proposed Acquisition; and |
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| 4) | 50% of the prior year excess cash flow (definition to be mutually agreed upon). |
Mandatory prepayments will be applied pro rata among the term loan A, and the term loan B according to the actual outstanding principal amounts thereof, and, as to each such loan, pro rata among the remaining installments thereof. Following payment in full of such loans, any remaining mandatory prepayments shall be applied as a repayment of the outstanding revolving credit facility and as a concurrent equivalent permanent reduction thereof.
Interest rate and currency rate protection – Within 90 days after the first quarter end to occur after the closing date, the borrower shall enter into interest rate protection agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent to provide interest rate protection on at least 50% of the facilities for at least 2 years.
Conditions precedent to closing – Customary for transactions of this type, including:
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|
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| a) | satisfactory legal financing documentation, including legal opinions; |
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| b) | consummation of the acquisition of the assets of ACN in satisfactory form and substance; |
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| c) | maximum pro forma funded total leverage of 6.25x on the closing date; |
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| d) | funding of no less than $12,500,000 of mezzanine debt or preferred stock of Courtside upon satisfactory terms and conditions, the proceeds of which will be contributed to the borrower and used to finance the acquisition of the assets of ACN; |
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| e) | minimum equity capital contribution to the borrower of no less than $75,000,000 on the closing date; |
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| f) | minimum trailing twelve-month pro forma EBITDA (adjusted for the full year effect of public company costs) of $17,100,000 for the month preceding the closing of the Proposed Acquisition for which financial statements of ACN are delivered to the Administrative Agent; |
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| g) | the borrower and its subsidiaries shall have no debt or liens other than debt under the facilities and such other debt or liens as the Lenders shall specifically permit, and Courtside shall have no debt or liens other than the mezzanine debt, if any, described herein and such other debt as the Lenders shall specifically permit; |
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| h) | satisfaction with the legal, tax, and organizational structure of borrower and its subsidiaries; |
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| i) | no material adverse change in the business, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, operating performance or prospects of the borrower and its subsidiaries, or in the financial markets in general; |
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| j) | evidence of satisfactory insurance, including casualty, property, liability and business interruption insurance; |
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| k) | Arranger’s satisfaction with financial projections for the period beginning on the closing date to Maturity; |
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| l) | payment of all fees and other amounts payable on the closing date |
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| m) | satisfactory employment agreements for Gene Carr and Dan Wilson; and |
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| n) | satisfactory key man life insurance of $4,500,000 on Gene Carr. |
Conditions precedent to all loans – Usual and customary for transactions of this type, to include without limitation:
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| • | Representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date of each loan. |
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| • | No default or event of default with the giving of notice or passage of time would constitute an event of default shall exist or result from such loan. |
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| • | No material adverse effect. |
Representations and warranties – Usual and customary for financings of this type, generally.
Covenants – Usual and customary for financings of this type, including but not limited to the following:
Financial covenants:
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|
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| (i) | total leverage not to exceed 6.75x, with step-downs to be determined (it being acknowledged that such leverage calculation shall exclude any mezzanine debt of Courtside subject to satisfactory terms, including PIK interest and a maturity date at least six months following the maturity date of the term loan B). |
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| (ii) | minimum cash interest coverage to be determined; |
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| (iii) | minimum fixed charge coverage to be determined. |
All financial covenants will be measured quarterly, calculated using EBITDA for the most recently reported LTM period and finalized based upon financial projections covering the period from the closing date to Maturity, including quarterly projections for the first full year of the facilities. Interest expense shall be annualized for the first twelve months.
Other Covenants: Customary restrictions and limitations will apply (subject to customary exceptions to be mutually agreed) to, among other things: changes in the nature of the borrower’s and its subsidiaries’ business; changes in accounting treatment or reporting practices; sale of assets; mergers, permitted acquisitions, reorganizations and recapitalizations; liens; guarantees; indebtedness; dividends and other distributions; management fees; investments; debt; debt prepayments and modifications of subordinated and other debt instruments; capital expenditures; sale-leasebacks; transactions with affiliates; contingent obligations; joint ventures; use of proceeds; restricted payments; ERISA; and other covenants to be agreed upon. The borrower shall be permitted to pay the earnout to ACN as set forth in the ACN asset purchase agreement so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result from such payment. Customary affirmative covenants will apply, including the reporting requirements described below, payment of taxes, continuation of existence and maintenance of material rights and privileges and compliance with laws.
Reporting Requirements: The borrower shall provide regular unaudited quarterly financial statements, compliance certificates, annual budgets, annual audited financial statements, and other information to the Administrative Agent for distribution to Lenders.
Assignments and participations – Any Lender may grant assignments or participations in all or any portion of its loans or commitments under the facilities. Assignments will be in minimum amounts of $1,000,000 and will be subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent, each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Assignees will have all of the rights and obligations of the assigning Lender.
Any Lender will have the right to sell participations in its rights and obligations under the facilities without prior consent, subject to customary restriction on participants’ voting and other rights.
Required lenders – Amendments and waivers of the provisions of the credit agreement and other definitive credit documentation will require the approval of Lenders holding loans and commitments thereunder representing more than 50.1% of the aggregate amount of loans and commitments thereunder; provided, however, that the approval of all of such Lenders shall be required with respect to (i) releases of all or substantially all of the collateral or all or substantially all of the Guarantors, (ii) changes to voting requirements, (iii) increases in the commitment of such Lenders, (iv) reductions of principal, interest, or fees and (v) extensions of times for payment.
Events of default – Customary for Administrative Agent’s loans of this type, including but not limited to the following:
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| 1. | Non-payment of principal, interest, or any other obligation when due (subject to a three day grace period for interest and payment obligations other than principal); |
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| 2. | Cross-default to other debt; |
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| 3. | Material litigation and/or judgments; |
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| 4. | Impairment of any security interest or invalidity of any guarantee; |
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| 5. | Breach of covenant, provided that certain customary affirmative covenants shall include reasonable and customary notice and cure provisions; |
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| 6. | Voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy; |
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| 7. | ERISA event; and |
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| 8. | Change of Control (to be defined). |
Yield protection – Yield provisions (i) protecting Lenders against increased costs or loss of yield resulting from changes in reserve, costs or loss of yield resulting from changes in reserve, tax, capital adequacy or other requirements of law and form the imposition of or changes in withholding or other taxes and (ii) indemnifying Lenders for ‘‘breakage costs’’ incurred in connection with the prepayment of a LIBOR loan other than the last day of an interest period in respect thereof.
Expenses – The expenses of the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arranger relating to the syndication, due diligence, and documentation of the transaction, including but not limited to legal fees and the charges of IntraLinks, will be for the account of and paid by the borrower.
Fees – An underwriting fee equal to 1.50% of the aggregate amount of the senior facilities, payable at closing. An additional underwriting fee equal to 0.25% for that portion of the senior facilities not committed by ACN’s existing senior facility lending group,also payable at closing. A $25,000 annual administrative agency fee.
Senior notes
Courtside will be the issuer of the senior notes. The definitive agreements for the senior notes will include the following terms and conditions, among others.
Term - Seven years.
Redemption at maturity – Courtside will redeem the notes at their face amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest in respect thereof.
Coupon – The notes will bear interest at a rate of 15.5% per annum and shall be payable in kind, quarterly in arrears.
Purchaser’s closing fee – 3.0% of the principal amount to be paid in cash on the closing date.
Security – None, unsecured.
Optional prepayment – Following the second anniversary of the closing date, Courtside may, at any time, redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at the following prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount prepaid), plus accrued and unpaid interest:
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103.0% |
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In the event the aggregate principal amount of the notes decreases to less than $3,000,000, Courtside shall be required to redeem the remaining principal amount of the outstanding notes at the applicable redemption price.
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Change of control – In the event that one person or a group of related persons acquires more than 50% of the voting stock of Courtside (other than the current principal shareholders or Courtside’s current senior management or trusts created for the benefit of the families of either the principal shareholders or the current senior management), a Change of Control will be deemed to have occurred. In the event of a Change of Control, the Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to require Courtside to redeem all or any part of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
Ranking – The notes shall be senior obligations of Courtside.
Documentation – Sale of the notes shall be made pursuant to a note purchase agreement that will contain standard representations and warranties typically found in agreements evidencing securities similar to the notes.
Financial covenants – Courtside subsidiary will not create, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become responsible for payment of any indebtedness if, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence thereof, the ratio of EBITDA to interest would have been at least [to be determined].
Covenants – The agreement will contain affirmative and negative covenants customary for transactions of this type including, without limitation, the following:
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| • | Maintain corporate existence, insurance, property and assets, and all requisite licenses, permits, franchises and other rights. |
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| • | Comply with all requirements of law and contractual obligations, including without limitation all applicable environmental laws and regulations and ERISA, payment of taxes and other obligations. |
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| • | Limitations on liens, dividends and equity repurchases. |
Financial reporting – Courtside will provide: (i) quarterly (unaudited) consolidated financial statements within 45 days after the end of the first three quarterly periods, certified by an authorized officer; (ii) annual (audited) consolidated financial statements within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year; and (iii) quarterly compliance certificates, certified by an authorized officer.
Events of default – Standard events of default typically found in agreements evidencing securities similar to the notes.
Conditions precedent – The agreement will include conditions precedent customary for agreements of this nature and satisfactory to the purchaser, including without limitation:
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| • | Legal documentation satisfactory to the purchaser and Courtside. |
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| • | Consummation of the acquisition of the assets of ACN in satisfactory form and substance. |
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| • | Satisfaction with the legal, tax, and organizational structure of Courtside and its subsidiaries. |
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| • | No material adverse change in the business, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), operations, operating performance or prospects of Courtside and its subsidiaries, or in the financial markets in general. |
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| • | Evidence of satisfactory insurance, including casualty, property, liability and business interruption insurance. |
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| • | Purchaser’s satisfaction with financial projections for the period beginning on the closing date to maturity. |
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| • | Payment of all fees and other amounts payable on the closing date. |
Expenses – All reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the purchaser in connection with the transaction will be for the account of Courtside, whether or not the transaction is consummated.
Advisory Services
In addition to committing to provide the financing that Courtside requires, BMO Capital Markets has acted as an advisor to Courtside in connection with the acquisition. In this capacity, among other
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things, it assisted Courtside in the formulation of its negotiating strategy (although it did not participate directly in the negotiations), assisted in the financial analysis (comparable companies) utilized by Courtside’s board of directors, provided advice in the overall structuring of the financing and participated in the preparation of investor presentations. The work fee associated with advisory services will be $250,000.
Richard D. Goldstein, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Courtside, and Bruce M. Greenwald, president and a director of Courtside, have agreed to lend Courtside funds it may require for operations prior to the closing of the acquisition. Such borrowings by Courtside are to be evidenced by unsecured promissory notes bearing interest at 5% per annum payable at the closing. Through , the record date, loans totaling $ have been made by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald.
Employment Agreements
On January 24, 2007. Courtside entered into employment agreements with three of ACN’s officers, to be effective upon the closing of the acquisition. Please see the section entitled ‘‘The Director Election Proposal – Employment Agreements’’ for the information regarding these agreements, which are attached to this proxy statement as Annexes H, I and J, respectively. We encourage you to read them in their entirely.
Background of the Acquisition
The terms of the purchase agreement are the result of arm’s-length negotiations between representatives of Courtside and ACN. The following is a brief discussion of the background of these negotiations, the purchase agreement and related transactions.
Courtside was formed on March 18, 2005 to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. Courtside completed its IPO on July 7, 2005, raising net proceeds, including proceeds from the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, of approximately $75,691,000. Of these net proceeds, $73,764,000 were placed in a trust account immediately following the IPO and, in accordance with Courtside’s certificate of incorporation, will be released either upon the consummation of a business combination or upon the liquidation of Courtside. Courtside must liquidate unless it has consummated a business combination by July 7, 2007. As of , 2007, the record date, approximately $ was held in deposit in the trust account.
Promptly following Courtside’s IPO, we contacted industry executives, investment banking firms, private equity firms, business brokers, consulting firms, legal and accounting firms and numerous business relationships. In that connection, we sent out over 90 letters and multiple emails introducing Courtside and forwarding copies of our IPO prospectus to individuals with whom Courtside management had pre-existing relationships. In the course of drafting these communications in July of 2005, management concluded that they should indicate the approximate size of the businesses they would have interest in pursuing and determined that a suitable range of enterprise values that would be within Courtside’s financial capability would be from $100 million to $400 million, which was noted in the letters and emails.
Through these efforts and others, we identified and reviewed information on over 115 companies as possible acquisition candidates. We entered into approximately 40 non-disclosure agreements, a significant majority of which involved entertainment, media and communications companies. In narrowing the search, Courtside considered a number of factors and criteria, including:
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| • | Minimum enterprise value – Was the fair market value of the target business at least 80% of our net assets? |
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| • | Credibility of management – Did the executive management have strong industry experience with solid reputations? Did they have the ability to manage a public company and communicate effectively with public shareholders and the financial community? Did the management have experience in integrating acquisitions? Did they have experience managing debt levels and dealing with financial institutions? Did management have a track record of meeting financial targets? |
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| • | Credibility of the business model – Could the target business support substantial revenue and/or operating earnings growth? Could the target business serve as a platform for future expansion and could it deploy warrant proceeds in a manner likely to enhance shareholder value? |
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| • | Credibility in the financial community – Did the target business have strong existing shareholders and respect in the financial community as evidenced by its banking and commercial relationships? |
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| • | Valuation – Would the combined company carry an initial valuation that could make the stock an attractive investment to public market investors? Were there existing public companies that could be viewed as sufficiently comparable to provide investors with meaningful reference points? Were the target business’s valuation expectations consistent with Courtside’s preliminary assessments? |
Our discussions with ACN began in October 2006 but we continued looking at other companies. By the last quarter of 2006, we had determined that a number of companies had fundamentals, including valuation, that met our criteria and expressed seriousness about considering a transaction with us. By December 2006 we had entered into substantive discussions and either provided a detailed term sheet or draft letter of intent to seven companies (excluding ACN):
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| • | In January 2006, we presented a draft letter of intent to a television broadcast company. Discussions ceased with this prospect because the company decided to pursue a competing bid. |
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| • | In September 2006, we presented a detailed term sheet to an international film distribution company. We terminated discussions with this company when we encountered delays in receiving timely financial projections and the company informed us it would miss its 2006 operating income projections. |
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| • | In September 2006, we presented a detailed term sheet to a consumer products company. While negotiating definitive documentation through the beginning of November 2006, the CEO of the company resigned, we were advised that the company’s 2006 results would fall short of original projections and the company decided to pursue an alternative financing. |
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| • | In November 2006, we presented a draft letter of intent to a marketing services and software consulting firm. Discussions were terminated when the company decided not to pursue additional outside financing at this time. |
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| • | In November 2006, we presented a draft letter of intent to a digital music company that was subsequently executed by both parties in December 2006. Discussions were suspended when we decided to pursue the ACN transaction on an exclusive basis. |
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| • | In December 2006, we presented a draft letter of intent to an early childhood education company. We terminated discussions with this company when we decided to expend all our efforts in pursuing the ACN transaction. |
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| • | In December 2006, we presented a draft letter of intent to an industrial packaging company. Discussions ceased with this prospect because the parties could not agree on valuation and other basic parameters of the transaction, and we decided to expend all our efforts in pursuing the ACN transaction. |
Courtside’s activities in its search for a partner for a business combination were primarily conducted by Richard Goldstein, its and chief executive officer and a director, Bruce Greenwald, its president and a director, and Gregg Mayer, its vice president and controller. They were frequently assisted by Carl Harnick, Courtside’s vice president and chief financial officer. The non-executive directors, Dennis Liebowitz, Peter Haje and Darren Sardoff, were kept up-to-date on developments on an almost daily basis by telephone or personal meeting, particularly at times when activity was intense.
In September 2006, Mr. Goldstein discussed business combination opportunities with two persons with whom he had other business associations. During the course of the discussion, they inquired
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whether he had talked with Bruce Hernandez, the chairman of ACN and a principal of Spire Capital Partners L.P., a private equity firm that is one of the two principal owners of ACN, who was known to them through other business associations of their own. When Mr. Goldstein answered that he had not (other than in connection with another Spire-sponsored company that was in the process of being sold), they suggested that a luncheon be arranged. The luncheon, attended by Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Hernandez and their two mutual business associates, took place on October 3, 2006. At Mr. Goldstein’s request, Mr. Hernandez reviewed Spire’s portfolio companies. Mr. Goldstein asked for additional information on ACN. Mr. Hernandez made it clear that ACN was not for sale and that any information provided to Courtside would be on a confidential basis.
Messrs. Goldstein and Hernandez also had pre-existing relationships through common investments in private companies – LiveWire Systems (Alpine Equity Partners (‘‘AEP’’) affiliated with Mr. Goldstein, in 1999 invested $5 million. Waller Sutton Media Partners (‘‘Waller Sutton’’), affiliated with Mr. Hernandez, in 1999 invested $3 million); LiveWire Media (AEP in 1999 invested $750,000; Waller Sutton in 1999 invested $3.3 million); LiveWire Labs (AEP in 1999 invested $1.75 million; Waller Sutton in 1999 invested $500,000); and LiveWire Utilities (AEP in 2000 invested $1 million; Waller Sutton in 2000 invested $6 million). In addition, in 2001 Spire Capital Partners I, affiliated with Mr. Hernandez, invested $15 million in Encoda Systems Holdings, the successor to the operating subsidiary of LiveWire Media. The only contacts prior to October 3, 2006 between Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Goldstein relating to Courtside or SPACS in general occurred in July 2006. Mr. Goldstein called Mr. Hernandez on July 16th about a business to business publishing company owned by Spire that was being sold through an auction process. Mr. Goldstein expressed interest in this company and during the course of the conversation discussed Courtside and then emailed Mr. Hernandez a copy of the Courtside prospectus for his information. Courtside subsequently submitted its indication of interest in this media property by letter dated July 21, 2006. Mr. Goldstein had a follow-up discussion on July 26, 2006 with Mr. Hernandez, in which he continued to express his interest in the publishing property and urged that Courtside be selected to continue to participate in the auction. However, Courtside was not selected to continue to participate in the auction and Mr. Goldstein had follow-up conversations on July 27 and July 28 with Mr. Hernandez concerning that decision, which was not changed.
On October 9, 2006, Mr. Hernandez forwarded Mr. Goldstein an overview of ACN, together with certain financial information, on a confidential basis. After numerous attempts to contact each other, on November 8, 2006, Mr. Goldstein reached Mr. Hernandez by phone and Mr. Goldstein expressed a strong interest in moving forward with ACN, despite Mr. Hernandez’s prior statement that ACN was not for sale. Mr. Hernandez said he would send updated information on ACN and would sound out ACN management and the other principal owner, Wachovia Capital Partners.
On November 16, 2006, Mr. Hernandez forwarded Courtside updated financial information regarding ACN, on a confidential basis. On November 17, 2006, Mr. Hernandez informed Mr. Goldstein that ACN could be interested in a transaction if the terms were right and that, if any deal were to move ahead, the transaction would have to be for all or substantially all cash. Mr. Hernandez reported that he had preliminary discussions with Wachovia and senior management of ACN and that both had expressed some interest in pursuing a transaction on this basis.
On November 21, 2006, there was a conference call with Walker Simmons from Wachovia, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Goldstein, Bruce M. Greenwald, president of Courtside and Gregg H. Mayer, vice president, controller and secretary of Courtside. The discussions dealt with ACN’s business, performance and the ability to finance a cash transaction
On November 22, 2006, Mr. Goldstein spoke to Mr. Gene M. Carr, CEO of ACN, to schedule a meeting at ACN’s corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas. On November 28, 2006, Courtside and ACN entered into a customary non-disclosure agreement (dated November 22, 2006) in anticipation of Courtside’s trip to Dallas on November 29, 2006.
On November 29, 2006, Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Mayer met with Messrs. Carr and Daniel Wilson in Texas. Messrs. Carr and Wilson made a presentation during the day on ACN and the Courtside officers visited the facilities. On November 30, 2006, Mr. Goldstein called
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Mr. Hernandez with positive feedback on the meeting with management and informed Mr. Hernandez that a draft letter of intent would be forthcoming.
During the time period during which it was considering ACN, Courtside management had informal discussions with its board concerning ACN and its business, reviewed information on comparable public companies and spoke with industry contacts about the quality of ACN management. Although the negotiations regarding the letter of intent occurred during the last few months of the 18-month period during which Courtside was obligated to enter into a letter of intent to avoid being required to liquidate under the terms of its certificate of incorporation, Courtside’s directors and other management do not feel that the resulting time pressure caused them to make any material changes in their negotiation position or strategy or had any other adverse impact upon the terms they negotiated with ACN.
On December 4, 2006, Mr. Goldstein sent Mr. Hernandez a draft letter of intent providing, among other things, for (i) a proposed purchase price of $150 million payable at closing with contingent consideration of up to another $50 million depending on newspaper cash flow in 2007 and 2008; (ii) senior management to remain with ACN under employment agreements; (iii) a 45 day ‘‘no-shop’’ clause; (iv) ACN to waive any claim against Courtside’s trust account; and (v) an escrow fund of $15 million for indemnity claims.
On December 5, 2006, Mr. Hernandez expressed to Mr. Goldstein his disappointment with the structuring of the cash consideration and the length of the contingent consideration period. He said he would share the letter of intent with the other owners (including senior management of ACN) and report back to Courtside.
On December 6, 2006, Mr. Hernandez told Mr. Goldstein that he would support a transaction of $155 million in cash at closing plus contingent consideration up to an additional $40 million in cash all based upon 2007 newspaper cash flow.
On December 7, 2006, Mr. Goldstein informed Mr. Hernandez that Courtside was prepared to pay $165 million in cash at closing without any contingent consideration. Mr. Hernandez replied that he needed additional contingent consideration to make the deal possible.
On December 11, 2006, Mr. Goldstein told Mr. Hernandez that the deal could get done at $165 million and that any additional consideration must be based on 2008 newspaper cash flow to demonstrate continued significant growth in the business which is the premise of the acquisition. Mr. Carr also sent Courtside the 2007 budget on that date.
On December 11, 2006, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald also met with representatives of BMO Capital Markets regarding the transaction and their willingness to finance the debt portion of the capital structure. Bank of Montreal, the parent of BMO Capital Markets and a principal lender to ACN, indicated its willingness (subject to corporate approvals) to underwrite the debt portion of the transaction. BMO Capital Markets also assisted Courtside in crafting a contingent consideration proposal based on 2008 newspaper cash flow.
On December 12, 2006, Mr. Goldstein forwarded a revised letter of intent to Mr. Hernandez with a purchase price payable at closing of $165 million; contingent consideration of up to an additional $15 million based on 2008 newspaper cash flow (giving effect to acquisitions); an escrow fund of $12.5 million for indemnity claims; and otherwise similar to the December 4th draft letter of intent.
On December 13, 2006, Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Hernandez spoke about the meeting with BMO Capital Markets and the revised letter of intent. Mr. Hernandez said that basing the additional newspaper cash flow payment on 2008, rather than 2007, was satisfactory but that he needed further consideration to agree to the deal. Mr. Goldstein replied the only additional consideration that he could offer would be tied to the exercise of Courtside’s warrants, which are exercisable at $5.00 per share. Mr. Goldstein suggested that, if Courtside common stock traded at or above $8.50 a share for a specific period (which would enable Courtside to call for the redemption of the warrants and thus induce holders to exercise them), Courtside would be willing to provide additional contingent consideration of $10 million (since it could be expected that warrant proceeds of up to over $120 million would be received at that time).
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On December 14, 2006, Mr. Hernandez reported to Courtside that the ACN ownership group was supportive of a transaction but he needed to have conversations with EarlyBirdCapital to discuss its view of the transaction and its judgment on the receptivity of the Courtside stockholders to the transaction and with BMO Capital Markets regarding the financing of the transaction. Mr. Hernandez noted that the survival period for representations and warranties should be after the receipt of the 2007 audited financial statements. Mr. Goldstein replied that the survival period should be the greater of one year or 45 days after the 2007 audited financial statements were available. Mr. Hernandez agreed with this suggestion. Mr. Hernandez then introduced the concept of a down payment of up to $1 million to reimburse ACN for its expenses if the deal were voted down by Courtside stockholders or as liquidated damages if Courtside defaulted under the acquisition agreement. Mr. Goldstein took objection to this proposal. On the same day, Mr. Goldstein forwarded Mr. Hernandez a revised draft of the letter of intent with the additional contingent consideration of $10 million based on Courtside common stock trading above $8.50 per share for a specified period, an indemnity period consistent with Mr. Goldstein’s suggestion and a provision providing that Courtside would be responsible for certain incremental expenses incurred by ACN as a result of the acquisition. Mr. Goldstein also told Mr. Hernandez that, in the unlikely event the Courtside stockholders did not approve the deal, he and Mr. Greenwald wanted an option exercisable following a negative stockholder vote in exchange for a payment of $5 million to purchase ACN on the same terms as Courtside (with appropriate modifications as a result of the purchasing entity not being a public company).
On December 15, 2006, Mr. Hernandez suggested the deal be structured as a purchase of LLC interests rather than an asset transaction. Mr. Goldstein resisted because of the potential exposure to undisclosed liabilities. Mr. Hernandez subsequently agreed to the asset purchase deal structure. Mr. Goldstein then emphasized the practical difficulties associated with a $1 million down payment requirement.
On December 18, 2006, counsel to ACN sent to Courtside a revised letter of intent with a $1 million down payment; a ‘‘deductible’’ for indemnity claims of $750,000; Courtside being responsible for any Hart-Scott Rodino filing fee; the cost of any additional audit or accounting work required as a result of Courtside being a public company to be paid by Courtside; and otherwise on the same basic terms as the December 14th draft letter of intent. Various discussions followed during which a $700,000 down payment was agreed to and the ‘‘deductible’’ was reduced to $500,000 (with customary exceptions). The letter of intent dated December 18, 2006 was then executed by the parties.
On December 20, 2006 Courtside held a board meeting, at which the terms of the letter of intent were approved and the actions of the officers in executing and delivering the letter of intent were ratified. The principal terms of the letter of intent approved by the board provided for (i) a cash purchase price of $165,000,000, of which $700,000 would be paid as a deposit at the time of executive of the definitive purchase agreement; (ii) additional consideration of $1,000,000 if 2008 NCF was at least $19,000,000, increasing in specified increments to $15,000,000 if 2008 NCF was $21,000,000 or more; (iii) additional consideration of $10,000,000 if the reported last sale price of Courtside’s common stock exceeds $8.50 for any 20 trading days within a 30 day trading period from the closing date through July 7, 2009; (iv) Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman to serve as chief executive officer, chief financial officer and group publisher of Courtside after the acquisition and (v) an indemnity escrow fund of $12,500,000, subject to a $500,000 basket and deductible. The letter of intent also stated, among other things, that the definitive agreement would include customary representations and warranties, covenants and conditions and contained a waiver by ACN of its right to seek recourse against funds in the trust account for any reason whatsoever.
At the December 20 meeting, the engagement of Capitalink L.C. to render a fairness opinion was approved, as were the engagement of Graubard Miller (legal counsel), Ernst & Young LLP (financial due diligence) and BMO Capital Markets (financial advisor).
On the evening of December 20, 2006 Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald met with Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman. On December 21st, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald visited the Minneapolis offices of ACN and its production facilities.
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On December 22, 2006, Courtside retained Capitalink and on January 2, 2007, it retained Ernst & Young. Ernst & Young was engaged to perform limited due diligence services regarding ACN’s historical financial statements, which had been audited by Grant Thornton LLP. The scope of Ernst & Young’s work was set at the direction of Courtside and consisted of reading Grant Thornton’s audit workpapers related to ACN’s audited financial statements, inquiries related to accounting policies and procedures and balance sheet and profit and loss trend analysis. The purpose of the review was to assist Courtside in its due diligence.
During the period following the signing of the letter of intent, our attorneys prepared a draft of the purchase agreement and drafts of the other transaction documentation. These were submitted to ACN and its attorneys and other representatives and were revised a number of times through the course of the negotiations among the parties and their counsel, which took place by personal meetings, email and teleconference over a period of about four weeks. Drafts prepared by our counsel, and those received from ACN’s counsel, were reviewed by our executive officers and discussed with our directors, as appropriate.
No substantive revisions to the terms contained in the letter of intent were made during the course of negotiations over the definitive transaction documents. The major negotiating issues arose from translating the broad language in the letter of intent into definitive contractual provisions, particularly with respect to the definitions of working capital and newspaper cash flow and the terms of the employment agreements for Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman. Other issues addressed during this period included the terms of the non-solicitation provisions and the conditional option to be granted to Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald.
The discussions over the terms of the employment agreements were largely conducted by Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Carr. In addition to a number of telephonic discussions, a meeting in Virginia on January 18, 2007 covered this topic as well. The terms of the current agreements between ACN and Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman were known to Courtside through its due diligence investigations. It was agreed that the executives would receive salaries higher than those they were receiving from ACN because of the additional responsibilities they would have as executives of a public company and an anticipated increase in the time they would need to spend on integrating recent and future acquisitions. It was also agreed that these executives and other members of management should be entitled to participate in an equity incentive plan that Courtside would establish, with the total number of awards under the plan for management to be no greater than 10% of Courtside’s then-outstanding common stock (16,800,000) shares. A plan providing for awards with respect to 1,650,000 shares for management awards and awards with respect to 100,000 shares for non-executive directors was finally agreed upon, with Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman to receive, at the closing of the acquisition, options to purchase 544,500, 330,000 and 247,500 shares, respectively, of Courtside common stock. The options to be granted to Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman will have an exercise price equal to the last sale price of the Courtside common stock on the closing date. It was further agreed that provisions regarding duties and responsibilities, health insurance and other benefits, non-competition, termination and severance arrangements, confidentiality and other matters would generally be along the lines of the executives’ current employment agreements with ACN. See the section entitled ‘‘The Purchase Agreement – Employment Agreements’’ for a more detailed description of the terms of the employment agreements. By the middle of January 2007, the parties had reached substantial agreement on all significant issues on the documentation and we scheduled a formal meeting of our board of directors to consider the proposed transaction.
Our board met for such purpose on January 22, 2007, at which time all of our directors were present in person, as were Carl Harnick, our vice president and chief financial officer, and Gregg Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary. Also present in person were Gene Carr and Daniel Wilson of ACN, Andrew Buchholtz and Anissa Kelly of BMO Capital Markets, Steven Levine of EarlyBirdCapital, Lorraine Jackson, our assistant secretary and counsel, and Noah Scooler of Graubard Miller, our counsel. Present by conference telephone were Scott Salpeter and Kathy Welker of Capitalink and David Alan Miller and Jeffrey Gallant of Graubard Miller. Prior to the meeting, near-final drafts of all of the significant transaction documents were distributed to the directors, as well as copies of a draft presentation prepared by Capitalink, a draft of Capitalink’s proposed opinion
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and a draft of Ernst & Young’s financial due diligence findings. Copies of commitment letters with the Bank of Montreal regarding the acquisition financing were also provided to the directors.
After opening remarks and general discussion by Mr. Goldstein as to ACN and the other companies considered by us in the search for a business combination target, Messrs. Carr and Wilson gave a presentation about ACN, its history and business, which included a slide presentation, after which they left the meeting. The presentation by Messrs. Carr and Wilson included information based on ACN’s 2007 budget and projections, which had previously been given to the directors and also to Capitalink, but including updated information based on actual December 2006 results which had not been previously provided to the directors or Capitalink. Such information was premised on ACN having organic growth only, without further acquisitions. Also included in the presentation was a comparable company valuation analysis prepared by Courtside in conjunction with BMO Capital Markets, a copy of which is appended to this proxy statement as Annex K.
Further discussion among those present followed, after which Mr. Greenwald gave a summary of the financial due diligence performed by Ernst & Young. Mr. Salpeter and Ms. Welker of Capitalink then made a telephonic presentation of their review of ACN, during which they advised the board that Capitalink was of the opinion that the aggregate consideration was fair to our stockholders from a financial point of view and that the fair market value of ACN is at least 80% of our net assets. During the course of their presentation, Mr. Salpeter and Ms. Welker discussed at length with the board the different financial analyses performed by Capitalink and the manner by which Capitalink had arrived at its opinion. For a more detailed description of the Capitalink opinion, see the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Fairness Opinion.’’
After Mr. Salpeter and Ms. Welker finished their presentation and responded to questions by members of the board, they left the meeting. The other persons not associated with Courtside left the meeting shortly thereafter, other than counsel. After considerable further review and discussion by the board, the purchase agreement and related documents were unanimously approved, subject to final negotiations and modifications, and the board determined to recommend approval of the purchase agreement and the other proposals to be presented to the stockholders at the special meeting. No other presentations or reports were prepared by our management or others or made at the board meeting or prior thereto. The due diligence summaries prepared by our attorneys, and reviewed by our officers earlier, were not presented to the meeting but were generally discussed.
Capitalink furnished its signed opinion on January 22, 2007. On January 23, 2007, the parties and their counsel met at ACN’s counsel’s offices and finalized the documentation. The purchase agreement was signed on January 24, 2007. Promptly thereafter, Courtside issued a press release announcing the execution of the purchase agreement and containing the terms of the purchase agreement and other information about the parties. A Current Report on Form 8-K reporting the signing of the purchase agreement and containing a presentation substantially similar to that made by Messrs. Carr and Wilson at the board meeting and an amendment thereto containing the remaining exhibits were both filed on January 25, 2007.
During the course of the negotiations with ACN, Courtside was informed of the possibility of the Columbus acquisition and, at the request of ACN, at the time the purchase agreement was signed on January 23, 2007, Courtside indicated that the terms set forth in the non-binding expression of interest between ACN and the Columbus owner would be satisfactory to it if the Columbus transaction were to proceed. Subsequent to the signing, Courtside was kept abreast of the status of the discussions with the Columbus principals, although it was advised by ACN management that, while negotiations were in progress, ACN had yet to complete its due diligence or financing arrangements and that it was not fully confident that the Columbus owner was, in fact, prepared to sell the business. Courtside was not involved in the ongoing negotiations with the Columbus principals. In early to mid April, however, ACN informed Courtside that, in its view, the Columbus transaction was likely to be consummated, with a proposed closing date on or about April 30, 2007.
On April 16, 2007, Courtside retained Capitalink to issue a new fairness opinion to give effect to the Columbus transaction and initiated discussions with BMO Capital Markets regarding the necessary revisions of its commitment letters to take into account the additional financing required by the
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transaction. Courtside also scheduled a Board meeting for Friday, April 27, 2007 to review the proposed Columbus transaction and its impact on the Courtside-ACN transaction, to formally approve the final terms of the Columbus acquisition by ACN and to consider certain related matters.
In preparation for the Board meeting, Courtside officials spoke to Gene Carr and Dan Wilson on the night of April 24th to get an update on the status of the Columbus transaction and to discuss with Messrs. Carr and Wilson a presentation that they would make to the Courtside board. During this discussion, Courtside was informed that, although ACN’s first quarter 2007 results were up substantially over first quarter 2006 (4.6% in revenues and 19.3% in EBITDA) on a pro forma basis. Revenue and EBITDA for ACN’s second quarter were estimated to be approximately flat as compared to the 2006 comparable period.
On April 25, 2007, Mr. Goldstein contacted Messrs. Haje, Leibowitz and Sardoff and informed them of ACN’s first quarter results and the expected results for the second quarter. Also on April 25th, Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Mayer met with Mr. Hernandez to discuss the April shortfall and the possible ramifications on the transaction. The meeting concluded with Mr. Hernandez stating that he would discuss with his colleagues the situation and that he would try to get back to Courtside the next day (April 26) with any proposed modification to the ACN-Courtside transaction. Mr. Hernandez spoke with Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Greenwald on the 26th and offered to change the consideration from all cash (approximately $165 million if Columbus did not close or approximately $209 million if the Columbus transaction were to close, each amount subject to working capital adjustments) to cash and $10 million in stock, with senior ACN management participating in the stock consideration (Carr $500,000; Wilson $350,000 and Coolman $150,000). Subsequently, on that day, Mr. Goldstein suggested to Mr. Hernandez that the stock portion of the purchase price be increased to $15 million (with the possibility of some shares being acquired in the market), that $10 to $15 million of the cash purchase price be tied to a 2007 earn-out and the 2008 earn-out thresholds be increased by $2 to 2.5 million. Mr. Hernandez responded that he would talk to his colleagues but that he was not optimistic about any substantive changes other then retaining an equity interest in the public company because of his (and his colleagues) high level of confidence in ACN’s business and its management. Mr. Goldstein emphasized that in light of the expected April results the transaction required additional modifications.
The Board meeting on April 27, 2007, was attended, in person or by conference telephone, by all of Courtside’s directors, Oded Aboodi, Courtside’s special advisor, Carl Harnick, Gregg Mayer and Lorraine Jackson, officers of Courtside, David Miller and Noah Scooler, counsel to Courtside, Gene Carr and Dan Wilson of ACN and Dominic Petito, Andrew Buchholtz and Anissa Kelly of BMO Capital Markets. After attention to certain corporate matters by the Board, Messrs. Carr and Wilson presented the current status of ACN’s operations, with emphasis on the first quarter results and the outlook for the balance of 2007. Increases in revenue and EBITDA for the first quarter and a flat second quarter were noted and reviewed. Mr. Carr reported that the second quarter outlook, not taking into account the effects of the Columbus acquisition, represented a slow-down from the first quarter’s performance. This was reflective of certain non-recurring events, including adverse weather conditions in April, the acceleration of Easter advertising into the 2007 first quarter and certain second quarter 2006 customer advertising programs not continuing in 2007, as well as weakness in real estate advertising in certain markets. Mr. Carr then summarized certain initiatives to counter the shortfall.
Mr. Wilson proceeded with a presentation of the proposed purchase of the Columbus operation, which was scheduled to close during the following week. He discussed the assets (a monthly glossy magazine, twenty-two weekly community newspapers, and a niche publishing company – all currently operating as three individual companies); the ability to integrate the companies and the impact on revenue and expenses; the structure of the deal (a purchase price of $44 million cash plus working capital); the terms of an employment agreement with the principal owner ($60,000 annually for a twenty hour week); and the leasing of the current space of approximately 82,000 sq. ft. (which includes printing facilities with computer-to-plate technology) for $5.00/sq. ft. with a five year term and 2 five year options to renew (with the expectation of subleasing excess space after integration). Mr. Carr also indicated that ACN expected to shortly conclude negotiations with a new group publisher for the
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Columbus cluster, who is expected to start June 1 and who had previously worked successfully with Messrs. Carr and Wilson. At this point, Messrs. Carr and Wilson then left the meeting.
Mr. Goldstein discussed the status of financing for the ACN transaction and efforts to obtain concessions in Courtside’s proposed transaction with ACN because of the April weakness and anticipated results for the second quarter. The meeting adjourned so the officers could continue their negotiations with ACN. It was agreed that it would be resumed no later than May 2, 2007.
After the Board meeting on April 27, 2007, Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Greenwald spoke with Mr. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez rejected any change to the 2008 earn-out formula and stated that a 2007 earn-out would make the transaction overly complicated. He then stated ACN would agree to a $5 million reduction in the cash purchase price with $10 million of such reduced purchase price to be paid in stock (to the extent shares are not purchased in the market at or prior to the closing). After discussing Courtside’s other suggestions, the parties agreed to speak again over the weekend.
On Saturday, April 28, 2007, Messrs. Hernandez, Goldstein, Greenwald and Mayer spoke, during which conversation Courtside tried to further reduce the cash purchase price to a total of $7.5 to $8 million and to increase the stock portion of the consideration to $15 million. Mr. Hernandez responded that $5 million was the highest purchase price reduction that would be agreed to by ACN, but would take under advisement increasing the stock portion of the total consideration above $10 million. On Sunday, April 29, Mr. Hernandez left a message for Mr. Goldstein that ACN would agree to increase the stock portion of the purchase price to $12.5 million.
On Monday, April 30, Mr. Goldstein spoke to Mr. Hernandez and stated that he, Mr. Greenwald and the other officers of Courtside would recommend the revised transaction to the Courtside Board at the continuation of its April 27th Board Meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 2.
The Board meeting that was adjourned on April 27, 2007, was reconvened on May 2, 2007. Present in person or by conference telephone were all of the directors, Messrs. Aboodi and Mayer and Ms. Jackson, Mr. Scooler, Mr. Petito and Ms. Kelly, all of whom were present at the initial session of the meeting. Scott Salpeter and Kathy Welker of Capitalink were present by invitation and participated by conference telephone.
Mr. Goldstein opened the meeting by summarizing the matters discussed at the initial session of the meeting. He then advised the meeting that the Columbus transaction was closed on April 30 and discussed the terms of the agreement that had been reached with ACN regarding the changes in the terms of the transaction. The basic terms of such agreement provided that the previously agreed purchase price for ACN’s assets of $165 million would be reduced by $5 million, that the purchase price would be increased by the amount ACN paid for the Columbus operations and that up to $12.5 million of the purchase price would be paid by the issuance of Courtside common stock valued at $5.70 per share, with the actual number of shares to be reduced, and the cash portion concomitantly increased, by the number of shares of Courtside common stock that ACN and its affiliates purchase on the open market or in private transactions through the time of the closing.
Mr. Salpeter and Ms. Welker then made a presentation of the matters they considered and the conclusions reached by Capitalink in arriving at its opinion. Mr. Salpeter noted that the analysis and methodology were substantially similar to the presentation given at the January 22 Board meeting, with December 2006 and the first four months of 2007 now reflecting actual results and with the Columbus transaction reflected.
Mr. Salpeter reviewed the general nature of Capitalink’s presentation, noting that it contained distinct sections addressing the various analytical comparisons made by Capitalink as well as an overall valuation. He then described the matters reviewed and considered by Capitalink in arriving at its opinion.
Mr. Salpeter continued with an overview of the transaction, including the consideration to be issued by Courtside to ACN, taking into account the changes to be effected by the proposed amendment to the purchase agreement that had been described by Mr. Goldstein. He then discussed the financial overview that was included in Capitalink’s presentation, which was followed by a review
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of the three different valuation analyses used by Capitalink – comparable company analysis, comparable transaction analysis and discounted cash flow analysis and then discussed the three analyses in detail, which are described in the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal – Fairness Opinion.’’
Mr. Salpeter then stated Capitalink’s conclusions – that the proposed acquisition consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to Courtside’s stockholders and that the requirement that the fair market value of ACN be equal to at least 80% of the value of Courtside’s net assets (the ‘‘80% test’’) would be fulfilled. After responding to some questions from members of the Board, Mr. Salpeter and Ms. Welker left the meeting.
Mr. Goldstein summarized again the terms of the Columbus transaction. Mr. Mayer then distributed a comparable company analysis that Courtside had prepared with the assistance of BMO Capital Markets, which was reviewed with the Board and is included in Annex K to this proxy statement.
The Board then reviewed the material provisions of the proposed amendment to the purchase agreement, copies of which had been previously distributed. Among the matters addressed were the adjusted purchase price and an allocation of any Hart-Scott-Rodino filing fee; the decrease in the stock component and increase in the cash component to the same extent; that no matters arising out of ACN’s purchase agreement with Columbus shall be considered in connection with the representations and warranties of ACN in the purchase agreement for purposes of disclosure or determining whether or not there has been a breach; that indemnification provisions of the purchase agreement shall not apply to matters arising out of the Columbus transaction and the only remedies available following the closing shall be those set forth in the Columbus agreement; the extension of the date by which the transaction with ACN must be completed to July 7, 2007; and the terms of a lock-up and registration rights that would apply to the shares of Courtside common stock issued in the transaction. Mr. Goldstein noted that Courtside, as assignee of the Columbus agreement, would have the benefit of the Columbus owner’s representations and warranties and that there is an approximate $3 million in escrow for indemnification claims with the general survivability period extending until April 30, 2008. After further discussion during which the Board reviewed and reconsidered the factors they had previously considered in determining to do the transaction with ACN, the Board approved the terms of the amendment to the purchase agreement, which was signed by the parties on May 2, 2002. On May 3, 2007, Courtside issued a press release announcing the signing of the amendment and describing the Columbus transaction and subsequently filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to the same effect. A copy of the amendment is included in Annex A to this proxy statement.
Experience of Courtside’s Board of Directors
Our executive officers and members of our board of directors are very experienced in business and financial matters and we believe that they are capable of applying sophisticated judgment to financial projections and other financial information, as well as to management capabilities and other business factors. Biographical information about our directors, who have extensive experience (particularly in mergers, acquisitions and other business transactions) with eminent investment banking firms, other financial institutions, national accounting firms or law firms, and high-level executive experience with the world’s largest media company, is included in the section entitled ‘‘Directors and Executive Officers of Courtside Following the Acquisition.’’ Carl Harnick, our vice president and chief financial officer, was a partner for more than 30 years with Ernst & Young (and its predecessor firm, Arthur Young & Company). Gregg Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary, prior to joining Alpine Capital LLC and its affiliated companies in 1998, was an investment banking analyst for Dillon Read & Co. Our executive officers and directors thus provide the extensive financial analysis, technical and due diligence investigation skills of the types necessary to evaluate ACN and the industry in which it operates.
Factors Considered by Courtside’s Board of Directors
Our board of directors has concluded that now is the proper time to acquire ACN. On an overall basis, the following factors were critical to our decisions at both our January 22nd and May 2nd board meetings:
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| • | The existence of a viable and sustainable business model. The board concluded that ACN had such a business model based on its operating history and recent trends and its successful history of sourcing and integrating acquisitions. The board also concluded that the capital and time needed to continue profitability and to increase it were within the scope and expectations of Courtside’s stockholders. |
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| • | The quality of management and financial backers. During the course of the negotiations and investigations by Courtside, our board met with key members of ACN’s management team and reviewed their prior employment histories. Collectively, the senior management of ACN has over 80 years of experience in the community newspaper business. The board was also aware of, and viewed favorably, the reputations of the venture funds that had invested in ACN, which were known to be of high quality and very thorough in the due diligence they perform prior to making an investment. |
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| • | The effect on Courtside’s stock price. Courtside’s directors believe that attention to stock price is fundamental to governance of the company. Based on the factors discussed above, including ACN’s projected revenue and EBITDA growth rates (ACN only on January 22nd and ACN including Columbus on May 2nd) and a comparison of ACN’s financial metrics and asset purchase price for ACN to the financial metrics and stock price of public companies deemed comparable at the times of the board meetings and Courtside management’s confidence in ACN’s management’s ability to achieve its projections, it concluded that, if the ACN business plan continued to be executed in the manner presented by ACN (which they believed at the times of the board meetings was reasonable to expect), there was a reasonable probability that Courtside’s stock price would rise over time. See the subsection entitled ‘‘Valuation’’ on page 64. |
On a more detailed basis, the Courtside board of directors also considered the following factors, in addition to matters addressed in the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors,’’ and reached the conclusions set forth within the discussion of each factor:
ACN operates in an industry originally targeted by Courtside management.
Courtside was formed to serve as a vehicle to effect a business combination with an operating business principally in the entertainment, media and communications industries. In the prospectus for its IPO, Courtside specifically mentioned newspaper publishing as one of the industries in which it would seek prospective targets.
ACN’s record of growth and expansion and high potential for future growth
Important criteria to Courtside’s board of directors in identifying an acquisition target were that it have established business operations, that it was generating current revenues, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes on income, depreciation and amortization) and cash flow, and that it has what the board believes to be a potential to experience rapid growth. Courtside’s board of directors believes that ACN has in place the infrastructure for strong business operations and to achieve growth both organically and through accretive strategic acquisitions. The board’s belief in ACN’s growth potential is based on ACN’s historical growth rate and potential future growth opportunities, including from acquisitions and startup of new publications. ACN has experienced a compounded annual growth rate of 7.1% in revenues (pro forma for acquisitions (dispositions) that occurred prior to December 31, 2006, as if such acquisitions (dispositions) took place as of the first day of the earliest fiscal year presented) from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2006, growing revenues from $46.6 million to $53.5 million, and grew pro forma Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the section entitled ‘‘ACN’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Adjusted EBITDA and Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA’’) from $8.9 million to $12.9 million over such time period, for a 20.6% compounded annual growth rate. At the time of the January 22nd board meeting, ACN was projected to increase revenues to $62 million and EBITDA to $17 million in 2008, assuming it didn’t consummate any future acquisitions. After giving effect to the Columbus transaction and the anticipated results for the first six months of 2007, ACN’s revised projection called for revenues and
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EBITDA to increase to $84.5 million and $22.1 million, respectively, in 2008, assuming it didn’t consummate any future acquisitions.
The experience of ACN’s management
Another important criteria to Courtside’s board of directors in identifying an acquisition target was that the target have a seasoned management team with specialized knowledge of the markets within which it operates and the ability to lead a company in a rapidly changing environment. Courtside’s board of directors believes that ACN’s management has significant successful experience in the community newspaper industry, as demonstrated by ACN’s ability to operate and develop profitable business opportunities through both the start-up of new publications (such as the Plano Insider and Carrolton Leader, which were cash flow positive from inception) and the integration and management of acquired businesses (for the publications acquired through acquisition, such publications grew from approximately $1.5 million of EBITDA (for the twelve months prior to the acquisition by ACN) to approximately $3.3 million, or 120%, for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006). The board was also favorably impressed by ACN’s management’s abilities to effectively manage debt financing (ACN, while executing on its operating plan, paid down its indebtedness and reduced its ratio of senior debt to EBITDA from 6.0x on December 10, 2004, which is when the current ownership group took over, to 4.0x on December 31, 2006) and to negotiate favorable acquisition terms in non-auction settings.
Financial condition and results of operations
ACN’s revenue, operating profit and financial performance were all reviewed in absolute terms at both board meetings and also in relation to other companies in the community newspaper industry (Lee Enterprises, Inc. (‘‘Lee’’), GateHouse Media, Inc. (‘‘GateHouse’’) and Journal Register Co. (‘‘Journal Register’’)) at the January 22nd meeting and were felt by the members of the board to be favorable both in absolute terms and in comparison. ACN generates significant recurring cash flow due to its stable revenue, EBITDA margins, low capital expenditure and working capital requirements and currently favorable tax position. The board believes that the net revenue growth potential coupled with continued strong margins will lead to high operating results that will reward Courtside stockholders.
At the January 22nd meeting, the board compared ACN’s financial metrics (revenue and EBITDA, both historical and projected from calendar year 2004-2008) against Lee, GateHouse and Journal Register as of the date of the board meeting. Revenue and EBITDA were normalized to exclude unusual and extraordinary expenses and income and to pro forma prior period figures for any acquisitions or dispositions which occurred in subsequent periods. Projections for comparable companies were derived from Wall Street research most recently available prior to January 22, 2007. The board used comparable company public filings and Wall Street research to adjust the financial figures for any acquisitions or dispositions prior to the date of the board meeting. ACN projections assumed that no future acquisitions were to be consummated.
At the time of the January 22nd meeting, for the calendar years 2004-2008, ACN was projected to increase revenues from $46.6 million to $62 million and EBITDA from $8.9 million to $17 million. During the same period, Lee was expected to increase revenues from $1.091 billion to $1.171 billion and decrease EBITDA from $306 million to $300 million; GateHouse was expected to increase revenues from $376 million to $411 million and EBITDA from $82 million to $104 million; and Journal Register was expected to decrease revenues from $563 million to $509 million and EBITDA from $147 million to $112 million. For a more comprehensive growth rate and margin comparison of ACN against the comparable companies utilized at the January 22nd board meeting included as part of Annex K. At the time of the May 2nd board meeting, for the calendar years 2004-2008, including the Columbus cluster, ACN was projected to increase revenues from $69.3 million to $84.5 million and EBITDA from $13.2 million to $22.1 million.
ACN’s emphasis on local content in attractive markets
Each of ACN’s markets exhibits affluent, desirable and high-growth demographics. Within its markets, ACN’s publications place great emphasis on providing extensive coverage of local news
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events. As a result, these publications have strong reader loyalty, which is highly valued by local advertisers who use the publications to make targeted overtures to reach their desired audiences and maximize the efficiency of their advertising expense. Reader loyalty is based on third party reader surveys of both ACN’s controlled circulation publications and paid circulation publications.
Opportunities for growth through acquisitions
The community newspaper industry is highly fragmented. Many community newspapers serve only a single town or other community or only a few communities in a relatively compact geographical area. The board believes that ACN has a strong platform for creating additional stockholder value through acquisitions both within its current markets and in new markets. At the May 2nd board meeting, the board recognized ACN management’s ability to make additional significant acquisitions such as Columbus in a non-auction setting. The opportunity for continued growth was an important factor in the board’s evaluation.
The board also believes that Courtside’s ability to make acquisitions for stock rather than cash will prove attractive to owners of newspapers who have a low tax basis in their companies and could receive stock in a transaction such as a tax-free transaction that would enable them to defer payment of federal income taxes.
Emphasis on expansion of Internet publications
ACN’s management believes that the use of the Internet as a platform for its publications can be a positive factor in its growth. As a result of its expansion of Internet publications, ACN’s advertising revenues from such publications have grown from 0.5% of total revenues in 2005 to a run rate of 3% of revenue at the end of 2006, without any significant drop-off in revenues from its traditional publications.
Valuation
The board considered the value of ACN (as of the date of the board meeting) in relation to its growth potential and found it to be attractive when compared to other companies in the community newspaper industry. As discussed above, management considered Lee, GateHouse and Journal Register to be comparable as they publish newspapers with varying degrees of emphasis on local and community content. None of the comparable companies have characteristics substantially similar to ACN.
Enterprise values as a multiple of projected calendar year 2006, 2007 and 2008 EBITDA were used in the analyses. To calculate enterprise value for the comparable companies, the share price as of the end of the trading day on January 19, 2007 was utilized for the January 22nd board meeting and the share price as of the end of the trading day on May 1st was utilized for the May 2nd board meeting. For the January 22nd board meeting, enterprise value for ACN was assumed to be $165,000,000 (which was to be the purchase price paid on the closing date excluding working capital adjustments prior to ACN’s acquisition of the Columbus operations). For the May 2nd board meeting, enterprise value for ACN was assumed to be approximately $206,000,000 (which was to be the purchase price paid on the closing date including the Columbus acquisition purchase price and actual payment to the Columbus seller for estimated working capital but excluding working capital adjustments for ACN). In addition, for the May 2nd board meeting, the board evaluated the impact of the Columbus acquisition on the 2008 NCF earnout and considered the likelihood of the earnout being achieved and its impact on the ACN enterprise value multiples (it was assumed that the full $15 million earnout will be achieved and paid in 2009 and added to current enterprise value by discounting the $15 million by ACN’s expected estimated weighted average cost of capital of 10%).
For ACN and its comparables, EBITDA was normalized to exclude unusual and extraordinary expenses and income and to pro forma prior period figures for any acquisitions or dispositions which occurred (as of the date of the board meeting) in subsequent periods. Projections for comparable companies were derived from Wall Street research most recently available prior to January 22, 2007 for the January 22nd meeting and prior to May 2, 2007 for the May 2nd meeting.
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Courtside also utilized both the historical EBITDA growth rates (2004-2006 compounded annual growth rates), for the January 22nd meeting, and projected long term growth rates, for both board meetings, to compare ACN against the comparable companies. Projected long term growth rates for comparable companies were derived from Wall Street research most recently available prior to the applicable board meeting. ACN’s 2007-2008 projected EBITDA growth rate, which assumes no acquisitions in future years, was used as a proxy for ACN’s projected long term growth rate for the January 22nd board meeting. ACN’s average 2007 and 2008 projected EBITDA growth rate, which is pro forma for Columbus and assumes no acquisitions in future years, was used as a proxy for ACN’s projected long-term growth rate for the May 2nd meeting.
The following is a summary of the results for the January 22nd meeting:
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| Enterprise Value as a Multiple of EBITDA | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |||||||||
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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10.8x | |
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9.5x | |
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12.8x | |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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10.5x | |
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10.0x | |
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11.3x | |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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10.3x | |
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10.0x | |
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9.9x | |
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| Growth Rates | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |||||||||
| Historical | |
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(2.3 | )% | |
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0.5 | % | |
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20.6 | % |
| Projected Long Term | |
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5.0 | % | |
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5.0 | % | |
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18.2 | % |
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| Enterprise Value /EBITDA as a Multiple of Projected Long Term Growth Rate | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |||||||||
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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2.2x | |
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2.2x | |
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0.7x | |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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2.1x | |
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2.0x | |
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0.6x | |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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2.2x | |
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2.0x | |
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0.5x | |
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The following is a summary of the results for the May 2nd board meeting:
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| Enterprise Value as a Multiple of EBITDA | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |
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ACN(1) | ||||||||||||
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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10.3x | |
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8.8x | |
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12.1x | |
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12.9x | |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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10.1x | |
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8.9x | |
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10.9x | |
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11.5x | |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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9.9x | |
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9.0x | |
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9.3x | |
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9.8x | |
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| Growth Rates | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |
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ACN(1) | ||||||||||||
| Projected Long Term | |
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4.3 | % | |
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4.0 | % | |
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14.4 | % | |
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14.4 | % |
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| Enterprise Value /EBITDA as a Multiple of Projected Long Term Growth Rate | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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ACN | |
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ACN(1) | ||||||||||||
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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2.4x | |
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2.4x | |
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0.8x | |
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0.9x | |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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2.4x | |
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2.2x | |
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0.8x | |
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0.8x | |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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2.4x | |
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2.3x | |
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0.6x | |
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0.7x | |
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| Note 1: Includes present value of earnout equal to approximately $12.4 million |
Based on the valuation of these comparable companies, the board was able to derive an expected initial valuation of ACN in the public market. Based on this analysis and management’s and the board’s significant transaction experience, the board agreed upon and negotiated terms that it felt were in the best interest of Courtside’s stockholders. It concluded that, if the ACN business plan continued to be executed in the manner presented by ACN (which they believed was reasonable to expect), thus achieving growth rates consistent with projections, there was a reasonable probability that Courtside’s stock price would rise over time.
Access to the public markets can facilitate growth
The board believes that access to the public markets as well as the potential cash proceeds from the outstanding Courtside warrants can facilitate ACN’s growth strategy via acquisitions.
Costs associated with effecting the business combination
The board determined that the costs associated with effecting the acquisition with ACN would be of the same order of magnitude as would be encountered with most other business combinations.
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ACN’s financial statements were audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America as established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Courtside anticipates that appropriate systems will be in place in a timely manner for it to meet its reporting obligations under the securities laws for periods beginning after the consummation of the acquisition. It estimates that the costs of doing so, largely for additional personnel and professional services (accounting and legal), will be approximately in the range of from $500,000 to $750,000.
Negative Factors
As might be expected, the board’s investigations did disclose some negative factors that could bear upon ACN’s ability to achieve its projected performance, including matters addressed in the section entitled ‘‘Risk Factors’’ and the following:
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| • | Economic downturn – The board took note of the fact that ACN depends to a great extent on the economies and demographics of the local communities that it serves and is also susceptible to general economic downturns that could have a material and adverse impact on its advertising revenues and profitably. |
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| • | Need to attract and retain qualified personnel – The board considered that ACN’s success is dependent on its senior management team and ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The board also considered that ACN’s finance and accounting departments will need additional resources to manage and administer public company reporting requirements. |
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| • | Possible inability to continue to acquire companies at attractive values and integrate the operations – The board noted that ACN has grown, in part, via well-priced acquisitions, and that a significant part of ACN’s growth strategy is to continue to make acquisitions. The board considered that ACN might not be able to make accretive acquisitions as they have in the past, and that any acquisitions will need to be integrated into ACN, which could require significant time and focus of ACN’s management. |
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| • | Lack of public comparables for stock evaluation – ACN’s principal public ‘‘comparables’’ do not demonstrate the strong growth characteristics that ACN exhibits. It may, therefore, be difficult for investors to measure ACN’s performance relative to its competitors, which could adversely affect the trading price of ACN’s common stock. |
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| • | Negative trend in the newspaper industry – In recent years, newspapers, particularly those with a national or large metropolitan area readership, have experienced increased competition for advertising from other forms of media such as cable television and the Internet. While ACN does not appear to have experienced any significant detriment from this trend and, indeed, has taken active steps to incorporate Internet activities into its businesses, the board recognized that ACN might not be able to continue to counteract this trend indefinitely. |
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| • | Second Quarter 2007 Anticipated Results – At the May 2nd board meeting, the board discussed at length the April results and the anticipated results for the first half of 2007 and, although it considered these results to be disappointing, it believed that management’s explanation for and response to the shortfall were credible and that the purchase price reduction as well as the ACN investors’ willingness to retain a meaningful equity stake, demonstrating its confidence in the business and ACN management, were positive changes, supporting the merits of the transaction. |
Based on the foregoing, and notwithstanding the possible negative factors, our board of directors concluded that the purchase agreement with ACN is in the best interests of Courtside’s stockholders. As discussed, it also obtained a fairness opinion that came to the same conclusion prior to approving the purchase agreement. In light of the complexity of the various factors, the board did not consider it practicable to, nor did it attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors. It should also be noted that individual members of the Courtside board may have given different weight to different factors.
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Satisfaction of 80% Test
It is a requirement that any business acquired by Courtside have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of Courtside’s net assets at the time of acquisition, which assets shall include the amount in the trust account. Based on the value of ACN’s asset base, including goodwill, its historical earnings growth and other financial measures and other factors typically used in valuing businesses, the Courtside board of directors at both board meetings, based on the circumstances at the time, determined that this requirement was met. The Courtside board of directors believes, because of the financial skills and background of its members, it was qualified to conclude that the acquisition of ACN met this requirement. Courtside also received an opinion from Capitalink, L.C. that the 80% test has been met at the time of each board meeting.
Interests of Courtside’s Directors and Officers in the Acquisition
In considering the recommendation of the board of directors of Courtside to vote for the proposals to approve the purchase agreement, the certificate of incorporation amendments and the incentive compensation plan proposal, you should be aware that certain members of the Courtside board have agreements or arrangements that provide them with interests in the acquisition that differ from, or are in addition to, those of Courtside stockholders generally. In particular:
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| • | If the acquisition is not approved, Courtside will be required to liquidate. In such event, the 3,000,000 shares of common stock held by the Courtside Inside Stockholders, including Courtside’s officers and directors and their affiliates and other persons, that were acquired prior to the IPO for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 will be worthless because Courtside’s Inside Stockholders are not entitled to receive any liquidation proceeds with respect to such shares. Such shares had an aggregate market value of $ based on the last sale price of $ on the American Stock Exchange on , 2007, the record date. |
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| • | Following Courtside’s IPO, Richard D. Goldstein, Bruce M. Greenwald and Oded Aboodi (or persons or entities affiliated or associated with such individuals) purchased 2,400,000 warrants for an aggregate purchase price of $1,185,151 (or approximately $0.49 per warrant), pursuant to agreements between them and EarlyBirdCapital, Inc., entered into in connection with Courtside’s IPO. These 2,400,000 warrants had an aggregate market value of $ based upon the last sale price of $ on the American Stock Exchange on , 2007, the record date. All of the warrants will become worthless if the acquisition is not consummated. |
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| • | If Courtside liquidates prior to the consummation of a business combination, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald will be personally liable to pay debts and obligations to vendors and other entities that are owed money by Courtside for services rendered or products sold to Courtside, or to any target business, to the extent such creditors bring successful claims that would otherwise require payment from moneys in the trust account. This arrangement was entered into to ensure that, in the event of liquidation, the trust account is not reduced by claims of creditors. As of March 31, 2007, Courtside had unpaid obligations of $457,000 to its vendors and service providers. It estimates that it will incur additional expenses of $700,000 that would be required to be paid if the acquisition is not consummated. Of such total of $1,157,000, vendors and service providers to whom $681,000 is or would be owed have waived their rights to make claims for payment from amounts in the trust account. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald would be obligated to indemnify Courtside for the balance of approximately $476,000 that would be owed to vendors and service providers who have not given such waivers to the extent that they successfully claim against the trust account funds. Such amount would be reduced by payments from funds available to Courtside that will be provided by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to fund Courtside’s operating expenses and from the return to it of all or part of the $700,000 deposit it has made on the purchase price of the acquisition. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald have no reason to believe that they will not be able to fulfill their indemnity obligations to Courtside. |
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| • | As of , 2007, the record date, Messrs Goldstein and Greenwald have loaned |
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| Courtside approximately $ to fund its expenses. The loans are evidenced by promissory notes that bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum and are non-recourse against the trust account. If a business combination is not consummated, Courtside will not have any remaining non-trust account funds to repay the loans except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. As of April 30, 2007, ACN had incurred approximately $400,000 of potentially reimbursable expenses. All of the $700,000 was expected to be reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses if the reason for termination entitles it to such reimbursement. |
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| • | Pursuant to a letter agreement dated January 24, 2007 between ACN and Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald, if the purchase agreement is terminated because either the acquisition proposal is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders or 20% or more of the holders of Courtside’s Public Shares vote against the acquisition proposal and seek conversion of their shares into cash, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald will have the right, upon payment of $5,000,000 to ACN, to enter into an agreement providing for the sale to them (or an entity controlled by the current principals of Alpine Capital LLC) by ACN of substantially all of ACN’s assets on substantially the same terms and conditions as those contained in the purchase agreement except that the purchase price will be the amount that would have been paid by Courtside to ACN plus $10,000,000, payable in cash at closing, with additional consideration of up to $15,000,000 based on NCF, but with no provision requiring an additional payment based on Courtside’s stock price. |
Capitalink Fairness Opinions
In connection with its determination to approve the purchase agreement, initially at its meeting of January 22, 2007 and then, again, at its meeting of May 2, 2007, Courtside’s board of directors engaged Capitalink, L.C. to provide it with ‘‘fairness opinions’’ as to whether the acquisition consideration to be paid by Courtside is fair, from a financial point of view, to Courtside’s stockholders. Capitalink, which was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, provides publicly and privately held businesses and emerging growth companies with a broad range of investment banking and advisory services. As part of its business, Capitalink regularly is engaged in the evaluation of businesses and their securities in connection with acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private placements, and for other purposes. Courtside selected Capitalink on the basis of Capitalink’s experience, recommendations from other companies that had experience with Capitalink for similar purposes, its ability to do the research and provide the fairness opinion within the required timeframe and the competitiveness of its fee, which was specified by Capitalink in its proposal to the board. Capitalink does not beneficially own any interest in either Courtside or ACN, has never provided either company with any other services and does not expect or contemplate any additional services or compensation.
Courtside has paid Capitalink fees totaling $147,500 in connection with the preparation and issuance of Capitalink’s opinions. In addition, we have also agreed to indemnify and hold Capitalink, its officers, directors, principals, employees, affiliates, and members, and their successors and assigns, harmless from and against any and all loss, claim, damage, liability, deficiencies, actions, suits, proceedings, costs and legal expenses (collectively the ‘‘Losses’’) or expense whatsoever (including, but not limited to, reasonable legal fees and other expenses and reasonable disbursements incurred in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending any action, suit or proceeding, including any inquiry or investigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, or in appearing or preparing for appearance as witness in any proceeding, including any pretrial proceeding such as a deposition) arising out of, based upon, or in any way related or attributed to, (i) any breach of a representation, or warranty made by us in our agreement with Capitalink; or (ii) any activities or services performed under that agreement by Capitalink, unless such Losses were the result of the intentional misconduct or gross negligence of Capitalink.
In accordance with its engagement agreements, Capitalink’s opinions are addressed solely to our board for its use in connection with its review and evaluation of the acquisition. It is, therefore, Capitalink’s view that its duties in connection with its fairness opinions extend solely to Courtside’s
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board of directors and that it has no legal responsibilities in respect thereof to any other person or entity (including a Courtside stockholder) under the law of the State of Florida, the laws which have been selected by Capitalink and Courtside as governing the engagement letters. Capitalink would likely assert the substance of this view and the disclaimer described above as a defense to claims and allegations, if any, that might hypothetically be brought or asserted against it by any persons or entities other than Courtside’s board of directors with respect to the aforementioned opinion and the financial analyses thereunder. However, because no court has definitely ruled to date on the availability of this defense to a financial advisor who furnished to its client for its exclusive use of a fairness opinion, this issue necessarily would have to be judicially resolved on the merits in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. Furthermore, there can be no assurances that such a court would apply the laws of the State of Florida to the analyses and ultimate resolution of this issue if it were to be properly briefed by the relevant litigants and presented to the court. In all cases, the hypothetical assertion or availability of such a defense would have absolutely no effect on Capitalink’s rights and responsibilities under U.S. federal securities laws, or the rights and responsibilities of Courtside’s board of directors under applicable state law or under U.S. federal securities laws.
The Capitalink opinions are for the use and benefit of our board of directors in connection with its consideration of the transaction and are not intended to be and do not constitute recommendations to you as to how you should vote or proceed with respect to the transaction. Capitalink was not requested to opine as to, and its opinions do not in any manner address, the relative merits of the transaction as compared to any alternative business strategy that might exist for us, our underlying business decision to proceed with or effect the transaction, and other alternatives to the transaction that might exist for us. Capitalink does not express any opinion as to the underlying valuation or future performance of ACN or the price at which either Courtside’s or ACN’s securities might trade at any time in the future.
While we encourage you to read the Capitalink opinions to gain an understanding of the assumptions made, matters considered, procedures followed and limitations on the review undertaken by Capitalink, on which Courtside’s board of directors has relied, as discussed above, it is Capitalink’s view that its duties in connection with the opinion run solely to the board of directors and that others, including stockholders of Courtside, are not entitled to rely upon it.
In arriving at its opinions, Capitalink relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information that was used without assuming any responsibility for any independent verification of any such information. Further, Capitalink relied upon the assurances of Courtside and ACN management that they were not aware of any facts or circumstances that would make any such information inaccurate or misleading. With respect to the financial information and projections utilized, Capitalink assumed that such information has been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments, and that such information provides a reasonable basis upon which it could make an analysis and form an opinion. The projections were solely used in connection with the rendering of Capitalink’s fairness opinions. Investors should not place reliance upon such projections, as they are not necessarily an indication of what our revenues and profit margins will be in the future. The projections were prepared by ACN management and are not to be interpreted as projections of future performance (or ‘‘guidance’’) by ACN. Capitalink did not evaluate the solvency or fair value of Courtside or ACN under any foreign, state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. Capitalink did not make a physical inspection of the properties and facilities of Courtside or ACN and did not make or obtain any evaluations or appraisals of either company’s assets and liabilities (contingent or otherwise). In addition, Capitalink did not attempt to confirm whether ACN had good title to its assets.
Capitalink assumed that the transaction will be consummated in a manner that complies in all respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all other applicable foreign, federal and state statutes, rules and regulations. Capitalink assumes that the transaction will be consummated substantially in accordance with the terms set forth in the asset purchase agreement, without any further amendments thereto, and that any amendments, revisions or waivers thereto will not be detrimental to the stockholders of ACN.
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Capitalink’s analyses and opinions are necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions, as they existed on, and could be evaluated as of, January 22, 2007 or May 2, 2007, as the case may be. Accordingly, although subsequent developments may affect its opinions, Capitalink has not assumed any obligation to update, review or reaffirm its opinions.
In connection with rendering its opinions, Capitalink performed certain financial, comparative and other analyses as summarized below. Each of the analyses conducted by Capitalink was carried out to provide a different perspective on the transaction, and to enhance the total mix of information available. Capitalink did not form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the purchase price to Courtside’s stockholders. Further, the summaries of Capitalink’s analyses described below are not a complete description of the analyses underlying Capitalink’s opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, a fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinions, Capitalink made qualitative judgments as to the relevance of each analysis and factor that it considered. In addition, Capitalink may have given various analyses more or less weight than other analyses, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions, so that the range of valuations resulting from any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Capitalink’s view of the value of ACN’s assets. The estimates contained in Capitalink’s analyses and the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or assets neither purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or assets may actually be sold. Accordingly, Capitalink’s analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. Capitalink believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses or the factors it considered, without considering all analyses and factors collectively, could create an incomplete and misleading view of the process underlying the analyses performed by Capitalink in connection with the preparation of its opinions.
The summaries of the financial reviews and analyses include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand Capitalink’s financial reviews and analyses, the tables must be read together with the accompanying text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, and if viewed in isolation could create a misleading or incomplete view of the financial analyses performed by Capitalink.
The analyses performed were prepared solely as part of Capitalink’s analysis of the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the purchase price to our stockholders, and were provided to our board of directors in connection with the delivery of Capitalink’s opinions on January 22, 2007 and May 2, 2007, as applicable. The opinions of Capitalink were just one of the many factors taken into account by our board of directors in making its determination to approve the transaction, including those described elsewhere in this proxy statement.
Fairness Opinion for the January 22, 2007 Courtside Board Meeting
(All information under this caption reflects the original asset purchase agreement, the original purchase price, budgeted results of ACN for December 2006 and projections of ACN for periods subsequent to December 2006 (without taking the Columbus operations into account)).
Capitalink made a presentation to our board of directors on January 22, 2007 and subsequently delivered its written opinion to the board of directors, which stated that, as of January 22, 2007, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered, and limitations on its review as set forth in the opinion, (i) the purchase price is fair, from a financial point of view, to our stockholders, and (ii) the fair market value of ACN is at least equal to 80% of our net assets. The amount of the purchase price was determined pursuant to negotiations between us and ACN and not
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pursuant to recommendations of Capitalink. The full text of the written opinion of Capitalink is attached as part of Annex E and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. The summary of the Capitalink opinion set forth in this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, Capitalink took into account an assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions, as well as its experience in connection with similar transactions and securities valuations generally. In so doing, among other things, Capitalink:
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| • | Reviewed the purchase agreement. |
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| • | Reviewed publicly available financial information and other data with respect to the Courtside that we deemed relevant, including the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2005 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. |
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| • | Reviewed non-public information and other data with respect to ACN, including audited and pro forma financial statements for the five years ended December 31, 2005, unaudited financial statements for the eleven months ended November 30, 2006, financial projections for the five years ending December 31, 2010, and other internal financial information and management reports. |
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| • | Considered the historical financial results and present financial condition of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed certain publicly available information concerning the trading of, and the trading market for Courtside’s common stock and units. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed ACN’s projected unlevered free cash flows and prepared a discounted cash flow analysis. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed certain financial characteristics of publicly-traded companies that were deemed to have characteristics comparable to ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed certain financial characteristics of target companies in transactions where such target company was deemed to have characteristics comparable to that of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and compared the net asset value of Courtside to the indicated enterprise value range of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and discussed with representatives of Courtside and ACN management certain financial and operating information furnished by them, including financial projections and analyses with respect to ACN’s business and operations. |
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| • | Performed such other analyses and examinations as were deemed appropriate. |
Valuation Overview
Capitalink generated an indicated valuation range for ACN based on a discounted cash flow analysis, a comparable company analysis and a comparable transaction analysis each as more fully discussed below. Capitalink weighted the three approaches equally and arrived at an indicated enterprise value range from approximately $163.0 million to approximately $180.0 million. Capitalink noted that the purchase price falls within ACN’s indicated enterprise value range.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
A discounted cash flow analysis estimates value based upon a company’s projected future free cash flow discounted at a rate reflecting risks inherent in its business and capital structure. Unlevered free cash flow represents the amount of cash generated and available for principal, interest and dividend payments after providing for ongoing business operations.
While the discounted cash flow analysis is the most scientific of the methodologies used, it is dependent on projections and is further dependent on numerous industry-specific and macroeconomic factors.
Capitalink utilized the forecasts provided by ACN management, which project gradual future growth in revenues from FY2006 (actual through November and estimated for December) to FY2010
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from approximately $53.4 million (pro forma for prior acquisitions and divestitures) to $68.9 million, respectively. This represents a compound average growth rate or CAGR of approximately 6.7% over the period. This projected rate is lower than the historical revenue compounded annual growth rate of 7.1% that ACN achieved for the 2004 to 2006 period, as ACN desired to be conservative in its presentation. The increase in revenue is expected to be driven by organic growth resulting from launching new publications, increasing the circulation of existing publications, and increased advertising revenue from ACN websites but does not assume any future acquisitions. ACN plans to continue its acquisition strategy and believes that is will be able to achieve superior performance to that reflected in its current projections.
The projections also project an improvement in EBITDA from FY2006 to FY2010, from approximately $12.1 million to $20.1 million, respectively. This represents an improvement in ACN’s EBITDA margin from 22.6% to 29.2% and a CAGR of 16.0%. This improvement in EBITDA is expected to be driven by increasing economies of scale and synergies realized companies acquired in 2005 and 2006, further operational enhancements and economies of scale resulting from increase in organic growth. For purposes of Capitalink’s analyses, ‘‘EBITDA’’ means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for ACN’s expected public company costs and pro forma for acquisitions previously made in 2005 and 2006.
In order to arrive at a present value, Capitalink utilized discount rates ranging from 10.0% to 12.0%. This was based on an estimated weighted average cost of capital of 10.8% (based on ACN’s estimated weighted average cost of debt of 9.3% and a 14.7% estimated cost of equity). The cost of equity calculation was derived utilizing the Ibbotson build up method utilizing appropriate equity risk, industry risk and size premiums and a company specific risk factor of 1.0%, reflecting the risk associated with increased leverage and achieving projected sales growth and margins throughout the projection period.
Capitalink presented a range of terminal values at the end of the forecast period by applying a range of terminal exit multiples of between 9.0x and 10.0x of EBITDA. Capitalink then calculated a range of indicated enterprise values by discounting the terminal value and the periodic unlevered free cash flows to derive an indicated enterprise value range of approximately $168.0 million to approximately $192.0 million. For purposes of Capitalink’s analyses, ‘‘enterprise value’’ means equity value plus all interest-bearing debt less cash.
Comparable Company Analysis
A selected comparable company analysis reviews the trading multiples of publicly traded companies that are similar to ACN with respect to business and revenue model, operating sector, size and target customer base.
Capitalink identified the following four companies that it deemed comparable to ACN with respect to their industry sector and operating model. All of the comparable companies publish newspapers with a focus on local and community content.
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| • | Lee Enterprises, Inc. |
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| • | GateHouse Media, Inc. |
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| • | Journal Register Co. |
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| • | Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. |
All of the comparable companies are substantially larger than ACN, with latest twelve months, or LTM, revenue ranging from approximately $385.0 million to approximately $818.9 million, compared with approximately $53.2 million for ACN.
Capitalink noted that, except for Lee Enterprises, ACN is more profitable than the comparable companies, with last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA margins ranging from approximately (4.8%) to approximately 28.9%, compared with approximately 22.6% for ACN. ACN has higher historical and projected organic EBITDA growth rates than the comparable companies. The average organic
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EBITDA growth rates for 2005 and 2007 are approximately 3.9% and 3.0% for the comparable companies, respectively, compared with 15.4% and 15.9%, respectively, for ACN.
Multiples utilizing enterprise value were used in the analyses. For comparison purposes, all operating profits including EBITDA were normalized to exclude unusual and extraordinary expenses and income.
Capitalink generated a number of multiples worth noting with respect to the comparable companies:
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| Enterprise Value Multiple of | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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High | |
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| LTM EBITDA | |
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8.6x | |
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8.6x | |
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9.0x | |
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8.3x |
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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10.7x | |
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9.9x | |
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13.9x | |
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8.3x |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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10.3x | |
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9.9x | |
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12.5x | |
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8.6x |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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10.2x | |
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9.9x | |
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11.8x | |
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8.8x |
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Capitalink selected an appropriate multiple range for ACN by examining the range indicated by the comparable companies and taking into account certain company-specific factors. Capitalink noted that ACN is most comparable to GateHouse Media from an overall EBITDA growth perspective and selected valuation multiples around GateHouse Media’s multiples.
Based on the above factors, Capitalink applied the following multiples to the respective statistics:
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| • | Multiples of 13.5x to 14.5x 2006 EBITDA |
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| • | Multiples of 11.5x to 12.5x 2007 EBITDA |
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| • | Multiples of 10.5x to 11.5x 2008 EBITDA |
and calculated a range of enterprise values for ACN of approximately $164.5 million to approximately $178.5 million.
None of the comparable companies has characteristics identical to ACN. An analysis of publicly traded comparable companies is not mathematical; rather it involves complex consideration and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other factors that could affect the public trading of the comparable companies.
Comparable Transaction Analysis
A comparable transaction analysis involves a review of merger, acquisition and asset purchase transactions involving target companies that are in related industries to ACN. The comparable transaction analysis generally provides the widest range of value due to the varying importance of an acquisition to a buyer (i.e., a strategic buyer willing to pay more than a financial buyer) in addition to the potential differences in the transaction process (i.e., competitiveness among potential buyers).
Information is typically not disclosed for transactions involving a private seller, even when the buyer is a public company, unless the acquisition is deemed to be ‘‘material’’ for the acquirer. As a result, the selected comparable transaction analysis is limited to transactions involving the acquisition of a public company, or substantially all of its assets, or the acquisition of a large private company, or substantially all of its assets, by a public company.
Capitalink located 17 transactions announced since January 2004 involving target companies that are in the newspaper publishing industry and for which detailed financial information was available.
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| Target | |
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Acquiror |
| Rural Press Ltd. | |
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Fairfax Holdings |
| Journal Register – 7 Papers | |
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GateHouse Media |
| Dow Jones & Co. – 6 Papers | |
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Community Newspapers |
| Philadelphia Newpapers | |
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Private Buyer |
| Enterprise NewsMedia | |
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GateHouse Media |
| CP Media | |
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GateHouse Media |
| MediaNews Group | |
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McClatchy Co. – 4 Papers |
| Amendment One | |
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ACN |
| Knight-Ridder Inc. | |
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McClatchy Co. |
| Sun Gazette – Suburban Washington Newspapers | |
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ACN |
| McKinney Courier-Gazette | |
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ACN |
| Monticello Times | |
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ACN |
| GateHouse Media | |
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Fortress Investment Grp. |
| Pulitzer | |
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Lee Enterprises |
| 21st Century Newspapers | |
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Journal Register |
| Telegraph Group Ltd. | |
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Hollyrood Holdings |
| Merced Group | |
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McClatchy Co. |
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Based on the information disclosed with respect to the targets in the each of the comparable transactions, Capitalink calculated and compared the enterprise values as a multiple of LTM EBITDA.
Capitalink noted the following with respect to the multiples generated:
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| Multiple of enterprise value to | |
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Median | |
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High | |
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Low | ||||||||||||
| LTM EBITDA | |
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12.7x | |
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11.9x | |
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21.1x | |
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9.1x | |
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Capitalink expects ACN to be valued moderately above the mean of the comparable transactions multiples. Of the 17 targets, Capitalink deemed nine targets more comparable to ACN in terms of the targets’ focus on local and community content. These nine targets, however, generally exhibited lower historical revenue and EBITDA growth than ACN. The mean EBITDA multiple for such transactions was approximately 13.0x, moderately higher than the overall mean. Capitalink also noted that most of the targets were private companies and therefore no public company costs were included in their respective EBITDA. On the other hand, ACN’s EBITDA was adjusted to include future public company costs.
Based on the above factors, Capitalink applied multiples of 13.0x to 14.0x to ACN’s LTM EBITDA and calculated an enterprise value range for ACN of approximately $156.6 million to approximately $168.7 million.
None of the target companies in the comparable transactions have characteristics identical to ACN. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable business combinations is not mathematical; rather it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the target companies in the comparable transactions and other factors that could affect the respective acquisition values.
80% Test
Courtside’s initial business combination must be with a target business whose fair market value is at least equal to 80% of Courtside’s net assets at the time of such acquisition.
Capitalink reviewed and estimated Courtside’s net assets based on its stockholders’ equity as of September 30, 2006 and compared that to ACN’s indicated range of enterprise value. Capitalink noted that the fair market value of ACN exceeds 80% of Courtside’s net asset value.
Based on the information and analyses set forth above, Capitalink delivered its written opinion to our board of directors, which stated that, as of January 22, 2007, based upon and subject to the
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assumptions made, matters considered, and limitations on its review as set forth in the opinion, (i) the purchase price is fair, from a financial point of view, to our stockholders, and (ii) the fair market value of ACN is at least equal to 80% of our net assets.
Fairness Opinion for the May 2, 2007 Courtside Board Meeting
(All information under this caption reflects the amended asset purchase agreement and the revised purchase price; all analyses include the actual results of December 2006 and the first four months of 2007 and the updated projections of ACN, including the Columbus operations)
Capitalink made a presentation to our board of directors on May 2, 2007 and subsequently delivered its written opinion to the board of directors, which stated that, as of May 2, 2007, and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered, and limitations on its review as set forth in the opinion, (i) the purchase price is fair, from a financial point of view, to our stockholders, and (ii) the fair market value of ACN is at least equal to 80% of our net assets. The amount of the purchase price was determined pursuant to negotiations between us and ACN and not pursuant to recommendations of Capitalink. The full text of the written opinion of Capitalink is attached as part of Annex E and is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. The summary of the Capitalink opinion set forth in this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.
In arriving at its opinion, Capitalink took into account an assessment of general economic, market and financial conditions, as well as its experience in connection with similar transactions and securities valuations generally. In so doing, among other things, Capitalink:
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| • | Reviewed the purchase agreement, as to be amended by agreement dated May 2, 2007. |
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| • | Reviewed publicly available financial information and other data with respect to the Courtside that we deemed relevant, including the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the draft Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2007. |
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| • | Reviewed non-public information and other data with respect to ACN, including audited and pro forma financial statements for the six years ended December 31, 2006, financial projections for the four years ending December 31, 2010, and other internal financial information and management reports. Projections utilized by Capitalink include the CM Media acquisition and have been updated to take into account ACN’s actual performance for December 2006 and the first four months of 2007. |
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| • | Considered the historical financial results and present financial condition of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed certain publicly available information concerning the trading of, and the trading market for Courtside’s common stock and units. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed ACN’s projected unlevered free cash flows and prepared a discounted cash flow analysis. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed certain financial characteristics of publicly-traded companies that were deemed to have characteristics comparable to ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and analyzed certain financial characteristics of target companies in transactions where such target company was deemed to have characteristics comparable to that of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and compared the net asset value of Courtside to the indicated enterprise value range of ACN. |
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| • | Reviewed and discussed with representatives of Courtside and ACN management certain financial and operating information furnished by them, including financial projections and analyses with respect to ACN’s business and operations. |
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| • | Performed such other analyses and examinations as were deemed appropriate. |
Purchase Price Overview
The purchase price is approximately $206 million (including the actual estimated working capital payment for the Columbus operations), to be increased by an earnout based on ACN reaching certain
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newspaper cash flow targets in 2008 and an additional payment upon Courtside’s stock price reaching certain price levels. Based on the projections received from ACN, Capitalink assumed the purchase price will be increased by the earnout in the amount of $15 million in 2009. Assuming the earnout is paid in May 2009, the present value of the earnout is approximately $10.9 million. Based on the projections received from ACN, Capitalink assumed the purchase price will not be increased by the stock price payment. Thus, the indicated value of the purchase price used in Capitalink’s analysis ranged from approximately $206.0 million to approximately $217.0 million.
Valuation Overview
Capitalink generated an indicated valuation range for ACN based on a discounted cash flow analysis, a comparable company analysis and a comparable transaction analysis each as more fully discussed below. Capitalink weighted the three approaches equally and arrived at an indicated enterprise value range from approximately $216.0 million to approximately $239.0 million. Capitalink noted that ACN’s indicated enterprise value range is higher than the purchase price range.
For purposes of Capitalink’s analyses, ‘‘enterprise value’’ means equity value plus all interest-bearing debt less cash.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
A discounted cash flow analysis estimates value based upon a company’s projected future free cash flow discounted at a rate reflecting risks inherent in its business and capital structure. Unlevered free cash flow represents the amount of cash generated and available for principal, interest and dividend payments after providing for ongoing business operations.
While the discounted cash flow analysis is the most scientific of the methodologies used, it is dependent on projections and is further dependent on numerous industry-specific and macroeconomic factors.
Capitalink utilized the updated forecasts provided by ACN management, which project gradual future growth in revenues from FY2006 to FY2010 from approximately $76.8 million (pro forma for prior acquisitions and divestitures, including CM Media) to $95.1 million, respectively. This represents a compound average growth rate or CAGR of approximately 5.5% over the period. The increase in revenue is expected to be driven by organic growth resulting from launching new publications, increasing the circulation of existing publications, and increased advertising revenue from ACN websites but does not assume any future acquisitions. ACN plans to continue its acquisition strategy and believes that is will be able to achieve superior performance to that reflected in its current projections.
The projections also project an improvement in EBITDA from FY2006 to FY2010, from approximately $16.4 million to $27.8 million, respectively. This represents an improvement in ACN’s EBITDA margin from 21.3% to 29.2% and a CAGR of 14.1%. This improvement in EBITDA is expected to be driven by increasing economies of scale and synergies realized companies acquired, including CM Media, further operational enhancements and economies of scale resulting from increase in organic growth. For purposes of Capitalink’s analyses, ‘‘EBITDA’’ means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for ACN’s expected public company costs and pro forma for acquisitions previously made in 2005 and 2006, and the acquisition of CM Media in 2007.
In order to arrive at a present value, Capitalink utilized discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 13.0%. This was based on an estimated weighted average cost of capital of 12.0% (based on ACN’s estimated weighted average cost of debt of 9.6% and a 16.7% estimated cost of equity). The cost of equity calculation was derived utilizing the Ibbotson build up method utilizing appropriate equity risk, industry risk and size premiums and a company specific risk factor of 3.0%, reflecting the risk associated with increased leverage, integration of CM Media and achieving projected sales growth and margins throughout the projection period.
Capitalink presented a range of terminal values at the end of the forecast period by applying a range of terminal exit multiples of between 9.0x and 10.0x of EBITDA. Capitalink then calculated a
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range of indicated enterprise values by discounting the terminal value and the periodic unlevered free cash flows to derive an indicated enterprise value range of approximately $222.3 million to approximately $254.2 million.
Comparable Company Analysis
A selected comparable company analysis reviews the trading multiples of publicly traded companies that are similar to ACN with respect to business and revenue model, operating sector, size and target customer base.
Capitalink identified the following four companies that it deemed comparable to ACN with respect to their industry sector and operating model. All of the comparable companies publish newspapers with a focus on local and community content.
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| • | Lee Enterprises, Inc. |
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| • | GateHouse Media, Inc. |
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| • | Journal Register Co. |
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| • | Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. |
All of the comparable companies are substantially larger than ACN, with calendar year, or CY 2006 revenue ranging from approximately $418.7 million to approximately $1.1 billion, compared with approximately $76.8 million for ACN.
Capitalink noted that ACN’s CY2006 EBITDA margin of 21.3% is higher than the mean for the comparable companies of 17.8%. ACN has higher historical and projected organic EBITDA growth rates than the comparable companies. The average organic EBITDA growth rates for 2006 and 2007 are approximately (30.0)% and (0.5)% for the comparable companies, respectively, compared with 23.2% and 11.9%, respectively, for ACN.
Multiples utilizing enterprise value were used in the analyses. For comparison purposes, all operating profits including EBITDA were normalized to exclude unusual and extraordinary expenses and income.
Capitalink generated a number of multiples worth noting with respect to the comparable companies:
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| Enterprise Value Multiple of | |
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Mean | |
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Median | |
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High | |
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Low | ||||||||||||
| 2006 EBITDA | |
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10.2x | |
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8.2x | |
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14.4x | |
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8.2x | |
| 2007 EBITDA | |
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10.1x | |
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9.1x | |
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12.9x | |
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8.4x | |
| 2008 EBITDA | |
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10.0x | |
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9.4x | |
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12.3x | |
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8.4x | |
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Capitalink selected an appropriate multiple range for ACN by examining the range indicated by the comparable companies and taking into account certain company-specific factors. Capitalink noted that ACN is most comparable to GateHouse Media from an overall EBITDA growth perspective and selected valuation multiples around GateHouse Media’s multiples.
Based on the above factors, Capitalink applied the following multiples to the respective statistics:
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| • | Multiples of 13.5x to 14.5x 2006 EBITDA |
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| • | Multiples of 12.0x to 13.0x 2007 EBITDA |
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| • | Multiples of 10.5x to 11.5x 2008 EBITDA |
and calculated a range of enterprise values for ACN of approximately $222.3 million to approximately $241.0 million.
None of the comparable companies has characteristics identical to ACN. An analysis of publicly traded comparable companies is not mathematical; rather it involves complex consideration and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable companies and other factors that could affect the public trading of the comparable companies.
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Comparable Transaction Analysis
A comparable transaction analysis involves a review of merger, acquisition and asset purchase transactions involving target companies that are in related industries to ACN. The comparable transaction analysis generally provides the widest range of value due to the varying importance of an acquisition to a buyer (i.e., a strategic buyer willing to pay more than a financial buyer) in addition to the potential differences in the transaction process (i.e., competitiveness among potential buyers).
Information is typically not disclosed for transactions involving a private seller, even when the buyer is a public company, unless the acquisition is deemed to be ‘‘material’’ for the acquirer. As a result, the selected comparable transaction analysis is limited to transactions involving the acquisition of a public company, or substantially all of its assets, or the acquisition of a large private company, or substantially all of its assets, by a public company.
Capitalink located 19 transactions announced since January 2004 involving target companies that are in the newspaper publishing industry and for which detailed financial information was available. Of these transactions, EBITDA data was available for 16 targets.
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| Target | |
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Acquiror |
| American Consolidated Media LP | |
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Macquarie Media Group |
| The Star Tribune Company | |
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Avista Capital Holdings |
| Rural Press Ltd. | |
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Fairfax Holdings |
| Journal Register – 7 Papers | |
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GateHouse Media |
| Dow Jones & Co. – 6 Papers | |
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Community Newspapers |
| Philadelphia Newpapers | |
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Private Buyer |
| Enterprise NewsMedia | |
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GateHouse Media |
| CP Media | |
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GateHouse Media |
| MediaNews Group | |
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McClatchy Co. – 4 Papers |
| Amendment One | |
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ACN |
| Knight-Ridder Inc. | |
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McClatchy Co. |
| Sun Gazette – Suburban Washington Newspapers | |
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ACN |
| McKinney Courier-Gazette | |
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ACN |
| Monticello Times | |
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ACN |
| GateHouse Media | |
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Fortress Investment Grp. |
| Pulitzer | |
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Lee Enterprises |
| 21st Century Newspapers | |
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Journal Register |
| Telegraph Group Ltd. | |
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Hollyrood Holdings |
| Merced Group | |
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McClatchy Co. |
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Based on the information disclosed with respect to the targets in the each of the comparable transactions, Capitalink calculated and compared the enterprise values as a multiple of LTM EBITDA.
Capitalink noted the following with respect to the multiples generated:
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| Multiple of enterprise value to | |
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Low | ||||||||||||
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12.6 | |
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11.7x | |
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21.1x | |
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9.1x | |
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Capitalink expects ACN to be valued moderately above the mean of the comparable transactions multiples. Of the 19 targets, Capitalink deemed 10 targets more comparable to ACN in terms of the targets’ focus on local and community content. These 10 targets however generally exhibited lower historical revenue and EBITDA growth than ACN. The mean EBITDA multiple for such transactions was approximately 12.6x, around the overall mean. Capitalink also noted that most of the targets were private companies and therefore no public company costs were included in their respective EBITDA. On the other hand, ACN’s EBITDA was adjusted to include future public company costs.
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Based on the above factors, Capitalink applied multiples of 12.5x to 13.5x to ACN’s 2006 EBITDA and calculated an enterprise value range for ACN of approximately $204.5 million to approximately $220.9 million.
None of the target companies in the comparable transactions have characteristics identical to ACN. Accordingly, an analysis of comparable business combinations is not mathematical; rather it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the target companies in the comparable transactions and other factors that could affect the respective acquisition values.
80% Test
Courtside’s initial business combination must be with a target business whose fair market value is at least equal to 80% of Courtside’s net assets at the time of such acquisition.
Capitalink reviewed and estimated Courtside’s net assets based on its stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2007 and compared that to ACN’s indicated range of enterprise value. Capitalink noted that the fair market value of ACN exceeds 80% of Courtside’s net asset value.
Based on the information and analyses set forth above, Capitalink delivered its written opinion to our board of directors, which stated that, as of May 2, 2007, based upon and subject to the assumptions made, matters considered, and limitations on its review as set forth in the opinion, (i) the purchase price is fair, from a financial point of view, to our stockholders, and (ii) the fair market value of ACN is at least equal to 80% of our net assets.
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Acquisition
The following section is a summary of the opinion of Graubard Miller, counsel to Courtside, regarding material United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition to holders of Courtside common stock. This discussion addresses only those Courtside security holders that hold their securities as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and does not address all the United States federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular holders in light of their individual circumstances or to holders that are subject to special rules, such as:
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| • | financial institutions; |
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| • | investors in pass-through entities; |
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| • | tax-exempt organizations; |
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| • | dealers in securities or currencies; |
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| • | traders in securities that elect to use a mark to market method of accounting; |
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| • | persons that hold Courtside common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, constructive sale or conversion transaction; and |
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| • | persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States. |
The Graubard Miller opinion is based upon the Code, applicable treasury regulations thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect as of the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Tax considerations under state, local and foreign laws, or federal laws other than those pertaining to the income tax, are not addressed.
Neither Courtside nor ACN intends to request any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as to the United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition.
It is the opinion of Graubard Miller that no gain or loss will recognized by Courtside or by the stockholders of Courtside if their conversion rights are not exercised.
It is also the opinion of Graubard Miller that a stockholder of Courtside who exercises conversion rights and effects a termination of the stockholder’s interest in Courtside will generally be required to
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recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of that stockholder’s shares of common stock of Courtside for cash. Such gain or loss will be measured by the difference between the amount of cash received and the tax basis of that stockholder’s shares of Courtside common stock. This gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss if such shares were held as a capital asset on the date of the acquisition and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for the share of Courtside common stock is more than one year. The tax opinion issued to Courtside by Graubard Miller, its counsel, is attached to this proxy statement as Annex G. Graubard Miller has consented to the use of its opinion in this proxy statement.
This discussion is intended to provide only a general summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition. It does not address tax consequences that may vary with, or are contingent on, your individual circumstances. In addition, the discussion does not address any non-income tax or any foreign, state or local tax consequences of the acquisition. Accordingly, you are strongly urged to consult with your tax advisor to determine the particular United States federal, state, local or foreign income or other tax consequences to you of the acquisition.
Anticipated Accounting Treatment
The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, with Courtside being the acquiror. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the net assets of ACN will be stated at their fair value based on an appraisal of the principal ACN assets acquired and liabilities assumed. It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the purchase price will be allocated to amortizable intangibles and non-amortizable goodwill and intangibles. To the extent that any portion or all of the contingent purchase price becomes payable, additional intangible assets will be recorded.
Regulatory Matters
The acquisition and the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement are not subject to any additional federal or state regulatory requirement or approval, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, or HSR Act, except for filings with the State of Delaware necessary to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the acquisition proposal.
Required Vote
The approval of the acquisition proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE APPROVAL OF THE ACQUISITION PROPOSAL.
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THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
For a discussion of the purchase price, purchase price adjustment and indemnification provisions of the purchase agreement, including provisions resulting by the purchase by ACN of its Columbus operations, see the section entitled ‘‘The Acquisition Proposal.’’ Such discussion and the following summary of other material provisions of the purchase agreement is qualified by reference to the complete text of the purchase agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement. All stockholders are encouraged to read the purchase agreement in its entirety for a more complete description of the terms and conditions of the acquisition.
Closing and Effective Time of the Acquisition
The closing of the acquisition will take place promptly following the satisfaction of the conditions described below under ‘‘The Purchase Agreement – Conditions to the Closing of the Acquisition,’’ unless Courtside and ACN agree in writing to another time. The acquisition is expected to be consummated promptly after the special meeting of Courtside’s stockholders described in this proxy statement.
Representations and Warranties
The purchase agreement contains representations and warranties of each of ACN and Courtside relating, among other things, to:
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| • | proper organization and similar limited liability and corporate matters; |
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| • | capital structure of each constituent company; |
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| • | the authorization, performance and enforceability of the purchase agreement; |
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| • | licenses and permits; |
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| • | taxes; |
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| • | financial information and absence of undisclosed liabilities; |
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| • | holding of leases and ownership of other properties, including intellectual property; |
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| • | accounts receivable; |
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| • | contracts; |
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| • | title to, and condition of, properties and assets and environmental and other conditions thereof; |
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| • | absence of certain changes; |
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| • | employee matters; |
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| • | compliance with laws; |
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| • | litigation; and |
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| • | regulatory matters. |
Covenants
Courtside and ACN have each agreed to take such actions as are necessary to consummate the acquisition. Each of them has also agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to continue to operate its business in the ordinary course prior to the closing and not to take the following actions, among others, without the prior written consent of the other party:
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| • | waive any stock repurchase rights, accelerate, amend or (except as specifically provided for in the purchase agreement) change the period of exercisability of options or restricted stock, or reprice options granted under any employee, consultant, director or other stock plans or authorize cash payments in exchange for any options granted under any of such plans; |
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| • | grant any severance or termination pay to any officer or employee except pursuant to applicable law, written agreements outstanding, or policies, or adopt any new severance plan, or amend or modify or alter in any manner any severance plan, agreement or arrangement; |
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| • | transfer or license to any person or otherwise extend, amend or modify any material rights to any intellectual property or enter into grants to transfer or license to any person future patent rights, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices provided that in no event will license on an exclusive basis or sell any of its intellectual property; |
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| • | amend its charter documents in a manner adverse to Courtside; |
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| • | acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing any equity interest in or a portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business or any corporation, partnership, association or other business organization or division thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets which are material, individually or in the aggregate, to its business, or enter into any joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances or other arrangements that provide for exclusivity of territory or otherwise restrict such party’s ability to compete or to offer or sell any products or services; |
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| • | sell, lease, license, encumber or otherwise dispose of any properties or assets, except (i) sales of services and licenses of software in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (ii) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and (iii) the sale, lease or disposition (other than through licensing) of property or assets that are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the business of such party; |
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| • | except with respect to borrowings under ACN’s existing credit facilities, incur any indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate or guarantee any such indebtedness of another person, issue or sell any debt securities or options, warrants, calls or other rights to acquire any debt securities, enter into any ‘‘keep well’’ or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition or enter into any arrangement having the economic effect of any of the foregoing; |
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| • | adopt or amend any employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement, any employee acquisition or employee incentive compensation plan, or enter into any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement (other than offer letters and letter agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with employees who are terminable ‘‘at will’’), pay any special bonus or special remuneration to any director or employee, or increase the salaries or wage rates or fringe benefits (including rights to severance or indemnification) of its directors, officers, employees or consultants, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; |
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| • | pay, discharge, settle or satisfy any claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or otherwise), or litigation (whether or not commenced prior to the date of the purchase agreement) in amounts in excess of $100,000 other than the payment, discharge, settlement or satisfaction, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices or in accordance with their terms, or liabilities previously disclosed in financial statements to the other party in connection with the purchase agreement or incurred since the date of such financial statements, or waive the benefits of, agree to modify in any manner, terminate, release any person from or knowingly fail to enforce any confidentiality or similar agreement to which it is a party or of which it is a beneficiary which failure is materially adverse to such party; |
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| • | except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, modify, amend or terminate any material contract, or waive, delay the exercise of, release or assign any material rights or assign any material rights or claims thereunder; |
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| • | except as required by U.S. GAAP, revalue any of its assets or make any change in accounting methods, principles or practices; |
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| • | except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, incur or enter into any agreement, contract or commitment requiring such party to pay in excess of $100,000 in any 12 month period; |
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| • | make or rescind any tax elections that, individually or in the aggregate, could be reasonably likely to adversely affect in any material respect the tax liability or tax attributes of such party, settle or compromise any material income tax liability or, except as required by applicable law, materially change any method of accounting for tax purposes or prepare or file any return in a manner inconsistent with past practice; |
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| • | settle any litigation (i) where there will be material consideration given by ACN that is other than monetary or (ii) which would have precedential value that is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse effect; |
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| • | make capital expenditures except in accordance with prudent business and operational practices consistent with prior practice; |
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| • | take any action which would be reasonably anticipated to have a material adverse effect; or |
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| • | agree in writing or otherwise agree, commit or resolve to take any of the foregoing actions. |
The purchase agreement also contains additional covenants of the parties, including covenants providing for:
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| • | the parties to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from stockholders, governmental agencies and other third parties that are required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement; |
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| • | the protection of confidential information of the parties and, subject to the confidentiality requirements, the provision of reasonable access to information; |
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| • | Courtside to prepare and file this proxy statement; |
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| • | the waiver by ACN of its rights to make claims against Courtside to collect from the trust account established for the benefit of the holders of Courtside’s Public Shares for any moneys that may be owed to it by Courtside for any reason whatsoever, including breach by Courtside of the purchase agreement or its representations and warranties therein; |
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| • | the hiring by Courtside of ACN’s employees; and |
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| • | ACN to deliver specified financial information to Courtside. |
Conditions to Closing of the Acquisition
General Conditions
Consummation of the acquisition and the related transactions is conditioned on the Courtside stockholders, at a meeting called for these purposes, approving the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby. The Courtside stockholders will also be asked to (i) approve the change of Courtside’s name, (ii) approve the removal of all of the provisions of Article Sixth of Courtside’s certificate of incorporation other than the paragraph relating to Courtside’s classified board of directors, and (iii) adopt the incentive compensation plan, but the consummation of the acquisition is not conditioned on the approval of any of such actions or the election of directors.
In addition, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement is conditioned upon normal closing conditions in a transaction of this nature, including:
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| • | holders of fewer than twenty percent (20%) of the Public Shares and outstanding immediately before the consummation of the acquisition shall have properly exercised their rights to convert their shares into a pro rata share of the trust account in accordance with Courtside’s certificate of incorporation; |
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| • | the delivery by each party to the other party of a certificate to the effect that the representations and warranties of the delivering party are true and correct in all material respects as of the closing and all covenants contained in the purchase agreement have been materially complied with by the delivering party; |
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| • | the receipt of necessary consents and approvals by third parties and the completion of necessary proceedings; |
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| • | Courtside’s common stock being listed for trading on the American Stock Exchange or Nasdaq or quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board; and |
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| • | no order, stay, judgment or decree being issued by any governmental authority preventing, restraining or prohibiting, in whole or in part, the consummation of such transactions; |
ACN’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of ACN to consummate the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement also are conditioned upon, among other things, there being no material adverse change in the business of Courtside since the date of the purchase agreement.
Courtside’s Conditions to Closing
The obligations of Courtside to consummate the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement, in addition to the conditions described above in the second paragraph of this section, are conditioned upon each of the following, among other things:
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| • | there shall have been no material adverse effect with respect to ACN since the date of the purchase agreement; |
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|
|
| • | Messrs. Carr and Wilson being ready, willing and able to perform under their respective employment agreements; |
|
|
|
| • | ACN shall have repaid all indebtedness for borrowed money; |
|
|
|
| • | Courtside shall have received a legal opinion substantially in the form annexed to the purchase agreement, which is customary for transactions of this nature, from Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, counsel to ACN; and |
|
|
|
| • | Courtside shall have received a ‘‘comfort’’ letter from Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, in the customary form and dated the closing date with respect to certain financial statements and other information regarding ACN included in the proxy statement. |
If permitted under applicable law, either ACN or Courtside may waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such party contained in the purchase agreement and waive compliance with any agreements or conditions for the benefit of itself or such party contained in the purchase agreement. The condition requiring that the holders of fewer than 20% of the Public Shares affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal and demand conversion of their shares into cash may not be waived. We cannot assure you that all of the conditions will be satisfied or waived.
Termination
The purchase agreement may be terminated at any time, but not later than the closing as follows:
|
|
|
| • | By mutual written consent of Courtside and ACN; |
|
|
|
| • | By either Courtside or ACN if the acquisition is not consummated on or before the later of (A) May 31, 2007 and (B) 30 days after this proxy statement has been approved for distribution by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in any event by July 7, 2007, provided that such termination is not available to a party whose action or failure to act has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the acquisition to be consummated before such date and such action or failure to act is a breach of the purchase agreement; |
|
|
|
| • | By either Courtside or ACN if a governmental entity shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action, in any case having the effect of permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the acquisition, which order, decree, judgment, ruling or other action is final and nonappealable; |
85
|
|
|
| • | By either Courtside or ACN if the other party has breached any of its covenants or representations and warranties in any material respect and has not cured its breach within thirty days of the notice of an intent to terminate, provided that the terminating party is itself not in breach; and |
|
|
|
| • | By either Courtside or ACN if, at the Courtside stockholder meeting, the purchase agreement shall fail to be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting or the holders of 20% or more of such shares exercise conversion rights. |
Effect of Termination
In the event of proper termination by either Courtside or ACN, the purchase agreement will become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of Courtside or ACN, except that:
|
|
|
| • | the confidentiality obligations set forth in the purchase agreement will survive; |
|
|
|
| • | the waiver by ACN of all rights against Courtside to collect from the trust account any moneys that may be owed to it by Courtside for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to a breach of the purchase agreement, and the acknowledgement that ACN will not seek recourse against the trust account for any reason whatsoever, will survive; |
|
|
|
| • | the rights of the parties to bring actions against each other for breach of the purchase agreement will survive; and |
|
|
|
| • | the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that the $700,000 deposit made by Courtside upon execution of the purchase agreement shall be used to reimburse ACN for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses if the purchase agreement is terminated because of the failure of Courtside’s stockholders to approve the acquisition or the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition and seek conversion of their shares into a pro-rata portion of Courtside’s trust account, so long as such failure was not the result of a material adverse effect on ACN. The deposit is also payable to ACN as liquidated damages upon termination of the agreement for failure of the acquisition to be consummated by the termination date specified in the purchase agreement as a result of certain uncured breaches by Courtside if, at such time, ACN is not in material breach of its obligations under the purchase agreement. |
Other than in the circumstances addressed by payment of the deposit described above, the purchase agreement does not specifically address the rights of a party in the event of a material breach by a party of its covenants or warranties or a refusal or wrongful failure of the other party to consummate the acquisition. However, the non-wrongful party would be entitled to assert its legal rights for breach of contract against the wrongful party.
Fees and Expenses
Except to the extent that they are payable to ACN from the $700,000 deposit made by Courtside upon execution of the purchase agreement, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring such expenses whether or not the purchase agreement is consummated except that the deposit shall be used to pay the filing fee in connection with any filings required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Courtside has also agreed, if the purchase agreement is terminated for any reason, to reimburse ACN for the cost of any special audit or additional accounting work on the books and records of ACN required as a result of Courtside being a reporting company under the securities laws. As of April 30, 2007, ACN had incurred special audit and accounting fees of approximately $120,000. Additional fees will be incurred prior to the mailing of this proxy statement. The special audit and accounting services were required in connection with the preparation of the proxy statement, including audits of several of the businesses previously acquired by ACN that did not have certain audited financial statements. The parties also have agreed to each pay one-half of any sales tax payable in connection with the acquisition.
86
As of March 31, 2007, Courtside had accounts payable and accrued liabilities that totaled approximately $457,000. It estimates that it will incur additional expenses of approximately $700,000 that would be required to be paid if the acquisition is not consummated. Of such total of approximately $1,157,000, vendors and service providers to whom $680,829 is or would be owed (of which the $180,250 would be owed to Alpine Capital) have waived their rights to make claims for payment from amounts in the trust account. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald would be obligated to indemnify Courtside for the balance of approximately $476,000 that would be owed to vendors and service providers who have not given such waivers to the extent that they successfully claim against the trust account funds. Any obligations of Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to pay such amounts would be reduced by payments to them from amounts available to Courtside from the return to it of all or part of the $700,000 deposit it has made on the purchase price of the acquisition and funds provided by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to fund Courtside’s operating expenses. Any of Courtside’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities that are outstanding upon the consummation of the acquisition will be paid by the combined company following the acquisition. If the acquisition is consummated, Courtside will also incur further additional expenses of approximately $3,500,000 for advisory fees and other expenses related to financing for the acquisition, which will be paid by the combined company following the acquisition.
Confidentiality; Access to Information
Courtside and ACN will afford to the other party and its financial advisors, accountants, counsel and other representatives prior to the completion of the acquisition reasonable access during normal business hours, upon reasonable notice, to all of their respective properties, books, records and personnel to obtain all information concerning the business, including the status of product development efforts, properties, results of operations and personnel, as each party may reasonably request. Courtside and ACN will maintain in confidence any non-public information received from the other party, and use such non-public information only for purposes of consummating the transactions contemplated by the purchase agreement.
Amendments
The purchase agreement may be amended by the parties thereto at any time by execution of an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties. As used in this proxy statement the term ‘‘purchase agreement’’ means the asset purchase agreement dated January 24, 2007, as amended by the amendment thereto dated May 2, 2007.
Extension; Waiver
At any time prior to the closing, any party to the purchase agreement may, in writing, to the extent legally allowed:
|
|
|
| • | extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties to the agreement; |
|
|
|
| • | waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties made to such party contained in the purchase agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to the purchase agreement; and |
|
|
|
| • | waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of such party contained in the purchase agreement, except that the condition requiring that the holders of fewer than 20% of the Public Shares affirmatively vote against the acquisition proposal and demand conversion of their shares into cash may not be waived. |
Public Announcements
Courtside and ACN have agreed that until closing or termination of the purchase agreement, the parties will:
87
|
|
|
| • | cooperate in good faith to jointly prepare all press releases and public announcements pertaining to the purchase agreement and the transactions governed by it; and |
|
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|
| • | not issue or otherwise make any public announcement or communication pertaining to the purchase agreement or the transaction without the prior consent of the other party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld by the other party, except as may be required by applicable law or court process. |
Arbitration
Any disputes or claims arising under or in connection with purchase agreement or the transactions contemplated thereunder will be resolved by binding arbitration. Arbitration will be commenced by the filing by a party of an arbitration demand with the American Arbitration Association (‘‘AAA’’). The arbitration will be governed and conducted by applicable AAA rules, and any award and/or decision shall be conclusive and binding on the parties. Each party consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts located in the New York, New York, for such purpose. The arbitration shall be conducted in New York, New York. Each party shall pay its own fees and expenses for the arbitration, except that any costs and charges imposed by the AAA and any fees of the arbitrator shall be assessed against the losing party.
88
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet combines the historical unaudited balance sheets of Courtside and CMM as of March 31, 2007, and the unaudited balance sheet of ACN as of April 1, 2007, giving effect to the transactions described in the Purchase Agreement (with purchase accounting applied to the acquired ACN assets (including assets of CMM and related financing) as if they had occurred on the last day of the period.
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income combines (i) the historical audited statements of income of Courtside, ACN and CMM for the year ended December 31, 2006 and (ii) the historical unaudited statements of income of Courtside and CMM for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and the unaudited statement of income of ACN for the three months ended April 1, 2007, giving effect to the transactions described in the Purchase Agreement (with purchase accounting applied to the acquired ACN assets (including assets of CMM) and related financing) as if they had occurred on January 1, 2006 with respect to Courtside and CMM and January 2, 2006 with respect to ACN (ACN’s fiscal year typically ends on the Sunday closest to December 31st).
The historical financial information has been adjusted to give pro forma effect to events that are directly attributable to the transaction, are factually supportable and, in the case of the pro forma income statements, have a recurring impact.
The purchase price allocation has not been finalized and is subject to change based upon recording of actual transaction costs, finalization of working capital adjustments, and completion of appraisals of the principal ACN assets.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2007 and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006 have been prepared using two different levels of approval of the transaction by the Courtside stockholders, as follows:
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|
|
| • | Assuming No Conversions: This presentation assumes that none of the holders of Public Shares exercise their conversion rights and assumes either (i) that Courtside issues $12.5 million of shares to ACN or (ii) that Courtside issues no shares to ACN; and |
|
|
|
| • | Assuming Maximum Conversions: This presentation assumes that 19.99% of the holders of Public Shares exercise their conversion rights and assumes either (i) that Courtside issues $12.5 million of shares to ACN or (ii) that Courtside issues no shares to ACN. |
Courtside is providing this information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the transaction. The unaudited pro forma financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that may have actually occurred had the transaction taken place on the dates noted, or the future financial position or operating results of the combined company.
89
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
At March 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands except share data)
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Courtside |
|
|
(2)
ACN |
|
|
(3)
CMM |
|
|
(4)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(5)
(1+2+3+4) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(6)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(7)
(5+6) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(8)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(9)
(5+8) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
(10)
(7+8) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|||||||||||||
| Current assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
$1 | |
|
|
|
|
$197 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$77,683 | |
|
|
|
|
A | |
|
|
|
|
$1 | |
|
|
|
|
$(439 | ) | |
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
$1 | |
|
|
|
|
$375 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
$376 | |
|
|
|
|
$376 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(208,651 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,967 | |
|
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(197 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,745 | ) | |
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,500 | ) | |
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,353 | |
|
|
|
|
C | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(783 | ) | |
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,213 | ) | |
|
|
|
C | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
828 | |
|
|
|
|
D | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents held in Trust Fund | |
|
|
|
77,683 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(77,683 | ) | |
|
|
|
A | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,579 | |
|
|
|
|
2,280 | |
|
|
|
|
(91 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
7,768 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,768 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,768 | |
|
|
|
|
7,768 | |
|||||
| Inventories, net | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
319 | |
|
|
|
|
682 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
|||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
|
|
|
37 | |
|
|
|
|
433 | |
|
|
|
|
27 | |
|
|
|
|
16 | |
|
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
513 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
513 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
513 | |
|
|
|
|
513 | |
||||
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
77,721 | |
|
|
|
|
6,528 | |
|
|
|
|
2,989 | |
|
|
|
|
(77,955 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,283 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,283 | |
|
|
|
|
375 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,658 | |
|
|
|
|
9,658 | |
||||
| Plant, property and equipment, net | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,688 | |
|
|
|
|
521 | |
|
|
|
|
2,138 | |
|
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
|||||
| Deferred acquisition and finance costs | |
|
|
|
1,212 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,212 | ) | |
|
|
|
D | |
|
|
|
|
3,213 | |
|
|
|
|
439 | |
|
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
3,652 | |
|
|
|
|
(375 | ) | |
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
2,838 | |
|
|
|
|
3,277 | |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,213 | |
|
|
|
|
C | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Intangible assets and other assets, net | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,212 | |
|
|
|
|
1 | |
|
|
|
|
16,917 | |
|
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
|||||
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,821 | |
|
|
|
|
55 | |
|
|
|
|
96,863 | |
|
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
|||||
| Total assets | |
|
|
|
$78,933 | |
|
|
|
|
$95,249 | |
|
|
|
|
$3,566 | |
|
|
|
|
$39,964 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$217,712 | |
|
|
|
|
$439 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$218,151 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$217,712 | |
|
|
|
|
$218,151 | |
||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity/Member’s Equity/
Division Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
|
$191 | |
|
|
|
|
$1,274 | |
|
|
|
|
$379 | |
|
|
|
|
$(135 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
$1,539 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,539 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,539 | |
|
|
|
|
$1,539 | |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(170 | ) | |
|
|
|
D | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
266 | |
|
|
|
|
2,140 | |
|
|
|
|
265 | |
|
|
|
|
(353 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
2,104 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,104 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,104 | |
|
|
|
|
2,104 | |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(214 | ) | |
|
|
|
D | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Current portion long-term debt | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,105 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,105 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Deferred revenue | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
842 | |
|
|
|
|
302 | |
|
|
|
|
306 | |
|
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
1,450 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,450 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,450 | |
|
|
|
|
1,450 | |
|||||
| Taxes payable | |
|
|
|
10 | |
|
|
|
|
54 | |
|
|
|
|
22 | |
|
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
64 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64 | |
|
|
|
|
64 | |
||||
| Notes payable | |
|
|
|
180 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180 | |
|
|
|
|
180 | |
||||||||
| Deferred dividends | |
|
|
|
783 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(783 | ) | |
|
|
|
E | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
1,430 | |
|
|
|
|
10,415 | |
|
|
|
|
968 | |
|
|
|
|
(7,476 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,337 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,337 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,337 | |
|
|
|
|
5,337 | |
|||
| Long-term debt, less current portion | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,294 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,294 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
133,353 | |
|
|
|
|
15,967 | |
|
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
149,320 | |
|
|
|
|
(12,500 | ) | |
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
120,853 | |
|
|
|
|
136,820 | |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,353 | |
|
|
|
|
C | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| Unearned Revenues, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
90 | |
||||||||
| Deferred tax liability | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
646 | |
||||||||
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
|
1,430 | |
|
|
|
|
57,355 | |
|
|
|
|
1,058 | |
|
|
|
|
79,583 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,426 | |
|
|
|
|
15,967 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155,393 | |
|
|
|
|
(12,500 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
126,926 | |
|
|
|
|
142,893 | |
|||
| Common stock, subject to possible conversion, 2,758,620 shares | |
|
|
|
14,745 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,745 | ) | |
|
|
|
E | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Preferred stock − $.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Common stock − $.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 16,800,000 shares issued and outstanding (including 2,758,620 shares of common stock subject to possible conversion) | |
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
2 | |
||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |
|
|
|
60,969 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,745 | |
|
|
|
|
E | |
|
|
|
|
75,714 | |
|
|
|
|
(14,745 | ) | |
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
60,969 | |
|
|
|
|
12,500 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
88,214 | |
|
|
|
|
73,469 | |
||
| Income accumulated during the development stage | |
|
|
|
1,787 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
783 | |
|
|
|
|
E | |
|
|
|
|
2,570 | |
|
|
|
|
(783 | ) | |
|
|
|
F | |
|
|
|
|
1,787 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,570 | |
|
|
|
|
1,787 | |
||||
| Member’s equity/division equity | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,894 | |
|
|
|
|
2,508 | |
|
|
|
|
(40,402 | ) | |
|
|
|
B | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Total stockholders’
equity / member’s equity/division equity |
|
|
|
|
62,758 | |
|
|
|
|
37,894 | |
|
|
|
|
2,508 | |
|
|
|
|
(24,874 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,286 | |
|
|
|
|
(15,528 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,758 | |
|
|
|
|
12,500 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,786 | |
|
|
|
|
75,258 | |
|||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity / member’s equity/division equity |
|
|
|
|
$78,933 | |
|
|
|
|
$95,249 | |
|
|
|
|
$3,566 | |
|
|
|
|
$39,964 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$217,712 | |
|
|
|
|
$439 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$218,151 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$217,712 | |
|
|
|
|
$218,151 | |
||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
90
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
For the Year ended December 31, 2006
(amounts in thousands except share data and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Courtside |
|
|
(2)
ACN |
|
|
(3)
CMM |
|
|
(4)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(5)
(1+2+3+4) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(6)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(7)
(5+6) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(8)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(9)
(5+8) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
(10)
(7+8) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | |
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
$52,194 | |
|
|
|
|
$23,252 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$75,446 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$75,446 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$75,446 | |
|
|
|
|
$75,446 | |
|||
| Operating costs and expenses: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Operating costs | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,808 | |
|
|
|
|
12,853 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,661 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,661 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,661 | |
|
|
|
|
34,661 | |
|||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
503 | |
|
|
|
|
17,599 | |
|
|
|
|
6,374 | |
|
|
|
|
112 | |
|
|
|
|
N | |
|
|
|
|
25,135 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,135 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,135 | |
|
|
|
|
25,135 | |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
545 | |
|
|
|
|
N | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(318 | ) | |
|
|
|
P | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
410 | |
|
|
|
|
P | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(90 | ) | |
|
|
|
O | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| State capital tax | |
|
|
|
60 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105 | |
|
|
|
|
I | |
|
|
|
|
165 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165 | |
|
|
|
|
165 | |
||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,349 | |
|
|
|
|
301 | |
|
|
|
|
379 | |
|
|
|
|
J | |
|
|
|
|
4,029 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,029 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,029 | |
|
|
|
|
4,029 | |
|||||
| (Gain) on sale of asset | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
(116 | ) | ||||||||
| Operating expenses | |
|
|
|
563 | |
|
|
|
|
42,640 | |
|
|
|
|
19,528 | |
|
|
|
|
1,143 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,874 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,874 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,874 | |
|
|
|
|
63,874 | |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | |
|
|
|
(563 | ) | |
|
|
|
9,554 | |
|
|
|
|
3,724 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,143 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,572 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,572 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,572 | |
|
|
|
|
11,572 | |
|||||
| Other (income) expense: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Interest on borrowings | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,926 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,310 | |
|
|
|
|
K | |
|
|
|
|
14,236 | |
|
|
|
|
2,439 | |
|
|
|
|
L | |
|
|
|
|
16,675 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,991 | ) | |
|
|
|
R | |
|
|
|
|
12,245 | |
|
|
|
|
14,684 | |
||
| Interest and dividend income on cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
(1,997 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,997 | |
|
|
|
|
H | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Total other (income) expense | |
|
|
|
(1,997 | ) | |
|
|
|
4,926 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,307 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,236 | |
|
|
|
|
2,439 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,675 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,991 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,245 | |
|
|
|
|
14,684 | |
||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | |
|
|
|
1,434 | |
|
|
|
|
4,628 | |
|
|
|
|
3,724 | |
|
|
|
|
(12,450 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,664 | ) | |
|
|
|
(2,439 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,103 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,991 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(673 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,112 | ) | |||
| Provision for income taxes | |
|
|
|
388 | |
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
75 | |
|
|
|
|
(553 | ) | |
|
|
|
I | |
|
|
|
|
(88 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(88 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(88 | ) | |
|
|
|
(88 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | |
|
|
|
$1,046 | |
|
|
|
|
$4,626 | |
|
|
|
|
$3,649 | |
|
|
|
|
$(11,897 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(2,576 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(2,439 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(5,015 | ) | |
|
|
|
$1,991 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(585 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(3,024 | ) | |||
| Earnings per share: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
|
$0.06 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.15 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.36 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.03 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(0.19 | ) | ||||||||
| Diluted | |
|
|
|
$0.06 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.14 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.32 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.03 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(0.17 | ) | ||||||||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,800,000M | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,041,380M | |
|
|
|
|
2,192,982 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
18,992,982M | |
|
|
|
|
16,234,362M | |
||||||
| Diluted | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,536,193M | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,777,573M | |
|
|
|
|
2,192,982 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
20,729,175M | |
|
|
|
|
17,970,555M | |
||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
91
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income
For the Three Months ended March 31, 2007
(amounts in thousands except share data and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
Courtside |
|
|
(2)
ACN |
|
|
(3)
CMM |
|
|
(4)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(5)
(1+2+3+4) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(6)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(7)
(5+6) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes no equity issuance) |
|
|
(8)
Pro Forma Adjustments (assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
|
|
(9)
(5+8) Pro Forma (assuming no conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|
|
(10)
(7+8) Pro Forma (assuming maximum conversions and assumes $12.5mm equity issuance) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | |
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
$12,501 | |
|
|
|
|
$5,526 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$18,027 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$18,027 | |
|
|
|
|
$— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$18,027 | |
|
|
|
|
$18,027 | |
|||
| Operating costs and expenses: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Operating costs | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,091 | |
|
|
|
|
3,182 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,273 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,273 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,273 | |
|
|
|
|
9,273 | |
|||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
67 | |
|
|
|
|
3,923 | |
|
|
|
|
1,547 | |
|
|
|
|
28 | |
|
|
|
|
N | |
|
|
|
|
5,748 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,748 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,748 | |
|
|
|
|
5,748 | |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136 | |
|
|
|
|
N | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(78 | ) | |
|
|
|
P | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102 | |
|
|
|
|
P | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 | |
|
|
|
|
O | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
| State capital tax | |
|
|
|
15 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 | |
|
|
|
|
I | |
|
|
|
|
41 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41 | |
|
|
|
|
41 | |
||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
876 | |
|
|
|
|
76 | |
|
|
|
|
55 | |
|
|
|
|
J | |
|
|
|
|
1,007 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,007 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,007 | |
|
|
|
|
1,007 | |
|||||
| (Gain) on sale of asset | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | |
|
|
|
82 | |
|
|
|
|
10,890 | |
|
|
|
|
4,805 | |
|
|
|
|
292 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,069 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,069 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,069 | |
|
|
|
|
16,069 | |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss) | |
|
|
|
(82 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,611 | |
|
|
|
|
721 | |
|
|
|
|
(292 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,958 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,958 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,958 | |
|
|
|
|
1,958 | |
|||||
| Other (income) expense: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Interest on borrowings | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,235 | |
|
|
|
|
0 | |
|
|
|
|
2,324 | |
|
|
|
|
K | |
|
|
|
|
3,559 | |
|
|
|
|
610 | |
|
|
|
|
L | |
|
|
|
|
4,169 | |
|
|
|
|
(498 | ) | |
|
|
|
R | |
|
|
|
|
3,061 | |
|
|
|
|
3,671 | |
|
| Interest and dividend income on cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
(521 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
521 | |
|
|
|
|
H | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
| Total other (income) expense | |
|
|
|
(521 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,235 | |
|
|
|
|
0 | |
|
|
|
|
2,845 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,559 | |
|
|
|
|
610 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,169 | |
|
|
|
|
(498 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,061 | |
|
|
|
|
3,671 | |
|||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | |
|
|
|
439 | |
|
|
|
|
376 | |
|
|
|
|
721 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,137 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,601 | ) | |
|
|
|
(610 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,211 | ) | |
|
|
|
498 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,103 | ) | |
|
|
|
(1,713 | ) | |||
| Provision for income taxes | |
|
|
|
109 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15 | |
|
|
|
|
(146 | ) | |
|
|
|
I | |
|
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |||||
| Net income (loss) | |
|
|
|
$330 | |
|
|
|
|
$376 | |
|
|
|
|
$706 | |
|
|
|
|
$(2,991 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(1,579 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(610 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(2,189 | ) | |
|
|
|
$498 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(1,081 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(1,691 | ) | |||
| Earnings per share: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
|
$0.02 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.09 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.16 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.06 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(0.10 | ) | ||||||||
| Diluted | |
|
|
|
$0.02 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.08 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.13 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(0.05 | ) | |
|
|
|
$(0.09 | ) | ||||||||
| Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
| Basic | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,800,000M | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,041,380M | |
|
|
|
|
2,192,982 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
18,992,982 | |
|
|
|
|
16,234,362 | |
||||||
| Diluted | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,178,208M | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,419,558M | |
|
|
|
|
2,192,982 | |
|
|
|
|
Q | |
|
|
|
|
21,371,190 | |
|
|
|
|
18,612,570 | |
||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
92
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(amounts in thousands except share data and per share data)
Descriptions of the adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma balance sheet and statements of income are as follows:
|
|
|
| (A) | To record the reclassification of funds held in trust by Courtside. |
|
|
|
| (B) | To record the payment for the acquisition of ACN (including CMM), the estimated working capital adjustment, the transaction costs, and the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
ACN |
|
|
(2)
CMM |
|
|
(1) + (2)
Combined ACN/CMM |
||||||||||
| Calculation of Allocable Purchase Price*: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Cash | |
|
|
$ | 160,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 43,763 | |
|
|
|
$ | 203,763 | |
| Working capital adjustment | |
|
|
|
679 | |
|
|
|
|
1,886 | |
|
|
|
|
2,565 | |
| Transaction costs | |
|
|
|
1,663 | |
|
|
|
|
660 | |
|
|
|
|
2,323 | |
| Total allocable purchase price | |
|
|
$ | 162,342 | |
|
|
|
$ | 46,309 | |
|
|
|
$ | 208,651 | |
| Estimated Allocation of Purchase Price**: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
$ | 5,579 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,189 | |
|
|
|
$ | 7,768 | |
| Inventories | |
|
|
|
319 | |
|
|
|
|
682 | |
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
|
|
|
433 | |
|
|
|
|
43 | |
|
|
|
|
476 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | |
|
|
|
5,688 | |
|
|
|
|
2,659 | |
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
| Intangible assets and other assets | |
|
|
|
28,430 | |
|
|
|
|
11,700 | |
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
126,761 | |
|
|
|
|
29,978 | |
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
| Deferred revenues | |
|
|
|
(842 | ) | |
|
|
|
(608 | ) | |
|
|
|
(1,450 | ) |
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
|
(1,274 | ) | |
|
|
|
(244 | ) | |
|
|
|
(1,518 | ) |
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(2,052 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,052 | ) | |
| Taxes payable | |
|
|
|
(54 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(54 | ) | |
| Unearned Revenues, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(90 | ) | |
|
|
|
(90 | ) | |
| Deferred tax liability | |
|
|
|
(646 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(646 | ) | |
| Net assets acquired | |
|
|
$ | 162,342 | |
|
|
|
$ | 46,309 | |
|
|
|
$ | 208,651 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||
|
|
|
|
| * | The pro forma financial statements have been presented using the estimated purchase price for the assets of ACN of $208,651, the components of which are reflected above. In addition, there are two contingent earn-out payments which, if paid, would increase the purchase price and result in an increase to goodwill. The first contingent earn-out payment will be $1,000 if ACN’s NCF for 2008 is equal to or greater than $19,000, with such payment increasing to $15,000, in specified increments, if ACN’s NCF for 2008 equals or exceeds $21,000. The second contingent earn-out payment of $10,000 is payable if, during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period through July 7, 2009, the last reported sale price of Courtside common stock exceeds $8.50 per share (equitably adjusted to account for stock combinations, stock splits, stock dividends and the like). |
| ** | The purchase price allocation for accounting purposes has not been finalized and is subject to change upon recording of actual transaction costs, finalization of working capital adjustments, and completion of appraisals of the principal assets. The purchase price allocation will be finalized when all necessary information is obtained which is expected to occur within one year of the consummation of the transaction. |
93
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
ACN |
|
|
(2)
Adjustments |
|
|
(3)
(1 + 2) Adjusted ACN |
|
|
(4)
CMM |
|
|
(5)
Adjustments |
|
|
(6)
(4 + 5) Adjusted CMM |
|
|
(7)
(2 + 5) Combined Adjustments |
|
|
(8)
(3 + 6 + 7) Adjusted Combined ACN/ CMM |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Current assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Cash | |
|
|
$ | 197 | |
|
|
|
$ | (197 | )(i) | |
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | (197 | ) | |
|
|
$ | — | |
|
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
|
5,579 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
5,579 | |
|
|
|
|
2,280 | |
|
|
|
|
(91 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
2,189 | |
|
|
|
|
(91 | ) | |
|
|
|
7,768 | |
| Inventories, net | |
|
|
|
319 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
319 | |
|
|
|
|
682 | |
|
|
|
|
(ii) | |
|
|
|
682 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,001 | |
||
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
|
|
|
433 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
433 | |
|
|
|
|
27 | |
|
|
|
|
16 | (i) | |
|
|
|
43 | |
|
|
|
|
16 | |
|
|
|
|
476 | |
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
6,528 | |
|
|
|
|
(197 | ) | |
|
|
|
6,331 | |
|
|
|
|
2,989 | |
|
|
|
|
(75 | ) | |
|
|
|
2,914 | |
|
|
|
|
(272 | ) | |
|
|
|
9,245 | |
| Plant, property and equipment, net | |
|
|
|
5,688 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
5,688 | |
|
|
|
|
521 | |
|
|
|
|
2,138 | (iii) | |
|
|
|
2,659 | |
|
|
|
|
2,138 | |
|
|
|
|
8,347 | |
| Intangible assets and other | |
|
|
|
23,212 | |
|
|
|
|
5,218 | (iii) | |
|
|
|
28,430 | |
|
|
|
|
1 | |
|
|
|
|
11,699 | (iii) | |
|
|
|
11,700 | |
|
|
|
|
16,917 | |
|
|
|
|
40,130 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
59,821 | |
|
|
|
|
66,940 | (iv) | |
|
|
|
126,761 | |
|
|
|
|
55 | |
|
|
|
|
29,923 | (iv) | |
|
|
|
29,978 | |
|
|
|
|
96,863 | |
|
|
|
|
156,739 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 95,249 | |
|
|
|
$ | 71,961 | |
|
|
|
$ | 167,210 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,566 | |
|
|
|
$ | 43,685 | |
|
|
|
$ | 47,251 | |
|
|
|
$ | 115,646 | |
|
|
|
$ | 214,461 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
| Liabilities and Member’s/
Division equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
$ | 1,274 | |
|
|
|
$ | — | (ii) | |
|
|
$ | 1,274 | |
|
|
|
$ | 379 | |
|
|
|
$ | (135 | )(i) | |
|
|
$ | 244 | |
|
|
|
$ | (135 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 1,518 | |
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
2,140 | |
|
|
|
|
(88 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
2,052 | |
|
|
|
|
265 | |
|
|
|
|
(265 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(353 | ) | |
|
|
|
2,052 | |
|
| Deferred revenue | |
|
|
|
842 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
842 | |
|
|
|
|
302 | |
|
|
|
|
306 | (i) | |
|
|
|
608 | |
|
|
|
|
306 | |
|
|
|
|
1,450 | |
| Taxes payable | |
|
|
|
54 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
54 | |
|
|
|
|
22 | |
|
|
|
|
(22 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22 | ) | |
|
|
|
54 | |
|
| Current portion of long-term debt | |
|
|
|
6,105 | |
|
|
|
|
(6,105 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,105 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
||||
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
10,415 | |
|
|
|
|
(6,193 | ) | |
|
|
|
4,222 | |
|
|
|
|
968 | |
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
852 | |
|
|
|
|
(6,309 | ) | |
|
|
|
5,074 | |
| Long-term debt, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
46,294 | |
|
|
|
|
(46,294 | )(i) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(46,294 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
||||
| Unearned Revenues, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
|
(i) | |
|
|
|
90 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90 | |
||||
| Deferred tax liability | |
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
— | (ii) | |
|
|
|
646 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
646 | |
||||
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
|
57,355 | |
|
|
|
|
(52,487 | ) | |
|
|
|
4,868 | |
|
|
|
|
1,058 | |
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
942 | |
|
|
|
|
(52,603 | ) | |
|
|
|
5,810 | |
| Member’s/Division equity | |
|
|
|
37,894 | |
|
|
|
|
124,448 | |
|
|
|
|
162,342 | |
|
|
|
|
2,508 | |
|
|
|
|
43,801 | |
|
|
|
|
46,309 | |
|
|
|
|
168,249 | |
|
|
|
|
208,651 | |
| Total liabilities and Member’s/Division equity | |
|
|
$ | 95,249 | |
|
|
|
$ | 71,961 | |
|
|
|
$ | 167,210 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,566 | |
|
|
|
$ | 43,685 | |
|
|
|
$ | 47,251 | |
|
|
|
$ | 115,646 | |
|
|
|
$ | 214,461 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| (i) | To record adjustment for ACN and CMM assets and liabilities not acquired or assumed. |
| (ii) | Recorded at book value carried on ACN’s and CMM’s books, which is estimated by ACN management to approximate fair value. |
| (iii) | To record adjustment to reflect ACN management’s estimate of fair value for property and equipment for CMM ($2,659) to be depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings – 10 years; leasehold improvements – shorter of lease term or estimated useful life of 10 years; equipment – 5 years; and furniture and fixtures – 5 years. To record adjustment to reflect ACN management’s estimate of fair value for identifiable intangible assets of ACN (and CMM) to be acquired by Courtside consisting of $21,100 ($15,200 for ACN and $5,900 for CMM) for customer contracts and relationships to be amortized using the straight line method over the weighted average expected life of 10 years, $1,630 ($1,130 for ACN and $500 for CMM for noncompete agreements which are to be amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreements and $17,400 ($12,100 for ACN and $5,300 for CMM) for mastheads which are not amortizable as they have an indefinite life. These estimates are ACN management’s best estimates and are subject to change pending completion of appraisals of ACN’s (and CMM’s) principal assets by experts upon completion of the purchase. |
| (iv) | To record adjustment to reflect excess of purchase price over estimated fair value of identifiable ACN (and CMM) net assets acquired, pending completion of appraisals of ACN’s (and CMM) principal assets. |
94
| (C) | To record the receipt of $133,353 of borrowings, consisting of $1,353 borrowed against the $20,000 revolving credit facility, $105,000 of senior secured credit facilities and $27,000 of senior unsecured notes on terms consistent with commitment letters that Courtside has received from BMO Capital Markets and Bank of Montreal. To record deferred financing costs ($3,213) paid upon the consummation of the acquisition related to the borrowings described in the previous sentence based on terms consistent with the commitment letters and estimates by ACN’s management. See the section entitled ‘‘The Purchase Agreement – Financing Commitments.’’ Please refer to Paragraph (K) below for the information regarding the effect on income of variance in interest rates. |
| (D) | To eliminate Courtside deferred acquisition costs ($1,212), of which $828 was already paid. |
| (E) | Assuming no conversions, to reclassify common stock subject to conversion to permanent equity ($14,745) and to record related deferred dividends as retained earnings ($783 since inception – $171 for the period ended December 31, 2005, $483 for the period ended December 31, 2006, and $129 for the three months ended March 31, 2007). |
| (F) | Assuming maximum conversion, to record refund of funds ($14,745) and related deferred dividends ($783 since inception) to converting shareholders. To record the receipt of $15,967 of additional borrowings, consisting of $1,356 borrowed against the $20,000 revolving credit facility (as described in paragraph (C)) and $14,611 of senior unsecured notes (to which Courtside has not to date received commitments but it is assumed that such notes will be financed on similar terms to the senior unsecured notes referred to in Paragraph (C)). To record additional deferred financing costs ($439) paid upon the consummation of the acquisition related to the borrowings described in the previous sentence based on terms consistent with the commitment letters referred to in Paragraph (C). |
| (G) | Courtside anticipates an additional $600 to 800 of annual recurring general and administrative costs at the corporate level for public company costs. However, since these costs are estimates and not currently factually supportable, they have not been included as pro forma adjustments. |
| (H) | To eliminate interest and dividend income (year ended December 31, 2006 – $1,997; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $521) on cash and cash equivalents. |
| (I) | To record adjustment to reflect income tax credit (year ended December 31, 2006 – $88; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $22) (due to deferred tax amortization) and state capital taxes (year ended December 31, 2006 – $165; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $41) due to pro forma income adjustments, incorporation of ACN assets and move of corporate office to Dallas, Texas. |
| (J) | To record adjustment to reflect amortization of customer contract and relationships intangible assets (year ended December 31, 2006 – $2,110; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $527), which are recorded using the weighted average expected life of 10 years. To record adjustment to reflect amortization of noncompete agreements (year ended December 31, 2006 – $420; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $105), which are recorded using the straight-line method over the term of the agreements (approximately 4 years remain). To record adjustment to reflect depreciation of property and equipment (year ended December 31, 2006 – $1,499; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $375) using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings – 10 years; leasehold improvements – shorter of lease term or estimated useful life of 10 years; equipment – 5 years; and furniture and fixtures – 5 years. |
| (K) | To record adjustment to reflect interest and bank fee amortization expense and annual commitment fees on the total borrowings described in paragraph (C). Interest expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007 on the revolving credit facility, term A senior secured loan, term B senior secured loan and the senior unsecured notes was charged at the rate of 8.61%, 8.61%, 8.86% and 15.5% (paid in kind) per annum respectively (amounting to $13,740 for the year ended December 31, 2006; $3,435 for the three months ended March 31, 2007), assuming a 3-month LIBOR rate of 5.36% as of 4/19/07. For the |
95
| year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007, annual bank commitment fees and amortization of deferred financing costs were $496 and $124, respectively (amortized using the straight-line method over the term of each of the borrowings). If interest rates had changed by 0.125%, interest expense would change by $133 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and $33 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Although the cash flows are projected to be sufficient to cover operating costs without the use of the full amount of the revolving credit facility, the company may draw down on the facility. In the event that the company does utilize additional loans from the revolving credit facility, interest charges will increase. |
| (L) | To record adjustment to reflect additional interest and bank fee amortization expense and annual commitment fees on the $15,967 of borrowings described in paragraph (F). Additional interest expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007 on the revolving credit facility and the senior unsecured notes was charged at the rate of 8.61% and 15.5% (paid in kind) per annum respectively (amounting to $2,376 for the year ended December 31, 2006; $594 for the three months ended March 31, 2007), assuming a 3-month LIBOR rate of 5.36% as of 4/19/07. For the year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007, additional annual bank commitment fees and amortization of deferred financing costs were $63 and $16, respectively (amortized using the straight-line method over the term of each of the borrowings). |
| (M) | Pro forma net income per share was calculated by dividing pro forma net income by the weighted average number of shares as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||
|
|
Assuming
no conversions (0%) |
|
|
Assuming
maximum conversions (19.99%) |
|||||||
| Courtside pro forma weighted average shares | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
14,041,380 | |
| Incremental shares on exercise of warrants* | |
|
|
|
1,736,193 | |
|
|
|
|
1,736,193 | |
| Courtside pro form weight average shares – diluted | |
|
|
|
18,536,193 | |
|
|
|
|
15,777,573 | |
|
||||||||||||
|
||
|
|
|
|
| * | Assuming treasury method of accounting using the average closing price of Courtside stock for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $5.34 per share. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended
March 31, 2007 |
||||||||||
|
|
Assuming
no conversions (0%) |
|
|
Assuming
maximum conversions (19.99%) |
|||||||
| Courtside pro forma weighted average shares | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
14,041,380 | |
| Incremental shares on exercise of warrants* | |
|
|
|
2,378,208 | |
|
|
|
|
2,378,208 | |
| Courtside pro form weight average shares – diluted | |
|
|
|
19,178,208 | |
|
|
|
|
16,419,588 | |
|
||||||||||||
|
||
|
|
|
|
| * | Assuming treasury method of accounting using the average closing price of Courtside stock for the three months ended March 31, 2007 of $5.47 per share. |
| (N) | To record incremental payroll (year ended December 31, 2006 – $112; quarter ended March 31, 2007 – $28) and non-cash stock based compensation expense (year ended December 31, 2006 – $545; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $136) related to employment agreements entered into by the three senior ACN executives, which will become effective upon consummation of the acquisition. The non-cash stock-based compensation expense was calculated using the Black-Scholes model using the following assumptions: strike price – $5.57 (Courtside closing share |
96
| price as of 4/19/07); volatility – 23.45% (average volatility of comparable companies, Lee Enterprises Inc. and Journal Register Co.); vesting period – 4 years; average life – 6 1/8 years; risk free rate – 4.50% (5-year treasury bond yield as of 4/19/07). |
| (O) | To eliminate the fee (year ended December 31, 2006 – $90; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $23) that, per agreement, Alpine Capital LLC (an affiliate of Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald, Mayer and Aboodi, our special advisor) charges Courtside for general and administrative services. This agreement will be terminated in accordance with its terms upon consummation of the acquisition. |
| (P) | To record net payroll reduction (year ended December 31, 2006 – $318; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $78) related to termination of the agreements with prior owners of Columbus as full time employees and to record additional contractual rent payment (year ended December 31, 2006 – $410; three months ended March 31, 2007 – $102) relating to the Columbus facility. |
| (Q) | To record for the issuance by Courtside of $12,500 of common stock (2,192,982 shares) to ACN and the corresponding reduction of borrowings against the senior unsecured notes referred to in Paragraph (C). To record a reduction of deferred financing costs ($375) paid upon the consummation of the acquisition related to the reduction in borrowings described in the previous sentence. |
| (R) | To record adjustment to reflect reduced interest and bank fee amortization expense on the $12,500 reduction of borrowings described in paragraph (Q). Reduced interest expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007 on the senior unsecured notes was charged at the rate of 15.5% (paid in kind) per annum (amounting to $1,937 for the year ended December 31, 2006; $484 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007). For the year ended December 31, 2006 and three months ended March 31, 2007, reduced annual bank commitment fees and amortization of deferred financing costs were $54 and $14, respectively (amortized using the straight-line method over the term of each of the borrowings). |
97
NAME CHANGE AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we will change our corporate name from ‘‘Courtside Acquisition Corporation’’ to ‘‘American Community Newspapers Inc.’’ upon consummation of the acquisition. If the acquisition proposal is not approved, the name change amendment will not be presented at the meeting.
In the judgment of our board of directors, the change of our corporate name is desirable to reflect our acquisition with ACN. The ACN name has been a recognized name in the community newspaper industry for many years.
The approval of the name change amendment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock on the record date.
Stockholders will not be required to exchange outstanding stock certificates for new stock certificates if the amendment is adopted.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE APPROVAL OF THE NAME CHANGE AMENDMENT.
ARTICLE SIXTH AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Pursuant to the purchase agreement, we will remove the preamble and sections A through D, inclusive, of Article Sixth of Courtside’s certificate of incorporation and to redesignate section E of Article Sixth as Article Sixth upon consummation of the acquisition. If the acquisition proposal is not approved, the Article Sixth amendment will not be presented at the meeting.
In the judgment of our board of directors, the Article Sixth amendment is desirable, as sections A through D relate to the operation of Courtside as a blank check company prior to the consummation of a business combination. Such sections will not be applicable upon consummation of the acquisition.
The approval of the Article Sixth amendment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Courtside common stock on the record date.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE APPROVAL OF THE ARTICLE SIXTH AMENDMENT.
THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
The adjournment proposal allows Courtside’s board of directors to submit a proposal to adjourn the special meeting to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the consummation of the acquisition. In no event will Courtside solicit proxies to adjourn the special meeting or consummate the acquisition beyond the date by which it may properly do so under its certificate of incorporation and Delaware law.
Consequences if Adjournment Proposal is not Approved
If an adjournment proposal is presented to the meeting and is not approved by the stockholders, Courtside’s board of directors may not be able to adjourn the special meeting to a later date in the event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to approve the consummation of the acquisition. In such event, Courtside will be required to liquidate.
Required Vote
Adoption of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Courtside’s common stock represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. Adoption of the adjournment proposal is not conditioned upon the adoption of any of the other proposals.
Our board of directors unanimously recommends that our stockholders vote ‘‘FOR’’ the approval of an adjournment proposal.
98
2007 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE EQUITY PLAN PROPOSAL
Background
Courtside’s ‘‘2007 Long-Term Incentive Equity Plan’’ has been approved by Courtside’s board of directors and will take effect upon consummation of the acquisition, provided that it is approved by the stockholders at the special meeting. We are submitting the plan to our stockholders for their approval in order to comply with American Stock Exchange policy and so that options granted under the plan may qualify for treatment as incentive stock options. If the acquisition proposal is not approved, the incentive compensation plan proposal will not be presented at the meeting.
The plan reserves 1,650,000 shares of Courtside common stock for issuance to executive officers (including executive officers who are also directors), employees and consultants in accordance with its terms, of which options for 1,122,000 shares will be granted to Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman pursuant to their employment agreements. The plan also reserves an additional 100,000 shares of Courtside common stock for issuance to non-employee directors. The purpose of the plan is to enable Courtside to offer its employees, officers, directors and consultants whose past, present and/or potential contributions to Courtside have been, are or will be important to the success of Courtside, an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in Courtside. The various types of incentive awards that may be provided under the plan will enable Courtside to respond to changes in compensation practices, tax laws, accounting regulations and the size and diversity of its business.
All officers, directors and employees of ACN and Courtside will be eligible to be granted awards under the plan. No allocations of shares that may be subject to awards have been made in respect of the executive officers or any other group, except, that under their employment agreements, Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman will be awarded options to purchase 544,500, 330,000 and 247,500 shares, respectively, of Courtside common stock upon the closing of the acquisition at the price of Courtside’s common stock as of the closing. Except for these awards, which were approved by Courtside’s board of directors at a time when Courtside did not yet have its compensation committee in place, all awards will be subject to the recommendations of the compensation committee and approval by the board of directors or the compensation committee. If the plan is not approved by Courtside’s stockholders, Courtside will nevertheless issue the options to Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman that it is obligated to issue pursuant to their employment agreements. However, such options will not have the income tax benefits they would have if the plan is approved by the stockholders.
A summary of the principal features of the plan is provided below, but is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the plan, which is attached to this proxy statement as Annex C.
Administration
The plan is administered by our board or our compensation committee. Subject to the provisions of the plan, the board or committee determines, among other things, the persons to whom from time to time awards may be granted, the specific type of awards to be granted, the number of shares subject to each award, share prices, any restrictions or limitations on the, and any vesting, exchange, deferral, surrender, cancellation, acceleration, termination, exercise or forfeiture provisions related to the awards.
Stock Subject to the Plan
At no time shall the aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to awards granted and outstanding under the plan exceed 1,650,000 for all participants other than non-executive directors or exceed 100,000 for non-executive directors. Shares of stock subject to other awards that are forfeited or terminated will be available for future award grants under the plan. If a holder pays the exercise price of a stock option by surrendering any previously owned shares of common stock or arranges to have the appropriate number of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise withheld to cover the withholding tax liability associated with the stock option exercise, then in the board’s or the committee’s discretion, the number of shares available under the plan may be increased by the lesser of the number of such surrendered shares and shares used to pay taxes and the number of shares purchased under the stock option.
99
Under the plan, on a change in the number of shares of our common stock as a result of a dividend on shares of common stock payable in shares of common stock, common stock split or reverse split or other extraordinary or unusual event that results in a change in the shares of common stock as a whole, the board or committee may determine whether the change requires equitably adjusting the terms of the award or the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the plan.
Eligibility
We may grant awards under the plan to employees, directors, officers and consultants who are deemed to have rendered, or to be able to render, significant services to us and who are deemed to have contributed, or to have the potential to contribute, to our success.
Types of Awards
Options. The plan provides both for ‘‘incentive’’ stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and for options not qualifying as incentive options, both of which may be granted with any other stock-based award under the plan. The board or committee determines the exercise price per share of common stock purchasable under an incentive or non-qualified stock option, which may not be less than 100% of the fair market value on the day of the grant or, if greater, the par value of a share of common stock. However, the exercise price of an incentive stock option granted to a person possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock may not be less than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant. The number of shares covered by incentive stock options that may be exercised by any participant during any calendar year cannot have an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000, measured at the date of grant.
An incentive stock option may only be granted within a ten-year period from the date of the adoption of the plan and may only be exercised within ten years from the date of the grant, or within five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a person who, at the time of the grant, owns common stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock. Subject to any limitations or conditions the board or committee may impose, stock options may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time during the term of the stock option by giving written notice of exercise to us specifying the number of shares of common stock to be purchased. The notice must be accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price, either in cash or, if provided in the agreement, in our securities or in combination of the two.
Generally, stock options granted under the plan may not be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and all stock options are exercisable during the holder’s lifetime, or in the event of legal incapacity or incompetency, the holder’s guardian or legal representative. However, a holder, with the approval of the board or committee, may transfer a non-qualified stock option by gift to a family member of the holder, by domestic relations order to a family member of the holder or by transfer to an entity in which more than fifty percent of the voting interests are owned by family members of the holder or the holder, in exchange for an interest in that entity.
Generally, if the holder is an employee, no stock options granted under the plan may be exercised by the holder unless he or she is employed by us or a subsidiary of ours at the time of the exercise and has been so employed continuously from the time the stock options were granted. However, in the event the holder’s employment is terminated due to disability, the holder may still exercise his or her vested stock options for a period of 12 months or such other greater or lesser period as the board or committee may determine, from the date of termination or until the expiration of the stated term of the stock option, whichever period is shorter. Similarly, should a holder die while employed by us or a subsidiary, his or her legal representative or legatee under his or her will may exercise the decedent holder’s vested stock options for a period of 12 months from the date of his or her death, or such other greater or lesser period as the board or committee may determine or until the expiration of the stated term of the stock option, whichever period is shorter. If the holder’s employment is terminated due to normal retirement, the holder may still exercise his or her vested stock options for
100
a period of one year from the date of termination or until the expiration of the stated term of the stock option, whichever period is shorter. If the holder’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death, disability or normal retirement, the stock option will automatically terminate, except that if the holder’s employment is terminated by us without cause, then the portion of any stock option that has vested on the date of termination may be exercised for the lesser of three months after termination of employment or the balance of the stock option’s term.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Under the plan, we may grant stock appreciation rights to participants who have been, or are being, granted stock options under the plan as a means of allowing the participants to exercise their stock options without the need to pay the exercise price in cash. In conjunction with non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of the non-qualified stock options. In conjunction with incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights may be granted only at the time of the grant of the incentive stock options. A stock appreciation right entitles the holder to receive a number of shares of common stock having a fair market value equal to the excess fair market value of one share of common stock over the exercise price of the related stock option, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the stock appreciation rights. The granting of a stock appreciation right will not affect the number of shares of common stock available for awards under the plan. The number of shares available for awards under the plan will, however, be reduced by the number of shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of the stock option to which the stock appreciation right relates.
Restricted Stock. Under the plan, we may award shares of restricted stock either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the plan. The board or committee determines the persons to whom grants of restricted stock are made, the number of shares to be awarded, the price if any to be paid for the restricted stock by the person receiving the stock from us, the time or times within which awards of restricted stock may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the restricted stock awards.
Restricted stock awarded under the plan may not be sold, exchanged, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of, other than to us, during the applicable restriction period. In order to enforce these restrictions, the plan requires that all shares of restricted stock awarded to the holder remain in our physical custody until the restrictions have terminated and all vesting requirements with respect to the restricted stock have been fulfilled. Other than regular cash dividends and other cash equivalent distributions as we may designate, pay or distribute, we will retain custody of all distributions made or declared with respect to the restricted stock during the restriction period. A breach of any restriction regarding the restricted stock will cause a forfeiture of the restricted stock and any retained distributions. Except for the foregoing restrictions, the holder will, even during the restriction period, have all of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to receive and retain all regular cash dividends and other cash equivalent distributions as we may designate, pay or distribute on the restricted stock and the right to vote the shares.
Deferred Stock. Under the plan, we may award shares of deferred stock either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the plan. The board or committee determines the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, deferred stock will be awarded, the number of shares of deferred stock to be awarded to any person, the duration of the period during which, and the conditions under which, receipt of the stock will be deferred, and all the other terms and conditions of deferred stock awards. As with the other types of awards under the plan, grants of deferred stock will be used to provide incentives to the recipients by providing them with a potential equity interest in Courtside.
Deferred stock awards granted under the plan may not be sold, exchanged, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of other than to us during the applicable deferral period. The holder shall not have any rights of a stockholder until the expiration of the applicable deferral period and the issuance and delivery of the certificates representing the common stock. The holder may request to defer the receipt of a deferred stock award for an additional specified period or until a specified event. This request must generally be made at least one year prior to the expiration of the deferral period for the deferred stock award.
101
Other Stock-Based Awards. Under the plan, we may grant other stock-based awards, subject to limitations under applicable law, that are denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of common stock, as deemed consistent with the purposes of the plan. These other stock-based awards may be in the form of purchase rights, shares of common stock awarded that are not subject to any restrictions or conditions, convertible or exchangeable debentures or other rights convertible into shares of common stock and awards valued by reference to the value of securities of, or the performance of, one of our subsidiaries. These other stock-based awards may be awarded either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with any other awards under the plan or any of our other plans.
Accelerated Vesting and Exercisability. Unless otherwise provided in the grant of an award, if, as provided for under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (‘‘Exchange Act’’), a ‘‘person’’ is or becomes the ‘‘beneficial owner,’’ directly or indirectly, of our securities representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities, and our board of directors does not authorize or approve the acquisition, the options and awards granted and outstanding under the plan will immediately vest, and each participant of an option and award will have the immediate right to purchase and receive all shares of our common stock subject to the option and award.
Unless otherwise provided in the grant of an award, the compensation committee may, in the event of an acquisition of substantially all of our assets or at least 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities in one or more transactions which has been approved by our board of directors, accelerate the vesting of any and all stock options and other awards outstanding under the plan.
Repurchases. Unless otherwise provided in the grant of an award, the compensation committee may, in the event of an acquisition of substantially all of our assets or at least 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities in one or more transactions, including by way of acquisition or reorganization, which has been approved by our board of directors, require a holder of any award granted under the plan to relinquish the award to us upon payment by us to the holder of cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of the award or $0.01 per share for awards that are out-of-the money.
Award Limitation. No participant may be granted awards for more than 600,000 shares in any calendar year.
Competition; Solicitation of Customers and Employees; Disclosure of Confidential Information
Subject to the terms of any holder’s option agreement. If a holder’s employment with us or a subsidiary of ours is terminated for any reason whatsoever, and within 12 months after the date of termination, the holder either:
|
|
|
| • | accepts employment with any competitor of, or otherwise engages in competition with, us, |
|
|
|
| • | solicits any of our customers or employees to do business with or render services to the holder or any business with which the holder becomes affiliated or to which the holder renders services, or |
|
|
|
| • | uses or discloses to anyone outside our company any of our confidential information or material in violation of our policies or any agreement between us and the holder, |
the board or the committee may require the holder to return to us the economic value of any award that was realized or obtained by the holder at any time during the period beginning on the date that is 12 months prior to the date the holder’s employment with us is terminated.
Withholding Taxes
Upon the exercise of any award granted under the plan, the holder may be required to remit to us an amount sufficient to satisfy all federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to delivery of any certificate or certificates for shares of common stock.
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Term and Amendments
Unless terminated by the board, the plan shall continue to remain effective until no further awards may be granted and all awards granted under the plan are no longer outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, grants of incentive stock options may be made only until ten years from the date of the consummation of the acquisition. The board may at any time, and from time to time, amend the plan, provided that no amendment will be made that would impair the rights of a holder under any agreement entered into pursuant to the plan without the holder’s consent.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion of the federal income tax consequences of participation in the plan is only a summary of the general rules applicable to the grant and exercise of stock options and other awards and does not give specific details or cover, among other things, state, local and foreign tax treatment of participation in the plan. The information contained in this section is based on present law and regulations, which are subject to being changed prospectively or retroactively.
Incentive stock options. Participants will recognize no taxable income upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. The participant will realize no taxable income when the incentive stock option is exercised if the participant has been an employee of our company or our subsidiaries at all times from the date of the grant until three months before the date of exercise, one year if the participant is disabled. The excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise of an incentive stock option over the exercise price will be treated as an item of adjustment for a participant’s taxable year in which the exercise occurs and may result in an alternative minimum tax liability for the participant. We will not qualify for any deduction in connection with the grant or exercise of incentive stock options. Upon a disposition of the shares after the later of two years from the date of grant or one year after the transfer of the shares to a participant, the participant will recognize the difference, if any, between the amount realized and the exercise price as long-term capital gain or long-term capital loss, as the case may be, if the shares are capital assets.
If common stock acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option is disposed of prior to the expiration of the holding periods described above: the participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in the taxable year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or the amount realized on the disposition of the shares, over the exercise price paid for the shares; and we will qualify for a deduction equal to any amount recognized, subject to the limitation that the compensation be reasonable.
In the case of a disposition of shares earlier than two years from the date of the grant or in the same taxable year as the exercise, where the amount realized on the disposition is less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, there will be no adjustment since the amount treated as an item of adjustment, for alternative minimum tax purposes, is limited to the excess of the amount realized on the disposition over the exercise price, which is the same amount included in regular taxable income.
Non-Incentive stock options. With respect to non-incentive stock options:
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| • | upon grant of the stock option, the participant will recognize no income provided that the exercise price was not less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant; |
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| • | upon exercise of the stock option, if the shares of common stock are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and we will qualify for a deduction in the same amount, subject to the requirement that the compensation be reasonable; and |
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| • | we will be required to comply with applicable federal income tax withholding requirements with respect to the amount of ordinary compensation income recognized by the participant. |
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On a disposition of the shares, the participant will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the sum of the exercise price and the ordinary compensation income recognized. The gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets and as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending upon the length of time that the participant held the shares.
If the shares acquired upon exercise of a non-incentive stock option are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant will recognize ordinary income at the time when the substantial risk of forfeiture is removed, unless the participant timely files under Section 83(b) of the Code to elect to be taxed on the receipt of shares, and we will qualify for a corresponding deduction at that time. The amount of ordinary income will be equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the income is recognized over the amount, if any, paid for the shares.
Stock appreciation rights. Upon the grant of a stock appreciation right, the participant recognizes no taxable income and we receive no deduction. The participant recognizes ordinary income and we receive a deduction at the time of exercise equal to the cash and fair market value of common stock payable upon the exercise.
Restricted stock. A participant who receives restricted stock will recognize no income on the grant of the restricted stock and we will not qualify for any deduction. At the time the restricted stock is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, a participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the restricted stock at the time the restriction lapses over the consideration paid for the restricted stock. A participant’s shares are treated as being subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture so long as his or her sale of the shares at a profit could subject him or her to a suit under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. The holding period to determine whether the participant has long-term or short-term capital gain or loss begins when the restriction period expires, and the tax basis for the shares will generally be the fair market value of the shares on this date.
A participant may elect under Section 83(b) of the Code, within 30 days of the transfer of the restricted stock, to recognize ordinary compensation income on the date of transfer in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value on the date of transfer of the shares of restricted stock, as determined without regard to the restrictions, over the consideration paid for the restricted stock. If a participant makes an election and thereafter forfeits the shares, no ordinary loss deduction will be allowed. The forfeiture will be treated as a sale or exchange upon which there is realized loss equal to the excess, if any, of the consideration paid for the shares over the amount realized on such forfeiture. The loss will be a capital loss if the shares are capital assets. If a participant makes an election under Section 83(b), the holding period will commence on the day after the date of transfer and the tax basis will equal the fair market value of shares, as determined without regard to the restrictions, on the date of transfer.
On a disposition of the shares, a participant will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the tax basis for the shares.
Whether or not the participant makes an election under Section 83(b), we generally will qualify for a deduction, subject to the reasonableness of compensation limitation, equal to the amount that is taxable as ordinary income to the participant, in the taxable year in which the income is included in the participant’s gross income. The income recognized by the participant will be subject to applicable withholding tax requirements.
Dividends paid on restricted stock that is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture generally will be treated as compensation that is taxable as ordinary compensation income to the participant and will be deductible by us subject to the reasonableness limitation. If, however, the participant makes a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will be treated as dividends and taxable as ordinary income to the participant, but will not be deductible by us.
Deferred stock. A participant who receives an award of deferred stock will recognize no income on the grant of the award. However, he or she will recognize ordinary compensation income on the transfer of the deferred stock, or the later lapse of a substantial risk of forfeiture to which the
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deferred stock is subject, if the participant does not make a Section 83(b) election, in accordance with the same rules as discussed above under the caption ‘‘Restricted stock.’’
Other stock-based awards. The federal income tax treatment of other stock-based awards will depend on the nature and restrictions applicable to the award.
Certain Awards Deferring or Accelerating the Receipt of Compensation. Section 409A of the Code, enacted as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, imposes certain new requirements applicable to ‘‘nonqualified deferred compensation plans.’’ If a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to Section 409A fails to meet, or is not operated in accordance with, these new requirements, then all compensation deferred under the plan may become immediately taxable. Stock appreciation rights and deferred stock awards that may be granted under the plan may constitute deferred compensation subject to the Section 409A requirements. It is our intention that any award agreement governing awards subject to Section 409A will comply with these new rules.
Options to Executive Officers
Pursuant to their employment agreements, Messrs. Eugene Carr, Daniel Wilson and Jeffrey Coolman will be granted options to purchase 544,500, 330,000 and 247,500 shares, respectively, of Courtside common stock, effective as of the closing of the acquisition. The value of these awards will be as follows:
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| Optionee | |
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Value1 | |
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| Eugene M. Carr | |
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$ | 1,058,027 | |
| Daniel J. Wilson | |
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$ | 641,228 | |
| Jeffrey B. Coolman | |
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$ | 480,921 | |
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| 1 | Calculated using the Black-Scholes model using the following assumptions: strike price – $5.57 (Courtside closing share price as of April 19, 2007); volatility – 23.45% (average volatility of comparable companies, Lee Enterprises Inc. and Journal Register Co.); vesting period – 4 years; average life – 6-1/8 years; risk free rate – 4.50% (5-year treasury bond yield as of April 19, 2007). |
Recommendation and Vote Required
Approval of our incentive compensation plan will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT OUR STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ‘‘FOR’’ THE APPROVAL OF THE 2007 INCENTIVE EQUITY PLAN.
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THE DIRECTOR ELECTION PROPOSAL
Election of Directors
Courtside’s board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which serves for a term of three years, with only one class of directors being elected in each year. The nominees have been nominated as candidates for election as follows:
in the class to stand for reelection in 2008: Eugene Carr and Robert H. Bloom;
in the class to stand for reelection in 2009: Richard D. Goldstein, Bruce M. Greenwald and Dennis H. Leibowitz; and
in the class to stand for reelection in 2010: Peter R. Haje and John Erickson.
The election of directors requires a plurality vote of the share of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. ‘‘Plurality’’ means that the individuals who receive the largest number of votes cast ‘‘FOR’’ are elected as directors. Consequently, any shares not voted ‘‘FOR’’ a particular nominee (whether as a result of abstentions, a direction to withhold authority or a broker non-vote) will not be counted in the nominee’s favor.
Unless authority is withheld, the proxies solicited by the board of directors will be voted ‘‘FOR’’ the election of these nominees. In case any of the nominees becomes unavailable for election to the board of directors, an event that is not anticipated, the persons named as proxies, or their substitutes, will have full discretion and authority to vote or refrain from voting for any other candidate in accordance with their judgment.
If the acquisition proposal is not approved, the director election proposal will not be submitted to the stockholders for a vote and Courtside’s current directors will continue in office until Courtside is liquidated.
At the effective time of the acquisition and assuming the election of the individuals set forth above, the board of directors and executive officers of Courtside will be as follows:
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| Name | |
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Age | |
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Position |
| Eugene M. Carr | |
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51 | |
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Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Richard D. Goldstein | |
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55 | |
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Director |
| Bruce M. Greenwald | |
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60 | |
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Director |
| Dennis H. Leibowitz | |
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64 | |
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Director |
| Peter R. Haje | |
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72 | |
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Director |
| Robert H. Bloom | |
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73 | |
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Director |
| John A. Erickson | |
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67 | |
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Director |
| Daniel J. Wilson | |
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43 | |
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Chief Financial Officer |
| Jeffrey B. Coolman | |
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47 | |
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Vice President – Sales and
Minnesota Group Publisher |
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Information about the Nominees
Eugene M. Carr, who is currently chief executive officer and a director of ACN, joined ACN in August 2001 as president and group publisher of the Minneapolis – St. Paul group and was promoted to chief executive officer in June 2002. From November 2000 to August 2001, he was chief executive officer of the western division of Brown Publishing Company and then became chief executive officer of its southern division. From 1994 to November 2001, he was vice president of sales and marketing for Trinity Holdings and also served as the publisher of the Morning Journal. From 1991 to 1994, he was president of Profits through Marketing. Previously, he also served as executive vice president of Arundel Communications (Arcom) and executive sales director of the Cincinnati Suburban Press. He is a director of Suburban Newspapers of America and a former director of Village Voice Media. Carr has served in numerous community roles including president of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and numerous other non-profit organizations.
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Richard D. Goldstein has served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer since our inception. Mr. Goldstein has been associated with Alpine Capital LLC (and its affiliated entities), a specialized investment/merchant banking firm that performs general merger and advisory services for its clients and limited investment activities, since January 1990, currently as a senior managing director. From 1976 until he joined Alpine Capital, Mr. Goldstein was an attorney at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, becoming a partner of such firm in 1984, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions and corporate securities. Mr. Goldstein is a member of the executive committee (and a former chairman) of the Queens College Foundation. Mr. Goldstein is also a vice chairman, a member of the executive committee and chairman of the governance and of the legal affairs committees of The North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and its constituent hospitals. Mr. Goldstein received a B.A. (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from Queens College and a J.D. (magna cum laude) from Harvard Law School.
Bruce M. Greenwald has served as president and a member of our board of directors since our inception. Mr. Greenwald has been associated with Alpine Capital and its affiliated entities since September 1989, currently as a senior managing director. Prior to joining Alpine Capital, Mr. Greenwald was a partner with Arthur Young & Company (a predecessor to Ernst & Young) where, in addition to serving a broad base of the firm’s Fortune 500 clients as well as a number of media and entertainment clients, he served as the firm’s director of taxes for the Northeast Region and also was a member of the firm’s national tax operating committee. Mr. Greenwald is a member of the Simon School of Business Executive Advisory Committee and a trustee of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Mr. Greenwald received a B.S. and an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester.
Dennis H. Leibowitz has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception. Since March 2002, Mr. Leibowitz has served as managing general partner and chief investment officer of Act II Partners, a private hedge fund that specializes in media and communications companies, and in which Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald and Aboodi are limited partners, with a less than a 1% interest therein. From October 2000 to September 2001, Mr. Leibowitz served as a managing director of Credit Suisse First Boston where he was a media strategist covering the advertising, broadcasting, cable television and entertainment industries. From 1977 until he joined Credit Suisse First Boston, Mr. Leibowitz was a senior vice president and securities analyst at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc., a private investment banking firm. Institutional Investor magazine has given Mr. Leibowitz its highest ranking for a research analyst twenty-five times since it began grading securities analysts in its All-American Research Team in 1972. Mr. Leibowitz serves on the board of advisors of Centre Palisades Ventures, LP and New Mountain Capital, LLC, both private equity funds. He is a past president of the Media & Entertainment Analysts Society of New York and the Cable Television Analysts’ Group. He is currently a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and has served on the board of directors of the International Radio & Television Society. Mr. Leibowitz received a B.S. from The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce of The University of Pennsylvania.
Peter R. Haje has served as a member of our board of directors since our inception. Since January 2000, Mr. Haje has been engaged in private business and legal activities, including acting as a consultant for AOL/Time Warner Inc. and as general counsel emeritus for Time Warner Inc. from January 2000 to December 2002. From October 1990 to December 1999, Mr. Haje served as executive vice president and general counsel of Time Warner Inc. and served as secretary from May 1993 to December 1999. Prior to joining Time Warner, Mr. Haje was an associate and later a partner at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Mr. Haje received an A.B. from Cornell University and an L.L.B. from Harvard Law School.
Robert H. Bloom will become a director effective upon the closing of the acquisition. From June 1994 to February 2003, Mr. Bloom served as United States Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Group SA, the Paris-based international media, marketing and advertising company and fourth largest global communications firm. In that capacity, he was responsible for twelve domestic offices, a staff of over 1,000 and a roster of well-known domestic and international clients. Since February 2003, he has been an author and a strategic marketing consultant to companies in a wide
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variety of industries and has performed such services for ACN and Spire Capital Partners. Mr. Bloom has a BS from the University of Oklahoma.
John A. Erickson, a certified public accountant, will become a director effective upon the closing of the acquisition. During his 35-year career with Ernst & Young LLP (and Arthur Young & Company, a predecessor firm), from which he retired in 1999, Mr. Erickson specialized in financial accounting and auditing, forensic and other investigative financial analyses, insolvent company reorganizations and liquidations and litigation support to major law firms. His career includes 15 years of international financial auditing experience in various Arthur Young offices in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Mr. Erickson currently serves as a director and chairman of the audit committee of Alpine Capital Bank. He also currently provides financial advisory services to commercial, educational, hospital and community athletic organizations and condominium boards in the New York area. Mr. Erickson received a BA from Harvard College and an MBA from Rutgers University.
Other Executive Officers
Daniel J. Wilson, who is currently chief financial officer and a director of ACN, joined ACN in that position in May 2002. From October 2002 through December 2004, he also served as president and group publisher of ACN’s Dallas newspaper group. From March 2000 to April 2002, he held various positions with Novo Networks, Inc., including executive vice president and chief financial officer and senior vice president – corporate development. From March 1999 to March 2000, he was a partner and co-founder of Marcus and Partners, an investment and management advisory firm. From October 1998 to March 1999, he was vice president – strategic development of AMFM Corporation (formerly known as Chancellor Media Corporation), a radio and outdoor advertising company. From January 1995 to October 1998, he was senior vice president – finance and corporate development and vice president – finance and corporate development of Marcus Cable Company, L.P. and from November 1991 to January 1995 he was director of finance and corporate development of Crown Cable. From December 1989 to November 1991, he was senior financial analyst with Cencom Cable. From August 1986 to December 1989, he held various positions with Arthur Anderson & Co. He is a former director of the Texas Community Newspaper Association and Marcus Cable Properties, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, cum laude, with majors in Finance and Accounting from Saint Louis University.
Jeffrey B. Coolman, who is currently ACN’s vice president – sales and Minnesota group publisher, joined ACN as advertising director of the Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group in December 2001. In October 2002, he took on additional responsibilities as vice president and general manager of the group and was named group publisher in March 2004. From January, 2000 to November, 2001, he was with Brown Publishing as Group Advertising & Marketing Director. From August, 1998 to December, 1999, he was with The Morning Journal (Trinity Holdings) serving most recently as Publisher and previously holding the position of Advertising Director. From August, 1993 to July, 1998, he was with the Battle Creek Enquirer (Gannett) serving most recently as the Advertising Manager. During this time he also held positions of Major Accounts Manager and Account Executive.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors of Courtside
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, Courtside’s board of directors held six meetings. It has standing nominations and audit committees. Although Courtside does not have any formal policy regarding director attendance at annual stockholder meetings, Courtside will attempt to schedule its annual meetings so that all of its directors can attend. Courtside expects its directors to attend all board and committee meetings and to spend the time needed and meet as frequently as necessary to properly discharge their responsibilities. Each of Courtside’s current directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the board and of each committee of which he was a member held in 2006.
Independence of Directors
As a result of its securities being listed on the American Stock Exchange, Courtside adheres to the rules of that exchange in determining whether a director is independent. The board of directors of
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Courtside also will consult with our counsel to ensure that the board’s determinations are consistent with those rules and all relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the independence of directors. The American Stock Exchange listing standards define an ‘‘independent director’’ generally as a person, other than an officer of a company, who does not have a relationship with the company that would interfere with the director’s exercise of independent judgment. The exchange requires that a majority of the board of directors of a company be independent, as determined by the board. Consistent with these considerations, the board of directors of Courtside has affirmatively determined that, upon election to the board of directors of Courtside on the closing of the acquisition, Messrs. Leibowitz, Haje, Bloom and Erickson will be the independent directors of Courtside for the ensuing year.
Courtside currently has a majority of independent directors.
Audit Committee Information
Our audit committee, which met four times during 2006, consists of Mr. Sardoff, as chairman, Mr. Leibowitz and Mr. Haje, each an independent director under American Stock Exchange listing standards. Upon consummation of the acquisition, the audit committee will consist of Messrs. Erickson, Haje and Leibowitz, with Mr. Erickson serving as its chairman. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:
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| • | reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, and recommend to the board whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Form 10-K; |
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| • | discussing with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements; |
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| • | discussing with management and the independent auditor the effect on our financial statements of (i) regulatory and accounting initiatives and (ii) off-balance sheet structures; |
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| • | discussing with management major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including our risk assessment and risk management policies; |
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| • | reviewing disclosures made to the audit committee by our chief executive officer and chief financial officer during their certification process for our Form 10-K and Form 10-Q about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls or material weaknesses therein and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls; |
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| • | verifying the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law; |
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| • | reviewing and approving all related-party transactions; |
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| • | inquiring and discussing with management our compliance with applicable laws and regulations; |
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| • | pre-approving all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms of the services to be performed; |
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| • | appointing or replacing the independent auditor; |
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| • | determining the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work; and |
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| • | establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or reports which raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies. |
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Financial Experts on Audit Committee
The audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of ‘‘independent directors’’ who are ‘‘financially literate’’ as defined under the American Stock Exchange listing standards. The American Stock Exchange listing standards define ‘‘financially literate’’ as being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.
In addition, we must certify to the American Stock Exchange that the committee has, and will continue to have, at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The board of directors has determined that Mr. Sardoff satisfies the American Stock Exchange’s definition of financial sophistication and also qualifies as an ‘‘audit committee financial expert,’’ as defined under rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our board has also determined that, following the completion of the acquisition, Mr. Erickson will satisfy the American Stock Exchange’s definition of financial sophistication and also qualify as an ‘‘audit committee financial expert,’’ as defined und the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Independent Auditors’ Fees
The firm of Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP (‘‘GGK’’) acts as Courtside’s principal accountant. Through September 30, 2005, GGK had a continuing relationship with American Express Tax and Business Services Inc. (TBS), from which it leased auditing staff who were full time, permanent employees of TBS and through which its partners provide non-audit services. Subsequent to September 30, 2005, this relationship ceased and the firm established a similar relationship with RSM McGladrey, Inc. (RSM). GGK has no full time employees and therefore, none of the audit services performed were provided by permanent full-time employees of GGK. GGK manages and supervises the audit and audit staff, and is exclusively responsible for the opinion rendered in connection with its examination. The following is a summary of fees paid or to be paid to GGK and RSM for services rendered.
Audit Fees
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we paid our principal accountant $19,000 for the services they performed in connection with our 2005 Annual Audit and the review of one of our 2006 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB. Additionally, we paid our principal accountant $23,000 for the services they performed in connection with the audit of our financial statements included in the Annual Report and two 2006 Quarterly Reports. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, we paid our principal accountant $30,000 for the services they performed in connection with our initial public offering, including the financial statements included in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 7, 2005, and $8,500 in connection with the review of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB
Grant Thornton LLP will serve as principal accountant effective upon the closing of the acquisition, upon approval of the audit committee and Grant Thornton LLP. It will perform the audit for Courtside’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2007. ACN paid Grant Thornton LLP $83,000 for audit fees for the services they performed in connection with the audit for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Neither GGK nor Grant Thornton LLP has waived its right to make claims against the funds in Courtside’s trust account for fees of any nature owed to them.
Audit-Related Fees
During 2005, except as described above, our principal accountant did not render any audit assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements. In 2007, we paid our principal accountant $2,500 for services rendered in 2006 in
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reviewing accounting issues and filing requirements for proposed business combinations. ACN paid Grant Thornton LLP $63,000 for audit-related fees incurred principally as a result of the Courtside transaction for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Tax Fees
During 2007, we paid our principal accountant $4,500 for services rendered to us in 2006 for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. We did not pay any such fees in 2005. ACN paid Grant Thornton LLP $22,000 for compliance and tax related fees for the year ended December 31, 2006.
All Other Fees
During 2005 and 2006, there were no fees billed for products and services provided by the principal accountant other than those set forth above. We paid $9,000 for proxy related services on May 1, 2007.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, before Courtside engages its independent accountant to render audit or permitted non-audit services, the engagement will be approved by the audit committee.
Code of Ethics
In July 2005, our board of directors adopted a code of ethics that applies to Courtside’s directors, officers and employees as well as those of its subsidiaries. A copy of our code of ethics may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request in writing to Courtside Acquisition Corp., 1700 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10019.
Compensation Committee Information
Upon consummation of the acquisition, the board of directors of Courtside will establish a compensation committee with Messrs. Haje, Leibowitz and Bloom as its members, with Mr. Haje serving as chairman, each an independent director under American Stock Exchange listing requirements. The purpose of the compensation committee will be to review and approve compensation paid to our officers and directors and to administer Courtside’s incentive compensation plans, including authority to make and modify awards under such plans. Initially, the only plan will be the 2007 Incentive Equity Plan.
Nominations Committee Information
We have a nominations committee consisting of Mr. Haje, as chairman, Mr. Leibowitz and Mr. Sardoff, each of whom is an independent director under the American Stock Exchange’s listing standards. Upon consummation of the acquisition, the nominations committee will consist of Messrs. Liebowitz, Haje and Erickson, with Mr. Leibowitz serving as chairman. The nominations committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on our board of directors. The nominations committee considers persons identified by its members, management, shareholders, investment bankers and others.
Guidelines for Selecting Director Nominees
The guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in the Nominations Committee Charter, generally provide that persons to be nominated should be actively engaged in business endeavors, have an understanding of financial statements, corporate budgeting and capital structure, be familiar with the requirements of a publicly traded company, be familiar with industries relevant to our business endeavors, be willing to devote significant time to the oversight duties of the board of directors of a public company, and be able to promote a diversity of views based on the person’s
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education, experience and professional employment. The nominations committee evaluates each individual in the context of the board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group of persons that can best implement our business plan, perpetuate our business and represent shareholder interests. The nominations committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time. The nominations committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by shareholders and other persons.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
No executive officer of Courtside has received any cash or non-cash compensation for services rendered to Courtside. Each executive officer has agreed not to take any compensation prior to the consummation of a business combination.
Through the closing of the acquisition, Courtside has and will continue pay Alpine Capital LLC, an affiliate of Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald, Mayer and Aboodi, a fee of $7,500 per month fee for providing Courtside with office space and certain office and secretarial services. This arrangement is solely for our benefit and is not intended to provide Messrs. Goldstein, Greenwald, Mayer and Aboodi compensation in lieu of a salary.
Additionally, we held the proceeds of our IPO not placed in the trust account in an account at Alpine Capital Bank, an affiliate of Alpine Capital. Upon the closing of its IPO, Courtside deposited approximately $1,927,000, representing the net proceeds remaining from the IPO after offering expenses and the deposit in the trust account, in an account at Alpine Capital Bank, which were invested in United States treasury bills, upon which interest of approximately $94,000 was earned cumulatively through March 31, 2007. On January 18, 2007, the remaining treasury bills were redeemed and the proceeds were placed in a money market account at Alpine Capital Bank and used to pay Courtside’s expenses. Through March 31, 2007, interest of approximately $1,800 was earned on this account and no balance remained in the account as of that date. Alpine Capital Bank has not charged Courtside any customary banking charges or other fees for the banking services it has provided to Courtside.
Other than the $7,500 per-month fee, no compensation of any kind, including finders and consulting fees, have been or will be paid to any of Courtside’s officers or their affiliates. However, Courtside’s executive officers are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on Courtside’s behalf such as identifying potential target business and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. As of March 31, 2007, an aggregate of approximately $55,000 has been reimbursed to them for such expenses. There is no limit on the amount of these out-of-pocket expenses and there will be no review of the reasonableness of the expenses by anyone other than our board of directors, which includes persons who may seek reimbursement, or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged. Because of the foregoing, we generally do not have the benefit of independent directors examining the propriety of expenses incurred on our behalf and subject to reimbursement. As of May 4, 2007, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald have loaned Courtside $318,000. The loan is unsecured, bears interest at 5% per annum and is non-recourse to the trust account and will be repaid on the consummation of the acquisition by Courtside.
Courtside’s directors do not currently receive any cash compensation for their service as members of the board of directors. Upon consummation of the acquisition, Courtside’s non-employee directors (other than Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald) will each receive an annual cash fee of $25,000, an additional $1,000 fee for each board and committee meeting that they attend in person or by telephonic participation ($500 for each meeting attended by telephonic participation if the duration of such meeting is less than one hour). In addition, the chair of our audit committee will receive an additional $15,000 for the chair’s service and the chairs of our compensation nominating committees will each receive an additional $5,000 for the chair’s services. All cash payments to directors will be made quarterly in arrears. Courtside’s non-employee directors (other than Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald) will also receive options to acquire 10,000 shares of Courtside common stock to be granted upon consummation of the acquisition (or for those subsequently elected or appointed, the first business day following election or appointment), which will vest semi-annually over three years.
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In addition, each such then current non-employee director will receive a grant of options to acquire 10,000 shares of Courtside common stock on the first business day following each annual meeting of stockholders at which he or she is re-elected to the board, which will also vest semi-annually over three years. The per share exercise price of these options will be equal to the market price of Courtside’s common stock on the date of grant.
Employment Agreements
On January 24, 2007, Courtside entered into employment agreements with three of ACN’s officers, to be effective upon the closing of the acquisition.
The employment agreement with Eugene M. Carr, ACN’s current president and chief executive officer, provides for him to be employed as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Courtside upon consummation of the acquisition at an annual salary of $295,000. It also provides for him to be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at half of his annual salary and for the grant to him at closing of options to purchase 544,500 shares of Courtside common stock pursuant to the incentive compensation plan.
The employment agreement with Daniel J. Wilson, ACN’s current chief financial officer, provides for him to be employed as chief financial officer of Courtside upon consummation of the acquisition at an annual salary of $235,000. It also provides for him to be eligible to receive an annual bonus target at half of his annual salary and for the grant to him at closing of options to purchase 330,000 shares of Courtside common stock pursuant to the incentive compensation plan.
The employment agreement with Jeffrey B. Coolman, ACN’s current vice president of sales and Minnesota group publisher, provides for him to be employed as vice president of sales and Minnesota group publisher of Courtside upon consummation of the acquisition at an annual salary of $175,000. It also provides for him to be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at $80,000 and for the grant to him at closing of options to purchase 247,500 shares of Courtside common stock pursuant to the incentive compensation plan.
Each executive will also hold the same position with the operating subsidiary of Courtside that will be formed to hold the acquired assets and operate the ACN business after the acquisition as he will hold with Courtside. The options granted under the employment agreements will be exercisable for a period of ten years from the closing date of the acquisition at a per share price equal to the last sale price of Courtside’s common stock on the American Stock Exchange on the closing date and will vest in eight equal semi-annual installments over the terms of employment.
ACN has established the bonus guidelines for the executives for 2007, which are described below and will be reviewed and reconsidered by Courtside’s compensation committee after the closing of the acquisition, taking into account the Columbus acquisition and other changed factors. Achievement of the key objective bonuses will be determined by Courtside’s compensation committee in its sole discretion for Messrs. Carr and Wilson and, for Mr. Coolman, by Courtside’s chief executive officer in his sole discretion. Mr. Carr’s targeted 2007 bonus is $147,500 and his key objectives require him to achieve 100% of the 2007 consolidated financial budget, continue to implement the acquisition strategy, hire and train a new human resource sales recruiting manager and jointly develop with the New Media Business Development Manager the next phase of the internet and new media strategy. Mr. Wilson’s targeted 2007 bonus is $117,500 and his key objectives require him to achieve 100% of the 2007 consolidated financial budget, assist the chief executive officer in acquisition planning, reduce company-wide days sales outstanding and align compensation to achieve desired results. Mr. Coolman’s targeted 2007 bonus is $80,000 and his key objectives require him to achieve the Minnesota net quarterly 2007 total revenue and EBITDA budgets, achieve the Minnesota 2007 total annual net revenue and EBITDA budgets, conduct scheduled monthly meetings with specified officers, make on-site visits to other locations for training and informational purposes and to prepare a written plan on the hiring and training of a general manager for the Minnesota Group. Each specified task is assigned a date by which it is to be accomplished and a portion of the total targeted bonus that will be earned if the task is achieved in a timely manner.
Each employment agreement provides the executive with premium-paid health, hospitalization, disability, dental, life and other insurance as Courtside may have in effect from time to time, together
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with enhanced long-term disability and term life insurance substantially on the same terms as in effect under the plans maintained by ACN at the time of the closing. Each executive is entitled to reimbursement for all business travel and other out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of his services. Each executive is also entitled to participate in all other company-wide benefit plans, as they may be made available, to receive 5 weeks (4 weeks for Mr. Coolman) of paid vacation per calendar year and a car allowance of $1,000 per month.
The term of each executive’s employment is four years from the date of the closing of the acquisition, unless sooner terminated because of the executive’s death or disability or by Courtside for ‘‘cause’’ (as defined in the agreements) or by the executive for ‘‘good reason’’ (as defined in the agreements). Courtside may also terminate the employment of an executive ‘‘without cause.’’ If employment is terminated by the executive for good reason or by Courtside without cause, the executive will be entitled to continue to be paid, as a severance payment, his salary and targeted bonus for the remainder of the then-current term of the agreement, subject to termination of such payment if the executive breaches the non-competition, inventions or confidentiality provisions of the agreement.
Each agreement provides that, during the period of his employment and for a period of one year if his employment is terminated by Courtside for cause or as a result of his disability or for the period that he is entitled to receive the severance payment if his employment is terminated by him for good reason or by Courtside without cause, the executive may not (i) in the case of Messrs. Carr and Wilson, engage in any newspaper publishing business, and in the case of Mr. Coolman, engage in any business that sells advertising for any publication, direct mail advertiser, newspaper, radio or cable television that is located, in each case, within 75 miles of any market in which Courtside does business in, or intends to do business in, at the time of termination, (ii) solicit any person who is an employee of Courtside or was an employee in the preceding 12 months for the purpose of hiring such person (unless such person was terminated by Courtside more than 6 months prior thereto), (iii) call upon any person who then is or was within the preceding year a customer of Courtside for the purpose of selling such person services or products competitive to those of Courtside or (iv) call upon any prospective acquisition or investment candidate known by the executive to have, with the preceding 12 months, been called upon by Courtside or for which Courtside made an acquisition or investment analysis or contemplated a joint marketing or joint venture arrangement with, for the purpose of acquiring or investing or enticing such entity into joint marketing or joint venture arrangement. The agreements also provide that the executive shall disclose and assign to Courtside all conceptions and ideas for inventions and the like that are conceived by the executive, jointly or with another, during the period of employment that are directly related to the business or activities of Courtside and that are conceived as a result of his employment. Each executive is also required to maintain the confidentiality of Courtside’s ‘‘Confidential Information’’ (as defined in the agreements).
The employment agreements with Messrs. Carr, Wilson and Coolman are attached to this proxy statement as Annexes H, I and J, respectively. We encourage you to read them in their entirety.
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OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO COURTSIDE
Business of Courtside
Courtside was formed on March 18, 2005, to effect an acquisition, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an unidentified operating business. Prior to executing the purchase agreement with ACN, Courtside’s efforts were limited to organizational activities, completion of its IPO and the evaluation of possible business combinations.
Offering Proceeds Held in Trust
Courtside consummated its IPO on July 7, 2005. The net proceeds of the offering, including proceeds from the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, and after payment of underwriting discounts and expenses were approximately $75,691,000. Of that amount, $73,764,000 was placed in the trust account and invested in government securities. The remaining proceeds have been used by Courtside in its pursuit of a business combination. The trust account will not be released until the earlier of the consummation of a business combination or the liquidation of Courtside. The trust account contained approximately $ as of , 2007, the record date. If the acquisition with ACN is consummated, the trust account will be released to Courtside, less the amounts paid to holders of Public Shares who vote against the acquisition and elect to convert their shares of common stock into their pro-rata share of the trust account.
The holders of Public Shares will be entitled to receive funds from the trust account only in the event of Courtside’s liquidation or if the stockholders seek to convert their respective shares into cash and the acquisition is actually completed. In no other circumstances shall a stockholder have any right or interest of any kind to or in the trust account.
Fair Market Value of Target Business
Pursuant to the underwriting agreement for Courtside’s IPO, the initial target business that Courtside acquires must have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of Courtside’s net assets at the time of such acquisition. Courtside’s board of directors determined that this test was met in connection with its acquisition of ACN both prior to and after the Columbus acquisition. Further, Courtside has received opinions from Capitalink, L.C. that this test has been met in both instances.
Stockholder Approval of Business Combination
Courtside will proceed with the acquisition of ACN only if the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting is voted in favor of the acquisition proposal. The Courtside Inside Stockholders have agreed to vote their common stock issued prior to the IPO on the acquisition proposal in accordance with the vote of holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. If the holders of 20% or more of the Public Shares vote against the acquisition proposal and properly demand that Courtside convert their Public Shares into their pro rata share of the trust account, then Courtside will not consummate the acquisition. In this case, Courtside will be forced to liquidate.
Liquidation If No Business Combination
Courtside’s certificate of incorporation provides for mandatory liquidation of Courtside if Courtside does not consummate a business combination within 18 months from the date of consummation of its IPO, or 24 months from the consummation of the IPO if certain extension criteria have been satisfied. Such dates are January 7, 2007 and July 7, 2007, respectively. Courtside signed a letter of intent with ACN on December 18, 2006 and signed a definitive purchase agreement with ACN on January 24, 2007. As a result of having signed the letter of intent, Courtside satisfied the extension criteria and now has until July 7, 2007 to complete the acquisition.
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If Courtside does not complete the acquisition by July 7, 2007, Courtside will be dissolved pursuant to Section 275 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In connection with such dissolution, the expected procedures of which are set forth below, Courtside will distribute to all of its public stockholders, in proportion to their respective equity interests, an aggregate sum equal to the amount in the trust account, inclusive of any interest, plus remaining assets. Courtside’s stockholders who obtained their Courtside stock prior to Courtside’s IPO have waived their rights to participate in any liquidation distribution with respect to shares of common stock owned by them immediately prior to the IPO. There will be no distribution from the trust account with respect to Courtside’s warrants.
We anticipate that, if we are unable to complete the business combination with ACN, the following will occur:
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| • | our board of directors will convene and adopt a specific plan of dissolution and liquidation, which it will then vote to recommend to our stockholders; at such time it will also cause to be prepared a preliminary proxy statement setting out such plan of dissolution and liquidation as well as the board’s recommendation of such plan; |
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| • | we will promptly file our preliminary proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
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| • | if the Securities and Exchange Commission does not review the preliminary proxy statement, then, 10 days following the filing of such preliminary proxy statement, we will mail the definitive proxy statement to our stockholders, and 10-20 days following the mailing of such definitive proxy statement, we will convene a meeting of our stockholders, at which they will vote on our plan of dissolution and liquidation; and |
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| • | if the Securities and Exchange Commission does review the preliminary proxy statement, we currently estimate that we will receive their comments 30 days after the filing of such proxy statement. We would then mail the definitive proxy statement to our stockholders following the conclusion of the comment and review process (the length of which we cannot predict with any certainty, and which may be substantial) and we will convene a meeting of our stockholders at which they will vote on our plan of dissolution and liquidation. |
We expect that a significant part or all of the costs associated with the implementation and completion of our plan of dissolution and liquidation will be funded (to the extent that the deposit paid by Courtside on execution of the purchase agreement is not returned to it) by our management, who will advance us the funds necessary to complete such dissolution and liquidation (currently anticipated to be no more than approximately $50,000) and not seek reimbursement thereof.
We will not liquidate the trust account unless and until our stockholders approve our plan of dissolution and liquidation. Accordingly, the foregoing procedures may result in substantial delays in our liquidation and the distribution to our public stockholders of the funds in our trust account and any remaining net assets as part of our plan of dissolution and liquidation.
Courtside expects to have expended all of the net proceeds of the IPO, other than the proceeds deposited in the trust account. Accordingly, the per-share liquidation price as of , 2007, the record date, is approximately $ , or $ less than the per-unit offering price of $6.00 in Courtside’s IPO. The proceeds deposited in the trust account could, however, become subject to the claims of Courtside’s creditors and there is no assurance that the actual per-share liquidation price will not be less than $ , due to those claims. If Courtside liquidates prior to the consummation of a business combination, Richard D. Goldstein, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, and Bruce M. Greenwald, president and a director, will be personally liable to pay debts and obligations to vendors and other entities that are owed money by Courtside for services rendered or products sold to Courtside, or to any target business, to the extent such creditors bring claims that would otherwise require payment from moneys in the trust account. There is no assurance, however, that they would be able to satisfy those obligations. We cannot assure you that the per-share distribution from the trust fund, if we liquidate, will not be less than $ , plus interest, due to claims of creditors.
Additionally, if we are forced to file a bankruptcy case or an involuntary bankruptcy case is filed against us that is not dismissed, the proceeds held in the trust account could be subject to applicable
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bankruptcy law, and may be included in our bankruptcy estate and subject to the claims of third parties with priority over the claims of our stockholders. Also, in any such case, any distributions received by stockholders in our dissolution might be viewed under applicable debtor/creditor and/or bankruptcy laws as either a ‘‘preferential transfer’’ or a ‘‘fraudulent conveyance.’’ As a result, a bankruptcy court could seek to recover all amounts received by our stockholders in our dissolution. Furthermore, because we intend to distribute the proceeds held in the trust account to our public stockholders as soon as possible after our dissolution, this may be viewed or interpreted as giving preference to our public stockholders over any potential creditors with respect to access to or distributions from our assets. In addition, our board of directors may be viewed as having breached their fiduciary duties to our creditors and/or may have acted in bad faith, and thereby exposing itself and our company to claims of punitive damages, by paying public stockholders from the trust account prior to addressing the claims of creditors and/or complying with certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law with respect to our dissolution and liquidation. We cannot assure you that claims will not be brought against us for these reasons.
To the extent any bankruptcy or other claims deplete the trust account, we cannot assure you we will be able to return to our public stockholders at least $ per share.
Under Sections 280 through 282 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholders may be held liable for claims by third parties against a corporation to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution. Pursuant to Section 280, if the corporation complies with certain procedures intended to ensure that it makes reasonable provision for all claims against it, including a 60-day notice period during which any third-party claims can be brought against the corporation, a 90-day period during which the corporation may reject any claims brought, and an additional 150-day waiting period before any liquidating distributions are made to stockholders, any liability of a stockholder with respect to a liquidating distribution is limited to the lesser of such stockholder’s pro rata share of the claim or the amount distributed to the stockholder, and any liability of the stockholder would be barred after the third anniversary of the dissolution. Although we will seek stockholder approval to liquidate the trust account to our public stockholders as part of our plan of dissolution and liquidation, we will seek to conclude this process as soon as possible and as a result do not intend to comply with those procedures. Because we will not be complying with the foregoing provisions, Section 281(b) of the Delaware General Corporation Law requires us to adopt a plan that will provide for our payment, based on facts known to us at such time, of (i) all existing claims, (ii) all pending claims and (iii) all claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years. However, because we are a blank check company, rather than an operating company, and our operations have been limited to searching for prospective target businesses to acquire, the only likely claims to arise would be from our vendors and service providers to whom we owe money and potential target businesses, all of whom we’ve received agreements waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind they may have in or to any monies held in the trust account. As a result, the claims that could be made against us will be significantly limited and the likelihood that any claim would result in any liability extending to the trust is remote. Nevertheless, such agreements may or may not be enforceable. Because we will not be complying with those procedures, we are required, pursuant to Section 281 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, to adopt a plan that will provide for our payment, based on facts known to us at such time, of (i) all existing claims, (ii) all pending claims and (iii) all claims that may be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years. Accordingly, we would be required to provide for any creditors known to us at that time or those that we believe could be potentially brought against us within the subsequent 10 years prior to distributing the funds held in the trust to stockholders. We cannot assure you that we will properly assess all claims that may be potentially brought against us. As such, our stockholders could potentially be liable for any claims to the extent of distributions received by them in a dissolution (but no more) and any liability of our stockholders may extend well beyond the third anniversary of such dissolution. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that third parties will not seek to recover from our stockholders amounts owed to them by us.
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Facilities
Courtside maintains executive offices at 1700 Broadway, New York, New York. The cost for this space is included in a $7,500 per-month fee that Alpine Capital LLC., an affiliate of Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald and of Gregg H. Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary, and Oded Aboodi, our special advisor, charges Courtside for general and administrative services. Through March 31, 2007, an aggregate of approximately $158,000 has been incurred for such services. Courtside believes, based on rents and fees for similar services in the New York City area, that the fees charged by Alpine Capital LLC are at least as favorable as Courtside could have obtained from an unaffiliated person. Courtside considers its current office space adequate for current operations. Upon consummation of the acquisition, the principal executive offices of Courtside will be located at 14875 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 110, Dallas, Texas 75254.
Employees
Courtside has four executive officers and five directors (of whom two are also executive officers). These individuals are not obligated to contribute any specific number of hours per week and devote only as much time as they deem necessary to our affairs. Courtside does not intend to have any full time employees prior to the consummation of the acquisition.
Periodic Reporting and Audited Financial Statements
Courtside has registered its securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has reporting obligations, including the requirement to file annual and quarterly reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Courtside’s annual reports contain financial statements audited and reported on by Courtside’s independent accountants. Courtside has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its Annual Report on Form 10-KSB covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q covering the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Legal Proceedings
There are no legal proceedings pending against Courtside.
Courtside’s Plan of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Courtside’s financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this proxy statement.
Overview
We were formed on March 18, 2005, to serve as a vehicle to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other similar business combination with an operating business. We intend to utilize a combination of cash derived from the proceeds of our public offering and loans, and our capital stock in effecting the ACN business combination.
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2007 to the three months ended March 31, 2006
For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we had net income of $330,467 consisting of interest and dividend income less operating expenses and state and local income and capital taxes. Our interest and dividend income includes dividend income of $516,923 and $415,026 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, respectively, and our deferred dividends of $783,315 and $654,165 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, were derived from money market funds which are exempt from federal income taxes. The increase in dividend income was attributable to the increase in funds held in the Trust Fund, as well as the increase in interest rates in the 2007 quarter as compared to the 2006 quarter. For the quarter ended March 31, 2007, our expenses consisted of operating costs, which were $66,815, state capital taxes in the quarter of $15,000, and state and local income taxes of $109,000, compared to such expenses of $73,728, $22,500, and $91,000, respectively for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
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Discussion of the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2007.
For the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) through March 31, 2007 we had net income of $1,787,177 attributable to dividend and interest income less formation and operating expenses and state and local income and capital taxes. Courtside’s interest and dividend income of $3,229,036 and Courtside’s deferred dividends of $783,315 were principally derived from money market funds which are exempt from federal income taxes. Courtside’s expenses consisted of formation and operating costs of $698,911, state capital taxes of $121,348 and state and local income taxes of $621,600.
We consummated our initial public offering on July 7, 2005. On July 11, 2005, we consummated the closing of an additional 1,800,000 units that were subject to the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Gross proceeds from our initial public offering were $82,800,000. We paid a total of $6,516,000 in underwriting discounts and commissions, and approximately $593,000 was paid for costs and expenses related to the offering. After deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and the offering expenses, the total net proceeds to us from the offering were approximately $75,691,000 of which $73,764,000 was deposited in the trust account (or approximately $5.35 per share sold in the offering). As of March 31, 2007, there was $77,682,536 held in trust (approximately $5.63 per share sold in the offering).
Courtside has incurred the following expenses through March 31, 2007 as compared to the Use of Proceeds disclosure in Courtside’s Form S-1:
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| Use of net proceeds not held in trust | |
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Actual | |
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| Legal, accounting and other expenses attendant to the due diligence investigations, structuring and negotiation of a business combination (recorded as deferred acquisition cost) (1) | |
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$ | 512,690 | |
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$ | 300,000 | |
| Due diligence of prospective target businesses | |
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267,360 | |
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300,000 | |
| Payment of administrative fee to Alpine Capital LLC ($7,500 per month for two years) | |
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157,750 | |
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180,000 | |
| Legal and accounting fees relating to SEC reporting obligations | |
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48,274 | |
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40,000 | |
| Working capital to cover miscellaneous expenses, D&O insurance, taxes and reserves | |
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968,475 | |
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1,095,000 | |
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1,954,549 | |
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1,915,000 | (2) |
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| (1) | Excludes $700,000 paid as a deposit in escrow in accordance with the purchase agreement |
| (2) | Actual net proceeds amounted to $1,927,000 |
All of the expenditures incurred to March 31, 2007 have been consistent with the estimates made for the Use of Proceeds in Courtside’s Form S-1 except for the costs of the ACN acquisition. Costs of the ACN acquisition have exceeded Courtside’s original estimate because of Courtside’s decision to obtain a fairness opinion and because legal and accounting fees for due diligence and negotiating the asset purchase agreement, employment agreements and preparing the proxy have exceeded Courtside’s original estimates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have used the net proceeds of our initial public offering not held in trust to identify and evaluate prospective acquisition candidates, select our target business, and structure, negotiate and consummate our business combination. At March 31, 2007, we had cash outside of the trust account of $915, prepaid expenses of $37,345, current liabilities of $1,430,127 and deferred acquisition coasts of $1,212,690. Richard D. Goldstein, our chairman of he board and chief executive officer, and Bruce M. Greenwald, our president, have agreed that, if we are unable to complete the business combination with ACN and are forced to liquidate, they will be personally liable to pay debts and obligations to vendors or other entities that are owed money by us for services rendered or products sold to us, or to any target business, to the extent they have successful claims against the funds in our trust account.
As of March 31, 2007, Courtside had accounts payable and accrued liabilities that totaled approximately $457,000. Courtside estimates that it will incur additional expenses of approximately
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$700,000 that would be required to be paid if the acquisition is not consummated. Of such total of approximately $1,157,000, vendors and service providers to whom $680,829 is or would be owed (of which $32,250 would be owed to Alpine Capital for rent and reimbursement of expenses advanced on behalf of Courtside) have waived their rights to make claims for payment from amounts in the trust account. Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald would be obligated to indemnify Courtside for the balance of approximately $476,000 that would be owed to vendors and service providers who have not given such waivers to the extent that they successfully claim against the trust account funds. Any obligations of Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to pay such amounts would be reduced by payments to them from amounts available to Courtside from the return to it of all or part of the $700,000 deposit it has made on the purchase price of the acquisition and funds provided by Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald to fund Courtside’s operating expenses. Any of Courtside’s accounts payable and accrued liabilities that are outstanding upon the consummation of the acquisition will be paid by the combined company following the acquisition. If the acquisition is consummated, Courtside will also incur further additional expenses of approximately $3,664,000 for fees and other expenses related to financing for the acquisition and completing the transaction, which will be paid by the combined company following the acquisition.
On January 24, 2007, Courtside signed the purchase agreement (which was amended on May 2, 2007) to acquire the business and substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers LLC, a publisher of community newspapers now operating within the following markets: Minneapolis - St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington D.C.) and Columbus, Ohio. The purchase price is approximately $206,000,000, (including the Columbus estimated working capital payment), subject to working capital adjustments (of which up to $12,500,000 may be paid in shares of Courtside common stock valued at $5.70 per share and the balance will be paid in cash) plus up to $15,000,000 based on 2008 newspaper cash flow and $10,000,000 if during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period through July 7, 2009 the last reported sale price of our common stock exceeds $8.50 per share. Concurrently with the execution of the purchase agreement, Courtside placed $700,000 in escrow as a deposit on the purchase price.
We consummated our initial public offering of 12,000,000 units on July 7, 2005. On July 11, 2005, we consummated the closing of an additional 1,800,000 units that were subject to the over-allotment option. Each unit consisted of one share of our common stock and two warrants, each to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. Under the terms of the warrant agreement governing the terms of the warrants between us and the Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, we are required to use our best efforts to register these warrants and maintain such registration. After evaluating our financial statement treatment with respect to the accounting for derivative financial instruments pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-19, we entered into a clarification agreement dated October 25, 2006 with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. The clarification agreement made explicit that effective as of the date of our initial public offering, we are not obligated to pay cash or other consideration to the holders of warrants or otherwise ‘‘net-cash settle’’ any warrant exercise if we are unable to deliver securities pursuant to the exercise of a warrant because a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended with respect to the common stock is not effective. The clarification agreement clarifies that net-cash settlement was never intended to be a remedy for registered warrant holders, based on the intent of the parties as set forth in the warrant agreement and our final prospectus for our initial public offering. Such clarification is entirely consistent with the terms of the warrant agreement and the disclosure contained in our prospectus. Based on the foregoing, we believe our accounting of our warrants as permanent equity is fully justified and supported.
In connection with our initial public offering we issued to the underwriters, for $100 an option to purchase up to a total of 600,000 units. The units issuable upon exercise of this purchase option are identical to the units we sold in our initial public offering except that the warrants included in the option have an exercise price of $6.65. We estimated that the fair value of this option was approximately $1,224,000 ($2.04 per unit underlying such option) using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the option granted to the underwriter was estimated as of the date of grant
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using the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 40.995%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 3.72% and (3) expected life of 5 years. The option may be exercised for cash or on a ‘‘cashless’’ basis at the holder’s option, such that the holder may use the appreciated value of the option (the difference between the exercise prices of the option and the underlying warrants and the market price of the units and underlying securities) to exercise the option without the payment of any cash. On October 25, 2006, in connection with the clarification agreement with respect to our warrants discussed above, we similarly clarified the terms of the options granted to the underwriters. In doing so, we clarified, as the date of our initial public offering, that (i) if we are unable to deliver any securities pursuant to the exercise of the options, we will have no obligation to pay such holder any cash or otherwise ‘‘net-cash settle’’ the option or the warrants underlying the option and (ii) there was no specified liability for our failure to satisfy our registration requirements. As discussed above, the foregoing clarification was based on the disclosure set forth in the warrant agreement and the final prospectus. Such clarification is entirely consistent with the terms of the warrant agreement and the disclosure contained in our prospectus. Based on the foregoing, we believe our accounting of the option as permanent equity is fully justified and supported.
As of May 4, 2007, Courtside has borrowed $318,000 from Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald. The loan is unsecured, bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum, is non-recourse to the trust account and will be paid on the consummation by Courtside of a business combination. However, if a business combination is not consummated, it is not expected that Courtside will have any remaining non-trust account funds to pay the loan except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. As of April 30, 2007, approximately $400,000 of the $700,000 was reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses. It is expected that such expenses will ultimately total in excess of $700,000.
As indicated in our accompanying financial statements, such financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. We are required to consummate a business combination by July 7, 2007. The possibility that our acquisition with ACN will not be consummated raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, and the financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Commencing on June 30, 2005 and ending upon the acquisition of a target business, we began incurring a fee from Alpine Capital LLC, an affiliate of Richard D. Goldstein, our chairman of the board and the chief executive officer, Bruce M. Greenwald, our president and a member of our board of directors, Gregg H. Mayer, our vice president and controller, and Oded Aboodi, our special advisor, of $7,500 per month for providing us with office space and certain general and administrative services. In addition, in April and May 2005, Richard D. Goldstein advanced an aggregate of $100,000 to us for payment on our behalf of offering expenses. These loans were repaid following our initial public offering from the proceeds of the offering.
Courtside reimburses its officers and directors for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on Courtside’s behalf such as identifying and investigating possible target businesses and business combinations. From Courtside’s inception in March 2005, through March 31, 2007, Courtside reimbursed its officers and directors in the aggregate amount of approximately $55,000 for expense incurred by them on its behalf, including travel, meals and entertainment.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Options and warrants issued in conjunction with our IPO are equity-linked derivatives and accordingly represent off-balance sheet arrangements. The options and warrants meet the scope exception in paragraph 11(a) of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 133 and are accordingly not accounted for as derivatives for purposes of FAS 133 but instead are accounted for as equity. See Note 2 of the notes to our financial statements for more information.
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BUSINESS OF ACN
General Overview
ACN is a community newspaper publisher in the United States, operating within four major U.S. markets: Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) and Columbus, Ohio, which rank as the 16th, 8th, 4th and 32nd largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas, or MSAs, respectively. MSAs are geographic entities defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for use by Federal statistical agencies in collecting, tabulating, and publishing Federal statistics. These markets are some of the most affluent, high growth markets in the United States, with ACN strategically positioned in the wealthiest counties within each market, including Hennepin County in Minnesota, Collin County in Texas, Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun Counties in Northern Virginia and Delaware and Union Counties in Columbus, Ohio. ACN’s goal is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in any market its serves. ACN was organized in Delaware in 2004 for purposes of acquiring substantially all of the assets of a predecessor entity known as American Community Newspapers, Inc. (See ‘‘History,’’ below, for additional information.)
ACN’s publications provide high quality local content to its readers and mirror the goings-on and happenings of the local community. The publications provide community news about local governments, high school and local sports, board of education/school news, local events, local police/fire/rescue and local businesses, which are consistently overlooked by major metropolitan daily newspapers, radio stations and television stations. ‘‘In the Community, With the Community, For the Community’’, which serves as ACN’s tagline, is central to ACN’s editorial and operating philosophy. ACN’s extensive regional footprint within the markets it serves provides it with the ability to create targeted advertising packages for local and national advertisers, allowing advertisers the choice to advertise locally in only a few communities, or throughout entire markets.
ACN’s publications reach approximately 1,386,000 households in its communities (as of April 30, 2007). ACN’s products include:
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| • | 83 weekly newspapers (published between one and two times per week) with total controlled circulation of approximately 1,017,000 and total paid circulation of 76,000; |
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| • | 14 niche publications with total controlled circulation of approximately 227,000 and total paid circulation of 53,000; |
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| • | Three daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 10,000 and total controlled distribution of approximately 3,000; and |
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| • | 85 locally focused websites with average monthly page views and visitors of approximately 3.4 million and 1.1 million, respectively, which extend the reach and frequency of its products beyond their geographic print distribution area and onto the Internet. |
ACN has a history of growth through acquisitions in addition to its organic growth. Since May 31, 2005, ACN, in five separate transactions, has acquired one daily, 28 weeklies and eight niche publications with a combined circulation of approximately 685,000. Two of the acquisitions were additions to ACN’s existing clusters (groups of publications operating in contiguous locales in the same market) in Minneapolis – St. Paul and Dallas. Three other acquisitions, two in the Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) area and one in the Columbus, Ohio market provided ACN with the critical mass required for new newspaper operating clusters. This acquisition strategy has been and will continue to be a critical component of ACN’s growth. ACN sees significant opportunities to continue pursuing acquisitions due to the highly fragmented ownership in the community newspaper industry.
A key element of ACN’s business strategy is geographic clustering of publications to realize operating efficiencies and revenue opportunities and provide consistent management. ACN shares best
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| 1 | Controlled circulation is the distribution of a newspaper or magazine, usually free, to selected households who are members of an audience of special interest to advertisers. |
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practices across its organization, giving each publication the benefit of revenue producing and cost saving initiatives that have been successful in other ACN newspaper clusters. It also centralizes functions such as ad composition, accounting, production and distribution and gives each publication in a cluster access to quality production equipment, which enables ACN to (i) cost-efficiently provide superior products and service to its customers and (ii) more quickly effectuate synergies from acquisitions within its existing clusters. In addition, as ACN has continued to grow both organically (approximately 6.5% in fiscal year 2006 and approximately 5.4% in fiscal year 2005)and through acquisitions (for the publications acquired via acquisition before 2007, such publications grew from approximately $1.5 million of EBITDA (for the twelve months prior to the acquisition by ACN) to approximately $3.3 million, or 120%, for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006), it has been able to achieve economies of scale for such purchases as insurance, newsprint and other supplies. The clustering strategy has helped allow ACN to launch numerous new products in its existing clusters, leveraging off of its existing fixed cost base to allow for incremental operating profit upon publication of the first issue. ACN believes that these advantages, together with the generally lower overhead costs associated with operating in its markets, may allow it to generate higher operating profit margins and create an advantage against competitors and potential entrants in its markets.
History
In June 1998, American Community Newspapers, Inc. (the predecessor to ACN and formerly known as Lionheart Newspapers) was formed by a newspaper management team with backing from Weiss, Peck & Greer and Waller-Sutton Media Partners, L.P., with AIG becoming the third institutional investor in 1999. During 2000 and 2001, the predecessor to ACN was operating under a forbearance agreement with its banks (pursuant to which the bankers agreed not to foreclose even though the predecessor was in default) and the original management team left. In August 2001, Gene Carr was hired as president and group publisher of ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group and in June 2002, he was named chief executive officer. In December 2001, Jeff Coolman was hired as advertising director of the Minnesota newspaper group. In October 2002, he took on the additional responsibilities of vice president and general manager and, in March 2004, was named group publisher. In May 2002, Dan Wilson was hired as chief financial officer and from October 2002 through December 2004, he also served as president and group publisher of ACN’s Dallas newspaper group. In October 2002, the predecessor to ACN’s name was changed to American Community Newspapers. In December 2004, after significant improvement in financial performance, ACN was purchased by Spire Capital Partners, L.P., Wachovia Capital Partners 2004 LLC and members of senior management, including Gene Carr, Dan Wilson and Jeff Coolman.
Minneapolis – St. Paul Newspaper Group Acquisitions. In July of 1998, ACN acquired the core Sun Newspapers group in Minneapolis as its initial acquisition. The second acquisition in the current Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group occurred in August 1999, with the acquisition of the Press Newspaper group and Stearns County Publishing in Northwest Minneapolis. In November 1999, ACN purchased the Waconia Patriot Newspaper group in suburban areas west of Minneapolis. In February 2002, ACN acquired the Focus Newspaper group and in May 2005, the most recent piece of the current Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group was added through the acquisition of the Monticello Times Newspaper group.
Dallas Newspaper Group Acquisitions. In December 1998, ACN acquired the core assets of its Dallas newspaper group from E.W. Scripps Howard, which included newspapers located in Collin, Denton and Dallas Counties serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Coppell, Mesquite and The Colony. During 1999 and 2000 and through six separate transactions, ACN purchased newspapers located in Frisco, Justin, Celina, Little Elm, Rowlett and The Colony. The most recent acquisition in the current Dallas newspaper group occurred in July 2005 with the purchase of the McKinney Courier-Gazette. In addition to the acquisitions, ACN launched two weekly publications, the Plano Insider and the Carrollton Leader.
Northern Virginia Newspaper Group Acquisitions. In August 2005, ACN acquired the Sun Gazette Newspaper group, serving the communities of Arlington, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Great Falls and Middleburg in suburban Northern Virginia. The second acquisition of the Northern Virginia
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Newspaper Group occurred in March 2006 with the acquisition of Amendment I, Inc., which operated a weekly newspaper and two niche publications in Loudoun County.
Columbus Newspaper Group Acquisitions. In April 2007, ACN acquired the publishing assets of CM Media, Inc. (‘‘CMM’’). CMM publishes 22 weekly newspapers and four niche publications in and around the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area.
Other Acquisitions and Divestitures. In October 1998, ACN purchased the assets of Sun Publications principally serving Overland Park in suburban Kansas City, Kansas and various parts of Johnson County in Kansas and Platte County and Clay County in Missouri. Further supplementing what was formerly ACN’s Kansas City newspaper group was the February 1999 acquisition of the assets of Metromark which produced various chamber of commerce guides, community guides and other high quality gloss printing products. ACN’s Kansas City newspaper group was sold in December 2005 to a strategic in-market acquirer.
In July 1998, ACN purchased the assets of CSP Publications, which owned shoppers in Springfield, Missouri, Wichita, Kansas and Grand Prairie, Texas. The Texas, Missouri and Kansas assets were sold in September 1999, October 1999 and March 2002, respectively.
In July 1998, ACN acquired the stock of Ft. Worth Business Press. This publication was sold in October 2001.
Industry Overview
According to a recent Lehman Brothers research report, newspapers are the third largest advertising medium in the U.S., estimated to account for 16.0% of 2006 U.S. advertising expenditures or $46.6 billion. According to Veronis Suhler Stevenson Communications Industry Forecast, 2006-2010, total U.S. newspaper spending (advertising and circulation) is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (‘‘CAGR’’) of 1.6% from 2006-2010, reaching $72.3 billion. Daily newspapers are expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.3% to $64.7 billion in 2010 and weekly newspapers expenditures are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4%, reaching $7.6 billion in 2010.
ACN operates 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 are generally unique to each market they serve and are not readily obtainable from other sources. Local publications include community newspapers, shoppers, traders, real estate guides, special interest magazines and directories.
According to the National Newspaper Association, community newspapers in the U.S. date back to 1690. Published on a weekly or daily basis, a distinguishing characteristic of a community newspaper is its commitment to serve the information needs of a particular community. Due to the unique nature of their content, community publications compete to a limited extent for advertising customers with other forms of media, including: direct mail, television, radio, directories, outdoor advertising and the Internet. ACN believes that local publications are the most effective medium for retail advertising, which emphasizes the price of goods, in contrast to radio and broadcast and cable television, which are generally used for image advertising. Lehman Brothers estimates that the locally oriented segment of the entire U.S. advertising market generated revenue of approximately $128 billion in 2006.
Locally-focused media in suburban 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. In contrast, locally oriented media outlets deliver a highly focused product that is often the only source of local information. The community newspaper clustering strategy of building a critical mass of advertising networks, distribution channels, centralized production, intensely local content and loyal long-term readers and advertisers in a concentrated geographic market helps to create high barriers to entry.
Industry Fragmentation
The U.S. community newspaper industry is large and highly fragmented. According to the Newspaper Association of America, or NAA, there are more than 6,650 weekly newspapers in the
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U.S., with an average circulation of over 7,300 and total circulation of approximately 50 million in 2005. The number of daily newspapers has declined from 1,763 in 1960 to 1,452 in 2005, with daily circulation decreasing from 58,881,746 to 53,345,043 over this same period. This occurred during a period in which there was a 65% increase in U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. From 1996 (the first year that weekly newspaper statistics were kept), through 2005, the number of weekly newspapers has increased from 6,580 to 6,659 and weekly newspaper circulation has increased from 45,911,510 to 49,541,617.
According to Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, among the largest suburban newspaper publishing groups there are only five companies that own clusters of more than 30 weekly newspapers and only two that own more than 40. ACN believes that there are significant consolidation opportunities in the community newspaper industry.
Advertising Market
The entire U.S. advertising market is projected to generate approximately $290 billion in revenue during 2006.
U.S. Advertising Expenditures by Media Category(1)(2)
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| Media category | |
|
2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| News papers | |
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| Retail(Local) | |
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$ | 21,409 | |
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$ | 20,679 | |
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$ | 20,994 | |
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$ | 21,341 | |
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$ | 22,012 | |
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$ | 22,187 | |
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$ | 22,114 | |
| Classified (Local) | |
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19,609 | |
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16,622 | |
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|
15,898 | |
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15,801 | |
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16,617 | |
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17,311 | |
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|
17,038 | |
| Total Newspapers (Local) | |
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41,017 | |
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37,301 | |
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36,892 | |
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37,142 | |
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38,629 | |
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39,498 | |
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39,152 | |
| National | |
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7,653 | |
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|
7,004 | |
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|
7,210 | |
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7,797 | |
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8,083 | |
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7,910 | |
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7,437 | |
| Total Newspapers | |
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48,670 | |
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|
44,305 | |
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|
|
44,102 | |
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|
|
44,939 | |
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46,712 | |
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47,407 | |
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|
|
46,589 | |
| Direct Mail | |
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|
|
44,591 | |
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|
|
|
44,725 | |
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|
|
46,067 | |
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48,370 | |
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52,191 | |
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55,218 | |
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58,807 | |
| Broadcast TV | |
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| Network (Big 4) | |
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15,888 | |
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14,300 | |
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15,000 | |
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15,030 | |
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16,713 | |
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16,128 | |
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17,096 | |
| Syndication (National) | |
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3,108 | |
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3,102 | |
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3,034 | |
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3,434 | |
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3,674 | |
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3,865 | |
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4,020 | |
| Spot (National) | |
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12,264 | |
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9,223 | |
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10,920 | |
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9,948 | |
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11,370 | |
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10,040 | |
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10,944 | |
| Spot (Local) | |
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13,542 | |
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12,256 | |
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13,114 | |
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13,520 | |
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14,507 | |
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14,260 | |
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14,830 | |
| Total Broadcast TV | |
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44,802 | |
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38,881 | |
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42,068 | |
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41,932 | |
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46,264 | |
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44,293 | |
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46,889 | |
| Cable TV | |
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| Cable Networks | |
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11,765 | |
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11,777 | |
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12,071 | |
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13,954 | |
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16,424 | |
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18,296 | |
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19,760 | |
| Spot (Local) | |
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3,690 | |
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3,959 | |
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4,226 | |
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4,860 | |
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5,103 | |
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5,358 | |
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5,679 | |
| Total Cable TV | |
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15,455 | |
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15,736 | |
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16,297 | |
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18,814 | |
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21,527 | |
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23,654 | |
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25,439 | |
| Radio | |
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|||||||
| Network | |
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1,029 | |
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|
919 | |
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1,000 | |
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|
1,033 | |
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|
|
1,081 | |
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1,053 | |
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1,046 | |
| Spot (National) | |
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3,596 | |
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2,898 | |
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3,275 | |
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3,470 | |
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3,453 | |
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|
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3,384 | |
|
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|
|
3,418 | |
| Spot (Local) | |
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|
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15,223 | |
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|
|
14,552 | |
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|
|
15,134 | |
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15,100 | |
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|
15,479 | |
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|
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15,634 | |
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|
|
15,478 | |
| Total Radio | |
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19,848 | |
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|
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18,369 | |
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19,409 | |
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|
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19,603 | |
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|
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20,013 | |
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|
|
20,071 | |
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19,941 | |
| Magazines | |
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12,370 | |
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|
11,095 | |
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|
10,995 | |
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|
|
11,435 | |
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|
|
12,247 | |
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|
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12,847 | |
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|
|
13,232 | |
| Yellow Pages | |
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|||||||
| National | |
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|
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2,168 | |
|
|
|
|
2,209 | |
|
|
|
|
2,297 | |
|
|
|
|
2,319 | |
|
|
|
|
2,365 | |
|
|
|
|
2,415 | |
|
|
|
|
2,463 | |
| Local | |
|
|
|
11,536 | |
|
|
|
|
12,175 | |
|
|
|
|
12,412 | |
|
|
|
|
12,587 | |
|
|
|
|
13,121 | |
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|
|
13,555 | |
|
|
|
|
13,826 | |
| Total Yellow Pages | |
|
|
|
13,704 | |
|
|
|
|
14,384 | |
|
|
|
|
14,709 | |
|
|
|
|
14,906 | |
|
|
|
|
15,486 | |
|
|
|
|
15,970 | |
|
|
|
|
16,289 | |
| Outdoor | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| National | |
|
|
|
2,094 | |
|
|
|
|
2,077 | |
|
|
|
|
2,093 | |
|
|
|
|
2,202 | |
|
|
|
|
2,308 | |
|
|
|
|
2,494 | |
|
|
|
|
2,678 | |
| Local | |
|
|
|
3,141 | |
|
|
|
|
3,116 | |
|
|
|
|
3,139 | |
|
|
|
|
3,303 | |
|
|
|
|
3,462 | |
|
|
|
|
3,742 | |
|
|
|
|
4,017 | |
| Total Outdoor | |
|
|
|
5,235 | |
|
|
|
|
5,193 | |
|
|
|
|
5,232 | |
|
|
|
|
5,504 | |
|
|
|
|
5,769 | |
|
|
|
|
6,236 | |
|
|
|
|
6,696 | |
| Business Papers | |
|
|
|
4,915 | |
|
|
|
|
4,468 | |
|
|
|
|
3,976 | |
|
|
|
|
4,004 | |
|
|
|
|
4,072 | |
|
|
|
|
4,170 | |
|
|
|
|
4,233 | |
| Internet | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Display, Sponsorship, and Other | |
|
|
|
7,440 | |
|
|
|
|
5,707 | |
|
|
|
|
4,207 | |
|
|
|
|
3,488 | |
|
|
|
|
4,139 | |
|
|
|
|
5,268 | |
|
|
|
|
6,606 | |
| Search | |
|
|
|
81 | |
|
|
|
|
285 | |
|
|
|
|
902 | |
|
|
|
|
2,543 | |
|
|
|
|
3,754 | |
|
|
|
|
5,142 | |
|
|
|
|
6,942 | |
| Classified | |
|
|
|
566 | |
|
|
|
|
1,141 | |
|
|
|
|
902 | |
|
|
|
|
1,235 | |
|
|
|
|
1,733 | |
|
|
|
|
2,132 | |
|
|
|
|
2,610 | |
| Total Internet | |
|
|
|
8,087 | |
|
|
|
|
7,134 | |
|
|
|
|
6,010 | |
|
|
|
|
7,267 | |
|
|
|
|
9,626 | |
|
|
|
|
12,542 | |
|
|
|
|
16,157 | |
| Miscellaneous(3) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| National | |
|
|
|
24,418 | |
|
|
|
|
23,042 | |
|
|
|
|
23,414 | |
|
|
|
|
24,550 | |
|
|
|
|
26,907 | |
|
|
|
|
27,822 | |
|
|
|
|
28,657 | |
| Local | |
|
|
|
7,665 | |
|
|
|
|
6,853 | |
|
|
|
|
7,316 | |
|
|
|
|
7,440 | |
|
|
|
|
7,738 | |
|
|
|
|
7,870 | |
|
|
|
|
8,106 | |
| Total Miscellaneous | |
|
|
|
32,083 | |
|
|
|
|
29,895 | |
|
|
|
|
30,730 | |
|
|
|
|
31,990 | |
|
|
|
|
34,645 | |
|
|
|
|
35,692 | |
|
|
|
|
36,763 | |
| Total Local | |
|
|
|
115,267 | |
|
|
|
|
109,529 | |
|
|
|
|
111,862 | |
|
|
|
|
114,753 | |
|
|
|
|
120,840 | |
|
|
|
|
124,512 | |
|
|
|
|
127,844 | |
| Total National | |
|
|
|
134,493 | |
|
|
|
|
124,656 | |
|
|
|
|
127,733 | |
|
|
|
|
134,011 | |
|
|
|
|
147,712 | |
|
|
|
|
153,589 | |
|
|
|
|
163,193 | |
| Total | |
|
|
$ | 249,760 | |
|
|
|
$ | 234,185 | |
|
|
|
$ | 239,595 | |
|
|
|
$ | 248,764 | |
|
|
|
$ | 268,552 | |
|
|
|
$ | 278,101 | |
|
|
|
$ | 291,036 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
125
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Sources: Lehman Brothers research, dated December 4, 2006. |
| (2) | Figures are rounded and in millions of dollars. Information for 2006 is estimated. |
| (3) | Media category includes weekly newspaper advertising, point of purchase advertising, free shoppers and other non-regularly measured local media. |
The primary sources of advertising revenue for local publications are small businesses, government agencies and individuals who reside in the market that a publication serves, as well as regional and national retailers. By combining total market coverage publications, such as controlled distribution weekly newspapers and other specialty publications (tailored to the specific attributes of a local community), with paid circulation publications, local publications are able to reach the majority of the targeted households in a distribution area. Moreover, in addition to printed products, the majority of local publications have an online presence that further leverages the local brand and ensures higher penetration into a given market.
The Internet
The time spent online each day by media consumers continues to grow rapidly and newspaper web 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 through the Internet than other sources has allowed newspapers to produce some of the more visited sites on the Internet.
ACN management believes that local publications are well positioned to capitalize on their existing market franchise and grow their total audience base by publishing proprietary local content online. Local online media sites now include classifieds, directories of business information, local advertising, databases and most recently, audience-contributed content. This additional community-specific content should further extend and expand both the reach and the brand of the publications with readers and advertisers.
According to a Belden and Associates study of local news web sites released in May 2006, building a strong local online business extends the core audience of a local publication by an average of 13% to 15%. Market-based telephone surveys by the same group put that extended reach estimate as high as 19%. The site study also showed that the two primary drivers attracting visitors to a local media site were sections displaying ‘‘Local news of the day’’ and ‘‘Breaking news.’’
The opportunities to extend the core audience through the Internet make local online advertising an attractive complement for existing print advertisers and create new opportunities to attract local advertisers that have never advertised with local publications. In addition, ACN believes that national advertisers have an interest in reaching buyers on a hyper-local level and, although they are not typically significant advertisers in community publications, the Internet offers them a powerful medium to reach targeted local audiences.
Circulation and Distribution
According to the Newspaper Association of America, overall daily newspaper circulation, including national and urban newspapers, has declined at an average annual rate of 1.0% since 1996 and 2.0% during the three year period from 2002 to 2005. According to the Veronis Suhler Stevenson Communications Industry Forecast, 2006, the top 50 daily newspapers lost an average of 4.1% in circulation in 2005. Unlike daily newspapers, total circulation of weekly publications (including controlled circulation) has increased at an average annual rate of 0.9% over the same period. The charts below present U.S. daily newspaper circulation and U.S. population trends from 1960 through 2005.
126
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
| (1) | Source: Newspaper Association of America. |
| (2) | Source: U.S. Census Bureau ‘‘Total U.S. Resident Population.’’ |
This declining trend in circulation and penetration for daily newspapers has created an opportunity for controlled distribution weekly newspapers that can determine which demographics and areas to penetrate based on advertiser demand. As a result of these penetration advantages, ACN management believes that weekly newspapers are better able to cost effectively target its circulation base.
ACN’s Strengths
Some of ACN’s most significant strengths are:
Affluent, Desirable and High Growth Demographics. ACN’s portfolio consists of publications operating within four demographically superior and growing suburban markets, Dallas, Northern Virginia, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Columbus, which rank as the 4th, 8th, 16th and 32nd largest MSAs, respectively, in the U.S. These markets exhibit population, household and household income growth well above state and national averages. According to surveys by Belden and Associates and The Media Audit-International Demographics, median household incomes of readers in ACN’s markets in Northern Virginia, Dallas, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Columbus are $144,900, $81,400, $70,000 and $55,400, respectively, as compared to the U.S. median household income of $44,400. In addition, households within ACN’s Dallas, Northern Virginia, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Columbus distribution areas are projected to grow at compound annual growth rates of 3.4%, 3.1%, 1.3% and 1.3%, respectively, from 2006 through 201l based on estimates from Claritas Inc., as compared to the U.S. national projected growth of 1.0% over this same period. These underlying market fundamentals and a continuing strong economic environment provide ACN with opportunities to enhance its growth and profitability.
High Quality Assets with Dominant Local Franchises. ACN’s publications benefit from a long history in the communities they serve as a significant provider of comprehensive and in-depth local content. This has resulted in strong reader loyalty, which is highly valued by local advertisers. ACN has a major presence in each of its markets, with higher penetration rates than metro daily newspapers in the zip codes they commonly serve. This penetration advantage, combined with the advertisers’ growing awareness of the benefits of local advertising, provides an excellent platform to serve its advertising customers and expand local market coverage. ACN continues to build on long-standing relationships with local advertisers and its in-depth knowledge of local markets. In addition, given the highly localized content that ACN provides, these markets generally limit the number of hyper-local content providers, as ACN’s local news gathering infrastructures, sales networks and relationships would be time consuming and costly to replicate. As a result, ACN faces limited competition for the local content and advertising solutions it provides in most of its markets.
Superior Value Proposition for Advertisers. ACN’s publications provide a cost effective means for advertisers to reach the customers they want due to ACN’s strong reader loyalty, high audience penetration rates and high demographic quality of its readers. ACN offers advertisers several alternatives (dailies, weeklies, online and niche publications) to reach consumers and tailor the nature
127
and frequency of their marketing messages. The concentrated local focus of ACN’s distribution provides advertisers with a targeted audience with whom they can communicate directly, thereby maximizing the efficiency of their advertising spending. ACN’s high market penetration and combined product offerings give local advertisers a strong local market reach.
Local and Diversified Advertising Revenue Base. ACN’s advertising revenue tends to be local and is predictable for several reasons. First, ACN has a fragmented and diversified advertising customer base in its local markets. Over 40,000 individuals and businesses (60,000 with Columbus) advertise in ACN’s publications, and its top 20 advertisers contributed approximately 7% (6% with Columbus) of ACN’s total revenue in 2006, with the largest advertiser contributing less than 1%. Second, having operations in four diverse and large metropolitan markets in separate geographic areas of the U.S., without reliance on a single private employer or industry, helps to limit ACN’s exposure to location-specific economic downturns, as there is no significant correlation between the performances of any of its existing clusters. Third, the large number and diversity of ACN’s publications also contributes to the stability of its operations, with ACN’s largest publication contributing approximately 8% (5% with Columbus) of its total revenues in 2006. Finally, approximately 87% of ACN’s total revenue in 2006 was derived from local advertising (89% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007), which tends to be less volatile than national and major account advertising revenue and circulation revenue.
Scale Yields Higher Operating Profit Margins and Allows ACN to Realize Operating Synergies. ACN’s size within its four operating clusters facilitates its clustering strategy, which allows it to realize operating efficiencies. ACN achieves higher operating profit margins than its publications could achieve on a stand-alone basis by leveraging its operations and implementing revenue initiatives across a broader local footprint in a geographic cluster. ACN’s scale enables it to centralize advertising sales efforts, production facilities, local news coverage and administrative operations and spread costs over a larger number of publications. ACN also benefits from economies of scale in the purchase of insurance, newsprint and other supplies and equipment.
Strong Financial Profile Generates Significant Cash Flow. ACN’s business generates significant recurring cash flow due to its stable revenue, operating profit margins, low capital expenditure and working capital requirements and favorable tax position.
Strong Track Record of Acquiring and Integrating New Assets. ACN has created a platform for consolidating local publications. Since May 2005, ACN has acquired 37 publications in five transactions that contributed an aggregate of 26.6% of its total revenue in 2006. (27.9% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 49.0% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 50.0% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007). When measuring growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (‘‘EBITDA’’) for the publications acquired via these acquisitions, such publications grew from approximately $1.5 million of EBITDA (for the twelve months prior to the acquisition by ACN) to approximately $3.3 million, or 120%, for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006.
In addition, ACN believes that there are additional acquisition opportunities in existing and adjacent markets to expand its penetration and scale and to increase revenue and profitability.
Experienced Management Team. ACN’s senior management team is comprised of executives who have an average of over 20 years of experience in the media industry, with an average in excess of 15 years of newspaper industry specific experience. ACN’s executive officers have a successful track record of growing businesses organically and identifying and integrating acquisitions. In addition, ACN has developed strong publishers at individual newspapers who are established in their local communities and are responsible and accountable for the day-to-day performance of the business.
ACN’s Strategy
ACN seeks to grow revenue and cash flow by leveraging its community-based franchises and relationships to increase its product offerings, penetration rates and market share in the communities it serves and by pursuing a disciplined approach to acquisitions. The key elements of ACN’s strategy are:
128
Maintain Dominance in the Delivery of Proprietary Content in ACN’s Communities. ACN seeks to maintain its position as a significant provider of local content in the markets it serves and to leverage this position to strengthen its 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. These efforts have been recognized by industry associations through numerous awards and have firmly established ACN’s reputation of quality and excellence with both its readers and advertising customers. ACN has also identified opportunities to grow organically through the launch of newspapers in contiguous and under-served markets, as well as through the expansion of its niche publications into new geographic markets.
Pursue a Disciplined and Accretive Acquisition Strategy in Existing and New Markets. ACN seeks to grow in existing and new markets through a disciplined acquisition strategy. ACN evaluates acquisitions on an ongoing basis and intends to pursue acquisitions of locally focused community newspapers and ancillary products that are either (i) in contiguous or adjacent to ACN’s existing clusters, (ii) of significant scale to serve as new operating clusters or (iii) in significant fragmented markets with multiple add-on acquisition opportunities in markets which exhibit above average median household incomes and household growth. From time to time, ACN is in discussions with potential acquisition candidates, although it is not currently a party to any agreements for future acquisitions. There can be no assurance that ACN will succeed in acquiring any companies.
Leverage Benefits of Scale and Clustering to Increase Cash Flows and Operating Profit Margins. ACN will continue to take advantage of geographic clustering to realize operating and economic efficiencies in areas such as labor, production, overhead, raw materials and distribution costs. ACN believes it will be able to expand its operating profit margins as it streamlines and further centralizes purchasing and administrative functions and integrates acquired properties.
Introduce New Products or Modify Existing Products to Enhance the Value Plan for Advertisers. ACN’s established positions in its local markets, combined with its publishing and distribution capabilities, allow ACN to develop and customize new products to address the evolving interests and needs of its readers and advertisers. These customized products are often specialty publications that address specific interests such as alternative news, lifestyle, employment, healthcare, hobbies and real estate. In addition, ACN intends to capitalize upon its position in local markets to introduce other marketing oriented products such as new weekly newspapers and other niche publications in both online and printed format in order to further enhance value to its advertisers.
Pursue a Content-Driven Internet Strategy. ACN has introduced newly launched online versions in three of its four markets, beginning in August 2005, with the most recent online launch in July 2006. ACN expects to launch online versions of its Columbus publications in late summer of 2007. ACN is constantly reviewing the functionality of its websites and introduces enhancements, such as video reporting and advertising, as they become available. ACN management believes that ACN has solidified a significant position in its markets in delivering local content through online media. ACN believes it is well positioned to increase its revenue opportunities in each of the communities it serves through improved online penetration by distributing both its existing print content and, more importantly, frequent and unique additional local content, which it believes will attract additional advertisers. ACN will have the ability to sell traditional online advertising both locally and nationally. In addition, via the Internet, ACN will generally be able to share content across its organization, giving each of its publications access to technology, online management expertise, content and advertisers that they could not obtain or afford if they were operating independently.
Increase Sales Force Productivity. ACN intends to continue to increase the productivity of its sales force which, in turn, drives revenue increases. ACN’s approach utilizes the benchmarking of inside and outside sales executive call counts, daily sales activity reporting by each sales executive and incentive programs developed to create excitement, maximize sales growth and achieve ACN’s sales growth targets. Initial recruitment of sales executives and training programs focus on the skills and personal characteristics required to increase revenue, as well as enhance sales force retention. Weekly training and sales meetings focus on product knowledge, local demographic information, use of surveys, prospecting, presentation skills and closing the sale. ‘‘Success Stories’’ from each sales
129
executive are shared in sales meetings including successful sales calls, effective leads and prospecting techniques that resulted in a sale. Sales management develops, shares and evaluates its programs to ensure maximum productivity of all programs and sales executives. In addition, ACN will continue to evaluate advertising rates to ensure that it is maximizing revenue opportunities.
Products
ACN’s product mix currently consists of three publication types: (i) daily newspapers, (ii) weekly newspapers and (iii) niche publications:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Daily Newspapers | |
|
Weekly Newspapers | |
|
Niche Publications |
| Paid with some sampling | |
|
Free with some paid | |
|
Free with some paid |
| Distributed five to seven days per week | |
|
Distributed one to two days per week | |
|
Distributed weekly, monthly, quarterly or on annual basis |
| Printed on newsprint, folded | |
|
Printed on newsprint, folded | |
|
Printed on newsprint or glossy, folded, booklet, magazine or book |
| Editorial content (local news and coverage of community events, with very limited national headlines) and advertising (including classifieds) | |
|
Editorial content (local news and coverage of community events, no national news unless there is a local community angle) and advertising (including classifieds) | |
|
Niche content and targeted ads (e.g., chamber of commerce, city government, homeowners associations, developments and special interest such as alternative news, lifestyle, parenting, social, real estate, auto, calendars and directories) |
| Revenue from advertisers, subscriptions, rack / box sales and single copy sales outlets | |
|
Paid: Revenue from advertising, subscriptions, rack / box sales and single copy sales outlets
Free: Advertising revenue only, provide substantial market coverage |
|
|
Free: Advertising revenue only |
| Available online | |
|
Available online | |
|
Available online |
|
Overview of Operations
ACN operates in four suburban communities in the United States: Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia and Columbus, Ohio.
The following table sets forth information regarding ACN’s publications as of April 30, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Publications | |
|
Circulation(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Region | |
|
Dailies | |
|
Weeklies | |
|
Niche | |
|
Paid | |
|
Free | |
|
Total Circulation | ||||||||||||||||||
| Minneapolis – St. Paul | |
|
|
|
1 | |
|
|
|
|
43 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
37,000 | |
|
|
|
|
420,000 | |
|
|
|
|
457,000 | |
| Dallas | |
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
14 | |
|
|
|
|
6 | |
|
|
|
|
20,000 | |
|
|
|
|
278,000 | |
|
|
|
|
298,000 | |
| Northern Virginia | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
4 | |
|
|
|
|
4 | |
|
|
|
|
3,000 | |
|
|
|
|
216,000 | |
|
|
|
|
219,000 | |
| Columbus | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
22 | |
|
|
|
|
4 | |
|
|
|
|
79,000 | |
|
|
|
|
333,000 | |
|
|
|
|
412,000 | |
| Total | |
|
|
|
3 | |
|
|
|
|
83 | |
|
|
|
|
14 | |
|
|
|
|
139,000 | |
|
|
|
|
1,247,000 | |
|
|
|
|
1,386,000 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Circulation statistics are estimated by management as of April 30, 2007, except that audited circulation statistics, if available, are utilized as of the most recent audit date. |
Minneapolis – St. Paul Region.
ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group, located within the nation’s 16th largest MSA, is the 7th largest community newspaper group in the U.S. according to Dirks, Van Essen & Murray.
130
ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group includes 43 weekly and one daily publication with total circulation of approximately 457,000. The grouping of these publications provides advertisers with the opportunity for near total market coverage in the zip codes served at cost effective rates. ACN serves the affluent communities within Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Sherburne, Wright, Stearns, Anoka, St. Croix and Carver Counties. See ‘‘History,’’ above, for more information concerning ACN’s buildup in this market.
The Minneapolis – St. Paul market is home to 16 Fortune 500 companies, including Target, United Healthcare, SuperValu, 3M, Best Buy, Northwest Airlines, Medtronic, Travelers Insurance, U.S. Bank Corp. and General Mills, as well as several large private companies including Cargill and Carlson Companies. In addition, the March 2004 issue of Business 2.0 ranks Minneapolis as one of the top 20 ‘‘boom towns’’ in the U.S., with forecasted job growth of 9% and skilled labor growth of approximately 30% by 2008. Residents can work and shop close to home, making the news, information and local advertising by ACN’s publications integral to their lives.
According to the Sales & Marketing Management 2005 Survey of Buying Power, Minneapolis – St. Paul is the 12th largest retail market, totaling approximately $74.2 billion in retail sales in 2005 and possesses the 12th highest EBI in the U.S. According to a survey by Belden Associates, the median household income of readers of ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group is $70,000, as compared to the U.S. median household income of $44,400. The following sets forth certain additional demographic information as it relates to the zip code distribution area of the Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Statistic | |
|
ACN Minneapolis –
St. Paul Region |
|
|
U.S. Average | ||||||
| Median Home Value | |
|
|
$ | 251,711 | |
|
|
|
$ | 161,602 | |
| Household Growth 2000 – 2006 | |
|
1.3% | |
|
1.0% | ||||||
| Household Growth 2006 – 2011 | |
|
1.3% | |
|
1.0% | ||||||
| % Owner Occupied | |
|
77.2% | |
|
66.9% | ||||||
| % Families with Child <18 | |
|
53.6% | |
|
53.0% | ||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Source: Claritas Inc., Copyright 2007, data source 2006. |
ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group has a single production facility located in Hudson, Wisconsin, which produces all of the group’s publications. The main administrative office is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and there are 15 satellite sales and editorial offices located throughout the cluster. As of April 30, 2007, the Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group had 190 full time and 69 part time employees.
Dallas Region.
ACN’s Dallas newspaper group, is located within the nation’s 4th largest MSA. ACN’s Dallas newspaper group is anchored by two daily newspapers, the Plano Star Courier and the McKinney Courier-Gazette, and includes 14 weekly newspapers and six niche publications with total circulation of 298,000. ACN serves the affluent communities within Collin and Denton County, as well as portions of Dallas and Tarrant County. See ‘‘History,’’ above, for more information concerning ACN’s buildup in this market.
The Dallas market is home to 22 Fortune 500 companies, including Electronic Data Systems, JC Penney and Triad Hospitals, which have established their corporate headquarters in Collin County and are representative of the economic development in the region. The metropolitan area is the largest in Texas with total GDP surpassing $256 billion in 2004. The suburbs of Dallas have seen even greater growth and prosperity. Money Magazine has named several Texas communities served by ACN, including Plano, Allen, Carrollton, Flower Mound, and Coppell, among the most desirable places to live in the U.S.
According to the Sales & Marketing Management 2005 Survey of Buying Power, Dallas is the 7th largest retail market, totaling approximately $106.7 billion in retail sales in 2005 and possesses the
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17th highest median household EBI in the U.S. According to the survey by Belden Associates, the median household income of readers of ACN’s Dallas newspaper group is $81,400, as compared to the U.S. median household income of $44,400. The following sets forth certain additional demographic information as it relates to the zip code distribution area of the Dallas newspaper group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Statistic | |
|
ACN Dallas Region | |
|
U.S. Average |
| Median Home Value | |
|
$190,650 | |
|
$161,602 |
| Household Growth 2000 – 2006 | |
|
3.9% | |
|
1.0% |
| Household Growth 2006 – 2011 | |
|
3.4% | |
|
1.0% |
| % Owner Occupied | |
|
72.7% | |
|
66.9% |
| % Families with Child <18 | |
|
60.6% | |
|
53.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Source: Claritas Inc., Copyright 2007, data source 2006. |
ACN’s Dallas newspaper group has a single production facility located in Plano, Texas, which produces all of the group’s publications. The main administrative office is co-located with the production facility, and there are four satellite sales and editorial offices located throughout the cluster. As of April 30, 2007, the Dallas newspaper group had 118 full time and 2 part time employees.
Northern Virginia Region.
ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group, located within the nation’s 8th largest MSA, primarily serves the high growth markets and affluent communities within Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun Counties. The Northern Virginia newspaper group consists of four weekly newspapers and also includes four niche publications with total circulation of 219,000. See ‘‘History,’’ above, for more information concerning ACN’s buildup in this market.
The Northern Virginia market is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Sprint Nextel, General Dynamics, AES, Capital One and Gannett. Arlington County’s favorable location next to the nation’s capital, large, high-quality commercial base, rising housing values and affluent residential base anchor its competitive position. Fairfax County’s dynamic business community is on the forefront of one of the strongest economies in the country. Along with its well-known strengths in government and defense technology, the county has large and growing numbers of commercial IT, financial, software, communications and technology management service providers. Its residents have the highest average income in the U.S., based on U.S. Census, Current Population Survey, August 2006. Loudoun County, located west of Washington, D.C., was a historically rural county that has now become a major metropolitan suburb and is the fastest growing county in Virginia, according to the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, January 2007. Local employment opportunities are expanding, in part to meet the service needs of the burgeoning population and in response to growth at Dulles International Airport and federal homeland security and contractor spending.
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According to the Sales & Marketing Management 2005 Survey of Buying Power, the Northern Virginia market is located within the 8th largest retail market, which totaled approximately $89.5 billion in retail sales in 2005 and possessed the 2nd highest median household EBI in the U.S. According to the survey by Belden Associates, the median household income of readers of ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group is $144,900, as compared to the U.S. median household income of $44,400. The following sets forth certain additional demographic information as it relates to the zip code distribution area of the Northern Virginia newspaper group:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
| Statistic | |
|
ACN Northern Virginia
Region |
|
|
U.S. Average |
| Median Home Value | |
|
$472,826 | |
|
$161,602 |
| Household Growth 2000 – 2006 | |
|
3.4% | |
|
1.0% |
| Household Growth 2006 – 2011 | |
|
3.1% | |
|
1.0% |
| % Owner Occupied | |
|
70.9% | |
|
66.9% |
| % Families with Child <18 | |
|
53.8% | |
|
53.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Source: Claritas Inc., Copyright 2007, data source 2006. |
ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group products are printed by third party commercial printers. The main administrative office is located in Lansdowne, Virginia, and there are two satellite sales and editorial offices located throughout the cluster. As of April 30, 2007, the Northern Virginia newspaper group had 43 full time and 2 part time employees.
Columbus Region.
ACN’s Columbus newspaper group is located within the nation’s 32nd largest MSA comprised of Franklin, Delaware, Union, Fairfield, Madison, Licking and Pickaway Counties. ACN’s Columbus newspaper group is anchored by 22 weekly community newspapers, The Other Paper, a weekly alternative newspaper, Columbus Monthly magazine, the largest paid monthly magazine in Central Ohio and two additional niche publications with total circulation of approximately 413,000. ACN serves the affluent communities of Dublin, Bexley, Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, Grove City and other communities within Franklin, Delaware, Union and Fairfield Counties. See ‘‘History,’’ above, for more information concerning ACN’s buildup in this market.
Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and its largest city, and the market is home to six Fortune 500 companies, including Cardinal Healthcare, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Nationwide Insurance, The Limited Companies, American Electric Power and Big Lots, as well as the headquarters of Battelle, the world’s largest private research institution, and The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S. Greater Columbus is a thriving metropolitan area with a population of 1.6 million and Columbus is the 15th largest city in the U.S. and the third fastest growing major metropolitan area in the Midwest according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Money Magazine has ranked Columbus, Ohio as the 8th best city to live in during 2006. It has a highly skilled white-collar workforce, median home price of $170,196 and median age of 31.7 years old.
According to the Sales and Marketing Management 2005 Survey of Buying Power, Columbus is the 28th largest retail market, totaling approximately $29 billion in retail sales in 2005 and possesses the 31st highest median household EBI in the U.S. In addition, Sales and Marketing Management Survey of Buying Power ranks the Columbus metropolitan area as the 31st largest in population and 29th largest in households. According to the survey by Media Audit, the median household income of readers of ACN’s Columbus newspaper group is $55,400, as compared to the U.S. median household income of $44,400. The following sets forth certain additional demographic information as it relates to the zip code distribution area of the Columbus newspaper group:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Statistic | |
|
ACN Columbus
Region |
|
|
U.S. Average |
| Median Home Value | |
|
$170,196 | |
|
$161,602 |
| Household Growth 2000 – 2006 | |
|
1.5% | |
|
1.0% |
| Household Growth 2006 – 2011 | |
|
1.3% | |
|
1.0% |
| % Owner Occupied | |
|
63.7% | |
|
66.9% |
| % Families with Child <18 | |
|
54.3% | |
|
53.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Source: Claritas Inc., Copyright 2007, data source 2006. |
ACN’s Columbus newspaper group has a single production facility located in Columbus, Ohio, which produces all of the group’s newspaper publications. Its non-newsprint, niche publications are printed by a third party commercial printer. The administrative office is co-located with the production facility, and is the only office location in the cluster. As of April 30, 2007, the Columbus newspaper group had 225 full time and 26 part time employees.
Revenue
ACN’s advertising revenue sources are diverse and there is little concentration. ACN’s operations generate three primary types of revenue: (i) advertising (including Internet); (ii) circulation (including single copy sales and home delivery subscriptions); and (iii) other (primarily commercial printing). In 2006, advertising, circulation and other revenue accounted for approximately 94%, 4% and 2%, respectively, of ACN’s total revenue (94%, 4% and 2%, respectively for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 91%, 4% and 5%, respectively in 2006 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 89%, 5% and 6%, respectively, for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007). The contribution of advertising, circulation and other revenue to ACN’s total revenue in 2004, 2005 and 2006 was as follows:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
Year ended December 31, | |
|
Quarter ended April 1, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000’s) | |
|
2004(1) | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2006(2) | |
|
2007 | |
|
2007(2) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue: | |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
| Advertising | |
|
|
$ | 31,820 | |
|
|
|
$ | 37,089 | |
|
|
|
$ | 49,352 | |
|
|
|
$ | 68,842 | |
|
|
|
$ | 11,814 | |
|
|
|
$ | 16,056 | |
| Circulation | |
|
|
|
1,644 | |
|
|
|
|
1,737 | |
|
|
|
|
1,882 | |
|
|
|
|
2,944 | |
|
|
|
|
471 | |
|
|
|
|
924 | |
| Commercial printing and other | |
|
|
|
731 | |
|
|
|
|
720 | |
|
|
|
|
960 | |
|
|
|
|
3,660 | |
|
|
|
|
215 | |
|
|
|
|
1,047 | |
| Total revenue | |
|
|
$ | 34,195 | |
|
|
|
$ | 39,546 | |
|
|
|
$ | 52,194 | |
|
|
|
$ | 75,446 | |
|
|
|
$ | 12,500 | |
|
|
|
$ | 18,027 | |
|
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|
|
|
|
| (1) | These revenues represent the combined revenues of ACN and its predecessor, American Community Newspapers, Inc. |
| (2) | Pro forma, assuming Columbus acquisition occurred on first day of period. |
Advertising
Advertising revenue is the largest component of ACN’s revenue, accounting for approximately 93%, 94% and 94% of ACN’s total revenue in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively (94% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 91% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 89% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007). ACN categorizes advertising as follows:
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|
|
| • | Local Display – local retailers, local accounts, national retailers, grocers, department and furniture stores, auto dealers, real estate, advertising agencies, schools, medical, banks, niche shops, restaurants, political and other consumer related businesses. |
|
|
|
| • | Local Classified – employment, automotive, real estate, private party, professional services, legal, government, churches, advertising agencies and other advertising. |
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|
|
|
| • | National – national and major accounts such as telecommunications companies, utilities, national retailers, advertising agencies, national representative firms and similar businesses. |
|
|
|
| • | Internet – website revenue from bundled classified and display print packages, stand alone banners, tiles, towers, archives, photo reprints, advertising agencies and video advertising. |
ACN believes that its advertising revenue tends to be more predictable than the advertising revenue of larger metropolitan and national print media because it relies primarily on local rather than national advertising. In 2006, ACN (without giving effect to Columbus) derived 87% of its revenue from local advertising (both local display and local classified) and 7% from national advertising. Local advertising tends to be less sensitive to economic cycles than national advertising as local businesses generally have fewer effective advertising channels through which to reach their customers.
ACN’s advertising rate structures vary among its publications and are a function of various factors, including historical rate levels, local market conditions, competition, circulation, readership and demographics. ACN offers its advertising customers multiple paper and frequency discounts based on the number of ACN newspapers in which advertising is purchased and the frequency of the advertising. The highest discounts are offered to multiple frequency and multiple newspaper advertisers. Within each newspaper and in their respective group categories (classified, auto, employment, real estate and private party ads), advertisers have different rates. Advertisers in ACN’s markets typically look to readership and not paid versus controlled distribution to assess pricing. ACN’s corporate management works with ACN’s local newspaper management to review advertising rates. A significant component of ACN’s publishers’ annual compensation is based upon increases in advertising revenue and achieving revenue budgets. ACN’s sales management team shares advertising concepts throughout its network of publishers and advertising managers, enabling them to utilize advertising products and sales strategies that are successful in other markets that ACN serves.
ACN’s newspaper groups have a solid and growing base of customers, serving over 60,000 advertising customers in 2006, giving pro forma effect to the Columbus customers. Substantially all of ACN’s 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 ACN’s total revenue in 2004, 2005 or 2006, and ACN’s 20 largest advertisers accounted for approximately 7% of ACN’s total revenue in 2006 (6% of total revenues in 2006 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006).
ACN’s advertising revenue tends to follow a seasonal pattern. ACN’s first quarter is, historically, ACN’s weakest quarter of the year in terms of revenue. Correspondingly, ACN’s second and third fiscal quarters are, historically, ACN’s strongest quarters, because they include heavy seasonal and certain holiday advertising, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, back to school and other special events. ACN expects that this seasonality will continue to affect its advertising revenue in future periods.
Circulation
ACN’s circulation revenue is derived from home delivery sales to subscribers and single copy sales at retail stores and vending racks and boxes. ACN owns three paid daily publications that all have circulation of less than 6,000 each and 79 paid or partial paid weekly publications that range in circulation from approximately 500 to 60,000. In addition, ACN receives voluntary pay revenue through various circulation promotions. Circulation revenue accounted for approximately 5%, 4% and 4% of ACN’s total revenue in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively (4% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 4% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 5% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007).
Subscriptions are typically sold for three- to 12-month terms and often include promotions to extend the average subscription period. ACN implements marketing programs to increase readership through subscription and single copy sales, including company-wide and local circulation contests,
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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 ‘‘do not call’’ registry, ACN has increased its use of sampling in paid newspapers, in-paper promotions and online promotions to increase circulation.
Other
ACN provides 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 that do not have their own printing presses and do not compete with ACN’s publications. Other sources of revenue, including commercial printing, accounted for approximately 2% of ACN’s total revenue in each of 2004, 2005 and 2006 (2% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 5% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 6% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007).
Printing and Distribution
As of April 30, 2007, ACN operated three print facilities in properties that it leases, one serving the Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group, one serving the Dallas newspaper group and one serving the Columbus newspaper group. The print facilities produce all of the newsprint based publications for each of these markets and are located within the Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas and Columbus metropolitan markets. ACN’s newsprint publications are generally fully paginated using image-setter or computer-to-plate technology, which allows for design flexibility and high quality reproduction of color graphics. By clustering its production resources, ACN is able to reduce the operating costs of its newsprint publications while increasing the quality of its small and midsize market publications that would typically not otherwise have access to high quality production facilities. ACN has additional capacity in each of its production facilities to accommodate the acquisition or launch of new publications. Based on hours available in a seven day week, ACN is utilizing approximately 55% and 45% of its press capacity in Minnesota and Dallas, respectively. Additional press labor would need to be added to utilize the unutilized capacity. While it is the early stages of ownership of the Columbus newspaper group, given the information that is currently available to ACN management, it is estimated that Columbus is utilizing approximately 50% of its press capacity. ACN utilizes third party commercial printers to produce its various non-newsprint based products (such as glossy inserts and magazines). In ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group, ACN utilizes third party commercial printers to produce its various publications. ACN’s material commercial printing contract in North Virginia expires on June 30, 2007 and has additional one year renewals which ACN believes it will exercise. ACN is continually reviewing the feasibility of its own production facility in this market and will examine the cost and benefits as the cluster continues to expand.
The distribution of the majority of ACN’s newspapers in its Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas and Columbus newspaper groups are typically outsourced to independent carriers and independent, locally based, third-party distributors. In addition, certain of ACN’s weekly publications in its Minneapolis – St. Paul and Dallas newspaper groups, certain of its niche publications in its Columbus newspaper group and all of its publications in its Northern Virginia newspaper group are delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. ACN’s distribution costs through the U.S. Postal service, as a percentage of total distribution costs in 2006, was approximately 30%. Distribution costs were approximately 14% of ACN’s revenue in 2006. A one percent increase in USPS rates would result in a $22,000 annual increase in ACN’s operating costs, excluding Columbus.
Newsprint
Since October 2005, ACN has been a member of a newsprint-buying consortium, which enables it to obtain favorable pricing by purchasing newsprint from local mills at reduced rates negotiated by the consortium. This arrangement also provides increased certainty of supply and delivery dates. In addition, ACN also purchases small amounts of newsprint, when economically advantageous, on the spot market. As a result, ACN has generally been able to purchase newsprint at $12 to $15 per metric ton below the market price. ACN generally maintains a 30-day inventory of newsprint.
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Historically, the market price of newsprint has been volatile, reaching a high of approximately $750 per metric ton in 1996 and a low of $410 per metric ton in 2002. The industry average market price of newsprint for 2006 was approximately $655 per metric ton.
In 2006, ACN purchased approximately 6,500 metric tons (1,700 metric tons in the three months ending April 1, 2007; 9,300 metric tons in 2006 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2006 fiscal year; and 2,400 metric tons in the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2007 fiscal year) of newsprint (including for commercial printing) and the cost of such newsprint totaled approximately $4.1 million ($1.0 million for the three months ending April 1, 2007; $6.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2006 fiscal year; $1.5 million for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s 2007 fiscal year). ACN’s newsprint expense generally averages less than 8% of total revenue, which compares favorably to larger, metropolitan newspapers.
Competition
Each of ACN’s publications competes for advertising revenue to varying degrees with direct mail, yellow pages, radio, outdoor advertising, broadcast and cable television, magazines, local, regional and national newspapers and other print and online media sources. However, ACN believes that it is the preeminent source of local community news and information in its markets and that its clustering strategy of building a critical mass of advertising networks, distribution channels, centralized production, intensely local content and loyal long-term readers in a concentrated geographic market helps to create high barriers to entry and limits competition.
ACN provides its readers with community-specific content that is generally not available from other mass media sources. ACN’s direct and focused coverage of the market and its cost effective advertising rates relative to more broadly circulated metropolitan newspapers allow ACN to tailor an approach for its advertisers. As a result, ACN’s publications generally capture a larger share of local advertising in the markets they serve.
The level of competition and primary competitors ACN faces vary from market to market. The competitive environment in each of ACN’s operating regions is discussed in greater detail below.
Minneapolis – St. Paul Region.
ACN competes in the Minneapolis – St. Paul market primarily with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Southwest Newspapers and Lillie Suburban Newspapers.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune, recently sold to Avista Capital Partners, is a metro daily newspaper serving the Minneapolis – St. Paul metropolitan market. It has an average weekday circulation of approximately 345,000. The Minneapolis Star Tribune primarily focuses on metro, state, regional, national, professional sports and international news as opposed to ACN’s community focus, and covers areas throughout the state, downtown, and other areas that are generally outside of ACN’s served market.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press, currently published by Hearst Corporation and under contract to be sold to MediaNews Group, is another metro daily newspaper serving the St. Paul market. Its primary circulation area includes the East Metro region of Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties, along with western Wisconsin, eastern Minnesota and Anoka County. It has an average weekday circulation of approximately 190,000. The St. Paul Pioneer Press also focuses on metro, state, regional, national, professional sports and international news.
Southwest Newspapers is a privately owned group of 10 weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 79,000. These newspapers serve 13 separate markets/municipalities in southwest Minneapolis – St. Paul and compete with ACN’s Minnesota newspaper group in eight of these markets. These newspapers provide community specific content in the markets that they operate in which is similar to ACN’s local content.
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Lillie Suburban Newspapers is a privately owned group of 11 weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 118,000. These newspapers serve 29 separate markets/municipalities in northeast Minneapolis – St. Paul and compete with ACN’s Minnesota newspaper group in 13 of these markets. These newspapers provide community specific content in the markets that they operate in which is similar to ACN’s local content.
In addition to providing more in depth local coverage than either competitor, ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul publications deliver a higher household penetration coverage than its competitors within the zip codes commonly served. ACN also has greater ability to precisely target zip codes with better demographic characteristics, significantly adding value to advertisers who seek to advertise in affluent, high growth markets. Higher household penetration means that ACN’s publications are being delivered to more households in the specific zip codes served as compared to ACN’s competitors. Higher household penetration is more attractive to advertisers.
ACN’s competitors in the Minneapolis – St. Paul Region also include numerous other daily and weekly newspapers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications. ACN believes that its publications, many of which have an extensive history in the market, tend to be one of the dominant local publications in their communities.
Dallas Region.
ACN competes in the Dallas market primarily with the Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Morning News, published by Belo Corporation, has an average daily circulation of 412,000. It primarily focuses on metro, state, regional, national, professional sports and international news, as opposed to ACN’s community focus, and covers areas throughout the state, downtown and other areas that are generally outside of ACN’s served market.
In addition to providing more in depth local coverage than either competitor, ACN’s Dallas publications deliver a higher household penetration coverage than its competitors within the zip codes commonly served. ACN also has greater ability to precisely target zip codes with better demographic characteristics, significantly adding value to advertisers who seek to advertise in affluent, high growth markets.
ACN’s competitors in the Dallas Region also include numerous other daily and weekly newspapers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications. ACN believes that its publications, many of which have an extensive history in the market, tend to be one of the dominant local publications in their communities.
Northern Virginia Region.
ACN competes in the Northern Virginia market primarily with The Washington Post, Connection Newspapers and Times Community Newspapers.
The Washington Post, published by The Washington Post Company, is a metro daily newspaper serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland and the suburban Northern Virginia metropolitan market. In addition, the Washington Post has a large state-wide distribution in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and is also described as a national newspaper. It has an average weekday circulation of approximately 700,000. The Washington Post primarily focuses on the federal government, metro, regional, national, professional sports and international news as opposed to ACN’s community focus, and covers areas throughout the world and nation that are outside of ACN’s served market. ACN’s total weekday penetration is greater than the Washington Post in the zip codes they commonly serve, which ACN believes presents an attractive proposition for advertisers.
Connection Newspapers is a privately owned group of 16 weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 176,000. These newspapers serve 16 separate markets/municipalities in the Northern Virginia market (suburban Washington, D.C.) and compete with ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group in five of these markets. These newspapers provide community specific content in the markets that they operate in which is similar to ACN’s local content.
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Times Community Newspapers is a privately owned group of 14 weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of approximately 350,000. These newspapers serve 20 separate markets/municipalities in the Northern Virginia market (suburban Washington, D.C.) and compete with ACN’s Northern Virginia newspaper group in four of these markets. These newspapers provide community specific content in the markets that they operate in which is similar to ACN’s local content.
ACN’s competitors in the Northern Virginia Region also include numerous other daily and weekly newspapers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications. ACN believes that its publications, many of which have an extensive history in the market, tend to be one of the dominant local publications in their communities.
Columbus Region.
ACN competes in the Columbus market primarily with the Columbus Dispatch and its affiliates, including This Week Newspapers.
The Columbus Dispatch, published by the Wolfe Family, has an average weekday daily circulation of approximately 220,000. It primarily focuses on metro, state, regional, national, professional sports, The Ohio State University and international news, as opposed to ACN’s community focus, and covers areas throughout the state, downtown and other areas that are generally outside of ACN’s served markets. The Columbus Dispatch also owns and operates This Week Community Newspapers / Shoppers, which is a group of 22 newspapers and shoppers with a combined circulation of approximately 357,000, Columbus Alive, an alternative weekly newspaper, WBNS 10 Television, 1460 The Fan radio and Mix 97.1 FM radio, as well as a statewide bag delivery system.
In addition to providing more in-depth local coverage than its competitor provides, ACN’s Columbus publications deliver a higher household penetration coverage than the Columbus Dispatch within the zip codes commonly served. ACN also has greater ability to precisely target zip codes with better demographic characteristics, significantly adding value to advertisers who seek to advertise in affluent, high growth markets.
ACN’s competitors in the Columbus Region also include other weekly newspapers, local radio stations, shopping guides, directories and niche publications. ACN believes that its publications, many of which have an extensive history in the market, tend to be one of the dominant local publications in their communities.
Management and Employees
The top 12 members of our executive management team have an average of approximately 23 years of relevant industry experience and a long history of identifying, acquiring and improving the operations of acquired publications. ACN’s executive management team has managed community newspapers in various economic cycles.
As of April 30, 2007, ACN had approximately 680 employees, consisting of 581 full-time and 99 part-time employees (includes 5 full-time corporate employees). Non-sales employees are compensated on either an hourly or a salaried basis. Sales employees are compensated on either a 100% commission basis or on a combination of salary and commission. All of ACN’s employees are non-unionized and there have been no known attempts by any employee group to unionize itself. ACN considers its relationship with its employees to be good and ACN has had no previous work stoppages at any of its publications.
Environmental Matters
ACN believes that it is substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of its employees based upon existing facts presently known to ACN. Compliance with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous
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wastes and other related activities has had and will continue to have an impact on ACN’s operations, but has, since its organization in 2004, been accomplished without having a material adverse effect on ACN’s 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 ACN based on Phase I environmental assessments performed by a third party and insurance procured with respect to certain environmental matters, ACN does not expect to experience a loss related to environmental matters.
Insurance
ACN maintains insurance coverage for general liability, property insurance, professional liability, publisher’s liability, employment practices liability, directors and officers liability, auto insurance, umbrella coverage, workers compensation, fiduciary liability and commercial crime. ACN believes that the types of coverage, deductibles, reserves and limits on liability that are currently in place are adequate. Through the use of risk management and work safety programs, ACN seeks to reduce the loss exposure related to workplace injuries and other related losses.
ACN employs a manager and outside consultants to assist with the management of its workers compensation insurance program. With respect to obtaining coverage for workers compensation in the future, ACN’s loss experience will be a material factor in determining the pricing and collateral requirements of such coverage. Additionally, the insurance market in general can be affected by such things as terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Intellectual Property
ACN currently owns several trademarks and trade names. It will continue to develop trademarks where appropriate and take the necessary steps to protect such marks.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, ACN is a party to litigation and other legal proceedings. ACN is not currently involved in any legal proceedings which it believes will have a significant effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity, nor is ACN aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened which may have a significant effect on its business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Properties
As of April 30, 2007, ACN operated three print facilities, one serving the Minneapolis – St. Paul newspaper group, one serving the Dallas newspaper group and one serving the Columbus newspaper group. ACN leases each of these facilities, which range in size from 20,000 to 82,000 square feet and have remaining lease terms ranging from approximately one to five years, with options to renew for additional periods of five to ten years. In addition, ACN owns and leases 24 office facilities that range in size from approximately 300 to 14,000 square feet. ACN’s executive offices are located in Dallas, Texas, where it utilizes approximately 2,000 square feet of an approximately 5,000 square feet lease which terminates in 2012.
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ACN’S MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information contained in this section has been derived from ACN’s consolidated financial statements and should be read together with ACN’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this proxy statement. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘seek,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘anticipates’’ or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties discussed in ‘‘Risk Factors’’ should be considered in evaluating ACN’s forward-looking statements. ACN has no plans to update its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this proxy statement. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.
The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding assessment of significant changes and trends related to the results of operations and financial condition of ACN, together with its consolidated subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the ACN’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein.
Overview
ACN is a community newspaper publisher in the United States, operating within four major U.S. markets: Minneapolis – St. Paul, Dallas, Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.) and Columbus. ACN’s goal is to be the preeminent provider of local content and advertising in any market its serves.
ACN’s publications reach approximately 1,386,000 households in its communities. ACN’s products include:
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| • | 83 weekly newspapers (published between one and two times per week) with total controlled circulation of 1,017,000 and total paid circulation of 76,000; |
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| • | 14 niche publications with total controlled circulation of 227,000 and total paid circulation of 53,000; |
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| • | Three daily newspapers with total paid circulation of approximately 10,000 and total controlled distribution of approximately 3,000; and |
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| • | 85 locally focused websites with average monthly page views and visitors of approximately 3.4 million and 1.1 million, respectively, which extend the reach and frequency of its products beyond their geographic print distribution area and onto the Internet. |
ACN was organized in Delaware in 2004 for purposes of acquiring substantially all of the assets of a predecessor entity known as American Community Newspapers, Inc. for a total purchase price of $88,018,492. ACN is owned by an investor group consisting of Spire Capital Partners, L.P. (‘‘Spire’’), Wachovia Capital Partners 2004 LLC (‘‘Wachovia’’) and members of senior management of ACN. This transaction was independently negotiated and was a cash purchase financed through equity contributions from Spire, Wachovia and members of senior management, as well as bank financing provided by a syndicate of senior lenders consisting of BMO Capital Markets, Merrill Lynch Capital, and GE Commercial Finance. This acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Subsequent to this acquisition, the board consisted of two Spire representatives, two Wachovia representatives, Eugene Carr and Daniel Wilson.
On May 31, 2005, ACN acquired, through an asset purchase, the Monticello Times and Monticello Shopper for a total purchase price of $1,649,250. The acquisition was financed through cash borrowings under ACN’s senior credit facility. This acquisition was an addition to ACN’s Minneapolis – St. Paul cluster and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On July 29, 2005, ACN acquired, through an asset purchase, the McKinney Courier-Gazette and Penny Saver for a total purchase price of $7,710,012. The acquisition was financed through cash and
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equity contributions from Spire, Wachovia and members of senior management and borrowings under ACN’s senior credit facility. This acquisition was an addition to ACN’s Dallas cluster and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On August 31, 2005, ACN acquired, through an asset purchase, the Arlington Sun Gazette, the Great Falls / McLean / Oakton / Vienna Sun Gazette, Middleburg Life and Parent Life for a total purchase price of $6,050,331. The acquisition was financed through cash equity contributions from Spire, Wachovia and members of senior management and borrowings under ACN’s senior credit facility. This acquisition was the basis of a new ACN cluster in Northern Virginia and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On December 16, 2005, ACN sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of its Kansas City newspaper group for a net sales price of $18,539,227 in cash. The Company recorded a $3,228,549 gain on the transaction. This disposition completed ACN’s exit from the Kansas City market. This disposition has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. ACN’s decision to exit this market was due to the limited opportunities to grow this cluster through attractive acquisition candidates.
On March 24, 2006, ACN acquired, through a stock purchase, Leesburg Today, Loudoun Magazine and Loudoun Business for a total purchase price of $5,622,634. The acquisition was financed through cash borrowings under ACN’s senior credit facility. This acquisition was an addition to ACN’s Northern Virginia cluster and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On January 24, 2007, Courtside signed a definitive asset purchase agreement with ACN pursuant to which it will acquire substantially all of the assets of ACN. In addition, there are two contingent earn-out payments which, if paid, would increase the purchase price and result in an increase to goodwill. The first contingent earn-out payment will be $1,000,000 if ACN’s NCF for 2008 is equal to or greater than $19,000,000, with such payment increasing to $15,000,000, in specified increments, if ACN’s NCF for 2008 equals or exceeds $21,000,000. The second contingent earn-out payment of $10,000,000 is payable if, during any 20 trading days within any 30 trading day period through July 7, 2009, the last reported sale price of Courtside common stock exceeds $8.50 per share (equitably adjusted to account for stock combinations, stock splits, stock dividends and the like).
On April 30, 2007, ACN acquired, through an asset purchase, 22 weekly community newspapers, Columbus Monthly magazine, Columbus C.E.O magazine, The Other Paper and Columbus Bride magazine for a total purchase price of $45.6 million, which includes actual estimated working capital payment. The acquisition was financed through borrowings under ACN’s senior credit facility. This acquisition was the basis of a new ACN cluster in Columbus, Ohio and was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On May 2, 2007, the purchase agreement was amended to reflect ACN’s acquisition of its Columbus operations. Under the purchase agreement, as amended, the purchase price for ACN’s assets (including its Columbus assets) will be $203,762,997 plus an amount equal to the working capital of the Columbus operations on April 30, 2007 and ACN’s capitalized expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition thereof, subject to increase or decrease as a result of working capital adjustments.
A key element of ACN’s business strategy is geographic clustering of publications to realize operating efficiencies, revenue opportunities and provide consistent management. ACN shares best practices across its organization, giving each publication the benefit of revenue producing and cost saving initiatives that have been successful in other ACN newspaper clusters. It also centralizes functions such as ad composition, accounting, production and distribution and gives each publication in a cluster access to quality production equipment, which enables ACN to (i) cost-efficiently provide superior products and service to its customers and (ii) more quickly effectuate synergies from acquisitions within its existing clusters. In addition, as ACN has continued to grow both organically (approximately 6.5% in fiscal year 2006 and approximately 5.4% in fiscal year 2005) and through acquisitions (for the publications acquired via acquisition, such publications grew from approximately $1.5 million of EBITDA (for the twelve months prior to the acquisition by ACN) to approximately
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$3.3 million, or 120%, for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006), it has been able to achieve economies of scale for such purchases as insurance, newsprint and other supplies. The clustering strategy has helped allow ACN to launch numerous new products in its existing clusters, leveraging off of its existing fixed cost base to allow for incremental operating profit upon publication of the first issue. ACN believes that these advantages, together with the generally lower overhead costs associated with operating in its markets, allow it to generate high operating profit margins and create an advantage against competitors and potential entrants in its markets.
ACN generates revenues principally from advertising, and from a smaller extent, 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. In addition, circulation revenue from single copy and newspaper rack sales is recognized upon collection from the customer. The revenue for commercial printing is recognized upon delivery of the printed product to the customers. Deferred revenue arises as a normal part of business from advance advertising and circulation payments.
ACN’s advertising revenue tends to follow a seasonal pattern. ACN’s first quarter is, historically, ACN’s weakest quarter of the year in terms of revenue. Correspondingly, ACN’s second and third fiscal quarters are, historically, ACN’s strongest quarters, because they include heavy seasonal and certain holiday advertising, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, back to school and other special events. ACN expects that this seasonality will continue to affect its advertising revenue in future periods.
ACN’s advertising revenues, which accounted for 94% of ACN’s 2006 revenues (94% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007; 91% of ACN’s 2006 revenues assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2006; and 89% of ACN’s revenues for the three months ending April 1, 2007 assuming Columbus was acquired on the first day of ACN’s fiscal year 2007), and, to a lesser extent, circulation, depend upon a variety of factors specific to the communities that its 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 the publications serve. If the local economy, population or prevailing retail environment of a community ACN serves experiences a downturn, ACN’s publications, revenues and profitability in that market would be adversely affected. ACN’s advertising revenues are also susceptible to negative trends in the general economy that affect consumer spending. The advertisers in ACN’s newspapers and other publications and related websites include many businesses that can be significantly affected by regional or national economic downturns and other developments.
ACN’s operating costs consist primarily of newsprint, labor and delivery costs. ACN’s selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of labor costs.
ACN has not been significantly impacted by general inflationary pressures over the last several years. ACN anticipates that changing costs of newsprint, its basic raw material, may impact future operating costs. ACN has also experienced these pressures and has taken steps to mitigate some of these increases. ACN is a member of a newsprint-buying consortium, which enables it to obtain favorable newsprint pricing. Price increases (or decreases) for ACN’s products are implemented when deemed appropriate by management. ACN continuously evaluates price increases, productivity improvements, sourcing efficiencies and other cost reductions to mitigate the impact of inflation. Additionally, ACN has taken steps to cluster its operations geographically thereby increasing the usage of facilities and equipment while increasing the productivity of its labor force. ACN expects to continue to employ these steps as part of its business and clustering strategy. Other factors that affect ACN’s quarterly revenues and operating results include changes in the pricing policies of ACN’s competitors, the hiring and retention of key personnel, wage and cost pressures, distribution costs and general economic factors.
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Predecessor and Successor
In accordance with GAAP, for 2004, ACN has separated its historical financial results for the predecessor entity known as American Community Newspapers, Inc. and the current ACN resulting from the December 2004 acquisition. The separate presentation is required under GAAP in situations when there is a change in accounting basis, which occurred when purchase accounting was applied in connection with the December 2004 acquisition. Purchase accounting requires that the historical carrying value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed be adjusted to fair value, which may yield results that are not comparable on a period-to-period basis due to the different, and sometimes higher, cost basis associated with the allocation of the purchase price. In addition, at the time of the December 2004 acquisition, ACN experienced changes in its business relationships as a result of new employment agreements with members of management and new bank and equity financing transactions.
Critical Accounting Policy Disclosure
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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. ACN has based its estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that it finds reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from such estimates under different conditions. The following accounting policies require significant estimates and judgments.
Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets
ACN assesses the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives on an annual basis in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, ‘‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.’’ ACN performs its impairment analysis on each of its reporting units, represented by its four geographic regions. The geographic 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 ACN to make significant estimates and assumptions. ACN 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, ACN relies 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, ACN calculates the impairment as the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value.
ACN accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, ‘‘Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.’’ It 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. 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 ACN’s overall business and significant negative industry or economic trends. The assessment of recoverability is based on ACN’s 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. ACN 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 its consolidated statements of operations if such a difference arose. Significant judgment is required in determining the fair value of ACN’s goodwill and long-lived assets to measure impairment, including the determination of multiples of revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and future earnings projections.
Derivative Instruments
ACN records all of its derivative instruments on its balance sheet at fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 133, ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,’’ as amended. Fair value is
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based on counterparty quotations. To the extent a derivative qualifies as a cash flow hedge under SFAS No. 133, unrealized changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in 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.
Tax Valuation Allowance
ACN is a limited liability company and, as such, is not required to record a provision or benefit for income taxes as incomes taxes are the responsibility of the individual members.
Amendment I, Inc., a subsidiary of ACN, and its subsidiaries (‘‘Amendment One’’) file a separate consolidated tax return. Amendment One and its subsidiaries are subchapter ‘‘C’’ corporations. For Amendment One, ACN accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes.’’ 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 ACN determines that it is more likely than not that it will be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their 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 its expected future results, that in ACN’s judgment will make it more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized.
As a result of the transaction with Courtside, the assets of ACN will be owned by a subchapter ‘‘C’’ corporation, as opposed to ACN’s current status as a limited liability company. This will result in income taxes being a liability of the subchapter ‘‘C’’ corporation and recorded on ACN’s financial statements, if taxable income is generated, versus being a liability of the individual members of the limited liability company and not recorded on ACN’s financial statements as is the current treatment.
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes ACN’s historical results of operations for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 and the years ended December 26, 2004, January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006. The full year ended December 26, 2004 includes the combined operations of ACN and its predecessor, American Community Newspapers, Inc. Certain information in the narrative below, as noted, is presented on a same property basis, which is exclusive of acquisitions and divestitures consummated in the current or prior year. ACN believes such comparisons provide meaningful information for an understating of the changes in revenue and operating costs and expenses.
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Period From | |
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Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000’s) | |
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December 29,
2003 to December 9, 2004 |
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December 10,
2004 to December 26, 2006 |
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Year Ended
December 26, 2004 |
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Year Ended
January 1, 2006 |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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April 2
2006 |
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April 1,
2007 |
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| Revenues: | |
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| Advertising | |
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$ | 30,530 | |
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$ | 1,290 | |
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$ | 31,820 | |
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$ | 37,089 | |
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$ | 49,352 | |
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$ | 9,950 | |
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$ | 11,814 | |
| Circulation | |
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1,563 | |
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81 | |
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1,644 | |
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1,737 | |
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1,882 | |
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484 | |
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471 | |
| Commercial printing and other | |
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701 | |
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30 | |
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731 | |
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720 | |
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960 | |
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204 | |
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216 | |
| Total revenue | |
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32,794 | |
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1,401 | |
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34,195 | |
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39,546 | |
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52,194 | |
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10,638 | |
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12,500 | |
| Operating costs and expenses: | |
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| Operating costs | |
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13,752 | |
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709 | |
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14,461 | |
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16,983 | |
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21,808 | |
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4,648 | |
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5,534 | |
| Selling, general and
administrative |
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11,567 | |
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580 | |
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12,147 | |
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13,471 | |
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17,599 | |
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3,990 | |
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4,480 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
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2,274 | |
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78 | |
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2,352 | |
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2,530 | |
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3,349 | |
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793 | |
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876 | |
| Gain on sale of assets | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
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(116 | ) | |
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— | |
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— | |
| Income from operations | |
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5,201 | |
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33 | |
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5,234 | |
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6,562 | |
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9,554 | |
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1,207 | |
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1,611 | |
| Interest expense | |
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3,939 | |
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172 | |
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4,111 | |
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4,256 | |
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4,926 | |
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1,173 | |
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1,235 | |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | |
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1,262 | |
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(140 | ) | |
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1,122 | |
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2,306 | |
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4,628 | |
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34 | |
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376 | |
| Income from discontinued operations | |
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636 | |
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80 | |
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716 | |
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4,592 | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
| Net income (loss) before income taxes | |
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1,898 | |
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(60 | ) | |
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1,838 | |
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6,898 | |
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4,628 | |
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34 | |
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376 | |
| Income tax expense | |
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(10 | ) | |
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— | |
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(10 | ) | |
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— | |
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(2 | ) | |
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— | |
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— | |
| Net income (loss) | |
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$ | 1,888 | |
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$ | (60 | ) | |
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$ | 1,828 | |
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$ | 6,898 | |
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$ | 4,626 | |
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$ | 34 | |
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$ | 376 | |
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Three months Ended April 1, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended April 2, 2006
The discussion of ACN’s results of operations that follows is based upon ACN’s historical results of operations for (i) the thirteen (13) week period ended April 1, 2007, and (ii) the thirteen (13) week period ended April 2, 2006. These thirteen (13) week periods are referred to as the ‘‘three months.’’
Advertising Revenue. Advertising revenue for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $1.9 million, or 18.7%. The increase was primarily due to revenue increase of $1.4 million, or 14.1%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as an advertising revenue increase in ACN’s same property publications of $0.5 million, or 4.6%. Same property retail revenue decreased $26,000, or 0.6%, in 2007. This decrease is a result of a decline in national retail advertising, while local retail advertising was flat. Same property classified revenue increased $273,000, or 6.4%, in 2007. This increase was principally the result of an increase of $244,000, or 17.3%, in employment classified advertising. Same property internet revenue increased $197,000, or 139.9%, in 2007. This increase was the result of advertising from newly launched web sites in ACN’s Dallas and Northern Virginia clusters as well as new internet advertising products launched across all of ACN’s web sites.
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Circulation Revenue. Circulation revenue for the three months ended April 1, 2007 decreased by $13,000, or 2.7%. The decrease was primarily due to revenue of $4,000, or 0.9%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as a circulation revenue decrease in ACN’s same property publications of $17,000, or 3.6%. The decrease in circulation revenue is due to a decline in single copy sales and paid subscribers to ACN’s publications. In spite of the modest decline in circulation, ACN is reaching an increasingly larger share of the market through rapid online growth and its controlled distribution strategy.
Commercial Printing and Other Revenue. Commercial printing and other revenue for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $12,000, or 5.8%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $2,000, or 0.8%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as a commercial printing and other revenue increase in ACN’s same property publications of $10,000, or 5.0%.
Operating Costs. Operating costs for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $0.9 million, or 19.1%. The increase was primarily due to increased operating costs of $723,000, or 15.6%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as an operating costs increase of $163,000, or 3.5%, in ACN’s same property publications. Same property newsprint expense increased $130,000, or 14.7%, due to increases in consumption of 279 short tons, offset by a decrease in the price per short ton of newsprint from $569 in 2006 to $554 in 2007. Other operating costs, which principally consist of labor, were up $33,000 in 2007.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $0.5 million, or 12.3%. The increase was primarily due to increased selling, general and administrative expenses of $511,000, or 12.8%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as a decrease of $21,000, or 0.5%, in ACN’s same property publications. Increases in classified and internet sales expenses of $84,000, or 19.5%, related in increased sales volumes in these categories during 2007, were offset by declines across multiple general and administrative expense categories due to cost containment initiatives put in place by ACN management during 2006.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased $83,000, or 10.5%. The increase was primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization expense of $77,000 from the Amendment One acquisition.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $62,000, or 5.3%. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher debt balances outstanding in connection with the Amendment One acquisition combined with higher average interest rates in 2007 as compared to 2006.
Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased $0.4 million, or 33.5%. The increase was due to the factors noted above.
Net Income. Net income for the three months ended April 1, 2007 increased by $0.3 million, or 1,010.1%. The increase was due to the factors noted above.
Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended January 1, 2006
The discussion of ACN’s results of operations that follows is based upon ACN’s historical results of operations for (i) the fifty-two (52) week period ended December 31, 2006, and (ii) the fifty-two (52) week period ended January 1, 2006. These fifty-two (52) week periods are referred to as ‘‘years’’.
Advertising Revenue. Advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $12.3 million, or 33.1%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $9.9 million, or 26.6% from the acquisitions of the Monticello Times, McKinney Courier-Gazette and the Sun Gazette (the ‘‘2005 Acquisitions’’) and the Amendment One acquisition, as well as an advertising revenue increase in ACN’s same property publications of $2.4 million, or 7.1%. Same property retail revenue increased $1.0 million, or 6.5%, in 2006. This increase is a result of growth in national retail advertising of $0.8 million, or 82.2%, due to a concerted sales focus on this category through the creation of a new corporate sales director position. Same property classified revenue increased $0.4 million, or 3.0%, in
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2006. This increase was principally the result of an increase of $0.9 million, or 19.3%, in employment classified advertising offset by a decrease of $0.4 million, or 12.8%, in real estate classified advertising. One factor contributing to the growth in employment revenue was the lower unemployment rates in ACN’s markets, as well as the targeted reach that ACN provides to employer advertisers. Same property internet revenue increased $0.7 million, or 470.5%, in 2006. This increase was the result of advertising from newly launched web sites in ACN’s Minnesota, Dallas and Northern Virginia clusters as well as new internet advertising products launched across all of ACN’s web sites. Same property insert revenue increased $0.3 million, or 7.2%., principally as a result of a $0.3 million, or 28.6%, increase in national preprint advertising due to the aforementioned corporate focus and resource allocation to this category.
Circulation Revenue. Circulation revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $145,000, or 8.3%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $213,000, or 12.2%, from the 2005 Acquisitions and the Amendment One acquisition, as well as a circulation revenue decrease in ACN’s same property publications of $68,000, or 4.4%. The decrease in circulation revenue is due to a decline in single copy sales and paid subscribers, mainly in ACN’s paid, daily newspapers. In spite of the modest decline in circulation, ACN is reaching an increasingly larger share of the market through rapid online growth and its controlled distribution strategy.
Commercial Printing and Other Revenue. Commercial printing and other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $239,000, or 33.2%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $233,000, or 32.3%, from the Amendment One acquisition, as well as a commercial printing and other revenue increase in ACN’s same property publications of $7,000, or 1.2%.
Operating Costs. Operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $4.8 million, or 28.4%. The increase was primarily due to increased operating costs of $4.7 million, or 28.0%, associated with the 2005 Acquisitions and the Amendment One acquisition, as well as operating expense increased of $0.1 million, or 0.5%, in ACN’s same property publications. Same property newsprint expense increased $0.4 million, or 9.8%, principally due to an increases in the average price per short ton of newsprint from $534 in 2005 to $579 in 2006. Same property circulation expenses increased $0.1 million, or 1.8%, due to higher postage costs associated with higher weight publication mailings combined with new mailed production launches. Same property editorial expenses, which principally consist of labor, were down $0.4 million, or 12.2%, due to consolidation of coverage within ACN’s clusters and the elimination of duplicative positions.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $4.1 million, or 30.6%. The increase was primarily due to increased selling, general and administrative costs of $3.1 million, or 23.3%, from the 2005 Acquisitions and the Amendment One acquisition, as well as an increase of $1.0 million, or 8.0%, in ACN’s same property publications. Increases in classified and internet sales expenses of $0.3 million, or 17.0%, related in increased sales volumes in these categories during 2006. Bad debt expense increased $0.2 million, or 83.1%, in ACN’s same property publications due to sales increases and increased bad debt write offs. General and administrative compensation related expenses increased $0.4 million, or 22.6%, due to performance related salary increases and bonus payments.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $0.8 million, or 32.4%, The increase was primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization expense of $0.7 million related to the 2005 Acquisitions and the Amendment One acquisition.
Gain on Sale of Assets. Gain on sale of assets for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $0.1 million. Gain on sale of assets increased primarily due to the sale of real estate acquired as part of the 2005 Acquisitions which was no longer used in the operation of the acquired publications.
Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased by $0.7 million, or 15.7%. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher debt balances outstanding in connection with the 2005 Acquisitions and the Amendment One acquisition combined with higher average interest rates in 2006 as compared to 2005.
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Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $2.3 million, or 100.3%. The increase is due to the factors noted above.
Income from Discontinued Operations. Income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $4.6 million, or 100.0%. This decrease is due to the sale of ACN’s Kansas City newspaper group in December 2005, which was included in the financial results of ACN for the prior year ended January 1, 2006.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $2,000. The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 was primarily due to the Amendment One acquisition, which was the acquisition of the stock of a ‘‘C’’ corporation. Prior to this, ACN was solely a limited liability company and income taxes were the responsibility of the individual members.
Net Income. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased $2.3 million, or 32.9%. ACN’s net income decreased due to the factors noted above and due to the absence of the gain on the sale of the Kansas City newspaper group which occurred in December 2005, which was included in the financial results of ACN for the prior year ended January 1, 2006.
Year Ended January 1, 2006 Compared to Year Ended December 26, 2004
The discussion of ACN’s results of operations that follows is based upon ACN’s historical results of operations for (i) the fifty-two (52) week period ended January 1, 2006, and (ii) the fifty-two (52) week period ended December 26, 2004. The year ended December 26, 2004 includes the combined operations of ACN and its predecessor, American Community Newspapers, Inc. These fifty-two (52) week periods are referred to as ‘‘years’’.
Advertising Revenue. Advertising revenue for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $5.3 million, or 16.6%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $3.1 million, or 9.8%, from the 2005 acquisitions, as well as an advertising revenue increase in ACN’s same property publications of $2.2 million, or 6.7%. Same property retail revenue increased $0.7 million, or 4.4%, in 2005. This increase is a result of growth in local retail advertising of $0.5 million, or 3.4%, and growth in national retail advertising of $0.2 million, or 30.1%. Same property classified revenue increased $1.1 million, or 8.8%, in 2005. This increase was principally the result of an increase of $1.1 million, or 31.1%, in employment classified advertising, with flat revenue performance across the remainder of the classified revenue categories. Same property internet revenue increased $0.1 million, or 140.1%, in 2005. This increase was the result of advertising from newly launched web sites in ACN’s Minnesota cluster. Same property insert revenue increased $0.3 million, or 7.8%., principally as a result of a $0.3 million, or 25.3%, increase in print and deliver advertising in ACN’s Minnesota cluster.
Circulation Revenue. Circulation revenue for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $0.1 million, or 5.7%. The increase was primarily due to revenue of $0.2 million, or 11.8%, from the 2005 Acquisitions, as well as a circulation revenue decrease in ACN’s same property publications of $0.1 million, or 6.2%. The decrease in circulation revenue is due to a decline in single copy sales and paid subscribers, due to changes in telemarketing regulations in late 2004 making it difficult to solicit paid subscribers.
Commercial Printing and Other Revenue. Commercial printing and other revenue for the year ended January 1, 2006 decreased by $11,000, or 1.5%. The decrease was primarily due to revenue of $0.2 million, or 22.1%, from the 2005 Acquisitions, as well as a commercial printing and other revenue decrease in ACN’s same property publications of $0.2 million, or 23.6%, due to the loss of a commercial printing customer in ACN’s Dallas cluster.
Operating Costs. Operating costs for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $2.5 million, or 17.4%. The increase was primarily due to increased operating costs of $1.6 million, or 11.0%, from the 2005 Acquisitions, as well as an operating cost increase of $0.9 million, or 6.4%, in ACN’s same property publications. Same property newsprint expense increased $0.7 million, or 24.8%, principally due to an increases in the average price per short ton of newsprint from $464 in 2004 to $534 in 2006, combined with an 8.1% increase in tonnage of newsprint consumed during 2005. Same property
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circulation expenses increased $0.3 million, or 5.4%, due to higher delivery and supply costs principally associated with higher petroleum related product costs in 2005.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $1.4 million, or 10.9%. The increase was primarily due to increased selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.1 million , or 8.8%, from the 2005 Acquisitions, as well as an increase of $0.3 million, or 2.1%, in ACN’s same property publications. An increases in retail and display sales expenses of $0.2 million, or 4.7%, related in increased sales volumes in these categories during 2005. Legal related expenses increased $0.1 million, or 282.5%, in ACN’s same property publications due to certain litigation activities during 2005.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $0.2 million, or 7.5%. Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to the 2005 Acquisitions.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased by $0.1 million, or 3.5%. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to the 2004 acquisition of ACN by an investor group and the associated senior debt and preferred equity financings.
Income from Continuing Operations. Income from continuing operations for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased $1.2 million, or 105.5%. ACN’s income from continuing operations increased due to the factors noted above.
Income from Discontinued Operations. Income from discontinued operations was $4.6 million for the year ended January 1, 2006. Income from discontinued operations was $0.7 million for the year ended December 26, 2004, both of which are related to the sale of the Kansas City newspaper group in December 2005. The increase for the year ended January 1, 2006 is the result of the realization of the gain on the sale in December 2005. On December 16, 2005, ACN sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of its Kansas City newspaper group for a net sales price of $18,539,227 in cash. ACN recorded a $3,228,549 gain on the transaction. This disposition completed ACN’s exit from the Kansas City market. This disposition has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. ACN’s decision to exit this market was due to the limited opportunities to grow this cluster through attractive acquisition candidates.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense for the year ended January 1, 2006 decreased $10,000. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to the fact that the predecessor of ACN, American Community Newspapers, Inc., was a ‘‘C’’ corporation and ACN is a limited liability company and taxes are the responsibility of the individual member.
Net Income. Net income for the year ended January 1, 2006 increased $5.0 million, or 276.1%. ACN’s net income increased due to the factors noted above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
ACN’s primary cash requirements are for working capital, borrowing obligations and capital expenditures. ACN has no material commitments for capital expenditures. ACN also intends to continue to pursue its strategy of opportunistically acquiring locally focused media businesses in contiguous and new markets. ACN’s principal sources of funds have historically been, and will be, cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under its senior credit facility.
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Cash Flows
The following table summarizes the historical cash flows for ACN. See ‘‘Predecessor and Successor,’’ above, for a discussion of the use of financial information in the table.
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Period From | |
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Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000’s) | |
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December 29,
2003 to December 9, 2004 |
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December 10,
2004 to December 26, 2004 |
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Year Ended
December 26, 2004 |
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Year Ended
January 1, 2006 |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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April 2,
2006 |
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April 1,
2007 |
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| Cash provided by (used in) continuing operating activities | |
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$ | 6,037 | |
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$ | (406 | ) | |
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$ | 5,631 | |
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$ | 6,749 | |
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$ | 5,641 | |
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$ | 506 | |
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$ | 349 | |
| Cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities | |
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172 | |
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(86,129 | ) | |
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(85,957 | ) | |
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2,212 | |
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(5,886 | ) | |
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(5,671 | ) | |
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(171 | ) |
| Cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities | |
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(3,374 | ) | |
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88,018 | |
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84,644 | |
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(9,943 | ) | |
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291 | |
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5,046 | |
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(529 | ) |
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The discussion of cash flows that follows is based on the historical cash flows for ACN for (i) the thirteen (13) week period ended April 1, 2007, (ii) the thirteen (13) week period ended April 2, 2006, (iii) the fifty-two (52) week period ended December 31, 2006, (iv) the fifty-two (52) week period ended January 1, 2006 and (v) the fifty-two (52) week period ended December 26, 2004. The thirteen (13) week periods in (i) and (ii) are referred to as the ‘‘three months’’ and the fifty-two (52) week periods in (iii), (iv) and (v) are referred to as ‘‘years’’.
Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended April 1, 2007 was $0.3 million. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from depreciation and amortization of $0.9 million and net income of $0.3 million, partially offset by an increase of $1.1 million in working capital. The increase in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable of $0.4 million, associated with increased revenues for the quarter and a decrease in accrued expenses of $0.6 million relating to the timing of payment of accrued interest.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended April 2, 2006 was $0.5 million. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from depreciation and amortization of $0.8 million and net income of $34,000, partially offset by an increase of $0.4 million in working capital. The increase in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable of $0.6 million, associated with increased revenues for the quarter.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $5.6 million. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from depreciation and amortization of $3.3 million and net income of $4.6 million, partially offset by an increase of $2.9 million in working capital and a gain of $0.1 million on the sale of assets. The increase in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable of $1.6 million, associated with increased revenues for the year and a decrease in accrued expenses of $1.7 million from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 relating to timing of payment of such items.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended January 1, 2006 was $6.7 million. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from depreciation and amortization of $2.5 million, a decrease of $0.2 million in working capital and net income of $6.9 million, partially offset by a gain of $3.2 million on the disposal of discontinued operations related to the sale of ACN’s Kansas City cluster. The decrease in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses from December 26, 2004 to January 1, 2006, all of which are related to increased business activity.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 26, 2004 was $5.6 million. The net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from depreciation and amortization of $2.4 million, non cash interest of $3.0 million on debt and net income of $1.8 million, partially offset
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by an increase of $2.0 million in working capital. The increase in working capital primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable and a decrease in accrued expenses from December 29, 2003 to December 26, 2004.
Cash Flows from Continuing Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 was $0.2 million and represented capital expenditures. ACN anticipates that funds necessary for capital expenditures, which are expected to total approximately $1.0 million in 2007, and other requirements, will be available from internally generated funds, availability under its Senior Credit Agreement or, if necessary, by accessing the capital markets.
Net cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended April 1, 2006 was $5.7 million and represented capital expenditures of $0.2 million and $5.5 for the Amendment One acquisition. The Amendment One acquisition was funded with borrowings under ACN’s senior credit agreement.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $5.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2006, ACN used $5.6 million, net of cash acquired, for the Amendment One acquisition and $0.9 million for capital expenditures, which uses were partially offset by proceeds of $0.6 million from the sale of real estate acquired as part of the 2005 Acquisitions which was no longer required in the operations.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended January 1, 2006 was $2.2 million. During the year ended January 1, 2006, ACN used $15.4 million, net of cash acquired, for the 2005 Acquisitions and $1.0 million for capital expenditures, which uses were partially offset by proceeds of $0.1 million from the sale of real estate and $18.5 million from the sale of the Kansas City newspaper group. The 2005 Acquisitions were funded with borrowings under ACN’s senior credit agreement and capital contributions from ACN’s members.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 26, 2004 was $86.0 million. During the year ended December 26, 2004, ACN used $0.4 million for capital expenditures and $85.6 million, relating to the purchase of substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. The initial acquisition was funded with borrowings under ACN’s new senior credit agreement and capital contributions from ACN’s members. The proceeds from the sale of the Kansas City newspaper group were used to repay borrowings under the senior credit facility and fund a distribution to ACN’s sole member.
Cash Flows from Continuing Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the quarter ended April 1, 2007 was $0.5 million and represented net repayments under ACN’s senior credit agreement.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the quarter ended April 1, 2006 was $5.0 million. The net cash provided by financing activities primarily resulted from net borrowings of $5.1 million under the senior credit agreement used, in part, to fund the Amendment One acquisition.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $0.3 million. The net cash provided by financing activities primarily resulted from net borrowings of $6.5 million under the senior credit agreement partially offset by the repayment of $6.2 million of borrowings under the same credit facility from funds generated by operating activities.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended January 1, 2006 was $9.9 million. The net cash used by financing activities primarily resulted from capital contributions of $4.5 million in connection with the 2005 Acquisitions and net borrowings under the senior credit agreement of $10.9 million, partially offset by the payment of an $11.5 million distribution to member, repayment of $13.4 million under the senior credit agreement and payment of debt issuance costs of $0.4 million in connection with the 2005 Acquisitions and related borrowings. These activities were funded by the sale of the Kansas City newspaper group and funds generated by operating activities.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 26, 2004 was $84.6 million. The net cash provided by financing activities primarily resulted from net borrowings of $55.0 million under the senior credit agreement and capital contributions of $33.0 million related to the purchase of substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. partially offset by $3.4 million of debt repayments of ACN’s predecessor.
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Changes in Financial Position
The discussion that follows highlights significant changes in ACN’s financial position from (i) April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007 and (ii) January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006.
Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable increased $0.8 million from April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007, related to the increase in ACN’s revenues over this period. Accounts receivable increased $1.3 million from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, of which $0.5 million resulted from the Amendment One acquisition.
Property, Plant, and Equipment. Property, plant, and equipment decreased $0.8 million during the period from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, of which $0.2 million of the increase resulted from the Amendment One acquisition and $0.9 million from capital expenditures, partially offset by depreciation of $1.4 million and proceeds of $0.6 million from the sale of real estate. The decrease from April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007 is principally the result of the items mentioned above.
Goodwill. Goodwill increased $4.1 million from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, of which $4.1 million of the increase resulted from the Amendment One acquisition.
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets increased $1.3 million from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, of which $3.2 million of the increase resulted from the Amendment One acquisition, partially offset by amortization of $1.9 million.
Long-term Debt. Long-term debt decreased $5.3 million from April 2, 2006 to April 1, 2007, primarily resulting from net payments under the senior credit agreement from funds generated by ACN’s operating activities. Long-term debt increased $0.4 million from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, primarily resulting from net borrowings of $6.5 million under the senior credit agreement and the assumption of $0.1 million of debt in connection with the Amendment One acquisition partially offset by the payment of $6.2 million under the senior credit agreement.
Indebtedness
ACN’s Credit Facility with a group of lenders (the ‘‘Credit Facility’’), provides for a revolving credit facility (the ‘‘Revolving Credit Facility’’) and a term loan facility (the ‘‘Term Loan Facility’’). Proceeds from each term loan were used to fund the acquisition of the newspaper assets. Substantially all of ACN’s assets and investment in its subsidiaries are pledged as collateral for loans under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive covenants which require ACN to maintain certain financial ratios, including consolidated total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (‘‘EBITDA’’), consolidated interest coverage and consolidated fixed charge coverage, as defined. In addition, the Credit Facility contains various covenants which, among other things, limit capital expenditures and limit ACN’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends and other items. ACN has not violated any of its debt covenants for the periods covered by the financial statements and is in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facility at April 30, 2007.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited to $10,000,000 through the scheduled maturity date of June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The Revolving Credit Facility currently bears interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the Federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the London Interbank Offered (‘‘LIBOR’’) rate plus 3.00%. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 8.375% at December 31, 2006. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at January 1, 2006. ACN incurs commitment fees of 0.5% on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The additional interest rate margin on the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to decrease based on ACN’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA.
The Term A Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the LIBOR rate plus 3.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term A Loans was 8.375% and
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7.625% at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. The Term A Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through September 30, 2010, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term A Loans is subject to decrease based on ACN’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA. ACN made an excess cash flow payment on the Term A Loans of $333,724 in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006. During December 2005, ACN made an early excess cash flow payment on the Term A Loans of $992,000, which would have normally been due in April 2006.
The Term B Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 3.75%, or the LIBOR rate plus 5.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term B Loans ranged from 10.375% to 10.4375% at December 31, 2006. The interest rate on the individual Term B Loans ranged from 9.375% to 9.4375% at January 1, 2006. The Term B Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term B Loans is not subject to decrease. ACN made an excess cash flow payment on the Term B Loans of $241,065 in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006. During December 2005, ACN made an early excess cash flow payment on the Term B Loans of $608,000, which would have normally been due in April 2006. In addition and in connection with the acquisition of certain newspaper assets in July 2005, the aggregate amount available and borrowed under the Term B Loans increased $6.0 million. On April 30, 2007, in connection with the acquisition of the Columbus newspaper group, ACN borrowed $47.0 million under a new Term B-1 Loan Facility, with identical terms to the existing Term B Loan, except for a maturity date of December 31, 2007.
In March 2005, ACN entered into an interest rate agreement to mitigate exposure to increasing borrowing costs in the event of a rising interest rate. The notional amount is $30,000,000 and matured on March 18, 2007. The cap rate is 4.50% against an index rate of three-month LIBOR and expired in March 2007. Currently, all of ACN’s borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at floating rates.
In connection with an acquisition, during 2006 ACN assumed an equipment loan which bears interest at 8.50%, with interest and principal payable monthly through the maturity date of September 27, 2010. This loan is secured by the underlying equipment purchased with the proceeds of this loan.
The Credit Facility, including the new Term B-1 Loan Facility, and the equipment loans will be paid off at the closing of the acquisition of ACN.
Summary Disclosure About Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table reflects a summary of ACN’s contractual cash obligations, including contractual interest payments where applicable, as of December 31, 2006:
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2008 | |
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Thereafter | |
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Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long term debt (1) | |
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$ | 5,917 | |
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$ | 6,168 | |
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|
$ | 7,868 | |
|
|
|
$ | 10,410 | |
|
|
|
$ | 22,564 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
$ | 52,927 | |
| Operating lease obligations | |
|
|
|
736 | |
|
|
|
|
532 | |
|
|
|
|
384 | |
|
|
|
|
314 | |
|
|
|
|
233 | |
|
|
|
|
47 | |
|
|
|
|
2,246 | |
| Total | |
|
|
$ | 6,653 | |
|
|
|
$ | 6,700 | |
|
|
|
$ | 8,252 | |
|
|
|
$ | 10,724 | |
|
|
|
$ | 22,797 | |
|
|
|
$ | 47 | |
|
|
|
$ | 55,173 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Excludes interest on floating rate debt. Based on interest rates and floating rate debt at March 31, 2007, annual interest on floating rate debt is approximately $4.9 million. |
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, ‘‘Accounting Changes and Error Corrections’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 154’’). SFAS No. 154 replaces ABP Opinion No. 20, ‘‘Accounting Changes’’ and SFAS No. 3, ‘‘Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements.’’ SFAS No. 154 requires that
154
a voluntary change in an accounting principle be applied retrospectively with all prior period financial statements presented using the new accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 also requires that a change in method of depreciating or amortizing a long-lived non-financial asset be accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate and correction of errors in previously issued financial statements should be termed a restatement. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The implementation of SFAS No. 154 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47 (‘‘FIN 47’’), ‘‘Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations,’’ which is an interpretation of SFAS No. 143, ‘‘Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.’’ FIN No. 47 clarifies terminology within SFAS No. 143 and requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. A conditional asset retirement is a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. FIN No. 47 became effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Adopting FIN No. 47 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (‘‘FIN 48’’), ‘‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,’’ which is an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, ‘‘Accounting for Income Taxes.’’ FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that ACN has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under FIN No. 48, 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. FIN No. 48 substantially changes the applicable accounting model and is likely to cause greater volatility in income statements as more items are recognized discretely within income tax expense. FIN No. 48 also revises disclosure requirements and introduces a prescriptive, annual, tabular roll-forward of the unrecognized tax benefits. The new accounting model for uncertain tax positions is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2006.
Companies need to assess all material open positions in all tax jurisdictions as of the adoption date and determine the appropriate amount of tax benefits that are recognizable under FIN No. 48. Any difference between the amounts previously recognized and the benefit determined under the new guidance, including changes in accrued interest and penalties, has to be recorded on the date of adoption. For certain types of income tax uncertainties, existing generally accepted accounting principles provide specific guidance on the accounting for modifications of the recognized benefit. Any differences in recognized tax benefits on the date of adoption that are not subject to specific guidance would be an adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have on our financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, ‘‘Fair Value Measurement’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 157’’) SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement requires prospective application except for certain financial instruments which will require a limited form of retrospective application. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 7, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact on our financial statements for that period has not yet been determined.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’’ (‘‘SFAS No. 158’’). SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the balance sheet, the recognition in other comprehensive income of gains or losses and prior service costs or credits arising during the period but which are not included as components of periodic benefit cost, the measurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the balance sheet date, and disclosure of additional information about the effects on periodic benefit cost for the following fiscal year arising from delayed recognition in the current period. In addition, SFAS No. 158 amends SFAS No. 87, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,’’ and
155
SFAS No. 106, ‘‘Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,’’ to include guidance regarding selection of assumed discount rates for use in measuring the benefit obligation. SFAS No. 158 is effective for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (‘‘SAB’’) No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements (‘‘SAB No. 108’’), which addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected financial statement misstatements should be considered in current year financial statements. SAB No. 108 requires registrants to quantify misstatements using both balance sheet and income statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relative quantitative and qualitative factors. The requirements of SAB No. 108 are effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006. The requirements of SAB No. 108 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ACN is 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
ACN’s debt structure and interest rate risks are managed through the use of floating rate debt and interest rate swaps and caps. ACN’s primary exposure is to LIBOR. A 100 basis point change in LIBOR would change ACN’s income from continuing operations before income taxes on an annualized basis by approximately $(0.5) million, based on floating rate debt of $52.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2006 and ($1.0) million based on floating rate debt of $99.4 million outstanding at April 30, 2007 after the Columbus acquisition.
Commodities
Certain materials ACN uses are subject to commodity price changes. ACN manages this risk through instruments such as purchase orders, membership in a buying consortium 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 ACN’s income from continuing operations before income taxes of $65,000 based on newsprint usage, in ACN’s printing facilities, for the year ended December 31, 2006 of approximately 6,500 metric tons. Including the Columbus newspaper group, this same change would be $93,000.
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 prospectus, we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, as set forth below.
Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA
ACN defines Adjusted EBITDA as follows:
Net income (loss) before:
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
156
Normal state (non income) taxes
Depreciation and amortization
Net interest expense
Other non recurring items; and
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
ACN defines pro forma Adjusted EBITDA as follows:
Net income (loss) before
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Normal state (non income) taxes
Depreciation and amortization
Net interest expense
Other non recurring items; and
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Plus/Minus:
Adjustment for acquisitions (dispositions) so that such pro forma EBITDA calculation has been presented as if any acquisitions (dispositions) that occurred in any reporting period were made as of the first day of the earliest fiscal year presented.
Management’s Use of Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma EBITDA are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives 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. ACN believes these non-GAAP measures, as ACN has defined them, are 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 and/or take into account the impact of acquisitions/dispositions to compare over various periods. These measures provide an assessment of controllable expenses and afford management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. They provide indicators for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.
Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA provide ACN with measures 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. These metrics measure 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 and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA are just two of the metrics used by senior management to review the financial performance of the business on a monthly basis.
Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be viewed in isolation or as substitutes for GAAP measures of earnings or cash flows. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA and using these non-GAAP financial measures as compared to GAAP net income (loss), include: the cash portion of interest expense, income tax (benefit) provision and non-recurring charges related to gain (loss) on sale of facilities and extinguishment of debt activities generally represent charges (gains), which may significantly affect ACN’s financial results.
157
An investor or potential investor may find these items important in evaluating ACN’s performance, results of operations and financial position. ACN uses non-GAAP financial measures to supplement its GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting its business.
Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA are not alternatives to net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations as calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. You should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA or pro forma Adjusted EBITDA as substitutes for any such GAAP financial measure. We strongly encourage you to review the reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to pro forma Adjusted EBITDA, along with ACN’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this proxy statement. We also strongly encourage you to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, the Adjusted EBITDA and pro forma Adjusted EBITDA measures, as presented in this proxy statement, may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
The table below shows the reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
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Period From | |
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|
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|
|
|
|
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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000’s) | |
|
December 29,
2003 to December 9, 2004 |
|
|
December 10,
2004 to December 26, 2004 |
|
|
Year Ended
December 26, 2004 |
|
|
Year Ended
January 1, 2006 |
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
April 2,
2006 |
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | |
|
|
$ | 1,888 | |
|
|
|
$ | (60 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 1,828 | |
|
|
|
$ | 6,898 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,626 | |
|
|
|
$ | 34 | |
|
|
|
$ | 376 | |
| Income tax expense | |
|
|
|
10 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
10 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| (Income) loss from discontinued operations | |
|
|
|
(636 | ) | |
|
|
|
(80 | ) | |
|
|
|
(716 | ) | |
|
|
|
(4,592 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| State (non-income) taxes | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
52 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Interest expense | |
|
|
|
3,939 | |
|
|
|
|
172 | |
|
|
|
|
4,111 | |
|
|
|
|
4,256 | |
|
|
|
|
4,926 | |
|
|
|
|
1,173 | |
|
|
|
|
1,235 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
2,274 | |
|
|
|
|
78 | |
|
|
|
|
2,352 | |
|
|
|
|
2,530 | |
|
|
|
|
3,349 | |
|
|
|
|
793 | |
|
|
|
|
876 | |
| Gain on sale of assets | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Adjusted EBITDA | |
|
|
$ | 7,475 | |
|
|
|
$ | 110 | |
|
|
|
$ | 7,585 | |
|
|
|
$ | 9,092 | |
|
|
|
$ | 12,839 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,487 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The table below shows the reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to pro forma Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000’s) | |
|
Year Ended
December 26, 2004 |
|
|
Year Ended
January 1, 2006 |
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
April 2,
2006 |
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | |
|
|
$ | 1,828 | |
|
|
|
$ | 6,898 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,626 | |
|
|
|
$ | 34 | |
|
|
|
$ | 376 | |
| Income tax expense | |
|
|
|
10 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
2 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| (Income) loss from discontinued operations | |
|
|
|
(716 | ) | |
|
|
|
(4,592 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| State (non-income) taxes | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
52 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Interest expense | |
|
|
|
4,111 | |
|
|
|
|
4,256 | |
|
|
|
|
4,926 | |
|
|
|
|
1,173 | |
|
|
|
|
1,235 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
2,352 | |
|
|
|
|
2,530 | |
|
|
|
|
3,349 | |
|
|
|
|
793 | |
|
|
|
|
876 | |
| Gain on sale of assets | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(116 | ) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Adjustment for acquisitions | |
|
|
|
1,301 | |
|
|
|
|
1,070 | |
|
|
|
|
84 | |
|
|
|
|
83 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Adjusted EBITDA | |
|
|
$ | 8,886 | |
|
|
|
$ | 10,162 | |
|
|
|
$ | 12,923 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,083 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,487 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
158
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management of Courtside
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of May 5, 2007 by:
|
|
|
| • | each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock either on May 5, 2007 or after the consummation of the acquisition; |
|
|
|
| • | each of our current executive officers and directors; |
|
|
|
| • | each person who will become director upon consummation of the acquisition; |
|
|
|
| • | all our current executive officers and directors as a group; and |
|
|
|
| • | all of our executive officers and directors as a group after the consummation of the acquisition. |
At any time prior to the special meeting, during a period when they are not then aware of any material nonpublic information regarding Courtside or its securities, the Courtside Inside Stockholders, and/or their affiliates, may enter into a written plan to purchase Courtside securities pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and may engage in other public market purchases, as well as private purchases, of securities at anytime prior to the special meeting of stockholders. The ownership percentages listed below do not include any such shares which may be purchased after May 5, 2007.
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Beneficial Ownership of Our
Common Stock on May 5, 2007 |
||||||||||
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | |
|
Number of
Shares |
|
|
Percent of
Class |
||||||
| Richard D. Goldstein | |
|
|
|
1,096,500 | (2) | |
|
|
|
6.5 | |
| Bruce M. Greenwald | |
|
|
|
718,500 | (3) | |
|
|
|
4.3 | |
| Gregg H. Mayer | |
|
|
|
150,000 | (4) | |
|
|
|
|
* |
| Dennis H. Leibowitz(5) | |
|
|
|
150,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
| Carl D. Harnick | |
|
|
|
75,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
| Peter R. Haje(6) | |
|
|
|
75,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
| Darren M. Sardoff(5) | |
|
|
|
75,000 | (7) | |
|
|
|
|
* |
| Robert H. Bloom | |
|
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|
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|
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|
||
| John A. Erickson | |
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|
||
| Fir Tree, Inc.(8) | |
|
|
|
1,655,800 | (9) | |
|
|
|
9.9 | |
| The Baupost Group, L.L.C.(10) | |
|
|
|
1,495,000 | (11) | |
|
|
|
8.9 | |
| Clinton Group, Inc.(12) | |
|
|
|
1,000,000 | (13) | |
|
|
|
6.0 | |
| All current Courtside directors and executive officers as a group (7 individuals) | |
|
|
|
2,340,000 | (14) | |
|
|
|
13.9 | |
| All post-acquisition directors and executive officers as a group
( individuals) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
||
|
||||||||||||
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|
|
| * | Less than 1.0% |
| 1. | Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following is 1700 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10019. |
| 2. | Includes 210,000 shares of common stock held by JAR Partners L.P., a family limited partnership for the benefit of Mr. Goldstein’s children. Mr. Goldstein and his wife are the general partners of the limited partnership. Also includes 84,000 shares of common stock held by the BMG 2004 Trust, a trust established for the benefit of Bruce M. Greenwald’s adult children and their descendants. Mr. Goldstein is the sole trustee of the BMG 2004 Trust. Does not include |
159
| (i) 150,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Goldstein may receive upon the payment to Mr. Mayer of $1,500 ($0.01 per share) in the event Mr. Mayer’s shares do not vest as described below in footnote 4, (ii) 30,000 shares of common stock Mr. Goldstein may receive upon the payment to Mr. Sardoff of $300 ($0.01 per share) in the event shares held by Darren M. Sardoff do not vest as described below in footnote 7 and (iii) 988,235 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are not currently exercisable and will become exercisable only upon consummation of the acquisition. |
| 3. | Does not include (i) 84,000 shares of common stock held by the BMG 2004 Trust, a trust established for the benefit of Mr. Greenwald’s adult children and their descendants, (ii) 30,000 shares of common stock that Mr. Greenwald may receive upon payment to Mr. Sardoff of $300 ($0.01 per share) in the event shares held by Mr. Sardoff do not vest as described below in footnote 7 and (iii) 790,888 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are not currently exercisable and will become exercisable only upon consummation of the acquisition. |
| 4. | These shares vest in full upon consummation of a business combination, provided Mr. Mayer is still affiliated with Alpine Capital or an affiliated entity, or if his affiliation has been terminated without cause or as a result of death or disability. Mr. Mayer purchased such shares from Mr. Goldstein prior to Courtside’s initial public offering for $1,500 ($0.01 per share). In the event Mr. Mayer is not affiliated with Alpine Capital or an affiliated entity, for reasons other than as described in the previous sentence, at the time of the consummation of a business combination, these shares revert back to Mr. Goldstein upon Mr. Goldstein’s payment to Mr. Mayer of $1,500. |
| 5. | The business address of such individual is Act II Partners, L.P. 444 Madison Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10022. |
| 6. | The business address of Mr. Haje is 1790 Broadway, Suite 1501, New York, NY 10019. |
| 7. | 60,000 of these shares shall vest in full in the event Mr. Sardoff is still providing services to us as we may reasonably request at the time we consummate a business combination or as a result of his death or disability. Mr. Sardoff purchased 30,000 of such shares from each of Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald prior to Courtside’s initial public offering for $0.01 per share (a total of $600). If the shares do not vest, 30,000 shares revert back to each of Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Greenwald upon payment by each of them of $300 to Mr. Sardoff. |
| 8. | The business address of Fir Tree, Inc. is 505 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10017. |
| 9. | Represents 1,094,925 shares of common stock held by Sapling, LLC and 560,875 shares of common stock held by Fir Tree Recovery Master Fund, L.P. Fir Tree, Inc. is the investment manager of both of these entities and as such controls voting and dispositive power over the shares. The foregoing information was derived from a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2007, as amended by a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 14, 2007. |
| 10. | The business address of The Baupost Group, L.L.C. is 10 St. James Avenue, Suite 2000, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. |
| 11. | The Baupost Group, L.L.C. is a registered investment adviser. SAK Corporation is the Manager of Baupost. Seth A. Klarman, as the sole Director of SAK Corporation and a controlling person of Baupost, may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by Baupost. Such securities include securities purchased on behalf of various investment partnerships. The foregoing information was derived from a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2007. |
| 12. | The business address of Clinton Group, Inc. is 9 West 57th Street, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10019. |
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| 13. | Clinton Group, Inc. is an investment advisor, ultimately owned and controlled by George Hall (who has the same business address), and exercises shared voting and dispositive power over such shares, which are in accounts of its clients. |
| 14. | Includes and excludes the shares of common stock as set forth in footnotes 2, 3, 4 and 7 above. |
Security Ownership of ACN
ACN Holding LLC is the sole member of ACN. The following table sets forth information concerning the fully diluted common equity ownership of ACN Holding LLC:
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| Holder | |
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Ownership Percentage | |||
| Wachovia Capital Partners 2004 LLC | |
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41.9 | |
| Spire Capital Partners L.P. and affiliates | |
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41.9 | |
| Eugene M. Carr | |
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7.6 | |
| Daniel J. Wilson | |
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4.4 | |
| Jeffrey B. Coolman | |
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1.6 | |
| Other Management Employees (29) | |
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2.6 | |
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Policy
Our Code of Ethics requires us to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interest, except under guidelines approved by the board of directors (or the audit committee). SEC rules generally define related-party transactions as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) we or any of our subsidiaries is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5 percent beneficial owner of our common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10 percent beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict of interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position. Our audit committee, pursuant to its written charter, is responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent we enter into such transactions. The audit committee considers all relevant factors when determining whether to approve a related party transaction, including whether the related party transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction. No director may participate in the approval of any transaction in which he is a related party, but that director is required to provide the audit committee with all material information concerning the transaction. Additionally, we require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire annually that elicits information about related party transactions. These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.
Courtside Related Party Transactions
In March 2005, we issued 3,000,000 shares of our common stock to the following individuals for $25,000 in cash, at an average purchase price of approximately $0.0083 per share, as set forth below:
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| Name | |
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Number of
Shares |
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Relationship to Us | |||
| Richard D. Goldstein | |
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990,000 | |
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Chairman of the board and chief executive officer |
| Bruce M. Greenwald | |
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756,000 | |
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President and director |
| HMA 1999 Trust | |
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220,000 | |
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Stockholder |
| DKA 1999 Trust | |
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220,000 | |
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Stockholder |
| ASH 1999 Trust | |
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220,000 | |
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Stockholder |
| JAR Partners, L.P. | |
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210,000 | |
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Stockholder |
| Dennis H. Leibowitz | |
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150,000 | |
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Director |
| BMG 2004 Trust | |
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84,000 | |
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Stockholder |
| Carl D. Harnick | |
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75,000 | |
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Vice president and chief financial officer |
| Peter R. Haje | |
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75,000 | |
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Director |
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Effective April 1, 2005, Mr. Goldstein transferred 150,000 shares of common stock to Gregg H. Mayer, our vice president, controller and secretary. Effective April 5, 2005, Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald each transferred 30,000 shares of common stock to Darren M. Sardoff, a director. Effective May 31, 2005, Messrs Goldstein and Greenwald each transferred an additional 7,500 shares of common stock to Mr. Sardoff.
Pursuant to an escrow agreement between us, the Courtside Inside Stockholders and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, all of the Courtside Inside Stockholders’ shares purchased prior to the IPO (‘‘Original Shares’’) were placed in escrow, with Continental acting as escrow agent, pursuant to an escrow agreement, until the earliest of:
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| • | June 30, 2008; |
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| • | our liquidation; or |
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| • | the consummation of a liquidation, acquisition, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property subsequent to our consummating a business combination with a target business. |
During the escrow period, these shares cannot be sold, but the Courtside Inside Stockholders will retain all other rights as stockholders, including, without limitation, the right to vote their shares of common stock and the right to receive cash dividends, if declared. If dividends are declared and payable in shares of common stock, such dividends will also be placed in escrow. If we are unable to effect a business combination and liquidate, none of our Founders will receive any portion of the liquidation proceeds with respect to common stock owned by them prior to our initial public offering.
We also entered into a registration rights agreement with the Courtside Inside Stockholders pursuant to which the holders of the majority of the Original Shares will be entitled to make up to two demands that we register these shares pursuant to an agreement to be signed prior to or on the date of this prospectus. The holders of the majority of these shares may elect to exercise these registration rights at any time commencing three months prior to the date on which these shares of common stock are to be released from escrow. In addition, these stockholders have certain ‘‘piggy-back’’ registration rights on registration statements filed subsequent to the date on which these shares of common stock are released from escrow. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Each Courtside Inside Stockholder also entered into a letter agreement with us and EarlyBirdCapital pursuant to which, among other things:
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| • | each agreed to vote all Original Shares owned by him in accordance with the vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Courtside common stock sold in its IPO present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting if we solicit approval of our stockholders for a business combination; |
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| • | if we fail to consummate a business combination by or by July 7, 2007 each agreed to take all reasonable actions within his power to cause us to liquidate as soon as reasonably practicable; |
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| • | each waived any and all rights he may have to receive any distribution of cash, property or other assets as a result of such liquidation with respect to his Original Shares; |
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| • | each agreed to present to us for our consideration, prior to presentation to any other person or entity, any suitable opportunity to acquire an operating business, until the earlier of our consummation of a business combination, our liquidation or until such time as he ceases to be an officer or director of ours, subject to any pre-existing fiduciary obligations he might have; |
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| • | each agreed that we could not consummate any business combination which involves a company which is affiliated with any of the Courtside Inside Stockholders unless we obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm reasonably acceptable to EarlyBirdCapital that the business combination is fair to our stockholders from a financial perspective; |
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| • | each agreed that he and his affiliates will not be entitled to receive and will not accept any compensation for services rendered to us prior to the consummation of our business combination; and |
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| • | each agreed that he and his affiliates will not be entitled to receive or accept a finder’s fee or any other compensation in the event he or his affiliates originate a business combination. |
Alpine Capital LLC, an affiliate of our executive officers and certain of our directors, has agreed that, until the acquisition of a target business, it will make available to us a small amount of office space and certain office and secretarial services, as we may require from time to time. We have agreed to pay Alpine Capital LLC $7,500 per month for these services.
163
During 2005, Mr. Goldstein advanced an aggregate of $100,000 to us to cover expenses related to our initial public offering. These loans were repaid from the proceeds of the offering.
We reimburse our officers and directors for any reasonable out-of-pocket business expenses incurred by them in connection with certain activities on our behalf such as identifying and investigating possible target businesses and business combinations through March 31, 2007, such reimbursements totaled approximately $55,000.
Upon the closing of its IPO, Courtside deposited approximately $1,927,000, representing the net proceeds remaining from the IPO after offering expenses and the deposit in the trust account, in an account at Alpine Capital Bank (an affiliate of Alpine Capital LLP) and were invested in United States treasury bills, upon which interest of approximately $94,000 was earned through March 31, 2007. On January 18, 2007, the treasury bills were redeemed and the proceeds were placed in a money market checking account at Alpine Capital Bank and used to pay Courtside’s expenses. Through March 31, 2007, interest of approximately $1,800 was earned on this account and no balance remained in the account as of that date. Alpine Capital Bank has not charged Courtside any customary banking charges or other fees for the banking services it has provided to Courtside.
Other than the $7,500 per-month administrative fee and reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses payable to our officers and directors, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finders and consulting fees, will be paid to any of the Courtside Inside Stockholders or to any of their respective affiliates for services rendered to us prior to or with respect to the business combination.
As of May 4, 2007, Courtside has borrowed $318,000 from Messrs. Goldstein and Greenwald. The loan is unsecured, bears interest at the rate of 5% per annum, is non-recourse to the trust account and will be repaid on the consummation by Courtside of a business combination. However, if a business combination is not consummated, it is not expected that Courtside will have any remaining non-trust account funds to repay the loan except that, under certain circumstances, all or a portion of the $700,000 deposit may be returned to Courtside. As of April 30, 2007, approximately $400,000 of the $700,000 was reserved for payment of ACN’s reimbursable expenses. It is expected that such expenses will ultimately total in excess $700,000.
All ongoing and future transactions between us and any of our officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by us to be no less favorable than are available from unaffiliated third parties and will require prior approval in each instance by a majority of the members of our board who do not have an interest in the transaction.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Courtside directors, officers and persons owning more than 10% of Courtside common stock to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the Securities ad Exchange Commission. Based on its review of the copies of such reports furnished to Courtside, or representations from certain reporting persons that no other reports were required, Courtside believes that all applicable filing requirements were complied with during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
164
DESCRIPTION OF COURTSIDE COMMON STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
General
Courtside consummated its IPO on July 7, 2005. In the IPO, Courtside sold 13,800,000 units, which include all of the 1,800,000 units that were subject to the underwriters’ over allotment option. Each unit consists of one share of Courtside common stock and two redeemable common stock purchase warrants, each to purchase one share of Courtside common stock. Courtside’s common stock, warrants and units are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols CRB, CRBWS and CRBU, respectively. Courtside’s units commenced public trading on July 1, 2005, and its common stock and warrants commenced separate public trading on August 2, 2005. The closing price for each share of common stock, warrant and unit of Courtside on January 23, 2007, the last trading day before announcement of the execution of the purchase agreement, was $5.46, $0.34 and $6.10, respectively.
The certificate of incorporation of Courtside authorizes the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001. As of the record date, 16,800,000 shares of common stock were outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
Common Stock
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. In connection with the vote required for any business combination, all of the existing stockholders, including all officers and directors of Courtside, have agreed to vote their respective shares of common stock owned by them immediately prior to the IPO in accordance with the vote of the holders of a majority of the Public Shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the special meeting. This voting arrangement does not apply to shares included in units purchased in the IPO or purchased following the IPO in the open market by any of Courtside’s stockholders, officers and directors. Courtside’s stockholders, officers and directors may vote their shares in any manner they determine, in their sole discretion, with respect to any other items that come before a vote of our stockholders.
Courtside will proceed with the acquisition only if stockholders who own at least a majority of the Public Shares, present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote, vote in favor of the acquisition and stockholders owning fewer than 20% of the Public Shares exercise conversion rights discussed below.
Our board of directors is divided into three classes, each of which will generally serve for a term of three years with only one class of directors being elected in each year. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all of the directors standing for election in each class.
If Courtside is required to liquidate, the holders of the Public Shares will be entitled to share ratably in the trust account, inclusive of any interest, and any net assets remaining available for distribution to them after payment of liabilities. Holders of common stock issued prior to Courtside’s IPO have agreed to waive their rights to share in any distribution with respect to common stock owned by them prior to the IPO if Courtside is forced to liquidate.
Holders of Courtside common stock do not have any conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the common stock, except that the holders of the Public Shares have the right to have their Public Shares converted to cash equal to their pro rata share of the trust account if they vote against the acquisition proposal, properly demand conversion and the acquisition is approved and completed. Holders of common stock who convert their stock into their shares of the trust account still have the right to exercise the warrants that they received as part of the units.
165
Preferred Stock
The certificate of incorporation of Courtside authorizes the issuance of 1,000,000 shares of a blank check preferred stock with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by Courtside’s board of directors. Accordingly, Courtside’s board of directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of common stock, although Courtside has entered into an underwriting agreement which prohibits Courtside, prior to a business combination, from issuing preferred stock which participates in any manner in the proceeds of the trust account, or which votes as a class with the common stock on a business combination. Courtside may issue some or all of the preferred stock to effect a business combination. In addition, the preferred stock could be utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of Courtside. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding and Courtside does not currently intend to issue any preferred stock.
Warrants
Courtside currently has outstanding 27,600,000 redeemable common stock purchase warrants. Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $5.00 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing on the completion of the acquisition. The warrants expire on June 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m., New York City time. Courtside may call the warrants for redemption:
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| • | in whole and not in part; |
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| • | at a price of $0.01 per warrant at any time after the warrants become exercisable; |
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| • | upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and |
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| • | if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $8.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders. |
The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, or Courtside’s recapitalization, reorganization, acquisition or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for issuances of common stock at a price below the exercise price.
The warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified check payable to Courtside, for the number of warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of common stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
No warrants will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise a prospectus relating to common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current and the common stock has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants. Under the terms of a warrant agreement, Courtside has agreed to use its best efforts to maintain a current prospectus relating to common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However, there is no assurance that Courtside will be able to do so. If the prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not current, holders will be unable to exercise their warrants and Courtside will not be required to net cash settle or cash settle the warrant exercise. Accordingly, the warrants may be deprived of any value and the market for the warrants may be limited if the prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not current or if the common stock is not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside.
166
Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent
The transfer agent for Courtside’s securities and warrant agent for Courtside’s warrants is Continental Stock Transfer and Trust Company, 17 Battery Place, New York, New York 10004.
PRICE RANGE OF COURTSIDE SECURITIES AND DIVIDENDS
Courtside’s units, common stock and warrants are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols CBR, CBRWS and CBRU, respectively. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing bid prices for the units, common stock and warrants for the periods indicated since the units commenced public trading on July1, 2005 and since the common stock and warrants commenced public trading on August 2, 2005. The over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily reflect actual transactions.
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Units | |
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Common Stock | |
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Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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High | |
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Low | |
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High | |
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Low | |
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High | |
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Low | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007: | |
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| Second quarter (through May 4, 2007) | |
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6.45 | |
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6.04 | |
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5.58 | |
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5.52 | |
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0.45 | |
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0.34 | |
| First Quarter | |
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6.28 | |
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6.00 | |
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5.53 | |
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5.42 | |
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0.40 | |
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0.29 | |
| 2006: | |
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| Fourth Quarter | |
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6.00 | |
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5.85 | |
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5.45 | |
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5.30 | |
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0.40 | |
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0.22 | |
| Third Quarter | |
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6.25 | |
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5.80 | |
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5.40 | |
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5.15 | |
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0.47 | |
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0.31 | |
| Second Quarter | |
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7.00 | |
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6.25 | |
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5.56 | |
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5.20 | |
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0.71 | |
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0.44 | |
| First Quarter | |
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6.80 | |
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6.00 | |
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5.60 | |
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5.18 | |
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0.70 | |
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0.43 | |
| 2005: | |
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| Fourth Quarter | |
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6.35 | |
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5.70 | |
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5.30 | |
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5.11 | |
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0.59 | |
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0.36 | |
| Third Quarter | |
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6.25 | |
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5.90 | |
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5.25 | |
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5.00 | |
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0.56 | |
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0.40 | |
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The closing price for each share of common stock, warrant and unit of Courtside on January 23, 2007, the last trading day before announcement of the execution of the purchase agreement, was $5.46, $0.34 and $6.10, respectively. As of , 2007, the record date, the closing price for each share of common stock, warrant and unit of Courtside was $ , $ and $ , respectively.
Holders of Courtside common stock, warrants and units should obtain current market quotations for their securities. The market price of Courtside common stock, warrants and units could vary at any time before the acquisition.
Holders
As of , 2007, there were holders of record of Courtside units, holders of record of Courtside common stock and holders of record of Courtside warrants. Courtside believes that the beneficial holders of the units, common stock and warrants to be in excess of 400 persons each.
Dividends
Courtside has not paid any dividends on its common stock to date and does not intend to pay dividends prior to the completion of the acquisition. It is the present intention of Courtside’s board of directors to retain all earnings, if any, for use in our business operations and, accordingly, our board does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends subsequent to the acquisition will be within the discretion of our then board of directors and will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of the acquisition.
167
APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Courtside stockholders do not have appraisal rights under the DGCL in connection with the acquisition.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
The Courtside 2008 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on or about , 2008 unless the date is changed by the board of directors. If you are a stockholder and you want to include a proposal in the proxy statement for the year 2008 annual meeting, you need to provide it to us by no later than , 2008. You should direct any proposals to our secretary at Courtside’s principal office which will be in Addison, Texas. If you want to present a matter of business to be considered at the year 2008 annual meeting, under Courtside’s by-laws you must give timely notice of the matter, in writing, to our secretary. To be timely, the notice has to be given between 60 and 90 days before the date of the meeting. If Courtside is liquidated as a result of not consummating a business combination transaction on or before July 7, 2007, there will be no annual meeting in 2008.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The consolidated financial statements of American Community Newspapers LLC and subsidiary at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and for each of the years then ended and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004 and consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the period December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 included in this proxy statement have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
The financial statements of the Printing and Publishing Divisions of C.M. Media, Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, included in this proxy statement have been audited by Rea & Associates, Inc., independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
The financial statements of Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc. as of August 31, 2005 and for the eight month period then ended, included in this proxy statement have been audited by Stoy, Malone & Company, P.C., independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
The financial statements of Courtside at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the period ended December 31, 2006, the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 and the cumulative period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2006 included in this proxy statement have been audited by Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP and Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP will be present at the stockholder meeting or will be available by telephone with the opportunity to make statements and to respond to appropriate questions.
DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Courtside and services that it employs to deliver communications to its stockholders are permitted to deliver to two or more stockholders sharing the same address a single copy of each of Courtside’s annual report to stockholders and Courtside’s proxy statement. Upon written or oral request, Courtside will deliver a separate copy of the annual report to stockholder and/or proxy statement to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of each document was delivered and who wishes to receive separate copies of such documents in the future. Stockholders receiving multiple copies of such documents may likewise request that Courtside deliver single copies of such documents in the future. Stockholders may notify Courtside of their requests by calling or writing Courtside at its principal executive offices at 14875 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 110, Dallas, Texas 75254.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Courtside files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You may read and copy reports, proxy statements and other information filed by Courtside with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Securities and Exchange Commission public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also obtain copies of the materials described above at prescribed rates by writing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may access information on Courtside at the Securities and Exchange Commission web site containing reports, proxy statements and other information at: http://www.sec.gov.
Information and statements contained in this proxy statement or any annex to this proxy statement are qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of the relevant contract or other annex filed as an exhibit to this proxy statement.
All information contained in this document relating to Courtside has been supplied by Courtside, and all such information relating to ACN has been supplied by ACN. Information provided by one another does not constitute any representation, estimate or projection of the other.
If you would like additional copies of this document or if you have questions about the acquisition, you should contact via phone or in writing:
Gregg H. Mayer
Vice President, Controller and Secretary
Courtside Acquisition Corp.
1700 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, New York 10019
(212) 641-5000
169
Index to Financial Statements
American Community Newspapers LLC
FS-1
Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc.
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| Independent Auditors’ Report | |
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FS-49 |
| Audited Financial Statements for the Eight Months Ended August 31, 2005 | |
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| Balance Sheet | |
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FS-50 |
| Statements of Income and Accumulated Deficit | |
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FS-51 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | |
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FS-52 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | |
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FS-53 – FS-54 |
| Courtside
Acquisition Corp.
(a corporation in the development stage) |
|||
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
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FS-55 |
| Audited Financial Statements for the Periods Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 | |
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| Balance Sheets | |
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FS-56 |
| Statements of Operations | |
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FS-57 |
| Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | |
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FS-58 |
| Statements of Cash Flows | |
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FS-59 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | |
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FS-60 – FS-68 |
| Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
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FS-69 |
| Unaudited Financial Statements for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 | |
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| Condensed Balance Sheets | |
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FS-70 |
| Condensed Statements of Operations | |
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FS-71 |
| Condensed Statement of Stockholders’ Equity | |
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FS-72 |
| Condensed Statements of Cash Flows | |
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FS-73 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | |
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FS-74 – FS-79 |
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FS-2
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
Member of
American Community
Newspapers LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Community Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary (collectively, the ‘‘Company’’) as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, member’s equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004. We have also audited the accompanying statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and cash flows of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries (collectively, the ‘‘Predecessor’’) for the period December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 (‘‘Predecessor period’’). These financial statements are the responsibility of each the company’s management. 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 of America as established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 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 each company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Community Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006 and the results of their operations and their cash flows each of the years then ended and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004, and the results of the operations and cash flows for the period December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004, of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and Subsidiaries, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 10, 2004, American Community Newspapers, LLC acquired substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase. As a result of the acquisition, the consolidated financial information for the period after the acquisition is presented on a different cost basis than for the periods prior to the acquisition and therefore, is not comparable.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 9, 2007
FS-3
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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December 31,
2006 |
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January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| ASSETS | |
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| CURRENT ASSETS | |
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| Cash and cash equivalents | |
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$ | 548,109 | |
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$ | 501,677 | |
| Accounts receivable, net | |
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5,277,167 | |
|
|
|
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3,996,525 | |
| Inventories | |
|
|
|
372,519 | |
|
|
|
|
348,330 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
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|
275,661 | |
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|
539,044 | |
| Total current assets | |
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6,473,456 | |
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5,385,576 | |
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | |
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5,888,337 | |
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6,681,840 | |
| GOODWILL | |
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59,821,365 | |
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55,741,541 | |
| INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS, net | |
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23,780,672 | |
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22,478,351 | |
| Total assets | |
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$ | 95,963,830 | |
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$ | 90,287,308 | |
| LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY | |
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| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |
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| Current portion of long-term debt | |
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$ | 5,917,401 | |
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$ | 3,770,000 | |
| Accounts payable | |
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1,230,721 | |
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1,279,539 | |
| Accrued expenses | |
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2,710,661 | |
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2,687,788 | |
| Income taxes payable | |
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|
90,203 | |
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|
— | |
| Deferred revenues | |
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|
839,448 | |
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|
927,147 | |
| Total current liabilities | |
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10,788,434 | |
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8,664,474 | |
| DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY | |
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646,331 | |
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— | |
| LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion | |
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47,010,275 | |
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48,730,000 | |
| Total liabilities | |
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58,445,040 | |
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57,394,474 | |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |
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| MEMBER’S EQUITY | |
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37,518,790 | |
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32,892,834 | |
| Total liabilities and member’s equity | |
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$ | 95,963,830 | |
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$ | 90,287,308 | |
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||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-4
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
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Period from
December 10, |
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Period from
December 29, |
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to | |
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2003 to | |||||||||||||||
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December 31,
2006 |
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January 1,
2006 |
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December 26,
2004 |
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December 9,
2004 |
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(Successor) | |
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(Successor) | |
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(Successor) | |
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(Predecessor) | |||||||||||||
| Revenues | |
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| Advertising | |
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$ | 49,352,911 | |
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$ | 37,088,843 | |
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$ | 1,289,642 | |
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$ | 30,530,194 | |
| Circulation | |
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1,881,817 | |
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1,736,972 | |
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80,578 | |
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1,563,111 | |
| Commercial printing and other | |
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959,593 | |
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720,307 | |
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30,388 | |
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700,954 | |
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52,194,321 | |
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39,546,122 | |
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1,400,608 | |
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32,794,259 | |
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| Operating costs | |
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| Operating | |
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21,808,612 | |
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16,982,975 | |
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709,493 | |
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13,752,410 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | |
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17,598,845 | |
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13,471,281 | |
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580,211 | |
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11,566,920 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
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3,348,957 | |
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2,529,637 | |
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78,170 | |
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2,274,043 | |
| Gain on sale of asset | |
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(116,093 | ) | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
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42,640,321 | |
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32,983,893 | |
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1,367,874 | |
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27,593,373 | |
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| Income from operations | |
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9,554,000 | |
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6,562,229 | |
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32,734 | |
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5,200,886 | |
| Interest expense | |
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4,926,367 | |
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4,256,277 | |
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172,447 | |
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3,938,802 | |
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | |
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4,627,633 | |
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2,305,952 | |
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(139,713 | ) | |
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1,262,084 | |
| Discontinued operations | |
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| Income from discontinued operations | |
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— | |
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1,363,161 | |
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79,809 | |
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636,452 | |
| Gain on disposal of
discontinued
operations |
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— | |
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3,228,549 | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
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4,591,710 | |
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79,809 | |
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|
636,452 | |
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| Net income (loss) before income taxes | |
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4,627,633 | |
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6,897,662 | |
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(59,904 | ) | |
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1,898,536 | |
| Income taxes | |
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|
(1,823 | ) | |
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— | |
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— | |
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(9,888 | ) |
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | |
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$ | 4,625,810 | |
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$ | 6,897,662 | |
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$ | (59,904 | ) | |
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$ | 1,888,648 | |
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||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-5
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
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Common Stock | |
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Paid-in
capital |
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Retained
deficit |
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Total | |||||||||||||||||||
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Shares | |
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Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance –
December 28, 2003
(Predecessor) |
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100 | |
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$ | 1 | |
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$ | 43,333,098 | |
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$ | (22,791,088 | ) | |
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$ | 20,542,011 | |
| Net income | |
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— | |
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— | |
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— | |
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1,888,648 | |
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1,888,648 | |
| Balance –
December 9, 2004
(Predecessor) |
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100 | |
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$ | 1 | |
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$ | 43,333,098 | |
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$ | (20,902,440 | ) | |
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$ | 22,430,659 | |
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||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement.
FS-6
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER’S EQUITY
|
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| Balance – December 10, 2004 (Successor) | |
|
|
$ | — | |
| Contributions | |
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33,018,492 | |
| Net loss | |
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(59,904 | ) |
| Balance – December 26, 2004 (Successor) | |
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32,958,588 | |
| Contributions | |
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4,536,584 | |
| Distributions | |
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(11,500,000 | ) |
| Net income | |
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|
6,897,662 | |
| Balance – January 1, 2006 (Successor) | |
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32,892,834 | |
| Contributions | |
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|
146 | |
| Net income | |
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|
4,625,810 | |
| Balance – December 31, 2006 (Successor) | |
|
|
$ | 37,518,790 | |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated financial statement.
FS-7
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|
|
Period from
December 10, to December 26, 2004 |
|
|
Period from
December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
(Successor) | |
|
(Successor) | |
|
(Successor) | |
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(Predecessor) | |||||||||||||
| Operating activities | |
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| Net income (loss) | |
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$ | 4,625,810 | |
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$ | 6,897,662 | |
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$ | (59,904 | ) | |
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$ | 1,888,648 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
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| Depreciation and amortization | |
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|
3,348,957 | |
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|
2,529,637 | |
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|
78,170 | |
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2,274,043 | |
| Bad debt expense | |
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|
706,177 | |
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|
294,287 | |
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|
40,381 | |
|
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|
331,444 | |
| Loss (gain) on fair value of
interest
rate cap |
|
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|
|
46,904 | |
|
|
|
|
15,552 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Gain on sale of asset | |
|
|
|
(116,093 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Gain on disposal of
discontinued
operations |
|
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|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(3,228,549 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Deferred income taxes | |
|
|
|
(88,380 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
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|
|
— | |
|
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|
|
— | |
| Interest expense – non cash | |
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|
|
— | |
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|
|
— | |
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|
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— | |
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3,041,624 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions | |
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||||
| Accounts receivable | |
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|
(1,558,089 | ) | |
|
|
|
(533,947 | ) | |
|
|
|
(292,619 | ) | |
|
|
|
(551,045 | ) |
| Inventories | |
|
|
|
(24,189 | ) | |
|
|
|
(49,088 | ) | |
|
|
|
18,778 | |
|
|
|
|
(29,136 | ) |
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
|
|
|
440,892 | |
|
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|
|
(296,263 | ) | |
|
|
|
(35,388 | ) | |
|
|
|
(24,483 | ) |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(1,743,036 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,150,139 | |
|
|
|
|
(38,018 | ) | |
|
|
|
(867,184 | ) |
| Income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
90,203 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Deferred revenues | |
|
|
|
(87,699 | ) | |
|
|
|
(30,574 | ) | |
|
|
|
(116,994 | ) | |
|
|
|
(26,591 | ) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
|
|
|
5,641,457 | |
|
|
|
|
6,748,856 | |
|
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|
|
(405,594 | ) | |
|
|
|
6,037,320 | |
| Investing activities | |
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||||
| Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | |
|
|
|
(5,622,634 | ) | |
|
|
|
(15,409,583 | ) | |
|
|
|
(86,128,975 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
| Divestiture of business | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
18,539,227 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
606,621 | |
| Sale of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
602,331 | |
|
|
|
|
89,306 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Purchase of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
(865,627 | ) | |
|
|
|
(1,006,763 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(434,687 | ) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | |
|
|
|
(5,885,930 | ) | |
|
|
|
2,212,187 | |
|
|
|
|
(86,128,975 | ) | |
|
|
|
171,934 | |
| Financing activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
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|
||||
| Proceeds from issuance of bank debt | |
|
|
|
6,500,000 | |
|
|
|
|
10,900,000 | |
|
|
|
|
55,000,000 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Repayment of bank debt | |
|
|
|
(6,173,262 | ) | |
|
|
|
(13,400,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(3,456,369 | ) |
| Increase in deferred debt costs | |
|
|
|
(35,979 | ) | |
|
|
|
(352,873 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(11,502 | ) |
| Purchase of interest rate cap | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(127,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Proceeds from note receivable | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
93,612 | |
| Contributions from member | |
|
|
|
146 | |
|
|
|
|
4,536,584 | |
|
|
|
|
33,018,492 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Distributions to member | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(11,500,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | |
|
|
|
290,905 | |
|
|
|
|
(9,943,289 | ) | |
|
|
|
88,018,492 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,374,259 | ) |
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
46,432 | |
|
|
|
|
(982,246 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,483,923 | |
|
|
|
|
2,834,995 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Beginning of period | |
|
|
|
501,677 | |
|
|
|
|
1,483,923 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
1,849,062 | |
| End of period | |
|
|
$ | 548,109 | |
|
|
|
$ | 501,677 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,483,923 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,684,057 | |
| Supplemental cash flow disclosures | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Interest paid | |
|
|
$ | 5,067,363 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,860,535 | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,400,526 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-8
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE A — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
American Community Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary, (collectively, the ‘‘Company’’) are engaged in the operation of suburban community newspapers (dailies and weeklies) and specialty publications in several states. The Company’s fiscal year typically ends on the Sunday closest to December 31st. The Company commenced its operations on December 10, 2004, with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amendment I, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
On December 10, 2004, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. (the ‘‘Predecessor’’). The total value of the acquisition was approximately $88 million. The acquisition resulted in a new basis of accounting under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 ‘‘Business Combinations’’. This change creates differences between reporting for the Predecessor and the Company post-acquisition, as successor. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes to consolidated financial statements reflect separate reporting periods for the Predecessor and successor company. The consolidated financial statements of the Predecessor presented reflect the reporting period from December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 prior to the sale of substantially all of its assets.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company and Predecessor consider operating funds held in financial institutions, petty cash held by the newspapers and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded at the original sales price to the customer. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. On an ongoing basis, the collectibility of accounts receivable is assessed based upon historical collection trends and current economic factors. The Company evaluates the collectibility of specific accounts using a combination of factors, including the age of the outstanding balances, evaluation of customers’ current and past financial condition, recent payment history, current economic environment, and discussions with appropriate Company personnel and with the customers directly. Accounts are written off when it is determined the receivable will not be collected.
FS-9
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
Inventories
Inventories, which largely consist of newsprint, are stated at the lower of cost or market.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method using the following estimated useful lives.
|
|
|
|
| Asset Classification | |
|
Estimated useful life |
| Buildings | |
|
10 years |
| Leasehold improvements | |
|
Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life |
| Equipment | |
|
5 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
5 years |
|
Intangibles and Other Assets
Intangible assets consist of customer relationships, mastheads, noncompete agreements with former owners of acquired newspapers and deferred financing costs and are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Customer related intangibles are being amortized using the straight-line method over the weighted average expected life of 10 years. It has been determined that mastheads have an indefinite useful life and therefore are not amortized. Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the straight-line method which approximates the interest method, over the life of the debt. Costs associated with noncompete agreements are being amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreements.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite lived intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows without interest costs expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the assets exceeds the expected future cash flows, an impairment exists and is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Assets not in use and to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate cash flows and expected fair values. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.
No impairment losses have been recognized to date.
Goodwill
Under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 141 ‘‘Business Combinations’’ the purchase method of accounting is used for all business combinations. The purchase method of accounting requires that the excess of purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets of acquired businesses is recorded as goodwill. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 ‘‘Goodwill and Intangible Assets’’ (SFAS 142), goodwill is not amortized. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of goodwill is evaluated using a two-step process. The first step
FS-10
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
involves a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the process involves a comparison of the implied fair value and carrying value of the goodwill of that reporting unit. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
Subsequent impairment losses, if any, will be reflected in operating income or loss in the statement of operations for the period in which such loss is realized.
No impairment losses have been recognized to date.
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. Deferred revenue arises as a normal part of business from advance advertising and subscription payments.
Income Taxes
American Community Newspapers LLC and its parent, ACN Holding LLC are limited liability companies and, as such, are not required to record a provision or benefit for income taxes as incomes taxes are the responsibility of the individual members.
Amendment I, Inc. and its subsidiaries, the subsidiary of American Community Newspapers LLC, files a separate consolidated tax return. Amendment I, Inc. and its subsidiaries are subchapter ‘‘C’’ corporations and are subject to 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.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In March 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate agreement to mitigate exposure to increasing borrowing costs in the event of a rising interest rate. The notional amount is $30,000,000 and matures March 18, 2007. The cap rate is 4.50% against an index rate of three-month LIBOR. The Company has elected not to designate its interest rate cap agreement as a cash flow hedge within the definition of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’. As a result of the interest rate cap not being designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value are included in earnings. At December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate cap was $64,544 and $111,448, respectively, and is included in intangibles and other assets in the accompanying balance sheets.
FS-11
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In assessing the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, the Company has used available market information and other valuation methodologies. Some judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value; accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables and current payables approximated fair value as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, due to their short-term nature. Long-term obligations approximated fair value due to the market rates of interest underlying the obligation.
NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
On March 24, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock Amendment I, Inc., of a newspaper and magazine publishing company, for a total purchase price of $5,622,634, which was paid in cash. This acquisition was a strategic acquisition within the Company’s markets. The purchase price was the result of an arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the seller and was determined by the Company using a discounted cash flow approach and projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, the Company relied 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. Management applied the methodology utilized by the third party independent appraisal of the acquisition of the Predecessor to estimate the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Portions of the purchase price were assigned to tangible assets and identifiable and separately recognized intangible assets, based on this methodology. This acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with the excess of the acquisition costs over the fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The results of the operations of these acquisition have been included in the Company’s results from the acquisition date. A summary of the consideration given and the net assets acquired is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current assets | |
|
|
$ | 563,050 | |
| Property and equipment | |
|
|
|
232,500 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
4,079,824 | |
| Intangible and other assets | |
|
|
|
3,300,000 | |
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
(1,717,091 | ) |
| Deferred taxes | |
|
|
|
(734,711 | ) |
| Long term debt | |
|
|
|
(100,938 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 5,622,634 | |
|
|
On May 31, 2005, July 29, 2005 and August 31, 2005, the Company, through three separate transactions, acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Monticello Times, Inc., Hartman Newspapers, L.P. and Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc., respectively, three newspaper companies, for a total purchase price of $15,409,583, which was paid in cash. These acquisitions were strategic acquisitions within the Company’s markets or in new unconsolidated markets. The purchase prices were the result of an arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the sellers and were determined by the Company using a discounted cash flow approach and projected earnings before
FS-12
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS — Continued
interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, the Company relied 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. Management applied the methodology utilized by the third party independent appraisal of the acquisition of the Predecessor to estimate the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Portions of the purchase prices were assigned to tangible assets and identifiable and separately recognized intangible assets, based on this methodology. These acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with the excess of the acquisition costs over the fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The results of the operations of these acquisitions have been included in the Company’s results from the acquisition date. A summary of the consideration given and the net assets acquired is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current assets | |
|
|
$ | 760,683 | |
| Property and equipment | |
|
|
|
1,225,000 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
8,822,778 | |
| Intangible and other assets | |
|
|
|
4,860,000 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(258,878 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 15,409,583 | |
|
|
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations information for the years ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, as set forth below, presents the results of operations as if the Amendment I, Inc., Monticello Times, Inc., Hartman Newspapers, L.P. and Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc. acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each year and is not necessarily indicative of future results or actual results that would have been achieved had such acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of such year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Revenues | |
|
|
$ | 53,505,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 49,805,000 | |
| Income from continuing operations | |
|
|
$ | 4,499,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,186,000 | |
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | 4,497,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 6,778,000 | |
|
||||||||||||
On December 16, 2005, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of its Kansas City newspaper group for a net sales price of $18,539,227 in cash. The Company recorded a $3,228,549 gain on the transaction. This disposition completes the Company’s exit from the Kansas City market. This disposition has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. The carrying amounts of the major asset categories as of the closing date were goodwill of $8,805,945, mastheads of $2,036,386, property, plant and equipment of $1,645,985 and customer related intangibles of $1,973,018.
FS-13
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS — Continued
The following amounts represent the results of discontinued operations for the year ended January 1, 2006 and for the periods from December 10 to December 26, 2004 and December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|
|
Period from
December 10, to December 26, 2004 |
|
|
Period from
December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004 |
||||||||||
| Revenues | |
|
|
$ | 9,069,275 | |
|
|
|
$ | 499,162 | |
|
|
|
$ | 8,607,632 | |
| Operating costs | |
|
|
|
7,706,114 | |
|
|
|
|
419,353 | |
|
|
|
|
7,971,180 | |
| Income from discontinued operations | |
|
|
|
1,363,161 | |
|
|
|
|
79,809 | |
|
|
|
|
636,452 | |
| Gain on disposal of discontinued operations | |
|
|
|
3,228,549 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | 4,591,710 | |
|
|
|
$ | 79,809 | |
|
|
|
$ | 636,452 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
On December 10, 2004, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of American Community Newspapers, Inc. (the ‘‘Predecessor’’) for a total purchase price of $88,018,492. The acquisition of the Predecessor was completed so that the members could gain a significant position in the Company’s markets and create a platform for growth. The purchase price was the result of an arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the seller and was determined by the Company using a discounted cash flow approach and projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, the Company relied 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. The Company obtained a third party independent appraisal of the acquisition of the Predecessor to estimate the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Portions of the purchase prices were assigned to tangible assets and identifiable and separately recognized intangible assets, based on this appraisal. The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with the excess of the acquisition costs over the fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The results of the operations of this acquisition has been included in the Company’s results from the acquisition date. A summary of the consideration given and the net assets acquired is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current assets | |
|
|
$ | 4,986,413 | |
| Property and equipment | |
|
|
|
7,260,105 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
55,724,708 | |
| Intangible and other assets | |
|
|
|
22,968,837 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(2,921,571 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 88,018,492 | |
|
| Less cash acquired | |
|
|
|
(1,889,517 | ) |
| Net cash paid | |
|
|
$ | 86,128,975 | |
|
FS-14
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE D — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
$ | 5,596,469 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,019,631 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | |
|
|
|
(319,302 | ) | |
|
|
|
(23,106 | ) |
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
$ | 5,277,167 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,996,525 | |
|
||||||||||||
Changes in the Company’s allowance for uncollectible accounts are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Beginning balance | |
|
|
$ | 23,106 | |
|
|
|
$ | 37,408 | |
| Bad debt expense, net of recoveries | |
|
|
|
706,177 | |
|
|
|
|
294,287 | |
| Accounts written off | |
|
|
|
(409,981 | ) | |
|
|
|
(308,589 | ) |
| Ending balance | |
|
|
$ | 319,302 | |
|
|
|
$ | 23,106 | |
|
||||||||||||
NOTE E — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Land | |
|
|
$ | 338,270 | |
|
|
|
$ | 541,270 | |
| Buildings | |
|
|
|
838,764 | |
|
|
|
|
1,121,444 | |
| Leasehold improvements | |
|
|
|
453,927 | |
|
|
|
|
401,854 | |
| Equipment | |
|
|
|
5,849,337 | |
|
|
|
|
4,875,118 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
|
|
868,550 | |
|
|
|
|
830,170 | |
|
|
|
|
8,348,848 | |
|
|
|
|
7,769,856 | |
|
| Less accumulated depreciation | |
|
|
|
(2,460,511 | ) | |
|
|
|
(1,088,016 | ) |
| Property and equipment, net | |
|
|
$ | 5,888,337 | |
|
|
|
$ | 6,681,840 | |
|
||||||||||||
Depreciation expense of $1,405,392, $1,023,692, $64,324 and $ 1,547,131 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2006, January 1, 2006, for the period from December 10 through December 26, 2004 and for the period from December 29, 2003 through December 9, 2004, respectively, in continuing operations.
FS-15
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE F — GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Beginning balance | |
|
|
$ | 55,741,541 | |
|
|
|
$ | 46,918,763 | |
| Goodwill from acquisitions | |
|
|
|
4,079,824 | |
|
|
|
|
8,822,778 | |
| Ending balance | |
|
|
$ | 59,821,365 | |
|
|
|
$ | 55,741,541 | |
|
||||||||||||
The Company has not recorded any impairment to goodwill. Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill have been the result of acquisitions and the divestiture of the Company’s Kansas City newspaper group, which resulted in a $8,805,945 reduction in goodwill in the year ended January 1, 2006. This amount was recorded as an asset held for sale in the Company’s balance sheet at December 26, 2004.
Intangible and other assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
Gross Carrying
Amount |
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization |
|
|
Net Carrying
Amount |
||||||||||
| Amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Customer-related intangibles | |
|
|
$ | 11,845,758 | |
|
|
|
$ | (2,069,895 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 9,775,863 | |
| Deferred financing costs | |
|
|
|
2,932,527 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,010,876 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,921,651 | |
| Non compete agreements | |
|
|
|
1,600,000 | |
|
|
|
|
(390,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,210,000 | |
|
|
|
|
16,378,285 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
|
12,907,514 | |
|
| Non-amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Mastheads | |
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
| Intangible assets, net | |
|
|
|
27,186,899 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
|
23,716,128 | |
| Other assets | |
|
|
|
64,544 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
64,544 | |
| Intangible and other assets, net | |
|
|
$ | 27,251,443 | |
|
|
|
$ | (3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 23,780,672 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
FS-16
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE F — GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS — Continued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of January 1, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
Gross Carrying
Amount |
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization |
|
|
Net Carrying
Amount |
||||||||||
| Amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Customer-related intangibles | |
|
|
$ | 10,345,758 | |
|
|
|
$ | (922,819 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 9,422,939 | |
| Deferred financing costs | |
|
|
|
2,896,548 | |
|
|
|
|
(509,387 | ) | |
|
|
|
2,387,161 | |
| Non compete agreements | |
|
|
|
1,100,000 | |
|
|
|
|
(95,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,005,000 | |
|
|
|
|
14,342,306 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,527,206 | ) | |
|
|
|
12,815,100 | |
|
| Non-amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Mastheads | |
|
|
|
9,508,614 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
9,508,614 | |
| Intangible assets, net | |
|
|
|
24,850,920 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,527,206 | ) | |
|
|
|
22,323,714 | |
| Other assets | |
|
|
|
154,637 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
154,637 | |
| Intangible and other assets, net | |
|
|
$ | 23,005,557 | |
|
|
|
$ | (1,527,206 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 22,478,351 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets have been the result of acquisitions and the divestiture of the Company’s Kansas City newspaper group, which resulted in a $4,009,404 reduction in intangible assets in the year ended January 1, 2006. This amount was recorded as an asset held for sale in the Company’s balance sheet at December 26, 2004.
Amortization expense of $1,943,565, $1,505,945, $13,846 and $726,912 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, for the period from December 10 to December 26, 2004 and for the period from December 29, 2003 to December 9, 2004, respectively, in continuing operations. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is approximately as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2007 | |
|
|
$ | 2,028,869 | |
| 2008 | |
|
|
|
2,028,869 | |
| 2009 | |
|
|
|
2,028,869 | |
| 2010 | |
|
|
|
1,741,078 | |
| 2011 | |
|
|
|
1,209,576 | |
| Thereafter | |
|
|
|
3,870,253 | |
|
|
|
$ | 12,907,514 | |
|
|
During fiscal year 2006 and 2005, the change in the fair value of the interest rate cap, which is included in other assets, in the amount of $46,904 and $15,552, respectively, was recorded as interest expense.
FS-17
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE G — ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Accrued payroll expenses | |
|
|
$ | 1,382,069 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,296,600 | |
| Accrued acquisition and disposition closing costs | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
191,913 | |
| Accrued taxes | |
|
|
|
63,444 | |
|
|
|
|
32,896 | |
| Accrued interest | |
|
|
|
532,629 | |
|
|
|
|
554,367 | |
| Accrued legal fees | |
|
|
|
134,805 | |
|
|
|
|
244,209 | |
| Accrued vendor expenses | |
|
|
|
295,833 | |
|
|
|
|
46,125 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
301,881 | |
|
|
|
|
321,678 | |
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
$ | 2,710,661 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,687,788 | |
|
||||||||||||
NOTE H — LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company’s long-term debt is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|
|
January 1,
2006 |
|||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | |
|
|
$ | 4,000,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
| Term Loan Facility | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Term A Loans | |
|
|
|
28,862,421 | |
|
|
|
|
32,258,000 | |
| Term B Loans | |
|
|
|
19,979,874 | |
|
|
|
|
20,242,000 | |
| Equipment Loan | |
|
|
|
85,381 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
52,927,676 | |
|
|
|
|
52,500,000 | |
|
| Less current portion | |
|
|
|
(5,917,401 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,770,000 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 47,010,275 | |
|
|
|
$ | 48,730,000 | |
|
|
||||||||||||
The Company’s Credit Facility with a group of lenders (the ‘‘Credit Facility’’), provides for a revolving credit facility (the ‘‘Revolving Credit Facility’’) and a term loan facility (the ‘‘Term Loan Facility’’). Proceeds from each term loan were used to fund the acquisition of the newspaper assets. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and investment in its subsidiaries are pledged as collateral for loans under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive covenants which require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including consolidated total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (‘‘EBITDA’’), consolidated interest coverage and consolidated fixed charge coverage, as defined. In addition, the Credit Facility contains various covenants which, among other things, limit capital expenditures and limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay distributions and other items. The Company is in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facility at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited to $10,000,000 through the scheduled maturity date of June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The Revolving Credit Facility currently bears interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the Federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the London Interbank Offered (‘‘LIBOR’’) rate plus 3.00%. The
FS-18
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE H — LONG-TERM DEBT — Continued
interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 8.375% at December 31, 2006. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at January 1, 2006. The Company incurs commitment fees of 0.5% on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The additional interest rate margin on the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to decrease based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA.
The Term A Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the LIBOR rate plus 3.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term A Loans was 8.375% and 7.625% at December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006, respectively. The Term A Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through September 30, 2010, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term A Loans is subject to decrease based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA. The Company will be required to make an excess cash flow payment on the Term A Loans of approximately $372,000 in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006. During December 2005, the Company made an early excess cash flow payment on the Term A Loans of $992,000, which would have normally been due in April 2006.
The Term B Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 3.75%, or the LIBOR rate plus 5.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term B Loans ranged from 10.375% to 10.4375% at December 31, 2006. The interest rate on the individual Term B Loans ranged from 9.375% to 9.4375% at January 1, 2006. The Term B Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term B Loans is not subject to decrease. The Company will be required to make an excess cash flow payment on the Term B Loans of approximately $228,000 in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006. During December 2005, the Company made an early excess cash flow payment on the Term B Loans of $608,000, which would have normally been due in April 2006. In addition and in connection with the acquisition of certain newspaper assets in July 2005, the aggregate amount available and borrowed under the Term B Loans increased $6.0 million.
In connection with an acquisition, during 2006 the Company assumed an equipment loan which bears interest at 8.50%, with interest and principal payable monthly through the maturity date of September 27, 2010. This loan is secured by the underlying equipment purchased with the proceeds of this loan.
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2007 | |
|
|
$ | 5,917,401 | |
| 2008 | |
|
|
|
6,168,088 | |
| 2009 | |
|
|
|
7,867,861 | |
| 2010 | |
|
|
|
10,409,960 | |
| 2011 | |
|
|
|
22,564,366 | |
|
|
|
$ | 52,927,676 | |
|
|
FS-19
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE I — INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes relating to the acquisition of Amendment I, Inc consisted of the following as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current income tax expense | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Federal | |
|
|
$ | 90,203 | |
| Deferred income tax benefit | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Federal | |
|
|
|
(88,380 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 1,823 | |
|
|
The income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the United States Federal statutory rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes as a result of the following at December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Income tax expense at statutory rate | |
|
|
$ | 1,631 | |
| State taxes, net of federal effect | |
|
|
|
192 | |
| Total income tax expense | |
|
|
$ | 1,823 | |
|
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities include as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred tax assets | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Property, plant and equipment | |
|
|
$ | 18,692 | |
| Total deferred tax assets | |
|
|
|
18,692 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Intangible assets | |
|
|
|
665,023 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
|
665,023 | |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
$ | 646,331 | |
|
The provision for income taxes for the Predecessor consists of alternative minimum tax in the amount of $9,888 as the Predecessor had sufficient net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards which were fully reserved prior to the sale. The NOL was utilized to offset the Federal income taxes.
NOTE J — MEMBER’S EQUITY
The ownership interests in the Company are represented by a single class of membership interests. During 2006, the Company received member contributions of $146. During 2005, the Company received member contributions of $4,536,584 and made member distributions of $11,500,000.
During 2004, the Company received member contributions of $33,018,492.
FS-20
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE K — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company’s 401(k) retirement plan covers substantially all of its employees. The Company, at the discretion of the 401(k) plan trustees, began making matching contributions of 25% of each participant’s contributions during fiscal year 2004, based on participant contributions of up to 6% of compensation. Company discretionary contributions were approximately $132,700, $92,000 and $3,196 for the years ended December 31, 2006, January 1, 2006, and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004, respectively.
NOTE L — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
The Company utilizes certain facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements expiring through April 2012. The leases generally provide extension privileges. Rentals on operating leases amounted to approximately $928,000, $780,000 and $40,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, January 1, 2006, and for the period December 10, 2004 (inception) to December 26, 2004, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2006 are approximately as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fiscal year | |
|
||||
| 2007 | |
|
|
$ | 740,000 | |
| 2008 | |
|
|
|
532,000 | |
| 2009 | |
|
|
|
384,000 | |
| 2010 | |
|
|
|
314,000 | |
| 2011 | |
|
|
|
305,000 | |
| Thereafter | |
|
|
|
79,000 | |
| Total minimum lease payments | |
|
|
$ | 2,354,000 | |
|
||||||
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management cannot estimate the outcomes of these matters of the Company.
Employment Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with certain key officers which provide for minimum annual salaries and benefits and an annual bonus based on the Company’s operating performance.
Environmental Matters
The Company has performed third party environmental assessments on its properties which have printing operations. Based on the results of these assessments, the Company does not expect to experience a loss.
FS-21
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years
ended December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2006
NOTE M — SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
On January 24, 2007, the Company signed a definitive asset purchase agreement with Courtside Acquisition Corp. (‘‘Courtside’’) (AMEX: CRB), a specified purpose acquisition company. Pursuant to the agreement, Courtside will acquire substantially all of the assets of the Company for $165.0 million in cash. Courtside will also pay up to an additional $15 million in cash if 2008 newspaper cash flow, as defined, ranges from $19 million (at which level the contingent payment is $1 million) to $21 million or greater (at which level the contingent payment will be $15 million). In addition, if the Courtside stock price exceeds $8.50 per share for a specified period before July 7, 2009, the Company will receive an additional payment of $10 million.
The transaction is subject to Courtside’s receiving stockholder approval of the transaction and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007.
FS-22
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
$ | 197,094 | |
|
|
|
$ | 548,109 | |
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
|
5,579,517 | |
|
|
|
|
5,277,167 | |
| Inventories | |
|
|
|
318,844 | |
|
|
|
|
372,519 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
|
|
|
432,628 | |
|
|
|
|
275,661 | |
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
6,528,083 | |
|
|
|
|
6,473,456 | |
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | |
|
|
|
5,687,939 | |
|
|
|
|
5,888,337 | |
| GOODWILL | |
|
|
|
59,821,365 | |
|
|
|
|
59,821,365 | |
| INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS, net | |
|
|
|
23,211,691 | |
|
|
|
|
23,780,672 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 95,249,078 | |
|
|
|
$ | 95,963,830 | |
| LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Current portion of long-term debt | |
|
|
$ | 6,104,831 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,917,401 | |
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
|
1,274,225 | |
|
|
|
|
1,230,721 | |
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
2,139,331 | |
|
|
|
|
2,710,661 | |
| Income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
54,203 | |
|
|
|
|
90,203 | |
| Deferred revenues | |
|
|
|
842,114 | |
|
|
|
|
839,448 | |
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
10,414,704 | |
|
|
|
|
10,788,434 | |
| DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY | |
|
|
|
646,331 | |
|
|
|
|
646,331 | |
| LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion | |
|
|
|
46,293,633 | |
|
|
|
|
47,010,275 | |
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
|
57,354,668 | |
|
|
|
|
58,445,040 | |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| MEMBER’S EQUITY | |
|
|
|
37,894,410 | |
|
|
|
|
37,518,790 | |
| Total liabilities and member’s equity | |
|
|
$ | 95,249,078 | |
|
|
|
$ | 95,963,830 | |
|
||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-23
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended | ||||||||||
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
April 2,
2006 |
|||||||
| Revenues | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Advertising | |
|
|
$ | 11,814,324 | |
|
|
|
$ | 9,950,093 | |
| Circulation | |
|
|
|
470,624 | |
|
|
|
|
483,840 | |
| Commercial printing and other | |
|
|
|
215,546 | |
|
|
|
|
203,786 | |
|
|
|
|
12,500,494 | |
|
|
|
|
10,637,719 | |
|
| Operating costs | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Operating | |
|
|
|
6,090,693 | |
|
|
|
|
5,090,834 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
3,923,284 | |
|
|
|
|
3,547,250 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
875,749 | |
|
|
|
|
792,732 | |
|
|
|
|
10,889,726 | |
|
|
|
|
9,430,816 | |
|
| Income from operations | |
|
|
|
1,610,768 | |
|
|
|
|
1,206,903 | |
| Interest expense | |
|
|
|
1,235,148 | |
|
|
|
|
1,173,067 | |
| Net income from continuing operations | |
|
|
|
375,620 | |
|
|
|
|
33,836 | |
| Income taxes | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| NET INCOME | |
|
|
$ | 375,620 | |
|
|
|
$ | 33,836 | |
|
||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-24
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended | ||||||||||
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
April 2,
2006 |
|||||||
| Operating activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | 375,620 | |
|
|
|
$ | 33,836 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
875,749 | |
|
|
|
|
792,732 | |
| Bad debt expense | |
|
|
|
152,209 | |
|
|
|
|
123,150 | |
| Loss on fair value of interest rate cap | |
|
|
|
64,544 | |
|
|
|
|
15,831 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
|
(454,559 | ) | |
|
|
|
(614,748 | ) |
| Inventories | |
|
|
|
53,675 | |
|
|
|
|
(113,267 | ) |
| Prepaid expenses and other | |
|
|
|
(156,967 | ) | |
|
|
|
318,653 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(561,160 | ) | |
|
|
|
(50,515 | ) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
349,111 | |
|
|
|
|
505,672 | |
| Investing activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(5,450,683 | ) |
| Purchase of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
(170,914 | ) | |
|
|
|
(220,615 | ) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | |
|
|
|
(170,914 | ) | |
|
|
|
(5,671,298 | ) |
| Financing activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Proceeds from issuance of bank debt | |
|
|
|
800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
6,000,000 | |
| Repayment of bank debt | |
|
|
|
(1,329,212 | ) | |
|
|
|
(928,989 | ) |
| Increase in deferred debt costs | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(25,555 | ) |
| Contributions from member | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
190 | |
| Net cash provide by (used in) financing activities | |
|
|
|
(529,212 | ) | |
|
|
|
5,045,646 | |
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
(351,015 | ) | |
|
|
|
(119,980 | ) |
| Cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Beginning of period | |
|
|
|
548,109 | |
|
|
|
|
501,677 | |
| End of period | |
|
|
$ | 197,094 | |
|
|
|
$ | 381,697 | |
| Supplemental
cash flow disclosures
Interest paid |
|
|
|
$ | 1,679,003 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,140,210 | |
|
||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
FS-25
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE A — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
American Community Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary, (collectively, the ‘‘Company’’) are engaged in the operation of suburban community newspapers (dailies and weeklies) and specialty publications in several states. The Company’s fiscal year typically ends on the Sunday closest to December 31st. The Company commenced its operations on December 10, 2004, with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers, Inc. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Amendment I, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers operating funds held in financial institutions, petty cash held by the newspapers and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are recorded at the original sales price to the customer. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. On an ongoing basis, the collectibility of accounts receivable is assessed based upon historical collection trends and current economic factors. The Company evaluates the collectibility of specific accounts using a combination of factors, including the age of the outstanding balances, evaluation of customers’ current and past financial condition, recent payment history, current economic environment, and discussions with appropriate Company personnel and with the customers directly. Accounts are written off when it is determined the receivable will not be collected.
Inventories
Inventories, which largely consist of newsprint, are stated at the lower of cost or market.
FS-26
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method using the following estimated useful lives.
|
|
|
|
| Asset Classification | |
|
Estimated useful life |
| Buildings | |
|
10 years |
| Leasehold improvements | |
|
Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life |
| Equipment | |
|
5 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
5 years |
|
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of customer relationships, mastheads, noncompete agreements with former owners of acquired newspapers and deferred financing costs and are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Customer related intangibles are being amortized using the straight-line method over the weighted average expected life of 10 years. It has been determined that mastheads have an indefinite useful life and therefore are not amortized. Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the straight-line method which approximates the interest method, over the life of the debt. Costs associated with noncompete agreements are being amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreements.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets and definite lived intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows without interest costs expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the assets exceeds the expected future cash flows, an impairment exists and is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Assets not in use and to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate cash flows and expected fair values. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.
No impairment losses have been recognized to date.
Goodwill
Under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (‘‘SFAS’’) No. 141 ‘‘Business Combinations’’ the purchase method of accounting is used for all business combinations. The purchase method of accounting requires that the excess of purchase price paid over the estimated fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets of acquired businesses is recorded as goodwill. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 ‘‘Goodwill and Intangible Assets’’ (SFAS 142), goodwill is not amortized. Under SFAS 142, goodwill is reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of goodwill is evaluated using a two-step process. The first step
FS-27
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
involves a comparison of the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the process involves a comparison of the implied fair value and carrying value of the goodwill of that reporting unit. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
Subsequent impairment losses, if any, will be reflected in operating income or loss in the statement of operations for the period in which such loss is realized.
No impairment losses have been recognized to date.
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. Deferred revenue arises as a normal part of business from advance advertising and subscription payments.
Income Taxes
American Community Newspapers LLC and its parent, ACN Holding LLC are limited liability companies and, as such, are not required to record a provision or benefit for income taxes as incomes taxes are the responsibility of the individual members.
Amendment I, Inc. and its subsidiaries, the subsidiary of American Community Newspapers LLC, files a separate consolidated tax return. Amendment I, Inc. and its subsidiaries are subchapter ‘‘C’’ corporations and are subject to 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.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In March 2005, the Company entered into an interest rate agreement to mitigate exposure to increasing borrowing costs in the event of a rising interest rate. The notional amount is $30,000,000 and matured on March 18, 2007. The cap rate is 4.50% against an index rate of three-month LIBOR. The Company has elected not to designate its interest rate cap agreement as a cash flow hedge within the definition of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 ‘‘Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities’’. As a result of the interest rate cap not being designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in fair value are included in earnings. At December 31, 2006, the fair value of the interest rate cap was $64,544, and is included in intangible and other assets in the accompanying balance sheets.
FS-28
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES — Continued
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In assessing the fair value of financial instruments at April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company has used available market information and other valuation methodologies. Some judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value; accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The carrying amounts of cash, receivables and current payables approximated fair value as of April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2006, due to their short-term nature. Long-term obligations approximated fair value due to the market rates of interest underlying the obligation.
NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
On March 24, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Amendment I, Inc., a newspaper and magazine publishing company, for a total purchase price of $5,450,683, which was paid in cash and subsequently adjusted for working capital. This acquisition was a strategic acquisition within the Company’s markets. The purchase price was the result of an arm’s length negotiations between the Company and the seller and was determined by the Company using a discounted cash flow approach and projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. In applying this methodology, the Company relied 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. Management applied the methodology utilized by the third party independent appraisal of the acquisition of the Predecessor to estimate the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Portions of the purchase price were assigned to tangible assets and identifiable and separately recognized intangible assets, based on this methodology. This acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with the excess of the acquisition costs over the fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. The results of the operations of this acquisition have been included in the Company’s results from the acquisition date. A summary of the consideration given and the net assets acquired is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Current assets | |
|
|
$ | 563,050 | |
| Property and equipment | |
|
|
|
232,500 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
4,079,824 | |
| Intangible and other assets | |
|
|
|
3,300,000 | |
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
(1,889,042 | ) |
| Deferred taxes | |
|
|
|
(734,711 | ) |
| Long term debt | |
|
|
|
(100,938 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 5,450,683 | |
|
|
FS-29
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE C — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS(Continued)
On April 30, 2007, ACN entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with C.M. Media, Inc. (‘‘CMM’’), pursuant to which it acquired substantially all of CMM’s publication business (consisting of 26 publications, of which 23 are weekly newspapers with a controlled circulation of 308,000 and total paid circulation of 28,000 and three niche circulation publications with total controlled circulation of 25,000 and total paid circulation of 51,000), for an aggregate purchase price of $43.8 million, plus working capital. In addition, ACN entered into a five year lease with an affiliate of CMM for the property which will be used by ACN as the base for its Columbus operations (including printing) for an initial rent of $410,000 per year. ACN also has two options to extend the term of the lease for additional five year periods. This acquisition was financed through borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The unaudited pro forma condensed statements of operations information for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 as set forth below, presents the results of operations as if the CMM and Amendent I, Inc. acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each year and is not necessarily indicative of future results or actual results that would have been achieved had such acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months Ended | ||||||||||
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
April 2,
2006 |
|||||||
| Revenues | |
|
|
$ | 18,027,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 17,754,000 | |
| Loss from continuing operations | |
|
|
|
(122,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(81,000 | ) |
| Net Loss | |
|
|
|
(122,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(81,000 | ) |
|
||||||||||||
NOTE D — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
$ | 5,898,565 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,596,469 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | |
|
|
|
(319,048 | ) | |
|
|
|
(319,302 | ) |
| Accounts receivable, net | |
|
|
$ | 5,579,517 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,277,167 | |
|
||||||||||||
Changes in the Company’s allowance for uncollectible accounts are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Beginning balance | |
|
|
$ | 319,302 | |
|
|
|
$ | 23,106 | |
| Bad debt expense, net of recoveries | |
|
|
|
152,209 | |
|
|
|
|
706,177 | |
| Accounts written off | |
|
|
|
(152,463 | ) | |
|
|
|
(409,981 | ) |
| Ending balance | |
|
|
$ | 319,048 | |
|
|
|
$ | 319,302 | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-30
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE E — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Land | |
|
|
$ | 338,270 | |
|
|
|
$ | 338,270 | |
| Buildings | |
|
|
|
838,764 | |
|
|
|
|
838,764 | |
| Leasehold improvements | |
|
|
|
463,292 | |
|
|
|
|
453,927 | |
| Equipment | |
|
|
|
5,954,701 | |
|
|
|
|
5,849,337 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
|
|
924,735 | |
|
|
|
|
868,550 | |
|
|
|
|
8,519,762 | |
|
|
|
|
8,348,848 | |
|
| Less accumulated depreciation | |
|
|
|
(2,831,823 | ) | |
|
|
|
(2,460,511 | ) |
| Property and equipment, net | |
|
|
$ | 5,687,939 | |
|
|
|
$ | 5,888,337 | |
|
||||||||||||
Depreciation expense of $371,312 and $348,743 was recorded for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively.
NOTE F — GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Beginning balance | |
|
|
$ | 59,821,365 | |
|
|
|
$ | 55,741,541 | |
| Goodwill from acquisitions | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
4,079,824 | |
| Ending balance | |
|
|
$ | 59,821,365 | |
|
|
|
$ | 59,821,365 | |
|
||||||||||||
Intangible and other assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of April 1, 2007 | |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
Gross Carrying
Amount |
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization |
|
|
Net Carrying
Amount |
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Customer-related intangibles | |
|
|
$ | 11,845,758 | |
|
|
|
$ | (2,366,038 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 9,479,720 | |
|
|
|
| Deferred financing costs | |
|
|
|
2,932,527 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,139,170 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,793,357 | |
|
|
|
| Non compete agreements | |
|
|
|
1,600,000 | |
|
|
|
|
(470,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,130,000 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,378,285 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,975,208 | ) | |
|
|
|
12,403,077 | |
|
|
||
| Non-amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
| Mastheads | |
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
|
|
|
| Intangible and other assets, net | |
|
|
$ | 27,186,899 | |
|
|
|
$ | (3,975,208 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 23,211,691 | |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
FS-31
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE F — GOODWILL, INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS — Continued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
Gross Carrying
Amount |
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization |
|
|
Net Carrying
Amount |
||||||||||
| Amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Customer-related intangibles | |
|
|
$ | 11,845,758 | |
|
|
|
$ | (2,069,895 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 9,775,863 | |
| Deferred financing costs | |
|
|
|
2,932,527 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,010,876 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,921,651 | |
| Non compete agreements | |
|
|
|
1,600,000 | |
|
|
|
|
(390,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,210,000 | |
|
|
|
|
16,378,285 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
|
12,907,514 | |
|
| Non-amortizable intangible assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Mastheads | |
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
10,808,614 | |
| Intangible assets, net | |
|
|
|
27,186,899 | |
|
|
|
|
(3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
|
23,716,128 | |
| Other assets | |
|
|
|
64,544 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
64,544 | |
| Intangible and other assets, net | |
|
|
$ | 27,251,443 | |
|
|
|
$ | (3,470,771 | ) | |
|
|
$ | 23,780,672 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense of $504,437 and $443,989 was recorded for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively.
During the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, the change in the fair value of the interest rate cap in the amount of $64,544 and $15,831, respectively, was recorded as interest expense.
NOTE G — ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Accrued payroll expenses | |
|
|
$ | 1,202,097 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,382,069 | |
| Accrued taxes | |
|
|
|
63,444 | |
|
|
|
|
63,444 | |
| Accrued interest | |
|
|
|
87,712 | |
|
|
|
|
532,629 | |
| Accrued legal fees | |
|
|
|
174,930 | |
|
|
|
|
134,805 | |
| Accrued vendor expenses | |
|
|
|
299,463 | |
|
|
|
|
295,833 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
311,685 | |
|
|
|
|
301,881 | |
| Accrued expenses | |
|
|
$ | 2,139,331 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,710,661 | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-32
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE H — LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company’s long-term debt is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1,
2006 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | |
|
|
$ | 4,800,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,000,000 | |
| Term Loan Facility | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Term A Loans | |
|
|
|
27,589,079 | |
|
|
|
|
28,862,421 | |
| Term B Loans | |
|
|
|
19,928,905 | |
|
|
|
|
19,979,874 | |
| Equipment Loan | |
|
|
|
80,480 | |
|
|
|
|
85,381 | |
|
|
|
|
52,398,464 | |
|
|
|
|
52,927,676 | |
|
| Less current portion | |
|
|
|
(6,104,831 | ) | |
|
|
|
(5,917,401 | ) |
|
|
|
$ | 46,293,633 | |
|
|
|
$ | 47,010,275 | |
|
|
||||||||||||
The Company’s Credit Facility with a group of lenders (the ‘‘Credit Facility’’), provides for a revolving credit facility (the ‘‘Revolving Credit Facility’’) and a term loan facility (the ‘‘Term Loan Facility’’). Proceeds from each term loan were used to fund the acquisition of the newspaper assets. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and investment in its subsidiaries are pledged as collateral for loans under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility contains certain restrictive covenants which require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including consolidated total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (‘‘EBITDA’’), consolidated interest coverage and consolidated fixed charge coverage, as defined. In addition, the Credit Facility contains various covenants which, among other things, limit capital expenditures and limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay distributions and other items. The Company is in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facility at April 1, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are limited to $10,000,000 through the scheduled maturity date of June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The Revolving Credit Facility currently bears interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the Federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the London Interbank Offered (‘‘LIBOR’’) rate plus 3.00%. The interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 8.375% at April 1, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006. The Company incurs commitment fees of 0.5% on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The additional interest rate margin on the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to decrease based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA.
The Term A Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 2.00%, or the LIBOR rate plus 3.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term A Loans was 8.375% at April 1, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006. The Term A Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through September 30, 2010, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term A Loans is subject to decrease based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA. The Company made an excess cash flow payment on the Term A Loans of $333,724 (unaudited) in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006.
FS-33
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE H — LONG-TERM DEBT — Continued
The Term B Loans consist of a series of term loans currently bearing interest at either the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50% plus an additional interest rate margin of 3.75%, or the LIBOR rate plus 5.00%. The interest rate on the individual Term B Loans ranged from 10.375% to 10.4375% at April 1, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006. The Term B Loans are due in quarterly installments from September 30, 2005 through June 30, 2011, subject to mandatory prepayments related to defined excess cash flows, asset dispositions, equity investments and other items. The additional interest rate margin on the Term B Loans is not subject to decrease. The Company made an excess cash flow payment on the Term B Loans of $241,065 (unaudited) in April 2007, relating to fiscal year 2006. In addition and in connection with the acquisition of certain newspaper assets in July 2005, the aggregate amount available and borrowed under the Term B Loans increased $6.0 million.
In connection with an acquisition, during 2006 the Company assumed an equipment loan which bears interest at 8.50%, with interest and principal payable monthly through the maturity date of September 27, 2010. This loan is secured by the underlying equipment purchased with the proceeds of this loan.
NOTE I — INCOME TAXES
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities include as of April 1, 2007 (unaudited):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Deferred tax assets | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Property, plant and equipment | |
|
|
$ | 18,692 | |
| Total deferred tax assets | |
|
|
|
18,692 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Intangible assets | |
|
|
|
665,023 | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
|
665,023 | |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | |
|
|
$ | 646,331 | |
|
NOTE J — MEMBER’S EQUITY
The ownership interests in the Company are represented by a single class of membership interests. During the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006 , the Company received member contributions of $0 and $190 respectively.
NOTE K — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company’s 401(k) retirement plan covers substantially all of its employees. The Company, at the discretion of the 401(k) plan trustees, began making matching contributions of 25% of each participant’s contributions during fiscal year 2004, based on participant contributions of up to 6% of compensation. Company discretionary contributions were approximately $29,105 and $24,067 for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively.
FS-34
American Community
Newspapers LLC and Subsidiary
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACN Holding LLC)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Three months ended
April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006
NOTE L — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
The Company utilizes certain facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements expiring through April 2012. The leases generally provide extension privileges. Rentals on operating leases amounted to approximately $261,000 and $210,000 for the three months ended April 1, 2007 and April 2, 2006, respectively.
Litigation
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management cannot estimate the outcomes of these matters of the Company.
Employment Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with certain key officers which provide for minimum annual salaries and benefits and an annual bonus based on the Company’s operating performance.
Environmental Matters
The Company has performed third party environmental assessments on its properties which have printing operations. Based on the results of these assessments, the Company does not expect to experience a loss.
NOTE M — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 24, 2007, the Company signed a definitive asset purchase agreement with Courtside Acquisition Corp. (‘‘Courtside’’) (AMEX: CRB), a specified purpose acquisition company. Pursuant to the agreement, Courtside will acquire substantially all of the assets of the Company for $165.0 million in cash. Courtside will also pay up to an additional $15 million in cash if 2008 newspaper cash flow, as defined, ranges from $19 million (at which level the contingent payment is $1 million) to $21 million or greater (at which level the contingent payment will be $15 million). In addition, if the Courtside stock price exceeds $8.50 per share for a specified period before July 7, 2009, the Company will receive an additional payment of $10 million.
The transaction is subject to Courtside’s receiving stockholder approval of the transaction and customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007.
On May 2, 2007, the terms of the Courtside acquisition have been amended to decrease the base purchase price by $5 million to $160 million and to provide for an increase in the purchase price by an amount equal to the Company’s cost for CMM, to be adjusted for working capital and the Company’s transaction costs. Accordingly, the purchase price for the Company will be approximately $204 million. The consideration will be payable in $191.5 million of cash and $12.5 million of Courtside stock (unless ACN purchases Courtside’s stock in the market, in which case the cash portion of the purchase price will be correspondingly adjusted upwards). The earn out provisions remain the same.
FS-35
To the Board of
Directors
CM Media, Inc.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of the Printing and Publishing Divisions of CM Media, Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of income and divisions’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. 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 of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 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 financial position of the Printing and Publishing Divisions of CM Media, Inc. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Rea & Associates, Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
April 13, 2007
FS-36
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006
AND 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |||||||
| ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
$ | 2,322,464 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,953,913 | |
| Inventory | |
|
|
|
791,697 | |
|
|
|
|
674,783 | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
45,671 | |
|
|
|
|
38,456 | |
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
3,159,832 | |
|
|
|
|
2,667,152 | |
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | |
|
|
|
581,232 | |
|
|
|
|
635,142 | |
| OTHER ASSETS: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Intangibles, net | |
|
|
|
56,823 | |
|
|
|
|
63,680 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
1,080 | |
|
|
|
|
1,080 | |
| Total other assets | |
|
|
|
57,903 | |
|
|
|
|
64,760 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 3,798,967 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,367,054 | |
| LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
$ | 485,992 | |
|
|
|
$ | 402,010 | |
| Accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
234,437 | |
|
|
|
|
240,264 | |
| Local income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
31,786 | |
|
|
|
|
24,779 | |
| Unearned revenues, current portion | |
|
|
|
768,214 | |
|
|
|
|
748,607 | |
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
1,520,429 | |
|
|
|
|
1,415,660 | |
| UNEARNED REVENUES, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
89,723 | |
|
|
|
|
82,635 | |
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
|
1,610,152 | |
|
|
|
|
1,498,295 | |
| DIVISIONS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
2,188,815 | |
|
|
|
|
1,868,759 | |
| Total liabilities and divisions’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 3,798,967 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,367,054 | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-37
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND
DIVISIONS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | ||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Advertising | |
|
|
$ | 19,490,143 | |
|
|
|
$ | 18,935,688 | |
|
|
|
$ | 19,478,232 | |
| Circulation | |
|
|
|
1,061,967 | |
|
|
|
|
1,187,909 | |
|
|
|
|
1,174,067 | |
| Printing, production and other | |
|
|
|
2,699,790 | |
|
|
|
|
2,200,004 | |
|
|
|
|
2,066,555 | |
| Total revenues from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
|
23,251,900 | |
|
|
|
|
22,323,601 | |
|
|
|
|
22,718,854 | |
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Operating | |
|
|
|
12,852,967 | |
|
|
|
|
12,431,392 | |
|
|
|
|
12,006,515 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
6,373,698 | |
|
|
|
|
6,183,060 | |
|
|
|
|
6,426,331 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
300,753 | |
|
|
|
|
376,223 | |
|
|
|
|
469,662 | |
| Total operating expenses of printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
|
19,527,418 | |
|
|
|
|
18,990,675 | |
|
|
|
|
18,902,508 | |
| INCOME FROM PRINTING AND PUBLISHING DIVISIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | |
|
|
|
3,724,482 | |
|
|
|
|
3,332,926 | |
|
|
|
|
3,816,346 | |
| Income tax expense | |
|
|
|
75,000 | |
|
|
|
|
68,000 | |
|
|
|
|
71,000 | |
| Net income from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
|
3,649,482 | |
|
|
|
|
3,264,926 | |
|
|
|
|
3,745,346 | |
| DIVISIONS’ EQUITY, beginning of year | |
|
|
|
1,868,759 | |
|
|
|
|
1,895,355 | |
|
|
|
|
1,699,785 | |
| CASH BACK TO CORPORATE | |
|
|
|
(3,329,426 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,291,522 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,549,776 | ) |
| DIVISIONS’ EQUITY, end of year | |
|
|
$ | 2,188,815 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,868,759 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,895,355 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
FS-38
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2005 AND 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Net income from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
$ | 3,649,482 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,264,926 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,745,346 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income from printing and publishing divisions to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Amortization | |
|
|
|
6,857 | |
|
|
|
|
6,857 | |
|
|
|
|
16,624 | |
| Depreciation | |
|
|
|
293,896 | |
|
|
|
|
369,366 | |
|
|
|
|
453,038 | |
| Bad debts | |
|
|
|
110,790 | |
|
|
|
|
38,413 | |
|
|
|
|
72,342 | |
| Loss on sale of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
1,159 | |
|
|
|
|
341 | |
|
|
|
|
(449 | ) |
| (Increase) decrease in operating assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
|
(479,341 | ) | |
|
|
|
109,695 | |
|
|
|
|
(361,335 | ) |
| Inventory | |
|
|
|
(116,914 | ) | |
|
|
|
(126,871 | ) | |
|
|
|
21,361 | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
(7,215 | ) | |
|
|
|
4,401 | |
|
|
|
|
(187 | ) |
| Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
|
83,982 | |
|
|
|
|
(222,013 | ) | |
|
|
|
(16,004 | ) |
| Accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
(5,827 | ) | |
|
|
|
(19,910 | ) | |
|
|
|
(91,066 | ) |
| Local income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
7,007 | |
|
|
|
|
(56 | ) | |
|
|
|
2,563 | |
| Unearned revenues | |
|
|
|
26,695 | |
|
|
|
|
(11,996 | ) | |
|
|
|
24,178 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
3,570,571 | |
|
|
|
|
3,413,153 | |
|
|
|
|
3,866,411 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Payments for the purchase of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
(241,145 | ) | |
|
|
|
(123,143 | ) | |
|
|
|
(318,623 | ) |
| Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
3,500 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
1,512 | |
|
|
|
|
(1,512 | ) |
| Net cash used by investing activities | |
|
|
|
(241,145 | ) | |
|
|
|
(121,631 | ) | |
|
|
|
(316,635 | ) |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Cash back to corporate | |
|
|
|
(3,329,426 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,291,522 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,549,776 | ) |
| Net cash used by financing activities | |
|
|
|
(3,329,426 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,291,522 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,549,776 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning
and
end of year |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
||||||||||||||||||
FS-39
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
The principal business activities of CM Media, Inc. (the Company) are the publication of Columbus Monthly, Columbus CEO, Columbus Bride, The Other Paper, twenty-two weekly newspapers throughout central Ohio, and commercial printing. The publication of Mid Ohio Golfer was discontinued in 2006, the effects of which are not significant to the financial statements. The Company consists of two separate and distinct groups of divisions. The Printing and Publishing Divisions (‘‘the Divisions’’) perform the principal business activities described above.
The other group of divisions (‘‘Corporate Divisions’’) own the real property, maintain the cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and other non-printing and publishing assets and liabilities. The Corporate Divisions also include a wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamondback Golf, LLC, that owns and operates Rattlesnake Ridge, an 18-Hole private golf club in central Ohio. The operations of the Corporate Divisions are not included in these divisional financial statements.
The Divisions’ operations are conducted within the real property owned by the Corporate Divisions. There is no rent expense reported in these financial statements in relation to the use of the real property by the Divisions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Back to Corporate
All cash generated from the Divisions is remitted back to the Corporate Divisions. These amounts are reflected as ‘‘cash back to corporate’’ on these financial statements.
Accounts Receivable
Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on an annual basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by identifying troubled accounts and by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, management believes there are no significant doubtful accounts and an allowance has not been recognized.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of paper and ink and is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of determining cost.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using declining balance methods based on estimated useful lives.
FS-40
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
|
|
|
|
| Asset classification | |
|
Estimated useful life |
| Production equipment | |
|
3-10 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
3-10 years |
| Vehicles | |
|
5 years |
|
Intangible Assets
Acquired circulation and advertising assets are amortized on the straight-line method over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line method over 20 years.
Accumulated amortization for all such costs was $299,586 and $292,729 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $6,857, $6,857 and $16,624, for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes subscription and advertising revenue based on issues published and delivered. Trade show revenue is recognized at completion of the event. Funds received in advance of these revenue recognition policies are presented as unearned revenues on the accompanying balance sheets.
Trade Revenue
The Company trades advertising space in its publications in exchange for radio advertising and various goods and services. The Company records the revenue and offsetting expense in the same period. Revenues approximate expenses, and are recorded at fair value. Trade revenues and offsetting expenses included in these financial statements totaled $366,796, $358,544 and $389,204 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs directly associated with the Divisions and any allocated Company costs. The Company costs are allocated based the Division’s pro rata share.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising and promotion costs are expensed when incurred, and totaled $609,049, $767,680 and $670,115 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Included in the aforementioned costs are amounts directly associated with obtaining subscriptions, which totaled $137,938, $188,777 and $177,398 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
FS-41
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 2: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |||||||
| Production equipment | |
|
|
$ | 4,661,507 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,839,461 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
|
|
884,042 | |
|
|
|
|
903,027 | |
| Vehicles | |
|
|
|
163,718 | |
|
|
|
|
163,718 | |
|
|
|
|
5,709,267 | |
|
|
|
|
5,906,206 | |
|
| Less: accumulated depreciation | |
|
|
|
5,128,035 | |
|
|
|
|
5,271,064 | |
|
|
|
$ | 581,232 | |
|
|
|
$ | 635,142 | |
|
|
||||||||||||
NOTE 3: INCOME TAXES
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company, with the consent of its shareholders, elected to be treated as an S Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. In lieu of federal and state income taxes, the shareholders separately account for their pro rata share of the Company’s income, deductions, losses and credits. Local income tax expense is recognized at the Company level. Local income tax allocable to the Divisions totaled $75,000, $68,000 and $71,000 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
NOTE 4: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan covering substantially all of its employees. Under the plan, participants have the option to defer annual compensation subject to certain Internal Revenue Code limitations, and the Company may match, at its discretion, a portion of each employee’s annual compensation contributed subject to certain Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Divisions’ portion of the Company match, expensed in 2006, 2005 and 2004, was $235,597, $229,537 and $208,196, respectively.
NOTE 5: SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
As of the date of this report, the Company is in negotiations to sell the assets and liabilities of the Divisions to American Community Newspapers LLC for approximately $44,000,000. There is no formal agreement in place as of the date of this report.
FS-42
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31,
2007 |
|
|
December 31,
2006 |
|||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
||||||||
| ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
$ | 2,279,966 | |
|
|
|
$ | 2,322,464 | |
| Inventory | |
|
|
|
681,300 | |
|
|
|
|
791,697 | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
27,162 | |
|
|
|
|
45,671 | |
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
2,988,428 | |
|
|
|
|
3,159,832 | |
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net | |
|
|
|
521,182 | |
|
|
|
|
581,232 | |
| OTHER ASSETS: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Intangibles, net | |
|
|
|
55,141 | |
|
|
|
|
56,823 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
1,080 | |
|
|
|
|
1,080 | |
| Total other assets | |
|
|
|
56,221 | |
|
|
|
|
57,903 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 3,565,831 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,798,967 | |
| LIABILITIES AND DIVISIONS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
$ | 378,903 | |
|
|
|
$ | 485,992 | |
| Accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
265,639 | |
|
|
|
|
234,437 | |
| Local income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
21,886 | |
|
|
|
|
31,786 | |
| Unearned revenues, current portion | |
|
|
|
302,078 | |
|
|
|
|
768,214 | |
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
968,506 | |
|
|
|
|
1,520,429 | |
| UNEARNED REVENUES, net of current portion | |
|
|
|
89,723 | |
|
|
|
|
89,723 | |
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
|
1,058,229 | |
|
|
|
|
1,610,152 | |
| DIVISIONS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
2,507,602 | |
|
|
|
|
2,188,815 | |
| Total liabilities and divisions’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 3,565,831 | |
|
|
|
$ | 3,798,967 | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-43
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
STATEMENTS OF
INCOME
For
the Three Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 | |
|
2006 | |||||||
|
|
(unaudited) | |
|
(unaudited) | |||||||
| REVENUES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Advertising | |
|
|
$ | 4,242,196 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,518,465 | |
| Circulation | |
|
|
|
452,989 | |
|
|
|
|
417,610 | |
| Printing, production and other | |
|
|
|
831,207 | |
|
|
|
|
868,726 | |
| Total revenues from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
|
5,526,392 | |
|
|
|
|
5,804,801 | |
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Operating | |
|
|
|
3,182,075 | |
|
|
|
|
3,152,280 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
1,546,847 | |
|
|
|
|
1,515,752 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
76,215 | |
|
|
|
|
77,125 | |
| Total operating expenses of printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
|
4,805,137 | |
|
|
|
|
4,745,157 | |
| INCOME FROM PRINTING AND PUBLISHING DIVISIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | |
|
|
|
721,255 | |
|
|
|
|
1,059,644 | |
| Income tax expense | |
|
|
|
14,800 | |
|
|
|
|
21,300 | |
| Net income from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
$ | 706,455 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,038,344 | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-44
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
STATEMENTS OF CASH
FLOWS
For
the Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 | |
|
2006 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Net income from printing and publishing divisions | |
|
|
$ | 706,455 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,038,344 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income from printing and publishing divisions to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Amortization | |
|
|
|
1,682 | |
|
|
|
|
1,718 | |
| Depreciation | |
|
|
|
74,533 | |
|
|
|
|
75,407 | |
| Bad debts | |
|
|
|
24,156 | |
|
|
|
|
22,590 | |
| (Increase) decrease in operating assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
|
18,343 | |
|
|
|
|
(486,213 | ) |
| Inventory | |
|
|
|
110,397 | |
|
|
|
|
63,664 | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
18,509 | |
|
|
|
|
15,207 | |
| Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts payable | |
|
|
|
(107,089 | ) | |
|
|
|
36,223 | |
| Accrued liabilities | |
|
|
|
31,202 | |
|
|
|
|
5,418 | |
| Local income taxes payable | |
|
|
|
(9,900 | ) | |
|
|
|
(12,000 | ) |
| Unearned revenues | |
|
|
|
(466,136 | ) | |
|
|
|
(425,076 | ) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
402,152 | |
|
|
|
|
335,282 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Payments for the purchase of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
(14,484 | ) | |
|
|
|
(62,658 | ) |
| Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Net cash used by investing activities | |
|
|
|
(14,484 | ) | |
|
|
|
(62,658 | ) |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Cash back to corporate | |
|
|
|
(387,668 | ) | |
|
|
|
(272,624 | ) |
| Net cash used by financing activities | |
|
|
|
(387,668 | ) | |
|
|
|
(272,624 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning and end of year | |
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
||||||||||||
FS-45
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
The principal business activities of CM Media, Inc. (the Company) are the publication of Columbus Monthly, Columbus CEO, Columbus Bride, The Other Paper, twenty-two weekly newspapers throughout central Ohio, and commercial printing. The publication of Mid Ohio Golfer was discontinued in 2006, the effects of which are not significant to the financial statements. The Company consists of two separate and distinct groups of divisions. The Printing and Publishing Divisions (‘‘the Divisions’’) perform the principal business activities described above.
The other group of divisions (‘‘Corporate Divisions’’) own the real property, maintain the cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, and other non-printing and publishing assets and liabilities. The Corporate Divisions also include a wholly-owned subsidiary, Diamondback Golf, LLC, that owns and operates Rattlesnake Ridge, an 18-Hole private golf club in central Ohio. The operations of the Corporate Divisions are not included in these divisional financial statements.
The Divisions’ operations are conducted within the real property owned by the Corporate Divisions. There is no rent expense reported in these financial statements in relation to the use of the real property by the Divisions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Back to Corporate
All cash generated from the Divisions is remitted back to the Corporate Divisions. These amounts are reflected as ‘‘cash back to corporate’’ on these financial statements.
Accounts Receivable
Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on an annual basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by identifying troubled accounts and by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history, and current economic conditions. Trade receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
At March 31, 2007 and 2006, management believes there are no significant doubtful accounts and an allowance has not been recognized.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of paper and ink and is valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of determining cost.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using declining balance methods based on estimated useful lives.
FS-46
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
|
|
|
|
| Asset classification | |
|
Estimated useful life |
| Production equipment | |
|
3-10 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
3-10 years |
| Vehicles | |
|
5 years |
|
Intangible Assets
Acquired circulation and advertising assets are amortized on the straight-line method over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized on the straight-line method over 20 years.
Accumulated amortization for all such costs was $301,268 and $299,586 at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $1,682 and $1,718, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes subscription and advertising revenue based on issues published and delivered. Trade show revenue is recognized at completion of the event. Funds received in advance of these revenue recognition policies are presented as unearned revenues on the accompanying balance sheets.
Trade Revenue
The Company trades advertising space in its publications in exchange for radio advertising and various goods and services. The Company records the revenue and offsetting expense in the same period. Revenues approximate expenses, and are recorded at fair value. Trade revenues and offsetting expenses included in these financial statements totaled $81,068 and $87,772, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs directly associated with the Divisions and any allocated Company costs. The Company costs are allocated based the Division’s pro rata share.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising and promotion costs are expensed when incurred, and totaled $182,037 and $156,995, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Included in the aforementioned costs are amounts directly associated with obtaining subscriptions, which totaled $7,199 and $11,944, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
FS-47
CM MEDIA, INC.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
DIVISIONS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 2: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following at:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 | |
|
December 31, 2006 | |
|
||||||||
| Production equipment | |
|
|
$ | 4,675,991 | |
|
|
|
$ | 4,661,507 | |
|
|
|
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
|
|
884,042 | |
|
|
|
|
884,042 | |
|
|
|
| Vehicles | |
|
|
|
163,718 | |
|
|
|
|
163,718 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,723,751 | |
|
|
|
|
5,709,267 | |
|
|
||
| Less: accumulated depreciation | |
|
|
|
5,202,569 | |
|
|
|
|
5,128,035 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 521,182 | |
|
|
|
$ | 581,232 | |
|
|
||
|
|||||||||||||||
NOTE 3: INCOME TAXES
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company, with the consent of its shareholders, elected to be treated as an S Corporation under the Internal Revenue Code. In lieu of federal and state income taxes, the shareholders separately account for their pro rata share of the Company’s income, deductions, losses and credits. Local income tax expense is recognized at the Company level. Local income tax allocable to the Divisions totaled $14,800 and $21,300, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
NOTE 4: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan covering substantially all of its employees. Under the plan, participants have the option to defer annual compensation subject to certain Internal Revenue Code limitations, and the Company may match, at its discretion, a portion of each employee’s annual compensation contributed subject to certain Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Divisions’ portion of the Company match expensed, totaled $59,291 and $56,473, for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
NOTE 5: SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On April 30, 2007, the Company sold the assets and liabilities of the Divisions to American Community Newspapers LLC for approximately $43.8 million, plus working capital.
FS-48
Independent Auditors’ Report
To the Board of Managers
of
American Community
Newspapers, LLC
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc. as of August 31, 2005 and the related statements of income and accumulated deficit and cash flows for the eight months then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc. as of August 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the eight months then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Stoy, Molone and Company, P.C.
Baltimore,
Maryland
March 28, 2007
FS-49
SUBURBAN WASHINGTON
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
August 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
| CURRENT ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Accounts receivable – net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $29,041 | |
|
|
$ | 338,244 | |
| Advance – officer | |
|
|
|
28,027 | |
| Total current assets | |
|
|
|
366,271 | |
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Machinery and equipment | |
|
|
|
109,291 | |
| Furniture and fixtures | |
|
|
|
12,510 | |
| Computer software and hardware | |
|
|
|
19,852 | |
| Leasehold improvements | |
|
|
|
44,864 | |
|
|
|
|
186,517 | |
|
| Less accumulated depreciation | |
|
|
|
69,277 | |
| Total property and equipment, net | |
|
|
|
117,240 | |
| OTHER ASSETS | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Customer base, net | |
|
|
|
62,500 | |
| Goodwill | |
|
|
|
2,301,873 | |
| Total other assets | |
|
|
|
2,364,373 | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 2,847,884 | |
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
|
|
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Bank overdraft | |
|
|
$ | 22,748 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
135,027 | |
| Deferred revenue | |
|
|
|
3,491 | |
| Due to affiliates, net | |
|
|
|
4,336 | |
| Total current liabilities | |
|
|
|
165,602 | |
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Common stock $1 par value; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding | |
|
|
|
1,000 | |
| Additional paid in capital | |
|
|
|
2,683,300 | |
| Accumulated deficit | |
|
|
|
(2,018 | ) |
| Total stockholders’ equity | |
|
|
|
2,682,282 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 2,847,884 | |
|
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
FS-50
SUBURBAN WASHINGTON
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
For the Eight Months
Ended August 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| REVENUES | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Advertising | |
|
|
$ | 2,491,679 | |
| Other | |
|
|
|
22,553 | |
|
|
|
|
2,514,232 | |
|
| OPERATING COSTS | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Operating | |
|
|
|
1,211,385 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | |
|
|
|
784,768 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
30,397 | |
|
|
|
|
2,026,550 | |
|
| NET INCOME | |
|
|
|
487,682 | |
| ACCUMULATED DEFICIT | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Beginning of period | |
|
|
|
(489,700 | ) |
| End of period | |
|
|
$ | (2,018 | ) |
|
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
FS-51
SUBURBAN WASHINGTON
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH
FLOWS
For the Eight Months
Ended August 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | 487,682 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Depreciation and amortization | |
|
|
|
30,397 | |
| Bad debt | |
|
|
|
19,657 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Accounts receivable | |
|
|
|
26,872 | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
425 | |
| Bank overdraft | |
|
|
|
(9,666 | ) |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
(50,314 | ) |
| Deferred revenue | |
|
|
|
3,491 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |
|
|
|
508,544 | |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Advances to officer | |
|
|
|
(557 | ) |
| Purchases of property and equipment | |
|
|
|
(16,731 | ) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | |
|
|
|
(17,288 | ) |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Net payments to affiliates | |
|
|
|
(491,756 | ) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | |
|
|
|
(491,756 | ) |
| DECREASE IN CASH | |
|
|
|
(500 | ) |
| CASH | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Beginning of period | |
|
|
|
500 | |
| End of period | |
|
|
$ | — | |
|
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
FS-52
SUBURBAN WASHINGTON
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 — NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Suburban Washington Newspapers, Inc. (the ‘‘Company’’) is primarily engaged in the publishing of two newspapers and two niche publications in and around the Communities of Arlington, Great Falls, McLean, Middleburg, Vienna and Oakton Virginia. A summary of significant accounting policies is as follows:
Income Recognition
Advertising revenue is recognized when the related advertisements are published. Circulation revenue is recognized when the related publications are issued net of a non-refundable administrative fee. The Company grants credit to advertisers throughout the respective surrounding counties and on a national and regional basis. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained which is based on management’s assessment of the collectiblity of accounts receivable.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired through acquisition and is assessed annually for impairment. If considered impaired, goodwill will be written down to fair value and a corresponding impairment loss will be recognized. There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the eight months ended August 31, 2005.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 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 income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Income Taxes
The Company has elected to be treated as a Qualified Subchapter S Subsidiary of Better Built Group, Inc. (the ‘‘Parent’’). Under these provisions, the Company’s income and expenses are reported for federal income tax reporting purposes as divisions of the Parent and are passed directly through to the stockholders of the Parent. The states in which the Company has operations respect the Company’s federal pass-through entity status. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income taxes is reflected in the financial statements of the Company.
NOTE 2 — CUSTOMER BASE
Customer base is recorded at cost and is subject to amortization. These costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. Amortization expense for the eight months ended August 31, 2005 was $3,333. Estimated aggregate amortization expense is $5,000 for the years ended August 31, 2006 through 2017.
FS-53
SUBURBAN WASHINGTON
NEWSPAPERS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Cont'd)
NOTE 3 — RELATED PARTY AND OTHER LEASES
Related Party
The Company leases office space and equipment from related parties. These leases are for one year or less and are renewable upon expiration. The Company’s total rent expense with respect to these leases was $57,950 for the eight months ended August 31, 2005.
Other
The Company leases office space under a month-to-month agreement.
The Company leases equipment under an operating lease which expires in 2009. For the years ending August 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 the future minimum lease payments required under this operating lease were $5,448, $5,448, $5,448 and $2,272, respectively.
Total rent expense with respect to these leases was $10,071 for the eight months ended August 31, 2005
NOTE 4 — RELATED PARTY ADVANCES
The Company advanced funds to an officer. These advances are unsecured, non-interest earning, and are due on demand. Outstanding advances totaled $28,027 at August 31, 2005.
The Company had outstanding advances due to affiliates of $4,336 at August 31, 2005. These advances are non-interest bearing and are due on demand.
NOTE 5 — RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company participates in a 401(k) profit sharing plan which covers employees that meet certain age and length of service requirements. The Company’s contribution amounted to $9,487 for the eight months ended August 31, 2005.
NOTE 6 — SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On August 31, 2005 the Company sold all of its assets, rights and claims relating to or used in connection with the business of operating and publishing The Sun Gazette, Middleburg Life, and Parent Life. The sales price was $5,700,000.
FS-54
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of
Directors
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Courtside Acquisition Corp. (a corporation in the development stage) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006, the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 and the cumulative period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as 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 financial position of Courtside Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2006, the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 and the cumulative period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2006 in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming Courtside Acquisition Corp. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Courtside Acquisition Corp. will face mandatory liquidation by July 7, 2007 if a business combination is not consummated, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
GOLDSTEIN GOLUB KESSLER
LLP
New
York, New York
February 28, 2007
FS-55
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Balance Sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 | |
|
December 31, 2005 | |||||||
| Assets | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Current assets: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1) | |
|
|
$ | 1,192,704 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,692,748 | |
| Cash equivalents held in Trust Fund (Note 1) | |
|
|
|
77,036,463 | |
|
|
|
|
74,618,620 | |
| Deferred Federal Income Tax (Notes 1 and 6) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
37,566 | |
|
|
|
|
78,133 | |
| Current assets | |
|
|
|
78,266,733 | |
|
|
|
|
76,389,501 | |
| Deferred acquisition costs | |
|
|
|
87,500 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Total assets | |
|
|
$ | 78,354,233 | |
|
|
|
$ | 76,389,501 | |
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Current liabilities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
$ | 278,348 | |
|
|
|
$ | 12,643 | |
| Deferred dividends | |
|
|
|
654,165 | |
|
|
|
|
170,839 | |
| Taxes payable (Note 1) | |
|
|
|
248,828 | |
|
|
|
|
78,725 | |
| Total liabilities | |
|
|
$ | 1,181,341 | |
|
|
|
$ | 262,207 | |
| Common stock, subject to possible conversion, 2,758,620 shares at conversion value (Note 1) | |
|
|
|
14,745,424 | |
|
|
|
|
14,745,424 | |
| Commitments (Note 3) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Stockholders’ equity (Notes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Preferred stock, $.0001 par value, Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Common stock, $.0001 par value
Authorized 50,000,000 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Issued and outstanding 16,800,000 shares (which includes 2,758,620 subject to possible conversion) | |
|
|
|
1,680 | |
|
|
|
|
1,680 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | |
|
|
|
60,969,078 | |
|
|
|
|
60,969,078 | |
| Earnings accumulated in the development stage | |
|
|
|
1,456,710 | |
|
|
|
|
411,112 | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 62,427,468 | |
|
|
|
$ | 61,381,870 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |
|
|
$ | 78,354,233 | |
|
|
|
$ | 76,389,501 | |
|
||||||||||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
FS-56
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Statement of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
Period from
March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Period from
March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||
| Expenses: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Formation and operating costs | |
|
|
|
(503,260 | ) | |
|
|
|
(128,836 | ) | |
|
|
|
(632,096 | ) |
| State capital tax | |
|
|
|
(60,223 | ) | |
|
|
|
(46,125 | ) | |
|
|
|
(106,348 | ) |
|
|
|
|
(563,483 | ) | |
|
|
|
(174,961 | ) | |
|
|
|
(738,444 | ) | |
| Interest and dividend income | |
|
|
|
1,997,081 | |
|
|
|
|
710,673 | |
|
|
|
|
2,707,754 | |
| Income for the period | |
|
|
|
1,433,598 | |
|
|
|
|
535,712 | |
|
|
|
|
1,969,310 | |
| Income taxes (Note 1) | |
|
|
|
(388,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(124,600 | ) | |
|
|
|
(512,600 | ) |
| Net income for the period | |
|
|
$ | 1,045,598 | |
|
|
|
$ | 411,112 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,456,710 | |
| Net income per share basic and diluted | |
|
|
$ | 0.06 | |
|
|
|
$ | .04 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Weighted average shares outstanding | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
11,474,740 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
FS-57
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock | |
|
Additional
Paid-In Capital |
|
|
Earnings
Accumulated in the development Stage |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of 3,000,000 shares of common stock at $.0083 per share to initial stockholders committed for on March 18, 2005 | |
|
|
|
3,000,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 300 | |
|
|
|
$ | 24,700 | |
|
|
|
$ | — | |
|
|
|
$ | 25,000 | |
| Sale of 12,000,000 units, net of underwriters’ discount and offering expenses on July 7, 2005 (includes 2,398,800 shares subject to possible conversion) | |
|
|
|
12,000,000 | |
|
|
|
|
1,200 | |
|
|
|
|
65,645,882 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
65,647,082 | |
| Proceeds subject to possible conversion of 2,398,800 shares | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(12,737,628 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(12,737,628 | ) |
| Proceeds from issuance of option | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
100 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
100 | |
| Sale of 1,800,000 units, net of underwriters’ discount on July 11, 2005 (includes 359,820 shares subject to possible conversion) | |
|
|
|
1,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
180 | |
|
|
|
|
10,043,820 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
10,044,000 | |
| Proceeds subject to possible conversion of 359,820 shares | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(2,007,796 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(2,007,796 | ) |
| Net income for the period | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
411,112 | |
|
|
|
|
411,112 | |
| Balance, December 31, 2005 | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
1,680 | |
|
|
|
|
60,969,078 | |
|
|
|
|
411,112 | |
|
|
|
|
61,381,870 | |
| Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,045,598 | |
|
|
|
|
1,045,598 | |
|
| Balance, December 31, 2006 | |
|
|
|
16,800,000 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,680 | |
|
|
|
$ | 60,969,078 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,456,710 | |
|
|
|
$ | 62,427,468 | |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
FS-58
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Statement of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
March 18, 2005
(inception) to December 31, 2005 |
|
|
Period from
March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Net income | |
|
|
$ | 1,045,598 | |
|
|
|
$ | 411,112 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,456,710 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| (Increase) decrease in value of Trust Fund | |
|
|
|
(2,417,843 | ) | |
|
|
|
(854,620 | ) | |
|
|
|
(3,272,463 | ) |
| (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses | |
|
|
|
40,567 | |
|
|
|
|
(78,133 | ) | |
|
|
|
(37,566 | ) |
| Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
|
|
|
221,955 | |
|
|
|
|
12,643 | |
|
|
|
|
234,598 | |
| Increase in taxes payable | |
|
|
|
170,103 | |
|
|
|
|
78,725 | |
|
|
|
|
248,828 | |
| Increase in deferred dividends | |
|
|
|
483,326 | |
|
|
|
|
170,839 | |
|
|
|
|
654,165 | |
| Net cash used in operating activities | |
|
|
|
(456,294 | ) | |
|
|
|
(259,434 | ) | |
|
|
|
(715,728 | ) |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Payment of deferred acquisition costs | |
|
|
|
(43,750 | ) | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(43,750 | ) |
| Cash deposited in Trust Fund | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(73,764,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(73,764,000 | ) |
| Net cash issued in investing activities | |
|
|
|
(43,750 | ) | |
|
|
|
(73,764,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(73,807,750 | ) |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Gross proceeds of public offering | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
82,800,000 | |
|
|
|
|
82,800,000 | |
| Proceeds from sale of shares of common stock | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
25,000 | |
|
|
|
|
25,000 | |
| Proceeds from issuance of option | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
100 | |
|
|
|
|
100 | |
| Proceeds from notes payable, stockholder | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
100,000 | |
|
|
|
|
100,000 | |
| Payment of notes payable, stockholder | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(100,000 | ) | |
|
|
|
(100,000 | ) |
| Payment of offering costs | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
(7,108,918 | ) | |
|
|
|
(7,108,918 | ) |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | |
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
75,716,182 | |
|
|
|
|
75,716,182 | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
|
|
|
(500,044 | ) | |
|
|
|
1,692,748 | |
|
|
|
|
1,192,704 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | |
|
|
|
1,692,748 | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
|
|
|
|
— | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | |
|
|
$ | 1,192,704 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,692,748 | |
|
|
|
$ | 1,192,704 | |
| Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities: | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| Accrual of acquisition costs | |
|
|
$ | 43,750 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ | 43,750 | |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.
FS-59
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements
|
|
|
|
| 1. | Organization, Business Operations, and Accounting Policies | |
Courtside Acquisition Corp. (the ‘‘Company’’) was incorporated in Delaware on March 18, 2005 as a blank check company whose objective is to acquire an operating business. |
|
|
|
|
All activity from March 18, 2005 (inception) through July 7, 2005 relates to the Company’s formation and initial public offering described below. Subsequent to July 7, 2005, the Company has been seeking a business combination with an operating business (‘‘Business Combination’’). | |
|
|
|
|
The registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (‘‘Offering’’) was declared effective June 30, 2005. The Company consummated the Offering for 12,000,000 units on July 7, 2005 and, on July 11, 2005, the representative of the underwriters (‘‘Representative’’) exercised its over-allotment option for 1,800,000 units, with the Company receiving total net proceeds of approximately $75,691,000 (Note 2). The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of this Offering, although substantially all of the net proceeds of this Offering are intended to be generally applied toward consummating a Business Combination. Furthermore, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully effect a Business Combination. An amount of $73,764,000 of the net proceeds was placed in an interest-bearing trust account (‘‘Trust Account’’) until the earlier of (i) the consummation of a Business Combination or (ii) liquidation of the Company. Under the agreement governing the Trust Account, funds will only be invested in United States ‘‘government securities’’ within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 with a maturity of 180 days or less, or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940. At December 31, 2006, the value of the Trust Account amounted to $77,036,463. The placing of funds in the Trust Account may not protect those funds from third party claims against the Company. Although the Company will seek to have all vendors, prospective target businesses or other entities it engages, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account, there is no guarantee that they will execute such agreements. Two of the Company’s officers have severally agreed that they will be personally liable to ensure that the proceeds in the Trust Account are not reduced by the claims of target businesses or vendors or other entities that are owed | |
FS-60
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
|
|
|
|
money by the Company for services rendered or contracted for or products sold to the Company. However, there can be no assurance that these officers will be able to satisfy those obligations. The remaining net proceeds (not held in the Trust Account) may be used for tax payments and business, legal and accounting due diligence on prospective acquisitions and continuing general and administrative expenses. | |
|
|
|
|
The Company, after signing a definitive agreement for the acquisition of a target business, will submit such transaction for stockholder approval. In the event that stockholders owning 20% or more of the shares sold in the Offering vote against the Business Combination and exercise their conversion rights described below, the Business Combination will not be consummated. | |
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All of the Company’s stockholders prior to the Offering, including all of the officers and directors of the Company (‘‘Initial Stockholders’’), have agreed to vote their 3,000,000 founding shares of common stock in accordance with the vote of the majority in interest of all other stockholders of the Company (‘‘Public Stockholders’’) with respect to any Business Combination. After consummation of a Business Combination, these voting safeguards will no longer be applicable. | |
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With respect to a Business Combination which is approved and consummated, any Public Stockholder who voted against the Business Combination may demand that the Company convert his or her shares. The per share conversion price will equal the amount in the Trust Account, calculated as of two business days prior to the consummation of the proposed Business Combination, divided by the number of shares of common stock held by Public Stockholders at the consummation of the Offering. Accordingly, Public Stockholders holding 19.99% of the aggregate number of shares owned by all Public Stockholders may seek conversion of their shares in the event of a Business Combination. Such Public Stockholders are entitled to receive their per-share interest in the Trust Account computed without regard to the shares held by Initial Stockholders. In this respect, $14,745,424 (19.99% of the original amount placed in the Trust Account) has been classified as common stock subject to possible conversion at December 31, 2006 and $654,165 (19.99% of the dividend income held in the Trust Account) has been classified as deferred dividends at December 31, 2006. | |
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The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides for mandatory liquidation of the Company in the event that the Company does not consummate a Business | |
FS-61
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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Combination within 18 months from the date of the consummation of the Offering, or 24 months from the consummation of the Offering (July 7, 2007) if certain extension criteria have been satisfied. The extension criteria have been met; however, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination within that period. This factor raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements are prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. In the event of liquidation, it is likely that the per share value of the residual assets remaining available for distribution (including Trust Account assets) will be less than the initial public offering price per share in the Offering assuming no value is attributed to the Warrants contained in the Units sold (Note 2). | |
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Deferred income taxes are provided for the differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. | |
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Cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid money market funds and U.S. Treasury Bills maturing in three months or less from date of purchase. | |
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The Company maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on these accounts. | |
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Deferred acquisition costs consist primarily of legal, appraisal, due diligence and other third-party fees and expenses directly associated with the negotiation and execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement (‘‘APA’’) with American Community Newspaper LLC (‘‘ACN’’). See Note 7. | |
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Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock warrants and options. The effect of the 27,600,000 outstanding warrants, issued in connection with the initial public offering described in Note 2 has not been considered in the diluted net income per share since the warrants are contingently exercisable. The effect of the 600,000 units included in the | |
FS-62
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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underwriters purchase option, as described in Note 2, along with the warrants underlying such units, has not been considered in the diluted earnings per share calculation since the market price of the option was less than the exercise price during the period. | |
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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. | |
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In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, ‘‘Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,’’ an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (‘‘FIN 48’’), which provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is ‘‘more likely than not’’ that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We do not expect FIN 48 will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. | |
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Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. | |
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| 2. | Initial Public Offering | |
On July 7, 2005, the Company sold 12,000,000 units (‘‘Units’’) in the Offering. On July 11, 2005, the Company sold an additional 1,800,000 Units pursuant to the Representative’s over-allotment option. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $.0001 par value, and two Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Warrants (‘‘Warrants’’). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase from the Company one share of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 commencing the later of the completion of a Business Combination or one year from the effective date of the Offering and expiring four years from the effective date of the Offering. The Warrants will be redeemable at a price of $.01 per Warrant upon 30 days’ notice after the Warrants become exercisable, only in the event that the last sale price of the common stock is at least $8.50 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period ending on the third day prior to the date on which notice of redemption is given. |
FS-63
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the underwriters an underwriting discount of 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and a non-accountable expense allowance of 1% of the gross proceeds of the Offering. In connection with the Offering, the Company also issued an option, for $100, to the Representative to purchase 600,000 Units at an exercise price of $7.50 per Unit. The Units issuable upon exercise of this purchase option are identical to the Units sold in the Offering except that the Warrants included in the option have an exercise price of $6.65 per share. The Company estimated that the fair value of this option was approximately $1,224,000 ($2.04 per Unit underlying such option) using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the option was estimated as of the date of grant using the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility of 40.995%, (2) risk-free interest rate of 3.72% and (3) expected life of 5 years. The sale of the option was accounted for as a cost attributable to the Offering. Accordingly, there was no net impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations, except for the recording of the $100 proceeds from the sale. The option may be exercised for cash or on a ‘‘cashless’’ basis, at the holder’s option, such that the holder may use the appreciated value of the option (the difference between the exercise prices of the option and the underlying Warrants and the market price of the Units and underlying securities) to exercise the option without the payment of any cash. | |
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On October 25, 2006, the Company entered into a Warrant Clarification Agreement to clarify the terms of the Warrant Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2005 (the ‘‘Warrant Agreement’’) by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent. The Warrant Clarification Agreement clarified, consistent with the terms of the Warrant Agreement and the disclosure contained in the Company’s Prospectus, dated June 30, 2005, that if the Company is unable to deliver securities pursuant to the exercise of a warrant because a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock is not effective, then in no event would the Company be obligated to pay cash or other consideration to the holders of warrants or otherwise ‘‘net-cash settle’’ any warrant exercise and the warrants may expire unexpired and unredeemed. | |
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On October 25, 2006, the Company entered into a similar clarification agreement with the holders of the unit purchase options issued in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. | |
FS-64
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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| 3. | Commitments and Related Party Transactions | |
The Company presently occupies office space provided by an affiliate of several of the Initial Stockholders. Such affiliate has agreed that, until the Company consummates a Business Combination, it will make such office space, as well as certain office and secretarial services, available to the Company, as may be required by the Company from time to time. The Company has agreed to pay such affiliate $7,500 per month for such services commencing on the effective date of the Offering. The statement of operations for the period ended December 31, 2006 includes $90,000 related to this agreement. |
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The Company engages in ordinary course banking relationships on customary terms with Alpine Capital Bank (‘‘ACB’’). ACB is a New York State chartered FDIC insured commercial bank. The Company’s Chairman is a director and stockholder of ACB, the Company’s President is a stockholder of ACB and the Company’s special advisor is the Chairman and a stockholder of ACB. Cash of $45,242 is on deposit at ACB and ACB is custodian for $1,147,462 of U.S. Treasury Bills at December 31, 2006. | |
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Pursuant to letter agreements dated April 15, 2005 with the Company and the Representative, the Initial Stockholders have waived their right to receive distributions with respect to their founding shares upon the Company’s liquidation. | |
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In accordance with an agreement with the Representative, the Company’s Chairman, the Company’s President and one of the Company’s advisors, or persons or entities associated or affiliated with such individuals, have purchased 2,400,000 Warrants in the public marketplace at an average price of $0.49 per Warrant. | |
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Pursuant to an agreement, the Initial Stockholders are entitled to registration rights with respect to their founding shares. The holders of the majority of these shares are entitled to make up to two demands that the Company register these shares at any time commencing three months prior to the third anniversary of the effective date of the Offering. In addition, the Initial Stockholders have certain ‘‘piggy-back’’ registration rights on registration statements filed subsequent to the third anniversary of the effective date of the Offering. | |
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The Company issued $100,000 unsecured promissory notes to an Initial Stockholder, who is also an officer and director. The notes were non interest-bearing and were repaid from the net proceeds of the Offering. | |
FS-65
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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| 4. | Preferred Stock | |
The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. |
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| 5. | Common Stock | |
At December 31, 2006, 29,400,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of the redeemable warrants and the underwriters’ unit purchase option. |
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| 6. | Income Taxes | |
The provision for income taxes consists of the following: |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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Period from March 18,
2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 |
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| Current: | |
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| State | |
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$ | 187,000 | |
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$ | 62,028 | |
| Local | |
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201,000 | |
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62,572 | |
| Total | |
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$ | 388,000 | |
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$ | 124,600 | |
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The total provision for income taxes differs from that amount which would be computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate to income before provision for income taxes as follows: | |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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Period from March 18,
2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 |
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| Statutory federal income tax rate | |
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34 | % | |
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34 | % |
| State and local income taxes | |
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27 | |
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23 | |
| Dividend income not subject to Federal income tax | |
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(46 | ) | |
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(35 | ) |
| Expenses allocable to non-taxable dividend income | |
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4 | |
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— | |
| Valuation allowance | |
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11 | |
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1 | |
| Other | |
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(3 | ) | |
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— | |
| Effective income
tax rate |
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27 | % | |
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23 | % |
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FS-66
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred tax asset is as follows: | |
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Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
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Period from March 18,
2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005 |
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| Expenses deferred for income tax purposes | |
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$ | 161,000 | |
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$ | — | |
| Federal net operating loss carryforward | |
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11,000 | |
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8,000 | |
| Less: valuation allowance | |
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(172,000 | ) | |
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(8,000 | ) |
| Net deferred tax asset | |
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$ | — | |
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$ | — | |
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At December 31, 2006, the Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of $33,000 to offset future taxable income. The net operating loss carryforward expires in 2025 and 2026. The Company has established a 100% valuation allowance against its deferred tax asset, which principally relates to Federal income tax temporary differences, since its income earned on the funds held in the Trust Account is not taxable for Federal income tax purposes and, at this time, it has no other operations that would generate income for Federal income tax purposes. | |
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During the year ended December 31, 2006 and the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to December 31, 2005, the Company paid $193,857 and $92,000, respectively, of New York State and City income taxes. | |
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| 7. | Subsequent Events | |
On January 24, 2007, the Company signed an Asset Purchase Agreement (‘‘APA’’) to acquire the business and substantially all of the assets of American Community Newspapers LLC (‘‘ACN’’). ACN is a community newspaper publisher having operations within three major U.S. markets – Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas and Northern Virginia (suburban Washington, D.C.). The purchase price is $165,000,000, subject to adjustment if ACN working capital is greater or less than $1,200,000, plus up to $15,000,000 based on 2008 newspaper cash flow and $10,000,000 if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock exceeds $8.50 per share for 20 out of 30 trading days before July 8, 2009. Concurrently with the execution of the APA, the Company placed $700,000 in escrow as a deposit on the purchase price and two of the Company’s officers entered into an agreement which provides that if the APA is terminated under certain circumstances, they will have the right to enter into an agreement to purchase substantially all of ACN’s assets. |
FS-67
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Notes to Financial
Statements (cont.)
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To fund the purchase, the Company has received commitments, subject to execution of definitive agreements and other conditions, for up to $115,000,000 of senior secured credit facilities and $12,700,000 of senior notes. The senior facilities may also be used for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. | |
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Two of the Company’s officers have agreed with the Company to advance funds (without recourse to the Trust Fund) to meet the Company’s reasonable out-of-pocket expenses when available funds held outside the Trust Fund are insufficient for such purpose. | |
FS-68
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of
Directors
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed balance sheet of Courtside Acquisition Corp. (a corporation in the development stage) as of March 31, 2007, the related condensed statements of operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and the cumulative period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2007 and the related condensed statements of stockholders’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 and the period from March 18, 2005 (inception) to March 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the condensed financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the balance sheet of Courtside Acquisition Corp. as of December 31, 2006 and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 28, 2007, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2006 is fairly stated, in all material aspects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming Courtside Acquisition Corp. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, Courtside Acquisition Corp. may face a mandatory liquidation by July 7, 2007 if a business combination is not consummated, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
GOLDSTEIN GOLUB KESSLER
LLP
New
York, New York
May 8, 2007
FS-69
Courtside Acquisition
Corp.
(a corporation in the
development stage)
Condensed Balance Sheet
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