<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 22, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 333-77499
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
AND
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS
CAPITAL CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANTS AS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CHARTERS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 4841 43-1843179
DELAWARE 4841 43-1843177
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (FEDERAL EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
12444 POWERSCOURT DRIVE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63131
(314) 965-0555
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANTS'
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
CURTIS S. SHAW, ESQ.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
12444 POWERSCOURT DRIVE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63131
(314) 965-0555
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DANIEL G. BERGSTEIN, ESQ. ALVIN G. SEGEL, ESQ.
THOMAS R. POLLOCK, ESQ. IRELL & MANELLA LLP
PATRICIA M. CARROLL, ESQ. 1800 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 900
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067-4276
399 PARK AVENUE (310) 277-1010
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
(212) 318-6000
</TABLE>
-------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED OFFER TO THE PUBLIC EXCHANGE
OFFER: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes
effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [ ]
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
-------------------------
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 22, 1999
$3,575,000,000
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007,
8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND 9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011
FOR ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007,
8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND 9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011,
RESPECTIVELY, OF
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS
CAPITAL CORPORATION
-------------------------
- The notes being offered by this prospectus are being issued in exchange
for notes sold by us in a private placement in March 1999.
- The exchange offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
, 1999, unless extended.
- No public market exists for the original notes or the new notes. We do
not intend to list the new notes on any securities exchange or to seek
approval for quotation through any automated quotation system.
-------------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 20 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY HOLDERS WHO TENDER THEIR ORIGINAL NOTES IN THE
EXCHANGE OFFER AND BY PURCHASERS OF THE NOTES FROM PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO USE THIS
PROSPECTUS FOR RESALES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We
may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state in which the offer or sale would be unlawful.
NOTICE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS
NEITHER THE FACT THAT A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN APPLICATION FOR A
LICENSE HAS BEEN FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-b OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIFORM
SECURITIES ACT WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NOR THE FACT THAT A SECURITY IS
EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED OR A PERSON IS LICENSED IN THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONSTITUTES A FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE THAT ANY DOCUMENT FILED UNDER
RSA 421-b IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. NEITHER ANY SUCH FACT NOR THE
FACT THAT AN EXEMPTION OR EXCEPTION IS AVAILABLE FOR A SECURITY OR A TRANSACTION
MEANS THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS PASSED IN ANY WAY UPON THE MERITS OR
QUALIFICATIONS OF, OR RECOMMENDED OR GIVEN APPROVAL TO, ANY PERSON, SECURITY, OR
TRANSACTION. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE, OR CAUSE TO BE MADE, TO ANY PROSPECTIVE
PURCHASER, CUSTOMER, OR CLIENT ANY REPRESENTATION INCONSISTENT WITH THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
The date of this prospectus is , 1999.
<PAGE> 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.......................................... 1
Risk Factors................................................ 20
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 32
Use of Proceeds............................................. 33
Capitalization.............................................. 35
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements.................... 36
Unaudited Selected Historical Combined Financial and
Operating Data............................................ 54
Selected Historical Financial Data.......................... 56
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. 57
The Exchange Offer.......................................... 77
Business.................................................... 86
Regulation and Legislation.................................. 114
Management.................................................. 121
Principal Equity Holders.................................... 129
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 130
Description of Certain Indebtedness......................... 140
Description of Notes........................................ 145
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.... 190
Plan of Distribution........................................ 198
Experts..................................................... 199
Legal Matters............................................... 199
Index to Financial Statements............................... F-1
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE> 4
SUMMARY
The following summary contains a general discussion of our business, the
exchange offer and summary financial information. It likely does not contain all
the information that is important to you in making a decision to tender original
notes in exchange for new notes. For a more complete understanding of the
exchange offer, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus and other
documents to which we refer.
OUR BUSINESS
We offer a full range of traditional cable television services and have
begun to offer digital cable television services to customers in some of our
systems. We have also started to introduce a number of other new products and
services, including interactive video programming and high-speed Internet
access. We are also exploring opportunities in telephony and electronic
commerce. The introduction of these new services represents an important step
toward the realization of our "wired world" vision, where cable's ability to
transmit voice, video and data at high speeds will enable it to serve as the
primary platform for the delivery of new services to the home and workplace. We
are accelerating the upgrade of our systems to more quickly provide these new
services. As of March 31, 1999, we served approximately 2.3 million cable
television service customers in 22 states.
We have grown rapidly over the past five years. During this period, our
management team has successfully completed 23 acquisitions, including three
acquisitions closed in 1999. In addition, we have entered into five agreements
to acquire additional cable systems with approximately 937 million customers. We
have also expanded our customer base through significant internal growth. In
1998, our internal customer growth, without giving effect to the cable systems
we acquired in that year, was 4.8%, more than twice the national industry
average of 1.7%. In 1997, our internal customer growth, without giving effect to
the cable systems we acquired in that year, was 3.5%, significantly higher than
the national industry average of 2.0%.
Pro forma for our merger with Marcus Cable Holdings, LLC and the
acquisitions we completed in 1998 and 1999, our 1998 revenues were approximately
$1.2 billion, our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization, or EBITDA, was approximately $562 million and our cash flows from
operating activities were approximately $319 million. Pro forma for our merger
with Marcus Holdings and the acquisitions we completed during 1998 and 1999, for
the three months ended March 31, 1999, our revenues were approximately $331
million, our EBITDA was approximately $149 million and our cash flows from
operating activities were approximately $60 million.
Our principal executive offices are located at 12444 Powerscourt Drive, St.
Louis, Missouri 63131. Our telephone number is (314)965-0555 and our web site is
located at www.chartercom.com. The information on our web site is not part of
this prospectus.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our objective is to increase our operating cash flow by increasing our
customer base and the amount of cash flow per customer. To achieve this
objective, we are pursuing the following strategies:
- rapidly integrate acquired cable systems and apply our core operating
strategies to raise the financial and operating performance of these
acquired systems;
1
<PAGE> 5
- expand the array of services we offer to our customers through the
implementation of our "wired world" vision;
- upgrade the bandwidth capacity of our systems to 550 megahertz or greater
to enable greater channel capacity and add two-way capability to
facilitate interactive communication;
- maximize customer satisfaction by providing reliable, high-quality
service offerings, superior customer service and attractive programming
choices at reasonable rates;
- employ innovative marketing programs tailored to local customer
preferences to generate additional sales;
- emphasize local management autonomy to better serve our customers and
centralized financial controls, while providing support from regional and
corporate offices; and
- improve the geographic clustering of our cable systems by selectively
trading or acquiring systems to increase operating efficiencies and
improve operating margins.
RECENT EVENTS
We have completed, and are in the process of completing, the acquisitions
described below. Certain of these acquisitions were originally acquisitions of
Charter Investment. Charter Investment subsequently assigned those acquisitions
to us. Charter Investment and other affiliates are making other acquisitions.
There is no present intention on their part to assign these other acquisitions
to us.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
In the second quarter of 1999, we completed three transactions in which we
acquired cable systems serving a total of approximately 374,000 customers. The
total purchase price for these acquisitions was approximately $1.2 billion. For
the year ended December 31, 1998, these systems had revenues of approximately
$172 million, EBITDA of approximately $76 million and cash flows from operating
activities of approximately $42 million. The following table is a breakdown of
our recent acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
-------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM
CLOSING PURCHASE BASIC OPERATING
RECENT ACQUISITION DATE PRICE SUBSCRIBERS REVENUE EBITDA ACTIVITIES
- ------------------ ------- -------- ----------- ------- ------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
American Cable
Entertainment, LLC...... 4/99 $240 million 68,000 $ 9,151 $ 4,195 $ 2,664
Renaissance Media Group
LLC..................... 4/99 459 million 132,000 15,254 8,365 5,390
Cable Systems of Greater
Media Cablevision,
Inc. ................... 6/99 500 million 174,000 20,394 7,621 5,808
-------------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Total................. $1.2 billion 374,000 $44,799 $20,181 $13,862
============== ======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
In addition to the recent acquisitions described above, since the beginning
of 1999, we have entered into five agreements to acquire additional cable
systems. The total purchase price for these acquisitions will be approximately
$3.0 billion. This includes the exchange with another cable service provider of
certain of our cable television systems with a fair market value of $0.4 billion
for cable systems that we can operate more efficiently because of their
geographic
2
<PAGE> 6
proximity to our other systems. As of March 31, 1999, the systems to be acquired
by us served, in the aggregate, approximately 937,000 customers. For the year
ended December 31, 1998, these systems had revenues of approximately $425
million, EBITDA of approximately $188 million and cash flows from operating
activities of approximately $32 million. The following table is a breakdown of
our pending acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ANTICIPATED ------------------------- CASH FLOWS FROM
CLOSING PURCHASE BASIC OPERATING
PENDING ACQUISITION DATE PRICE SUBSCRIBERS REVENUE EBITDA ACTIVITIES
- ------------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- ------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Helicon Partners I,
L.P. and
Affiliates.......... 7/99 $550 million 171,000 $ 21,252 $ 8,912 $ 4,056
Cable Systems of
InterMedia Capital
Partners IV, L.P.,
InterMedia Partners
and Affiliates...... 3rd or 4th 872.7 million + 408,000 48,288 21,427 21,027
Quarter 1999 systems' swap (142,000)
--------
266,000
Rifkin Acquisition
Partners, L.L.L.P.
and Interlink
Communications
Partners, L.L.P..... 3rd or 4th 1,460 million 463,000 50,914 19,194 (603)
Quarter 1999
Other................ 3rd Quarter 148 million 37,000 3,354 1,760 1,502
------------------ -------- -------- -------
Total............. $3.0 billion 937,000 $123,808 $51,293 $25,982
================== ======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
We expect to finance these pending acquisitions with additional borrowings
under our credit facilities and with additional equity.
3
<PAGE> 7
ORGANIZATION
The chart below sets forth our corporate structure:
[CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION CHART]
EXPLANATORY NOTE: Prior to our acquisition by Paul G. Allen on December
23, 1998, our cable systems were operated under four groups. Three of these
groups were comprised of Charter companies and the fourth group was comprised of
Marcus companies.
A. CHARTER COMPANIES
Prior to Charter Investment acquiring the remaining interests it did not
previously own in the various companies as described below, the operating
subsidiaries were parties to separate management agreements with Charter
Investment pursuant to which Charter Investment provided management and
consulting services.
4
<PAGE> 8
The three groups which formerly comprised the Charter companies were as
follows:
(1) Charter Communications Properties Holdings, LLC
CCP Holdings was a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Investment. The
primary subsidiary of CCP Holdings which owned the cable systems was
Charter Communications Properties, LLC. In connection with Mr. Allen's
acquisition on December 23, 1998, CCP Holdings was merged out of existence.
Charter Properties became a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Charter
Investment.
(2) The CCA Group
The controlling interests in the CCA Group were held by affiliates of
Kelso & Co. Charter Investment had only a minority interest. On December
21, 1998, prior to Mr. Allen's acquisition, the remaining interests it did
not previously own in the CCA Group were acquired by Charter Investment
from the Kelso affiliates. Consequently, the companies comprising the CCA
Group became wholly owned subsidiaries of Charter Investment.
The CCA Group consisted of the following three sister companies:
(i) CCT Holdings, LLC,
(ii) CCA Holdings, LLC, and
(iii) Charter Communications Long Beach, LLC
The cable systems were owned by the various subsidiaries of these
three sister companies. In connection with Mr. Allen's acquisition on
December 23, 1998, the three sister companies and some of the non-operating
subsidiaries were merged out of existence, leaving certain of the operating
subsidiaries owning all of the cable systems under this former group. These
operating subsidiaries became indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of
Charter Investment.
(3) CharterComm Holdings, LLC
The controlling interests in CharterComm Holdings were held by
affiliates of Charterhouse Group International Inc. Charter Investment had
only a minority interest. On December 21, 1998, prior to Mr. Allen's
acquisition, the remaining interests it did not previously own in
CharterComm Holdings were acquired by Charter Investment from the
Charterhouse affiliates. Consequently, CharterComm Holdings became a wholly
owned subsidiary of Charter Investment.
The cable systems were owned by the various subsidiaries of
CharterComm Holdings. In connection with Mr. Allen's acquisition on
December 23, 1998, some of the non-operating subsidiaries were merged out
of existence, leaving certain of the operating subsidiaries owning all of
the cable systems under this former group. CharterComm Holdings was merged
out of existence. Charter Communications, LLC became a direct, wholly owned
subsidiary of Charter Investment.
In February 1999, Charter Holdings was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Charter Investment, and Charter Operating was formed as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Charter Holdings. All of Charter Investment's direct interests in
the above entities were transferred to Charter Operating. The prior management
agreements between Charter Investment and the various operating subsidiaries
were terminated and a single management agreement was entered into between
Charter Investment and Charter Operating.
In May 1999, Charter Holdco was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Investment. All of Charter Investment's interests in Charter Holdings
were transferred to Charter Holdco.
5
<PAGE> 9
B. MARCUS COMPANIES
In April 1998, Mr. Allen acquired approximately 99% of the non-voting
economic interests in Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C., and agreed to acquire the
remaining interests and assume voting control. In October 1998, Marcus Cable
entered into a management consulting agreement with Charter Investment, pursuant
to which Charter Investment provided management and consulting services to
Marcus Cable and its subsidiaries which own the cable systems. This agreement
placed the Marcus cable systems under common management with our cable systems.
In February 1999, Marcus Holdings was formed and all of Mr. Allen's
interests in Marcus Cable were transferred to Marcus Holdings. In March 1999,
Mr. Allen acquired the remaining interests in Marcus Cable and assumed voting
control, which interests were transferred to Marcus Holdings. In April 1999, Mr.
Allen merged Marcus Holdings into us, and the operating subsidiaries of Marcus
Holdings and all of the cable systems they own came under the ownership of
Charter Holdings.
This explanatory note is intended to explain how:
(1) Charter Properties, the operating companies that formerly comprised the
CCA Group, Charter Communications, LLC and the Marcus companies became
wholly owned subsidiaries of Charter Operating;
(2) Charter Operating became a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdings;
(3) Charter Holdings became a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdco;
and
(4) Charter Holdco became a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Investment.
6
<PAGE> 10
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Resales Without Further
Registration.................... We believe that the new notes issued
pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange
for original notes may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by
you without compliance with the registration
and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933, provided that:
- you are acquiring the new notes issued in
the exchange offer in the ordinary course
of your business;
- you have not engaged in, do not intend to
engage in, and have no arrangement or
understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of the
new notes issued to you in the exchange
offer; and
- you are not our "affiliate," as defined
under Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Each of the participating broker-dealers
that receives new notes for its own account
in exchange for original notes that were
acquired by such broker or dealer as a
result of market-making or other activities
must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with the resale of
the new notes.
Expiration Date................. 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
, 1999, unless we extend the
exchange offer.
Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreements.................... You have the right to exchange the original
notes that you hold for new notes with
substantially identical terms. This exchange
offer is intended to satisfy these rights.
Once the exchange offer is complete, you
will no longer be entitled to any exchange
or registration rights with respect to your
notes.
Accrued Interest on the New
Notes and Original Notes........ The new notes will bear interest from March
17, 1999. Holders of original notes which
are accepted for exchange will be deemed to
have waived the right to receive any payment
in respect of interest on such original
notes accrued to the date of issuance of the
new notes.
Conditions to the Exchange
Offer........................... The exchange offer is conditioned upon
certain customary conditions which we may
waive and upon compliance with securities
laws.
7
<PAGE> 11
Procedures for Tendering
Original Notes.................. Each holder of original notes wishing to
accept the exchange offer must:
- complete, sign and date the letter of
transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter
of transmittal; or
- arrange for the Depository Trust Company
to transmit certain required information
to the exchange agent in connection with a
book-entry transfer.
You must mail or otherwise deliver such
documentation together with the original
notes to the exchange agent.
Special Procedures for
Beneficial Holders.............. If you beneficially own original notes
registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other
nominee and you wish to tender your original
notes in the exchange offer, you should
contact such registered holder promptly and
instruct them to tender on your behalf. If
you wish to tender on your own behalf, you
must, before completing and executing the
letter of transmittal for the exchange offer
and delivering your original notes, either
arrange to have your original notes
registered in your name or obtain a properly
completed bond power from the registered
holder. The transfer of registered ownership
may take considerable time.
Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures...................... You must comply with the applicable
procedures for tendering if you wish to
tender your original notes and:
- time will not permit your required
documents to reach the exchange agent by
the expiration date of the exchange offer;
or
- you cannot complete the procedure for
book-entry transfer on time; or
- your original notes are not immediately
available.
Withdrawal Rights............... You may withdraw your tender of original
notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the date the exchange
offer expires.
Failure to Exchange Will Affect
You Adversely................... If you are eligible to participate in the
exchange offer and you do not tender your
original notes, you will not have further
exchange or registration rights and your
original notes will continue to be subject
to some restrictions on transfer.
Accordingly, the
8
<PAGE> 12
liquidity of the original notes will be
adversely affected.
Material United States Federal
Income Tax Considerations..... It is our legal counsel's opinion that the
disclosure in this prospectus sets forth all
material United States Federal income tax
consequences of participating in the
exchange offer and in connection with the
ownership and disposition of the new notes.
The exchange of original notes for new notes
pursuant to the exchange offer should not
result in a significant modification of the
original notes for United States federal
income tax purposes. Accordingly,
- no gain or loss should be realized by a
U.S. holder upon receipt of a new note,
- a holder's holding period for new notes
should include the holding period for
original notes, and
- the adjusted tax basis of the new notes
should be the same as the adjusted tax
basis of the original notes exchanged at
the time of such exchange.
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, LLP has
rendered the above-referenced opinion in
connection with the exchange offer. See
"Material United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
Exchange Agent.................. Harris Trust Company of New York is serving
as exchange agent.
Use of Proceeds................. We will not receive any proceeds from the
exchange offer.
9
<PAGE> 13
SUMMARY TERMS OF NEW NOTES
Issuers......................... Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation.
Notes Offered................... $600 million in principal amount of 8.250%
Senior Notes due 2007.
$1.5 billion in principal amount of 8.625%
Senior Notes due 2009.
$1.475 billion in principal amount at
maturity of 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due
2011.
The form and terms of the new notes will be
the same as the form and terms of the
outstanding notes except that:
- the new notes will bear a different CUSIP
number from the original notes;
- the new notes will have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933 and,
therefore, will not bear legends
restricting their transfer; and
- you will not be entitled to any exchange
or registration rights with respect to the
new notes.
The new notes will evidence the same debt as
the original notes. They will be entitled to
the benefits of the indentures governing the
original notes and will be treated under the
indentures as a single class with the
original notes.
10
<PAGE> 14
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MATURITY
DATE ISSUE PRICE INTEREST
------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
8.250% notes......... April 1, 2007 99.233% plus accrued 8.250% per annum,
interest, if any, payable every six
from March 17, 1999 months on April 1 and
October 1, beginning
October 1, 1999
8.625% notes......... April 1, 2009 99.695%, plus accrued 8.625% per annum,
interest, if any, payable every six
from March 17, 1999 months on April 1,
and October 1,
beginning October 1,
1999
9.920% notes......... April 1, 2011 61.394% Interest to accrete
at a rate of 9.920%
per annum through
April 1, 2004; cash
interest every six
months on April 1 and
October 1 at the rate
of 9.920% per annum,
beginning October 1,
2004
</TABLE>
Ranking......................... The new notes are senior debts. They rank
equally with the current and future
unsecured and unsubordinated debt, including
trade payables, of Charter Holdings, which
is a holding company and conducts all of its
operations through its subsidiaries. If it
defaults, your right to payment under the
new notes will rank below all existing and
future liabilities, including trade
payables, of its subsidiaries. As of March
31, 1999, all of our outstanding
indebtedness, other than the notes but
including our credit facilities, was
incurred by our subsidiaries. As of that
date, our subsidiaries' liabilities, on a
pro forma basis giving effect for our recent
and pending acquisitions, totaled $4
billion. All such liabilities would have
ranked senior to the new notes.
Optional Redemption............. We will not have the right to redeem the
8.250% notes prior to their maturity date on
April 1, 2007.
Before April 1, 2002, we may redeem up to
35% of the 8.625% notes and the 9.920% notes
with the proceeds of certain offerings of
equity securities. On or after April 1,
2004, we may redeem some or all of the
8.625% notes and the 9.920% notes at any
time.
Mandatory Offer to Repurchase... If we experience certain changes of control,
we must offer to repurchase any then-issued
notes at
11
<PAGE> 15
101% of their principal amount or accreted
value, as applicable in each class of notes,
plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Basic Covenants of Indentures... The indentures governing the notes, among
other things, restrict our ability and the
ability of certain of our subsidiaries to:
- borrow money;
- create certain liens;
- pay dividends on stock or repurchase
stock;
- make investments;
- sell all or substantially all of our
assets or merge with or into other
companies;
- sell assets;
- in the case of our restricted
subsidiaries, create or permit to
exist dividend or payment
restrictions with respect to us; and
- engage in certain transactions with
affiliates.
These covenants are subject to important
exceptions.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus. In
particular, you should evaluate the specific risk factors under "Risk Factors"
for a discussion of certain risks involved with an investment in the new notes.
12
<PAGE> 16
UNAUDITED SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Unaudited Summary Pro Forma Financial Statements are based on
the financial statements of Charter Holdings, CCA Group, and CharterComm
Holdings, LLC, as adjusted to illustrate the estimated effects of our recent
acquisitions and pending acquisitions, as if such acquisitions, had occurred on
March 31, 1999 for the Balance Sheet Data and Operating Data and for the
estimated effects of the following transactions, as if such transactions had
occurred on January 1, 1998 for the Statements of Operations and Other Financial
Data:
(1) the acquisition of us on December 23, 1998 by Paul G. Allen;
(2) the acquisition of Sonic Communications, Inc. on May 20, 1998 by
us;
(3) the acquisition of Marcus Cable on April 23, 1998 by Mr. Allen;
(4) the acquisitions and dispositions during 1998 by Marcus Cable;
(5) our merger with Marcus Holdings;
(6) our recent acquisitions and pending acquisitions; and
(7) the refinancing of all our debt through the issuance of the
original notes and funding under our current credit facilities.
The Unaudited Summary Pro Forma Financial Statements reflect the
application of the principles of purchase accounting to the transactions listed
in items (1) through (4) and (6) of the preceding sentence. In purchase
accounting, all separately identifiable assets and liabilities are recorded at
fair value with the excess purchase price recorded as franchises. The allocation
of the purchase price is based, in part, on preliminary information, which is
subject to adjustment upon obtaining complete valuation information of
intangible assets. The valuation information is expected to be finalized in the
third quarter of 1999. However, no significant adjustments are anticipated.
13
<PAGE> 17
The Unaudited Summary Pro Forma Financial Statements do not purport to be
indicative of what our financial position or results of operations would
actually have been had the transactions described above been completed on the
dates indicated or to project our results of operations for any future date. See
"Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARTER RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
HOLDINGS ACQUISITIONS SUBTOTAL ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................. $ 286,135 $ 44,877 $ 331,012 $ 114,259 $ -- $ 445,271
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative........................ 152,075 22,605 174,680 61,618 -- 236,298
Depreciation and amortization........... 153,747 22,691 176,438 62,012 -- 238,450
Corporate expense charges(a)............ 5,323 1,757 7,080 -- -- 7,080
Management fees......................... -- 275 275 2,507 -- 2,782
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Total operating expenses.............. 311,145 47,328 358,473 126,137 -- 484,610
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Loss from operations...................... (25,010) (2,451) (27,461) (11,878) -- (39,339)
Interest expense.......................... (71,591) (15,122) (86,713) (38,478) (12,775) (137,966)
Interest income........................... 1,733 108 1,841 151 -- 1,992
Other income (expense).................... 15 (16) (1) (121) -- (122)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Net loss.................................. $ (94,853) $ (17,481) $ (112,334) $ (50,326) $(12,775) $ (175,435)
========== ========== ========== ========== ======== ===========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(b)................................. $ 128,752 $ 20,224 $ 148,976 $ 50,013 $ 198,989
EBITDA margin(c).......................... 45.0% 45.1% 45.0% 43.8% 44.7%
Adjusted EBITDA(d)........................ 134,060 22,272 156,332 52,641 208,973
Cash flows from operating activities...... 45,824 13,862 59,686 25,982 85,668
Cash interest expense..................... 109,186
Capital expenditures...................... $ 109,629 $ 7,201 $ 116,830 $ 36,267 $ 153,097
Total debt to annualized EBITDA........... 8.3x
Total debt to annualized Adjusted
EBITDA.................................. 7.9
EBITDA to cash interest expense........... 1.8
EBITDA to interest expense................ 1.4
Deficiency of earnings to cover fixed
charges(e).............................. $ 175,435
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets.............................. $8,357,282 $ 187,147 $8,544,429 $3,097,053 $ -- $11,641,482
Total debt................................ 4,754,018 165,480 4,919,498 1,704,822 -- 6,624,320
Members' equity........................... 3,326,142 -- 3,326,142 1,325,000 -- 4,651,142
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARTER RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
HOLDINGS ACQUISITIONS SUBTOTAL ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR AVERAGES):
Homes passed.............................. 3.977,000 512,000 4,489,000 1,403,000 5,892,000
Basic customers........................... 2,344,000 374,000 2,718,000 937,000 3,655,000
Basic penetration(f)...................... 58.9% 73.0% 60.5% 66.8% 62.0%
Premium units............................. 1,322,000 230,000 1,552,000 527,000 2,079,000
Premium penetration(g).................... 56.4% 61.5% 57.1% 56.2% 56.9%
Average monthly revenue per basic
customer(h)............................. $ 40.69 $ 40.00 $ 40.60 $ 40.65 $ 40.61
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE> 19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARTER RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
HOLDINGS MARCUS ACQUISITIONS SUBTOTAL ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues......................... $ 611,690 $ 448,192 $ 171,951 $1,231,833 $ 425,490 $ -- $ 1,657,323
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative............... 310,100 231,050 88,236 629,386 217,973 -- 847,359
Depreciation and
amortization................. 375,899 252,855 90,870 719,624 237,150 -- 956,774
Corporate expense charges(a)... 16,493 17,042 6,759 40,294 -- -- 40,294
Management fees................ -- -- 1,077 1,077 13,595 -- 14,672
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Total operating expenses..... 702,492 500,947 186,942 1,390,381 468,718 -- 1,859,099
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Loss from operations............. (90,802) (52,755) (14,991) (158,548) (43,228) -- (201,776)
Interest expense................. (207,468) (137,953) (60,375) (405,796) (153,625) 7,500 (551,921)
Other income (expense)........... 518 -- (40) 478 (5,822) -- (5,344)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -----------
Net loss......................... $(297,752) $(190,708) $ (75,406) $ (563,866) $ (202,675) $ 7,500 $ (759,041)
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ======== ===========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA(b)........................ $ 285,615 $ 200,100 $ 75,839 $ 561,554 $ 188,100 $ 749,654
EBITDA margin(c)................. 46.7% 44.6% 44.1% 45.6% 44.2% 45.2%
Adjusted EBITDA(d)............... 301,590 217,142 83,715 602,447 207,517 809,964
Cash flows from operating
activities..................... 137,160 139,908 42,230 319,298 32,164 351,462
Cash interest expense............ 436,432
Capital expenditures............. $ 213,353 $ 224,723 $ 7,001 $ 445,077 $ 84,106 $ 529,183
Total debt to EBITDA............. 8.8x
Total debt to Adjusted EBITDA.... 8.1
EBITDA to cash interest
expense........................ 1.7
EBITDA to interest expense....... 1.4
Deficiency of earnings to cover
fixed charges(e)............... $ 759,041
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD):
Total assets..................... $7,235,656 $ -- $1,227,725 $8,463,381 $3,123,961 $125,000 $11,712,342
Total debt....................... 3,523,201 -- 1,203,940 4,727,141 1,704,821 128,604 6,560,566
Members' equity.................. 3,429,291 -- -- 3,429,291 1,325,000 (3,604) 4,750,687
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE> 20
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARTER RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
HOLDINGS MARCUS ACQUISITIONS SUBTOTAL ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR AVERAGES):
Homes passed..................... 2,149,000 1,743,000 508,000 4,400,000 1,287,000 5,687,000
Basic customers.................. 1,255,000 1,062,000 365,000 2,682,000 935,000 3,617,000
Basic penetration(f)............. 58.4% 60.9% 71.9% 61.0% 72.6% 63.6%
Premium units.................... 845,000 411,000 227,000 1,483,000 584,000 2,067,000
Premium penetration(g)........... 67.3% 38.7% 62.2% 55.3% 62.5% 57.1%
Average monthly revenue per basic
customer(h).................... NM NM $ 39.26 $ 38.28 $ 37.92 $ 38.18
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Charter Investment provided corporate management and consulting services to
our subsidiaries during 1998 and 1999, and to subsidiaries of Marcus
Holdings beginning in October 1998. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
(b) EBITDA represents earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because it is a widely
accepted financial indicator of a cable television company's ability to
service indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered as an
alternative to income from operations or to cash flows from operating,
investing or financing activities, as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA should also not be
construed as an indication of a company's operating performance or as a
measure of liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA is not calculated
identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to
other similarly titled measures of other companies. Management's
discretionary use of funds depicted by EBITDA may be limited by working
capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements and by
restrictions related to legal requirements, commitments and uncertainties.
(c) EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of revenues.
(d) Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA before corporate expenses, management fees and
other income (expense) in accordance with the term "Consolidated EBITDA"
used in the indentures governing the notes. See "Description of Notes" for a
complete presentation of the methodology employed in calculating Adjusted
EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted
financial indicator of a cable company's ability to meet its debt payments
and because it is used in the indentures to determine compliance with
certain covenants. However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an
alternative to income from operations or to cash flows from operating,
investing or financing activities, as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. Adjusted EBITDA should also not be
construed as an indication of a company's operating performance or as a
measure of liquidity. In addition, because Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated
identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be comparable to
other similarly titled measures of other companies. Management's
discretionary use of funds depicted by Adjusted EBITDA may be limited by
working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements and by
restrictions related to legal requirements, commitments and uncertainties.
(e) Earnings include net income (loss) plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist
of interest expense and an estimated interest component of rent expense.
(f) Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of homes
passed. Homes passed are the number of single residence homes, apartments
and condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in a given
cable system service area.
(g) Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of basic
customers.
(h) Average monthly revenue per basic customer represents revenues divided by
the number of months in the period divided by the number of basic customers
at period end.
See "Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements."
17
<PAGE> 21
UNAUDITED SUMMARY HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The Unaudited Summary Historical Combined Financial and Operating Data for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 have been derived from the
separate financial statements of Charter Holdings, CCA Group, and CharterComm
Holdings, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, and are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The combined
financial and operating data represent the sum of the results of each of our
operating subsidiaries. Each of the companies was managed by Charter Investment,
under the terms of its respective management agreement with such company during
the presented periods. Since our operating subsidiaries were under common
management, we believe presenting combined financial information of these
companies is informative.
As a result of the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen, we have applied
purchase accounting, whereby all separately identifiable assets and liabilities
are recorded at fair value, which had the effect of increasing total assets,
total debt and members' equity as of December 23, 1998. In addition, we have
retroactively restated our financial statements to include the results of
operations of Marcus Cable for the period from December 24, 1998 through
December 31, 1998, and the balance sheet of Marcus Cable as of December 31,
1998. As a result of our acquisition by Mr. Allen and our merger with Marcus
Holdings, we believe that the periods on or prior to December 23, 1998 are not
comparable to the periods after December 23, 1998.
18
<PAGE> 22
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARTER HOLDINGS, CCA GROUP, CHARTER
AND CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS HOLDINGS
---------------------------------- ----------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1/1/98 12/24/98
----------------------- THROUGH THROUGH
1996 1997 12/23/98 12/31/98
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues........................................... $ 368,553 $ 484,155 $570,964 $ 23,450
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and administrative............ 190,084 249,419 288,428 12,679
Depreciation and amortization.................... 154,273 198,718 240,294 13,811
Management fees/corporate expense charges(a)..... 15,094 20,759 38,348 766
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total operating expenses...................... 359,451 468,896 567,070 27,256
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from operations...................... $ 9,102 $ 15,259 $ 3,894 $ (3,806)
========== ========== ======== ==========
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES............................... $ 110,291 $ 162,607 $195,468 $ 13,672
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Total assets....................................... $1,660,242 $2,002,181 $7,235,656
Total debt......................................... 1,195,899 1,846,159 3,523,201
Members' equity.................................... 26,099 (80,505) 3,429,291
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR
AVERAGES):
Homes passed....................................... 1,546,000 1,915,000 3,892,000
Basic customers.................................... 902,000 1,086,000 2,317,000
Basic penetration(b)............................... 58.3% 56.7% 59.5%
Premium units...................................... 517,000 629,000 1,256,000
Premium penetration(c)............................. 57.3% 57.9% 54.2%
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Charter Investment provided corporate management and consulting services to
us. CCA Group, and CharterComm Holdings paid fees to Charter Investment as
compensation for such services and recorded such fees as expense. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." Charter Holdings recorded
charges for actual corporate expenses incurred by Charter Investment on
behalf of Charter Holdings. Management fees/corporate expense charges for
the period ended December 23, 1998 include $14.4 million of change of
control payments under the terms of then-existing equity appreciation rights
plans. Such payments were triggered by the acquisition of us by Paul G.
Allen. Such payments were made by Charter Investment and were not subject to
reimbursement by us but were allocated to us for financial reporting
purposes. The equity appreciation rights plans were terminated in connection
with our acquisition by Mr. Allen, and these costs will not recur.
(b) Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of homes
passed.
(c) Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of basic
customers.
19
<PAGE> 23
RISK FACTORS
The new notes, like the old notes, entail the following risks. You should
carefully consider these risk factors, as well as the other information in this
prospectus, before tendering original notes in exchange for new notes.
OUR BUSINESS
WE HAVE SUBSTANTIAL EXISTING DEBT AND WILL INCUR SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL DEBT
WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PREVENT US FROM FULFILLING
OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTES.
We have a significant amount of debt. As of March 31, 1999, pro forma for
our pending acquisitions and acquisitions completed since that date, our total
debt was approximately $6.6 billion, our total members' equity was approximately
$4.7 billion, and the deficiency of our earnings available to cover fixed
charges was approximately $175 million.
Our substantial debt could have important consequences to you. For example,
it could:
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to you with
respect to the notes and to satisfy our obligations under our credit
facilities;
- increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and cable industry
conditions, including interest rate fluctuations, because much of our
borrowings are and will continue to be at variable rates of interest;
- require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from
operations to payments on our debt, which will reduce our funds available
for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions of additional
systems and other general corporate expenses;
- limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our
business and the cable industry generally;
- place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have
proportionately less debt; and
- limit our ability to borrow additional funds in the future, if we need
them, due to applicable financial and restrictive covenants in such debt.
We anticipate incurring substantial additional debt in the future to fund
the expansion, maintenance and the upgrade of our systems. If new debt is added
to our current debt levels, the related risks that we and you now face could
intensify.
20
<PAGE> 24
THE AGREEMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS GOVERNING OUR DEBT CONTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND
LIMITATIONS WHICH COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT OUR ABILITY TO OPERATE OUR BUSINESS
AND REPAY THE NOTES.
Our credit facilities and the indentures governing the notes contain a
number of significant covenants that could adversely impact our business. These
covenants, among other things, restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to:
- pay dividends;
- pledge assets;
- dispose of assets or merge;
- incur additional debt;
- issue equity;
- repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt;
- create liens; and
- make certain investments or acquisitions.
In addition, each of our credit facilities requires the particular borrower to
maintain cash specified financial ratios and meet financial tests. The ability
to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control.
The breach of any of these covenants will result in a default under the
applicable debt agreement or instrument.
IF WE DEFAULT UNDER OUR CREDIT FACILITIES, WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE
PAYMENTS ON THE NOTES, WHICH WOULD PLACE US IN DEFAULT UNDER OUR INDENTURES.
SUCH DEFAULTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT US.
In the event of a default under our credit facilities, lenders could elect
to declare all amounts borrowed, together with accrued and unpaid interest and
other fees, to be due and payable. In any event, when a default exists under our
credit facilities, funds may not be distributed by our subsidiaries to Charter
Holdings to pay interest or principal on the notes. If the amounts outstanding
under our credit facilities are accelerated, thereby causing an acceleration of
amounts outstanding under the notes, we may not be able to repay such amounts or
the notes. In addition, under the terms of the Charter Operating credit
facilities, if the 8.250% notes are not refinanced at least six months prior to
the date of their maturity, the entire amount due under such credit facilities
will become due and payable and we may not have the ability to make such
payment. Any default under any of our credit facilities or our indentures may
adversely affect our growth, our financial condition and our results of
operations.
THE NOTES ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF A HOLDING COMPANY WHICH HAS NO OPERATIONS AND
DEPENDS ON ITS OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES FOR CASH. OUR SUBSIDIARIES MAY BE LIMITED
IN THEIR ABILITY TO MAKE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS DUE UNDER
THE NOTES.
As a holding company, Charter Holdings does not hold substantial assets
other than its direct or indirect investments in and advances to our operating
subsidiaries. Consequently, our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and
own substantially all of our assets. As a result, our cash flow and our ability
to meet our debt payment obligations on the notes will depend upon the cash flow
of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by our subsidiaries to us in the
form of loans, equity distributions or otherwise. Our
21
<PAGE> 25
subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment on the
notes. In addition, our subsidiaries' ability to make any such loans, equity
distributions or other payments to us will depend on their earnings, the terms
of their indebtedness, business and tax considerations and legal restrictions.
Because of our holding company structure, the notes will be subordinate to
all liabilities of our subsidiaries. Under our credit facilities Charter
Operating is the borrower, and our other subsidiaries are guarantors. The
lenders under our credit facilities will have the right to be paid before you
from any of our subsidiaries' assets. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or
dissolution of a subsidiary, following payment by such subsidiary of its
liabilities, such subsidiary may not have sufficient assets remaining to make
payments to us as a shareholder or otherwise.
OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CASH NEEDED TO SERVICE OUR
DEBT AND GROW OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Our ability to make payments on our debt, including the notes, and to fund
our planned capital expenditures for upgrading our cable systems and for other
purposes will depend on our ability to generate cash and secure financing in the
future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial,
competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our
control. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations,
and sufficient future borrowings are not available to us under our credit
facilities or from other sources of financing, we may not be able to repay our
debt, including the notes, to grow our business or to fund our other liquidity
needs.
WE HAVE GROWN RAPIDLY AND HAVE A LIMITED HISTORY OF OPERATING OUR CURRENT
SYSTEMS. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO COMPLETELY EVALUATE OUR PERFORMANCE.
We commenced active operations in 1994 and have grown rapidly since then
through acquisitions of cable systems. Giving effect to our merger with Marcus
Holdings and our recent and pending acquisitions, our systems currently serve
approximately 58% more customers than were served as of December 31, 1998. As a
result, historical financial information about us may not be indicative of the
future or of results that we can achieve with the cable systems which will be
under our control. Our significant recent growth in revenue and growth in EBITDA
over our short operating history is not necessarily indicative of future
performance.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF NET LOSSES AND EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE NET LOSSES.
CONSEQUENTLY, WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO FINANCE OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS.
We have had a history of net losses and expect to continue to report net
losses for the foreseeable future. We reported net losses from continuing
operations, before extraordinary items, of $157 million for 1997, $200 million
for 1998, and $94.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999. On a pro
forma basis, giving effect to our merger with Marcus Holdings and our recent and
pending acquisitions, we had net losses from continuing operations, before
extraordinary items of $759 million for 1998. For the three months ended March
31, 1999, on the same pro forma basis, we had net losses from continuing
operations, before extraordinary items of $175 million. We expect our net losses
to increase as a result of our recent and pending acquisitions. We cannot
predict what impact, if any, continued losses will have on our ability to
finance our operations in the future.
22
<PAGE> 26
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN CAPITAL SUFFICIENT TO FUND OUR PLANNED UPGRADES AND
OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO OFFER NEW
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR GROWTH, FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
We intend to upgrade a significant portion of our cable systems over the
coming years and make other capital investments. Over the next three years, we
plan to spend approximately $900 million, or $1.2 billion pro forma including
our recent and pending acquisitions, to upgrade the systems we own and the
systems we have agreed to acquire in our pending acquisitions. We also plan to
spend an additional $900 million, or $1.3 billion pro forma for our recent and
pending acquisitions, to maintain and expand the systems we own and the systems
we will acquire. We cannot assure you that these amounts will be sufficient to
accomplish our planned system upgrades, maintenance and expansion. If we cannot
obtain the necessary funds from increases in our operating cash flow, additional
borrowings or other sources, we may not be able to fund our planned upgrades and
expansion and offer new products and services on a timely basis. Consequently,
our growth, our financial condition and the results of our operations could
suffer materially.
IF WE ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN IMPLEMENTING OUR GROWTH STRATEGY, WE MAY BE UNABLE TO
FULFILL OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTES.
We expect that a substantial portion of our future growth will be achieved
through revenues from new products and services and the acquisition of
additional cable systems. We may not be able to offer these new products and
services successfully to our customers and these new products and services may
not generate adequate revenues. In addition, we cannot predict the success of
our acquisition strategy. In the past year, the cable television industry has
undergone dramatic consolidation which has reduced the number of future
acquisition prospects. This consolidation may increase the purchase price of
future acquisitions, and we may not be successful in identifying attractive
acquisition targets in the future. Additionally, those acquisitions we do
complete are not likely to have a positive net impact on our operating results
in the near future. If we are unable to grow our cash flow sufficiently, we may
be unable to fulfill our obligations to you under the notes or obtain
alternative financing.
WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO INTEGRATE THE NEW SYSTEMS THAT WE ACQUIRE AND THE
CUSTOMERS THEY SERVE WITH OUR EXISTING SYSTEMS. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
OPERATING RESULTS AND GROWTH STRATEGY.
Upon the completion of our pending acquisitions, we will own and operate
cable systems serving approximately 3.7 million customers, as compared to the
cable systems we currently own which serve approximately 2.3 million customers
as of March 31, 1999. In addition, we may acquire more cable systems in the
future, through system swaps or otherwise. The integration of our new cable
systems poses a number of significant risks, including:
- our acquisitions may not have a positive impact on our free cash flow.
- the integration of these new systems and customers will place significant
demands on our management and our operations, informational services, and
financial, legal and marketing resources. Our current operating and
financial systems and controls and information services may not be
adequate, and any steps taken to improve these systems and controls may
not be sufficient.
23
<PAGE> 27
- our current information systems may be incompatible with the information
systems we have acquired or plan to acquire. We may be unable to
integrate these information systems at a reasonable cost or in a timely
manner.
- acquired businesses sometimes result in unexpected liabilities and
contingencies which could be significant.
- our continued growth will also increase our need for qualified personnel.
We may not be able to hire such additional qualified personnel.
We cannot assure you that we will successfully integrate any acquired
systems into our operations.
THE FAILURE TO OBTAIN NECESSARY REGULATORY APPROVALS, OR TO SATISFY OTHER
CLOSING CONDITIONS, COULD IMPEDE THE CONSUMMATION OF A PENDING ACQUISITION. THIS
WOULD PREVENT OR DELAY OUR STRATEGY TO EXPAND OUR BUSINESS AND INCREASE
REVENUES.
Our pending acquisitions are subject to federal, state and local regulatory
approvals. We cannot assure that we will be able to obtain any necessary
approvals. These pending acquisitions are also subject to a number of other
closing conditions. There can be no assurance as to when, or if, each such
acquisition will be consummated. Any delay, prohibition or modification could
adversely affect the terms of a pending acquisition or could require us to
abandon an otherwise attractive opportunity and possible forfeit earnest money.
OUR PROGRAMMING COSTS ARE INCREASING. WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO PASS THESE
INCREASES ON TO OUR CUSTOMERS, WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR CASH FLOW AND
OPERATING MARGINS.
Programming has been and is expected to continue to be our largest single
expense item. In recent years, the cable industry has experienced a rapid
escalation in the cost of programming, particularly sports programming. This
escalation may continue and we may not be able to pass programming cost
increases on to our customers. In addition, as we upgrade the channel capacity
of our systems and add programming to our basic and expanded basic tiers, and
reposition premium services to the basic tier, we may face additional market
constraints on our ability to pass programming costs on to our customers. The
inability to pass these increases on to our customers will have an adverse
impact on our cash flow and operating margins.
WE MAY BE UNABLE TO NEGOTIATE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ON FAVORABLE TERMS AND OUR
CONSTRUCTION COSTS MAY INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
GROWTH, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The expansion and upgrade of our existing systems and the systems we plan
to acquire in our pending acquisitions will require us to hire contractors and
enter into a number of construction agreements. We may have difficulty hiring
experienced civil contractors, and the contractors we hire may encounter cost
overruns or delays in construction. Although we have recently been able to
negotiate construction contracts at rates which we believe are competitive
relative to the cable industry as a whole, our construction costs may increase
significantly over the next few years as existing contracts expire and as demand
for cable construction services continues to grow. We cannot assure you that we
will be able to construct new systems or expand or upgrade existing or acquired
systems in a timely manner or at a reasonable cost. This may adversely affect
our growth, financial condition and results of operations.
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<PAGE> 28
OUR PRINCIPAL EQUITY HOLDER MAY HAVE INTERESTS ADVERSE TO YOUR INTERESTS.
Paul G. Allen beneficially owns approximately 96% of our outstanding equity
interests on a fully diluted basis. Accordingly, Mr. Allen has the ability to
control fundamental corporate transactions requiring equity holder approval,
including without limitation, election of directors, approval of merger
transactions involving us and sales of all or substantially all of our assets.
Further, through his effective control of our management and affairs, Mr. Allen
could cause us to enter into contracts with another corporation in which he owns
an interest, or cause us to decline a transaction that he or an entity in which
he owns an interest ultimately enters into.
Mr. Allen may engage in other businesses involving the operation of cable
television systems, video programming, high-speed Internet access or electronic
commerce, or other businesses that compete or may in the future compete with us
through one or more of his affiliates. If he did so, we and Mr. Allen would be
competing. In addition, Mr. Allen currently engages and may engage in the future
in businesses that are complementary to our cable television business.
Accordingly, conflicts could arise with respect to the allocation of corporate
opportunities between us and Mr. Allen's affiliates. Current or future
agreements between us and Mr. Allen may not be the result of arm's-length
negotiations. Consequently, such agreements may be less favorable to us than
agreements that we could otherwise have entered into with unaffiliated third
parties. Further, many past and future transactions with Mr. Allen or his
affiliates are informal in nature and, therefore, costs and benefits are not
formally allocated among the parties to the transactions. As a result, there
inevitably will be some discretion left to the parties, who are subject to the
potentially conflicting interests described above.
We have not instituted any formal plan or arrangement to address potential
conflicts of interest or allocation of corporate opportunities that may arise.
OUR MANAGEMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING OTHER CABLE OPERATIONS AND WILL
NOT DEVOTE THEIR FULL TIME TO OUR OPERATIONS. THIS COULD IMPAIR OUR OPERATING
RESULTS AND GIVE RISE TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
Mr. Allen and certain other of our affiliates, including our direct parent,
Charter Holdco, have agreed to acquire, and may from time to time in the future
acquire, cable systems in addition to those owned or acquired by us. To date,
such affiliates have signed agreements to purchase cable systems with a total of
approximately 2.5 million customers. Although in the past, Charter Investment
has assigned certain of their acquisitions to us, there is no present intention
on the part of Charter Investment or any of our other affiliates to contribute
any additional acquisitions to us or to any of our subsidiaries.
Charter Investment, of which Mr. Allen is the majority owner, as well as
some of the officers of Charter Investment who currently manage our cable
systems, will have a substantial role in managing these outside systems. Charter
Investment and its officers and employees now devote substantially all of their
time to managing our systems. However, when such persons begin to manage outside
cable systems as well, the time they devote to managing our systems will be
correspondingly reduced. This could impair our results of operations. Moreover,
allocating managers' time and other resources of Charter Investment between our
systems and outside systems held by our affiliates could give rise to conflicts
of interest. Charter Investment does not have or plan to create formal
procedures for determining whether and to what extent outside cable television
systems described above will receive priority with respect to personnel
requirements.
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<PAGE> 29
THE LOSS OF CERTAIN KEY EXECUTIVES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO MANAGE
OUR BUSINESS.
Our operations are managed by Charter Investment which, in turn, is managed
by a small number of key executive officers, including Jerald L. Kent. The loss
of the services of these individuals, and, in particular, of Mr. Kent, could
adversely affect our ability to manage our business which, in turn, could
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
DATA PROCESSING FAILURES AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1999 COULD SIGNIFICANTLY DISRUPT OUR
OPERATIONS, CAUSING A DECLINE IN CASH FLOW AND REVENUES AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES.
The year 2000 problem affects our owned and licensed computer systems and
equipment used in connection with internal operations. It also affects our
non-information technology systems, including embedded systems in our buildings
and other infrastructure. Additionally, since we rely directly and indirectly,
in the regular course of business, on the proper operation and compatibility of
third party systems, the year 2000 problem could cause these systems to fail,
err, or become incompatible with our systems.
Much of our assessment efforts regarding the year 2000 problem has
involved, and depends on, inquiries to third party service providers. Some of
these third parties that have certified the readiness of their products will not
certify that such products have operating compatibility with our systems. If we,
or a significant third party with whom we communicate and do business through
computers, fails to become year 2000 ready, or if the year 2000 problem causes
our systems to become internally incompatible or incompatible with key third
party systems, our business could suffer material disruptions. We could also
face disruptions if the year 2000 problem causes general widespread problems or
an economic crisis. We cannot now estimate the extent of these potential
disruptions. We cannot assure you that our efforts to date and our ongoing
efforts to prepare for the year 2000 problem will be sufficient to prevent a
material disruption of our operations, particularly with respect to systems we
may acquire prior to December 31, 1999. As a result of any such disruption our
growth, financial condition and results of operations could suffer materially.
THERE SHOULD BE NO EXPECTATION THAT MR. ALLEN WILL FUND OUR OPERATIONS OR
OBLIGATIONS IN THE FUTURE.
In the past, Mr. Allen has contributed equity to Charter Investment. In
July 1999, Mr. Allen agreed to contribute $500 million on or before July 31,
1999, and $825 million on or before September 1, 1999, to Charter Holdco in
exchange for membership interests in Charter Holdco, pursuant to a membership
interests purchase agreement. We cannot assure you that Mr. Allen will perform
his obligations under the membership interests purchase agreement. If he does
not perform his obligations, such funds, which we anticipate using to complete
some of our pending acquisitions, will not be available to us. In addition,
there can be no expectation that Mr. Allen will continue to contribute funds to
us or to our affiliates in the future.
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<PAGE> 30
OUR INDUSTRY
WE OPERATE IN A VERY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT WHICH CAN AFFECT OUR
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS.
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive. In some instances
we compete against companies with fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to
financing, greater personnel resources, greater brand name recognition and
long-standing relationships with regulatory authorities. Mergers, joint ventures
and alliances among cable television operators, regional telephone companies,
long distance telephone service providers, electric utilities, local exchange
carriers, providers of cellular and other wireless communications services and
others may result in providers capable of offering cable television and other
telecommunications services in direct competition with us.
We also face competition within the subscription television industry from
non-cable technologies for distributing television broadcast signals and from
other communications and entertainment media, including conventional off-air
television and radio broadcasting services, newspapers, movie theaters, the
Internet, live sports events and home video products. We cannot assure you that
upgrading our cable systems will allow us to compete effectively. Additionally,
as we expand and introduce new and enhanced services, including additional
telecommunications services, we will be subject to competition from other
telecommunications providers. We cannot predict the extent to which this
competition may affect our business and operations in the future.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FUND THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURES NECESSARY TO KEEP PACE WITH
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS OR OUR CUSTOMERS' DEMAND FOR NEW PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES. THIS COULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY.
The cable business is characterized by rapid technological change and the
introduction of new products and services. We cannot assure you that we will be
able to fund the capital expenditures necessary to keep pace with technological
developments, or that we will successfully anticipate the demand of our
customers for products or services requiring new technology. This type of rapid
technological change could adversely affect our plans to upgrade or expand our
systems and respond to competitive pressures. Our inability to upgrade, maintain
and expand our systems and provide enhanced services in a timely manner, or to
anticipate the demands of the market place, could adversely affect our ability
to compete. Consequently, our growth, results of operation and financial
condition could suffer materially.
WE OPERATE OUR CABLE SYSTEMS UNDER FRANCHISES WHICH ARE NON-EXCLUSIVE. LOCAL
FRANCHISING AUTHORITIES CAN GRANT ADDITIONAL FRANCHISES AND CREATE COMPETITION
IN MARKET AREAS WHERE NONE EXISTED PREVIOUSLY.
Our cable systems are operated under franchises granted by local
franchising authorities. These franchises are non-exclusive. Consequently, such
local franchising authorities can grant additional franchises to competitors in
the same geographic area. As a result, competing operators may build systems in
areas in which we hold franchises. The existence of more than one cable system
operating in the same territory is referred to as an overbuild. Overbuilds can
adversely affect our operations. We are currently aware of overbuild situations
in six of our systems and potential overbuild situations in another four of our
systems, together representing a total of approximately 89,000 customers.
Additional overbuild situations may occur in other systems.
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<PAGE> 31
OUR CABLE SYSTEMS ARE OPERATED UNDER FRANCHISES WHICH SUBJECTS US TO REGULATION
BY LOCAL FRANCHISING AUTHORITIES. THIS FURTHER INCREASES OUR EXPENSES.
Our cable systems generally operate pursuant to non-exclusive franchises,
permits or licenses typically granted by a municipality or other state or local
government controlling the public rights-of-way. Franchises are generally
granted for fixed terms and must be periodically renewed. Local franchising
authorities may resist granting a renewal if either past performance or the
prospective operating proposal is considered inadequate. In many cases,
franchises are terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with material
provisions set forth in the franchise agreement governing system operations.
Many franchises establish specific customer service standards and establish
monetary penalties for non-compliance. In addition to the franchise document,
cable authorities have also adopted in some jurisdictions cable regulatory
ordinances that further regulate the operation of cable systems. This additional
regulation increases our expenses in operating our business. We cannot assure
you that the local franchising authorities will not impose new and more
restrictive requirements.
Local franchising authorities also have the power to reduce rates and order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of March 31, 1999,
we have refunded an aggregate amount of approximately $453,000 since our
inception. We may be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
OUR FRANCHISES ARE SUBJECT TO NON-RENEWAL OR TERMINATION. AUTHORITIES MAY
REQUIRE COSTLY CONCESSIONS AS A CONDITION TO RENEWING A FRANCHISE. THE FAILURE
TO RENEW A FRANCHISE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS IN A KEY MARKET.
Our business is dependent on our ability to obtain and renew our
franchises. Our franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination. In
addition, the franchise authorities often demand concessions or other
commitments as a condition to renewal, which have been and may continue to be
costly to us. In certain cases, franchises have not been renewed at expiration,
and we have operated under either temporary operating agreements or without a
license while negotiating renewal terms with the local franchising authorities.
You should be aware that the process of renewing these franchises increases our
cost of doing business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew these
franchises. A sustained and material failure to renew a franchise could
adversely affect our business in the affected metropolitan area.
OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE GOVERNMENTAL LEGISLATION AND REGULATION.
THE APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS, AND CHANGES TO THEM, COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT OUR BUSINESS BY INCREASING OUR EXPENSES.
Regulation of the cable industry has increased the administrative and
operational expenses and limited the revenues of cable systems. Cable operators
are subject to, among other things:
- limited rate regulation;
- requirements that, under specified circumstances, a cable system carry a
local broadcast station or obtain consent to carry a local or distant
broadcast station;
- rules for franchise renewals and transfers; and
- other requirements covering a variety of operational areas such as equal
employment opportunity, technical standards and customer service
requirements.
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Additionally, many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. There are also
ongoing efforts to amend or expand the state and local regulation of some of our
cable systems, which may compound the regulatory risks we already face. We
expect further efforts, but cannot predict whether any of the states or
localities in which we now operate will expand regulation of our cable systems
in the future or how they will do so.
WE MAY BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO OUR NETWORKS TO OTHER INTERNET SERVICE
PROVIDERS. THIS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE OUR COMPETITION AND ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE UPGRADE OF OUR SYSTEMS OR OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE NEW PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES.
There are proposals before the United States Congress and the Federal
Communications Commission to require all cable operators to make a portion of
their cable systems' bandwidth available to other Internet service providers,
such as telephone companies. Certain local franchising authorities are
considering or have already approved such "open access" requirements. A federal
district court in Portland, Oregon, recently upheld the legality of an open
access requirement. Recently, a number of companies, including telephone
companies and Internet service providers, have requested local authorities and
the Federal Communications Commission to require cable operators to provide
access to cable's broadband infrastructure so that these companies may deliver
Internet services directly to customers over cable facilities. Allocating a
portion of our bandwidth capacity to other Internet service providers would
impair our ability to use our bandwidth in ways that would generate maximum
revenues. In addition, our Internet service provider competitors would be
strengthened. We may also decide not to upgrade our systems which would prevent
us from introducing our planned new products and services. In addition, we
cannot assure that if we were required to provide access in this manner, it
would not adversely impact our profitability in many ways, including any or all
of the following:
- significantly increasing competition;
- increasing the expenses we incur to maintain our systems; and
- increasing the expense of upgrading and/or expanding our systems.
DESPITE RECENT DEREGULATION OF EXPANDED BASIC CABLE PROGRAMMING PACKAGES, WE ARE
CONCERNED THAT CABLE RATE INCREASES COULD GIVE RISE TO FURTHER REGULATION. THIS
COULD IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO RAISE RATES TO COVER OUR INCREASING COSTS OR CAUSE
US TO DELAY OR CANCEL SERVICE OR PROGRAMMING ENHANCEMENTS.
On March 31, 1999, the pricing guidelines of expanded basic cable
programming packages were deregulated, permitting cable operators to set their
own rates. This deregulation was not applicable to basic services. However, the
Federal Communications Commission and the United States Congress continue to be
concerned that cable rate increases are exceeding inflation. It is possible that
either the Federal Communications Commission or the United States Congress will
again restrict the ability of cable television operators to implement rate
increases. Should this occur, it would impede our ability to raise our rates. If
we are unable to raise our rates in response to increasing costs, our financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
IF WE OFFER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL
REGULATORY BURDENS CAUSING US TO INCUR ADDITIONAL COSTS.
If we enter the business of offering telecommunications services, we may be
required to obtain federal, state and local licenses or other authorizations to
offer such services. We
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<PAGE> 33
may not be able to obtain such authorizations in a timely manner, if at all, and
conditions could be imposed upon such licenses or authorizations that may not be
favorable to us. Furthermore, telecommunications companies, including Internet
protocol telephony companies, generally are subject to significant regulation as
well as higher fees for pole attachments. In particular, cable operators who
provide telecommunications services and cannot reach agreement with local
utilities over pole attachment rates in states that do not regulate pole
attachment rates will be subject to a methodology prescribed by the Federal
Communications Commission for determining the rates. These rates may be higher
than those paid by cable operators who do not provide telecommunications
services. The rate increases are to be phased in over a five-year period
beginning on February 8, 2001. If we become subject to telecommunications
regulation or higher pole attachment rates, we may incur additional costs which
may be material to our business.
THE OFFERING
THERE IS NO PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES. AN ACTIVE MARKET MAY NOT DEVELOP
CAUSING DIFFICULTIES FOR YOU IF YOU TRY TO RESELL THE NOTES.
The new notes will be new securities for which there is currently no public
market. We do not intend to list the new notes on any national securities
exchange or quotation system. There can be no assurance as to the development of
any market or liquidity of any market that may develop for the new notes. If a
trading market does not develop or is not maintained, you may experience
difficulty in reselling new notes, or you may be unable to sell them at all.
IF YOU FAIL TO EXCHANGE YOUR ORIGINAL NOTES FOR NEW NOTES, SUCH ORIGINAL NOTES
WILL REMAIN SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. ACCORDINGLY, THE LIQUIDITY OF
THE MARKET FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTES COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
Holders of original notes who do not exchange their original notes for new
notes pursuant to the exchange offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of the original notes set forth in the legend on the
original notes. This is a consequence of the issuance of the original notes
pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
registration requirements of the Securities Act. In general, original notes may
not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except
pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. If we complete the exchange
offer, we will not be required to register the original notes, and we do not
anticipate that we will register the original notes, under the Securities Act.
Additionally, to the extent that original notes are tendered and accepted in the
exchange offer, the aggregate principal amount of original notes outstanding
will decrease, with a resulting decrease in the liquidity of the market for the
original notes.
WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO RAISE THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO FULFILL OUR
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTES FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF CONTROL OFFER. THIS WOULD
PLACE US IN DEFAULT UNDER THE INDENTURES GOVERNING THE NOTES.
Under the indentures governing the notes, upon the occurrence of specified
change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all
outstanding notes. However, we may not have sufficient funds at the time of the
change of control event to make the required repurchase of the notes. In
addition, a change of control would require the repayment of borrowings under
our credit facilities. Because the credit facilities are
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<PAGE> 34
obligations of our subsidiaries, the credit facilities would have to be repaid
by our subsidiaries before their assets could be used to repurchase the notes.
Our failure to make or complete an offer to repurchase the notes would place us
in default under the indentures.
THE 9.920% NOTES WILL BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT. CONSEQUENTLY,
HOLDERS OF 9.920% NOTES WILL GENERALLY BE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE AMOUNTS IN GROSS
INCOME FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ADVANCE OF RECEIVING CASH.
The 9.920% notes will be issued at a substantial discount from their stated
principal amount. As a result, purchasers of such notes generally will be
required to include the accrued portion of such discount in gross income, as
interest, for United States federal income tax purposes in advance of the
receipt of cash payments of such interest.
IF A BANKRUPTCY PETITION WERE FILED BY OR AGAINST US, YOU MAY RECEIVE A LESSER
AMOUNT FOR YOUR CLAIM THAN YOU WOULD BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE UNDER THE INDENTURE
GOVERNING THE 9.920% NOTES, AND YOU MAY REALIZE TAXABLE GAIN OR LOSS UPON
PAYMENT OF YOUR CLAIM.
If a bankruptcy petition were filed by or against us under the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code after the issuance of the 9.920% notes, the claim by a holder of
such notes for the principal amount of such notes may be limited to an amount
equal to the sum of:
(1) the initial offering price for such notes; and
(2) that portion of the original issue discount that does not constitute
"unmatured interest" for purposes of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Any original issue discount that was not amortized as of the date of the
bankruptcy filing would constitute unmatured interest. Accordingly, holders of
9.920% notes under these circumstances may receive a lesser amount than they
would be entitled to receive under the terms of the indenture governing the
9.920% notes, even if sufficient funds are available. In addition, to the extent
that the U.S. Bankruptcy Code differs from the Internal Revenue Code in
determining the method of amortization of original issue discount, a holder of
9.920% notes may realize taxable gain or loss upon payment of that holder's
claim in bankruptcy.
IF WE DO NOT FULFILL OUR OBLIGATIONS TO YOU UNDER THE NOTES, YOU WILL NOT HAVE
ANY RECOURSE AGAINST OUR EQUITY HOLDERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES.
The notes will be issued solely by Charter Holdings and Charter Capital.
None of our equity holders, directors, officers, employees or affiliates,
including Paul G. Allen, will be an obligor or guarantor under the notes.
Furthermore, the indentures governing the notes expressly provide that these
parties will not have any liability for our obligations under the notes or the
indentures. By accepting the notes, you waive and release all such liability as
consideration for issuance of the notes. Consequently, if we do not fulfill our
obligations to you under the notes, you will have no recourse against any of
these parties.
Additionally, our equity holders, including Mr. Allen, will be free to
manage other entities, including other cable companies. If we do not fulfill our
obligations to you under the notes, you will have no recourse against those
other entities or their assets as well.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other
things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial.
Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or
suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure
you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this prospectus are
set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus, and
include, but are not limited to:
- our plans to achieve growth by offering new and enhanced services and
through acquisitions;
- our anticipated capital expenditures for our planned upgrades, and the
ability to fund such upgrades;
- our beliefs regarding the affects of governmental regulation on our
business;
- our ability to effectively compete in a highly competitive environment;
and
- our expectations to be ready for any year 2000 problem.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our
behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by those cautionary statements.
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<PAGE> 36
USE OF PROCEEDS
This exchange offer is intended to satisfy certain of our obligations under
the exchange and registration rights agreements entered into in connection with
the offering of the original notes. We will not receive any proceeds from the
exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the new notes, we will receive
original notes with like original principal amount at maturity. The form and
terms of the original notes are the same as the form and terms of the new notes,
except as otherwise described in this prospectus. The original notes surrendered
in exchange for new notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued.
Accordingly, the issuance of the new notes will not result in any increase in
our outstanding debt.
We received proceeds totaling approximately $2.99 billion from the private
placement of the original notes. Some of these proceeds were used to complete
cash tender offers for certain then-outstanding notes of our subsidiaries. Some
of these proceeds were also used to pay off a portion of our previous credit
facilities, and to fund working capital, capital expenditures and recent
acquisitions.
The break-down of the uses of these proceeds are as follows (in billions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Tender offers:
CharterComm Holdings (a)
14.00% Senior Secured Discount Debentures due 2007..... $0.14
11.25% Senior Notes due 2006........................... 0.14
Marcus Cable (b)
13.50% Senior Subordinated Guaranteed Discount Notes
due 2004.............................................. 0.43
14.25% Senior Discount Notes due 2005.................. 0.30
Previous credit facilities:
Charter Properties Credit Agreement (c)................... 0.07
CharterComm Holdings Credit Agreements (d)................ 0.16
CCA Group Credit Agreements (e)........................... 0.27
Marcus Cable Credit Agreement (f):........................ 0.83
Cash used to fund working capital, capital expenditures and
recent acquisitions....................................... 0.53
Discounts and commissions................................... 0.07
Expenses.................................................... 0.05
-----
Total....................................................... $2.99
=====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) As of December 31, 1998, the effective interest rate of the 14.00% Senior
Secured Discount Debentures, which mature March 2007, was 10.7%, and the
effective interest rate of the 11.25% Senior Notes, which mature March 2006,
was 9.6%.
(b) As of December 31, 1998, the effective interest rate of the 13.50% Senior
Subordinated Guaranteed Discount Notes, which mature August 2004, was 10.0%,
and the effective interest rate of the 14.25% Senior Discount Notes, which
mature December 2005, was 14.1%.
(c) As of December 31, 1998, the variable interest rates of the Charter
Properties Credit Agreement, with maturity dates ranging from March 2000
through June 2007, ranged from 7.44% to 8.19%.
(d) As of December 31, 1998, the variable interest rates of the CharterComm
Holdings Credit Agreements, with maturity dates ranging from June 2002
through June 2007, ranged from 6.69% to 7.31%.
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(e) As of December 31, 1998, the variable interest rates of one of the CCA Group
Credit Agreements, with maturity dates ranging from March 2002 through March
2007, ranged from 6.88% to 8.06% and the variable interest rates of the
other CCA Group Credit Agreement, with maturity dates ranging from December
1999 through March 2006, ranged from 6.56% to 7.59%.
(f) As of December 31, 1998, the variable interest rates of the Marcus Credit
Agreement, with maturity dates ranging from December 2002 through April
2004, ranged from 6.23% to 7.75%.
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CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of March 31, 1999 as
adjusted to give effect to additional borrowings under our credit facilities and
an additional equity contribution in connection with our recent acquisitions and
pending acquisitions, as if such transactions had occurred on March 31, 1999.
This table should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------------
AS
HISTORICAL ADJUSTED
---------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
CHARTER HOLDINGS:
Cash and cash equivalents(a).............................. $1,038,360 $ 30,464
========== ===========
Long-term debt:
Credit facilities......................................... $1,750,000 $ 3,512,686
8.250% senior notes....................................... 598,398 598,398
8.625% senior notes....................................... 1,495,480 1,495,480
9.920% senior discount notes.............................. 909,055 909,055
Other(b).................................................. 1,085 26,085
10% senior discount notes -- Renaissance(c)............... -- 82,616
---------- -----------
Total long-term debt................................... 4,754,018 6,624,320
Members' equity(d)........................................ 3,326,142 4,651,142
---------- -----------
Total capitalization................................... $8,080,160 $11,275,462
========== ===========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) We presented cash and cash equivalents historical of $1 billion since we
were required to draw the full amount of the Tranche B term loan under our
credit facilities pursuant to the terms of the credit facilities. Therefore,
Charter Holdings will have cash available pending application of such
amounts to future acquisitions, capital expenditures and other working
capital purposes.
(b) Represents the notes of certain subsidiaries not tendered in connection with
the tender offers and preferred equity interests.
(c) Represents debt of Renaissance Media Group LLC.
(d) Members' equity, as adjusted, is increased by $1.325 billion, the additional
equity that is expected from Paul Allen in connection with our recent and
pending acquisitions.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements are based on the
financial statements of Charter Holdings, CCA Group, and CharterComm Holdings.
They are adjusted to illustrate the estimated effects of our recent and pending
acquisitions, as if such acquisitions had occurred on March 31, 1999 for the
Balance Sheet Data and Operating Data, and for the estimated effects of the
following transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 1998 for the
Statement of Operations and Other Financial Data:
(1) the acquisition of us on December 23, 1998 by Paul G. Allen;
(2) the acquisition of Sonic on May 20, 1998 by us;
(3) the acquisition of Marcus Cable on April 23, 1998 by Paul G. Allen;
(4) the acquisitions and dispositions during 1998 by Marcus Cable;
(5) our merger with Marcus Holdings;
(6) our recent and pending acquisitions; and
(7) the refinancing of all the debt of our subsidiaries through the
issuance of the original notes and funding under our credit facilities.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements reflect the application of the
principles of purchase accounting to the transactions listed in items (1)
through (4) and (6). The allocation of purchase price is based, in part, on
preliminary information which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining complete
valuation information of intangible assets. The valuation information is
expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 1999. We believe that
finalization of the purchase price will not have a material impact on the
results of operations or financial position of Charter Holdings.
The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information
and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. In particular, the pro
forma adjustments assume that the sellers of Rifkin will elect all cash for
payment of the Rifkin purchase price. The Rifkin sellers may elect to take up to
$240 million of the purchase price in preferred limited liability company
interests. The impact of such is disclosed in footnote (f) of Note A to the
Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31,
1999 and footnote (f) of Note C to the Unaudited Pro Forma Statement of
Operations for the year ended December 31, 1998. The Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with
the historical financial statements and other financial information appearing
elsewhere in this prospectus, including "Capitalization" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
36
<PAGE> 40
The Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements do not purport to be
indicative of what our financial position or results of operations would
actually have been had the transactions above been completed on the dates
indicated or to project our results of operations for any future date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
CHARTER ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS
HOLDINGS (NOTE A) SUBTOTAL (NOTE A) (NOTE B) TOTAL
---------- ------------ ---------- ---------------- ----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues........................ $ 286,135 $ 44,877 $ 331,012 $ 114,259 $ -- $ 445,271
---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative.............. 152,075 22,605 174,680 61,618 -- 236,298
Depreciation and
amortization................ 153,747 22,691 176,438 62,012 -- 238,450
Corporate expense charges
(Note C).................... 5,323 1,757 7,080 -- -- 7,080
Management fees............... -- 275 275 2,507 -- 2,782
---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses.... 311,145 47,328 358,473 126,137 -- 484,610
---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from operations............ (25,010) (2,451) (27,461) (11,878) -- (39,339)
Interest expense................ (71,591) (15,122) (86,713) (38,478) (12,775) (137,966)
Interest income................. 1,733 108 1,841 151 -- 1,992
Other income (expense).......... 15 (16) (1) (121) -- (122)
---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item............ $ (94,853) $(17,481) $ (112,334) $ (50,326) $ (12,775) $ (175,435)
========== ======== ========== ========== ========== ==========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (Note D)................. $ 128,752 $ 20,224 $ 148,976 $ 50,013 $ 198,989
EBITDA margin (Note E).......... 45.0% 45.1% 45.0% 43.8% 44.7%
Adjusted EBITDA (Note F)........ 134,060 22,272 156,332 52,641 208,973
Cash flows from operating
activities.................... 45,824 13,862 59,686 25,982 85,668
Cash interest expense........... 109,186
Capital expenditures............ $ 109,629 $ 7,201 $ 116,830 $ 36,267 $ 153,097
Total debt to annualized
EBITDA........................ 8.3x
Total debt to annualized
Adjusted EBITDA............... 7.9
EBITDA to cash interest
expense....................... 1.8
EBITDA to interest expense...... 1.4
Deficiency of earnings to cover
fixed charges (Note G)........ $ 175,435
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR AVERAGES):
Homes passed.................... 3,977,000 512,000 4,489,000 1,403,000 5,892,000
Basic customers................. 2,344,000 374,000 2,718,000 937,000 3,655,000
Basic penetration (Note H)...... 58.9% 73.0% 60.5% 66.8% 62.0%
Premium units................... 1,322,000 230,000 1,552,000 527,000 2,079,000
Premium penetration (Note I).... 56.4% 61.5% 57.1% 56.2% 56.9%
Average monthly revenue per
basic customer (Note J)....... $ 40.69 $ 40.00 $ 40.60 $ 40.65 $ 40.61
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE> 41
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NOTE A: Pro forma operating results for our recent acquisitions and
pending acquisitions consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL PENDING ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL
------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
GREATER
AMERICAN MEDIA TOTAL INTERMEDIA TOTAL
RENAISSANCE CABLE SYSTEMS RECENT SYSTEMS HELICON RIFKIN(a) OTHER PENDING
----------- -------- ------- ------- ---------- ------- --------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...................... $15,254 $ 9,151 $20,394 $44,799 $ 48,288 $21,252 $ 50,914 $3,354 $123,808
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative............ 6,889 4,681 12,757 24,327 26,080 11,277 27,028 1,594 65,979
Depreciation and
amortization.............. 6,655 5,536 2,425 14,616 26,100 6,828 26,187 938 60,053
Management fees............. -- 275 -- 275 781 1,063 841 -- 2,685
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Total operating
expenses................ 13,544 10,492 15,182 39,218 52,961 19,168 54,056 2,532 128,717
Income (loss) from
operations.................. 1,710 (1,341) 5,212 5,581 (4,673) 2,084 (3,142) 822 (4,909)
Interest expense.............. (4,797) (2,450) (157) (7,404) (5,778) (7,821) (11,414) (758) (25,771)
Interest income............... 90 18 -- 108 77 51 -- -- 128
Other income (expense)........ -- -- (16) (16) -- -- (3,851) -- (3,851)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Income (loss) before income
tax expense (benefit)....... (2,997) (3,773) 5,039 (1,731) (10,374) (5,686) (18,407) 64 (34,403)
Income tax (benefit)
expense..................... 58 -- 2,088 2,146 (1,396) -- (537) -- (1,933)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item.......... $(3,055) $(3,773) $ 2,951 $(3,877) $ (8,978) $(5,686) $(17,870) $ 64 $(32,470)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== ====== ========
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE> 42
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS PENDING ACQUISITIONS
------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
----------------------------------------- ---------------
HISTORICAL ACQUISITIONS(B) ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL HISTORICAL ACQUISITIONS(B)
---------- --------------- ----------- -------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............... $44,799 $ 78 $ -- $ 44,877 $123,808 $ 6,400
Operating expenses:
Operating, general
and
administrative..... 24,327 35 (1,757)(d) 22,605 65,979 3,541
Depreciation and
amortization....... 14,616 34 8,041(e) 22,691 60,053 1,376
Corporate expense
charges............ -- -- 1,757(d) 1,757 -- --
Management fees...... 275 -- -- 275 2,685 280
------- ---- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total operating
expenses........... 39,218 69 8,041 47,328 128,717 5,197
Income (loss) from
operations........... 5,581 9 (8,041) (2,451) (4,909) 1,203
Interest expense....... (7,404) (25) (7,693)(f) (15,122) (25,771) (1,309)
Interest income........ 108 -- -- 108 128 23
Other income
(expense)............ (16) -- -- (16) (3,851) (44)
------- ---- -------- -------- -------- -------
Income (loss) before
income tax expense
(benefit)............ (1,731) (16) (15,734) (17,481) (34,403) (127)
Income tax (benefit)
expense.............. 2,146 -- (2,146)(h) -- (1,933) (114)
------- ---- -------- -------- -------- -------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item... $(3,877) $(16) $(13,588) $(17,481) $(32,470) $ (13)
======= ==== ======== ======== ======== =======
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
-----------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
-----------------------------------------
DISPOSITIONS(C) ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
--------------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............... $(15,949) $ -- $114,259
Operating expenses:
Operating, general
and
administrative..... (7,902) -- 61,618
Depreciation and
amortization....... (6,883) 7,466(e) 62,012
Corporate expense
charges............ -- -- --
Management fees...... (458) -- 2,507
-------- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses........... (15,243) 7,466 126,137
Income (loss) from
operations........... (706) (7,466) (11,878)
Interest expense....... (4) (11,394)(f) (38,478)
Interest income........ -- -- 151
Other income
(expense)............ -- 3,774(g) (121)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
income tax expense
(benefit)............ (710) (15,086) (50,326)
Income tax (benefit)
expense.............. -- 2,047(h) --
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item... $ (710) $(17,133) $(50,326)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) Includes the results of operations of Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P.,
Rifkin Cable Income Partners L.P., Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd. and R/N
South Florida Cable Management Limited Partnership, all under common
ownership as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RIFKIN RIFKIN INDIANA SOUTH
ACQUISITION CABLE INCOME CABLE FLORIDA OTHER TOTAL
----------- ------------ ------- ------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............................. $24,017 $1,351 $2,102 $ 6,146 $17,298 $ 50,914
Income (loss) from operations........ 467 404 (361) (4,523) 871 (3,142)
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item............................... (5,000) 305 (564) (5,131) (7,480) (17,870)
</TABLE>
(b) Represents the historical results of operations for the period from January
1, 1999 through the date of purchase for acquisitions completed by
Renaissance and Rifkin, and for the period from January 1, 1999 through
March 31, 1999 for acquisitions to be completed subsequent to March 31,
1999.
These acquisitions will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. A definitive written agreement exists for all acquisitions that have
not yet closed. Purchase price and anticipated closing dates are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RENAISSANCE RIFKIN
ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS
------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Purchase price........................................... $ 2.7 million $165.0 million
Closing date............................................. Feb. 1999 Feb. 1999
Purchase price........................................... $53.8 million
Closing date............................................. anticipated July 1999
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE> 43
(c) Represents the elimination of the operating results primarily related to the
cable systems to be transferred to InterMedia. A definitive written
agreement exists for the disposition on these systems. The fair value of our
systems to be transferred is $420 million. No material gain or loss is
anticipated on the disposition as these systems were recently acquired and
recorded at fair value at that time. It is anticipated that this transfer
will close during the third or fourth quarter of 1999.
(d) Reflects a reclassification of expenses representing corporate expenses that
would have occurred at Charter Investment.
(e) Represents additional amortization of franchises as a result of our recent
and pending acquisitions. A large portion of the purchase price was
allocated to franchises ($3.6 billion) that are amortized over 15 years.
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amortization of franchises.................................. $60.0
Depreciation................................................ 24.7
-----
Total depreciation and amortization.................... $84.7
=====
</TABLE>
(f) Reflects additional interest expense on borrowings of the credit facilities
which will be used to finance the acquisitions using a composite current
interest rate of 7.4% (See Note B).
(g) Represents the elimination of gain (loss) on sale of assets.
(h) Reflects the elimination of income tax expense as a result of being acquired
by a limited liability company.
NOTE B: We have extinguished substantially all of our long-term debt, excluding
borrowings of our previous credit facilities, and refinanced all previous credit
facilities, and have incurred and plan to incur additional debt in connection
with our recent acquisitions and pending acquisitions. See "Capitalization." The
refinancing adjustment of greater interest expense consists of the following
(dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTEREST
DESCRIPTION EXPENSE
----------- --------
<S> <C>
$600 million 8.25% senior notes............................. $12,400
$1,500 million 8.625% senior notes.......................... 32,400
$1,475 million 9.92% senior discount notes.................. 22,450
Credit facilities (at composite current rate of 7.4%)....... 64,250
Amortization of debt issuance costs......................... 3,900
Commitment fee on unused portion of our credit facilities
($624,000 at 0.375%)...................................... 575
10% senior discount notes -- Renaissance.................... 2,000
-------
Total pro forma interest expense.......................... 137,975
Less -- interest expense (including our recent and pending
acquisitions).......................................... 125,200
-------
Adjustment............................................. $12,775
=======
</TABLE>
An increase in the interest rate of 0.125% would result in an increase in
interest expense of $1.1 million. Additionally, the Rifkin sellers may take up
to $240 million in equity instead of cash. This would reduce interest expense by
up to $4.6 million.
NOTE C: Charter Investment provides corporate management and consulting
services to us. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
NOTE D: EBITDA represents earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because it is a widely
accepted financial indicator of a cable television company's ability to service
indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
income from operations or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing
activities, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. EBITDA should also not be construed as an indication of a company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA
is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
40
<PAGE> 44
companies. Management's discretionary use of funds depicted by EBITDA may be
limited by working capital, debt service and capital expenditure requirements
and by restrictions related to legal requirements, commitments and
uncertainties.
NOTE E: EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of revenues.
NOTE F: Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA before corporate expenses, management fees
and other income (expense) in accordance with the term "Consolidated EBITDA"
used in the indentures governing the notes. See "Description of Notes" for a
complete presentation of the methodology employed in calculating Adjusted
EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial
indicator of a cable company's ability to service indebtedness and because it is
used in the indentures to determine compliance with certain covenants. However,
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to income from
operations or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities,
as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Adjusted EBITDA should also not be construed as an indication of a company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, because
Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation
here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies. Management's discretionary use of funds depicted by Adjusted EBITDA
may be limited by working capital, debt service and capital expenditure
requirements and by restrictions related to legal requirements, commitments and
uncertainties.
NOTE G: Earnings include net income (loss) plus fixed charges. Fixed charges
consist of interest expense and an estimated interest component of rent expense.
NOTE H: Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of homes
passed. Homes passed are the number of single residence homes, apartments and
condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in a given cable
system service area.
NOTE I: Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of basic
customers.
41
<PAGE> 45
NOTE J: Average monthly revenue per basic customer represents revenues divided
by the number of months in the period divided by the number of basic customers
at March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARTER RECENT PENDING REFINANCING
HOLDINGS MARCUS ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS
(NOTE A) (NOTE B) (NOTE C) SUBTOTAL (NOTE C) (NOTE D) TOTAL
--------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues........................ $ 611,690 $ 448,192 $171,951 $1,231,833 $ 425,490 $ -- $1,657,323
--------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ------ ----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative.............. 310,100 231,050 88,236 629,386 217,973 -- 847,359
Depreciation and
amortization................ 375,899 252,855 90,870 719,624 237,150 -- 956,774
Corporate expense charges
(Note E).................... 16,493 17,042 6,759 40,294 -- -- 40,294
Management fees............... -- -- 1,077 1,077 13,595 -- 14,672
--------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ------ ----------
Total operating expenses.... 702,492 500,947 186,942 1,390,381 468,718 -- 1,859,099
--------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ------ ----------
Loss from operations............ (90,802) (52,755) (14,991) (158,548) (43,228) -- (201,776)
Interest (expense) benefit...... (207,468) (137,953) (60.375) (405,796) (153,625) 7,500 (551,921)
Other income (expense).......... 518 -- (40) 478 (5,822) -- (5,344)
--------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- ------ ----------
Net income (loss)............... $(297,752) $(190,708) $(75,406) $ (563,866) $(202,675) $7,500 $ (759,041)
========= ========= ======== ========== ========= ====== ==========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA (Note F)................. $ 285,615 $ 200,100 $ 75,839 $ 561,554 $ 188,100 $ 749,654
EBITDA margin (Note G).......... 46.7% 44.6% 44.1% 45.6% 44.2% 45.2%
Adjusted EBITDA (Note H)........ 301,590 217,142 83,715 602,447 207,517 809,964
Cash flows from operating
activities.................... 137,160 139,908 42,230 319,298 32,164 351,462
Cash interest expense........... 436,432
Capital expenditures............ $ 213,353 $ 224,723 $ 7,001 $ 445,077 $ 84,106 $ 529,183
Total debt to EBITDA............ 8.8x
Total debt to Adjusted EBITDA... 8.1
EBITDA to cash interest
expense....................... 1.7
EBITDA to interest expense...... 1.4
Deficiency of earnings to cover
fixed charges (Note I)........ $ 759,041
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD, EXCEPT FOR AVERAGES):
Homes passed.................... 2,149,000 1,743,000 508,000 4,400,000 1,287,000 5,687,000
Basic customers................. 1,255,000 1,062,000 365,000 2,682,000 935,000 3,617,000
Basic penetration (Note J)...... 58.4% 60.9% 71.9% 61.0% 72.6% 63.6%
Premium units................... 845,000 411,000 227,000 1,483,000 584,000 2,067,000
Premium penetration (Note K).... 67.3% 38.7% 62.2% 55.3% 62.5% 57.1%
Average monthly revenue per
basic customer (Note L)....... NM NM $ 39.26 $ 38.28 $ 37.92 $ 38.18
</TABLE>
See "Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statements."
42
<PAGE> 46
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
NOTE A: Pro forma operating results for Charter Holdings, including the
acquisition of us on December 23, 1998 by Paul G. Allen and the acquisition of
Sonic, consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/24/98 1/1/98
THROUGH THROUGH
1/1/98 THROUGH 12/23/98 12/31/98 5/20/98
----------------------------------- -------- -------
CCA CHARTERCOMM
GROUP HOLDINGS CHARTER HOLDINGS SONIC ELIMINATIONS SUBTOTAL
--------- ----------- ------------------- ------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...................... $ 324,432 $196,801 $ 49,731 $23,450 $17,276 $ -- $ 611,690
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative............ 164,145 98,331 25,952 12,679 8,993 -- 310,100
Depreciation and
amortization.............. 136,689 86,741 16,864 13,811 2,279 -- 256,384
Management fees/corporate
expense charges........... 17,392 14,780 6,176 766 -- -- 39,114
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Total operating
expenses................ 318,226 199,852 48,992 27,256 11,272 -- 605,598
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from
operations.................. 6,206 (3,051) 739 (3,806) 6,004 -- 6,092
Interest expense.............. (113,824) (66,121) (17,277) (5,051) (2,624) 1,900 (202,997)(c)
Other income (expense)........ 4,668 (1,684) (684) 133 (15) (1,900) 518(c)
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income
taxes....................... (102,950) (70,856) (17,222) (8,724) 3,365 -- (196,387)
Provision for income taxes.... -- -- -- -- 1,346 -- 1,346
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item.......... $(102,950) $(70,856) $(17,222) $(8,724) $ 2,019 $ -- $(197,733)
========= ======== ======== ======= ======= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
------------------------
ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues...................... $ -- $ 611,690
--------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative............ 310,100
Depreciation and
amortization.............. 119,515(a) 375,899
Management fees/corporate
expense charges........... (22,621)(b) 16,493
--------- ---------
Total operating
expenses................ 96,894 702,492
--------- ---------
Income (loss) from
operations.................. (96,894) (90,802)
Interest expense.............. (4,471)(d) (207,468)
Other income (expense)........ -- 518
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before income
taxes....................... (101,365) (297,752)
Provision for income taxes.... (1,346)(e) --
--------- ---------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item.......... $(100,019) $(297,752)
========= =========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Represents additional amortization of franchises as a result of the
acquisition of us by Mr. Allen. A large portion of the purchase price was
allocated to franchises ($3.6 billion) that are amortized over 15 years.
(b) Reflects the reduction in corporate expense charges of approximately $8.2
million to reflect the actual costs incurred. Management fees charged to CCA
Group and CharterComm Holdings, companies not controlled by Charter
Investment at that time exceeded the allocated costs incurred by Charter
Investment on behalf of those companies by $8.2 million. Also reflects the
elimination of approximately $14.4 million of change of control payments
under the terms of then-existing equity appreciation rights plans. Such
payments were triggered by the acquisition of us by Mr. Allen. Such payments
were made by Charter Investment and were not subject to reimbursement by us,
but were allocated to us for financial reporting purposes. The equity
appreciation rights plans were terminated in connection with the acquisition
of us by Mr. Allen, and these costs will not recur.
(c) Represents the elimination of intercompany interest on a note payable from
Charter Holdings to CCA Group.
(d) Reflects additional interest expense on borrowings used to finance the
acquisition by us of Sonic, using a 7.4% interest rate.
(e) Reflects the elimination of provision for income taxes, as Charter Holdings
will operate as a limited liability company and all income taxes will flow
through to the members.
43
<PAGE> 47
NOTE B: Pro forma operating results for Marcus Cable consist of the
following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1, APRIL 23,
1998 1998
THROUGH THROUGH PRO FORMA
APRIL 22, DECEMBER 23, ------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1998 ACQUISITIONS(a) DISPOSITIONS(b) ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
---------- ------------ --------------- --------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues........................... $ 157,763 $ 332,320 $2,620 $(44,511) $ -- $ 448,192
--------- --------- ------ -------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative................ 84,746 181,347 1,225 (20,971) (15,297)(c) 231,050
Depreciation and
amortization.................. 64,669 174,968 -- -- 13,218(d) 252,855
Corporate expense charges........ -- 17,042(c) 17,042
Management fees.................. -- 3,048 -- -- (3,048)(c) --
Transaction and severance
costs......................... 114,167 16,034 -- -- (130,201)(e) --
--------- --------- ------ -------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses...... 263,582 375,397 1,225 (20,971) (118,286) 500,947
--------- --------- ------ -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from
operations....................... (105,819) (43,077) 1,395 (23,540) 118,286 (52,755)
Interest (expense) benefit......... (49,905) (93,103) -- -- 5,055(d) (137,953)
Other income (expense)............. 43,662 -- -- (43,662) -- --
--------- --------- ------ -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item............................. $(112,062) $(136,180) $1,395 $(67,202) $ 123,341 $(190,708)
========= ========= ====== ======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Represents the results of operations of acquired cable systems prior to
their acquisition in 1998 by Marcus Cable.
(b) Represents the elimination of the operating results and corresponding gain
on sale of cable systems sold by Marcus Cable during 1998.
(c) Represents a reclassification to reflect the expenses totaling $15.3 million
from operating, general and administrative to corporate expenses. Also
reflects the elimination of management fees and the addition of corporate
expense charges of $1.7 million for actual costs incurred by Charter
Investment, on behalf of Marcus Cable. Management fees charged to Marcus
Cable exceeded the costs incurred by Charter Investment by $1.3 million.
(d) As a result of the acquisition of Marcus Cable by Paul G. Allen, a large
portion of the purchase price was recorded as franchises ($2.5 billion) that
are amortized over 15 years. This resulted in additional amortization for
the period from January 1, 1998 through April 23, 1998. Additionally, the
carrying value of outstanding debt was recorded at estimated fair value,
resulting in a debt premium that is to be amortized as an offset to interest
expense over the term of the debt. This resulted in a reduction in interest
expense for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 23, 1998.
(e) As a result of the acquisition of Marcus Cable by Mr. Allen, Marcus Cable
recorded transaction costs of approximately $114.2 million. These costs
comprised of approximately $90.2 million paid to employees of Marcus Cable
in settlement of specially designated Class B units and approximately $24.0
million of transaction fees paid to certain equity partners for investment
banking services. In addition, Marcus Cable recorded costs related to
employee and officer stay-bonus and severance arrangements of approximately
$16.0 million.
44
<PAGE> 48
NOTE C: Pro forma operating results for our recent and pending
acquisitions consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL PENDING ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
GREATER
AMERICAN MEDIA TOTAL INTERMEDIA OTHER TOTAL
RENAISSANCE CABLE SYSTEMS RECENT SYSTEMS HELICON RIFKIN(a) ACQUISITIONS PENDING
----------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- -------- --------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues................ $ 41,524 $15,685 $78,635 $135,844 $176,062 $ 75,577 $124,382 $ 9,336 $385,357
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative...... 21,037 7,441 48,852 77,330 86,753 40,179 63,815 4,618 195,365
Depreciation and
amortization........ 19,107 6,784 8,612 34,503 85,982 24,290 47,657 2,794 160,723
Corporate expense
charges............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Management fees....... -- 471 -- 471 3,147 3,496 4,106 -- 10,749
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Total operating
expenses.......... 40,144 14,696 57,464 112,304 175,882 67,965 115,578 7,412 366,837
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income from
operations............ 1,380 989 21,171 23,540 180 7,612 8,804 1,924 18,520
Interest expense........ (14,358) (4,501) (535) (19,394) (25,449) (27,634) (30,482) (2,375) (85,940)
Interest income......... 158 122 -- 280 341 93 -- -- 434
Other income
(expense)............. -- -- (493) (493) 23,030 -- 44,959 3 67,992
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before
income tax expense
(benefit)............. (12,820) (3,390) 20,143 3,933 (1,898) (19,929) 23,281 (448) 1,006
Income tax (benefit)
expense............... 135 -- 7,956 8,091 1,623 -- (4,178) -- (2,555)
-------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item.... $(12,955) $(3,390) $12,187 $ (4,158) $ (3,521) $(19,929) $ 27,459 $ (448) $ 3,561
======== ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
45
<PAGE> 49
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS PENDING ACQUISITIONS
------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
----------------------------------------- ---------------
TOTAL
HISTORICAL ACQUISITIONS(B) ADJUSTMENTS RECENT HISTORICAL ACQUISITIONS(B)
---------- --------------- ----------- -------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............... $135,844 $36,107 $ -- $171,951 $385,357 $109,841
Operating expenses:
Operating, general
and
administrative..... 77,330 17,665 (6,759)(d) 88,236 195,365 58,180
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Depreciation and
amortization....... 34,503 13,987 42,380(e) 90,870 160,723 24,526
Corporate expense
charges............ -- -- 6,759(d) 6,759 -- --
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Management fees...... 471 606 -- 1,077 10,749 3,783
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses......... 112,304 32,258 42,380 186,942 366,837 86,489
Income (loss) from
operations........... 23,540 3,849 (42,380) (14,991) 18,520 23,352
Interest expense....... (19,394) (5,787) (35,194)(f) (60,375) (85,940) (28,859)
Interest income........ 280 157 -- 437 434 175
Other income
(expense)............ (493) 112 (96)(g) (477) 67,992 291
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
income tax expense
(benefit)............ 3,933 (1,669) (77,670) (75,406) 1,006 (5,041)
Income tax expense
(benefit)............ 8,091 1,191 (9,282)(h) -- (2,555) 927
-------- ------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item... $ (4,158) $(2,860) $(68,388) $(75,406) $ 3,561 $ (5,968)
======== ======= ======== ======== ======== ========
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
------------------------------------------
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
------------------------------------------
TOTAL
DISPOSITIONS(C) ADJUSTMENTS PENDING
--------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............... $(69,708) $ -- $ 425,490
Operating expenses:
Operating, general
and
administrative..... (35,572) -- 217,973
-------- --------- ---------
Depreciation and
amortization....... (40,811) 92,712(e) 237,150
Corporate expense
charges............ -- -- --
-------- --------- ---------
Management fees...... (937) -- 13,595
-------- --------- ---------
Total operating
expenses......... (77,320) 92,712 468,718
Income (loss) from
operations........... 7,612 (92,712) (43,228)
Interest expense....... 19,543 (58,369)(f) (153,625)
Interest income........ (10) -- 599
Other income
(expense)............ (380) (74,324)(g) (6,421)
-------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before
income tax expense
(benefit)............ 26,765 (225,405) (202,675)
Income tax expense
(benefit)............ 310 1,318(h) --
-------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item... $ 26,455 $(226,723) $(202,675)
======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Includes the results of operations of Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P.,
as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RIFKIN
ACQUISITION OTHER TOTAL
----------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................................. $89,921 $34,461 $124,382
Income from operations................................ 1,040 7,764 8,804
Income before extraordinary item...................... 24,419 3,040 27,459
</TABLE>
(b) Represents the historical results of operations for the period from January
1, 1998 through the date of purchase for acquisitions completed by
Renaissance, the InterMedia systems, Helicon and Rifkin, and for the period
from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 for acquisitions to be
completed in 1999. A definitive written agreement exists for all
acquisitions that have not yet closed.
These acquisitions will be accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Purchase price and the closing date or anticipated closing date
for significant acquisitions are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RENAISSANCE INTERMEDIA HELICON RIFKIN
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITION ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS
-------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchase price.................................... $2.7 million $29.1 million $26.1 million $165.0 million
Closing date...................................... Feb. 1999 Dec. 1998 Dec. 1998 Feb. 1999
Purchase price.................................... $309.5 million $53.8 million
Closing date...................................... April 1999 anticipated July 1999
</TABLE>
The InterMedia acquisition above is part of the "swap" depicted in (c)
below.
(c) Represents the elimination of the operating results primarily related to the
cable systems to be transferred to the InterMedia systems as part of a swap
of cable systems and to the sale of several smaller cable
46
<PAGE> 50
systems. A definitive written agreement exists for the disposition on these
systems. The fair value of the systems to be transferred is $420 million. No
material gain or loss is anticipated on the disposition as these systems
were recently acquired and recorded at fair value at that time. It is
anticipated that this transfer will close during the third or fourth quarter
of 1999.
(d) Reflects a reclassification of expenses representing corporate expenses that
would have occurred at Charter Investment.
(e) Represents additional amortization of franchises as a result of our recent
and pending acquisitions. A large portion of the purchase price was
allocated to franchises ($3.6 billion) that are amortized over 15 years.
Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the following (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amortization of franchises.................................. $240.0
Depreciation................................................ 88.0
------
Total depreciation and amortization....................... $328.0
======
</TABLE>
(f) Reflects additional interest expense on borrowings which will be used to
finance the acquisitions using a composite current interest rate of 7.4%
(see Note D). An increase in the interest rate of 0.125% would result in an
increase in interest expense of $4.3 million. Additionally, the Rifkin
sellers may take up to $240 million in equity instead of cash. This would
reduce interest expense by up to $18.5 million.
(g) Represents the elimination of gain (loss) on the sale of assets.
(h) Reflects the elimination of income tax expense as a result of being acquired
by a limited liability company.
47
<PAGE> 51
NOTE D: We have extinguished substantially all of our long-term debt,
excluding borrowings of our previous credit facilities, and refinanced all
previous credit facilities, and have incurred and plan to incur additional debt
in connection with our recent acquisitions and pending acquisitions. See
"Capitalization." The refinancing adjustment of lower interest expense consists
of the following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTEREST
DESCRIPTION EXPENSE
- ----------- ---------
<S> <C>
$600 million 8.25% senior notes............................. $ 49,600
$1,500 million 8.625% senior notes.......................... 129,600
$1,475 million 9.92% senior discount notes.................. 89,800
Credit facilities (at composite current rate of 7.4%)....... 257,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs......................... 15,600
Commitment fee on unused portion of credit facilities
($624,000 at 0.375%)...................................... 2,300
10% senior discount notes -- Renaissance.................... 8,000
---------
Total pro forma interest expense.......................... 551,900
Less -- interest expense (including Marcus Cable and
recent acquisitions and pending acquisitions).......... (559,400)
---------
Adjustment............................................. $ (7,500)
=========
</TABLE>
NOTE E: Charter Investment provided corporate management and consulting
services to Charter Holdings in 1998 and to Marcus Cable beginning in October
1998. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
NOTE F: EBITDA represents earnings (loss) before interest expense, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because it is a widely
accepted financial indicator of a cable television company's ability to service
indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
income from operations or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing
activities, as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. EBITDA should also not be construed as an indication of a company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, because EBITDA
is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation here may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Management's
discretionary use of funds depicted by EBITDA may be limited by working capital,
debt service and capital expenditure requirements and by restrictions related to
legal requirements, commitments and uncertainties.
NOTE G: EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of revenues.
NOTE H: Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA before corporate expenses, management
fees and other income (expense) in accordance with the term "Consolidated
EBITDA" used in the indentures governing the notes. See "Description of Notes"
for a complete presentation of the methodology employed in calculating Adjusted
EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial
indicator of a cable company's ability to service indebtedness and because it is
used in the indentures to determine compliance with certain covenants. However,
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to income from
operations or to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities,
as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Adjusted EBITDA should also not be construed as an indication of a company's
operating performance or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, because
Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated identically by all companies, the presentation
here may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
companies. Management's discretionary use of funds depicted by Adjusted EBITDA
may be limited by working capital, debt service and capital expenditure
requirements and by restrictions related to legal requirements, commitments and
uncertainties.
48
<PAGE> 52
NOTE I: Earnings include net income (loss) plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense and an estimated interest component of rent
expense.
NOTE J: Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of
homes passed. Homes passed are the number of single residence homes, apartments
and condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in a given cable
system service area.
NOTE K: Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of
basic customers.
NOTE L: Average monthly revenue per basic customer represents revenues
divided by the number of months in the period divided by the number of basic
customers at December 31, 1998.
49
<PAGE> 53
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
AS OF MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT PENDING
CHARTER ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS PRO FORMA
HOLDINGS (NOTE A) SUBTOTAL (NOTE A) TOTAL
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET
Cash and cash equivalents............... $1,038,360 $(1,025,818) $ 12,542 $ 17,922 $ 30,464
Accounts receivable, net................ 30,314 4,480 34,794 19,365 54,159
Prepaid expenses and other.............. 15,882 4,869 20,751 7,245 27,996
---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total current assets............... 1,084,556 (1,016,469) 68,087 44,532 112,619
Property, plant and equipment........... 1,533,197 138,117 1,671,314 542,495 2,213,809
Franchises.............................. 5,607,539 1,065,499 6,673,038 2,510,344 9,183,382
Other assets............................ 131,990 -- 131,990 (318) 131,672
---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total assets....................... $8,357,282 $ 187,147 $8,544,429 $3,097,053 $11,641,482
========== =========== ========== ========== ===========
Accounts payable and accrued expenses... 216,397 17,294 233,691 67,572 301,263
Payables to manager of cable television
systems............................... 12,554 -- 12,554 -- 12,554
---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total current liabilities.......... 228,951 17,294 246,245 67,572 313,817
Long-term debt.......................... 4,754,018 165,480 4,919,498 1,704,822 6,624,320
Other long-term liabilities............. 48,171 4,373 52,544 (341) 52,203
Members' equity......................... 3,326,142 -- 3,326,142 1,325,000 4,651,142
---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total liabilities and equity....... $8,357,282 $ 187,147 $8,544,429 $3,097,053 $11,641,482
========== =========== ========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE> 54
NOTE A: Pro forma balance sheet for our recent acquisitions, fully
described in the "Business" section, and pending acquisitions consists of the
following (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL PENDING ACQUISITIONS -- HISTORICAL
------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------
GREATER
AMERICAN MEDIA TOTAL INTERMEDIA TOTAL
RENAISSANCE CABLE SYSTEMS RECENT SYSTEMS HELICON RIFKIN OTHER PENDING
----------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- --------- -------- ------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash
equivalents.............. $ 8,901 $ 1,201 $ 2,440 $ 12,542 $ -- $ 11,464 $ 7,580 $ 585 $ 19,629
Accounts receivable, net... 1,283 620 2,577 4,480 13,949 1,619 12,009 1,450 29,027
Receivable from related
party.................... -- -- -- -- 5,038 -- -- -- 5,038
Prepaid expenses and
other.................... 381 1,436 3,052 4,869 1,053 2,867 2,789 110 6,819
Deferred income tax
asset.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- ----------
Total current assets..... 10,565 3,257 8,069 21,891 20,040 15,950 22,378 2,145 60,513
Receivable from related
party.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Property, plant and
equipment................ 64,594 15,327 58,196 138,117 225,682 88,723 283,208 9,934 607,547
Franchises................. 222,971 143,546 2,653 369,170 240,567 12,096 456,523 55,452 764,638
Deferred income tax
assets................... -- -- -- -- 13,994 -- -- -- 13,994
Other assets............... 16,129 2,334 80 18,543 3,697 83,546 72,148 205 159,596
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- ----------
Total assets............. $314,259 $164,464 $68,998 $547,721 $503,980 $ 200,315 $834,257 $67,736 $1,606,288
======== ======== ======= ======== ======== ========= ======== ======= ==========
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses......... $ 7,649 $ 3,623 $ 6,022 $ 17,294 $ 19,030 $ 16,496 $ 34,486 $ 1,899 $ 71,911
Current deferred revenue... -- -- 1,904 1,904 11,944 -- 2,092 1,207 15,243
Note payable to related
party.................... -- -- -- -- 3,057 -- -- -- 3,057
Other current
liabilities.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- ----------
Total current
liabilities............ 7,649 3,623 7,926 19,198 34,031 16,496 36,578 3,106 90,211
Deferred revenue........... 651 -- -- 651 3,900 -- -- -- 3,900
Deferred income taxes...... -- -- -- -- -- -- 7,405 -- 7,405
Long-term debt............. 212,503 118,000 -- 330,503 -- 295,345 541,575 38,914 875,834
Note payable to related
party, including accrued
interest................. 135 -- -- 135 412,436 5,137 -- -- 417,573
Other long-term
liabilities, including
redeemable preferred
shares................... 755 -- 3,618 4,373 14,430 18,708 -- -- 33,138
Equity..................... 92,566 42,841 57,454 192,861 39,183 (135,371) 248,699 25,716 178,227
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------- -------- ------- ----------
Total liabilities and
equity................. $314,259 $164,464 $68,998 $547,721 $503,980 $ 200,315 $834,257 $67,736 $1,606,288
======== ======== ======= ======== ======== ========= ======== ======= ==========
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE> 55
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECENT ACQUISITIONS PENDING ACQUISITIONS
------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL HISTORICAL ACQUISITIONS(A) DISPOSITIONS(B)
---------- -------------- ----------- ---------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash
equivalents.............. $ 12,542 $(1,038,360)(c) $(1,025,818) $ 19,629 $ 90 $ (1,797)
Accounts receivable, net... 4,480 -- 4,480 29,027 54 (1,671)
Receivable from related
party.................... -- -- -- 5,038 -- --
Prepaid expenses and
other.................... 4,869 -- 4,869 6,819 713 (287)
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------- ---------
Total current assets..... 21,891 (1,038,360) (1,016,469) 60,513 857 (3,755)
Property, plant and
equipment................ 138,117 -- 138,117 607,547 12,975 (78,027)
Franchises................. 369,170 696,329(f) 1,065,499 764,638 98 (342,844)
Deferred income tax
assets................... -- -- -- 13,994 -- --
Other assets............... 18,543 (18,543)(h) -- 159,596 -- (523)
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------- ---------
Total assets............. $547,721 $ (360,574) $ 187,147 $1,606,288 $13,930 $(425,149)
======== =========== =========== ========== ======= =========
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses......... $ 17,294 $ -- $ 17,294 $ 71,911 $ 896 $ (4,280)
Current deferred revenue... 1,904 (1,904)(d) -- 15,243 -- --
Note payable to related
party.................... -- -- -- 3,057 -- --
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------- ---------
Total current
liabilities............ 19,198 (1,904) 17,294 90,211 896 (4,280)
Deferred revenue........... 651 (651)(d) -- 3,900 173 --
Deferred income taxes...... -- -- -- 7,405 -- --
Long-term debt............. 330,503 (165,023)(j) 165,480 875,834 1,260 (420,528)
Note payable to related
party, including accrued
interest................. 135 (135)(i) -- 417,573 -- --
Other long-term
liabilities.............. 4,373 -- 4,373 33,138 -- (341)
Equity..................... 192,861 (192,861)(k) -- 178,227 11,601 --
-------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------- ---------
Total liabilities and
equity................. $547,721 $ (360,574) $ 187,147 $1,606,288 $13,930 $(425,149)
======== =========== =========== ========== ======= =========
<CAPTION>
AS OF MARCH 31, 1999
-------------------------
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
-------------------------
PRO FORMA
-------------------------
ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash
equivalents.............. -- $ 17,922
Accounts receivable, net... (8,045)(d) 19,365
Receivable from related
party.................... (5,038)(e) --
Prepaid expenses and
other.................... -- 7,245
---------- ----------
Total current assets..... (13,083) 44,532
Property, plant and
equipment................ -- 542,495
Franchises................. 2,088,452(f) 2,510,344
Deferred income tax
assets................... (13,994)(g) --
Other assets............... (159,391)(h) (318)
---------- ----------
Total assets............. $1,901,984 $3,097,053
========== ==========
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses......... $ (955) $ 67,572
Current deferred revenue... (15,243)(d) --
Note payable to related
party.................... (3,057)(i) --
---------- ----------
Total current
liabilities............ (19,255) 67,572
Deferred revenue........... (4,073)(d) --
Deferred income taxes...... (7,405)(g) --
Long-term debt............. 1,248,256(j) 1,704,822
Note payable to related
party, including accrued
interest................. (417,573)(i) --
Other long-term
liabilities.............. (33,138)(i) (341)
Equity..................... 1,135,172(k) 1,325,000
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and
equity................. $1,901,984 $3,097,053
========== ==========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Represents the historical balance sheets as of March 31, 1999, of our recent
and pending acquisitions.
(b) Represents the historical assets and liabilities as of March 31, 1999, of
the cable systems to be transferred to InterMedia as part of a swap of cable
systems. The cable systems being swapped will be accounted for at fair
value. No material gain or loss is anticipated in conjunction with the swap.
See the "Business" section.
(c) Represents the use of Charter Holdings cash for the recent and pending
acquisitions.
The sources of cash for the recent and pending acquisitions is as follows (in
millions):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Charter Holdings historical cash............................ $1,038.4
Expected equity contribution................................ 1,325.0
Expected credit facilities draw down........................ 1,762.7
10% senior discount notes-Renaissance....................... 82.7
--------
Other....................................................... 25.0
--------
$4,233.8
========
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE> 56
(d) Represents the offset of advance billings against deferred revenue to be
consistent with Charter Holdings' accounting policy and the elimination of
deferred revenue.
(e) Reflects assets retained by the seller.
(f) Substantial amounts of the purchase price in (c) above have been allocated
to franchises based on estimated fair values. This results in an allocation
of purchase price as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GREATER
AMERICAN MEDIA INTERMEDIA
RENAISSANCE CABLE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS HELICON RIFKIN OTHER TOTAL
----------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital....... $ 2,916 $ (366) $ 2,047 $(12,503) $ 1,364 $ (12,147) $ 246 $ (18,443)
Property, plant and
equipment........... 64,594 15,327 58,196 147,655 88,723 287,217 18,800 680,512
Franchises............ 397,085 225,039 443,375 737,202 459,913 1,184,930 128,504 3,575,843
Other................. (755) -- (3,618) 341 -- -- -- (24,600)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
$463,840 $240,000 $500,000 $872,695 $550,000 $1,460,000 $147,850 $4,213,312
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
(g) Represents the elimination of deferred income tax assets and liabilities.
(h) Represents the elimination of the amortized historical cost of various
assets based on estimated fair values as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Subscriber lists............................................ $(104,244)
Noncompete agreements....................................... (14,570)
Deferred financing costs.................................... (18,062)
Goodwill.................................................... (10,339)
Other assets................................................ (83,079)
---------
(230,294)
Less-accumulated amortization............................... 52,360
---------
$(177,934)
=========
</TABLE>
(i) Represents liabilities retained by the seller.
(j) Represents the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Long-term debt not assumed............................. $ (664,451)
Additional borrowings under our credit facilities...... 1,722,684
Other.................................................. 25,000
----------
$1,083,233
==========
</TABLE>
(k) Represents the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Elimination of historical equity....................... $ (382,689)
Additional contributions............................... 1,325,000
----------
$ 942,311
==========
</TABLE>
53
<PAGE> 57
UNAUDITED SELECTED HISTORICAL COMBINED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The Unaudited Selected Historical Combined Financial and Operating Data for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 have been derived from the
separate financial statements of Charter Holdings, CCA Group and CharterComm
Holdings, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen, independent public
accountants, and are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The combined
financial and operating data represent the sum of the results of each of our
then-existing subsidiaries prior to our merger with Marcus Holdings and our
recent acquisitions. Each such subsidiary was managed by Charter Investment in
accordance with its respective management agreement during the presented
periods. Since these subsidiaries were under common management, we believe
presenting combined financial information of these companies is informative.
As a result of the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen, we have applied the
purchase accounting method which had the effect of increasing total assets,
total debt and members' equity as of December 23, 1998. In addition, we have
retroactively restated our financial statements to include the results of
operations of Marcus Cable for the period from December 24, 1998, through
December 31, 1998, and the balance sheet of Marcus Cable as of December 31,
1998. As a result of the acquisition of us by Mr. Allen and our merger with
Marcus Holdings, we believe that the periods on or prior to December 23, 1998
are not comparable to the periods after December 23, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARTER HOLDINGS, CCA GROUP AND CHARTER
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS HOLDINGS
---------------------------------- ----------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1/1/98 12/24/98
----------------------- THROUGH THROUGH
1996 1997 12/23/98 12/31/98
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues............................ $ 368,553 $ 484,155 $570,964 $ 23,450
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative................. 190,084 249,419 288,428 12,679
Depreciation and amortization..... 154,273 198,718 240,294 13,811
Management fees/corporate expense
charges(a)..................... 15,094 20,759 38,348 766
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Total operating expenses....... 359,451 468,896 567,070 27,256
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from operations....... $ 9,102 $ 15,259 $ 3,894 $ (3,806)
========== ========== ======== ==========
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES................ $ 110,291 $ 162,607 $195,468 $ 13,672
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD):
Total assets........................ $1,660,242 $2,002,181 $7,235,656
Total debt.......................... 1,195,899 1,846,159 3,523,201
Members' equity..................... 26,099 (80,505) 3,429,291
</TABLE>
54
<PAGE> 58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARTER HOLDINGS, CCA GROUP AND CHARTER
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS HOLDINGS
---------------------------------- ----------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1/1/98 12/24/98
----------------------- THROUGH THROUGH
1996 1997 12/23/98 12/31/98
---------- ---------- -------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT CUSTOMER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA (AT END OF PERIOD,
EXCEPT FOR AVERAGES):
Homes passed........................ 1,546,000 1,915,000 3,892,000
Basic customers..................... 902,000 1,086,000 2,317,000
Basic penetration(b)................ 58.3% 56.7% 59.5%
Premium units....................... 517,000 629,000 1,256,000
Premium penetration(c).............. 57.3% 57.9% 54.2%
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Charter Investment provided corporate management and consulting services to
us. CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings paid fees to Charter Investment as
compensation for such services and recorded management fee expense. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." Charter Holdings recorded
actual corporate expense charges incurred by Charter Investment on our
subsidiaries' behalf. Management fees and corporate expenses for the year
ended December 31, 1998 include $14.4 million of change of control payments
under the terms of then-existing equity appreciation rights plans. Such
payments were triggered by the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen. Such
payments were made by Charter Investment and were not subject to
reimbursement by us, but were allocated to us for financial reporting
purposes. The equity appreciation rights plans were terminated in connection
with the acquisition of us Mr. Allen, and these costs will not recur.
(b) Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of homes
passed.
(c) Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of basic
customers.
55
<PAGE> 59
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial data below for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1997, for the periods from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, and from December 24, 1998 through December 31, 1998, are derived from the
consolidated financial statements of Charter Holdings. They have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and are included elsewhere
in this prospectus. The selected historical financial data for the period from
October 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995, are derived from the predecessor of
Charter Holdings' unaudited financial statements and are not included elsewhere
in this prospectus. The selected historical financial data for the year ended
December 31, 1994 and for the period from January 1, 1995 through September 30,
1995 are derived from the unaudited financial statements of Charter Holdings'
predecessor business and are not included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
information presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the historical financial statements of Charter Holdings and related notes
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREDECESSOR OF
CHARTER HOLDINGS CHARTER HOLDINGS
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
YEAR ENDED 1/1/95 10/1/95 DECEMBER 31, 1/1/98 12/24/98
DECEMBER 31, THROUGH THROUGH ----------------- THROUGH THROUGH
1994 9/30/95 12/31/95 1996 1997 12/23/98 12/31/98
------------ ------- -------- ------- ------- -------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS:
Revenues....................... $ 6,584 $ 5,324 $ 1,788 $14,881 $18,867 $ 49,731 $ 23,450
Operating expenses:
Operating, general and
administrative............ 3,247 2,581 931 8,123 11,767 25,952 12,679
Depreciation and
amortization.............. 2,508 2,137 648 4,593 6,103 16,864 13,811
Management fees/corporate
expense charges........... 106 224 54 446 566 6,176 766
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Total operating
expenses................ 5,861 4,942 1,633 13,162 18,436 48,992 27,256
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from
operations................... 723 382 155 1,719 431 739 (3,806)
Interest expense............... -- -- (691) (4,415) (5,120) (17,277) (5,051)
Interest income................ 26 -- 5 20 41 44 133
Other income (expense)......... -- 38 -- (47) 25 (728) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ----------
Net income (loss).............. $ 749 $ 420 $ (531) $(2,723) $(4,623) $(17,222) $ (8,724)
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ==========
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges(a)................... 45.14x 34.00x -- -- -- -- --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF
PERIOD):
Total assets................... $ 25,511 $26,342 $31,572 $67,994 $55,811 $281,969 $7,235,656
Total debt..................... 10,194 10,480 28,847 59,222 41,500 274,698 3,523,201
Members' equity (deficit)...... 14,822 15,311 971 2,648 (1,975) (8,397) 3,429,291
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Earnings include net income (loss) plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist
of interest expense and an estimated interest component of rent expense.
Earnings for the period from October 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995,
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, periods from January 1, 1998 through
December 23, 1998, and the period from December 24, 1998 through December
31, 1998 were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $531, $2,723, $4,623,
$17,222 and $8,724, respectively.
56
<PAGE> 60
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Reference is made to the "Certain Trends and Uncertainties" section below
in this Management's Discussion and Analysis for discussion of important factors
that could cause actual results to differ from expectations and non-historical
information contained herein.
INTRODUCTION
Because of recent and pending significant events, including:
(1) the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen,
(2) our merger with Marcus Holdings,
(3) our recent and pending acquisitions,
(4) the refinancing of our previous credit facilities, and
(5) the purchase of publicly held notes that had been issued by several of
our subsidiaries.
we do not believe that our historical financial condition and results of
operations are accurate indicators of future results. Provided below is a
discussion of:
(1) our operation and development prior to the acquisition of us by Mr.
Allen,
(2) the acquisition of us by Mr. Allen,
(3) our merger with Marcus Holdings, and
(4) our recent acquisitions and pending acquisitions.
Historically, the cable systems owned by the Charter companies were
operated under three groups of companies:
(1) CCP Holdings, which is now Charter Properties,
(2) the CCA Group, which is now the operating companies that formerly
comprised the CCA Group, and
(3) CharterComm Holdings, which is now Charter Communications, LLC.
See "Summary -- Organization." Charter Investment did not have controlling
interests in the CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings. All of the operating
companies in all three groups were parties to separate management agreements
with Charter Investment pursuant to which Charter Investment provided management
and consulting services. In December 1998, Charter Investment acquired remaining
interests it did not own previously in the CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings.
In February 1999, Charter Holdings was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary
of Charter Investment, and Charter Operating was formed as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Charter Holdings. All of Charter Investment's direct interests in
the entities described above were transferred to Charter Operating. All of the
prior management agreements were terminated and a new management agreement was
entered into between Charter Investment and Charter Operating.
In May 1999, Charter Holdco was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Investment. All of Charter Investment's interests in Charter Holdings
were transferred to Charter Holdco.
57
<PAGE> 61
The end result of these events was that:
(1) Charter Properties, the operating companies that formerly comprised the
CCA Group and Charter Communications, LLC became wholly owned
subsidiaries of Charter Operating;
(2) Charter Operating became a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdings;
(3) Charter Holdings became a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdco;
and
(4) Charter Holdco became a subsidiary of Charter Investment.
Our acquisition by Mr. Allen became effective on December 23, 1998, through
a series of transactions in which Mr. Allen acquired approximately 94% of the
equity interests of Charter Investment for an aggregate purchase price of $2.2
billion, excluding $2.0 billion in debt we assumed. Charter Properties, the
operating companies that formerly comprised the CCA Group and Charter
Communications, LLC were contributed to Charter Operating subsequent to Mr.
Allen's acquisition. Charter Properties is deemed to be our predecessor.
Consequently, the contribution of Charter Properties was accounted for as a
reorganization under common control. Accordingly, the accompanying financial
statements for periods prior to December 24, 1998, include the accounts of
Charter Properties. The contributions of the operating companies that formerly
comprised the CCA Group and Charter Communications, LLC were accounted for in
accordance with purchase accounting. Accordingly, the financial statements for
periods after December 23, 1998, include the accounts of Charter Properties, the
CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings.
Our merger with Marcus Holding was accounted for as a reorganization under
common control similar to a pooling of interests because of Mr. Allen's
controlling interests in Marcus Holdings and Charter Holdings. As such, the
accounts of Charter Holdings and Marcus Holdings have been consolidated since
December 23, 1998.
In the second quarter of 1999, we acquired American Cable, the Greater
Media systems and Renaissance. These acquisitions were funded through excess
cash from the issuance of the original notes, additional borrowings under our
credit facilities and the assumption of Renaissance notes. Due to the change of
control of Renaissance, an offer to purchase the Renaissance notes was made at
101% of their accreted value on the date of purchase, plus accrued interest. Of
the $163.175 million face amount of Renaissance notes outstanding, $48.737
million were repurchased.
In addition to these acquisitions, since the beginning of 1999, we have
entered into definitive agreements to acquire Helicon, the InterMedia systems,
Rifkin, Vista and certain cable assets of Cable Satellite, all as forth in the
table below. These acquisitions are expected to be funded through excess cash,
additional borrowings under our credit facilities, additional equity
contributions and the assumption of Helicon and Rifkin notes. Helicon will
receive $25 million in the form of preferred limited liability company
interests. Upon the completion of an initial public offering by one of our
affiliates, such interests will be convertible into equity of such affiliate.
Rifkin sellers could elect to receive some of the purchase price in the form of
preferred or common equity of Charter Holdings or, if mutually agreed to by the
parties, of a parent of Charter Holdings. If issued, this equity would be valued
between approximately $25 million and $240 million. The Helicon notes and the
Rifkin notes are expected to be tendered after closing.
As part of the transaction with InterMedia, we will "swap" some of our
non-strategic cable systems located in Indiana, Montana, Utah and northern
Kentucky, representing
58
<PAGE> 62
142,000 basic customers, and pay cash of $872.7 million. The InterMedia systems
serve approximately 408,000 customers in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
and Tennessee.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
--------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS
FROM
PURCHASE BASIC OPERATING
ACQUISITION DATE(A) PRICE SUBSCRIBERS REVENUE EBITDA ACTIVITIES
- ----------- ------- -------- ----------- ------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
American Cable................ 4/99 $240 million 68,000 $ 9,151 $ 4,195 $ 2,664
Renaissance................... 4/99 459 million 132,000 15,254 8,365 5,390
Greater Media Systems......... 6/99 500 million 174,000 20,394 7,621 5,808
Helicon....................... 7/99 550 million 172,000 21,252 8,912 4,056
InterMedia Systems............ 3rd or 4th Quarter 872.7 million + 408,000 48,288 21,427 21,027
1999 systems' swap (142,000)
--------
266,000
Rifkin........................ 3rd or 4th Quarter 1,460 million 463,000 50,914 19,194 (603)
1999
Other......................... 3rd Quarter 148 million 36,000 3,354 1,760 1,502
------------------ -------- -------- -------
Total...................... $4,229.7 million 1,311,000 $168,607 $71,474 39,844
================== ======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
(a) Represents the closing date for recent acquisitions and the anticipated
closing date for pending acquisitions.
The systems acquired pursuant to these recent and pending acquisitions
serve, in the aggregate, approximately 1.3 million customers. In addition, we
are negotiating with several other potential acquisition candidates whose
systems would further complement our regional operating clusters. We expect to
finance our pending acquisitions and any other future acquisitions with
additional borrowings under our credit facilities and with additional equity.
OVERVIEW
Approximately 87% of our revenues are primarily attributable to monthly
subscription fees charged to customers for our basic, expanded basic and premium
cable television programming services, equipment rental and ancillary services
provided by our cable television systems. In addition, we derive other revenues
from installation and reconnection fees charged to customers to commence or
reinstate service, pay-per-view programming, advertising revenues and
commissions related to the sale of merchandise by home shopping services. We
have generated increases in revenues in each of the past three fiscal years,
primarily through internal customer growth, basic and expanded tier rate
increases and acquisitions as well as innovative marketing such as our MVP
package of premium services. This entitles customers to receive a substantial
discount on bundled premium services of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and The Movie
Channel. The MVP package has increased premium revenue by 3.4% and premium cash
flow by 5.5% in the initial nine months of this program. We are beginning to
offer our customers several other services, which are expected to significantly
contribute to our revenue. One of these services is digital cable, which
provides subscribers with additional programming options. We are also offering
high speed Internet access through cable modems attached to personal computers.
Our television based Internet access allows us to offer the services provided by
WorldGate, Inc., which provides users with TV based e-mail and other Internet
access.
Our expenses primarily consist of operating costs, general and
administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization expense and management
fees/corporate expense charges. Operating costs primarily include programming
costs, cable service related expenses, marketing and advertising costs,
franchise fees and expenses related to customer billings.
59
<PAGE> 63
Programming costs account for approximately 50 percent of our operating costs.
Programming costs have increased in recent years and are expected to continue to
increase due to additional programming being provided to customers, increased
cost to produce or purchase cable programming, inflation and other factors
affecting the cable television industry. In each year we have operated, our
costs to acquire programming have exceeded customary inflationary increases. A
significant factor with respect to increased programming costs is the rate
increases and surcharges imposed by national and regional sports networks
directly tied to escalating costs to acquire programming for professional sports
packages in a competitive market. We have benefited in the past from our
membership in an industry cooperative that provides members with volume
discounts from programming networks. We believe our membership has minimized
increases to our programming costs relative to what the increases would
otherwise have been. We also believe that we should derive additional discounts
from programming networks due to our increased size. Finally, we were able to
negotiate favorable terms with premium networks in conjunction with the premium
packages, which minimized the impact on margins and provided substantial volume
incentives to grow the premium category. Although we believe that we will be
able to pass future increases in programming costs through to customers, there
can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.
General and administrative expenses primarily include accounting and
administrative personnel and professional fees. Depreciation and amortization
expense relates to the depreciation of our tangible assets and the amortization
of our franchise costs. Management fees/corporate expense charges are fees paid
to or charges from Charter Investment for corporate management and consulting
services. Charter Holdings records actual corporate expense charges incurred by
Charter Investment on behalf of Charter Holdings. Prior to the acquisition of us
by Mr. Allen, the CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings recorded management fees
payable to Charter Investment equal to 3.0% to 5.0% of gross revenues plus
certain expenses. In October 1998, Charter Investment began managing the cable
operations of Marcus Holdings under a management fee arrangement. The Charter
Operating credit facilities limit management fees to 3.5% of gross revenues.
We have had a history of net losses and expect to continue to report net
losses for the foreseeable future. The principal reasons for our prior and
anticipated net losses include the depreciation and amortization expenses
associated with our acquisitions, the capital expenditures related to
construction and upgrading of our systems, and interest costs on borrowed money.
We cannot predict what impact, if any, continued losses will have on our ability
to finance our operations in the future.
60
<PAGE> 64
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion concerns the financial condition and results of
operations for
(1) Charter Holdings (comprised of Charter Properties only) for the period
from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998, and
(2) Charter Holdings (comprised of Charter Properties, the CCA Group,
CharterComm Holdings and Marcus Holdings) for the period from January
1, 1999 through March 31, 1999.
The following table sets forth the percentages that items in the statements
of income bear to operating revenues for the indicated periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------
3/31/99 3/31/98
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Revenues.................................... $286,135 100.0% $ 4,782 100.00%
-------- ----- ------- ------
Operating expenses
Operating, general and administrative
costs.................................. 152,075 53.1% 2,638 55.2%
Depreciation and amortization............. 153,747 53.7% 1,605 33.6%
Management fees/corporate expense
charges................................ 5,323 1.9% 143 3.0%
-------- ----- ------- ------
Total operating expenses.......... 311,145 108.7% 4,386 91.7%
-------- ----- ------- ------
Income (loss) from operations............... (25,010) (8.7%) 396 8.3%
Interest income............................. 1,733 0.6% 8 0.2%
Interest expense............................ (71,591) (25.0%) (1,329) (27.8%)
Other income................................ 15 0.0% 2 0.0%
-------- ----- ------- ------
Net loss before extraordinary item.......... (94,853) 133.1% $ (923) (19.3%)
Extraordinary item-loss from early
extinguishment of debt.................... 3,604 (1.3%) -- 0.0%
------- ------
Net loss.................................... $(98,457) (34.4%) $ (923) (19.3%)
======== ===== ======= ======
</TABLE>
61
<PAGE> 65
PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1999 THROUGH MARCH 31, 1999
COMPARED TO PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 31, 1998
REVENUES. Revenues increased by $281.3 million, or 5,883.6%, from $4.8
million for the period from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 to $286.1
million for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999. The increase
in revenues primarily resulted from the acquisitions of the CCA Group,
CharterComm Holdings and Sonic, and our merger with Marcus Holdings. The
revenues of these entities for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were $89.4
million, $53.4 million, $13.1 million and $125.2 million, respectively.
OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Operating, general and
administrative expenses increased by $149.5 million, or 5.750.0%, from $2.6
million for the period from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 to $152.1
million for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999. This
increase was due primarily to the acquisitions of the CCA Group, CharterComm
Holdings and Sonic, and our merger with Marcus Holdings whose operating, general
and administrative expenses were $46.5 million, $26.9 million, $6.9 million and
$69.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999, respectively.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased by $152.1 million, or 9,479.3%, from $1.6 million for the period from
January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 to $153.7 million for the period from
January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999. There was a significant increase in
amortization resulting from the acquisitions of the CCA Group, CharterComm
Holdings and Sonic, and our merger with Marcus Holdings whose incremental
amortization expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999 were $49.1
million, $32.6 million, $4.3 million and $63.7 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1999, respectively.
MANAGEMENT FEES/CORPORATE EXPENSE CHARGES. Management fees/corporate
expense charges increased by $5.2 million, or 3,622.4% from $0.1 million for the
period from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 to $5.3 million for the
period from January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999. The increase from the period
from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 compared to the period from January
1, 1999 through March 31, 1999 was the result of the acquisitions of the CCA
Group, CharterComm Holdings and Sonic, and our merger with Marcus Holdings.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased by $70.2 million, or
5,286.8%, from $1.3 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through March
31, 1998 to $71.6 million for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31,
1999. This increase resulted primarily from the financing of the acquisitions of
the CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings, and our merger with Marcus Holdings. The
interest expenses resulting from each of these transactions were $14.4 million,
$12.0 million, and $26.1 million, respectively.
NET LOSS. Net loss increased by $97.5 million, or 10,567.1%, from $0.9
million for the period from January 1, 1998 through March 31, 1998 to $98.5
million for the period from January 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999.
The increase in revenues that resulted from the acquisitions of the CCA
Group, CharterComm Holdings and Sonic, and our merger with Marcus Holdings was
not sufficient to offset the significant costs related to the acquisitions.
62
<PAGE> 66
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion concerns the financial condition and results of
operations for
(1) Charter Holdings (comprised of Charter Properties only) for the period
from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998 and for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
(2) Charter Holdings (comprised of Charter Properties, the CCA Group,
CharterComm Holdings and Marcus Holdings) for the period from December
24, 1998 through December 31, 1998.
The following table sets forth the percentages that items in the statements
of income bear to operating revenues for the indicated periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1/1/98 12/24/98
------------------------------------ THROUGH THROUGH
1996 1997 12/23/98 12/31/98
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Revenues........................... $14,881 100.0% $18,867 100.0% $ 49,731 100.0% $23,450 100.0%
------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- ------- -----
Operating expenses
Operating costs................... 5,888 39.6% 9,157 48.5% 18,751 37.7% 9,957 42.5%
General and administrative
costs........................... 2,235 15.0% 2,610 13.8% 7,201 14.5% 2,722 11.6%
Depreciation and amortization..... 4,593 30.9% 6,103 32.3% 16,864 33.9% 13,811 58.9%
Management fees/corporate expense
charges......................... 446 3.0% 566 3.0% 6,176 12.4% 766 3.3%
------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- ------- -----
Total operating expenses.......... 13,162 88.4% 18,436 97.7% 48,992 98.5% 27,256 116.2%
------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- ------- -----
Income (loss) from operations...... 1,719 11.6% 431 2.3% 739 1.5% (3,806) (16.2%)
Interest income.................... 20 0.1% 41 0.2% 44 0.1% 133 0.6%
Interest expense................... (4,415) (29.7%) (5,120) (27.1%) (17,277) (34.7%) (5,051) (21.5%)
Other income (expense)............. (47) (0.3%) 25 0.1% (728) (1.5%) -- --
------- ----- ------- ----- -------- ----- ------- -----
Net loss........................... $(2,723) (18.3%) $(4,623) (24.5%) $(17,222) (34.6%) $(8,724) (37.2%)
======= ===== ======= ===== ======== ===== ======= =====
</TABLE>
63
<PAGE> 67
PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 24, 1998, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1998
This period is not comparable to any other period presented. The financial
statements represent eight days of operations. This period not only contains the
results of operations of Charter Properties, but also the results of operations
of those entities purchased in the acquisition of us and our merger with Marcus
Holdings. As a result, no comparison of the operating results for this eight-day
period is presented.
PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 1998 COMPARED TO 1997
REVENUES. Revenues increased by $30.8 million, or 163.6%, from $18.9
million in 1997 to $49.7 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through
December 23, 1998. The increase in revenues primarily resulted from the
acquisition of Sonic whose revenues for that period were $30.5 million.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses increased by $9.6 million, or
104.8%, from $9.2 million in 1997 to $18.8 million for the period from January
1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. This increase was due primarily to the
acquisition of Sonic, whose operating expenses for that period were $11.5,
partially offset by the loss of $1.4 million on the sale of a cable system in
1997.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
increased by $4.6 million, or 175.9%, from $2.6 million in 1997 to $7.2 million
for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. This increase was
due primarily to the acquisition of Sonic whose general and administrative
expenses for that period were $4.4 million.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased by $10.8 million, or 176.3%, from $6.1 million in 1997 to $16.9
million for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. There was
a significant increase in amortization resulting from the acquisition of Sonic.
Incremental depreciation and amortization expenses of the acquisition of Sonic
were $10.3 million.
MANAGEMENT FEES/CORPORATE EXPENSE CHARGES. Corporate expense charges
increased by $5.6 million, or 991.2% from $0.6 million in 1997 to $6.2 million
for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. The increase from
1997 compared to the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998 was
the result of additional Charter Investment charges related to equity
appreciation rights plans of $3.8 million for the period from January 1, 1998
through December 23, 1998 and an increase of $1.5 million in management services
provided by Charter Investment as a result of the acquisition of Sonic.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased by $12.2 million, or 237.4%,
from $5.1 million in 1997 to $17.3 million for the period from January 1, 1998
through December 23, 1998. This increase resulted primarily from the
indebtedness of $220.6 million, including a note payable for $60.7 million,
incurred in connection with the acquisition of Sonic resulting in $12.1 million
of additional interest expense.
NET LOSS. Net loss increased by $12.6 million, or 272.5%, from $4.6
million in 1997 to $17.2 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through
December 23, 1998.
The increase in revenues that resulted from cable television customer
growth was not sufficient to offset the significant costs related to the
acquisition of Sonic.
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<PAGE> 68
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
REVENUES. Revenues increased by $4.0 million, or 26.8%, from $14.9 million
in 1996 to $18.9 million in 1997. The primary reason for this increase is due to
the acquisition of 5 cable systems in 1996 that increased customers by 58.9%.
Revenues of Charter Properties, excluding the activity of any other systems
acquired during the periods, increased by $0.7 million, or 8.9%, from $7.9
million in 1996 to $8.6 million in 1997.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses increased by $3.3 million, or
55.5%, from $5.9 million in 1996 to $9.2 million in 1997. This increase was
primarily due to the acquisitions of the cable systems in 1996 and the loss of
$1.4 million on the sale of a cable system in 1997.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
increased by $0.4 million, or 16.8%, from $2.2 million in 1996 to $2.6 million
in 1997. This increase was primarily due to the acquisitions of the cable
systems in 1996.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased by $1.5 million, or 32.9%, from $4.6 million in 1996 to $6.1 million
in 1997. There was a significant increase in amortization resulting from the
acquisitions of the cable systems in 1996.
MANAGEMENT FEES/CORPORATE EXPENSE CHARGES. Corporate expense charges
increased by $0.1 million, or 26.9%, from $0.4 million in 1996 to $0.6 million
in 1997. These fees were 3.0% of revenues in both 1996 and 1997.
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased by $0.7 million, or 16.0%,
from $4.4 million in 1996 to $5.1 million in 1997. This increase resulted
primarily from the indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisitions of
several cable systems in 1996.
NET LOSS. Net loss increased by $1.9 million, or 69.8%, from $2.7 million
in 1996 to $4.6 million in 1997. The increase in net loss is primarily related
to the $1.4 million loss on the sale of a cable system.
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<PAGE> 69
SUPPLEMENTAL MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
COMBINED CHARTER COMPANIES OPERATING RESULTS
The following discusses the combined revenues and expenses of Charter
Holdings, the CCA Group and CharterComm Holdings, for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1997 and for the period January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998, and
for the period December 24, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The combined
revenues and expenses represent the sum of the revenues and expenses of each of
the companies managed by Charter Investment during all periods presented. Since
the companies in these groups were under common management, we believe
presenting combined financial information of those companies is informative.
These statements show historical results of Charter Investment managed companies
that were acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen on
December 23, 1998. Other expenses, including interest expense, are not
presented, as such information was not considered meaningful. The combined
revenues and expenses do not reflect any pro forma adjustments related to
acquisitions made by the companies in these groups or related to the acquisition
of us. The combined revenues and expenses for the period December 24, 1998
through December 31, 1998 include the revenues and expenses for Marcus Cable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CHARTER HOLDINGS, CCA GROUP AND CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------- 1/1/98 THROUGH
1996 1997 12/23/98
------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Revenues............................. $ 368,553 100.0% $ 484,155 100.0% $ 570,964 100.0%
--------------- ------ --------------- ------ --------------- ------
Operating expenses:
Operating costs..................... 159,835 43.4% 207,802 42.9% 238,201 41.7%
General and administrative costs.... 30,249 8.2% 41,617 8.6% 50,227 8.8%
Depreciation and amortization....... 154,273 41.9% 198,718 41.0% 240,294 42.1%
Management fees/corporate expense
charges........................... 15,094 4.1% 20,759 4.3% 38,348 6.7%
--------------- ------ --------------- ------ --------------- ------
Total operating expenses...... 359,451 97.4% 468,896 96.8% 567,070 99.3%
--------------- ------ --------------- ------ --------------- ------
Income (loss) from operations........ $ 9,102 2.6% $ 15,259 3.2% $ 3,894 0.7%
=============== ====== =============== ====== =============== ======
<CAPTION>
CHARTER HOLDINGS
------------------------
12/24/98 THROUGH
12/31/98
------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Revenues............................. $ 23,450 100.0%
--------------- ------
Operating expenses:
Operating costs..................... 12,679 54.1%
General and administrative costs.... -- --
Depreciation and amortization....... 13,811 58.9%
Management fees/corporate expense
charges........................... 766 3.3%
--------------- ------
Total operating expenses...... 27,256 116.3%
--------------- ------
Income (loss) from operations........ $ (3,806) (16.3%)
=============== ======
</TABLE>
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PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 24, 1998, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1998
This period is not comparable to any other period presented. The financial
statements represent eight days of operations of the companies owned by us and
Marcus Holdings on a new basis to reflect the push-down of the purchase price in
the acquisition of us by Paul G. Allen and the inclusion of Marcus Holdings. The
period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998 represents 357 days of
operations of the companies owned by us and Marcus Holdings. As a result, no
comparison of the operating results for this eight-day period is presented.
PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 1998 THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 1998 COMPARED TO 1997
REVENUES. Revenues increased by $86.8 million, or 17.9%, from $484.2
million in 1997 to $571.0 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through
December 23, 1998. Increase in revenues of $30.5 million and $16.8 million
resulted from the acquisitions of Sonic in 1998 and Long Beach in 1997,
respectively. The remaining increase in revenues is primarily related to
internally generated increases in basic subscribers and increases in premium
service subscriptions.
We have grown our subscriber base internally as a result of management's
marketing efforts to add new customers, increased efforts to retain existing
customers and a limited amount of new-build construction to increase the
coverage area of our systems.
Premium subscriptions have increased as a result of the acquisition of
Sonic and our marketing efforts.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses increased by $30.4 million, or
14.6%, from $207.8 million in 1997 to $238.2 million for the period from January
1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. Increases in operating expenses of $11.5
million and $6.0 million resulted from acquisitions of Sonic in 1998 and Long
Beach in 1997, respectively. The remaining difference is primarily related to
increased programming cost.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
increased by $8.6 million, or 20.7%, from $41.6 million in 1997 to $50.2 million
for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. Increases in
general and administrative expenses of $4.4 million and $1.6 million resulted
from acquisitions of Sonic in 1998 and Long Beach in 1997, respectively.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization increased by
$41.6 million, or 20.9% from $198.7 million in 1997 to $240.3 million for the
period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998. Increases in depreciation
and amortization of $10.3 million and $8.4 million resulted from acquisitions of
Sonic in 1998 and Long Beach in 1997, respectively. The increase is also
attributed to capital expenditures of $195.5 million for the period from January
1, 1998 through December 23, 1998 and $162.6 million during 1997.
MANAGEMENT FEES/CORPORATE EXPENSE CHARGES. Management fees/corporate
expense charges increased by $17.6 million, or 84.7% from $20.8 million in 1997
to $38.3 million for the period from January 1, 1998 through December 23, 1998.
The increase from 1997 compared to 1998 was primarily the result of additional
Charter Investment charges related to the equity appreciation rights plans of
$14.4 million for fiscal 1998 and the additional management fees as a result of
the Sonic and Long Beach acquisitions of $1.5 million and $0.5 million,
respectively.
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<PAGE> 71
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
REVENUES. Revenues increased by $115.6 million, or 31.4%, from $368.6
million in 1996 to $484.2 million in 1997. This increase was due to several
acquisitions of cable systems in 1996 and 1997, including the acquisition of
Long Beach whose incremental revenues were $23.7 million, as well as an increase
in the average monthly revenue per basic customer from $34.05 in 1996 to $37.15
in 1997.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Operating expenses increased by $48.0 million, or
30.0%, from $159.8 million in 1996 to $207.8 million in 1997. This increase was
primarily due to the acquisitions in 1996 and 1997, most significant being the
acquisition of Long Beach whose operating expenses were $10.9 million.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses
increased by $11.4 million, or 37.6%, from $30.2 million in 1996 to $41.6
million in 1997. This increase was primarily due to the acquisitions acquired in
1996 and 1997, most significant being the acquisition of Long Beach whose
general and administrative expenses were $1.9 million.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization increased by
$44.4 million, or 28.8%, from $154.3 million in 1996 to $198.7 million in 1997.
There was a significant increase in amortization resulting from the acquisitions
of several cable systems in 1996 and 1997. In connection, with such
acquisitions, the acquired franchises were recorded at fair market value, which
resulted in a stepped-up basis upon acquisition. The increase is also attributed
to capital expenditures of $162.6 million in 1997 and $110.3 million in 1996.
MANAGEMENT FEES/CORPORATE EXPENSE CHARGES. Management fees/corporate
expense charges increased by $5.7 million, or 37.5%, from $15.1 million in 1996
to $20.8 million in fiscal 1997. This increase is primarily the result of an
increase in revenues from 1996 and 1997 and additional costs incurred by Charter
Investment to provide the management services.
OUTLOOK
Our business strategy emphasizes the increase of our operating cash flow by
increasing our customer base and the amount of cash flow per customer. We
believe that there are significant advantages in increasing the size and scope
of our operations, including:
- improved economies of scale in management, marketing, customer service,
billing and other administrative functions;
- reduced costs for plant and infrastructure;
- increased leverage for negotiating programming contracts; and
- increased influence on the evolution of important new technologies
affecting our business.
We seek to "cluster" cable systems in suburban and ex-urban areas
surrounding selected metropolitan markets. We believe that such "clustering"
offers significant opportunities to increase operating efficiencies and to
improve operating margins and cash flow by spreading fixed costs over an
expanding subscriber base. In addition, we believe that by concentrating
"clusters" in markets, we will be able to generate higher growth in revenues and
operating cash flow. Through strategic acquisitions and "swaps" of cable
systems, we seek to enlarge the coverage of our current areas of operations,
and, if feasible
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<PAGE> 72
develop "clusters" in new geographic areas within existing regions. Swapping of
cable systems allows us to trade systems that do not coincide with our operating
strategy while gaining systems that meet our objectives. Several significant
swaps have been announced. These swaps have demonstrated the industry's trend to
cluster operations. To date, Charter Holdings has participated in one swap in
connection with the transaction with InterMedia. We are currently negotiating
other possible swap transactions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The cable television business has substantial ongoing capital requirements
for the construction, expansion and maintenance of plant. Expenditures are
primarily made to rebuild and upgrade our existing plants. We also spend capital
on plant extensions, new services, converters and system maintenance.
Historically, we have been able to meet our capital requirements through our
cash flows from operations, equity contributions, debt financings and available
borrowings under our credit facilities.
Upgrading our existing plants will enable us to offer new and enhanced
services, including additional channels and tiers, expanded pay-per-view
options, high-speed Internet access, wide area network and point-to-point
services and digital advertising insertion.
Over the next three years, we plan to spend $1.8 billion for capital
expenditures, approximately $900 million of which will be used to upgrade our
systems to bandwidth capacity of 550 megahertz or greater, so that we may offer
advanced services. The remaining $900 million will be used for plant extensions,
new services, converters and system maintenance. Capital expenditures for 1999,
2000 and 2001 are expected to be approximately $600 million, $650 million, and
$550 million, respectively. If our recent and pending acquisitions are completed
over the next three years, we plan to spend an additional $700 million to
upgrade our systems to bandwidth capacity of 550 megahertz or greater, so that
we may offer advanced cable services. An additional $400 million will be used
for plant extensions, new services, converters and system maintenance. We expect
to finance the anticipated capital expenditures with distributions generated
from operations and additional borrowings under our credit facilities.
For the three months ended March 31, 1999, Charter Holdings made capital
expenditures, excluding the acquisitions of cable television systems, of $109.6
million and $29.0 million for all of 1998. The majority of the capital
expenditures relate to rebuild of existing cable systems.
On March 17, 1999, Charter Holdings issued the original notes. The proceeds
of approximately $2.99 billion, combined with the borrowings under our credit
facilities, were used to consummate tender offers for publicly held debt of
several of our subsidiaries, as described below, refinance borrowings under our
previous credit facilities and for working capital purposes. Semi-annual
interest payments with respect to the 8.250% notes and the 8.625% notes will be
approximately $89.4 million, commencing on October 1, 1999. No interest on the
9.920% notes will be payable prior to April 1, 2004. Thereafter, semiannual
interest payments will be approximately $162.6 million in the aggregate,
commencing on October 1, 2004.
Concurrent with the issuance of the original notes, we refinanced
substantially all of our previous credit facilities with new credit facilities
entered into by Charter Operating. In February and March 1999, we commenced cash
tender offers to purchase the 14% senior discount notes issued by Charter
Communications Southeast Holdings, LLC, the 11.25% senior notes issued by
Charter Communications Southeast, LLC, the 13.50% senior
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<PAGE> 73
subordinated discount notes issued by Marcus Cable Operating Company, L.L.C.,
and the 14.25% senior discount notes issued by Marcus Cable. All notes except
for $1.1 million were paid off.
The Charter Operating credit facilities provide for two term facilities,
one with a principal amount of $1.0 billion that matures September 2008 (Term
A), and the other with the principal amount of $1.85 billion that matures on
March 2009 (Term B). Our new credit facilities also provide for a $1.25 billion
revolving credit facility with a maturity date of September 2008. After giving
effect to the pending acquisitions, we have approximately $791 million of
borrowing availability under our new credit facilities. In addition, an
uncommitted incremental term facility of up to $500 million with terms similar
to the terms of the credit facilities is permitted under the credit facilities,
but will be conditioned on receipt of additional new commitments from existing
and new lenders. Amounts under our new credit facilities bear interest at a base
rate or a eurodollar rate, plus a margin up to 2.75%. A quarterly commitment fee
of between 0.25% and 0.375% per annum is payable on the unborrowed balance of
Term A and the revolving credit facility. The weighted average interest rate for
outstanding debt on March 31, 1999 was 7.44%.
We acquired Renaissance in April, 1999. Renaissance has outstanding
publicly held debt comprised of 10% senior discount notes due 2008 with a $163.2
million principal amount at maturity and $100.0 million accreted value. The
Renaissance notes pay no interest until April 15, 2003. From and after April 15,
2003, the Renaissance notes will bear interest, payable semi-annually in cash,
on each April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2003. The Renaissance
notes are due on April 15, 2008.
The following table sets forth the sources and uses as of March 31, 1999,
as discussed above, giving effect to additional borrowings under our credit
facilities and additional equity contributions in connection with refinancing of
our previous credit facilities and funding our pending acquisitions as if such
transactions had occurred on that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOURCES: ----------------- USES: ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Notes:
14.00% Senior secured discount
8.250% notes............ $ 600 debentures............................. $ 109
8.625% notes............ 1,500 11.25% Senior notes.................... 125
13.50% Senior subordinated discount
9.920% notes............ 1,475 notes.................................. 383
Less: Discount.......... (572) 14.25% Senior discount notes........... 241
Add: Unamortized premium............... 128
Add: Redemption adjustment............. 19
Charter Operating Credit
Facilities:
Tranche B............... 1,850
Tranche A............... 1,100
Revolver................ 1,250
Renaissance debt.......... 83 Previous credit facilities............. 2,535
Other..................... 25 Pending acquisitions................... 4,230
Fees and expenses...................... 119
Equity.................... 1,325 Cash and cash equivalents.............. 747
------ ------
$8,636 $8,636
====== ======
</TABLE>
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Prior to our acquisition by Paul G. Allen, we have received minimal equity
contributions. In order to fund a portion of the pending acquisitions, Paul G.
Allen has committed to fund $1,325 billion of additional equity.
CERTAIN TRENDS AND UNCERTAINTIES
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE. As of March 31, 1999, pro forma for our pending
acquisitions and acquisitions completed since that date, our total debt was
approximately $6.6 billion, our total members' equity was approximately $4.7
billion, and the deficiency of our earnings available to cover fixed charges was
approximately $197 million. We anticipate incurring substantial additional debt
in the future to fund the expansion, maintenance and the upgrade of our systems.
Our ability to make payments on our debt, including the notes, and to fund
our planned capital expenditures for upgrading our cable systems will depend on
our ability to generate cash and secure financing in the future. This, to a
certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive,
legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based
upon the current levels of operations, we believe that cash flow from operations
and available cash, together with available borrowings under our credit
facilities, will be adequate to meet our liquidity and capital needs for at
least the next several years. However, there can be no assurance our business
will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings
will be available to us under our credit facilities or from other sources of
financing in an amount sufficient to enable us to repay our debt, to grow our
business or to fund our other liquidity and capital needs.
VARIABLE INTEREST RATES. A significant portion of our debt bears interest
at variable rates that are linked to short-term interest rates. If interest
rates rise, our costs relative to those obligations would also rise.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. Our credit facilities contain a number of
significant covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of our
subsidiaries to:
- pay dividends;
- pledge assets;
- dispose of assets or merge;
- incur additional debt;
- issue equity;
- repurchase or redeem equity interests and debt;
- create liens; and
- make certain investments or acquisitions.
In addition, each of our credit facilities requires the particular borrower
to maintain cash specified financial ratios and meet financial tests. The
ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our
control. The breach of any of these covenants will result in a default under the
applicable debt agreement or instrument, which could permit acceleration of the
debt. Any default under our credit facilities or our indentures may adversely
affect our growth, our financial condition and our results of operations.
IMPORTANCE OF GROWTH STRATEGY AND RELATED RISKS. We expect that a
substantial portion of any of our future growth will be achieved through
revenues from additional
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services and the acquisition of additional cable systems. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to offer new services successfully to our customers or that
those new services will generate revenues. In addition, the acquisition of
additional cable systems may not have a positive net impact on our operating
results. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including diversion of
management's attention, failure to retain key acquired personnel, risks
associated with unanticipated events or liabilities and difficulties in
assimilation of the operations of the acquired companies, some or all of which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition. If we are unable to grow our cash flow sufficiently, we may
be unable to fulfill our obligations or obtain alternative financing.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH. As a result of the acquisition of us by Paul G.
Allen, our merger with Marcus Holdings and our recent and pending acquisitions,
we have experienced and will continue to experience rapid growth that has placed
and is expected to continue to place a significant strain on our management,
operations and other resources. Our future success will depend in part on our
ability to successfully integrate the operations acquired and to be acquired and
to attract and retain qualified personnel. Historically, acquired entities have
had minimal employee benefit related cost and all benefit plans have been
terminated with acquired employees transferring to our 401(k) plan. No
significant severance cost is expected in conjunction with the recent and
pending acquisitions. The failure to retain or obtain needed personnel or to
implement management, operating or financial systems necessary to successfully
integrate acquired operations or otherwise manage growth when and as needed
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
In connection with our pending acquisitions, we have formed
multi-disciplinary teams to formulate plans for establishing customer service
centers, identifying property, plant and equipment requirements and possible
reduction of headends, determining market position and attracting "talented"
personnel. Our goals include rapid transition in achieving performance
objectives and implementing "best practice" procedures.
REGULATION AND LEGISLATION. Cable systems are extensively regulated at the
federal, state, and local level. These regulations have increased the
administrative and operational expenses of cable television systems and affected
the development of cable competition. Rate regulation of cable systems has been
in place since passage of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and
Competition Act of 1992, although the scope of this regulation recently was
sharply contracted. Since March 31, 1999, rate regulation exists only with
respect to the lowest level of basic cable service and associated equipment.
This change affords cable operators much greater pricing flexibility, although
Congress could revisit this issue if confronted with substantial rate increases.
Cable operators also face significant regulation of their channel capacity.
They currently can be required to devote substantial capacity to the carriage of
programming that they would not carry voluntarily, including certain local
broadcast signals, local public, educational and government access users, and
unaffiliated commercial leased access programmers. This carriage burden could
increase in the future, particularly if the Federal Communications Commission
were to require cable systems to carry both the analog and digital versions of
local broadcast signals or if it were to allow unaffiliated internet service
providers seeking direct cable access to invoke commercial leased access rights
originally devised for video programmers. The Federal Communications Commission
is currently conducting proceedings in which it is considering both of these
channel usage possibilities.
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INTEREST RATE RISK
The use of interest rate risk management instruments, such as interest rate
exchange agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar
agreements, is required under the terms of our credit facilities. Our policy is
to manage interest costs using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Using
interest rate swap agreements, we agree to exchange, at specified intervals, the
difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference
to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Interest rate cap agreements are
used to lock in a maximum interest rate should variable rates rise, but enable
us to otherwise pay lower market rates. Collars limit our exposure to and
benefits from interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt to within a
certain range of rates.
The table set forth below summarizes the fair values and contract terms of
financial instruments subject to interest rate risk maintained by us as of
December 31, 1998 (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPECTED MATURITY DATE FAIR VALUE AT
---------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER TOTAL 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEBT
Fixed Rate............... -- -- -- -- -- $ 984,509 $ 984,509 $ 974,327
Average Interest Rate... -- -- -- -- -- 13.5% 13.5%
Variable Rate............ $ 87,950 $110,245 $148,950 $393,838 $295,833 $1,497,738 $2,534,554 $2,534,533
Average Interest Rate... 6.0% 6.1% 6.3% 6.5% 7.2% 7.6% 7.2%
INTEREST RATE INSTRUMENTS
Variable to Fixed
Swaps................... $130,000 $255,000 $180,000 $320,000 $370,000 $ 250,000 $1,505,000 $ (28,977)
Average Pay Rate........ 4.9% 6.0% 5.8% 5.5% 5.6% 5.6% 5.6%
Average Receive Rate.... 5.0% 5.0% 5.2% 5.2% 5.4% 5.4% 5.2%
Caps..................... $ 15,000 -- -- -- -- -- $ 15,000 --
Average Cap Rate........ 8.5% -- -- -- -- -- 8.5%
Collar................... -- $195,000 $ 85,000 $ 30,000 -- -- $ 310,000 $ (4,174)
Average Cap Rate........ -- 7.0% 6.5% 6.5% -- -- 6.8%
Average Floor Rate...... -- 5.0% 5.1% 5.2% -- -- 5.0%
</TABLE>
The notional amounts of interest rate instruments, as presented in the
above table, are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not
represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The estimated fair value
approximates the proceeds (costs) to settle the outstanding contracts. Interest
rates on variable debt are estimated using the average implied forward LIBOR
rates for the year of maturity based on the yield curve in effect at December
31, 1998 plus the borrowing margin in effect for each credit facility at
December 31, 1998. While swaps, caps and collars represent an integral part of
our interest rate risk management program, their incremental effect on interest
expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 was not
significant.
In March 1999, substantially all existing long-term debt, excluding
borrowings of our previous credit facilities was extinguished, and all previous
credit facilities were refinanced with the credit facilities. The following
table set forth the fair values and contract terms of the long-term debt
maintained by us as of March 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPECTED MATURITY DATE FAIR VALUE AT
-------------------------------------------------- MARCH 31,
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER TOTAL 1999
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEBT
Fixed Rate................. -- -- -- -- -- $3,575,000 $3,575,000 $3,004,023
Average Interest Rate..... -- -- -- -- -- 9.0% 9.0%
Variable Rate.............. -- -- -- $13,125 $17,500 $1,719,375 $1,750,000 $1,750,000
Average Interest Rate..... -- -- -- 5.9% 6.0% 6.4% 6.4%
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 77
Interest rates on variable debt are estimated using the average implied
forward LIBOR rates for the year of maturity based on the yield curve in effect
at March 31, 1998 plus the borrowing margin in effect for each credit facility
at March 31, 1999.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
GENERAL. Many existing computer systems and applications, and other
control devices and embedded computer chips use only two digits, rather than
four, to identify a year in the date field, failing to consider the impact of
the upcoming change in the century. As a result, such systems, applications,
devices, and chips could create erroneous results or might fail altogether
unless corrected to properly interpret data related to the year 2000 and beyond.
These errors and failures may result, not only from a date recognition problem
in the particular part of a system failing, but may also result as systems,
applications, devices and chips receive erroneous or improper data from
third-parties suffering from the year 2000 problem. In addition, two interacting
systems, applications, devices or chips, each of which has individually been
fixed so that it will properly handle the year 2000 problem, could nonetheless
result in a failure because their method of dealing with the problem is not
compatible.
These problems are expected to increase in frequency and severity as the
year 2000 approaches. This issue impacts our owned or licensed computer systems
and equipment used in connection with internal operations, including:
- information processing and financial reporting systems;
- customer billing systems;
- customer service systems;
- telecommunication transmission and reception systems; and
- facility systems.
THIRD PARTIES. We also rely directly and indirectly, in the regular course
of business, on the proper operation and compatibility of third party systems.
The year 2000 problem could cause these systems to fail, err, or become
incompatible with our systems.
If we or a significant third party on which we rely fails to become year
2000 ready, or if the year 2000 problem causes our systems to become internally
incompatible or incompatible with such third party systems, our business could
suffer from material disruptions, including the inability to process
transactions, send invoices, accept customer orders or provide customers with
our cable services. We could also face similar disruptions if the year 2000
problem causes general widespread problems or an economic crisis. We cannot now
estimate the extent of these potential disruptions.
STATE OF READINESS. We are addressing the Year 2000 problem with respect
to our internal operations in three stages:
(1) conducting an inventory and evaluation of our systems, components, and
other significant infrastructure to identify those elements that
reasonably could be expected to be affected by the year 2000 problems.
This initiative has been completed;
(2) remediating or replacing equipment that will fail to operate properly
in the year 2000. We plan to be finished with the remediation by
September 1999; and
(3) testing of the remediation and replacement conducted in stage two. We
plan to complete all testing by September 1999.
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Much of our assessment efforts in stage one have involved, and depend on,
inquiries to third party service providers, who are the suppliers and vendors of
various parts or components of our systems. Certain of these third parties that
have certified the readiness of their products will not certify their
interoperability within our fully integrated systems. We cannot assure you that
these technologies of third parties, on which we rely, will be year 2000 ready
or timely converted into year 2000 compliant systems compatible with our
systems. Moreover, because a full test of our systems, on an integrated basis,
would require a complete shut down of our operations, it is not practicable to
conduct such testing. However, we are utilizing a third party, in cooperation
with other cable operators, to test a "mock-up" of our major billing and plant
components, including pay-per-view systems, as an integrated system. We are
utilizing another third party to also conduct comprehensive testing on our
advertising related scheduling and billing systems. In addition, we are
evaluating the potential impact of third party failure and integration failure
on our systems.
RISKS AND REASONABLY LIKELY WORST CASE SCENARIOS. The failure to correct a
material year 2000 problem could result in system failures leading to a
disruption in, or failure of certain normal business activities or operations.
Such failures could materially and adversely affect our results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in
the year 2000 problem, resulting in part from the uncertainty of the year 2000
readiness of third-party suppliers and customers, we are unable to determine at
this time whether the consequences of year 2000 failures will have a material
impact on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. The year
2000 taskforce is expected to significantly reduce our level of uncertainty
about the year 2000 problem and, in particular, about the year 2000 compliance
and readiness of our material vendors.
We are in the process of acquiring certain cable televisions systems, and
have negotiated certain contractual rights in the acquisition agreements
relating to the year 2000. We have included the acquired cable television
systems in our year 2000 taskforce's plan. We are monitoring the remediation
process for systems we are acquiring to ensure completion of remediation before
or as we acquire these systems. We have found that these companies are following
a three stage process similar to that outlined above and are on a similar time
line. We are not currently aware of any likely material system failures relating
to the year 2000 affecting the acquired systems.
CONTINGENCY AND BUSINESS CONTINUATION PLAN. The year 2000 plan calls for
suitable contingency planning for our at-risk business functions. We normally
make contingency plans in order to avoid interrupted service providing video,
voice and data products to our customers. The normal contingency planning is
being reviewed and will be revised by August 1999, where appropriate, to
specifically address year 2000 exposure with respect to service to customers.
COST. We have incurred $4.9 million in costs to date directly related to
addressing the year 2000 problem. We have redeployed internal resources and have
selectively engaged outside vendors to meet the goals of our year 2000 program.
We currently estimate the total cost of our year 2000 remediation program to be
approximately $7 million. Although we will continue to make substantial capital
expenditures in the ordinary course of meeting our telecommunications system
upgrade goals through the year 2000, we will not specifically accelerate those
expenditures to facilitate year 2000 readiness, and accordingly those
expenditures are not included in the above estimate.
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ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.
133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's
gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and
assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. We have not yet
quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on our consolidated financial
statements nor have we determined the timing or method of our adoption of SFAS
No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility in earnings (loss).
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
GENERAL
We sold the original notes on March 17, 1999 in a transaction exempt from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The initial
purchasers of the notes subsequently resold the original notes to qualified
institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A and under Regulation S under the
Securities Act of 1933.
In connection with the sale of original notes to the initial purchasers
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated March 12, 1999, among us and Goldman,
Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC,
Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc., First Union
Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities Incorporated, TD Securities (USA)
Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., the holders of
the original notes became entitled to the benefits of the exchange and
registration rights agreements dated March 17, 1999, among us and the initial
purchasers.
Under the registration rights agreements, the issuers became obligated to
file a registration statement in connection with an exchange offer within 90
days after the issue date and cause the exchange offer registration statement to
become effective within 150 days after the issue date. The exchange offer being
made by this prospectus, if consummated within the required time periods, will
satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreements. This
prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is being sent to all
beneficial holders known to the issuers.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus
and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, the issuers will accept all
original notes properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date.
The issuers will issue $1,000 principal amount of new notes in exchange for each
$1,000 principal amount of outstanding original notes accepted in the exchange
offer. Holders may tender some or all of their original notes pursuant to the
exchange offer.
Based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission to third parties we believe that holders of the new notes
issued in exchange for original notes may offer for resale, resell and otherwise
transfer the new notes, other than any holder that is an affiliate of ours
within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with
the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act of
1933. This is true as long as the new notes are acquired in the ordinary course
of the holder's business, the holder has no arrangement or understanding with
any person to participate in the distribution of the new notes and neither the
holder nor any other person is engaging in or intends to engage in a
distribution of the new notes. A broker-dealer that acquired original notes
directly from the issuers cannot exchange the original notes in the exchange
offer. Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of
participating in a distribution of the new notes cannot rely on the no-action
letters of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission and must comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any resale transaction.
Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account in exchange
for original notes, where original notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as
a result of
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market-making or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver
a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. See "Plan of
Distribution" for additional information.
We shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered original notes when,
as and if we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance of such notes
to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering
holders of original notes for the purposes of receiving the new notes from the
issuers and delivering new notes to such holders.
If any tendered original notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender or the occurrence of the conditions set forth under
"-- Conditions" without waiver by us, certificates for any such unaccepted
original notes will be returned, without expense, to the tendering holder of any
such original notes as promptly as practicable after the expiration date.
Holders of original notes who tender in the exchange offer will not be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in
the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of
original notes, pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and
expenses, other than certain applicable taxes in connection with the exchange
offer. See "-- Fees and Expenses."
SHELF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Pursuant to the registration rights agreements, if the exchange offer is
not completed prior to the date on which the earliest of any of the following
events occurs:
(a) applicable interpretations of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission do not permit us to effect the exchange offer,
(b) any holder of notes notifies us that either:
(1) such holder is not eligible to participate in the exchange
offer, or
(2) such holder participates in the exchange offer and does not
receive freely transferable new notes in exchange for tendered original
notes, or
(c) the exchange offer is not completed within 180 days after March
17, 1999,
we will, at our cost:
- file a shelf registration statement covering resales of the original
notes,
- use our reasonable best efforts to cause the shelf registration statement
to be declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933 at the earliest
possible time, but no later than 90 days after the time such obligation
to file arises, and
- use our reasonable best efforts to keep effective the shelf registration
statement until the earlier of two years after the date as of which the
Securities and Exchange Commission declares such shelf registration
statement effective or the shelf registration otherwise becomes
effective, or the time when all of the applicable original notes are no
longer outstanding.
If any of the events described occurs, we will refuse to accept any
original notes and will return all tendered original notes.
We will, if and when we file the shelf registration statement, provide to
each holder of the original notes copies of the prospectus which is a part of
the shelf registration
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statement, notify each holder when the shelf registration statement has become
effective and take other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales
of the original notes. A holder that sells original notes pursuant to the shelf
registration statement generally must be named as a selling security-holder in
the related prospectus and must deliver a prospectus to purchasers, a seller
will be subject to civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in
connection with these sales. A seller of the original notes also will be bound
by applicable provisions of the registration rights agreements, including
indemnification obligations. In addition, each holder of original notes must
deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf registration
statement and provide comments on the shelf registration statement in order to
have its original notes included in the shelf registration statement and benefit
from the provisions regarding any liquidated damages in the registration rights
agreement.
INCREASE IN INTEREST RATE
If we are required to file the shelf registration statement and either
(1) the shelf registration statement has not become effective or been
declared effective on or before the 90th calendar day following the
date such obligation to file arises, or
(2) the shelf registration statement has been declared effective and such
shelf registration statement ceases to be effective, except as
specifically permitted in the registration rights agreements, without
being succeeded promptly by an additional registration statement filed
and declared effective,
the interest rate borne by the original notes will be increased by 0.25% per
annum following such default, determined daily, from the date of such default
until the date it is cured, and by an additional 0.25% per annum for each
subsequent 90-day period. However, in no event will the interest rate borne by
the original notes be increased by an aggregate of more than 1.0% per annum.
The sole remedy available to the holders of the original notes will be the
immediate increase in the interest rate on the original notes as described
above. Any amounts of additional interest due as described above will be payable
in cash on the same interest payments dates as the original notes.
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSIONS; AMENDMENT
We will keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days, or longer
if required by applicable law, after the date on which notice of the exchange
offer is mailed to the holders of the old notes. The term "expiration date"
means the expiration date set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, unless
we extend the exchange offer, in which case the term "expiration date" means the
latest date to which the exchange offer is extended.
In order to extend the expiration date, we will notify the exchange agent
of any extension by oral or written notice and will issue a public announcement
of the extension, each prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next
business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
We reserve the right
(a) to delay accepting any original notes, to extend the exchange
offer or to terminate the exchange offer and not accept original notes not
previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth under
"-- Conditions" shall have occurred and shall
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not have been waived by us, if permitted to be waived by us, by giving oral
or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange
agent, or
(b) to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner deemed by
us to be advantageous to the holders of the original notes.
Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice. If the exchange
offer is amended in a manner determined by us to constitute a material change,
we promptly will disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to
inform the holders of the original notes of such amendment. Depending upon the
significance of the amendment, we may extend the exchange offer if it otherwise
would expire during such extension period.
Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make a public
announcement of any extension, amendment or termination of the exchange offer,
we will not be obligated to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any
such announcement, other than by making a timely release to an appropriate news
agency.
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
To tender in the exchange offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the
letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, have the
signatures on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by instruction 2
of the letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver such letter of
transmittal or such facsimile or an agent's message in connection with a book
entry transfer, together with the original notes and any other required
documents. To be validly tendered, such documents must reach the exchange agent
before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Delivery of the
original notes may be made by book-entry transfer in accordance with the
procedures described below. Confirmation of such book-entry transfer must be
received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration date.
The term "agent's message" means a message, transmitted by a book-entry
transfer facility to, and received by, the exchange agent, forming a part of a
confirmation of a book-entry transfer, which states that such book-entry
transfer facility has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in
such book-entry transfer facility tendering the original notes that such
participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of
transmittal and that we may enforce such agreement against such participant.
The tender by a holder of original notes will constitute an agreement
between such holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.
Delivery of all documents must be made to the exchange agent at its address
set forth below. Holders may also request their respective brokers, dealers,
commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect such tender for such
holders.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ORIGINAL NOTES AND THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND
ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK
OF THE HOLDERS. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HOLDERS USE
AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE
ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE 5:00 P.M. NEW
YORK CITY TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR ORIGINAL
NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO US.
Only a holder of original notes may tender original notes in the exchange
offer. The term "holder" with respect to the exchange offer means any person in
whose name original
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notes are registered on our books or any other person who has obtained a
properly completed bond power from the registered holder.
Any beneficial holder whose original notes are registered in the name of
its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who
wishes to tender should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct
such registered holder to tender on its behalf. If such beneficial holder wishes
to tender on its own behalf, such registered holder must, prior to completing
and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering its original notes,
either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the original notes
in such holder's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the
registered holder. The transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, must be
guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or
trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States referred to
as an "eligible institution", unless the original notes are tendered
(a) by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special
Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the letter
of transmittal or
(b) for the account of an eligible institution. In the event that
signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, are
required to be guaranteed, such guarantee must be by an eligible
institution.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any original notes listed therein, such original notes must
be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers and a proxy which
authorizes such person to tender the original notes on behalf of the registered
holder, in each case signed as the name of the registered holder or holders
appears on the original notes.
If the letter of transmittal or any original notes or bond powers are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by us,
evidence satisfactory to us of their authority so to act must be submitted with
the letter of transmittal.
All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of
receipt, and withdrawal of the tendered original notes will be determined by us
in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. We
reserve the absolute right to reject any and all original notes not properly
tendered or any original notes our acceptance of which, in the opinion of
counsel for us, would be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any
irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular original notes. Our
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the
instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders
of original notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine. None of
us, the exchange agent or any other person shall be under any duty to give
notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of original
notes, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
notification. Tenders of original notes will not be deemed to have been made
until such irregularities have been cured or waived. Any original notes received
by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects
or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned without cost to
such holder by the exchange agent to the tendering holders of original notes,
unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable
following the expiration date.
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In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion to
(a) purchase or make offers for any original notes that remain outstanding
subsequent to the expiration date or, as set forth under
"-- Conditions," to terminate the exchange offer in accordance with the
terms of the registration rights agreements and
(b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase original notes in
the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The
terms of any such purchases or offers may differ from the terms of the
exchange offer.
By tendering, each holder will represent to us that, among other things,
(a) the new notes acquired pursuant to the exchange offer are being
obtained in the ordinary course of business of such holder or other
person,
(b) neither such holder nor such other person is engaged in or intends to
engage in a distribution of the new notes,
(c) neither such holder or other person has any arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of
such new notes, and
(d) such holder or other person is not our "affiliate," as defined under
Rule 405 of the Securities Act, or, if such holder or other person is
such an affiliate, will comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the extent applicable.
We understand that the exchange agent will make a request promptly after
the date of this prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the original
notes at the Depository Trust Company for the purpose of facilitating the
exchange offer, and subject to the establishment of such accounts, any financial
institution that is a participant in the Depository Trust Company's system may
make book-entry delivery of original notes by causing the Depository Trust
Company to transfer such original notes into the exchange agent's account with
respect to the original notes in accordance with the Depository Trust Company's
procedures for such transfer. Although delivery of the original notes may be
effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at the
Depository Trust Company, an appropriate letter of transmittal properly
completed and duly executed with any required signature guarantee, or an agent's
message in lieu of the letter of transmittal, and all other required documents
must in each case be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the exchange
agent at its address set forth below on or prior to the expiration date, or, if
the guaranteed delivery procedures described below are complied with, within the
time period provided under such procedures. Delivery of documents to Depository
Trust Company does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
Holders who wish to tender their original notes and
(a) whose original notes are not immediately available or
(b) who cannot deliver their original notes, the letter of transmittal
or any other required documents to the exchange agent prior to the
expiration date, may effect a tender if:
(1) the tender is made through an eligible institution;
(2) prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from
such eligible institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice
of Guaranteed
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Delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, setting
forth the name and address of the holder of the original notes, the
certificate number or numbers of such original notes and the principal
amount of original notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made
thereby, and guaranteeing that, within three business days after the
expiration date, the letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof or
agent's message in lieu of the letter of transmittal, together with the
certificate(s) representing the original notes to be tendered in proper
form for transfer and any other documents required by the letter of
transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the
exchange agent; and
(3) such properly completed and executed letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) together with the certificate(s) representing all
tendered original notes in proper form for transfer and all other
documents required by the letter of transmittal are received by the
exchange agent within three business days after the expiration date.
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, tenders of original notes
may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
expiration date, unless previously accepted for exchange in the case where the
expiration date has been extended.
To withdraw a tender of original notes in the exchange offer, a written or
facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange
agent at its address set forth in this prospectus prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the expiration date. Any such notice of withdrawal must:
(a) specify the name of the depositor, who is the person having
deposited the original notes to be withdrawn,
(b) identify the original notes to be withdrawn, including the
certificate number or numbers and principal amount of such original notes
or, in the case of original notes transferred by book-entry transfer, the
name and number of the account at Depository Trust Company to be credited,
(c) be signed by the depositor in the same manner as the original
signature on the letter of transmittal by which such original notes were
tendered, including any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by
documents of transfer sufficient to have the trustee with respect to the
original notes register the transfer of such original notes into the name
of the depositor withdrawing the tender and
(d) specify the name in which any such original notes are to be
registered, if different from that of the depositor. All questions as to
the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of such
withdrawal notices will be determined by us, and our determination shall be
final and binding on all parties. Any original notes so withdrawn will be
deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer
and no new notes will be issued with respect to the original notes
withdrawn unless the original notes so withdrawn are validly retendered.
Any original notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted for
exchange will be returned to its holder without cost to such holder as soon
as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the
exchange offer. Properly withdrawn original notes may be retendered by
following one of the procedures
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described above under "-- Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to
the expiration date.
CONDITIONS
Notwithstanding any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be
required to accept for exchange, or exchange, any new notes for any original
notes, and may terminate or amend the exchange offer before the expiration date,
if the exchange offer violates any applicable law or interpretation by the staff
of the Commission.
If we determine in our reasonable discretion that the foregoing condition
exists, we may
(1) refuse to accept any original notes and return all tendered
original notes to the tendering holders,
(2) extend the exchange offer and retain all original notes tendered
prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, subject, however, to the
rights of holders who tendered such original notes to withdraw their
tendered original notes, or
(3) waive such condition, if permissible, with respect to the exchange
offer and accept all properly tendered original notes which have not been
withdrawn. If such waiver constitutes a material change to the exchange
offer, we will promptly disclose such waiver by means of a prospectus
supplement that will be distributed to the holders, and we will extend the
exchange offer as required by applicable law.
EXCHANGE AGENT
Harris Trust Company of New York has been appointed as exchange agent for
the exchange offer. Questions and requests for assistance and requests for
additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal should be
directed to Harris Trust Company of New York addressed as follows:
For Information by Telephone:
(212) 701-7637
By Hand or Overnight Delivery Service:
Harris Trust Company of New York
Wall Street Plaza
88 Pine Street
19th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
By Facsimile Transmission:
(212) 701-7624
(Telephone Confirmation)
(212) 701-7637
Harris Trust Company of New York is an affiliate of the trustee under the
indentures governing the notes.
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FEES AND EXPENSES
We have agreed to bear the expenses of the exchange offer pursuant to the
exchange and registration rights agreements. We have not retained any
dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any
payments to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange
offer. We, however, will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees
for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with providing the services.
The cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer will
be paid by us. Such expenses include fees and expenses of Harris Trust Company
of New York as exchange agent, accounting and legal fees and printing costs,
among others.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The new notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the original
notes as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange.
Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized by us.
The expenses of the exchange offer and the unamortized expenses related to the
issuance of the original notes will be amortized over the term of the notes.
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
Holders of original notes who are eligible to participate in the exchange
offer but who do not tender their original notes will not have any further
registration rights, and their original notes will continue to be subject to
restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, such original notes may be resold only
- to us, upon redemption of these notes or otherwise,
- so long as the original notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933, to a person inside the United
States whom the seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional
buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the
requirements of Rule 144A,
- in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or under another
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, and based upon an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to us,
- outside the United States to a foreign person in a transaction meeting
the requirements of Rule 904 under the Securities Act of 1933, or
- under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of
1933,
in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of
the United States.
REGULATORY APPROVALS
We do not believe that the receipt of any material federal or state
regulatory approval will be necessary in connection with the exchange offer,
other than the effectiveness of the exchange offer registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933.
OTHER
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary and holders of original
notes should carefully consider whether to accept the terms and condition of
this exchange offer. Holders of the original notes are urged to consult their
financial and tax advisors in making their own decisions on what action to take
with respect to the exchange offer.
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BUSINESS
GENERAL
We offer a full range of traditional cable television services. Our service
offerings include the following programming packages:
- basic programming;
- expanded basic programming;
- premium channels; and
- pay-per-view television programming.
As part of our "wired world" vision, we are also beginning to offer an
array of new services including:
- digital television;
- high-speed Internet access; and
- interactive video programming.
We are also exploring opportunities in telephony and electronic commerce.
These new products and services will take advantage of the significant
bandwidth of our cable systems. We are accelerating the upgrade of our cable
systems to more quickly provide these products and services.
As of March 31, 1999, we served approximately 2.3 million cable television
service customers in 22 states. We have entered into agreements to acquire
additional cable systems that would have increased the number of our customers
to 3.7 million as of that date.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, pro forma for our merger with Marcus
Holdings and the acquisitions we completed during 1998, our revenues were
approximately $1.2 billion, our EBITDA was approximately $562 million and our
cash flows from operating activities were approximately $289 million. For the
three months ended March 31, 1999, pro forma for our merger with Marcus Holdings
and the acquisitions we completed during 1999, our revenues were approximately
$331 million, our EBITDA was approximately $150 million and our cash flows from
operating activities were approximately $60 million.
Pro forma for our merger with Marcus Holdings and our recent and pending
acquisitions, for the year ended December 31, 1998, our revenues would have been
approximately $1.7 billion, our EBITDA would have been approximately $750
million and our cash flows from operating activities would have been $351
million. Pro forma for our merger with Marcus Holdings and our recent and
pending acquisitions, our revenues would have been $445 million, for the three
months ended March 31, 1999, our EBITDA would have been approximately $199
million and our cash flows from operating activities would have been $86
million.
Paul G. Allen, the principal owner of our ultimate parent company and one
of the computer industry's visionaries, has long believed in a "wired world" in
which cable technology will facilitate the convergence of television, computers
and telecommunications. We believe cable's ability to deliver voice, video and
data at high speeds will enable it to serve as the primary platform for the
delivery of new services to the home and workplace.
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BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our objective is to increase our operating cash flow by increasing our
operating base and the amount of cash flow per customer. To achieve this
objective, we are pursuing the following strategies:
INTEGRATE AND IMPROVE ACQUIRED CABLE SYSTEMS. We seek to rapidly integrate
newly acquired cable systems and apply our core operating strategies to raise
the financial and operating performance of these systems. Our integration
process occurs in three stages:
(1) SYSTEM EVALUATION. We conduct extensive evaluation of each system
we are considering acquiring. This process begins prior to reaching an
agreement to purchase the system and focuses on the system's:
- business plan;
- customer service standards;
- management capabilities; and
- technological capacity and compatibility.
We also evaluate opportunities to consolidate headends and billing and
other administrative functions. Based upon this evaluation, we formulate plans
for customer service centers, plant upgrade, market positioning, new product and
service launches and human resource requirements.
(2) IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR CORE OPERATING STRATEGIES. To achieve high
standards for customer satisfaction and financial and operating
performance, we:
- attract and retain high quality local management;
- empower local managers with a high degree of day-to-day operational
autonomy;
- set key financial and operating benchmarks for management to meet,
such as revenue and cash flow per subscriber, subscriber growth,
customer service and technical standards;
- provide incentives to all employees through grants of cash bonuses and
stock options.
- conform billing and customer support systems; and
- share the success of our business among all employees through grants
of cash bonuses and stock options.
(3) ONGOING SUPPORT AND MONITORING. We provide local managers with
regional and corporate management guidance, marketing and other support for
implementation of their business plans. We monitor performance of our
acquired cable systems on a frequent basis to ensure that performance goals
can be met.
The turn-around in our Fort Worth system, which our management team began
to manage in October 1998, is an example of our success in integrating newly
acquired cable systems into our operations. We introduced a customer care team
to improve customer service and local government relations, and each of our
customer service representatives attended a training program. We also conducted
extensive training programs for our technical and engineering, dispatch, sales
and support, and management personnel. We held a series of sales events and
demonstrations to increase customer awareness and
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enhance our community exposure and reputation. We reduced the new employee
hiring process from two to three weeks to three to five days. In the first six
months of 1999 compared to the last six months of 1998:
- the average monthly number of calls received by our customer service call
center decreased;
- the percentage of calls concerning customer complaints decreased; and
- the percentage of installations requiring follow-up troubleshooting
decreased.
OFFER NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. We intend to expand the array of services
we offer to our customers to implement our "wired world" vision. Using digital
technology, we plan to offer additional channels on our existing service tiers,
create new service tiers, introduce multiple packages of premium services and
increase the number of pay-per-view channels. We also plan to add digital music
services and interactive program guides. In addition to these expanded cable
services, we have begun to roll out advanced services, including interactive
video programming and high-speed Internet access. We are currently exploring
opportunities in telephony, electronic commerce and other interactive services.
We have entered into agreements with several providers of high-speed Internet
access and other interactive services, including EarthLink Network, Inc., High
Speed Access Corp., WorldGate Communications, Inc., Wink Communications, Inc.
and At Home Corporation.
UPGRADE THE BANDWIDTH CAPACITY OF OUR SYSTEMS. Over the next three years,
we plan to spend approximately $1.2 billion to upgrade to 550 megahertz or
greater the bandwidth of the systems we acquire through our pending
acquisitions. Upgrading to at least 550 megahertz of bandwidth capacity will
allow us to:
- offer advanced services, such as digital television, Internet access and
other interactive services;
- increase channel capacity up to 82 analog channels, or even more
programming channels if some of our bandwidth is used for digital
services; and
- permit two-way communication which will give our customers the ability to
send and receive signals over the cable system so that high speed cable
services, such as the Internet access, will not require a separate
telephone line.
As of March 31, 1999, approximately 60% of our customers were served by
cable systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity, and approximately
35% of our customers had two-way communication capability. By year end 2003,
including all recent and pending acquisitions, we expect that approximately 94%
of our customers will be served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz
bandwidth capacity and two-way communication capability.
Our planned upgrades will reduce the number of headends from 1,243 in 1999
to 779 in 2003 including our pending acquisitions. Reducing the number of
headends will reduce headend equipment and maintenance expenditures and,
together with other upgrades, will provide enhanced picture quality and system
reliability.
MAXIMIZE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. To maximize customer satisfaction, we
operate our business to provide reliable, high-quality products and service
offerings, superior customer service and attractive programming choices at
reasonable rates. We have implemented stringent internal customer service
standards which we believe meet or exceed those established by the National
Cable Television Association. We believe that our customer
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service efforts have contributed to our superior customer growth, and will
strengthen the Charter brand name and increase acceptance of our new products
and services.
EMPLOY INNOVATIVE MARKETING. We have developed and successfully implemented
a variety of innovative marketing techniques to attract new customers and
increase revenue per customer. Our marketing efforts focus on tailoring Charter
branded entertainment and information services that provide value, choice,
convenience and quality to our customers. We use demographic "cluster codes" to
address specific messages to target audiences through direct mail and
telemarketing. In addition, we promote our services on radio, in local
newspapers and by door-to-door selling. In many of our systems, we offer
discounts to customers who purchase multiple premium services such as Home Box
Office or Showtime. We also have a coordinated strategy for retaining customers
that includes televised retention advertising to reinforce the link between
quality service and the Charter brand name and to encourage customers to
purchase higher service levels. We have begun to implement our marketing
programs in all of the systems we have recently acquired.
EMPHASIZE LOCAL MANAGEMENT AUTONOMY WHILE PROVIDING REGIONAL AND CORPORATE
SUPPORT AND CENTRALIZED FINANCIAL CONTROLS. Our local cable systems are
organized into seven operating regions. A regional management team oversees
local system operations in each region. We believe that a strong management
presence at the local system level:
- improves our customer service;
- increases our ability to respond to customer needs and programming
preferences;
- reduces the need for a large centralized corporate staff;
- fosters good relations with local governmental authorities; and
- strengthens community relations.
Our regional management teams work closely with both local managers and
senior management in our corporate office to develop budgets and coordinate
marketing, programming, purchasing and engineering activities. Our centralized
financial management enables us to set financial and operating benchmarks and
monitor them on an ongoing basis. In order to attract and retain high quality
managers at the local and regional operating levels, we provide a high degree of
operational autonomy and accountability and cash and equity-based compensation.
Charter Holdco has adopted a plan to distribute to employees and consultants,
including members of corporate management and to key regional and system-level
management personnel equity-based incentive compensation based on the equity
value of Charter Holdco on a fully-diluted basis.
CONCENTRATE OUR SYSTEMS IN TIGHTER GEOGRAPHICAL CLUSTERS. To improve
operating margins and increase operating efficiencies, we seek to improve the
geographic clustering of our cable systems by selectively swapping our cable
systems for systems of other cable operators or acquiring systems in close
proximity to our systems. We believe that by concentrating our systems in
clusters, we will be able to generate higher growth in revenues and operating
cash flow. Clustering enable us to improve operating efficiencies by
consolidating headends and spread fixed costs over a larger subscriber base.
ACQUISITIONS
Our primary criterion in considering acquisition and swapping opportunities
is the financial return that we expect to ultimately realize. We consider each
acquisition in the context of our overall existing and planned operations,
focusing particularly on the impact on our size and scope and the ability to
reinforce our clustering strategy, either directly or
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through future swaps or acquisitions. Among the other specific factors we
consider in acquiring a cable system are:
- demographic profile of the market as well as the number of homes passed
and customers within the system;
- per customer revenues and operating cash flow and opportunities to
increase these financial benchmarks;
- proximity to our existing cable systems or the potential for developing
new clusters of systems;
- the technological state of such system; and
- the level of competition within the local market.
We believe that there are significant advantages in increasing the size and
scope of our operations, including:
- improved economies of scale in management, marketing, customer service,
billing and other administrative functions;
- reduced costs for plant and infrastructure;
- increased leverage for negotiating programming contracts; and
- increased influence on the evolution of important new technologies
affecting our business.
See "Description of Certain Indebtedness" for a description of the material
debt that we have assumed or intend to assume in connection with our recent and
pending acquisitions.
MERGER WITH MARCUS HOLDINGS. On April 7, 1999, the holding company parent
of the Marcus companies, Marcus Holdings, merged into Charter Holdings, which
was the surviving entity of the merger. The subsidiaries of Marcus Holdings
became our subsidiaries. Paul G. Allen had entered into the agreement to
purchase the Marcus cable systems in April 1998. During the period of obtaining
the requisite regulatory approvals for the transaction, the Marcus systems came
under common management with us in October 1998 pursuant to the terms of a
management agreement. The Marcus systems continue to be under common management
with us.
RECENTLY COMPLETED ACQUISITIONS
AMERICAN CABLE. In April 1999, we purchased American Cable for
approximately $240 million. American Cable owns cable systems located in
California serving approximately 68,000 customers and is being operated as part
of our Western region. For the three months ended March 31, 1999, American Cable
had revenues of approximately $9.2 million, EBITDA of approximately $4.2 million
and cash flows from operating activities of approximately $2.7 million. For the
year ended December 31, 1998, American Cable had revenues of approximately $15.7
million, EBITDA of approximately $7.8 million and cash flows from operating
activities of approximately $4.7 million. At year end 1998, none of the American
Cable system's customers were served by systems with at least 550 megahertz
bandwidth capacity or greater.
RENAISSANCE. In April 1999, we purchased Renaissance for approximately $459
million, consisting of $348 million in cash and $111 million of debt to be
assumed. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness." We recently completed a
tender offer for this
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publicly held debt. Holders of notes representing 27% of the outstanding
principal amount of notes tendered their notes. Renaissance owns cable systems
located in Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, has approximately 132,000
customers and is being operated as part of our Southern region. For the three
months ended March 31, 1999, Renaissance had revenues of approximately $15.3
million, EBITDA of approximately $8.4 million and cash flows from operating
activities of approximately $5.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 1998,
Renaissance had revenues of approximately $41.5 million, EBITDA of approximately
$20.6 million and cash flows from operating activities of approximately $22.7
million. At year end 1998, approximately 36% of Renaissance's customers were
served by systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity.
GREATER MEDIA SYSTEMS. In June 1999, we purchased certain cable systems of
Greater Media for approximately $500 million. The Greater Media systems are
located in Massachusetts, have approximately 174,000 customers and are being
operated as part of our Northeast Region. For the three months ended March 31,
1999, the Greater Media systems had revenues of approximately $20.4 million,
EBITDA of approximately $7.6 million and cash flows from operating activities of
approximately $5.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Greater
Media systems had revenues of approximately $78.6 million, EBITDA of
approximately $29.3 million and cash flows from operating activities of
approximately $31.9 million. At year end 1998, approximately 75% of the Greater
Media systems customers were served by systems with at least 550 megahertz
bandwidth capacity.
PENDING ACQUISITIONS
HELICON. In March 1999, two of our subsidiaries entered into an agreement
to acquire Helicon and affiliates for approximately $550 million, consisting of
$410 million in cash, $115 million of debt to be assumed, and $25 million
payable in the form of preferred limited liability company interests. Upon
completion of an initial public offering by one of our affiliates, such limited
liability company interests will be convertible into equity of such affiliate.
Helicon owns cable systems located in Alabama, Georgia, New Hampshire, North
Carolina, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and
Vermont, has approximately 172,000 customers and will be operated as part of our
Southeast, Southern and Northeast regions. For the three months ended March 31,
1999, Helicon had revenues of approximately $21.3 million, EBITDA of
approximately $8.9 million and cash flows from operating activities of
approximately $4.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 1998, Helicon had
revenues of approximately $75.6 million, EBITDA of approximately $32.0 million
and cash flows from operating activities of approximately $7.1 million. At year
end 1998, approximately 69% of Helicon's customers were served by systems with
at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. Following regulatory approvals, we
anticipate that this transaction will close during the third quarter of 1999.
Within 45 days of our acquisition of Helicon, we will be required to make an
offer to repurchase the Helicon notes at a price equal to 101% of their
principal amount, plus accrued interest, to the date of the purchase.
INTERMEDIA SYSTEMS. In April 1999, two of our subsidiaries, Charter
Communications, LLC, and Charter Communications Properties LLC, entered into
agreements to purchase certain cable systems of InterMedia in exchange for cash
in the amount of $873 and certain of our cable systems. The InterMedia systems
serve approximately 408,000 customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
and Tennessee. As part of this transaction, we will "swap" some of our
non-strategic cable systems serving approximately 142,000 customer located in
Indiana, Montana, Utah and northern Kentucky. The
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purchase price of the InterMedia systems, net of the "swap," is approximately
$872.7 million. This transaction will result in a net increase of 266,000
customers concentrated in our Southeast and Southern regions. For the three
months ended March 31, 1999, the InterMedia systems had revenues of
approximately $48.3 million, EBITDA of approximately $21.5 million and cash
flows from operating activities of approximately $21.0 million. For the year
ended December 31, 1998, the InterMedia systems had revenues of approximately
$176.1 million, EBITDA of approximately $109.5 million and cash flows from
operating activities of approximately $83.2 million. At year end 1998,
approximately 79% of these customers were served by systems with at least 550
megahertz bandwidth capacity. Following regulatory approvals, we anticipate that
acquisition of the InterMedia systems will close during the third or fourth
quarter of 1999.
RIFKIN. In April 1999, Charter Investment entered into agreements to
purchase Rifkin for a purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion in cash and
assumed debt. Charter Investment has assigned its rights under such agreements
to our subsidiary, Charter Operating. Certain sellers under the agreements could
elect to receive some or all of their pro rata portion of the purchase price in
the form of preferred or common equity of Charter Holdings or, if mutually
agreed to by the parties, of a parent of Charter Holdings. Depending on the
level of seller interest, this equity, if issued, would be valued between
approximately $25 million and $240 million. The cash portion of the purchase
price would be reduced accordingly. However, because such terms have not been
finalized, and seller participation has not been determined, we cannot be
certain that any such equity will be issued or that the cash portion of the
purchase price will be reduced below $1.46 billion. Rifkin owns cable systems
primarily in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia and West
Virginia serving approximately 463,000 customers. For the three months ended
March 31, 1999, Rifkin had revenues of approximately $50.9 million, EBITDA of
approximately $19.2 million and cash flows used in operating activities of
approximately $0.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 1998, Rifkin had
revenues of approximately $124.4 million, EBITDA of approximately $101.4 million
and cash flows from operating activities of approximately 40.4 million. At year
end 1998, approximately 36% of Rifkin's customers were served by systems with at
least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. Following regulatory approvals, we
anticipate that this transaction will close during the third or fourth quarter
of 1999.
OTHER ACQUISITIONS. In addition to the acquisitions described above,
Charter Investment and Charter Communications, LLC have entered into definitive
agreements for Charter Operating to purchase Vista Broadband Communications, LLC
and certain cable assets of Cable Satellite of South Miami, Inc. These cable
systems are located in southern California, Georgia and southern Florida, and
serve a total of approximately 36,000 customers. The total purchase price for
these other acquisitions is approximately $148 million. For the three months
ended March 31, 1999, these systems to be acquired had revenues of approximately
$3.4 million, EBITDA of approximately $1.8 million and cash flows from operating
activities of approximately $1.5 million. For the year ended December 31, 1998,
the cable systems to be acquired in connection with these other acquisitions had
revenues of $9.3 million, EBITDA of approximately $4.7 million and cash flows
from operating activities of approximately $4.1 million.
OUR CABLE SYSTEMS
As of March 31, 1999, the systems we currently own consisted of
approximately 65,900 miles of coaxial and approximately 8,500 sheath miles of
fiber optic cable passing approximately 4.0 million households and serving
approximately 2.3 million customers. As
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of March 31, 1999, approximately 60% of our customers are served by systems with
at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity, approximately 40% have at least 750
megahertz bandwidth capacity and approximately 35% are served by systems capable
of providing two-way interactive communication capability, such as two-way
Internet connections, Wink services and interactive program guides. These
amounts do not reflect the impact of our recent or pending acquisitions.
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT. We are managed from the corporate offices of Charter
Investment in St. Louis, Missouri. The senior management of Charter Investment
at these offices consist of approximately 175 people led by Jerald L. Kent. They
are responsible for coordinating and overseeing our operations, including
certain critical functions such as marketing and engineering, that are conducted
by personnel at the regional and local system level. The corporate office also
performs certain financial control functions such as accounting, finance and
acquisitions, payroll and benefit administration, internal audit, purchasing and
programming contract administration on a centralized basis.
OPERATING REGIONS. To manage and operate our systems, we have established
two divisions that contain a total of seven operating regions: Western; Central;
MetroPlex (Dallas/Fort Worth); North Central; Northeast; Southeast; and
Southern. Each region is managed by a team consisting of a Senior Vice President
or a Vice President, supported by operational, marketing and engineering
personnel. Each of the two divisions is managed by a Senior Vice President who
reports directly to Mr. Kent and is responsible for overall supervision of the
operating regions within. Within each region, certain groups of cable systems
are further organized into clusters. We believe that much of our success is
attributable to our operating philosophy which emphasizes decentralized
management, with decisions being made as close to the customer as possible.
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The following table provides an overview of selected technical, operating
and financial data for each of our operating regions for the three months ended
March 31, 1999. The following table does not reflect the impact of our recent or
pending acquisitions. Upon completion of our recent and pending acquisitions,
our systems will pass approximately 6.1 million homes serving approximately 3.7
million customers.
SELECTED TECHNICAL, OPERATING AND FINANCIAL DATA BY OPERATING REGION
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NORTH
WESTERN CENTRAL METROPLEX CENTRAL NORTHEAST SOUTHEAST SOUTHERN TOTAL
------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TECHNICAL DATA:
Miles of coaxial cable........ 7,500 8,800 5,700 10,000 4,600 16,700 12,600 65,900
Density(a).................... 131 65 77 62 31 40 38 59
Headends...................... 21 34 16 86 7 60 59 283
Planned headend
eliminations................ 3 3 1 30 0 11 8 56
Plant bandwidth(b):
450 megahertz or less......... 21.9% 53.7% 28.0% 41.9% 51.2% 37.9% 58.2% 42.7%
550 megahertz................. 8.0% 10.2% 14.4% 12.9% 33.5% 25.6% 13.8% 16.9%
750 megahertz or greater...... 70.1% 36.1% 57.6% 45.2% 15.4% 36.5% 28.0% 40.4%
Two-way capability............ 55.6% 45.5% 62.2% 56.2% 15.4% 15.5% 19.8% 35.1%
OPERATING DATA:
Homes passed.................. 993,000 592,000 486,000 603,000 148,000 648,000 507,000 3,977,000
Basic customers............... 502,000 363,000 186,000 399,000 124,000 451,000 319,000 2,344,000
Basic penetration(c).......... 50.6% 61.3% 38.3% 66.2% 83.8% 69.6% 62.9% 58.9%
Premium units................. 316,000 203,000 133,000 146,000 118,000 254,000 152,000 1,322,000
Premium penetration(d)........ 62.9% 55.9% 71.5% 36.6% 95.2% 56.3% 47.6% 56.4%
FINANCIAL DATA:
Revenues, in millions(e)...... $65.7 $47.9 $25.6 $44.6 $15.9 $49.2 $37.2 $286.1
Average monthly total revenue
per customer(f)............. $43.63 $43.99 $45.88 $37.26 $42.74 $36.36 $38.87 $40.69
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) Represents homes passed divided by miles of coaxial cable.
(b) Represents percentage of basic customers within a region served by the
indicated plant bandwidth.
(c) Basic penetration represents basic customers as a percentage of homes
passed.
(d) Premium penetration represents premium units as a percentage of basic
customers.
(e) Gives effect to all acquisitions and dispositions as if they had occurred on
January 1, 1999. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Statement and Operating
Data."
(f) Represents total revenues divided by three divided by the number of
customers at period end.
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WESTERN REGION. The Western region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 502,000 customers located entirely in the state of California,
with approximately 401,000 customers located within the Los Angeles metropolitan
area. These customers reside primarily in the communities of Pasadena, Alhambra,
Glendale, Long Beach and Riverside. We also have approximately 101,000 customers
in central California, principally located in the communities of San Luis
Obispo, West Sacramento and Turlock. The Western region will also be responsible
for managing the approximately 68,000 customers associated with the recent
acquisition of American Cable and 4,000 customers associated with the pending
acquisition of Rifkin. According to National Decision Systems, the projected
median household growth in the counties currently served by the region's systems
is 5.2% for the period ending 2003, which the projected U.S. median household
growth for the same period.
The Western region's cable systems have been significantly upgraded with
approximately 78% of the region's customers served by cable systems with at
least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity as of March 31, 1999. The planned upgrade
of the Western region's cable systems will reduce the number of headends from 21
to 18 by December 31, 2001. We expect that by December 31, 2001, 99% of this
region's customers will be served by systems with at least 550 megahertz
bandwidth capacity with two-way communication capability.
CENTRAL REGION. The Central region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 363,000 customers of which approximately 246,000 customers reside
in and around St. Louis County or in adjacent areas in Illinois, and over 94%
are served by two headends. The remaining approximately 117,000 of these
customers reside in Indiana, and these systems are primarily classic cable
systems serving small to medium-sized communities. The Indiana systems will be
"swapped" as part of the InterMedia transaction. See "-- Recent Events." The
Central region will also be responsible for managing approximately 112,000
customers associated with the pending acquisition of Rifkin. According to
National Decision Systems, the projected median household growth in the counties
currently served by the region's systems is 4.7% for the period ending 2003,
versus the projected U.S. median household growth of 5.2% for the same period.
At March 31, 1999, approximately 46% of the Central region's customers were
served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. The
majority of the cable plants in the Illinois systems have been upgraded to 750
megahertz bandwidth capacity. The planned upgrade of the Central region's cable
systems will reduce the number of headends from 34 to 31 by December 31, 2001.
We have begun a three-year project, scheduled for completion in 2001, to upgrade
the cable plant in St. Louis County, serving approximately 175,000 customers, to
870 megahertz bandwidth capability. We expect that by December 31, 2001,
approximately 89% of this region's customers will be served by cable systems
with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity with two-way communication
capability.
METROPLEX REGION. The MetroPlex region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 186,000 customers of which approximately 129,000 are served by the
Fort Worth system. The systems in this region serve one of the fastest growing
areas of Texas. The anticipated population growth combined with the existing low
basic penetration rate of approximately 43% offers significant potential to
increase the total number of customers and the associated revenue and cash flow
in this region. According to National Decision Systems, the projected median
household growth in the counties served by the region's
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systems is 8.4% for the period ending 2003, versus the projected U.S. median
household growth of 5.2% for the same period.
The MetroPlex region's cable systems have been significantly upgraded with
approximately 72% of the region's customers served by cable systems with at
least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity as of March 31, 1999. In 1997, we began
to upgrade the Fort Worth system to 870 megahertz of bandwidth capacity. We
expect to complete this project during 1999. The planned upgrade of the
MetroPlex region's cable systems will reduce the number of headends from 16 to
15 by December 31, 2001. We expect that by December 31, 2001, approximately 98%
of this region's customers will be served by cable systems with at least 550
megahertz bandwidth capacity with two-way communication capability.
NORTH CENTRAL REGION. The North Central region consists of cable systems
serving approximately 399,000 customers. These customers are primarily located
throughout the state of Wisconsin, along with a small system of approximately
27,000 customers in Rosemont, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. Within the
state of Wisconsin, the four largest operating clusters are located in and
around Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Janesville and Wausau. According to National
Decision Systems, the projected median household growth in the counties served
by the region's systems is 5.4% for the period ending 2003, versus the projected
U.S. median household growth of 5.2% for the same period.
At March 31, 1999, approximately 31.8% of the North Central region's
customers were served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth
capacity. The planned upgrade of the North Central region's cable systems will
reduce the number of headends from 86 to 56 by December 31, 2001. We plan to
rebuild much of the region's cable plant, and expect that by December 31, 2001,
approximately 93% of this region's customers will be served by cable systems
with capacity between 550 megahertz and 750 megahertz of bandwidth capacity with
two-way communication capability.
NORTHEAST REGION. The Northeast region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 124,000 customers residing in the states of Connecticut and
Massachusetts. These systems serve the communities of Newtown and Willimantic,
Connecticut, and areas in and around Pepperell, Massachusetts, and are included
in the New York, Hartford, and Boston areas of demographic influence. The
Northeast region will be responsible for managing the approximately 170,000
customers associated with the recent acquisition of cable systems from Greater
Media and approximately 56,000 customers associated with the pending acquisition
of Helicon. According to National Decision Systems, the projected median
household growth in the counties currently served by the region's systems is
3.7% for the period ending 2003, versus the projected U.S. median household
growth of 5.2% for the same period.
At March 31, 1999, approximately 49% of the Northeast region's customers
were served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz of bandwidth capacity.
We have begun to rebuild this region's cable plant, and expect that by December
31, 2001, all of this region's customers will be served by cable systems with at
least 750 megahertz bandwidth capacity with two-way communication capability.
SOUTHEAST REGION. The Southeast region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 451,000 customers residing primarily in small to medium-sized
communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and eastern Tennessee.
There are significant clusters of cable systems in and around the cities and
counties of Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina; Hickory and Asheville, North
Carolina; Henry County, Georgia, a suburb
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of Atlanta; and Johnson City, Tennessee. These areas have experienced rapid
population growth over the past few years, contributing to the high rate of
internal customer growth for these systems. According to National Decision
Systems, the projected median household growth in the counties currently served
by the region's systems is 6.9% for the period ending 2003, versus the projected
U.S. median household growth of 5.2% for the same period. In addition, the
Southeast region will be responsible for managing an aggregate of 541,000
customers associated with the Helicon, InterMedia, Rifkin, Vista and Cable
Satellite acquisitions.
At March 31, 1999, approximately 62% of the Southeast region's customers
were served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. The
planned upgrade of the Southeast region's cable systems will reduce the number
of headends from 60 to 49 by December 31, 2001. The rebuild program for this
region is anticipated to result in approximately 94% of this region's customer
base being served by December 31, 2001 served by cable systems with at least 550
megahertz bandwidth capacity with two-way communication capability.
SOUTHERN REGION. The Southern region consists of cable systems serving
approximately 319,000 customers located primarily in the states of Louisiana,
Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and central Tennessee. In addition, the Southern
region includes systems in Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Montana. The Southern
region has significant clusters of cable systems in and around the cities of
Birmingham, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana. According
to National Decision Systems, the projected median household growth in the
counties currently served by the region's systems is 6.3% for the period ending
2003, versus the projected U.S. median household growth of 5.2% for the same
period. In addition, the Southern region will be responsible for managing an
aggregate of 335,000 customers associated with the Helicon, InterMedia and
Rifkin acquisitions.
At March 31, 1999, approximately 42% of the Southern region's customers
were served by cable systems with at least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. The
planned upgrade of the Southeast region's cable systems will reduce the number
of headends from 59 to 51 by December 31, 2001. The rebuild program for this
region is anticipated to result in approximately 75% of this region's customer
base being served by December 31, 2001 by cable systems with at least 550
megahertz bandwidth capacity with two-way communication capability.
PLANT AND TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW. We have engaged in an aggressive program to
upgrade our existing cable plant over the next three years. As such, we intend
to invest approximately $1.8 billion through December 31, 2001, with
approximately one-half of that amount used to rebuild and upgrade our existing
cable plant. The remaining capital will be spent on plant extensions, new
services, converters and system maintenance.
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The following table describes the current technological state of our
systems and the anticipated progress of planned upgrades through 2001, based on
the percentage of our customers who will have access to the bandwidth and other
features shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LESS THAN 750 MEGAHERTZ TWO-WAY
550 MEGAHERTZ 550 MEGAHERTZ OR GREATER CAPABILITY
------------- ------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
March 31, 1999.............. 42.7% 16.9% 40.4% 35.1%
December 31, 1999........... 23.9% 20.1% 56.0% 65.2%
December 31, 2000........... 12.9% 22.2% 64.9% 81.4%
December 31, 2001........... 7.7% 21.5% 70.8% 91.8%
</TABLE>
We have adopted the hybrid fiber optic/coaxial architecture, referred to as
the HFC architecture, as the standard for our ongoing systems upgrades. The HFC
architecture combines the use of fiber optic cable, which can carry hundreds of
video, data and voice channels over extended distances, with coaxial cable,
which requires a more extensive signal amplification in order to obtain the
desired transmission levels for delivering channels. In most systems, we connect
fiber optic cable to individual nodes serving an average of 800 homes or
commercial buildings. We believe that this network design provides high capacity
and superior signal quality, and will enable us to provide the newest forms of
telecommunications services to our customers. The primary advantages of HFC
architecture over traditional coaxial cable networks include:
- increased channel capacity of cable systems;
- reduced number of amplifiers needed to deliver signals from the headend
to the home, resulting in improved signal quality and reliability;
- reduced number of homes that need to be connected to an individual node,
improving the capacity of the network to provide high-speed Internet
access and reducing the number of households affected by disruptions in
the network; and
- sufficient dedicated bandwidth for two-way services, which avoids reverse
signal interference problems that can otherwise occur when you have
two-way communication capability.
The HFC architecture will enable us to offer new and enhanced services,
including additional channels and tiers, expanded pay-per-view options,
high-speed Internet access, wide area network, which permits a network of
computers to be connected together beyond an area, point-to-point data services,
which can switch data links from one point to another, and digital advertising
insertion. The upgrades will facilitate our new services in two primary ways:
- greater bandwidth allows us to send more information through our systems.
This provides us with the capacity to provide new services in addition to
our current services. As a result, we will be able to roll out digital
cable programming in addition to existing analog channels offered to
customers who do not wish to subscribe to a package of digital services.
- enhanced design configured for two-way communication with the customer
allows us to provide cable Internet services without telephone support
and other interactive services, such as an interactive program guide,
impulse pay-per-view, video-on-demand and Wink, that cannot be offered
without upgrading the bandwidth capacity of our systems.
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This HFC architecture will also position us to offer cable telephony
services in the future, using either Internet protocol technology or
switch-based technology, another method of linking communications.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
We offer our customers a full array of traditional cable television
services and programming and have begun to offer new and advanced high bandwidth
services such as high-speed Internet access. We plan to continually enhance and
upgrade these services, including adding new programming and other
telecommunications services, and will continue to position cable television as
an essential service.
TRADITIONAL CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES. Approximately 88% of our customers
subscribe to both "basic" and "expanded basic" service and generally, receive a
line-up of between 33 to 85 channels of television programming, depending on the
bandwidth capacity of the system. Customers who pay additional amounts can also
subscribe for additional channels, either individually or in packages of several
channels, as add-ons to the basic channels. About 29% of our customers subscribe
for premium channels, with additional customers subscribing for other special
add-on packages. We tailor both our basic line-up and our additional channel
offerings to each system in response to demographics, programming preferences,
competition, price sensitivity and local regulation.
Our traditional cable television service offerings include the following:
- BASIC CABLE. All of our customers receive basic cable services, which
generally consist of local broadcast television, local community
programming, including governmental and public access, and limited
satellite programming. As of March 31, 1999, the average monthly fee was
$11.07 for basic service.
- EXPANDED BASIC CABLE. This expanded tier includes a group of
satellite-delivered or non-broadcast channels, such as Entertainment and
Sports Programming Network (ESPN), Cable News Network (CNN) and Lifetime
Television in addition to the basic channel line. As of March 31, 1999,
the average monthly fee was $18.80 for expanded basic service.
- PREMIUM CHANNELS. These channels provide unedited, commercial-free
movies, sports and other special event entertainment programming. Home
Box Office, Cinemax and Showtime are typical examples. We offer
subscriptions to these channels either individually or in premium channel
packages. As of March 31, 1999, the average monthly fee was $6.47 per
premium subscription.
- PAY-PER-VIEW. These channels allow customers to pay to view a single
showing of a recently released movie, a one-time special sporting event
or music concerts on an unedited, commercial-free basis. We currently
charge a fee that ranges from $3 to $9 for movies. For special events,
such as championship boxing matches, we have charged a fee of up to
$49.99.
We have employed a variety of targeted marketing techniques to attract new
customers by focusing on delivering value, choice, convenience and quality. We
employ direct mail and telemarketing utilizing demographic "cluster codes" to
target specific messages to target audiences. In many of our systems, we offer
discounts to customers who purchase premium services on a limited trial basis in
order to encourage a higher level of service subscription. We also have a
coordinated strategy for retaining customers that includes televised retention
advertising to reinforce the decision to subscribe and to encourage customers to
purchase higher service levels.
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NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. A variety of emerging technologies and the
rapid growth of Internet usage have presented us with substantial opportunities
to provide new or expanded products and services to our customers and to expand
our sources of revenue. The desire for such new technologies and the use of the
Internet by businesses in particular have triggered a significant increase in
our commercial market penetration. As a result, we are in the process of
introducing a variety of new or expanded services beyond the traditional
offerings of analog television programming for the benefit of both our
residential and commercial customers. These new products include:
- digital television and its related enhancements,
- high-speed Internet access, through television set-top converter boxes,
cable modems installed in personal computers and traditional telephone
Internet access,
- interactive services, such as Wink, and
- Internet protocol telephony and data transmission services.
We believe that we are well positioned to compete with other providers of
these services due to the high bandwidth of cable technology and our ability to
access homes and businesses.
DIGITAL TELEVISION. As part of upgrading our systems, we are installing
headend equipment capable of delivering digitally encoded cable transmissions to
a two-way digital-capable set-top converter box in the customer's home. This
digital connection offers significant advantages. For example, we can compress
the digital signal to allow the transmission of up to twelve digital channels in
the bandwidth normally used by one analog channel. This will allow us to
increase both programming and service offerings, including near video-on-demand
for pay-per-view customers. We expect to increase the amount of services
purchased by our customers.
Digital services customers may receive a mix of additional television
programming, an electronic program guide and up to 40 channels of digital music.
The additional programming falls into four categories which are targeted toward
specific markets:
- additional basic channels, which are marketed in systems primarily
serving rural communities;
- additional premium channels, which are marketed in systems serving both
rural and suburban communities;
- "multiplexes" of premium channels to which a customer previously
subscribed, such as multiple channels of HBO or Showtime, which are
varied as to time of broadcast or varied based on programming content,
which are then marketed in systems serving both rural and suburban
communities; and
- additional pay-per-view programming, such as more pay-per-view options
and/or frequent showings of the most popular films to provide near
video-on-demand, which are more heavily marketed in systems primarily
serving both rural and suburban communities.
As part of our current pricing strategy for digital services, we have
established a retail rate of $4.95 to $8.95 per month for the digital set-top
converter and the delivery of "multiplexes" of premium services, additional
pay-per-view channels, digital music and an electronic programming guide.
Certain of our systems also offer additional basic and expanded basic tiers of
service. These tiers of services retail for $6.95 per month. As of March 31,
1999, we had in excess of 3,000 customers subscribing to digital services
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offered by eight of our cable systems, which serve approximately 318,000 basic
cable customers. By December 31, 1999, we anticipate that approximately 734,000
of our customers will be served by cable systems capable of delivering digital
services.
INTERNET ACCESS. We currently provide Internet access to our customers by
two principal means:
(1) through cable modems attached to personal computers, either directly or
through an outsourcing contract with an Internet service provider, and
(2) through television access, using a service such as WorldGate.
We also provide Internet access through traditional dial-up telephone
modems, using a service provider such as High Speed Access. The principal
advantage of cable Internet connections is the high speed of data transfer over
a cable system. We currently offer these services to our residential customers
over coaxial cable at speeds that can range up to approximately 50 times the
speed of a conventional 28.8 kilobits per second telephone modem. Furthermore, a
two-way communication cable system using the HFC architecture can support the
entire connection at cable modem speeds without any need for a separate
telephone line. If the cable system only supports one-way signals from the
headend to the customer, the customer must use a separate telephone line to send
signals to the provider, although such customer still receives the benefit of
high speed cable access when downloading information, which is the primary
reason for using cable as an Internet connection. In addition to Internet access
over our traditional coaxial cable system, we also provide our commercial
customers fiber optic cable access at a price that we believe is generally 20%
lower than the price offered by the telephone companies.
In the past, cable Internet connections have provided customers with widely
varying access speeds because each customer accessed the Internet by sending and
receiving data through a node. Users connecting simultaneously through a single
node share the bandwidth of that node, so that a user's connection speed may
diminish as additional users connect through the same node. To induce users to
switch to our Internet services, however, we guarantee our cable modem customers
the minimum access speed selected from several speed options we offer. We also
provide higher guaranteed access speeds for customers willing to pay an
additional cost. In order to meet these guarantees, we are increasing the
bandwidth of our system and "splitting" nodes easily and cost-effectively to
reduce the number of customers per node.
We currently offer cable modem-based Internet access services in Lanett,
Alabama; Los Angeles and Riverside, California; Newtown, Connecticut; Newnan,
Georgia; St. Louis, Missouri; Fort Worth, Texas; and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As
of March 31, 1999, we provided Internet access service to approximately 9,300
homes and 130 businesses. The following table indicates the historical and
projected availability of Internet access services to our existing customer base
as of the dates indicated. These numbers reflect the number of our customers who
have access to these services provided through us.
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The percentage of these customers who have subscribed for these services is
currently a small percentage.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BASIC CUSTOMERS WITH ADVANCED
SERVICES AVAILABLE AS OF
----------------------------------
MARCH 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------- -----------------
(PROJECTED)
<S> <C> <C>
High-speed internet access via cable modems:
EarthLink/Charter Pipeline..................... 413,000 740,000
High Speed Access.............................. 15,000 640,000
At Home........................................ 131,000 154,000
---------- ---------
Total cable modems.......................... 559,000 1,534,000
========== =========
Internet Access via WorldGate.................... 230,000 854,000
---------- ---------
</TABLE>
- CABLE MODEM-BASED INTERNET ACCESS. Generally, we offer Internet access
through cable modems to our customers in systems that have been upgraded to at
least 550 megahertz bandwidth capacity. We have an agreement with EarthLink, an
independent Internet service provider, to provide as a private label service
Charter Pipeline(TM), which is a cable modem-based, high-speed Internet access
service we offer. We currently charge a monthly usage fee of between $24.95 and
$34.95. Our customers have the option to lease a cable modem for $10 to $15 a
month or to purchase a modem for between $300 and $400. As of March 31, 1999, we
offered EarthLink Internet access to approximately 421,000 of our homes passed
and have approximately 5,300 customers.
We have a relationship with High Speed Access to offer Internet access in
some of our smaller systems. High Speed Access also provides Internet access
services to our customers under the Charter Pipeline(TM) brand name. Although
the Internet access service is provided by High Speed Access, the Internet
"domain name" of our customer's e-mail address and web site, if any, is
"Charter.net," allowing the customer to switch or expand to our other Internet
services without a change of e-mail address. High Speed Access provides turnkey
service, bears all capital, operating and marketing costs of providing the
service, and seeks to build economies of scale in our smaller systems that we
cannot efficiently build ourselves by simultaneously contracting to provide the
same services to other small geographically contiguous systems. We receive 50%
of the monthly $39.95 service fee. As of March 31, 1999, High Speed Access
offers Internet access to approximately 225,000 of our homes passed and
approximately 3,000 customers have signed up for the service. During 1999, High
Speed Access plans to launch this service in an additional 29 systems, covering
approximately 415,000 additional homes passed. Vulcan Ventures, Inc., a company
controlled by Paul G. Allen, has an equity investment in High Speed Access. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
We also have a revenue sharing agreement with At Home, under which At Home
currently provides Internet service to customers in our systems serving Fort
Worth, University Park and Highland Park, Texas. The At Home network provides
high-speed, cable modem-based Internet access using the cable infrastructure. As
of March 31, 1999, we offered At Home Internet service to approximately 140,000
of our homes passed and have approximately 2,000 customers.
As of March 31, 1999, we provided Internet access to approximately 100
commercial customers. We actively market our cable modem service to businesses
in every
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one of our systems where we have the capability to offer such service. Our
marketing efforts are often door-to-door, and we have established a separate
division whose function is to make businesses aware that this type of Internet
access is available through us. We also provide several virtual local area
networks, or LANs, established for municipal and educational facilities,
including Cal Tech, the City of Pasadena and the City of West Covina in our Los
Angeles cluster.
- TV-BASED INTERNET ACCESS THROUGH WORLDGATE. We have a non-exclusive
agreement with WorldGate to provide its TV-based e-mail and Internet access to
our cable customers. WorldGate's technology is only available to cable systems
with two-way capability. WorldGate offers easy, low-cost Internet access to
customers at connection speeds ranging up to 128 kilobits per second. For a
monthly fee, we provide our customers e-mail and Internet access without using a
PC, obtaining an additional telephone line or tying up an existing line, or
purchasing any additional equipment. Instead, the customer accesses the Internet
through the set-top box, which the customer already has on his television set,
and a wireless keyboard, that is provided with the service, which interfaces
with the box. WorldGate works on both advanced analog and digital platforms and,
therefore, can be installed utilizing the analog converters already deployed. In
contrast, other converter-based, non-PC Internet access products require a
digital platform and a digital converter prior to installation.
Customers who opt for television-based Internet access are generally
first-time users who prefer this more user-friendly interface. Of these users,
41% use WorldGate at least once a day, and 77% use it at least once a week.
Although the WorldGate service bears the WorldGate brand name, the Internet
"domain name" of the customers who use this service is "Charter.net." This
allows the customer to switch or expand to our other Internet services without a
change of e-mail address.
We first offered WorldGate to customers on the upgraded portion of our
systems in St. Louis in April 1998. We are also currently offering this service
in our systems in Logan, Utah, Maryville, Illinois and Newtown, Connecticut, and
plan to introduce it in eight additional systems by December 31, 1999. Charter
Investment owns a minority interest in WorldGate. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions." As of March 31, 1999, we provided WorldGate Internet
service to approximately 1,800 customers.
WINK-ENHANCED PROGRAMMING. We have formed a relationship with Wink, which
sells technology to embed interactive features, such as additional information
and statistics about a program or the option to order an advertised product,
into programming and advertisements. A customer with a Wink-enabled set-top
converter box and a Wink-enabled cable provider sees an icon flash on the screen
when additional Wink features are available to enhance a program or
advertisement. By pressing the select button on a standard remote control, a
viewer of a Wink-enhanced program is able to access additional information
regarding such program, including, for example, information on prior episodes or
the program's characters. A viewer watching an advertisement would be able to
access additional information regarding the advertised product and may also be
able to utilize the two-way transmission features to order a product. We have
bundled Wink service with our traditional cable services in both our advanced
analog and digital platforms. Wink services are provided free of charge. Vulcan
Ventures, Inc., a company controlled by Paul G. Allen, has made an equity
investment in Wink. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
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Various programming networks, including CNN, NBC, ESPN, HBO, Showtime,
Lifetime, VH1, the Weather Channel, and Nickelodeon, are currently producing
over 1,000 hours of Wink-enhanced programming per week. Under certain
revenue-sharing arrangements, we will modify our headend technology to allow
Wink-enabled programming to be offered on our systems. Each time one of our
customers uses Wink to request certain additional information or order an
advertised product we receive fees from Wink.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE. International Data Corp. estimates that commerce over
the Internet will increase from approximately $1 trillion worldwide in 2003.
Forrester Research estimates that the number of on-line shoppers will increase
from 8.7 million U.S. households in 1998 to 40.3 million in 2003. We expect to
receive commissions and referral fees from Wink and other companies that sell
products and services through our systems.
TELEPHONE SERVICES. We expect to be able to offer cable telephony services
in the near future using our systems' direct, two-way connections to homes and
other buildings. We are exploring technologies using Internet protocol
telephony, as well as traditional switching technologies that are currently
available, to transmit digital voice signals over our systems. AT&T and other
telephone companies have already begun to pursue strategic partnering and other
programs which make it attractive for us to acquire and develop this alternative
Internet protocol technology. For the last two years, we have sold telephony
services as a competitive access provider in the state of Wisconsin through
Marcus FiberLink LLC, one of our subsidiaries, and are currently looking to
expand our services as a competitive access provider into other states.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES. We also offer paging services to our customers in
certain markets. As of March 31, 1999, we had approximately 9,300 paging
customers. We also lease our fiber-optic cable plant and equipment to commercial
and non-commercial users of data and voice telecommunications services.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Providing a high level of service to our customers has been a central
driver of our historical success. Our emphasis on system reliability,
engineering support and superior customer satisfaction is key to our management
philosophy. In support of our commitment to customer satisfaction, we operate a
24-hour customer service hotline in most systems and offer on-time installation
and service guarantees. It is our policy that if an installer is late for a
scheduled appointment the customer receives free installation, and if a service
technician is late for a service call the customer receives a $20 credit. Our
on-time service call rate was 99.8% in 1997, and 99.7% in 1998.
As of March 31, 1999, we maintained eight call centers located in our seven
regions, which are responsible for handling call volume for more than 58% of our
customers. They are staffed with dedicated personnel who provide service to our
customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We believe operating regional call
centers allows us to provide "localized" service, which also reduces overhead
costs and improves customer service. We have invested significantly in both
personnel and in equipment to ensure that these call centers are professionally
managed and employ state-of-the-art technology. We also maintain approximately
143 field offices, and employ approximately 1,200 customer service
representatives throughout the systems. Our customer service representatives
receive extensive training to develop customer contact skills and product
knowledge critical to successful sales and high rates of customer retention. We
have approximately 2,300 technical employees who are encouraged to enroll in
courses and attend regularly scheduled on-site seminars conducted by equipment
manufacturers to keep pace with the
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latest technological developments in the cable television industry. We utilize
surveys, focus groups and other research tools as part of our efforts to
determine and respond to customer needs. We believe that all of this improves
the overall quality of our services and the reliability of our systems,
resulting in fewer service calls from customers.
We are also committed to fostering strong community relations in the towns
and cities our systems serve. We support many local charities and community
causes in various ways, including marketing promotions to raise money and
supplies for persons in need and in-kind donations that include production
services and free air-time on major cable networks. Recent charity affiliations
include campaigns for "Toys for Tots," United Way, local theatre, children's
museums, local food banks and volunteer fire and ambulance corps. We also
participate in the "Cable in the Classroom" program, whereby cable television
companies throughout the United States provide schools with free cable
television service. In addition, we install and provide free basic cable service
to public schools, government buildings and non-profit hospitals in many of the
communities in which we operate. We also provide free cable modems and
high-speed Internet access to schools and public libraries in our franchise
areas. We place a special emphasis on education, and regularly award
scholarships to employees who intend to pursue courses of study in the
communications field.
SALES AND MARKETING
PERSONNEL RESOURCES. We have a centralized team responsible for
coordinating the marketing efforts of our individual systems. For most of our
systems with over 30,000 customers we have a dedicated marketing manager, while
smaller systems are handled regionally. We believe our success in marketing
comes in large part from new and innovative ideas, and good interaction between
our corporate office, which handles programs and administration, and our field
offices, which implement the various programs. We are also continually
monitoring the regulatory arena, customer perception, competition, pricing and
product preferences to increase our responsiveness to our customer base. Our
customer service representatives are given the incentive to use their daily
contacts with customers as opportunities to sell our new service offerings.
MARKETING STRATEGY. Our long-term marketing objective is to increase cash
flow through deeper market penetration and growth in revenue per household. To
achieve this objective and to position our service as an indispensable consumer
service, we are pursuing the following strategies: to
- - increase the number of rooms per household with cable;
- - introduce new cable products and services;
- - design product offerings to enable greater opportunity for customer choices;
- - utilize "tiered" packaging strategies to promote the sale of premium services
and niche programming;
- - offer customers more value through discounted bundling of products;
- - deepen the penetration of the advanced digital platform within the home;
- - target households based on demographic data;
- - develop specialized programs to attract former customers, those that have
never subscribed and illegal users of the service; and
- - employ Charter branding of products to promote customer awareness and loyalty.
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We have innovative marketing programs which utilize market research on
selected systems, compare the data to national research and tailor a marketing
program for individual markets. We gather detailed customer information through
our regional marketing representatives and use Claritas Corporation's
geodemographic data program and consulting services to create unique packages of
services and marketing programs. These marketing efforts and the follow-up
analysis provide consumer information down to the city block or suburban
subdivision level, which allows us to create very targeted marketing programs.
We seek to maximize our revenue per customer through the use of "tiered"
packaging strategies to market premium services and to develop and promote niche
programming services.
We regularly use targeted direct mail campaigns to sell these tiers and
services to our existing customer base. We are developing an in-depth profile
database that goes beyond existing and former customers to include all homes
passed. This database information is expected to improve our targeted direct
marketing efforts, bringing us closer toward our objective of increasing total
customers as well as sales per customer for both new and existing customers. For
example, using customer profile data currently available, we are able to
identify those customers that have children under a specified age who do not
currently subscribe to The Disney Channel, which then enables us to target our
marketing efforts with respect to The Disney Channel to specific addresses. In
1998, we were chosen by Claritas, sponsor of a national marketing competition
across all industries, as the first place winner in their media division, which
includes cable systems operations, telecommunications and newspapers, for our
national segmenting and targeted marketing program.
Our marketing professionals have also received numerous industry awards
within the last two years, including the Cable and Telecommunication Association
of Marketers' awards for consumer research and best advertising and marketing
programs.
In 1998, we introduced a new package of premium services. Customers receive
a substantial discount on bundled premium services of HBO, Showtime, Cinemax and
The Movie Channel. We were able to negotiate favorable terms with premium
networks, which allowed minimal impact on margins and provided substantial
volume incentives to grow the premium category. The MVP package has increased
premium household penetration, premium revenue and cash flow. As a result of
this package, HBO recognized us as a top performing customer. We are currently
introducing this same premium strategy in the systems we have recently acquired.
We expect to continue to invest significant amounts of time, effort and
financial resources in the marketing and promotion of new and existing services.
To increase customer penetration and increase the level of services used by our
customers, we utilize a coordinated array of marketing techniques, including
door-to-door solicitation, telemarketing, media advertising and direct mail
solicitation. We believe we have one of the cable television industry's highest
success rates in attracting and retaining customers who have never before
subscribed to cable television. Historically, "nevers" are the most difficult
customer to attract. Furthermore, we have succeeded in retaining these "nevers."
PROGRAMMING SUPPLY
GENERAL. We believe that offering a wide variety of conveniently scheduled
programming is an important factor influencing a customer's decision to
subscribe to and retain our cable services. We devote considerable resources to
obtaining access to a wide
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range of programming that we believe will appeal to both existing and potential
customers of basic and premium services. We rely on extensive market research,
customer demographics and local programming preferences to determine channel
offerings in each of our markets. See "-- Sales and Marketing."
PROGRAMMING SOURCES. We obtain basic and premium programming from a number
of suppliers, usually pursuant to a written contract. We obtain approximately
50% of our programming through contracts entered into directly with a
programming supplier. We obtain the rest of our programming through TeleSynergy,
Inc. which offers its partners contract benefits in buying programming by virtue
of volume discounts available to a larger buying base. Programming tends to be
made available to us for a flat fee per customer. However, some channels are
available without cost to us. In connection with the launch of a new channel, we
may receive a distribution fee to support the channel launch, a portion of which
is applied to marketing expenses associated with the channel launch. The amounts
we receive in distribution fees are not significant. For home shopping channels,
we may receive a percentage of the amount spent in home shopping purchases by
our customers on channels we carry. In 1998, pro forma for our merger with
Marcus Holdings such revenues totalled approximately $5 million.
Our programming contracts generally continue for a fixed period of time,
usually from three to ten years. Although longer contract terms are available,
we prefer to limit contracts to three years so that we retain flexibility to
change programming and include new channels as they become available. Some
program suppliers offer marketing support or volume discount pricing structures.
Some of our programming agreements with premium service suppliers offer cost
incentives under which premium service unit prices decline as certain premium
service growth thresholds are met.
PROGRAMMING COSTS. Our cable programming costs have increased in recent
years and are expected to continue to increase due to factors including:
- system acquisitions;
- additional programming being provided to customers;
- increased cost to produce or purchase cable programming; and
- inflationary increases.
The combined programming cost of Charter Holdings, CCA Group and CharterComm
Holdings were equal to approximately 21% of revenues in 1998. In every year we
have operated, our costs to acquire programming have exceeded customary
inflationary and cost-of-living type increases. Sports programming costs have
increased significantly over the past several years. In addition, contracts to
purchase sports programming sometimes contain built-in cost increases for
programming added during the term of the contract which we may or may not have
the option to add to our service offerings.
Under rate regulation of the Federal Communications Commission, cable
operators may increase their rates to customers to cover increased costs for
programming, subject to certain limitations. See "Regulation and Legislation."
We now contract through TeleSynergy for more approximately 50% of our
programming. We believe our partnership in TeleSynergy limits increases in our
programming costs relative to what the increases would otherwise be, although
given our increased size and purchasing ability, the effect may not be material.
This is because some programming suppliers offer advantageous pricing terms to
cable operators whose number of customers exceeds threshholds established by
such programming suppliers. Our increase in size in 1999 should provide
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increased bargaining power resulting in an ability to limit increases in
programming costs. Management believes it will, as a general matter, be able to
pass increases in its programming costs through to customers, although we cannot
assure you that it will be possible.
RATES
Pursuant to the FCC's rules, we have set rates for cable-related equipment,
such as converter boxes and remote control devices, and installation services
based upon actual costs plus a 11.25% rate of return and have unbundled these
charges from the charges for the provision of cable service.
Rates charged to customers vary based on the market served and service
selected, and are typically adjusted on an annual basis. As of March 31, 1999,
the average monthly fee was $11.07 for basic service and $18.80 for expanded
basic service. Regulation of the expanded basic service was eliminated by
federal law as of March 31, 1999 and such rates are now based on market
conditions. A one-time installation fee, which may be waived in part during
certain promotional periods, is charged to new customers. We believe our rate
practices are in accordance with Federal Communications Commission Guidelines
and are consistent with those prevailing in the industry generally. See
"Regulation and Legislation."
THEFT PROTECTION
The unauthorized tapping of cable plant and the unauthorized receipt of
programming using cable converters purchased through unauthorized sources are
problems which continue to challenge the entire cable industry. We have adopted
specific measures to combat the unauthorized use of our plant to receive
programming. For instance, in several of our regions, we have instituted a
"perpetual audit" whereby each technician is required to check at least four
other nearby residences during each service call to determine if there are any
obvious signs of piracy, namely, a drop line leading from the main cable line
into other homes. Addresses where the technician observes drop lines are then
checked against our customer billing records. If the address is not found in the
billing records, a sales representative calls on the unauthorized user to
correct the "billing discrepancy" and persuade the user to become a formal
customer. In our experience, approximately 25% of unauthorized users who are
solicited in this fashion become customers. Billing records are then closely
monitored to guard against these new customers reverting to their status as
unauthorized users. Unauthorized users who do not convert are promptly
disconnected and, in certain instances, flagrant violators are referred for
prosecution. In addition, we have prosecuted individuals who have sold cable
converters programmed to receive our signals without proper authorization.
FRANCHISES
As of March 31, 1999, our systems operated pursuant to an aggregate of
1,158 franchises, permits and similar authorizations issued by local and state
governmental authorities. Each franchise is awarded by a governmental authority
and is usually not transferable unless the granting governmental authority
consents. Most franchises are subject to termination proceedings in the event of
a material breach. In addition, most franchises require us to pay the granting
authority a franchise fee of up to 5.0% of gross revenues generated by cable
television services under the franchise (i.e., the maximum amount that may be
charged under the Communications Act).
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Our franchises have terms which range from 4 to more than 32 years. Prior
to the scheduled expiration of most franchises, we initiate renewal proceedings
with the granting authorities. This process usually takes three years but can
take a longer period of time and often involves substantial expense. The
Communications Act provides for an orderly franchise renewal process in which
granting authorities may not unreasonably withhold renewals. If a renewal is
withheld and the granting authority takes over operation of the affected cable
system or awards it to another party, the granting authority must pay the
existing cable operator the "fair market value" of the system. The
Communications Act also established comprehensive renewal procedures requiring
that an incumbent franchisee's renewal application be evaluated on its own merit
and not as part of a comparative process with competing applications. In
connection with the franchise renewal process, many governmental authorities
require the cable operator make certain commitments, such as technological
upgrades to the system, which may require substantial capital expenditures. We
cannot assure you, however, that any particular franchise will be renewed or
that it can be renewed on commercially favorable terms. Our failure to obtain
renewals of our franchises, especially those in major metropolitan areas where
we have the most customers, would have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Risk Factors--Our
Industry--Risks Associated with Regulation of the Cable Industry." The following
table summarizes our systems' franchises by year of expiration, and approximate
number of basic customers as of March 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE
NUMBER OF OF TOTAL TOTAL BASIC OF TOTAL
YEAR OF FRANCHISE EXPIRATION FRANCHISES FRANCHISES CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS
- ---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Prior to December 31, 1999...... 127 11% 328,000 14%
2000 to 2002.................... 214 18% 516,000 22%
2003 to 2005.................... 239 21% 445,000 19%
2006 or after................... 578 50% 1,055,000 45%
Total...................... 1,158 100% 2,344,000 100%
</TABLE>
Under the 1996 Telecom Act, cable operators are not required to obtain
franchises in order to provide telecommunications services, and granting
authorities are prohibited from limiting, restricting or conditioning the
provision of such services. In addition, granting authorities may not require a
cable operator to provide telecommunications services or facilities, other than
institutional networks, as a condition of an initial franchise grant, a
franchise renewal, or a franchise transfer. The 1996 Telecom Act also limits
franchise fees to an operator's cable-related revenues and clarifies that they
do not apply to revenues that a cable operator derives from providing new
telecommunications services.
We believe our relations with the franchising authorities under which our
systems are operated are generally good. Substantially all of the material
franchises relating to our systems eligible for renewal have been renewed or
extended at or prior to their stated expiration dates.
COMPETITION
We face competition in the areas of price, service offerings, and service
reliability. We compete with other providers of television signals and other
sources of home entertainment. In addition, as we expand into additional
services such as digital television, Internet access, interactive services and
Internet protocol telephony, we face competition from other cable
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systems operators providing such services as well as from other providers of
each type of service we will provide.
To date, we believe that we have not lost a significant number of
customers, or a significant amount of revenue, to our competitors' systems.
However, competition from other providers of the technologies we expect to offer
in the future may have a negative impact on our business in the future.
Through mergers such as the recent merger of Tele-Communications, Inc. and
AT&T, customers will come to expect a variety of services from a single
provider. While the TCI/AT&T merger has no direct or immediate impact on our
business, it encourages providers of cable and telecommunications services to
expand their service offerings. It also encourages consolidation in the cable
industry as cable operators recognize the competitive benefits of a large
customer base and expanded financial resources.
Key competitors today include:
- BROADCAST TELEVISION. Cable television has long competed with broadcast
television, which consists of television signals that the viewer is able to
receive without charge using a traditional "off-air" antenna. The extent of such
competition is dependent upon the quality and quantity of broadcast signals
available through "off-air" reception compared to the services provided by the
local cable system. The recent licensing of digital spectrum by the Federal
Communications Commission will provide incumbent television broadcast licensees
with the ability to deliver high definition television pictures and multiple
digital-quality program streams, as well as advanced digital services such as
subscription video.
- DBS. Direct broadcast satellite, known as DBS, has emerged as
significant competition to cable systems. The DBS industry has grown rapidly
over the last several years, far exceeding the growth rate of the cable
television industry, and now serves approximately 10 million subscribers
nationwide. DBS service allows the subscriber to receive video services directly
via satellite using a relatively small dish antenna. Moreover, video compression
technology allows DBS providers to offer more than 100 digital channels, thereby
surpassing the typical cable system. DBS, however, is limited in the local
programming it can provide because of the current capacity limitations of
satellite technology. In addition, existing copyright rules restrict the ability
of DBS providers to offer local broadcast programming. Congress is now
considering legislation that would remove these legal obstacles. After recent
mergers, the two primary DBS providers are DirecTV, Inc., and EchoStar
Communications Corporation. America Online Inc., the nation's leading provider
of Internet services has recently announced a plan to invest $1.5 billion in
Hughes Electronics Corp., DirecTV, Inc.'s parent company, and these companies
intend to jointly market America Online's prospective Internet television
service to DirecTV's DBS customers.
- TRADITIONAL OVERBUILDS. Cable television systems are operated under
non-exclusive franchises granted by local authorities. More than one cable
system may legally be built in the same area. Although still relatively
uncommon, it is possible that a franchising authority might grant a second
franchise to another cable operator and that franchise might contain terms and
conditions more favorable than those afforded us. In addition, entities willing
to establish an open video system, under which they offer unaffiliated
programmers non-discriminatory access to a portion of the system's cable system,
may be able to avoid local franchising requirements. Well financed businesses
from outside the cable industry, such as the public utilities which already
possess fiber optic and other transmission lines in the areas they serve may
over time become competitors. There has
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been a recent increase in the number of cities that have constructed their own
cable systems, in a manner similar to city-provided utility services.
Constructing a competing cable system is a capital intensive process which
involves a high degree of risk. We believe that in order to be successful, a
competitor's overbuild would need to be able to serve the homes and businesses
in the overbuilt area on a more cost-effective basis than us. Any such overbuild
operation would require either significant access to capital or access to
facilities already in place that are capable of delivering cable television
programming.
We are aware of overbuild situations in six of our systems located in
Newnan, Columbus and West Point, Georgia; Barron, Wisconsin; and Lanett and
Valley, Alabama. Approximately 44,000 basic customers, approximately 1.9% of our
total basic customers, are passed by these overbuilds. Additionally, we have
been notified that franchises have been awarded, and present potential overbuild
situations, in four of our systems located in Southlake, Roanoke and Keller,
Texas and Willimantic, Connecticut. These potential overbuild areas service an
aggregate of approximately 45,000 basic customers or approximately 1.9% of our
total basic customers. In response to such overbuilds, these systems have been
designated priorities for the upgrade of cable plant and the launch of new and
enhanced services. We have upgraded each of these systems to at least 750
megahertz two-way HFC architecture, with the exceptions of our systems in
Columbus, Georgia, and Willimantic, Connecticut. Upgrades to at least 750
megahertz two-way HFC architecture with respect to these two systems are
expected to be completed by December 31, 2000 and December 31, 2001,
respectively.
- TELEPHONE COMPANIES. The competitive environment has been significantly
affected both by technological developments and regulatory changes enacted in
the 1996 Telecom Act which were designed to enhance competition in the cable
television and local telephone markets. Federal cross-ownership restrictions
historically limited entry by local telephone companies into the cable
television business. The 1996 Telecom Act modified this cross-ownership
restriction, making it possible for local exchange carriers who have
considerable resources to provide a wide variety of video services competitive
with services offered by cable systems.
As we expand our offerings to include telecommunications services, we will
be subject to competition from other telecommunications providers. The
telecommunications industry is highly competitive and includes competitors with
greater financial and personnel resources, who have brand name recognition and
long-standing relationships with regulatory authorities. Moreover, mergers,
joint ventures and alliances among franchised, wireless or private cable
television operators, local exchange carriers and others may result in providers
capable of offering cable television, Internet and telecommunications services
in direct competition with us.
Several telephone companies have obtained or are seeking cable television
franchises from local governmental authorities and are constructing cable
systems. Cross-subsidization by local exchange carriers of video and telephony
services poses a strategic advantage over cable operators seeking to compete
with local exchange carriers that provide video services. In addition, local
exchange carriers provide facilities for the transmission and distribution of
voice and data services, including Internet services, in competition with our
existing or potential interactive services ventures and businesses, including
Internet service, as well as data and other non-video services. We cannot
predict the likelihood of success of the broadband services offered by our
competitors or the impact on us of such competitive ventures. The entry of
telephone companies as direct competitors in the video marketplace,
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however, is likely to become more widespread and could adversely affect the
profitability and valuation of the systems.
- SMATV. Additional competition is posed by satellite master antenna
television systems known as "SMATV systems" serving multiple dwelling units,
referred to in the cable industry as "MDU's". These private cable systems may
enter into exclusive agreements with such MDUs, which may preclude operators of
franchise systems from serving residents of such private complexes such private
cable systems can offer both improved reception of local television stations and
many of the same satellite-delivered program services which are offered by cable
systems. SMATV systems currently benefit from operating advantages not available
to franchised cable systems, including fewer regulatory burdens and no
requirement to service low density or economically depressed communities.
Exemption from regulation may provide a competitive advantage to certain of our
current and potential competitors.
- WIRELESS DISTRIBUTION. Cable television systems also compete with
wireless program distribution services such as multi-channel multipoint
distribution systems or "wireless cable", known as MMDS. MMDS uses low-power
microwave frequencies to transmit television programming over-the-air to paying
customers. Wireless distribution services generally provide many of the
programming services provided by cable systems, and digital compression
technology is likely to increase significantly the channel capacity of their
systems both analog and digital MMDS services require unobstructed "line of
sight" transmission paths. While no longer as significant a competitor, analog
MMDS has impacted our customer growth in Riverside and Sacramento, California
and Missoula, Montana. Digital MMDS is a more significant competitor, presenting
potential challenges to us in Los Angeles, California and Atlanta, Georgia.
PROPERTIES
Our principal physical assets consist of cable television plant and
equipment, including signal receiving, encoding and decoding devices, headend
reception facilities, distribution systems and customer drop equipment for each
of its cable television systems. Our cable television plant and related
equipment are generally attached to utility poles under pole rental agreements
with local public utilities and telephone companies, and in certain locations
are buried in underground ducts or trenches. The physical components of our
cable television systems require maintenance and periodic upgrading to keep pace
with technological advances. We own or lease real property for signal reception
sites and business offices in many of the communities served by its systems and
for its principal executive offices. We own most of our service vehicles.
We own the real property housing our regional data center in Town &
Country, Missouri, as well as the regional office for the Northeast Region in
Newtown, Connecticut and additional owned real estate located in Hickory, North
Carolina; Hammond, Louisiana; and West Sacramento and San Luis Obispo,
California. In addition, we lease space for our regional data center located in
Dallas, Texas and additional locations for business offices throughout our
operating regions. Our headend locations are generally located on owned or
leased parcels of land, and we generally own the towers on which our equipment
is located.
All of our properties and assets are subject to liens securing payment of
indebtedness under the existing credit facilities. We believe that our
properties are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for our
business operations.
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EMPLOYEES
Neither Charter Holdings nor Charter Capital has any employees. As of March
31, 1999, our operating subsiaries had approximately 4,770 full-time equivalent
employees of which 265 were represented by the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers. We believe we have a good relationship with such employees
and have never experienced a work stoppage.
INSURANCE
We have insurance to cover risks incurred in the ordinary course of
business, including general liability, property coverage, business interruption
and workers' compensation insurance in amounts typical of similar operators in
the cable industry and with reputable insurance providers. As is typical in the
cable industry, we do not insure our underground plant. We believe our insurance
coverage is adequate.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved from time to time in routine legal matters incidental to
our business. We believe that the resolution of such matters will not have a
material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 to register this exchange offer. This prospectus, which
forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information
included in that registration statement. For further information about us and
the new notes offered in this prospectus, you should refer to the registration
statement and its exhibits. You may read and copy any document we file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission at the public reference facilities maintained
by the Securities and Exchange Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Securities and Exchange Commission's regional
offices at 3475 Lenox Road, N.E., Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30326-1232.
Copies of such material may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. You can also review such material by accessing the
Securities and Exchange Commission's internet web site at http://www.sec.gov.
This site contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
We intend to furnish to each holder of the new notes annual reports
containing audited financial statements and quarterly reports containing
unaudited financial information for the first three quarters of each fiscal
year. We will also furnish to each holder of the new notes such other reports as
may be required by law.
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REGULATION AND LEGISLATION
The following summary addresses the key regulatory developments and
legislation affecting the cable television industry.
The operation of a cable system is extensively regulated by the Federal
Communications Commission, some state governments and most local governments.
The 1996 Telecom Act has altered the regulatory structure governing the nation's
communications providers. It removes barriers to competition in both the cable
television market and the local telephone market. Among other things, it also
reduces the scope of cable rate regulation and encourages additional competition
in the video programming industry by allowing local telephone companies to
provide video programming in their own telephone service areas.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the Federal Communications
Commission to undertake a host of implementing rulemakings. Moreover, Congress
and the Federal Communications Commission have frequently revisited the subject
of cable regulation. Future legislative and regulatory changes could adversely
affect our operations, and there have been calls in Congress and at the Federal
Communications Commission to maintain or even tighten cable regulation in the
absence of widespread effective competition.
CABLE RATE REGULATION. The 1992 Cable Act imposed an extensive rate
regulation regime on the cable television industry, which limited the ability of
cable companies to increase subscriber fees. Under that regime, all cable
systems are subject to rate regulation, unless they face "effective competition"
in their local franchise area. Federal law now defines "effective competition"
on a community-specific basis as requiring satisfaction of conditions rarely
satisfied in the current marketplace.
Although the Federal Communications Commission has established the
underlying regulatory scheme, local government units, commonly referred to as
local franchising authorities, are primarily responsible for administering the
regulation of the lowest level of cable -- the basic service tier, which
typically contains local broadcast stations and public, educational, and
government access channels. Before a local franchising authority begins basic
service rate regulation, it must certify to the Federal Communications
Commission that it will follow applicable federal rules. Many local franchising
authorities have voluntarily declined to exercise their authority to regulate
basic service rates. Local franchising authorities also have primary
responsibility for regulating cable equipment rates. Under federal law, charges
for various types of cable equipment must be unbundled from each other and from
monthly charges for programming services.
As of March 31, 1999, local franchising authorities covering approximately
42% of our systems' subscribers were certified to regulate basic tier rates. The
1992 Cable Act permits communities to certify and regulate rates at any time, so
that it is possible that additional localities served by the systems may choose
to certify and regulate rates in the future.
The Federal Communications Commission itself directly administers rate
regulation of cable programming service tiers which typically contain
satellite-delivered programming. Under the 1996 Telecom Act, the Federal
Communications Commission can regulate cable programming service tier rates only
if a local franchising authority first receives at least two rate complaints
from local subscribers and then files a formal complaint with the Federal
Communications Commission. When new cable programming service tier rate
complaints are filed, the Federal Communications Commission considers only
whether the incremental increase is justified and it will not reduce the
previously established cable
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programming service tier rate. We currently have 45 rate complaints relating to
approximately 400,000 subscribers pending at the Federal Communications
Commission. Significantly, the Federal Communications Commission's authority to
regulate cable programming service tier rates expired on March 31, 1999. The
Federal Communications Commission has taken the position that it will still
adjudicate cable programming service tier complaints filed after this sunset
date, but no later than 180 days after the last cable programming service tier
rate increase imposed prior to March 31, 1999, and will strictly limit its
review, and possibly refund orders, to the time period predating the sunset
date. We do not believe any adjudications regarding these pre-sunset complaints
will have a material adverse effect on our business. The elimination of cable
programming service tier regulation in a prospective basis affords us
substantially greater pricing flexibility.
Under the rate regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, most
cable systems were required to reduce their basic service tier and cable
programming service tier rates in 1993 and 1994, and have since had their rate
increases governed by a complicated price cap scheme that allows for the
recovery of inflation and certain increased costs, as well as providing some
incentive for expanding channel carriage. The Federal Communications Commission
has modified its rate adjustment regulations to allow for annual rate increases
and to minimize previous problems associated with regulatory lag. Operators also
have the opportunity to bypass this "benchmark" regulatory scheme in favor of
traditional "cost-of-service" regulation in cases where the latter methodology
appears favorable. The Federal Communications Commission and Congress have
provided various forms of rate relief for smaller cable systems owned by smaller
operators. Premium cable services offered on a per-channel or per-program basis
remain unregulated, as do affirmatively marketed packages consisting entirely of
new programming product. However, federal law requires that the basic service
tier be offered to all cable subscribers and limits the ability of operators to
require purchase of any cable programming service tier if a customer seeks to
purchase premium services offered on a per-channel or per-program basis, subject
to a technology exception which sunsets in 2002.
As noted above, FCC regulation of cable programming service tier rates for
all systems, regardless of size, sunset pursuant to the 1996 Telecom Act on
March 31, 1999. Certain legislators, however, have called for new rate
regulations if unregulated cost rates increase dramatically. The 1996 Telecom
Act also relaxes existing "uniform rate" requirements by specifying that uniform
rate requirements do not apply where the operator faces "effective competition,"
and by exempting bulk discounts to multiple dwelling units, although complaints
about predatory pricing still may be made to the Federal Communications
Commission.
CABLE ENTRY INTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS. The 1996 Telecom Act creates a more
favorable environment for us to provide telecommunication services beyond
traditional video delivery. It provides that no state or local laws or
regulations may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting any entity from
providing any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service. A cable
operator is authorized under the 1996 Telecom Act to provide telecommunication
services without obtaining a separate local franchise. States are authorized,
however, to impose "competitively neutral" requirements regarding universal
service, public safety and welfare, service quality, and consumer protection.
State and local governments also retain their authority to manage the public
rights-of-way and may require reasonable, competitively neutral compensation for
management of the public rights-of-way when cable operators provide
telecommunications service. The favorable pole attachment rates afforded cable
operators under federal law can be gradually increased by utility companies
owning the poles, beginning in 2001, if the operator provides telecommunica-
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tions service, as well as cable service, over its plant. The Federal
Communications Commission recently clarified that a cable operator's favorable
pole rates are not endangered by the provision of Internet access.
Cable entry into telecommunications will be affected by the regulatory
landscape now being developed by the Federal Communications Commission and state
regulators. One critical component of the 1996 Telecom Act to facilitate the
entry of new telecommunications providers, including cable operators, is the
interconnection obligation imposed on all telecommunications carriers. In July
1997, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated certain aspects of the Federal
Communications Commission initial interconnection order but most of that
decision was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court in January 1999. The Supreme
Court effectively upheld most of the Federal Communications Commission
interconnection regulations. Although these regulations should enable new
telecommunications entrants to reach viable interconnection agreements with
incumbent carriers, many issues, including whether the Federal Communications
Commission ultimately can mandate that incumbent carriers make available
specific network elements, remains subject to further Federal Communications
Commission review. Aggressive regulation by the Federal Communications
Commission in this area, if upheld by the courts, would make it easier for us to
provide telecommunications service.
INTERNET SERVICE. Although there is at present no significant federal
regulation of cable system delivery of Internet services, and the Federal
Communications Commission recently issued a report to Congress finding no
immediate need to impose such regulation, this situation may change as cable
systems expand their broadband delivery of Internet services. In particular,
proposals have been advanced at the Federal Communications Commission and
Congress that would require cable operators to provide access to unaffiliated
Internet service providers and online service providers. Certain Internet
service providers also are attempting to use existing commercial leased access
provisions to gain access to cable system delivery. A petition on this issue is
now pending before the Federal Communications Commission. Finally, some local
franchising authorities are considering the imposition of mandatory Internet
access requirements as part of cable franchise renewals or transfers. A federal
district court in Portland, Oregon recently upheld the legal ability of local
franchising authority to impose such conditions, but an appeal has been filed.
Other local authorities have imposed or may impose mandatory Internet access
requirements on cable operators. These developments could, if they become
widespread, burden the capacity of cable systems and complicate our own plans
for providing Internet service.
TELEPHONE COMPANY ENTRY INTO CABLE TELEVISION. The 1996 Telecom Act allows
telephone companies to compete directly with cable operators by repealing the
historic telephone company/cable cross-ownership ban. Local exchange carriers,
including the regional telephone companies, can now compete with cable operators
both inside and outside their telephone service areas with certain regulatory
safeguards. Because of their resources, local exchange carriers could be
formidable competitors to traditional cable operators, and certain local
exchange carriers have begun offering cable service.
Various local exchange carriers currently are seeking to provide video
programming services within their telephone service areas through a variety of
distribution methods, including both the deployment of broadband wire facilities
and the use of wireless transmission.
Under the 1996 Telecom Act, local exchange carriers or any other cable
competitor providing video programming to subscribers through broadband wire
should be regulated as
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a traditional cable operator, subject to local franchising and federal
regulatory requirements, unless the local exchange carrier or other cable
competitor elects to deploy its broadband plant as an open video system. To
qualify for favorable open video system status, the competitor must reserve
two-thirds of the system's activated channels for unaffiliated entities. The
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently reversed certain of the Federal
Communications Commission's open video system rules, including its preemption of
local franchising. That decision may be subject to further appeal. It is unclear
what effect this ruling will have on the entities pursuing open video system
operation.
Although local exchange carriers and cable operators can now expand their
offerings across traditional service boundaries, the general prohibition remains
on local exchange carrier buyouts of co-located cable systems, cable operator
buyouts of co-located local exchange carrier systems, and joint ventures between
cable operators and local exchange carriers in the same market. The 1996 Telecom
Act provides a few limited exceptions to this buyout prohibition, including a
carefully circumscribed "rural exemption." The 1996 Telecom Act also provides
the Federal Communications Commission with the limited authority to grant
waivers of the buyout prohibition.
ELECTRIC UTILITY ENTRY INTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS/CABLE TELEVISION. The 1996
Telecom Act provides that registered utility holding companies and subsidiaries
may provide telecommunications services, including cable television,
notwithstanding the Public Utility Holding Company Act. Electric utilities must
establish separate subsidiaries, known as "exempt telecommunications companies"
and must apply to the Federal Communications Commission for operating authority.
Like telephone companies, electric utilities have substantial resources at their
disposal, and could be formidable competitors to traditional cable systems.
Several such utilities have been granted broad authority by the Federal
Communications Commission to engage in activities which could include the
provision of video programming.
ADDITIONAL OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS. The 1996 Telecom Act eliminates
statutory restrictions on broadcast/cable cross-ownership, including broadcast
network/cable restrictions, but leaves in place existing Federal Communications
Commission regulations prohibiting local cross-ownership between co-located
television stations and cable systems.
Pursuant to the 1992 Cable Act, the Federal Communications Commission
adopted rules precluding a cable system from devoting more than 40% of its
activated channel capacity to the carriage of affiliated national video program
services. Although the 1992 Cable Act also precluded any cable operator from
serving more than 30% of all U.S. domestic cable subscribers, this provision has
been stayed pending further judicial review and Federal Communications
Commission rulemaking.
MUST CARRY/RETRANSMISSION CONSENT. The 1992 Cable Act contains broadcast
signal carriage requirements that, among other things, allow local commercial
television broadcast stations to elect once every three years between a "must
carry" status or a "retransmission consent" status. Less popular stations
typically elect must carry, and more popular stations, such as those affiliated
with a national network, typically elect retransmission consent. Must carry
requests can dilute the appeal of a cable system's programming offerings because
a cable system with limited channel capacity may be required to forego carriage
of popular channels in favor of less popular broadcast stations electing must
carry. Retransmission consent demands may require substantial payments or other
concessions. Either option has a potentially adverse effect on our business. The
burden associated with must carry may increase substantially if broadcasters
proceed with planned conversion to digital transmission and the Federal
Communications Commission determines that cable
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systems must carry all analog and digital broadcasts in their entirety. This
burden would reduce capacity available for more popular video programming and
new internet and telecommunication offerings. A rulemaking is now pending at the
Federal Communications Commission regarding the imposition of dual digital and
analog must carry.
ACCESS CHANNELS. Local franchising authorities can include franchise
provisions requiring cable operators to set aside certain channels for public,
educational and governmental access programming. Federal law also requires cable
systems to designate a portion of their channel capacity, up to 15% in some
cases, for commercial leased access by unaffiliated third parties. The Federal
Communications Commission has adopted rules regulating the terms, conditions and
maximum rates a cable operator may charge for commercial leased access use. We
believe that requests for commercial leased access carriages have been
relatively limited. A new request has been forwarded to the Federal
Communications Commission, however, requesting that unaffiliated Internet
service providers be found eligible for commercial leased access. Although we do
not believe such use is in accord with the governing statute, a contrary ruling
could lead to substantial leased activity by Internet service providers and
disrupt our own plans for Internet service.
ACCESS TO PROGRAMMING. To spur the development of independent cable
programmers and competition to incumbent cable operators, the 1992 Cable Act
imposed restrictions on the dealings between cable operators and cable
programmers. Of special significance from a competitive business posture, the
1992 Cable Act precludes video programmers affiliated with cable companies from
favoring their cable operators over new competitors and requires such
programmers to sell their programming to other multichannel video distributors.
This provision limits the ability of vertically integrated cable programmers to
offer exclusive programming arrangements to cable companies. Recently, there has
been increased interest in further restricting the marketing practices of cable
programmers, including subjecting programmers who are not affiliated with cable
operators to all of the existing program access requirements, and subjecting
terrestrially delivered programming to the program access requirements. These
changes should not have a dramatic impact on us, but would limit potential
competitive advantages we now enjoy.
INSIDE WIRING; SUBSCRIBER ACCESS. In a 1997 Order, the Federal
Communications Commission established rules that require an incumbent cable
operator upon expiration of a multiple dwelling unit service contract to sell,
abandon, or remove "home run" wiring that was installed by the cable operator in
a multiple dwelling unit building. These inside wiring rules are expected to
assist building owners in their attempts to replace existing cable operators
with new programming providers who are willing to pay the building owner a
higher fee, where such a fee is permissible. The Federal Communications
Commission has also proposed abrogating all exclusive multiple dwelling unit
service agreements held by incumbent operators, but allowing such contracts when
held by new entrants. In another proceeding, the Federal Communications
Commission has preempted restrictions on the deployment of private antenna on
rental property within the exclusive use of a tenant, such as balconies and
patios. This Federal Communications Commission ruling may limit the extent to
which we along with multiple dwelling unit owners may enforce certain aspects of
multiple dwelling unit agreements which otherwise prohibit, for example,
placement of digital broadcast satellite receiver antennae in multiple dwelling
unit areas under the exclusive occupancy of a renter. These developments may
make it even more difficult for us to provide service in multiple dwelling unit
complexes.
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OTHER REGULATIONS OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION. In addition to
the Federal Communications Commission regulations noted above, there are other
regulations of the Federal Communications Commission covering such areas as:
- equal employment opportunity,
- subscriber privacy,
- programming practices, including, among other things, syndicated program
exclusivity, network program nonduplication, local sports blackouts,
indecent programming, lottery programming, political programming,
sponsorship identification, children's programming advertisements, and
closed captioning,
- registration of cable systems and facilities licensing,
- maintenance of various records and public inspection files,
- aeronautical frequency usage,
- lockbox availability,
- antenna structure notification,
- tower marking and lighting,
- consumer protection and customer service standards,
- technical standards,
- consumer electronics equipment compatibility, and
- emergency alert systems.
The Federal Communications Commission recently ruled that cable customers
must be allowed to purchase cable converters from third parties and established
a multi-year phase-in during which security functions, which would remain in the
operator's exclusive control, would be unbundled from basic converter functions,
which could then be satisfied by third party vendors. The Federal Communications
Commission has the authority to enforce its regulations through the imposition
of substantial fines, the issuance of cease and desist orders and/or the
imposition of other administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of Federal
Communications Commission licenses needed to operate certain transmission
facilities used in connection with cable operations.
COPYRIGHT. Cable television systems are subject to federal copyright
licensing covering carriage of television and radio broadcast signals. In
exchange for filing certain reports and contributing a percentage of their
revenues to a federal copyright royalty pool, that varies depending on the size
of the system, the number of distant broadcast television signals carried, and
the location of the cable system, cable operators can obtain blanket permission
to retransmit copyrighted material included in broadcast signals. The possible
modification or elimination of this compulsory copyright license is the subject
of continuing legislative review and could adversely affect our ability to
obtain desired broadcast programming. We cannot predict the outcome of this
legislative activity. Copyright clearances for nonbroadcast programming services
are arranged through private negotiations.
Cable operators distribute locally originated programming and advertising
that use music controlled by the two principal major music performing rights
organizations, the Association of Songwriters, Composers, Artists and Producers
and Broadcast Music, Inc.. The cable industry and Broadcast Music have reached a
standard licensing agreement, and negotiations with the Association of
Songwriters are ongoing. Although we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of
these industry negotiations or the amount of any license fees we
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may be required to pay for past and future use of association-controlled music,
we do not believe such license fees will be significant to our business and
operations.
STATE AND LOCAL REGULATION. Cable television systems generally are
operated pursuant to nonexclusive franchises granted by a municipality or other
state or local government entity in order to cross public rights-of-way. Federal
law now prohibits local franchising authorities from granting exclusive
franchises or from unreasonably refusing to award additional franchises. Cable
franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and in many cases include
monetary penalties for non-compliance and may be terminable if the franchisee
failed to comply with material provisions.
The specific terms and conditions of franchises vary materially between
jurisdictions. Each franchise generally contains provisions governing cable
operations, service rates, franchising fees, system construction and maintenance
obligations, system channel capacity, design and technical performance, customer
service standards, and indemnification protections. A number of states,
including Connecticut, subject cable systems to the jurisdiction of centralized
state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a character
similar to that of a public utility. Although local franchising authorities have
considerable discretion in establishing franchise terms, there are certain
federal limitations. For example, local franchising authorities cannot insist on
franchise fees exceeding 5% of the system's gross cable-related revenues, cannot
dictate the particular technology used by the system, and cannot specify video
programming other than identifying broad categories of programming.
Federal law contains renewal procedures designed to protect incumbent
franchisees against arbitrary denials of renewal. Even if a franchise is
renewed, the local franchising authority may seek to impose new and more onerous
requirements such as significant upgrades in facilities and service or increased
franchise fees as a condition of renewal. Similarly, if a local franchising
authority's consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system or
franchise, such local franchising authority may attempt to impose more
burdensome or onerous franchise requirements in connection with a request for
consent. Historically, most franchises have been renewed for and consents
granted to cable operators that have provided satisfactory services and have
complied with the terms of their franchise.
Under the 1996 Telecom Act, cable operators are not required to obtain
franchises for the provision of telecommunications services, and local
franchising authorities are prohibited from limiting, restricting, or
conditioning the provision of such services. In addition, local franchising
authorities may not require a cable operator to provide any telecommunications
service or facilities, other than institutional networks under certain
circumstances, as a condition of an initial franchise grant, a franchise
renewal, or a franchise transfer. The 1996 Telecom Act also provides that
franchising fees are limited to an operator's cable-related revenues and do not
apply to revenues that a cable operator derives from providing new
telecommunications services.
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MANAGEMENT
Charter Holdings is a holding company with no operations. Charter Capital
is a direct wholly owned finance subsidiary of Charter Holdings that exists
solely for the purpose of serving as co-obligor of the notes and has no
operations. Neither Charter Holdings nor Charter Capital has any employees. We
are managed by Charter Investment pursuant to a management agreement between
Charter Investment and Charter Operating, covering all of our operating
subsidiaries. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers and directors who are responsible for providing significant services
with respect to our management and operations. There are two directors of
Charter Holdings, one director of Charter Capital and three directors of Charter
Investment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS AGE POSITION
- -------------------------------- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Paul G. Allen............................. 46 Chairman of the Board of Charter Investment
William D. Savoy.......................... 34 Director of Charter Holdings and Charter
Investment
Jerald L. Kent............................ 42 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter
Investment
Barry L. Babcock.......................... 52 Vice Chairman of Charter Investment
Howard L. Wood............................ 60 Vice Chairman of Charter Investment
David G. Barford.......................... 40 Senior Vice President Operations of Charter
Investment -- Western Division
Mary Pat Blake............................ 44 Senior Vice President -- Marketing and
Programming of Charter Investment
Eric A. Freesmeier........................ 46 Senior Vice President -- Administration of
Charter Investment
Thomas R. Jokerst......................... 50 Senior Vice President -- Advanced Technology
Development of Charter Investment
Kent D. Kalkwarf.......................... 39 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter
Investment
Ralph G. Kelly............................ 42 Senior Vice President -- Treasurer of Charter
Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter Investment
David L. McCall........................... 44 Senior Vice President Operations of Charter
Investment -- Eastern Division
John C. Pietri............................ 49 Senior Vice President -- Engineering of Charter
Investment
Steven A. Schumm.......................... 46 Executive Vice President, Assistant to the
President of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital
and Charter Investment
Curtis S. Shaw............................ 50 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital
and Charter Investment
</TABLE>
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The following sets forth certain biographical information with respect to
the executive officers named in the chart above.
PAUL G. ALLEN is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Charter
Investment. Mr. Allen has been a private investor for more than five years, with
interests in a wide variety of companies, many of which focus on multimedia
digital communications. Such companies include Interval Research Corporation, of
which Mr. Allen is a director, Vulcan Ventures, Inc., of which Mr. Allen is the
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Vulcan Northwest,
Inc., of which Mr. Allen is the Chairman of the Board, and Vulcan Programming,
Inc. In addition, Mr. Allen is the owner and the Chairman of the Board of the
Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association, and is the owner
and the Chairman of the Board of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football
League. Mr. Allen currently serves as a director of Microsoft Corporation and
USA Networks, Inc. and also serves as a director of various private
corporations.
WILLIAM D. SAVOY is a director of Charter Holdings and Charter Investment.
Mr. Savoy is also Vice President and a director of Vulcan Ventures, President of
Vulcan Northwest and President and a director of Vulcan Programming, since 1990.
From 1987 until November 1990, Mr. Savoy was employed by Layered, Inc. and
became its President in 1988. Mr. Savoy serves on the Advisory Board of
DreamWorks SKG and also serves as director of CNET, Inc., Harbinger Corporation,
High Speed Access Corp., Metricom, Inc., Telescan, Inc., Ticketmaster
Online -- CitySearch, U.S. Satellite Broadcasting Co., Inc., and USA Networks,
Inc. Mr. Savoy holds a B.S. in Computer Science, Accounting and Finance from
Atlantic Union College.
JERALD L. KENT is a co-founder of Charter Investment, and President and
Chief Executive Officer and director of Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and
Charter Investment and has previously held the position of Chief Financial
Officer of Charter Investment. Prior to co-founding Charter Investment, Mr. Kent
was associated with Cencom Cable Associates, Inc., where he served as Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kent also served Cencom as
Senior Vice President of Finance from May 1987, Senior Vice President of
Acquisitions and Finance from July 1988, and Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer from January 1989. Mr. Kent is a member of the Board of
Directors of High Speed Access Corp. and Cable Television Laboratories. Prior to
that time, Mr. Kent was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP, certified public
accountants, where he attained the position of tax manager. Mr. Kent, a
certified public accountant, received his undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees with
honors from Washington University (St. Louis).
BARRY L. BABCOCK is a co-founder of Charter Investment and Vice Chairman of
Charter Investment and has been involved in the cable industry since 1979. Prior
to founding Charter Investment in 1994, Mr. Babcock was associated with Cencom,
where he served as the Executive Vice President from February 1986 to September
1991, and was named Chief Operating Officer in May of 1986. Mr. Babcock was one
of the founders of Cencom Cable Associates, Inc. and, prior to the duties he
assumed in early 1986, was responsible for all of Cencom's in-house legal work,
contracts and governmental relations. Mr. Babcock serves as the Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Community Telecommunications Association. He also serves
as a director of the National Cable Television Association, Cable in the
Classroom and Mercantile Bank -- St. Louis. Mr. Babcock, an attorney, received
his undergraduate and J.D. degrees from the University of Oklahoma.
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HOWARD L. WOOD is a co-founder of Charter Investment and Vice Chairman of
Charter Investment. Prior to founding Charter Investment, Mr. Wood was
associated with Cencom. Mr. Wood joined Cencom as President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director and assumed the additional position of Chief Executive
Officer effective January 1, 1989. Prior to that time, Mr. Wood was a partner in
Arthur Andersen LLP, certified public accountants, where he served as
Partner-in-Charge of the St. Louis Tax Division from 1973 until joining Cencom.
Mr. Wood is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves as a director of VanLiner Group,
Inc., First State Bank and Gaylord Entertainment Company. Mr. Wood also serves
as Commissioner for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He is also a past
Chairman of the Board and former director of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
Mr. Wood graduated with honors from Washington University (St. Louis) School of
Business.
DAVID G. BARFORD is Senior Vice President Operations of Charter
Investment -- Western Division, where he has primary responsibility for all
cable operations in the Central, Western, North Central and MetroPlex Regions.
Prior to joining Charter Investment, he served as Vice President of Operations
and New Business Development for Comcast Cable, where he held various senior
marketing and operating roles over an eight-year period. Mr. Barford received a
B.A. degree from California State University, Fullerton and an M.B.A. from
National University in La Jolla, California.
MARY PAT BLAKE is Senior Vice President -- Marketing and Programming of
Charter Investment and is responsible for all aspects of marketing, sales and
programming and advertising sales. Prior to joining Charter Investment in August
1995, Ms. Blake was active in the emerging business sector, and formed Blake
Investments, Inc. in September 1993, which created, operated and sold a branded
coffeehouse and bakery. From September 1990 to August 1993, Ms. Blake served as
Director -- Marketing for Brown Shoe Company. Ms. Blake has 18 years of
experience with senior management responsibilities in marketing, sales, finance,
systems, and general management with companies such as The West Coast Group,
Pepsico Inc.-Taco Bell Division, General Mills, Inc. and ADP Network Services,
Inc. Ms. Blake received a B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, and an
M.B.A. degree from the Harvard Business School.
ERIC A. FREESMEIER joined Charter Investment as Senior Vice
President -- Administration in April 1998 and is responsible for human
resources, public relations and communications, corporate facilities and
aviation. From 1986 until joining Charter Investment, he served in various
executive management positions at Edison Brothers Stores, Inc., a specialty
retail company. His most recent position was Executive Vice President -- Human
Resources and Administration. From 1974 to 1986, Mr. Freesmeier held management
and executive positions with Montgomery Ward, a national mass merchandise
retailer, and its various subsidiaries. Mr. Freesmeier holds Bachelor of
Business degrees in marketing and industrial relations from the University of
Iowa and a Masters of Management degree in finance from Northwestern
University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
THOMAS R. JOKERST is Senior Vice President -- Advanced Technology
Development of Charter Investment. Prior to his appointment to this position,
Mr. Jokerst held the position of Senior Vice President -- Engineering since
December 1993. Prior to joining Charter Investment, from March 1991 to March
1993, Mr. Jokerst served as Vice President -- Office of Science and Technology
for CableTelevision Laboratories in Boulder, Colorado. From June 1976 to March
1993, Mr. Jokerst was Director of Engineering for the midwest
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region of Continental Cablevision. Mr. Jokerst participates in professional
activities with the NCTA, SCTE and Cable Television Laboratories. Mr. Jokerst is
a graduate of Ranken Technical Institute in St. Louis with a degree in
Communications Electronics and Computer Technology and of Southern Illinois
University in Carbondale, Illinois with a degree in Electronics Technology.
KENT D. KALKWARF is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter Investment. Prior to joining
Charter Investment, Mr. Kalkwarf was a senior tax manager for Arthur Andersen
LLP, from 1982 to July 1995. Mr. Kalkwarf has extensive experience in cable,
real estate and international tax issues. Mr. Kalkwarf has a B.S. degree from
Illinois Wesleyan University and is a certified public accountant.
RALPH G. KELLY is Senior Vice President -- Treasurer of Charter Holdings,
Charter Capital and Charter Investment. Mr. Kelly joined Charter Investment in
1993 as Vice President -- Finance, a position he held until early 1994 when he
became Chief Financial Officer of CableMaxx, Inc., a wireless cable television
operator. Mr. Kelly returned to Charter Investment as Senior Vice
President -- Treasurer in February 1996, and has responsibility for treasury
operations, investor relations and financial reporting. From 1984 to 1993, Mr.
Kelly was associated with Cencom where he held the positions of Controller from
1984 to 1989 and Treasurer from 1990 to 1993. Mr. Kelly is a certified public
accountant and was in the audit division of Arthur Andersen LLP from 1979 to
1984. Mr. Kelly received his undergraduate degree in accounting from the
University of Missouri -- Columbia and his M.B.A. from Saint Louis University.
DAVID L. MCCALL is Senior Vice President Operations of Charter
Investment -- Eastern Division. Mr. McCall joined Charter Investment in January
1995 as Regional Vice President Operations and he has primary responsibility for
all cable system operations managed by Charter Investment in the Southeast,
Southern and Northeast Regions of the United States. Prior to joining Charter
Investment, Mr. McCall was associated with Crown Cable and its predecessor
company, Cencom, from 1983 to 1994. As a Regional Manager of Cencom, Mr.
McCall's responsibilities included supervising all aspects of operations for
systems located in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, consisting of
over 142,000 customers. From 1977 to 1982, Mr. McCall was System Manager of
Coaxial Cable Developers (known as Teleview Cablevision) in Simpsonville, South
Carolina. Mr. McCall has served as a director of the South Carolina Cable
Television Association for the past ten years.
JOHN C. PIETRI joined Charter Investment in November 1998 as Senior Vice
President -- Engineering. Prior to joining Charter Investment, Mr. Pietri was
with Marcus in Dallas, Texas for eight years, most recently serving as Senior
Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. Prior to Marcus, Mr. Pietri served
as Regional Technical Operations Manager for West Marc Communications in Denver,
Colorado, and before that he served as Operations Manager with Minnesota Utility
Contracting. Mr. Pietri attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
STEVEN A. SCHUMM is Executive Vice President, Assistant to the President of
Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter Investment. Mr. Schumm joined
Charter Investment in December 1998 and currently directs the MIS Regulatory and
Financial Controls Groups. Prior to joining Charter Investment, Mr. Schumm was
managing partner of the St. Louis office of Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Schumm was
with Ernst & Young LLP for 24 years and was a partner of the firm for 14 of
those years. Mr. Schumm held various management positions with Ernst & Young
LLP, including the Director of Tax
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Services for the three-city area of St. Louis, Kansas City and Wichita and then
National Director of Industry Tax Services. He served as one of 10 members
comprising the Firm's National Tax Committee. Mr. Schumm earned a B.S. degree
from St. Louis University with a major in accounting.
CURTIS S. SHAW is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
Charter Holdings, Charter Capital and Charter Investment and is responsible for
all legal aspects of their businesses, government relations and the duties of
the corporate secretary. Mr. Shaw joined Charter Investment in February 1997.
Prior to joining Charter Investment, Mr. Shaw served as corporate Counsel to
NYNEX since 1988. From 1983 until 1988 Mr. Shaw served as Associate General
Counsel for Occidental Chemical Corporation, and, from 1986 until 1988, also as
Vice President and General Counsel of its largest operating division. Mr. Shaw
has 25 years of experience as a corporate lawyer, specializing in mergers and
acquisitions, joint ventures, public offerings, financings, and federal
securities and antitrust law. Mr. Shaw received a B.A. with honors from Trinity
College and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The directors of Charter Holdings and Charter Capital are not entitled to
any compensation for serving as a director, nor are they paid any fees for
attendance at any meeting of the board of directors. Directors may be reimbursed
for the actual reasonable costs incurred in connection with attendance at such
board meetings.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
None of the executive officers listed above has ever received any
compensation from Charter Holdings or Charter Capital, nor do such individuals
expect to receive compensation from Charter Holdings or Charter Capital at any
time in the future. Such executive officers receive their compensation from
Charter Investment, except for Mr. McCall, who is compensated by an operating
subsidiary. Charter Investment is entitled to receive management fees from us
for providing its management and consulting services. See "Certain Relationships
and Related Transactions."
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation paid
by Charter Investment during its last completed fiscal year to the President and
Chief Executive Officer and each of the other four most highly compensated
executive officers as of December 31, 1998. This compensation was paid to these
executive officers by certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates for their
services to these entities.
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARD
--------------------------------------- ------------
YEAR OTHER SECURITIES
ENDED ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION DEC. 31 SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION($) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION($)
- --------------------------- ------- --------- -------- --------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jerald L. Kent............ 1998 790,481 641,353 -- 7,044,127(1) 4,918(2)
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Barry L. Babcock.......... 1998 575,000 925,000(3) -- -- 6,493(4)
Vice Chairman
Howard L. Wood............ 1998 575,000 675,000(5) -- -- 8,050(6)
Vice Chairman
David G. Barford.......... 1998 220,000 225,000(7) -- -- 4,347(8)
Senior Vice President of
Operations -- Western
Division
Curtis S. Shaw............ 1998 190,000 80,000 -- -- 3,336(9)
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Shares in Charter Investment granted pursuant to an employment agreement.
(2) Includes $4,000 in 401(k) plan matching contribution and $918 in life
insurance premiums.
(3) Includes $500,000 earned as a one-time bonus upon signing of an employment
agreement.
(4) Includes $4,000 in 401(k) plan matching contributions and $2,493 in life
insurance premiums.
(5) Includes $250,000 earned as a one-time bonus upon signing of an employment
agreement.
(6) Includes $4,000 in 401(k) plan matching contributions and $4,050 in life
insurance premiums.
(7) Includes $150,000 received as a one-time bonus after completion of three
years of employment.
(8) Includes $4,000 in 401(k) plan matching contribution and $347 in life
insurance premiums.
(9) Includes $2,529 in 401(k) plan matching contribution and $807 in life
insurance premiums.
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OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table shows individual grants of stock options made to
certain executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. These
grants were made by certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF TOTAL POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
NUMBER OF OPTIONS AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
SECURITIES GRANTED TO OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR FOR OPTION TERM(1)
OPTIONS IN FISCAL BASE PRICE EXPIRATION ----------------------------
NAME GRANTED YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- ---- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jerald L. Kent....... 7,044,127(2) 100% 20.00 12/22/08 88,600,272 224,530,486
Barry L. Babcock..... -- -- -- -- -- --
Howard L. Wood....... -- -- -- -- -- --
David G. Barford..... -- -- -- -- -- --
Curtis S. Shaw....... -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) This column shows the hypothetical gains on the options granted based on
assumed annual compound stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% over the full
ten-year term of the options. The assumed rates of appreciation are mandated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not represent our estimate
or projection of future prices.
(2) Options for Charter Holdco units granted pursuant to an employment
agreement. The options have a term of 10 years and vest one fourth on
December 23, 1998, with the remaining options vesting monthly at a rate of
1/36th on the first of each month for months 13 through 48.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE TABLE
The following table sets forth for certain executive officers information
concerning the exercise of stock options and SARs during fiscal 1998 and the
value of unexercised options and SARs as of December 31, 1998. These options
were made by certain of our subsidiaries and affiliates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF IN-THE-MONEY
SECURITIES UNDERLYING OPTIONS AT
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS DECEMBER 31,
AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 1998($)(1)
---------------------------- ----------------------------
EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jerald L. Kent.................. 1,761,032 5,283,095 -- --
Barry L. Babcock................ -- -- -- --
Howard L. Wood.................. -- -- -- --
David G. Barford................ -- -- -- --
Curtis S. Shaw.................. -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Calculated by determining the difference between the fair market value of
the securities underlying the options as of December 31, 1998 and the
exercise price of the officer's options.
STOCK PLAN
Charter Holdings adopted a plan, which was assumed by Charter Holdco,
providing for the grant of options to purchase up to 25,009,798 Charter Holdco
membership units, which is equal to 10% of the aggregate equity value of Charter
Holdco on February 9, 1999, the date of adoption of the plan. The plan provides
for grants of options to employees, officers and consultants of Charter Holdco
and its affiliates. The plan is
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intended to promote the long-term financial interest of Charter Holdco and its
affiliates by encouraging eligible individuals to acquire an ownership position
in Charter Holdco and its affiliates and providing incentives for performance.
As of June 30, 1999, there were a total of 9,494,081 options granted under the
plan. Of those, 9,050,881 options were granted on February 9, 1999 with an
exercise price of $20.00 and 443,200 options were granted on April 5, 1999 with
an exercise price of $20.73. One-fourth of the options granted on February 9,
1999 vest on April 3, 2000 and the remainder vest 1/45 on each monthly
anniversary following April 3, 2000. One-fourth of the options granted on April
5, 1999 vest on the 15 month anniversary from April 5, 1999, with the remainder
vesting 1/45 on each monthly anniversary for 45 months following the 15 month
anniversary. However, if there has not been a public offering of the equity
interests of Charter Holdco or an affiliate, vesting will occur only upon
termination of employment for any reason other than for cause, upon death or
disability, or immediately prior to the expiration of an option. The options
expire after ten years from the date of grant. Under the terms of the plan,
following the consummation of the offering, each membership unit held as a
result of exercise of options will be exchanged automatically for shares of
Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
The limited liability company agreement of Charter Holdings and the
certificate of incorporation of Charter Capital limit the liability of their
respective directors to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. The
Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a limited liability company and a
corporation may eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability for:
(1) any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation
and its stockholders;
(2) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
(3) unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or
redemptions; or
(4) any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
The limited liability company agreement of Charter Holdings and the by-laws
of Charter Capital provide that directors and officers shall be indemnified for
acts or omissions performed or omitted that are determined, in good faith, to be
in our best interest. No such indemnification is available for actions
constituting bad faith, willful misconduct or fraud.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Charter Holdings
and Charter Capital pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed
that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is therefore unenforceable.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHARTER INVESTMENT
We have a management agreement with Charter Investment. The management
agreement provides that Charter Investment will manage us and all of our
subsidiaries on a day-to-day basis, in exchange for fees. See "Certain
Relationship and Related Transactions."
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PRINCIPAL EQUITY HOLDERS
Charter Holdings is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdco
which, in turn, is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Investment. The
beneficial ownership of the equity of Charter Investment is as set forth in the
table below. Charter Capital is a direct, wholly owned finance subsidiary of
Charter Holdings.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS CLASS HELD AMOUNT HELD PERCENTAGE HELD
- ---------------- ------------ ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Paul G. Allen..................... Common Stock 165,347.9488 96.06%
110 110th Street, N.E.
Suite 500
Bellevue, WA 98004
Jerald L. Kent.................... Common Stock 4,029.4359(1) 2.34%
c/o Charter Investment, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, MO 63131
Barry L. Babcock.................. Common Stock 1,962.9574 1.14%
c/o Charter Investment, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, MO 63131
Howard L. Wood.................... Common Stock 785.1830 0.46%
c/o Charter Investment, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, MO 63131
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Includes 1,281.3315 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options that are currently exercisable.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The following sets forth certain transactions in which we and our
directors, executive officers and affiliates, including the directors and
executive officers of Charter Investment, are involved in. We believe that each
of the transactions described below was on terms no less favorable to us than
could have been obtained from independent third parties.
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
MERGER WITH MARCUS
On April 23, 1998, Paul G. Allen acquired approximately 99% of the
non-voting economic interests in Marcus Cable, and agreed to acquire the
remaining interests in Marcus Cable and assume voting control. The aggregate
purchase price was approximately $1.4 billion, excluding $1.8 billion in debt
assumed. On March 31, 1999, Mr. Allen completed the acquisition of all remaining
interests and assumed voting control of Marcus Cable. On February 22, 1999,
Marcus Holdings was formed and all of Mr. Allen's interests in Marcus Cable were
transferred to Marcus Holdings.
On December 23, 1998, Mr. Allen acquired approximately 94% of the equity of
Charter Investment for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.2
billion, excluding $2.0 billion in debt assumed. On February 9, 1999, Charter
Holdings was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Investment. On
February 10, 1999, Charter Operating was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Holdings. All of Charter Investment's equity interests in its operating
subsidiaries were subsequently transferred to Charter Operating. On May 25,
1999, Charter Holdco was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter
Investment. All of Charter Investment's equity interests in Charter Holdings
were transferred to Charter Holdco.
In March 1999, we paid $20,000,000 to Vulcan Northwest, for reimbursement
of direct costs incurred in connection with Mr. Allen's acquisition of Marcus
Cable. Such costs were principally comprised of financial, advisory, legal and
accounting fees.
On April 7, 1999, Mr. Allen merged Marcus Holdings into Charter Holdings.
Charter Holdings survived the merger, and the operating subsidiaries of Marcus
Holdings became subsidiaries of Charter Holdings.
At the time we issued the original notes, this merger had not yet occurred.
Consequently, Marcus Holdings was a party to the indentures governing the notes
as a guarantor of our obligations. Charter Holdings loaned some of the proceeds
from the sale of the original notes to Marcus Holdings, which amounts were used
to complete the cash tender offers for then-outstanding notes of subsidiaries of
Marcus Holdings. Marcus Holdings issued a promissory note in favor of Charter
Holdings. The promissory note was in the amount of $1,548,630,855, with an
interest rate of 9.92% and a maturity date of April 1, 2007. Marcus Holdings
guaranteed its obligations under the promissory note by entering into a pledge
agreement in favor of Charter Holdings pursuant to which Marcus Holdings pledged
all of its equity interests in Marcus Cable as collateral for the payment and
performance of the promissory note. Charter Holdings pledged this promissory
note to the trustee under the indentures as collateral for the equal and ratable
benefit of the
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holders of the notes. Upon the closing of the merger, and in accordance with the
terms of the notes and the indentures:
- the guarantee issued by Marcus Holdings was automatically terminated;
- the promissory note issued by Marcus Holdings was automatically
extinguished, with no interest having accrued or being paid; and
- the pledge in favor of Charter Holdings of the equity interests in Marcus
Cable as collateral under the promissory note and the pledge in favor of
the trustee of the promissory note as collateral for the notes were
automatically released.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS. Prior to March 18, 1999, pursuant to a
series of management agreements with certain of our subsidiaries, Charter
Investment provided management and consulting services to us. In exchange for
these services, Charter Investment was entitled to receive management fees of 3%
to 5% of the gross revenues of all of our systems plus reimbursement of
expenses. However, our previous credit facilities limited such management fees
to 3% of gross revenues. The balance of management fees payable under the
previous management agreements were accrued. As of March 31, 1999, $12,583
remains unpaid. Payment is at the discretion of Charter Investment. Following
the closing of our current credit facilities, the previous management agreements
were replaced by a new management agreement. The other material terms of our
previous management agreements are substantially similar to the material terms
of the new management agreement.
The total management fees, including expenses, earned by Charter Investment
under the previous management agreements during the last three years were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL FEES
YEAR FEES PAID EARNED
- ---- --------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
1998............................................. $17,073 $24,159
1997............................................. 14,772 20,290
1996............................................. 11,792 15,443
</TABLE>
Deferred portions of certain management fees bore interest at the rate of
8% per annum.
PREVIOUS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH MARCUS. On October 6, 1998, Marcus
entered into a Management Consulting Agreement with Charter Investment pursuant
to which Charter Investment agreed to provide certain management and consulting
services to Marcus Cable and its subsidiaries, in exchange for a fee equal to 3%
of the gross revenues of Marcus Cable's systems plus reimbursement of expenses.
Management fees expensed by Marcus Cable during the period from October 1998 to
December 31, 1998 were approximately $3.3 million, which were accrued and unpaid
at December 31, 1998 and remain unpaid as of March 31, 1998. Upon our merger
with Marcus Holdings and the closing of our current credit facilities, this
agreement was terminated and the subsidiaries of Marcus Cable now receive
management and consulting services from Charter Investment under the new
management agreement.
THE NEW MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT. On February 23, 1999, Charter Investment
entered into a new management agreement with Charter Operating, which was
amended
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and restated as of March 17, 1999. Upon the closing of our current credit
facilities on March 18, 1999, our previous management agreements and the
Management Consulting Agreement with Marcus Cable terminated and the new
management agreement became operative. Pursuant to the new management agreement,
Charter Investment has agreed to manage and operate the cable television systems
owned by our subsidiaries, as well as any cable television systems we may
subsequently acquire in the future. The term of the new management agreement is
ten years.
The new management agreement provides that we will reimburse Charter
Investment for all expenses, costs, losses, liabilities or damages incurred by
it in connection with our ownership or operation of our cable television
systems. If Charter Investment pays or incurs any such expenses, costs, losses,
liabilities or damages, it will be reimbursed. In addition to any reimbursement
of expenses, Charter Investment is paid a yearly management fee equal to 3.5% of
our gross revenues. Gross revenues include all revenues from the operation of
our cable systems, including, without limitation, subscriber payments,
advertising revenues, and revenues from other services provided by our cable
systems. Gross revenues do not include interest income or income from
investments unrelated to our cable systems.
Payment of the management fee to Charter Investment is permitted under our
current credit facilities, but ranks below our payment obligations under our
current credit facilities. In the event any portion of the management fee due
and payable is not paid by us, it is deferred and accrued as a liability. Any
deferred amount of the management fee will bear interest at the rate of 10% per
annum, compounded annually, from the date it was due and payable until the date
it is paid.
The management fee is payable to Charter Investment quarterly in arrears.
If the current management agreement is terminated, Charter Investment is
entitled to receive the fee payable for an entire quarter, even if termination
occurred before the end of that quarter. Additionally, Charter Investment is
entitled to receive payment of any deferred amount. Management fees totaled
approximately $5,323 for the three months ended March 31, 1999.
Pursuant to the terms of the new management agreement, we have agreed to
indemnify and hold harmless Charter Investment and its shareholders, directors,
officers and employees. This indemnity extends to any and all claims or
expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by them in connection
with any action not constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct taken by
them in good faith in the discharge of their duties to us.
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
On March 10, 1999, Charter Holdings entered into a Consulting Agreement
with Vulcan Northwest and Charter Investment. Pursuant to the terms of the
Consulting Agreement, we retained Vulcan Northwest and Charter Investment to
provide advisory, financial and other consulting services with respect to
acquisitions of the business, assets or stock of other companies by us or by any
of our subsidiaries. Such services include participation in the evaluation,
negotiation and implementation of these acquisitions. The agreement expires on
December 31, 2001, and automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless
otherwise terminated.
All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Vulcan Northwest and
Charter Investment are our responsibility and must be reimbursed. We must also
pay Vulcan Northwest and Charter Investment a fee for their services rendered
for each acquisition
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made by us or any of our subsidiaries. This fee equals 1% of the aggregate value
of such acquisition. We have also agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Vulcan
Northwest and Charter Investment, and their respective officers, directors,
stockholders, agents, employees and affiliates, for all claims, actions, demands
and expenses that arise out of this Consulting Agreement and the services they
provide us.
Mr. Allen owns 100% of Vulcan Northwest and is the Chairman of the Board.
William D. Savoy, another of our directors, is the President and a director of
Vulcan Northwest.
TRANSACTIONS WITH PAUL G. ALLEN
On December 21, 1998, Mr. Allen contributed $431,042,721.46 to Charter
Investment and received non-voting common stock of Charter Investment. Such
non-voting common stock was converted to voting common stock on December 23,
1998.
On December 23, 1998, Mr. Allen contributed $1,325,716,305.62 to Charter
Investment and received voting common stock of Charter Investment. Additionally,
Charter Investment borrowed $6,236,707.05 in the form of a bridge loan from Mr.
Allen. This bridge loan was contributed by Mr. Allen to Charter Investment in
March 1999. No interest on such bridge loan was accrued or paid by Charter
Investment. On the same date, Mr. Allen also contributed $223,502,684.20 to
Vulcan Cable II, Inc., a company owned by Mr. Allen. Vulcan II was merged with
and into Charter Investment.
On January 5, 1999, Charter Investment borrowed $132,200,000 in the form of
a bridge loan from Mr. Allen. This bridge loan was contributed by Mr. Allen to
Charter Investment in March 1999. No interest on such bridge loan was accrued or
paid by Charter Investment. On the same date, Mr. Allen also acquired additional
voting common stock of Charter Investment from Jerald L. Kent, Howard L. Wood
and Barry L. Babcock for an aggregate purchase price of $176,738,290.04.
On January 11, 1999, Charter Investment borrowed $25,000,000 in the form of
a bridge loan from Mr. Allen. This bridge loan was contributed by Mr. Allen to
Charter Investment in March 1999. No interest on such bridge loan was accrued or
paid by Charter Investment.
On March 16, 1999, Charter Investment borrowed $124,813,881.39 in the form
of a bridge loan from Mr. Allen. This bridge loan was contributed by Mr. Allen
to Charter Investment in March 1999. No interest on such bridge loan was accrued
or paid by Charter Investment.
In July, 1999, Charter Holdco and Mr. Allen entered into a membership
interests purchase agreement pursuant to which Mr. Allen has committed to
purchase membership interests of Charter Holdco for a total of $1.325 billion.
Mr. Allen will contribute $500 million on or before July 31, 1999, and $825
million on or before September 1, 1999, in exchange for membership interests.
We have agreed and are in the process of finalizing a contract to license
to Paul G. Allen the right to use up to eight digital channels in each of our
cable systems. The number of channels licensed in each system will depend on the
bandwidth of the particular system. We believe that this transaction will be on
terms at least as favorable to us as Mr. Allen would negotiate with other cable
operators.
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ASSIGNMENTS OF ACQUISITIONS
On January 1, 1999, Charter Investment entered into a membership purchase
agreement with ACEC Holding Company, LLC for the acquisition of American Cable.
On February 23, 1999, Charter Investment assigned its rights and obligations
under this agreement to one of our subsidiaries, Charter Communications
Entertainment II, LLC, effective as of March 8, 1999, or such earlier date as
mutually agreed to by the parties. The acquisition of American Cable was
completed in April 1999.
On February 17, 1999, Charter Investment entered into an asset purchase
agreement with Greater Media, Inc. and Greater Media Cablevision, Inc. for the
acquisition of the Greater Media systems. On February 23, 1999, Charter
Investment assigned its rights and obligations under this agreement to one of
our subsidiaries, Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC. The acquisition
of the Greater Media systems was completed in April 1999.
On April 26, 1999, Charter Investment entered into,
- a purchase and sale agreement with Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P.
and the sellers listed in such purchase and sale agreement,
- a purchase and sale agreement with Interlink Communications Partners,
LLLP and the sellers listed in such purchase and sale agreement. and
- an indemnity agreement with the sellers listed in such indemnity
agreement,
for the acquisition of Rifkin. On June 30, 1999, Charter Investment assigned is
rights and obligations under each of these agreements to Charter Operating. Both
Charter Investment and Charter Operating remain liable to the Rifkin sellers for
the performance and fulfillment of the covenants, duties and obligations of the
buyer under these agreements.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Jerald L. Kent. Effective as of December 23, 1998, Jerald L. Kent entered
into an employment agreement with Charter Investment for a three-year term with
automatic one-year renewals. Under this agreement, Mr. Kent agrees to serve as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Charter Investment, with responsibility
for the nationwide general management, administration and operation of all
present and future business of Charter Investment and its subsidiaries. During
the initial term of the agreement, Mr. Kent will receive a base salary of
$1,250,000, or such higher rate as may from time to time be determined by the
board of directors in its discretion. In addition, Mr. Kent will be eligible to
receive an annual bonus in an aggregate amount not to exceed $625,000, to be
determined by the board based on an assessment of the performance of Mr. Kent as
well as the achievement of certain financial targets.
Under the agreement, Mr. Kent is entitled to participate in any disability
insurance, pension, or other benefit plan afforded to employees generally or
executives of Charter Investment. Mr. Kent will be reimbursed by Charter
Investment for life insurance premiums up to $30,000 per year. Also under this
agreement and a related agreement, Mr. Kent received options to purchase three
percent (3%) of the net equity value of Charter Holdco. The options have a term
of ten years and will vest twenty-five percent (25%) on December 23, 1998. The
remaining seventy-five percent (75%) will vest 1/36 on the first day of each of
36 months commencing on the first day of the thirteenth month following December
23, 1998.
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Charter Investment agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Mr. Kent to the
maximum extent permitted by law from and against any claims, damages,
liabilities, losses, costs or expenses in connection with or arising out of the
performance by Mr. Kent of his duties.
In the event of the expiration of the agreement in accordance with its
terms as a result of Charter Investment giving Mr. Kent notice of its intention
not to extend the initial term, or a termination of the agreement by Mr. Kent
for good reason or by Charter Investment without cause, (a) Charter Investment
will pay to Mr. Kent an amount equal to the aggregate base salary due to Mr.
Kent and the board shall consider additional amounts, if any, to be paid to Mr.
Kent and (b) any unvested options of Mr. Kent shall immediately vest.
Barry L. Babcock. Effective as of December 23, 1998, Barry L. Babcock
entered into an employment agreement with Charter Investment for a one-year term
with automatic one-year renewals. Under this agreement, Mr. Babcock agrees to
serve as Vice Chairman of Charter Investment with responsibilities including the
government and public relations of Charter Investment. During the initial term
of the agreement, Mr. Babcock will receive a base salary of $625,000, or such
higher rate as may be determined by the Chief Executive Officer in his
discretion. In addition, Mr. Babcock will be eligible to receive an annual bonus
to be determined by the board of directors in its discretion. Mr. Babcock
received a one time payment as part of his employment agreement of $500,000.
Under the agreement, Mr. Babcock is entitled to participate in any
disability insurance, pension or other benefit plan afforded to employees
generally or executives of Charter Investment. Charter Investment agrees to
grant options to Mr. Babcock to purchase its stock as determined by the board of
directors in its discretion, pursuant to an option plan to be adopted by Charter
Investment.
Charter Investment agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Mr. Babcock to the
maximum extent permitted by law from and against any claims, damages,
liabilities, losses, costs or expenses in connection with or arising out of the
performance by Mr. Babcock of his duties.
In the event of the termination of the agreement by Charter Investment
without cause or by Mr. Babcock for good reason, (a) Charter Investment will pay
to Mr. Babcock an amount equal to the aggregate base salary due to Mr. Babcock
for the remainder of the term of the agreement and (b) vested options, if any,
of Mr. Babcock, will be redeemed for cash for the amount of the spread. Unvested
options will be treated as set forth in the option plan to be adopted as
discussed above.
Howard L. Wood. Effective as of December 23, 1998, Howard L. Wood entered
into an employment agreement with Charter Investment for a one-year term with
automatic one-year renewals. Under this agreement, Mr. Wood agrees to be
employed as an officer of Charter Investment. During the initial term of the
agreement, Mr. Wood will receive a base salary of $312,500, or such higher rate
as may be determined by the Chief Executive Officer in his discretion. In
addition, Mr. Wood will be eligible to receive an annual bonus to be determined
by the board of directors in its discretion. Mr. Wood received a one time
payment as part of his employment agreement of $250,000. Under the agreement,
Mr. Wood is entitled to participate in any disability insurance, pension or
other benefit plan afforded to employees generally or executives of Charter
Investment.
Charter Investment agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Mr. Wood to the
maximum extent permitted by law from and against any claims, damages,
liabilities, losses,
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costs or expenses in connection with or arising out of the performance by Mr.
Wood of his duties.
In the event of the termination of the agreement by Charter Investment
without cause or by Mr. Wood for good reason, Charter Investment will pay to Mr.
Wood an amount equal to the aggregate base salary due to Mr. Wood for the
remainder of the term of the agreement.
INSURANCE
We receive insurance and workers' compensation coverage through Charter
Investment. Charter Investment's insurance policies provide coverage for Charter
Investment and its
- subsidiaries, and associated, affiliated and inter-related companies,
- majority (51% or more) owned partnerships and joint ventures,
- interest in (or its subsidiaries' interest in) any other partnerships,
joint ventures or limited liability companies,
- interest in (or its subsidiaries' interest in) any company or
organization coming under its active management or control, and
- any entity or party required to be insured under any contract or
agreement,
which may now exist, may have previously existed, or may hereafter be created or
acquired.
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Paul G. Allen or certain affiliates of Mr. Allen, own equity interests or
warrants to purchase equity interests in various entities which provide a number
of our subsidiaries with services or programming. Among these entities are High
Speed Access, WorldGate, Wink, ZDTV, LLC, USA Networks and Oxygen Media, Inc.
These affiliates include Charter Investment and Vulcan Ventures. Mr. Allen owns
100% of the equity of Vulcan Ventures, and is the President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Savoy is also a Vice President and a
director of Vulcan Ventures.
HIGH SPEED ACCESS. High Speed Access is a provider of high-speed Internet
access over cable modems. In November 1998, Charter Investment entered into a
Systems Access and Investment Agreement with Vulcan Ventures and High Speed
Access and a related Network Services Agreement with High Speed Access.
Additionally, Vulcan Ventures and High Speed Access entered into a Programming
Content Agreement. Under these agreements, High Speed Access will have exclusive
access to at least 750,000 of our homes with an installed cable drop from our
cable system or which is eligible for a cable drop by virtue of our cable system
passing the home. The term of the Systems Access and Investment Agreement
continues until midnight of the day High Speed Access ceases to provide High
Speed Access services to cable subscribers in any geographic area or region. The
term of the Network Services Agreement is, as to a particular cable system, five
years from the date revenue billing commences for that cable system and,
following this initial term, the Network Services Agreement automatically renews
itself on a year-to-year basis. Additionally, we can terminate our exclusivity
rights, on a system-by-system basis, if High Speed Access fails to meet
performance benchmarks or otherwise breaches the agreements including their
commitment to provide content designated by Vulcan Ventures. The Programming
Content Agreement is effective until terminated for any breach and will
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automatically terminate upon the expiration of the Systems Access and Investment
Agreement. During the term of the agreements, High Speed Access has agreed not
to deploy WorldGate, Web TV, digital television or related products in the
market areas of any committed system or in any area in which we operate a cable
system. All of Charter Investment's operations take place at the subsidiary
level and it is through Charter Investment that we derive our rights and
obligations with respect to High Speed Access. Under the terms of the Network
Services Agreement, we split revenue with High Speed Access based on set
percentages of gross revenues in each category of service. The Programming
Content Agreement provides each of Vulcan Ventures and High Speed Access with a
license to use certain content and materials of the other on a non-exclusive,
royalty-free basis.
Concurrently with entering into these agreements, High Speed Access issued
8 million shares of Series B convertible preferred stock to Vulcan Ventures at a
purchase price of $2.50 per share. Vulcan Ventures also subscribed to purchase
2.5 million shares of Series C convertible preferred stock at a purchase price
of $5.00 per share on or before November 25, 2000, and received an option to
purchase an additional 2.5 million shares of Series C convertible preferred
stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share. In April 1999, Vulcan Ventures
purchased the entire 5 million shares of Series C convertible preferred stock
for $25 million in cash. The shares of Series B and Series C convertible
preferred stock issued to Vulcan Ventures automatically converted at a price of
$3.23 per share into 20.15 million shares of common stock upon completion of
High Speed Access' initial public offering in June 1999. Additionally, High
Speed Access granted Vulcan Ventures warrants to purchase up to 5 million shares
of common stock at a purchase price of $5.00 per share. These warrants were
converted to warrants to purchase up to approximately 7,739,938 shares of common
stock at a purchase price of $3.23 per share upon completion of High Speed
Access' initial public offering. Vulcan Ventures subsequently assigned the
warrants to Charter Investment.
In addition, Jerald L. Kent, our President and Chief Executive Officer and
a director of Charter Holdings, Mr. Savoy and another individual, who performs
management services for the issuers, are also directors of High Speed Access
Corp.
WORLDGATE. WorldGate is a provider of Internet access through cable
television systems. On November 7, 1997, Charter Investment signed an
affiliation agreement with WorldGate pursuant to which WorldGate's services will
be offered to some of our customers. The term of the agreement is five years
unless terminated by either party for failure of the other party to perform any
of its obligations or undertakings required under the agreement. The agreement
automatically renews for additional successive two year periods upon expiration
of the initial five year term. All of Charter Investment's operations take place
at the subsidiary level and it is through Charter Investment that we derive our
rights and obligations with respect to WorldGate. Pursuant to the agreement, we
have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to deploy the WorldGate Internet
access service within a portion of our cable television systems and to install
the appropriate headend equipment in all of our major markets in those systems.
Major markets for purposes of this agreement include those in which we have more
than 25,000 customers. We incur the cost for the installation of headend
equipment. In addition, we have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to
deploy such service in all non-major markets that are technically capable of
providing interactive pay-per-view service, to the extent we determine that it
is economically practical. When WorldGate has a telephone return path service
available, we will, if economically practical, use all reasonable efforts to
install the appropriate headend equipment and deploy the WorldGate service in
our remaining markets. We have also
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agreed to market the WorldGate service within our market areas. We pay a monthly
subscriber access fee to WorldGate based on the number of subscribers to the
WorldGate service. We have the discretion to determine what fees, if any, we
will charge our subscribers for access to the WorldGate service.
On November 24, 1997, Charter Investment acquired 70,423 shares of
WorldGate's Series B Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $7.10 per share. On
February 3, 1999, a subsidiary of Charter Holdings acquired 90,909 shares of
Series C Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $11.00 per share. As a result of
a stock split, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will convert into
two-thirds of a share of WorldGate's common stock, and each share of Series C
Preferred Stock will convert into two-thirds of a share of WorldGate's common
stock. Upon completion of WorldGate's initial public offering, each series of
Preferred Stock will automatically convert into common stock.
WINK. Wink offers an enhanced broadcasting system that adds interactivity
and electronic commerce opportunities to traditional programming and
advertising. Viewers can, among other things, find news, weather and sports
information on-demand and order products through use of a remote control. On
October 8, 1997, Charter Investment signed a cable affiliation agreement with
Wink to deploy this enhanced broadcasting technology in our systems. The term of
the agreement is three years. Either party has the right to terminate the
agreement for the other party's failure to comply with any of its respective
material obligations under the agreement. All of Charter Investment's operations
take place at the subsidiary level and it is through Charter Investment that we
derive our rights and obligations with respect to Wink. Pursuant to the
agreement, Wink granted us the non-exclusive license to use their software to
deliver the enhanced broadcasting to all of our cable systems. For the first
year of the agreement, we pay a monthly license fee to Wink which is based on
the number of our subscribers in our operating areas. After the first year of
the agreement we pay a fixed monthly license fee to Wink regardless of the
number of our subscribers in our operating areas. We also supply all server
hardware required for deployment of Wink services. In addition, we agreed to
promote and market the Wink service to our customers within the area of each
system in which such service is being provided. We share in the revenue Wink
generates from all fees collected by Wink for transactions generated by our
customers. The amount of revenue shared is based on the number of transactions
per month.
On November 30, 1998, Vulcan Ventures acquired 1,162,500 shares of Wink's
Series C Preferred Stock for approximately $9.3 million. In connection with such
acquisition, Wink issued to Vulcan Ventures warrants to purchase shares of
common stock. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation, of which Mr. Allen is a
director, also owns an equity interest in Wink.
ZDTV. ZDTV operates a cable television channel which broadcasts shows
about technology and the Internet. Pursuant to a Carriage Agreement which
Charter Investment intends to enter into with ZDTV, ZDTV has agreed to provide
us with their programming for broadcast via our cable television systems. The
term of the proposed Carriage Agreement, with respect to each of our cable
systems, is from the date of launch of ZDTV on that cable system until April 30,
2008. The term expires on the same day for each of our cable systems, regardless
of when any individual cable system launches ZDTV. All of Charter Investment's
operations take place at the subsidiary level and it is through Charter
Investment that we derive our rights and obligations with respect to ZDTV. The
Carriage Agreement grants us a limited non-exclusive right to receive and to
distribute ZDTV to our subscribers in digital or analog format. The Carriage
Agreement does not grant us the
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right to distribute ZDTV over the Internet. We pay a monthly subscriber fee to
ZDTV for the ZDTV programming based on the number of our subscribers subscribing
to ZDTV. Additionally, we agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to
publicize the programming schedule of ZDTV in each of our cable systems that
offers or will offer ZDTV. Upon reaching a specified threshold number of ZDTV
subscribers, then, in the event ZDTV inserts any infomercials, advertorials
and/or home shopping into in the ZDTV programming, we receive from ZDTV a
percentage of net product revenues resulting from our distribution of these
services. ZDTV may not offer its services to any other cable operator which
serves the same or fewer number of subscribers at a more favorable rate or on
more favorable carriage terms.
On February 5, 1999, Vulcan Programming acquired an approximate one-third
interest in ZDTV. Mr. Allen owns 100% of Vulcan Programming. Mr. Savoy is the
President and a director of Vulcan Programming. The remaining approximate
two-thirds interest in ZDTV is owned by Ziff-Davis Inc. Vulcan Ventures acquired
approximately 3% of the interests in Ziff-Davis. The total investment made by
Vulcan Programming and Vulcan Ventures was $54 million.
USA NETWORKS. USA Networks operates USA Network and The Sci-Fi Channel,
which are cable television networks. USA Networks also operates Home Shopping
Network, which is a retail sales program available via cable television systems.
On May 1, 1994, Charter Investment signed an Affiliation Agreement with USA
Networks. Pursuant to this Affiliation Agreement, USA Networks has agreed to
provide their programming for broadcast via our cable television systems. The
term of the Affiliation Agreement is until December 30, 1999. All of Charter
Investment's operations take place at the subsidiary level and it is through
Charter Investment that we derive our rights and obligations with respect to USA
Networks. The Affiliation Agreement grants us the nonexclusive right to
cablecast the USA Network programming service. We pay USA Networks a monthly fee
for the USA Network programming service number based on the number of
subscribers in each of our systems and the number and percentage of such
subscribers receiving the USA Network programming service. Additionally, we
agreed to use best efforts to publicize the schedule of the USA Network
programming service in the television listings and program guides which we
distribute.
Mr. Allen and Mr. Savoy are also directors of USA Networks. As of April
1999, Mr. Allen also owned approximately 12.4%, and Mr. Savoy owned less than
1%, of the common stock of USA Networks.
OXYGEN MEDIA, INC. Oxygen expects to begin providing content aimed at the
female audience for distribution over the Internet and cable television systems.
Vulcan Ventures has agreed to invest up to $100 million in Oxygen. In addition,
Charter Investment has agreed to enter into a carriage agreement with Oxygen
pursuant to which we intend to carry Oxygen programming content on our cable
systems.
Mr. Allen has numerous investments. We cannot assure you that in the event
that we or any of our subsidiaries enter into transactions in the future with
any affiliate of Mr. Allen, that such transactions will be on terms as favorable
to us as terms we might have obtained from an unrelated third party.
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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS
The following description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
credit facilities and related documents governing such debt.
CHARTER OPERATING CREDIT FACILITIES
On March 18, 1999, all of our then-existing senior debt, consisting of
seven separate credit facilities, was refinanced with proceeds of the sale of
the original notes and proceeds of our initial senior secured credit facilities.
The borrower under our initial senior secured credit facilities is Charter
Operating. The initial senior secured credit facilities were arranged by The
Chase Manhattan Bank, NationsBank, N.A., Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc., Fleet
Bank, N.A. and Credit Lyonnais New York Branch. The initial Charter Operating
senior secured credit facilities provided for borrowings of up to $2.75 billion.
The initial Charter Operating senior secured credit facilities were
increased on April 30, 1999 by $1.35 billion of additional senior secured credit
facilities. Obligations under the Charter Operating credit facilities are
guaranteed by Charter Operating's parent, Charter Holdings, and by Charter
Operatings' subsidiaries. The obligations under the Charter Operating credit
facilities are secured by pledges by Charter Operating of inter-company
obligations and the ownership interests of Charter Operating and its
subsidiaries, but are not secured by the other assets of Charter Operating or
its subsidiaries. The guarantees are secured by pledges of inter-company
obligations and the ownership interests of Charter Holdings in Charter
Operating, but are not secured by the other assets of Charter Holdings or
Charter Operating.
The initial Charter Operating senior secured credit facilities of $4.1
billion consist of:
- an eight and one-half year reducing revolving loan in the amount of $1.25
billion;
- an eight and one-half year Tranche A term loan in the amount of $1.0
billion; and
- a nine-year Tranche B term loan in the amount of $1.85 billion.
The Charter Operating credit facilities provide for the amortization of the
principal amount of the Tranche A term loan facility and the reduction of the
revolving loan facility beginning on June 30, 2002 with respect to the Tranche A
term loan and on March 31, 2004 with respect to the revolving credit facility,
with a final maturity date of September 18, 2007. The amortization of the
principal amount of the Tranche B term loan facility is substantially
"back-ended," with more than ninety percent of the principal balance due in the
year of maturity. The Charter Operating credit facilities also provide for an
incremental term facility, of up to $500 million which is conditioned upon
receipt of additional new commitments from lenders. If the incremental term
facility becomes available, 50% of the borrowings under it will be repaid on
terms substantially similar to that of the Tranche A term loan and 50% on terms
substantially similar to the Tranche B term loan. The Charter Operating credit
facilities also contain provisions requiring mandatory loan prepayments under
certain circumstances, such as when significant amounts of assets are sold and
the proceeds are not promptly reinvested in assets useful in the business.
After an initial period in which interest rate margins will be fixed,
interest rates for the Charter Operating credit facilities, as well as a fee
payable on unborrowed amounts available under these facilities, will depend upon
performance measured by a "leverage ratio," or, the ratio of indebtedness to
annualized operating cash flow. Annualized operating cash flow is defined as the
immediately preceding quarter's operating cash flow,
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before management fees, multiplied by four. This leverage ratio is based on the
debt of Charter Operating and its subsidiaries, exclusive of the outstanding
notes and other debt for money borrowed, of Charter Holdings.
The Charter Operating credit facilities provide Charter Operating with two
interest rate options, to which a margin is added: a base rate option,
generally, the "prime rate" of interest, and an interest rate option based on
the London InterBank Offered Rate. The Charter Operating credit facilities
contain representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants,
information requirements, events of default and financial covenants. The
financial covenants, which are generally tested on a quarterly basis, measure
performance against standards set for leverage, debt service coverage, and
operating cash flow coverage of cash interest expense.
Under most circumstances, acquisitions and investments may be made without
the consent of the lenders as long as our operating cash flow for the four
complete quarters preceding the acquisition or investment equals or exceeds 1.75
times the sum of our cash interest expense plus any restricted payments, on a
pro forma basis after giving effect to the acquisition or investment.
The Charter Operating credit facilities also contain a change of control
provision, making it an event of default, and permitting acceleration of the
indebtedness, in the event that either:
(1) Mr. Allen, including his estate, heirs and certain other related
entities, fails to maintain a 51% direct or indirect voting and economic
interest in Charter Operating, provided that after the consummation of an
initial public offering by Charter Holdings or an affiliate of Charter Holdings,
the economic interest percentage may be reduced to 25%, or
(2) a change of control occurs under the indentures governing the notes.
The various negative covenants place limitations on our ability and the
ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur debt, pay dividends,
incur liens, make acquisitions, investments or asset sales, or enter into
transactions with affiliates. Distributions by Charter Operating under the
credit facilities to Charter Holdings to pay interest on the notes are generally
permitted, except during the existence of a default under such credit
facilities. If the 8.250% notes are not refinanced prior to six months before
their maturity date, the entire amount outstanding of the Charter Operating
credit facilities will become due and payable.
RENAISSANCE NOTES
The original Renaissance notes and new Renaissance notes were issued by
Renaissance Media (Louisiana) LLC, Renaissance Media (Tennessee) LLC and
Renaissance Media Capital Corporation, with Renaissance Media Group LLC as the
Guarantor, and the United States Trust Company of New York as the Trustee. In
October 1998, the issuers exchanged $163.175 million of the original issued and
outstanding 10% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 for an equivalent value of 10%
Senior Discount Notes due April 15, 2008. Renaissance Media Group LLC, which is
the direct or indirect parent company of each other issuer, is a now subsidiary
of Charter Operating. The form and terms of the new Renaissance notes are the
same in all material respects as the form and terms of the original Renaissance
notes except that the issuance of the new Renaissance notes have been registered
under the Securities Act.
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The Renaissance notes and the Renaissance guarantee are unsecured,
unsubordinated debt of the issuers and the guarantor, respectively.
There will not be any payment of interest in respect of the Renaissance
notes prior to October 15, 2003. Interest on the new Renaissance notes shall be
paid semi-annually in cash at a rate of 10% per annum beginning on October 15,
2003. The new Renaissance notes are redeemable at the option of the issuer, in
whole or in part, at any time on or after April 15, 2003, initially at 105% of
their principal amount at maturity, plus accrued interest, declining to 100% of
the principal amount at maturity, plus accrued interest, on or after April 15,
2006. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2001, the issuers may redeem
up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount at maturity of the new
Renaissance notes with the proceeds of one or more sales of capital stock at
110% of their accreted value on the redemption date, provided that after any
such redemption at least $106 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of
Renaissance notes remains outstanding.
Upon a change of control, the issuers will be required to make an offer to
purchase the new Renaissance notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their
accreted value on the date of the purchase, plus accrued interest, if any. Our
acquisition of Renaissance triggered this requirement. In May 1999, we made an
offer to repurchase the Renaissance notes, and the holders of Renaissance,
representing 30% of the total principal amount outstanding tendered their
Renaissance notes for repurchase.
The indenture contains certain covenants that restrict the ability of the
issuers and their restricted subsidiaries to:
- incur additional debt;
- create liens;
- engage in sale-leaseback transactions;
- pay dividends or make contributions in respect of their capital stock;
- redeem capital stock;
- make investments or certain other restricted payments;
- sell assets;
- issue or sell stock of Restricted Subsidiaries;
- enter into transactions with stockholders or affiliates; or
- effect a consolidation or merger.
DEBT TO BE ASSUMED IN CONNECTION WITH OUR PENDING ACQUISITIONS
HELICON NOTES
On November 3, 1993, Helicon Group, L.P. and Helicon Capital Corp. jointly
issued $115,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% senior secured notes due
2003. On February 3, 1994, the issuers exchanged the original Helicon notes for
an equivalent value of new Helicon notes. The form and terms of the new Helicon
notes are the same as the form and terms of the corresponding original Helicon
notes, except that the new Helicon notes were registered under the Securities
Act of 1933 and, therefore, the new Helicon notes do not bear legends
restricting their transfer. The Helicon notes bear interest at a rate of 11% per
annum.
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The Helicon notes are senior obligations of the issuers and are secured by
substantially all of the cable assets, subject to a number of exceptions. The
Helicon notes may be redeemed at the option of the issuers specified in whole or
in part at any time at specified redemption prices plus accrued interest to the
date of redemption. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time on or before
November 1, 1996, the issuers may redeem up to 33 1/3% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Helicon notes with the proceeds of one or more equity
offerings within 120 days of such equity offering at a redemption price equal to
111% of the accreted value of the Helicon notes, plus accrued interest to the
date of redemption. The Helicon notes were issued with original issue discount.
The issuers will be required to redeem $25 million principal amount of the
Helicon notes on each of November 1, 2001 and November 1, 2002. Upon specified
change of control events, the issuers will be required to make an offer to
purchase all of the Helicon notes at a price equal to 101% of their accreted
value until November 1, 1996, and at a price equal to 101% of their principal
amount thereafter, plus, in each case, accrued interest to the date of purchase.
Our acquisition of Helicon will trigger this obligation. We are required under
the terms of the Charter Operating credit facilities to use our best efforts to
repurchase the Helicon notes within 90 days of the acquisition.
The issuers are obligated to either commence an exchange offer for new
Helicon notes that are identical to the original Helicon notes pursuant to an
effective registration statement or cause the Helicon notes to be registered for
re-sale under the Securities Act. Prior to the effectiveness of the registration
statement the Helicon notes will bear interest at the rate of 9 1/2% per annum
until November 1, 1996 and at a rate of 11 1/2% thereafter. Upon the
effectiveness of the registration statement the interest rate shall be reduced
to 9% and 11 1/2%, respectively.
The indenture governing the Helicon notes restrict, among other things, the
ability of the issuers and some of their subsidiaries to:
- incur additional debt;
- make specified distributions;
- redeem equity interests;
- enter into transactions with affiliates; and
- merge or consolidate with or sell substantially all of the assets of the
issuers.
RIFKIN NOTES
The Rifkin notes were issued by Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P. and
Rifkin Acquisition Capital Corp. as issuers, subsidiaries of the partnership
other than Rifkin Acquisition Capital Corp. as guarantors, and Marine Midland
Bank as trustee. In March 1996, the issuers exchanged $125 million aggregate
principal amount of the originally issued and outstanding 11 1/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2006 for an equivalent value of new 11 1/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2006. The form and terms of the new Rifkin notes are
substantially identical to the form and terms of the original Rifkin notes
except that the new Rifkin notes have been registered under the Securities Act
and, therefore, do not bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. Interest
on the Rifkin notes accrues at the rate of 11 1/8% per annum and is payable in
cash semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing
July 15, 1996.
The Rifkin notes are redeemable at the issuers' option, in whole or in
part, at any time on or after January 15, 2001, at 105.563% of the principal
amount together with
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accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of the redemption. This
redemption premium declines over time to 100% of the principal amount, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on or after 2005. In addition, at any time
prior to January 15, 1999, the issuers, at their option, may redeem up to 25% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Rifkin notes with the net proceeds of one
or more public equity offerings or strategic equity investments in which the
issuers receive proceeds of not less than $25 million, at a redemption price
equal to 111 1/8% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Following any such
redemption, the aggregate principal amount of the Rifkin notes outstanding must
equal at least 75% of the aggregate principal amount of the Rifkin notes
originally issued.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of Rifkin notes
will have the right to require the issuers to purchase all or a portion of such
holder's notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued
and unpaid interest, to the date of purchase. Our acquisition of Rifkin will
trigger this requirement. We are also required by the terms of the Charter
Operating credit facilities to repurchase the Rifkin notes within 90 days of the
Rifkin acquisition.
The Rifkin notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a senior
subordinated basis by specified subsidiaries of the issuers. The guarantees of
the Rifkin notes will be general unsecured obligations of the guarantors and
will be subordinated in right of to all existing and future senior debt of the
guarantors.
Among other restrictions, the indentures governing the Rifkin notes contain
covenants which limit the ability of the issuers and specified subsidiaries to:
- assume additional debt and issue specified additional equity interests;
- make restricted payments;
- enter into transactions with affiliates;
- incur liens;
- make specified contributions and payments to Rifkin Acquisition Partners,
L.L.L.P.;
- transfer specified assets to subsidiaries; and
- merger, consolidate, and transfer all or substantially all of the assets
of Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P. to another person.
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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description
under the subheading "Certain Definitions."
The original notes were issued and the new notes will be issued under three
separate indentures, each dated as of March 17, 1999, among the issuers, Marcus
Cable Operating, LLC, Marcus Holdings, as guarantor and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank, as trustee. The terms of the notes include those stated in the indentures
and those made part of the indentures by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended.
The form and terms of the new notes are the same in all material respects
to the form and terms of the original notes, except that the new notes will have
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and, therefore, will not bear
legends restricting the transfer thereof. The original notes have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to certain transfer
restrictions.
The original notes were sold prior to our merger with Marcus Holdings. At
the sale of the original notes, Marcus Holdings guaranteed the notes and issued
a promissory note to Charter Holdings for certain amounts loaned by Charter
Holdings to subsidiaries of Marcus Holdings. When we merged with Marcus Holdings
both the guarantee and the promissory note issued automatically became, under
the terms of the indentures, ineffective. Consequently, all references in the
indentures and the notes to the guarantor, the guarantee or the promissory note,
and all matters related thereto, including, without limitation, the pledges of
any collateral are no longer applicable.
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the
indentures. It does not restate the indentures in their entirety. We urge you to
read the indentures because they, and not this description, define your rights
as holders of these notes. Copies of the indentures are available as set forth
under "Business -- Additional Information."
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
The notes:
- are general unsecured obligations of the issuers;
- are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all existing and
future secured Indebtedness of the issuers to the extent of the value of
the assets securing such Indebtedness and to all liabilities, including
trade payables, of Charter Holdings' Subsidiaries, other than Charter
Capital;
- are equal in right of payment to all existing and future unsubordinated,
unsecured Indebtedness of the issuers; and
- are senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of
the issuers.
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST OF NOTES
8.250% NOTES
The 8.250% notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $600 million,
and will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
The 8.250% notes will mature on April 1, 2007.
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Interest on the 8.250% notes will accrue at the rate of 8.250% per annum
and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1,
commencing on October 1, 1999. The issuers will make each interest payment to
the holders of record of these 8.250% notes on the immediately preceding March
15 and September 15.
Interest on the 8.250% notes will accrue from the date of original issuance
of the original notes or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it
was most recently paid. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
8.625% NOTES
The 8.625% notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $1.5 billion,
and will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
The 8.625% notes will mature on April 1, 2009.
Interest on the 8.625% notes will accrue at the rate of 8.625% per annum
and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1,
commencing on October 1, 1999. The issuers will make each interest payment to
the holders of record of these 8.625% notes on the immediately preceding March
15 and September 15.
Interest on the 8.625% notes will accrue from the date of original issuance
of the original notes or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it
was most recently paid. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
9.920% NOTES
The 9.920% notes are limited in aggregate principal amount at maturity to
$1.475 billion and originally were issued at an issue price of $613.94 per
$1,000 principal amount at maturity, representing a yield to maturity of 9.920%,
calculated on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis, calculated from March 17,
1999. The issuers will issue 9.920% notes, in denominations of $1,000 principal
amount at maturity and integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at
maturity. The 9.920% notes will mature on April 1, 2011.
Cash interest on the 9.920% notes will not accrue prior to April 1, 2004.
Thereafter, cash interest on the 9.920% notes will accrue at a rate of 9.920%
per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1,
commencing on October 1, 2004. The issuers will make each interest payment to
the holders of record of the 9.920% notes on the immediately preceding March 15
and September 15. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
The 9.920% notes will accrete at a rate of 9.920% per year to an aggregate
amount of $1.475 billion as of April 1, 2004. For United States federal income
tax purposes, holders of the 9.920% notes will be required to include amounts in
gross income in advance of the receipt of the cash payments to which the income
is attributable. See "Certain Federal Tax Considerations."
RANKING
As a holding company, Charter Holdings does not hold substantial assets
other than its direct or indirect investments in and advances to its operating
subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries conduct all of our consolidated operations and
own substantially all of our consolidated assets. As a result, our cash flow and
our ability to meet our debt service obligations on the notes will depend upon
the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the
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payment of funds by our subsidiaries to us in the form of loans, equity
distributions or otherwise. Our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds
available to us for payment on the notes. In addition, our subsidiaries' ability
to make any such loans or distributions to us will depend on their earnings, the
terms of their indebtedness, business and tax considerations and legal
restrictions. Our credit facilities place limitations on the ability of our
subsidiaries to pay dividends and enter into certain transactions with
affiliates. Our credit facilities also contain financial covenants that could
limit the payment of dividends. However distributions generally will be
permitted by the credit facilities to pay interest on the notes except during
the existence of a default under the credit facilities.
Because of our holding company structure, the notes will be subordinate to
all liabilities of our subsidiaries. Creditors of our subsidiaries will have the
right to be paid before holders of the notes from any assets of our
subsidiaries. At March 31, 1999, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the
acquisitions and our credit facilities, all of our outstanding indebtedness,
including our credit facilities, was incurred by our subsidiaries. At that date,
our subsidiaries' liabilities totaled approximately $4.0 billion and all such
liabilities would have ranked senior to the new notes. In the event of
bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary, following payment by the
subsidiary of its liabilities, such subsidiary may not have sufficient assets
remaining to make payments to us as a shareholder or otherwise.
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
8.250% NOTES
The 8.250% notes are not redeemable at the issuers' option prior to
maturity.
8.625% NOTES
At any time prior to April 1, 2002, the issuers may, on any one or more
occasions, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8.625%
notes on a pro rata basis or nearly as pro rata as practicable, at a redemption
price of 108.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more
Equity Offerings; provided that
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of 8.625% notes
remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption
excluding 8.625% notes held by Charter Holdings and its Subsidiaries; and
(2) the redemption must occur within 60 days of the date of the
closing of such Equity Offering.
Except pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the 8.625% notes will not be
redeemable at the issuers' option prior to April 1, 2004.
On or after April 1, 2004, the issuers may redeem all or a part of the
8.625% notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the
redemption prices, expressed as percentages of principal amount, set forth below
plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon,
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if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month
period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
- ---- ----------
<S> <C>
2004........................................................ 104.313%
2005........................................................ 102.875%
2006........................................................ 101.438%
2007 and thereafter......................................... 100.000%
</TABLE>
9.920% NOTES
At any time prior to April 1, 2002, the issuers may, on any one or more
occasions, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the
9.920% notes on a pro rata basis or nearly as pro rata as practicable, at a
redemption price of 109.920% of the Accreted Value thereof, with the net cash
proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings; provided that
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of
9.920% notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such
redemption, excluding 9.920% notes held by Charter Holdings and its
Subsidiaries; and
(2) the redemption must occur within 60 days of the date of the
closing of such Equity Offering.
Except pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the 9.920% notes will not be
redeemable at the Issuers' option prior to April 1, 2004.
On or after April 1, 2004, the issuers may redeem all or a part of the
9.920% notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the
redemption prices, expressed as percentages of principal amount, set forth below
plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption
date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of the
years indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR PERCENTAGE
- ---- ----------
<S> <C>
2004........................................................ 104.960%
2005........................................................ 103.307%
2006........................................................ 101.653%
2007 and thereafter......................................... 100.000%
</TABLE>
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
CHANGE OF CONTROL
If a Change of Control occurs, each holder of notes will have the right to
require the Issuers to repurchase all or any part, equal to $1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof, of that holder's notes pursuant to a "Change of
Control offer." In the Change of Control offer, the issuers will offer a "Change
of Control payment" in cash equal to
(x) with respect to the 8.250% notes and the 8.625% notes, 101% of the
aggregate principal amount thereof repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, if any, to the date of purchase and
(y) with respect to the 9.920% notes, 101% of the Accreted Value plus, for
any Change of Control offer occurring after the Full Accretion Date, accrued and
unpaid
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interest, if any, on the date of purchase. Within ten days following any Change
of Control, the issuers will mail a notice to each holder describing the
transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering
to repurchase notes on a certain date, the "Change of Control payment date",
specified in such notice, pursuant to the procedures required by the Indentures
and described in such notice. The issuers will comply with the requirements of
Rule 14e-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any successor rules, and
any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and
regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a
result of a Change of Control.
On the Change of Control payment date, the issuers will, to the extent
lawful:
(1) accept for payment all notes or portions thereof properly tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control offer;
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of
Control payment in respect of all notes or portions thereof so tendered;
and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes so
accepted together with an officers' certificate stating the aggregate
principal amount of notes or portions thereof being purchased by the
issuers.
The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each holder of notes so tendered the
Change of Control payment for such notes, and the trustee will promptly
authenticate and mail, or cause to be transferred by book entry, to each holder
a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes
surrendered, if any; provided that each such new note will be in a principal
amount at maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.
The provisions described above that require the issuers to make a Change of
Control offer following a Change of Control will be applicable regardless of
whether or not any other provisions of the indentures are applicable. Except as
described above with respect to a Change of Control, the indentures do not
contain provisions that permit the Holders of the notes to require that the
issuers repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover,
recapitalization or similar transaction.
The issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control offer upon a
Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control offer in the
manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth
in the indentures applicable to a Change of Control offer made by the issuers
and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of
Control offer.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale,
lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all"
of the assets of Charter Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase
"substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase
under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require
the Issuers to repurchase such notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of Charter
Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, another Person or group may be
uncertain.
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ASSET SALES
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(1) Charter Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings
receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the
fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or
otherwise disposed of;
(2) such fair market value is determined by Charter Holdings' board of
directors and evidenced by a resolution of such board of directors set
forth in an officers' certificate delivered to the trustee; and
(3) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by Charter
Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash, Cash
Equivalents or readily marketable securities.
For purposes of this provision, each of the following shall be deemed to be
cash:
(a) any liabilities shown on Charter Holdings' or such Restricted
Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet, other than contingent liabilities
and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the notes, that are
assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary
novation agreement that releases Charter Holdings or such Restricted
Subsidiary from further liability;
(b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by Charter
Holdings or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are
converted by Charter Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash, Cash
Equivalents or readily marketable securities within 60 days after receipt
thereof, to the extent of the cash, Cash Equivalents or readily marketable
securities received in that conversion; and
(c) Productive Assets.
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale,
Charter Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings may apply such
Net Proceeds at its option:
(1) to repay debt under the Credit Facilities or any other
Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness
represented by a guarantee of a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings;
or
(2) to invest in Productive Assets; provided that any Net Proceeds
which Charter Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings has
committed to invest in Productive Assets within 365 days of the applicable
Asset Sale may be invested in Productive Assets within two years of such
Asset Sale.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as
provided in the preceding paragraph will constitute Excess Proceeds. When the
aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the issuers will make
an Asset Sale Offer to all holders of notes and all holders of other
Indebtedness that is pari passu with the notes containing provisions requiring
offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase
the maximum principal amount of notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness
that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, which amount includes the
entire amount of the Net Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will
be payable in cash and equal to
(x) with respect to the 8.250% notes and the 8.625% notes, 100% of
principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
purchase, and
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(y) with respect to the 9.925% notes, 100% of the Accreted Value thereof
plus, after the Full Accretion Date, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
date of purchase. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset
Sale Offer, Charter Holdings may use such Excess Proceeds for any purpose not
otherwise prohibited by the indentures. If the aggregate principal amount of
notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer
exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the applicable trustee shall select the
notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata
basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds
shall be reset at zero.
SELECTION AND NOTICE
If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee
will select notes for redemption as follows:
(1) if the notes are listed, in compliance with the requirements of
the principal national securities exchange on which the notes are listed;
or
(2) if the notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by
such method as the trustee shall deem fair and appropriate.
No notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption
shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before
the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered
address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.
If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that
relates to that note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to
be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of
the original note will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon
cancellation of the original note. Notes called for redemption become due on the
date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to
accrue on, or the Accreted Value ceases to increase on, as the case may be,
notes or portions of them called for redemption.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
Set forth in this section are summaries of certain covenants contained in
the indentures. The covenants summarized are the following:
- Limitations on restricted payments by Charter Holdings and its Restricted
Subsidiaries. Restricted payments include
- dividends and other distributions on equity interests,
- purchases, redemptions on other acquisitions of equity interests, and
- purchases, redemptions, defeasance or other acquisitions of
subordinated debt;
- Limitations on restricted investments by Charter Holdings or its
Restricted Subsidiaries. Restricted investments include investments other
than
- investments in Restricted Subsidiaries, cash equivalents,
- non-cash consideration from an asset sale made in compliance with the
indenture,
- investments with the net cash proceeds of the issuance and sale of
equity interests,
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- investments in productive assets not to exceed in the $150 million,
- other investments not exceeding $50 million in any person,
- investments in customers and suppliers which either generate accounts
receivable or are accepted in settlement of bona fide disputes, and
- the investment in Marcus Cable Holdings LLC.
This covenant also limits Charter Holdings from allowing any Restricted
Subsidiary from becoming an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
- Limitations on the occurrence of Indebtedness and issuance of preferred
stock generally unless the leverage ratio is not greater than 8.75 to 1.0
on a pro forma basis. This does not prohibit the incurrence of permitted
debt which includes:
- borrowings up to $3.5 billion under the credit facilities,
- existing indebtedness,
- capital lease obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money
obligations in an aggregate amount of up to $25 million at any one
time outstanding for the purchase, construction or improvement of
productive assets,
- permitted refinancing indebtedness,
- intercompany indebtedness,
- hedging obligations,
- up to $300 million of additional indebtedness,
- additional indebtedness not exceeding 200% of the net cash proceeds
from the sale of equity interests to the extent not used to make
restricted payments or permitted investments, and
- the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the write
up of indebtedness in accordance with purchase accounting;
- Prohibitions against the creation of liens except permitted liens;
- Prohibitions against restrictions on the ability of any Restricted
Subsidiary to pay dividends or make other distributions on its capital
stock to Charter Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, make loans or
advances to Charter Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries or transfer
properties or assets to Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries. This covenant, however, does not prohibit restrictions
under
- existing indebtedness,
- the notes and the indentures,
- applicable law,
- the terms of indebtedness or capital stock of a person acquired by
Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
- customary non-assignment provisions in leases,
- purchase money obligations,
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- agreements for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted
Subsidiary restricting distributions pending its sale,
- permitted refinancing indebtedness,
- liens securing indebtedness permitted under the indentures,
- joint venture agreements,
- under ordinary course contracts with customers that restrict cash,
other deposits or net worth,
- indebtedness permitted under the indentures, and
- restrictions that are not materially more restrictive than customary
provisions in comparable financings which management determines will
not materially impair Charter Holdings' ability to make payments
required under the notes;
- Prohibitions against mergers, consolidations or the sale of all or
substantially all of an issuer's assets unless
- the issuer is the surviving corporation or the person formed by the
merger or consolidation or acquiring the assets is organized under the
law of the United States, any state or the District of Columbia,
- such person assumes all obligations under the notes and the
indentures,
- no default or event of default exists, and
- Charter Holdings or the person formed by the merger or consolidation
or acquiring all or substantially all the assets could incur at least
$1.00 of additional indebtedness under the leverage ratio or have a
leverage ratio after giving effect to the transaction no greater than
the leverage ratio of the issuer immediately prior to the transaction;
- Prohibitions against transactions with affiliates, unless Charter
Holdings delivers to the trustee:
- for transactions exceeding $15.0 million a resolution approved by
a majority of the board of directors certifying that the
transaction complies with the covenant; and
- for transactions exceeding $50.0 million a fairness opinion of an
accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national
standing.
Certain transactions are not subject to the covenant including:
- existing employment agreements and new employment agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practice; and
- management fees under agreements existing at the issue date or
after the issue date if the percentage fees are not higher than
those under agreements existing on the issue date.
- Limitations on sale and leaseback transactions exceeding three years; and
- Prohibitions against consent payments to holders of notes unless paid to
all consenting holders.
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During any period of time that
(a) either the 8.250% notes, the 8.625% notes or the 9.920% notes have
Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and
(b) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the
applicable indenture,
Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the
provisions of the indenture described under
- "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock,"
- "-- Restricted Payments,"
- "-- Asset Sales,"
- "-- Sale and Leaseback Transactions,"
- "-- Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries,"
- "-- Transactions with Affiliates,"
- "-- Investments" and
- clause (4) of the first paragraph of "-- Merger, Consolidation and
Sale of Assets".
If Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to
these covenants for any period of time and, subsequently, one or both of the
Rating Agencies withdraws its ratings or downgrades the ratings assigned to the
applicable notes below the required Investment Grade Ratings or a Default or
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then Charter Holdings and its
Restricted Subsidiaries will be subject again to these covenants. Compliance
with the covenant with respect to Restricted Payments made after the time of
such withdrawal, downgrade, Default or Event of Default will be calculated as if
such covenant had been in effect during the entire period of time from the issue
date.
The new notes will not have Investment Grade Ratings from the Rating
Agencies upon issuance. Consequently, the covenants listed above remain
applicable to Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
RESTRICTED PAYMENTS
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or
distribution on account of Charter Holdings' or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries' Equity Interests, including, without limitation, any payment
in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Charter Holdings
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or to the direct or indirect holders
of Charter Holdings' or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity
Interests in their capacity as such, other than dividends or distributions
payable in Equity Interests, other than Disqualified Stock, of Charter
Holdings or, in the case of Charter Holdings and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, to Charter Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings;
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value,
including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or
consolidation involving Charter Holdings, any Equity Interests of Charter
Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Charter
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Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings, other than, in
the case of Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any such
Equity Interests owned by Charter Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of
Charter Holdings; or
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem,
defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is
subordinated to the notes, other than the notes, except a payment of
interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof.
All such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (1) through (3)
above are collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments," unless, at the time
of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
(1) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;
(2) Charter Holdings would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and
after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had
been made at the beginning of the applicable quarter period, have been
permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
the Leverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant
described below under the caption "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of preferred stock"; and
(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all
other Restricted Payments made by Charter Holdings and each of its
Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of the indentures, excluding
Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and
(8) of the next succeeding paragraph, shall not exceed, at the date of
determination, the sum of:
(a) an amount equal to 100% of combined Consolidated EBITDA of
Charter Holdings since the date of the indentures to the end of Charter
Holdings' most recently ended full fiscal quarter for which internal
financial statements are available, taken as a single accounting period,
less the product of 1.2 times the combined Consolidated Interest Expense
of Charter Holdings since the date of the indentures to the end of
Charter Holdings' most recently ended full fiscal quarter for which
internal financial statements are available, taken as a single
accounting period, plus
(b) an amount equal to 100% of Capital Stock Sale Proceeds less any
such Capital Stock Sale Proceeds used in connection with
(i) an Investment made pursuant to clause (6) of the
definition of "Permitted Investments" or
(ii) the incurrence of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (10) of
"Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock," plus
(c) $100.0 million.
So long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused
thereby, the preceding provisions will not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have
complied with the provisions of the indentures;
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(2) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other
acquisition of any subordinated Indebtedness of Charter Holdings in
exchange for, or out of the net proceeds of, the substantially concurrent
sale, other than to a Subsidiary of Charter Holdings, of Equity Interests
of Charter Holdings, other than Disqualified Stock; provided that the
amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such
redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall
be excluded from clause (3)(b) of the preceding paragraph;
(3) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of
subordinated Indebtedness of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness;
(4) regardless of whether a Default then exists, the payment of any
dividend or distribution to the extent necessary to permit direct or
indirect beneficial owners of shares of Capital Stock of Charter Holdings
to pay federal, state or local income tax liabilities that would arise
solely from income of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, for the relevant taxable period and
attributable to them solely as a result of Charter Holdings, and any
intermediate entity through which the holder owns such shares or any of
their Restricted Subsidiaries being a limited liability company,
partnership or similar entity for federal income tax purposes;
(5) regardless of whether a Default then exists, the payment of any
dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings to the holders of
its common Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;
(6) the payment of any dividend on Charter Holdings preferred stock or
the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of Charter
Holdings preferred stock in an amount not in excess of its aggregate
liquidation value;
(7) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for
value of any Equity Interests of Charter Holdings held by any member of
Charter Holdings' management pursuant to any management equity subscription
agreement or stock option agreement in effect as of the date of the
indentures; provided that the aggregate price paid for all such
repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests shall not
exceed $10 million in any fiscal year of Charter Holdings; and
(8) payment of fees in connection with any acquisition, merger or
similar transaction in an amount that does not exceed an amount equal to
1.25% of the transaction value of such acquisition, merger or similar
transaction.
The amount of all Restricted Payments, other than cash shall be the fair
market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities
proposed to be transferred or issued by Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market
value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this
covenant shall be determined by the board of directors of Charter Holdings whose
resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the trustee. Such board of
directors' determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an
accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the
fair market value exceeds $100 million. Not later than the date of making any
Restricted Payment, the Charter Holdings shall deliver to the trustee an
officers' certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and
setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this "Restricted
Payments" covenant were computed, together with a copy of any fairness opinion
or appraisal required by the indentures.
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INVESTMENTS
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(1) make any Restricted Investment; or
(2) allow any Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings to become an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, unless, in each case:
(1) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and
(2) Charter Holdings would, at the time of, and after giving effect
to, such Restricted Investment or such designation of a Restricted
Subsidiary as an unrestricted Subsidiary, have been permitted to incur at
least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Leverage Ratio test
set forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described below under the
caption "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock."
An Unrestricted Subsidiary may be redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary
if such redesignation would not cause a Default.
INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK
(a) Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee
or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise,
with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness, including Acquired
Debt, and Charter Holdings will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock
unless the Leverage Ratio would have been not greater than 8.75 to 1.0
determined on a pro forma basis, including a pro forma application of the net
proceeds therefrom, as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the
Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of the
most recently ended fiscal quarter.
So long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would be
caused thereby, the first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the
incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively,
"Permitted Debt"):
(1) the incurrence by Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities; provided that the aggregate
principal amount of all Indebtedness of Charter Holdings and its Restricted
Subsidiaries outstanding under the Credit Facilities, after giving effect
to such incurrence, does not exceed an amount equal to $3.5 billion less
the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied by Charter
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in the case of an Asset Sale since the
date of the indentures to repay Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities,
pursuant to the covenant described above under the caption "-- Asset
Sales";
(2) the incurrence by Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries
of Existing Indebtedness, other than the Credit Facilities;
(3) the incurrence on the Issue Date by Charter Holdings and its
Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by the notes;
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(4) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations,
mortgage financings or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred
for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost
of construction or improvement, including, without limitation, the cost of
design, development, construction, acquisition, transportation,
installation, improvement, and migration, of Productive Assets of Charter
Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $75 million at any time outstanding;
(5) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the
net proceeds of which are used to refund, refinance or replace, in whole or
in part, Indebtedness, other than intercompany Indebtedness, that was
permitted by the indentures to be incurred under the first paragraph of
this covenant or clauses (2) or (3) of this paragraph;
(6) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, of intercompany Indebtedness between or among Charter
Holdings and any of its Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries; provided,
that this clause does not permit Indebtedness between Charter Holdings or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as creditor or debtor, as the case may
be, unless otherwise permitted by the indentures; provided, further, that:
(a) if Charter Holdings is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such
Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full
in cash of all Obligations with respect to the notes; and
(b) (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests
that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than
Charter Holdings or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary thereof, and
(ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person
that is not either Charter Holdings or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary thereof, shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an
incurrence of such Indebtedness by Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, that was not permitted by
this clause (6);
(7) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations that are incurred for the purpose of
fixing or hedging interest rate risk with respect to any floating rate
Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of the indentures to be
outstanding;
(8) the guarantee by Charter Holdings of Indebtedness of Charter
Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings, that was permitted
to be incurred by another provision of this covenant;
(9) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount
at any time outstanding, not to exceed $300 million;
(10) the incurrence by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, of additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount
at any time outstanding, not to exceed 200% of the net cash proceeds
received by Charter Holdings from the sale of its Equity Interests, other
than Disqualified Stock, after the date of the Indentures to the extent
such net cash proceeds have not been applied to make Restricted Payments or
to effect other transactions pursuant to the covenant described above
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under the subheading "-- Restricted Payments" or to make Permitted
Investments pursuant to clause (6) of the definition thereof;
(11) the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the
write up of Indebtedness in accordance with purchase accounting.
For purposes of determining compliance with this "Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock" covenant, in the event that an
item of proposed Indebtedness
(a) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted
Debt described in clauses (1) through (12) above, or
(b) is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this
covenant,
Charter Holdings will be permitted to classify and from time to time to
reclassify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence in any manner
that complies with this covenant. For avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness incurred
pursuant to a single agreement, instrument, program, facility or line of credit
may be classified as Indebtedness arising in part under one of the clauses
listed above, and in part under any one or more of the clauses listed above, to
the extent that such Indebtedness satisfies the criteria for such clauses.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings consummate a Subordinated Debt Financing or a
preferred stock Financing. A "Subordinated Debt Financing" or a "preferred stock
Financing", as the case may be, with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary of
Charter Holdings shall mean a public offering or private placement, whether
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or otherwise, of Subordinated
Notes or preferred stock, whether or not such preferred stock constitutes
Disqualified Stock, as the case may be, of such Restricted Subsidiary to one or
more purchasers, other than to one or more Affiliates of Charter Holdings.
"Subordinated Notes" with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings shall mean Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is
contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such
Restricted Subsidiary, including, without limitation, Indebtedness under the
Credit Facilities. The foregoing limitation shall not apply to
(i) any Indebtedness or preferred stock of any Person existing at the
time such Person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings; provided that such Indebtedness or preferred stock was not
incurred or issued in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person
merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of, Charter Holdings, and
(ii) any Indebtedness or preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary
issued in connection with, and as part of the consideration for, an
acquisition, whether by stock purchase, asset sale, merger or otherwise, in
each case involving such Restricted Subsidiary, which Indebtedness or
preferred stock is issued to the seller or sellers of such stock or assets;
provided that such Restricted Subsidiary is not obligated to register such
Indebtedness or preferred stock under the Securities Act of 1933 or
obligated to provide information pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act of 1933.
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LIENS
Charter Holdings will not, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness, Attributable Debt or
trade payables on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted
Liens.
DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING SUBSIDIARIES
Charter Holdings will not, directly or indirectly, create or permit to
exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings, to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock
to Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect
to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or
pay any indebtedness owed to Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(2) make loans or advances to Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(3) transfer any of its properties or assets to Charter Holdings or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or
restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(1) Existing Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the indentures,
including, without limitation, the Credit Facilities and any amendments,
modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings,
replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that such amendments,
modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings,
replacements or refinancings are no more restrictive, taken as a whole,
with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those
contained in such Existing Indebtedness, as in effect on the date of the
Indentures;
(2) the indentures and the notes;
(3) applicable law;
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person
acquired by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in
effect at the time of such acquisition, except to the extent such
Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such
acquisition, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person,
or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the
case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the
Indentures to be incurred;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions in leases entered into in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
(6) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary
course of business that impose restrictions on the property so acquired of
the nature described in clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;
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(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings that restricts distributions by such
Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the restrictions
contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those
contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;
(9) Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred
pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described above under the
caption "-- Liens" that limit the right of Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to dispose of the assets subject to such Lien;
(10) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of
assets or property in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(11) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by
customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(12) restrictions contained in the terms of Indebtedness permitted to
be incurred under the covenant "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance
of preferred stock"; provided that such restrictions are no more
restrictive than the terms contained in the Credit Facilities as in effect
on the Issue Date; and
(13) restrictions that are not materially more restrictive than
customary provisions in comparable financings and the management of Charter
Holdings determines that such restrictions will not materially impair
Charter Holdings' ability to make payments as required under the notes.
MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ASSETS
Neither of the issuers may, directly or indirectly:
(1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person, whether or not
such issuer is the surviving corporation; or
(2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related
transactions, to another Person; unless:
(1) either:
(a) such issuer, is the surviving corporation; or
(b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or
merger, if other than such issuer, or to which such sale, assignment,
transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a
Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof or the District of Columbia, provided that if the Person
formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger with either
issuer is a limited liability company or other Person other than a
corporation, a corporate co-issuer shall also be an obligor with respect
to the notes;
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or
merger, if other than Charter Holdings, or the Person to which such
sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have
been made assumes all the
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obligations of Charter Holdings under the notes, in the case of Charter
Holdings, and the indentures pursuant to agreements reasonably
satisfactory to the trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of
Default exists; and
(4) Charter Holdings or the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger, if other than Charter Holdings, will, on the
date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any
related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the
beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either
(A) be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness pursuant to the Leverage Ratio test set forth in the
first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption
"-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock" or
(B) have a Leverage Ratio immediately after giving effect to
such consolidation or merger no greater than the Leverage Ratio
immediately prior to such consolidation or merger.
In addition, Charter Holdings may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or
substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related
transactions, to any other Person. This "Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of
Assets" covenant will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition of assets between or among Charter Holdings and any of its
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or
assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract,
agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit
of, any Affiliate (each, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless:
(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable
to Charter Holdings or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that
would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by Charter Holdings or
such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
(2) Charter Holdings delivers to the trustee:
(a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of
$15.0 million, a resolution of the board of directors of Charter
Holdings set forth in an Officers' Certificate certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and that such
Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the members of
the board of directors; and
(b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of
$50.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the holders of such
Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an
accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing.
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The following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and,
therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:
(1) existing employment agreement entered into by Charter Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries and any employment agreement entered into by
Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with the past practice of Charter
Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) transactions between or among Charter Holdings and/or its
Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not
otherwise Affiliates of Charter Holdings, and customary indemnification and
insurance arrangements in favor of directors, regardless of affiliation
with Charter Holdings, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(4) payment of management fees pursuant to management agreements
either
(A) existing on the Issue Date or
(B) entered into after the Issue Date,
to the extent that such management agreements provide for percentage
fees no higher than the percentage fees existing under the management
agreements existing on the Issue Date;
(5) Restricted Payments that are permitted by the provisions of the
indentures described above under the caption "-- Restricted Payments"; and
(6) Permitted Investments.
SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction; provided that
Charter Holdings may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if:
(1) Charter Holdings could have
(a) incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable
Debt relating to such sale and leaseback transaction under the Leverage
Ratio test in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under
the caption "-- Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of
preferred stock" and
(b) incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to the
covenant described above under the caption "-- Liens"; and
(2) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is
permitted by, and Charter Holdings applies the proceeds of such transaction
in compliance with, the covenant described above under the caption
"-- Asset Sales."
The foregoing restrictions do not apply to a sale and leaseback transaction
if the lease is for a period, including renewal rights, of not in excess of
three years.
LIMITATIONS ON ISSUANCES OF GUARANTEES OF INDEBTEDNESS
Charter Holdings will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
directly or indirectly, to Guarantee or pledge any assets to secure the payment
of any other
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Indebtedness of Charter Holdings, except in respect of the Credit Facilities
(the "Guaranteed Indebtedness") unless
(1) such Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings simultaneously executes
and delivers a supplemental indenture providing for the Guarantee (a "Subsidiary
Guarantee") of the payment of the notes by such Restricted Subsidiary, and
(2) until one year after all the notes have been paid in full in cash, such
Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take
the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or
subrogation or any other rights against Charter Holdings or any other Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings as a result of any payment by such Restricted
Subsidiary under its Subsidiary Guarantee; provided that this paragraph shall
not be applicable to any Guarantee or any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at
the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not Incurred in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted
Subsidiary. If the Guaranteed Indebtedness is subordinated to the notes, then
the Guarantee of such Guaranteed Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the
Subsidiary Guarantee at least to the extent that the Guaranteed Indebtedness is
subordinated to the notes.
PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT
Charter Holdings will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the
benefit of any holder of notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or
amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indentures or the notes
unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all holders of
the notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in
the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
REPORTS
Whether or not required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, so long
as any notes are outstanding, Charter Holdings will furnish to the holders of
notes, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and regulations:
(1) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be
required to be contained in a filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if Charter Holdings were required to file
such Forms, including a "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" section and, with respect to the
annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by
Charter Holdings' independent public accountants; and
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K if Charter Holdings were
required to file such reports.
If Charter Holdings has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by
the preceding paragraph shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either
on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of Charter
Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition
and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of Charter Holdings.
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In addition, whether or not required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Charter Holdings will file a copy of all of the information and
reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the Commission for public
availability within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and
regulations, unless the Securities and Exchange Commission will not accept such
a filing, and make such information available to securities analysts and
prospective investors upon request.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
Each of the following is an Event of Default:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the
notes;
(2) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if
any, on the notes;
(3) failure by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
to comply with the provisions described under the captions "-- Change of
Control" or "-- Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets";
(4) failure by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
for 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to Charter Holdings
by the trustee or to Charter Holdings and the trustee by holders of at
least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding to
comply with any of their other covenants or agreements in the indentures;
(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which
there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, or the payment of which is guaranteed by Charter
Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether such Indebtedness
or guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of the indentures, if
that default:
(a) is caused by a failure to pay at final stated maturity the
principal amount on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the
grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default
(a "Payment Default"); or
(b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its
express maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of any such
Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such
Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the
maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $100.0 million or
more;
(6) failure by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to pay final judgments which are non-appealable aggregating in excess of
$100.0 million, net of applicable insurance which has not been denied in
writing by the insurer, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed
for a period of 60 days; and
(7) Charter Holdings or any of its Significant Subsidiaries pursuant
to or within the meaning of bankruptcy law:
(a) commences a voluntary case,
(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an
involuntary case,
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(c) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or
substantially all of its property, or
(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(8) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under
any Bankruptcy Law that:
(a) is for relief against Charter Holdings or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries in an involuntary case;
(b) appoints a custodian of Charter Holdings or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries or for all or substantially all of the property
of Charter Holdings or any of its Significant Subsidiaries; or
(c) orders the liquidation of Charter Holdings or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries;
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive
days.
In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of
bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to Charter Holdings, all outstanding
notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice.
If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the
holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes of
each series may declare their respective notes to be due and payable
immediately.
Holders of the notes may not enforce the indentures or the notes except as
provided in the indentures. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a
majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes of each series may
direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to that
series. The trustee may withhold from holders of the notes notice of any
continuing Default or Event of Default, except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal or interest, if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding of each series by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the holders
of all of the notes of such series waive any existing Default or Event of
Default and its consequences under the indentures except a continuing Default or
Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the notes.
Charter Holdings will be required to deliver to the trustee annually a
statement regarding compliance with the indentures. Upon becoming aware of any
Default or Event of Default, Charter Holdings will be required to deliver to the
trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS AND
STOCKHOLDERS
No director, officer, employee, incorporator, member or stockholder of
Charter Holdings, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of
Charter Holdings under the notes, the indentures, or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of
notes by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release will be part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. The waiver
may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
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LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Charter Holdings may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of
its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding notes ("Legal
Defeasance") except for:
(1) the rights of holders of outstanding notes to receive payments in
respect of the Accreted Value or principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on such notes when such payments are due from the trust referred
to below;
(2) Charter Holdings' obligations with respect to the notes concerning
issuing temporary notes, registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost
or stolen notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and
money for security payments held in trust;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee,
and Charter Holdings' obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the indentures.
In addition, Charter Holdings may, at its option and at any time, elect to
have the obligations of Charter Holdings released with respect to certain
covenants that are described in the indentures ("Covenant Defeasance") and
thereafter any omission to comply with those covenants shall not constitute a
Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes. In the event Covenant
Defeasance occurs, certain events, not including non-payment, bankruptcy,
receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events, described under "Events of
Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the
notes.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:
(1) Charter Holdings must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in
trust, for the benefit of the holders of the notes, cash in U.S. dollars,
non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such
amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium,
if any, and interest on the outstanding notes on the stated maturity or on
the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and Charter Holdings
must specify whether the notes are being defeased to maturity or to a
particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, Charter Holdings shall have
delivered to the trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the
trustee confirming that
(a) Charter Holdings has received from, or there has been published
by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or
(b) since the date of the indentures, there has been a change in
the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect
that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall confirm that, the
holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal
Defeasance had not occurred;
(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, Charter Holdings shall have
delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the
trustee confirming that the holders of the outstanding notes will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result
of such Covenant Defeasance and will be
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subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and
at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance
had not occurred;
(4) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing either:
(a) on the date of such deposit, other than a Default or Event of
Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such
deposit; or
(b) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency
events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day
after the date of deposit;
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a
breach or violation of, or constitute a default under any material
agreement or instrument, other than the indentures, to which Charter
Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which
Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound;
(6) Charter Holdings must have delivered to the trustee an opinion of
counsel to the effect that after the 91st day assuming no intervening
bankruptcy, that no holder is an insider of Charter Holdings following the
deposit and that such deposit would not be deemed by a court of competent
jurisdiction a transfer for the benefit of either issuer in its capacity as
such, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally;
(7) Charter Holdings must deliver to the trustee an officers'
certificate stating that the deposit was not made by Charter Holdings with
the intent of preferring the holders of notes over the other creditors of
the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
creditors of Charter Holdings or others; and
(8) Charter Holdings must deliver to the trustee an officers'
certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have
been complied with.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the opinion of counsel required by clause
(2) above with respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all notes
not theretofore delivered to the trustee for cancellation
(a) have become due and payable or
(b) will become due and payable on the maturity date within one year under
arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption
by the trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the issuers.
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Except as provided below, the indentures or the notes may be amended or
supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal
amount of the then outstanding notes of each series. This includes consents
obtained in connection with a purchase of notes, a tender offer for notes, or an
exchange offer for notes. Any existing Default or compliance with any provision
of the indentures or the notes may be waived with the consent of the holders of
a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes of each series.
This includes consents obtained in connection with a purchase of notes, a tender
offer for notes, or an exchange offer for notes. Without the
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consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to
any notes held by a non-consenting holder:
(1) reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to
an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any note
or alter the payment provisions with respect to the redemption of the
notes, other than provisions relating to the covenants described above
under the caption "-- Repurchase at the Option of holders";
(3) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on
any note;
(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of
or premium, if any, or interest on the notes, except a rescission of
acceleration of the notes by the holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the notes and a waiver of the payment default
that resulted from such acceleration;
(5) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the
notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of the indentures relating to
waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of notes to receive
payments of Accreted Value or principal of, or premium, if any, or interest
on the notes;
(7) waive a redemption payment with respect to any note, other than a
payment required by one of the covenants described above under the caption
"-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders";
(8) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of notes,
Charter Holdings and the trustee may amend or supplement the indentures or the
notes:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of
certificated notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of Charter Holdings' obligations to
holders of notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all of Charter Holdings' assets;
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or
benefits to the holders of notes or that does not adversely affect the
legal rights under the indentures of any such holder; or
(5) to comply with requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the
indentures under the Trust Indenture Act or otherwise as necessary to
comply with applicable law.
GOVERNING LAW
The indentures and the notes will be governed by the laws of the State of
New York.
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
If the trustee becomes a creditor of Charter Holdings, the indentures limit
its right to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain
property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The
trustee will be permitted to engage
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in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must
eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission
to continue or resign.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The indentures provide that in case an Event of Default
shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of
its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own
affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indentures at the request of any
holder of notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the trustee security
and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indentures
without charge by writing to Charter Investment, Inc., 12444 Powerscourt Drive,
Suite 100, St. Louis, Missouri 63131, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
The notes will initially be issued in the form of global securities held in
book-entry form. The notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for
the Depository Trust Company, and the Depository Trust Company or its nominee
will initially be the sole registered holder of the notes for all purposes under
the indentures. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities
in definitive form as described below, a global security may not be transferred.
However, transfers of the whole security between the Depository Trust Company
and its nominee or their respective successors are permitted.
Upon the issuance of a global security, the Depository Trust Company or its
nominee will credit on its internal system the principal amount at maturity of
the individual beneficial interest represented by the global security acquired
by the persons in this offering. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global
security will be limited to persons that have accounts with the Depository Trust
Company or persons that hold interests through participants. Ownership of
beneficial interests will be shown on, and the transfer of that the Depository
Trust Company or its nominee relating to interests of participants and the
records of participants relating to interests of persons other than
participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require that some purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These
limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a
global security.
Principal and interest payments on global securities registered in the name
of the Depository Trust Company's nominee will be made in immediate available
funds to the Depository Trust Company's nominee as the registered owner of the
global securities. The issuers and the trustee will treat the Depository Trust
Company's nominee as the owner of the global securities for all other purposes
as well. Accordingly, the issuers, the trustee, any paying agent and the initial
purchasers will have no direct responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to payments made on account of beneficial interests in the
global securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to these beneficial interests. It is the Depository Trust Company's
current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, to
credit direct participants' accounts on the payment date according to their
respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global securities.
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These payments will be the responsibility of the direct and indirect
participants and not of the Depository Trust Company, the issuers, the trustee
or the initial purchasers.
So long as the Depository Trust Company or its nominee is the registered
owner or holder of the global security, the Depository Trust Company or its
nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the
notes represented by the global security for the purposes of:
(1) receiving payment on the notes;
(2) receiving notices; and
(3) for all other purposes under the indentures and the notes.
Beneficial interests in the notes will be evidenced only by, and transfers of
the notes will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depository
Trust Company and its participants.
Except as described above, owners of beneficial interests in a global
security will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated notes
in definitive form and will not be considered the holders of the global security
for any purposes under the indentures. Accordingly, each person owning a
beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the
Depository Trust Company. And, if that person is not a participant, the person
must rely on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns
its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indentures. Under
existing industry practices, if the issuers request any action of holders or an
owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to take any action
under the indentures, the Depository Trust Company would authorize the
participants holding the relevant beneficial interest to take that action. The
participants then would authorize beneficial owners owning through the
participants to take the action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of
beneficial owners owning through them.
The Depository Trust Company has advised the issuers that it will take any
action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one
or more participants to whose account with the Depository Trust Company
interests in the global security are credited. Further, the Depository Trust
Company will take action only as to the portion of the aggregate principal
amount at maturity of the notes as to which the participant or participants has
or have given the direction.
Although the Depository Trust Company has agreed to the procedures
described above in order to facilitate transfers of interests in global
securities among participants of the Depository Trust Company, it is under no
obligation to perform these procedures, and the procedures may be discontinued
at any time. None of the issuers, the trustee, any agent of the issuers or the
initial purchasers will have any responsibility for the performance by the
Depository Trust Company or its participants or indirect participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations.
The Depository Trust Company has provided the following information to us.
The Depository Trust Company is a:
(1) limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law;
(2) a banking organization within the meaning of the New York Banking Law;
(3) a member of the United States Federal Reserve System;
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(4) a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform
Commercial Code; and
(5) a clearing agency registered under the provisions of Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act.
CERTIFICATED NOTES
Notes represented by a global security are exchangeable for certificated
notes only if:
(1) the Depository Trust Company notifies the issuers that it is unwilling
or unable to continue as depository or if the Depository Trust Company
ceases to be a registered clearing agency, and a successor depository
is not appointed by the issuers within 90 days;
(2) the issuers determine not to require all of the notes to be represented
by a global security and notifies the trustee of its decision; or
(3) an Event of Default or an event which, with the giving of notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default relating
to the notes represented by the global security has occurred and is
continuing.
Any global security that is exchangeable for certificated notes in
accordance with the preceding sentence will be transferred to, and registered
and exchanged for, certificated notes in authorized denominations and registered
in the names as the Depository Trust Company or its nominee may direct. However,
a global security is only exchangeable for a global security of like
denomination to be registered in the name of the Depository Trust Company or its
nominee. If a global security becomes exchangeable for certificated notes:
(1) certificated notes will be issued only in fully registered form in
denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000;
(2) payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the certificated
notes will be payable, and the transfer of the certificated notes will
be registrable, at the office or agency of the issuers maintained for
these purposes; and
(3) no service charge will be made for any issuance of the certificated
notes, although the issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or governmental charge imposed in connection with the
issuance.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indentures. Reference
is made to the indentures for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as
any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
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"ACCRETED VALUE" is defined to mean, for any Specific Date, the amount
calculated pursuant to (1), (2), (3) or (4) for each $1,000 of principal amount
at maturity of the 9.920% notes:
(1) if the Specified Date occurs on one or more of the following
dates, each a "Semi-Annual Accrual Date", the Accreted Value will equal the
amount set forth below for such Semi-Annual Accrual Date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEMI-ANNUAL
ACCRUAL DATE ACCRETED VALUE
- ------------ --------------
<S> <C>
Issue Date....................................... $ 613.94
October 1, 1999.................................. 646.88
April 1, 2000.................................... 678.96
October 1, 2000.................................. 712.64
April 1, 2001.................................... 747.99
October 1, 2001.................................. 785.09
April 1, 2002.................................... 824.03
October 1, 2002.................................. 864.90
April 1, 2003.................................... 907.80
October 1, 2003.................................. 952.82
April 1, 2004.................................... $1,000.00
</TABLE>
(2) if the Specified Date occurs before the first Semi-Annual Accrual
Date, the Accreted Value will equal the sum of
(a) $613.94 and
(b) an amount equal to the product of
(x) the Accreted Value for the first Semi-Annual Accrual Date
less $613.94 multiplied by
(y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
from the Issue Date of the notes to the Specified Date, using a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and the denominator of which
is the number of days elapsed from the issue date of the notes to
the first Semi-Annual Accrual Date, using a 360-day year of twelve
30-day months;
(3) if the Specified Date occurs between two Semi-Annual Accrual
Dates, the Accreted Value will equal the sum of
(a) the Accreted Value for the Semi-Annual Accrual Date immediately
preceding such Specified Date and
(b) an amount equal to the product of
(1) the Accreted Value for the immediately following
Semi-Annual Accrual Date less the Accreted Value for the
immediately preceding Semi-Annual Accrual Date multiplied by
(2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
from the immediately preceding Semi-Annual Accrual Date to the
Specified Date, using a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and
the denominator of which is 180; or
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(4) if the Specified Date occurs after the last Semi-Annual Accrual
Date, the Accreted Value will equal $1,000.
"ACQUIRED DEBT" means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other
Person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified
Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or
in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a
Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by
such specified Person.
"AFFILIATE" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control,"
as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by
agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the
Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control. For purposes of this
definition, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control
with" shall have correlative meanings.
"AFFILIATE TRANSACTION" is set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Transaction with Affiliates."
"ASSET ACQUISITION" means
(a) an Investment by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in any other Person pursuant to which such Person shall become a
Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
or shall be merged with or into Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, or
(b) the acquisition by Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, of the assets of any Person which constitute all or substantially
all of the assets of such Person, any division or line of business of such
Person or any other properties or assets of such Person other than in the
ordinary course of business.
"ASSET SALE" means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or
rights, other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices; provided that the sale, conveyance or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Charter Holdings
and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be governed by the
provisions of the indentures described above under the caption "-- Change
of Control" and/or the provisions described above under the caption
"-- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" and not by the provisions of
the Asset Sale covenant; and
(2) the issuance of Equity Interests by any of Charter Holdings'
Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity Interests in any of Charter
Holdings' Restricted Subsidiaries.
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Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to
be Asset Sales:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that:
(a) involves assets having a fair market value of less than $100
million; or
(b) results in net proceeds to Charter Holdings and its Restricted
Subsidiaries of less than $100 million;
(2) a transfer of assets between or among Charter Holdings and its
Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings to Charter Holdings or to another Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings;
(4) a Restricted Payment that is permitted by the covenant described
above under the caption "-- Restricted Payments" and a Restricted
Investment that is permitted by the covenant described above under the
caption "-- Investments"; and
(5) the incurrence of Permitted Liens and the disposition of assets
related to such Permitted Liens by the secured party pursuant to a
foreclosure.
"ASSET SALE OFFER" means a situation in which the issuers commence an offer
to all holders to purchase notes pursuant to Section 4.11 of the indentures.
"ATTRIBUTABLE DEBT" in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means,
at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee
for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such
sale and leaseback transaction including any period for which such lease has
been extended or may, at the option of the lessee, be extended. Such present
value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest
implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.
"BENEFICIAL OWNER" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and
Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial
ownership of any particular "person," as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3)
of the Exchange Act, such "person" shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership
of all securities that such "person" has the right to acquire, whether such
right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a
subsequent condition.
"CABLE RELATED BUSINESS" means the business of owning cable television
systems and businesses ancillary, complementary and related thereto.
"CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATION" means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with
GAAP.
"CAPITAL STOCK" means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all
shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents, however
designated, of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company,
partnership or membership interests, whether general or limited; and
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(4) any other interest, other than any debt obligation, or
participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the
profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
"CAPITAL STOCK SALE PROCEEDS" means the aggregate net cash proceeds,
including the fair market value of the non-cash proceeds, as determined by an
independent appraisal firm, received by Charter Holdings since the date of the
indentures
(x) as a contribution to the common equity capital or from the issue
or sale of Equity Interests of Charter Holdings, other than Disqualified
Stock, or
(y) from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified
Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of Charter Holdings
that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests, other
than Equity Interests or Disqualified Stock or debt securities sold to a
Subsidiary of the Company.
"CASH EQUIVALENTS" means:
(1) United States dollars;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by
the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof,
provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in
support thereof, having maturities of not more than twelve months from the
date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with
maturities of twelve months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers'
acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank
deposits, in each case, with any domestic commercial bank having combined
capital and surplus in excess of $500 million and a Thompson Bank Watch
Rating at the time of acquisition of "B" or better;
(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for
underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above
entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications
specified in clause (3) above;
(5) commercial paper having a rating of at least "P-1" from Moody's or
at least "A-1" from S&P and in each case maturing within twelve months
after the date of acquisition;
(6) corporate debt obligations maturing within twelve months after the
date of acquisition thereof, rated at the time of acquisition at least
"Aaa" or "P-1" by Moody's or "AAA" or "A-1" by S&P;
(7) auction-rate preferred stocks of any corporation maturing not
later than 45 days after the date of acquisition thereof, rated at the time
of acquisition at least "Aaa" by Moody's or "AAA" by S&P;
(8) securities issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the
United States, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof,
maturing not later than six months after the date of acquisition thereof,
rated at the time of acquisition at least "A" by Moody's or S&P; and
(9) money market or mutual funds at least 90% of the assets of which
constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through
(8) of this definition.
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"CHANGE OF CONTROL" means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, other than by
way of merger or consolidation, in one or a series of related transactions,
of all or substantially all of the assets of Charter Holdings and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any "person," as such term is used in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, other than the Principal or a Related
Party of the Principal;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution
of Charter Holdings;
(3) the consummation of any transaction, including, without
limitation, any merger or consolidation, the result of which is that any
"person," as defined above, other than the Principal and Related Parties
and any entity formed for the purpose of owning Capital Stock of Charter
Holdings, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more
than 35% of the Voting Stock of Charter Holdings, measured by voting power
rather than number of shares, unless the Principal or a Related Party
Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly a greater percentage of Voting
Stock of Charter Holdings, measured by voting power rather than the number
of shares, than such person;
(4) after Charter Holdings' initial public offering, the first day on
which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Charter
Holdings are not Continuing Directors; or
(5) Charter Holdings consolidates with, or merges with or into, any
Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, Charter
Holdings, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the
outstanding Voting Stock of Charter Holdings is converted into or exchanged
for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction
where the Voting Stock of Charter Holdings outstanding immediately prior to
such transaction is converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock, other
than Disqualified Stock, of the surviving or transferee Person constituting
a majority of the outstanding shares of such Voting Stock of such surviving
or transferee Person immediately after giving effect to such issuance.
"COMPANY PREFERRED STOCK" means the 10% cumulative convertible redeemable
preferred stock of the Company with an aggregate liquidation value of $25
million.
"CONSOLIDATED EBITDA" means with respect to any Person, for any period, the
net income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus,
to the extent such amount was deducted in calculating such net income:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense;
(2) income taxes;
(3) depreciation expense;
(4) amortization expense;
(5) all other non-cash items, extraordinary items, nonrecurring and
unusual items and the cumulative effects of changes in accounting
principles reducing such net income, less all non-cash items, extraordinary
items, nonrecurring and unusual items and cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles increasing such net income, all as determined on a
consolidated basis for Charter Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries in
conformity with GAAP;
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(6) amounts actually paid during such period pursuant to a deferred
compensation plan; and
(7) for purposes of the covenant "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of preferred stock" only, Management Fees;
provided that Consolidated EBITDA shall not include:
(x) the net income, or net loss, of any Person that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary ("Other Person"), except
(I) with respect to net income, to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions actually paid to such Person or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries by such Other Person during such
period and
(II) with respect to net losses, to the extent of the amount
of investments made by such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of
such Person in such Other Person during such period;
(y) solely for the purposes of calculating the amount of Restricted
Payments that may be made pursuant to clause (3) of the covenant
described under the subheading "Certain Covenants -- Restricted
Payments," and in such case, except to the extent includable pursuant to
clause (x) above, the net income or net loss, of any Other Person
accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is
merged into or consolidated with such Person or any Restricted
Subsidiaries or all or substantially all of the property and assets of
such Other Person are acquired by such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; and
(z) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that
the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such
Restricted Subsidiary of such net income is not at the time permitted by
the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument,
judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation
applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary, other than any agreement or
instrument evidencing Indebtedness or preferred stock outstanding on the
date of the Indenture or incurred or issued thereafter in compliance
with the covenant described under the caption "Certain Covenants --
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock;" provided
that
(a) the terms of any such agreement restricting the
declaration and payment of dividends or similar distributions apply
only in the event of a default with respect to a financial covenant
or a covenant relating to payment, beyond any applicable period of
grace, contained in such agreement or instrument, and
(b) such terms are determined by such Person to be customary
in comparable financings and such restrictions are determined by
the issuers not to materially affect the issuers' ability to make
principal or interest payments on the notes when due.
"CONSOLIDATED INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any Person as of any
date of determination, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) the total amount of outstanding Indebtedness of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, plus
(2) the total amount of Indebtedness of any other Person, that has
been Guaranteed by the referent Person or one or more of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, plus
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(3) the aggregate liquidation value of all Disqualified Stock of such
Person and all preferred stock of Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person,
in each case, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"CONSOLIDATED INTEREST EXPENSE" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, without duplication, the sum of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued,
including, without limitation, amortization or original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment
obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges
incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers' acceptance financings,
and net payments, if any, pursuant to Hedging Obligations; and
(2) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period, and
(3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is
guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured
by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon;
excluding, however, any amount of such interest of any Restricted Subsidiary if
the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary is excluded in the calculation of
Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (z) of the definition thereof, but only
in the same proportion as the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary is
excluded from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (z) of
the definition thereof, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance
with GAAP.
"CONTINUING DIRECTORS" means, as of any date of determination, any member
of the Board of Directors of Charter Holdings who:
(1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of the
Indentures; or
(2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors
with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were
members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election or whose
election or appointment was previously so approved.
"COVENANT DEFEASANCE" is set forth above under the caption "-- Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."
"CREDIT FACILITIES" means, with respect to Charter Holdings, and/or its
Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities or commercial paper
facilities, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for
revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing, including through the
sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to
borrow from such lenders against such receivables, or letters of credit, in each
case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced
in whole or in part from time to time.
"DEFAULT" means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the
giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
"DISPOSITION" means, with respect to any Person, any merger, consolidation
or other business combination involving such Person, whether or not such Person
is the Surviving
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Person, or the sale, assignment, or transfer, lease conveyance or other
disposition of all or substantially all of such Person's assets or Capital
Stock.
"DISQUALIFIED STOCK" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms, or by the
terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is
exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder thereof, or upon the
happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a
sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder
thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the
date on which the notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any
Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the
holders thereof have the right to require Charter Holdings to repurchase such
Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall
not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide
that Charter Holdings may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock
pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with
the covenant described above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Restricted Payments."
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT" are set forth above under the caption "-- Events of
Default and Remedies."
"EQUITY INTERESTS" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other
rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.
"EQUITY OFFERING" means any private or underwritten public offering of
Qualified Capital Stock of Charter Holdings which the gross proceeds to the
Company are at least $25 million.
"EXCESS PROCEEDS" means any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not
applied to repay debt under the Credit Facilities or other Indebtedness or
invested in Productive Assets, in accordance with the indenture.
"EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS" means Indebtedness of Charter Holdings and its
Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the date of the Indentures, until such
amounts are repaid.
"FULL ACCRETION DATE" means April 1, 2004, the first date on which the
Accreted Value of the 9.920% notes has accreted to an amount equal to the
principal amount at maturity of the 9.920% notes.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession, which are in effect on the Issue Date.
"GUARANTEE" or "GUARANTEE" means a guarantee other than by endorsement of
negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct
or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of
assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect
thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness, measured as the lesser of the
aggregate outstanding amount of the Indebtedness so guaranteed and the face
amount of the guarantee.
"GUARANTEED INDEBTEDNESS" is set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Issuances of Guarantees of Indebtedness."
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"HEDGING OBLIGATIONS" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of
such Person under:
(1) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and
interest rate collar agreements;
(2) interest rate option agreements, foreign currency exchange
agreements, foreign currency swap agreements; and
(3) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person
against fluctuations in interest and currency exchange rates.
"INDEBTEDNESS" means, with respect to any specified Person, any
indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
letters of credit, or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof;
(3) in respect of banker's acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations;
(5) in respect of the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase
price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable; or
(6) representing the notional amount of any Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items, other than letters of credit
and Hedging Obligations, would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the
specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term
"Indebtedness" includes all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any
asset of the specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by
the specified Person, and, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee
by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be:
(1) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued
with original issue discount; and
(2) the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon
that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.
"INVESTMENTS" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons, including Affiliates, in the forms of direct or
indirect loans, including guarantees of Indebtedness or other obligations,
advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar
advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business,
purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity
Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be
classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
"INVESTMENT GRADE RATING" means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3, or
the equivalent, by Moody's and BBB-, or the equivalent, by S&P.
"ISSUE DATE" means the date on which the notes are initially issued.
"LEGAL DEFEASANCE" is set forth above under the caption "-- Legal
Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance."
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"LEVERAGE RATIO" means, as of any date, the ratio of:
(1) the Consolidated Indebtedness of the Company on such date to
(2) the aggregate amount of combined Consolidated EBITDA for Charter
Holdings for the most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal
financial statements are available multiplied by four (the "Reference
Period").
In addition to the foregoing, for purposes of this definition,
"Consolidated EBITDA" shall be calculated on a pro forma basis after giving
effect to
(1) the issuance of the notes;
(2) the incurrence of the Indebtedness or the issuance of the
Disqualified Stock or other preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, and
the application of the proceeds therefrom, giving rise to the need to make
such calculation and any incurrence or issuance, and the application of the
proceeds therefrom, or repayment of other Indebtedness or Disqualified
Stock or other preferred stock or a Restricted Subsidiary, other than the
incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness for ordinary working capital
purposes, at any time subsequent to the beginning of the Reference Period
and on or prior to the date of determination, as if such incurrence, and
the application of the proceeds thereof, or the repayment, as the case may
be, occurred on the first day of the Reference Period;
(3) any Dispositions or Asset Acquisitions, including, without
limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make such
calculation as a result of such Person or one of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including any person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as
a result of such Asset Acquisition, incurring, assuming or otherwise
becoming liable for or issuing Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or
Preferred Stock, made on or subsequent to the first day of the Reference
Period and on or prior to the date of determination, as if such
Disposition, Asset Acquisition, including the incurrence, assumption or
liability for any such Indebtedness Disqualified Stock or preferred stock
and also including any Consolidated EBITDA associated with such Asset
Acquisition, including any cost savings adjustments in compliance with
Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission, had occurred on the first day
of the Reference Period.
"LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset,
whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law,
including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in
the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security
interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code, or equivalent statutes, of any jurisdiction.
"MANAGEMENT FEES" means the fee payable to Charter Communications, Inc.
pursuant to the management agreement between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Operating LLC, as such agreement exists on the Issue
Date, including any amendment or replacement thereof, provided that any such
amendment or replacement is not more disadvantageous to the holders of the notes
in any material respect from such management agreement existing on the Issue
Date.
"MARCUS COMBINATION" means the consolidation or merger of the Guarantor
with and into Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"MOODY'S" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the
rating agency business thereof.
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"NET PROCEEDS" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by Charter
Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale,
including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other
disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the
direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal,
accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any
relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof or taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof, including amounts distributable in respect of owners', partners'
or members' tax liabilities resulting from such sale, in each case after taking
into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing
arrangements and amounts required to be applied to the repayment of
Indebtedness.
"NON-RECOURSE DEBT" means Indebtedness:
(1) as to which neither Charter Holdings nor any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries
(a) provides credit support of any kind, including any undertaking,
agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness,
(b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise,
or
(c) constitutes the lender;
(2) no default with respect to which, including any rights that the
holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of
any other Indebtedness, other than the notes, of Charter Holdings or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness
or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its
stated maturity; and
(3) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they
will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of Charter Holdings or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"OBLIGATIONS" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
"PAYING AGENT" means an office or agency where notes may be presented for
payment.
"PAYMENT DEFAULT" is set forth above under the caption "-- Events of
Default and Remedies."
"PERMITTED DEBT" is set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Incurrence of indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock."
"PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" means:
(1) any Investment by Charter Holdings in a Restricted Subsidiary of
Charter Holdings, or any Investment by a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings in Charter Holdings;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by Charter Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of
Charter Holdings in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings; or
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(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or
into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is
liquidated into, Charter Holdings or a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in
compliance with the covenant described above under the caption
"-- Repurchase at the Option of Holders -- Asset Sales";
(5) Investment made out of the net cash proceeds of the issue and
sale, other than to a Subsidiary of Charter Holdings, of Equity Interests,
other than Disqualified Stock, of Charter Holdings to the extent that
(a) such net cash proceeds have not been applied to make a
Restricted Payment or to effect other transactions pursuant to the
covenant described above under the subheading "-- Restricted Payments,"
or
(b) such net cash proceeds have not been used to incur Indebtedness
pursuant to clause (10) of the covenant described above under the
subheading "-- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred
stock";
(6) Investments in Productive Assets having an aggregate fair market
value, measured on the date each such Investment was made and without
giving effect to subsequent changes is value, when taken together with all
other Investments made pursuant to this clause (6) since the Issue Date,
not to exceed $150 million; provided that either Charter Holdings or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries, after giving effect to such Investments, will
own at least 20% of the Voting Stock of such Person;
(7) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market
value, measured on the date each such Investment was made and without
giving effect to subsequent changes in value, when taken together with all
other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) since the date of the
indentures, not to exceed $50 million;
(8) Investments in customers and suppliers in the ordinary course of
business which either
(A) generate accounts receivable, or
(B) are accepted in settlement of bona fide disputes; and
(9) Charter Holdings' investment in Marcus Cable Holdings, LLC, as
outstanding on the Issue Date.
"PERMITTED LIENS" means:
(1) Liens on the assets of Charter Holdings securing Indebtedness and
other Obligations under clause (1) of the covenant "-- Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock";
(2) Liens in favor of Charter Holdings and Liens on the assets of any
Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings in favor of any other Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings;
(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is
merged with or into or consolidated with Charter Holdings; provided that
such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or
consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the
Person merged into or consolidated with Charter Holdings;
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(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by
Charter Holdings; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the
contemplation of such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety
or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature
incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(6) purchase money mortgages or other purchase money liens, including
without limitation any Capitalized Lease Obligations, incurred by Charter
Holdings upon any fixed or capital assets acquired after the Issue Date or
purchase money mortgages, including without limitation Capitalized Lease
Obligations, on any such assets, whether or not assumed, existing at the
time of acquisition of such assets, whether or not assumed, so long as
(a) such mortgage or lien does not extend to or cover any of the
assets of Charter Holdings, except the asset so developed, constructed,
or acquired, and directly related assets such as enhancements and
modifications thereto, substitutions, replacements, proceeds, including
insurance proceeds, products, rents and profits thereof, and
(b) such mortgage or lien secures the obligation to pay the
purchase price of such asset, interest thereon and other charges, costs
and expenses, including, without limitation, the cost of design,
development, construction, acquisition, transportation, installation,
improvement, and migration, and incurred in connection therewith, or the
obligation under such Capitalized Lease Obligation, only;
(7) Liens existing on the date of the Indentures, other than in
connection with the Credit Facilities;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded;
provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be
required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;
(9) statutory and common law Liens of landlords and carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen or other similar
Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and with respect to
amounts not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate
legal proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted and for
which a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be
required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made;
(10) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance
and other types of social security;
(11) Liens incurred or deposits made to secure the performance of
tenders, bids, leases, statutory or regulatory obligation, bankers'
acceptance, surety and appeal bonds, government contracts, performance and
return-of-money bonds and other obligations of a similar nature incurred in
the ordinary course of business, exclusive of obligations for the payment
of borrowed money;
(12) easements, rights-of-way, municipal and zoning ordinances and
similar charges, encumbrances, title defects or other irregularities that
do not materially
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interfere with the ordinary course of business of Charter Holdings or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the Guarantor or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries;
(13) Liens of franchisors or other regulatory bodies arising in the
ordinary course of business;
(14) Liens arising from filing Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements regarding leases or other Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements for precautionary purposes relating to arrangements not
constituting Indebtedness;
(15) Liens arising from the rendering of a final judgment or order
against Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that does
not give rise to an Event of Default;
(16) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to letters
of credit that encumber documents and other property relating to such
letters of credit and the products and proceeds thereof;
(17) Liens encumbering customary initial deposits and margin deposits,
and other Liens that are within the general parameters customary in the
industry and incurred in the ordinary course of business, in each case,
securing Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations and forward contracts,
options, future contracts, future options or similar agreements or
arrangements designed solely to protect Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries from fluctuations in interest rates, currencies or
the price of commodities;
(18) Liens consisting of any interest or title of licensor in the
property subject to a license;
(19) Liens on the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;
(20) Liens arising from sales or other transfers of accounts
receivable which are past due or otherwise doubtful of collection in the
ordinary course of business;
(21) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of Charter
Holdings, with respect to obligations which in the aggregate do not exceed
$50 million at any one time outstanding;
(22) Liens in favor of the Trustee arising under the provisions in the
Indentures under the subheading "-- Compensation and Indemnity"; and
(23) Liens in favor of the Trustee for its benefit and the benefit of
holders of the Notes, as their respective interests appear.
"PERMITTED REFINANCING INDEBTEDNESS" means any Indebtedness of Charter
Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, issued in exchange for, or the
net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or
refund other Indebtedness of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, other than intercompany Indebtedness, provided that unless
permitted otherwise by the Indentures, no Indebtedness of Charter Holdings or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may be issued in exchange for, or the net
proceeds of are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund
Indebtedness of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
provided, further, that:
(1) the principal amount, or accreted value, if applicable, of such
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of,
or accreted value, if applicable, plus accrued interest and premium, if
any, on, the Indebtedness so
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extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded, plus the
amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith;
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date
later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to
Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of,
the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
refunded;
(3) if the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the
final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the
Notes on terms at least as favorable to the holders of Notes as those
contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by Charter Holdings or by any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.
"PERSON" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, limited liability company, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
"PRINCIPAL" means Paul G. Allen.
"PRODUCTIVE ASSETS" means assets, including assets of a referent Person
owned directly or indirectly through ownership of Capital Stock, of a kind used
or useful in the Cable Related Business.
"QUALIFIED CAPITAL STOCK" means any Capital Stock that is not Disqualified
Stock.
"RATING AGENCIES" means Moody's and S&P.
"RELATED PARTY" means:
(1) the spouse or an immediate family member, estate or heir of the
Principal; or
(2) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the
beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially
holding an 80% or more controlling interest of which consist of the
Principal and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately
preceding clause (1).
"RESTRICTED INVESTMENT" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
"RESTRICTED PAYMENTS" are set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Restricted Payments."
"RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent
Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Service, a division of the
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business
thereof.
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
which is a "Significant Subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act.
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"STATED MATURITY" means, with respect to any installment of interest or
principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of
interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing
such Indebtedness on the Issue Date, or, if none, the original documentation
governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to
repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date
originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
"SUBORDINATED DEBT FINANCING" means, with respect to any restricted
subsidiary of Charter Holdings or the guarantor, a public offering or private
placement, whether pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or otherwise,
of subordinated notes or preferred stock, whether or not such preferred stock
constitutes disqualified stock, as the case may be, of such restricted
subsidiary to one or more purchasers, other than to one or more affiliates of
Charter Holdings or the guarantor.
"SUBORDINATED NOTES" are set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of preferred stock."
"SUBSIDIARY" means, with respect to any Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which at
least 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled,
without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the
election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the
other Subsidiaries of that Person, or a combination thereof, and, in the
case of any such entity of which 50% of the total voting power of shares of
Capital Stock is so owned or controlled by such Person or one or more of
the other Subsidiaries of such Person, such Person and its Subsidiaries
also has the right to control the management of such entity pursuant to
contract or otherwise; and
(2) any partnership
(a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of
which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, or
(b) the only general partners of which are such Person or of one or
more Subsidiaries of such Person, or any combination thereof.
"SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE" is set forth above under the caption "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Issuances of Guarantees of Indebtedness."
"UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary of Charter Holdings that is
designated by the Board of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a
Board Resolution, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:
(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding with Charter Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Charter
Holdings unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding are no less favorable to Charter Holdings or any Restricted
Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who
are not Affiliates of Charter Holdings unless such terms constitute
Investments permitted by the covenant described above under the heading
"-- Investments";
(3) is a Person with respect to which neither Charter Holdings nor any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation
(a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or
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(b) to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to
cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results;
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided
credit support for any Indebtedness of Charter Holdings or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(5) has at least one director on its board of directors that is not a
director or executive officer of Charter Holdings or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or has at least one executive officer that is not a director
or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Any designation of a Subsidiary of Charter Holdings as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a
certified copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an
Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the
preceding conditions and was permitted by the covenant described above under the
caption "Certain Covenants -- Investments." If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for
purposes of the Indentures and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of Charter Holdings as of such
date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date
under the covenant described under the caption "Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of preferred stock," Charter Holdings shall be in default of such
covenant. The Board of Directors of Charter Holdings may at any time designate
any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such
designation shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted
Subsidiary of Charter Holdings of any outstanding Indebtedness of such
Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if
(1) such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described under the
caption "Certain Covenants -- Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
preferred stock," calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had
occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and
(2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such
designation.
"VOTING STOCK" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such
Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of
directors of such Person.
"WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE TO MATURITY" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying
(a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund,
serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including
payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by
(b) the number of years, calculated to the nearest one-twelfth,
that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
"WHOLLY OWNED RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" of any Person means a Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other
ownership interests of which, other than directors' qualifying shares, shall at
the time be owned by such Person and/or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries of such Person.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following are, in the opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP,
our legal counsel, the material United States federal income tax consequences of
the exchange offer relevant to U.S. holders and the ownership and disposition of
the new notes relevant to U.S. holders and, in certain circumstances, non-U.S.
holders. The following deals only with notes held as capital assets within the
meaning of section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The
following does not deal with special situations, such as those of
broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, individual retirement accounts and
other tax deferred accounts, financial institutions, insurance companies, or
persons holding notes as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a
straddle. Furthermore, the following is based upon the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions
promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code as of the date hereof. Such
authorities may be repealed, revoked, or modified, possibly with retroactive
effect, so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences
different from those discussed below. In addition, except as otherwise
indicated, the following does not consider the effect of any applicable foreign,
state, local or other tax laws or estate or gift tax considerations.
As used herein, a "United States person" is
(1) a citizen or resident of the U.S.,
(2) a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or
under the laws of the U.S. or any political subdivision thereof,
(3) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income
taxation regardless of its source,
(4) a trust if
(A) a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over
the administration of the trust and
(B) one or more United States persons have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust,
(5) a certain type of trust in existence on August 20, 1996, which was
treated as a United States person under the Internal Revenue Code in effect
immediately prior to such date and which has made a valid election to be treated
as a United States person under the Internal Revenue Code and
(6) any person otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income
basis in respect of its worldwide taxable income.
A U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of a note who is a United States
person. A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of a note that is not a U.S.
holder.
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Pursuant to the exchange offer, holders are entitled to exchange the
original notes for new notes that will be substantially identical in all
material respects to the original notes, except that the new notes will be
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore will not be
subject to transfer restrictions. United States Treasury regulations provide
that a significant modification of a debt instrument results in an exchange of
the original debt instrument for a modified instrument that differs materially
either in kind or extent. The exchange pursuant to the exchange offer as
described above should not result
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in a significant modification of the original notes because there should be no
modification of the terms of the original notes, since such an action would be
by operation of the original terms of the original notes pursuant to a
unilateral act by us. Accordingly,
(1) no gain or loss should be realized by a U.S. holder upon receipt of a
new note,
(2) the holding period of the new note should include the holding period of
the original note exchanged therefor and
(3) the adjusted tax basis of the new notes should be the same as the
adjusted tax basis of the original notes exchanged at the time of such exchange.
The filing of a shelf registration statement should not result in a taxable
exchange to us or any holder of a note.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION OF U.S. HOLDERS
PAYMENTS OF INTEREST ON THE 8.250% NOTES AND THE 8.625% NOTES.
Interest on the 8.250% notes and the 8.625% notes, as the case may be, will
be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary income from domestic sources at the time
it is paid or accrued in accordance with the U.S. holder's regular method of
accounting for tax purposes.
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT ON THE 9.920% NOTES
The 9.920% notes will be issued with original issue discount. Such notes
will be issued with original issue discount because they will be issued at an
issue price which is substantially less than their stated principal amount at
maturity, and because interest on such notes will not be payable until October
1, 2004. Each U.S. holder will be required to include in income in each year, in
advance of receipt of cash payments on such notes to which such income is
attributable, original issue discount income as described below.
The amount of original issue discount with respect to the 9.920% notes will
be equal to the excess of
(1) the note's "stated redemption price at maturity" over
(2) its "issue price."
The issue price of the 9.920% notes will be equal to the price to the
public at which a substantial amount of such notes is initially sold for money,
excluding any sales to a bond house, broker or similar person or organization
acting in the capacity of an underwriter, placement agent or wholesaler. The
stated redemption price at maturity of such a note is the total of all payments
provided by the 9.920% notes, including stated interest payments.
A U.S. holder of such a note is required to include in gross income for
U.S. federal income tax purposes an amount equal to the sum of the "daily
portions" of such original issue discount for all days during the taxable year
on which the holder holds such note. The daily portions of original issue
discount required to be included in such holder's gross income in a taxable year
will be determined on a constant yield basis. A pro rata portion of the original
issue discount on such note which is attributable to the "accrual period" in
which such day is included will be allocated to each day during the taxable year
in which the holder holds the 9.920% notes. Accrual periods with respect to such
a note may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of the 9.920%
notes as long as
(1) no accrual period is longer than one year and
(2) each scheduled payment of interest or principal on such note occurs on
either the first or final day of an accrual period.
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The amount of original issue discount attributable to each accrual period
will be equal to the product of
(1) the "adjusted issue price" at the beginning of such accrual period and
(2) the "yield to maturity" of the instrument, stated in a manner
appropriately taking into account the length of the accrual period.
The yield to maturity is the discount rate that, when used in computing the
present value of all payments to be made under the 9.920% notes, produces an
amount equal to the issue price of such notes. The adjusted issue price of such
a note at the beginning of an accrual period is generally defined as the issue
price of such note plus the aggregate amount of original issue discount that
accrued in all prior accrual periods, less any cash payments made on the 9.920%
notes. Accordingly, a U.S. holder of such a note will be required to include
original issue discount in gross income for United States federal income tax
purposes in advance of the receipt of cash attributable to such income. The
amount of original issue discount allocable to an initial short accrual period
may be computed using any reasonable method if all other accrual periods, other
than a final short accrual period, are of equal length. The amount of original
issue discount allocable to the final accrual period at maturity of a 9.920%
note is the difference between
(A) the amount payable at the maturity of such note and
(B) such note's adjusted issue price as of the beginning of the final
accrual period.
Payments on the 9.920% notes, including principal and stated interest
payments, are not separately included in a U.S. holder's income. Such payments
are treated first as payments of accrued original issue discount to the extent
of such accrued original issue discount and the excess as payments of principal,
which reduce the U.S. holder's adjusted tax basis in such notes.
EFFECT OF MANDATORY AND OPTIONAL REDEMPTION ON ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT
In the event of a change of control, we will be required to offer to redeem
all of the notes, at redemption prices specified elsewhere in this prospectus.
If we receive net proceeds from one or more equity offerings, we may, at our
option, use all or a portion of such net proceeds to redeem in the aggregate up
to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the 8.625% notes and up
to 35% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the 9.920% notes,
provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8.625% notes
and of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the 9.920% notes remain
outstanding after each such redemption. Computation of the yield and maturity of
the notes is not affected by such redemption rights and obligations if, based on
all the facts and circumstances as of the issue date, the stated payment
schedule of the notes, that does not reflect the change of control event or
equity offering event, is significantly more likely than not to occur. We have
determined that, based on all of the facts and circumstances as of the issue
date, it is significantly more likely than not that the notes will be paid
according to their stated schedule.
We may redeem the 8.625% notes and the 9.920% notes, in whole or in part,
at any time on or after April 1, 2004, at redemption prices specified plus
accrued and unpaid stated interest, if any, on the notes so redeemed but
excluding the date of redemption. The United States Treasury Regulations contain
rules for determining the "maturity date" and the stated redemption price at
maturity of an instrument that may be redeemed prior to its stated maturity date
at the option of the issuer. Under United States Treasury Regulations, solely
for the purposes of the accrual of original issue discount, it is assumed that
an issuer will exercise any option to redeem a debt instrument if such exercise
would lower the yield
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to maturity of the debt instrument. We will not be presumed to redeem the notes
prior to their stated maturity under these rules because the exercise of such
options would not lower the yield to maturity of the notes.
U.S. holders may wish to consult their own tax advisors regarding the
treatment of such contingencies.
SALE, EXCHANGE OR RETIREMENT OF THE NOTES
Upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of a note,
a U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference
between
(1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received
in the exchange, and
(2) the holder's adjusted tax basis in such note.
Amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid interest on the 8.250% notes and
the 8.625% notes will be treated as ordinary interest income. A holder's
adjusted tax basis in a note will equal the purchase price paid by such holder
for the note increased by the amount of any market discount, and in the case of
a 9.920% note by any original issue discount previously included in income by
such holder with respect to such note, and decreased by the amount of any
amortized bond premium applied to reduce interest on the notes, and in the case
of a 9.920% note by any payments received on such note.
Gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange, retirement or other taxable
disposition of a note will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if at the time of sale, exchange, retirement, or other taxable
disposition, the note has been held for more than 12 months. The maximum rate of
tax on long-term capital gains with respect to notes held by an individual
currently is 20%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain
limitations.
MARKET DISCOUNT
A holder receives a "market discount" when it
(1) purchases an 8.250% note or an 8.625% note for an amount below the
issue price, or
(2) purchases a 9.920% note for an amount below the adjusted issue price on
the date of purchase, as determined in accordance with the original issue
discount rules above.
Under the market discount rules, a U.S. holder will be required to treat
any partial principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement
or other disposition of, a note as ordinary income to the extent of the market
discount which has not previously been included in income and is treated as
having accrued on such note at the time of such payment or disposition. In
addition, the U.S. holder may be required to defer, until the maturity of the
note or its earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of a
portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry such notes.
Any market discount will be considered to accrue ratably during the period
from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the note, unless the U.S.
holder elects to accrue such discount on a constant interest rate method. A U.S.
holder may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues,
on either a ratable or constant interest rate method. If this election is made,
the holder's basis in the note will be increased to reflect the amount of income
recognized and the rules described above regarding deferral of interest
deductions will not apply. This election to include market discount in income
currently, once made, applies to all market discount obligations acquired on or
after the
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first taxable year to which the election applies and may not be revoked without
the consent of the Internal Revenue Service.
AMORTIZABLE BOND PREMIUM; ACQUISITION PREMIUM
A U.S. holder that:
(1) purchases an 8.250% note or an 8.625% note for an amount in excess of
the principal amount, or
(2) purchases a 9.920% note for an amount in excess of the stated
redemption price
will be considered to have purchased such note with "amortizable bond premium."
A U.S. holder generally may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining
term of the note on a constant yield method as applied with respect to each
accrual period of the note, and allocated ratably to each day within an accrual
period in a manner substantially similar to the method of calculating daily
portions of original issue discount, as described above. However, because the
notes may be optionally redeemed for an amount that is in excess of their
principal amount, special rules apply that could result in a deferral of the
amortization of bond premium until later in the term of the note. The amount
amortized in any year will be treated as a reduction of the U.S. holder's
interest income, including original issue discount income, from the note. Bond
premium on a note held by a U.S. holder that does not make such an election will
decrease the gain or increase the loss otherwise recognized upon disposition of
the note. The election to amortize premium on a constant yield method, once
made, applies to all debt obligations held or subsequently acquired by the
electing U.S. holder on or after the first day of the first taxable year to
which the election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the
Internal Revenue Service.
A U.S. holder that purchases a 9.920% note for an amount that is greater
than the adjusted issue price of such note on the date of purchase, as
determined in accordance with the original issue discount rules, above, will be
considered to have purchased such note at an "acquisition premium." A holder of
a 9.920% note that is purchased at an acquisition premium may reduce the amount
of the original issue discount otherwise includible in income with respect to
such note by the "acquisition premium fraction." The acquisition premium
fraction is that fraction the numerator of which is the excess of the holder's
adjusted tax basis in such note immediately after its acquisition over the
adjusted issue price of such note, and the denominator of which is the excess of
the sum of all amounts payable on such note after the purchase date over the
adjusted issue price of such note. Alternatively, a holder of a 9.920% note that
is purchased at an acquisition premium may elect to compute the original issue
discount accrual on such note by treating the purchase as a purchase of such
note at original issuance, treating the purchase price as the issue price, and
applying the original issue discount rules thereto using a constant yield
method.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION OF NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The payment to a non-U.S. holder of interest on a note will not be subject
to United States federal withholding tax pursuant to the "portfolio interest
exception," provided that
(1) the non-U.S. holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more
of the capital or profits interest in us and is not a "controlled foreign
corporation" that is related to us within the meaning of the Internal Revenue
Code and
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(2) either
(A) the beneficial owner of the notes certifies to us or our agent,
under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. holder and provides its
name and address on United States Treasury Form W-8, or a suitable
substitute form, or
(B) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial
institution that holds the notes on behalf of such non-U.S. holder in the
ordinary course of its trade or business certifies under penalties of
perjury that such Form W-8, or suitable substitute form, has been received
from the beneficial owner by it or by a financial institution between it
and the beneficial owner and furnishes the payor with a copy thereof.
Recently adopted Treasury Regulations that will be effective January 1,
2001 provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement
described in (2) above. These regulations will generally require, in the case of
notes held by a foreign partnership, that the certificate described in (2) above
be provided by the partners rather than by the foreign partnership, and that the
partnership provide certain information including a United States tax
identification number. For purposes of the United States federal withholding
tax, payment of interest includes the amount of any payment that is attributable
to original issue discount that accrued while such non-U.S. holder held the
note.
If a non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements of the portfolio
interest exception described above, payments of interest, including original
issue discount, made to such non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30%
withholding tax, unless the beneficial owner of the note provides us or our
paying agent, as the case may be, with a properly executed
(1) Internal Revenue Service Form 1001, or successor form, claiming an
exemption from or reduction in the rate of withholding under the benefit of a
tax treaty or
(2) Internal Revenue Service Form 4224, or successor form, stating that
interest paid on the note is not subject to withholding tax because it is
effectively connected with the beneficial owner's conduct of a trade or business
in the United States.
If a non-U.S. holder of a note is engaged in a trade or business in the
United States and interest on the note is effectively connected with the conduct
of such trade or business, such non-U.S. holder will be subject to United States
federal income tax on such interest including original issue discount in the
same manner as if it were a U.S. holder. In addition, if such non-U.S. holder is
a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of
its effectively connected earnings and profits, subject to adjustment, for that
taxable year unless it qualifies for a lower rate under an applicable income tax
treaty.
Any capital gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or
other taxable disposition of a note by a non-U.S. holder generally will not be
subject to United States federal income tax provided
(1) such gain is not effectively connected with the conduct by such holder
of a trade or business in the United States,
(2) in the case of gains derived by an individual, such individual is not
present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the
disposition and certain other conditions are met and
(3) the non-U.S. holder is not subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of
United States federal income tax law applicable to certain expatriates.
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FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
Subject to applicable estate tax treaty provisions, notes held by an
individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States for federal
estate tax purposes at the time of his or her death will not be subject to
United States federal estate tax if the interest on the notes qualifies for the
portfolio interest exemption from United States federal withholding tax under
the rules described above.
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
Backup withholding and information reporting requirements may apply to
certain payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest, including accruals
of original issue discount, on a note, and to the proceeds of the sale or
redemption of a note before maturity. We, our agent, a broker, the trustee or
the paying agent under the indentures governing the notes, as the case may be,
will be required to withhold from any payment that is subject to backup
withholding a tax equal to 31% of such payment if a U.S. holder fails to furnish
his taxpayer identification number, certify that such number is correct, certify
that such holder is not subject to backup withholding or otherwise comply with
the applicable backup withholding rules. Certain U.S. holders, including all
corporations, are not subject to backup withholding and information reporting
requirements.
Non-U.S. holders other than corporations may be subject to backup
withholding and information reporting requirements. However, backup withholding
and information reporting requirements do not apply to payments of portfolio
interest, including original issue discount, made by us or a paying agent to
non-U.S. holders if the appropriate certification is received, provided that the
payor does not have actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. holder. If any
payments of principal and interest are made to the beneficial owner of a note by
or through the foreign office of a foreign custodian, foreign nominee or other
foreign agent of such beneficial owner, or if the foreign office of a foreign
"broker," as defined in the applicable Treasury Regulations, pays the proceeds
of the sale, redemption or other disposition of note or a coupon to the seller
of such note or coupon, backup withholding and information reporting
requirements will not apply. Information reporting requirements, but not backup
withholding, will apply, however, to a payment by a foreign office of a broker
that is a United States person or is a foreign person that derives 50% of more
of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business
in the United States, or that is a "controlled foreign corporation," that is, a
foreign corporation controlled by certain United States shareholders, with
respect to the United States unless the broker has documentary evidence in its
records that the holder is a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are
met or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment by a United States
office of a broker is subject to both backup withholding at a rate of 31% and
information reporting unless the holder certifies under penalties of perjury
that it is a non-U.S. holder or otherwise establishes an exemption.
In October 1997, Treasury regulations were issued which alter the foregoing
rules in certain respects and which generally will apply to any payments in
respect of a note or proceeds from the sale of a note that are made after
December 31, 2000. Among other things, such regulations expand the number of
foreign intermediaries that are potentially subject to information reporting and
address certain documentary evidence requirements relating to exemption from the
backup withholding requirements. Holders of the notes should consult their tax
advisers concerning the possible application of such regulations to any payments
made on or with respect to the notes.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
holder of the notes will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such
holder's United
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<PAGE> 200
States federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is
furnished to the IRS.
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder any interest
that is subject to withholding, or that is exempt from United States federal
withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty, or interest that is exempt from United
States federal withholding tax under the portfolio interest exception. Copies of
these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a
specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the
non-U.S. holder resides.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
A broker-dealer that is the holder of original notes that were acquired for
the account of such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading
activities, other than original notes acquired directly from us or any of our
affiliates may exchange such original notes for new notes pursuant to the
exchange offer. This is true so long as each broker-dealer that receives new
notes for its own account in exchange for original notes, where such original
notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other
trading activities acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such new notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection
with resales of new notes received in exchange for original notes where such
original notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that for a period of 180 days after
consummation of the exchange offer or such time as any broker-dealer no longer
owns any registrable securities, we will make this prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, available to any broker-dealer for
use in connection with any such resale. All dealers effecting transactions in
the new notes will be required to deliver a prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of new notes by
broker-dealers or any other holder of new notes. New notes received by
broker-dealers for their own account in the exchange offer may be sold from time
to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in
negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a
combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or
concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such new
notes. Any broker-dealer that resells new notes that were received by it for its
own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such new notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of new notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such
persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act.
The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and
by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after consummation of the exchange offer or such
time as any broker-dealer no longer owns any registrable securities, we will
promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the
exchange offer and to our performance of, or compliance with, the registration
rights agreements (other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or
dealers) and will indemnify the holders of the notes (including any
broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
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EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Holdings, LLC and
subsidiaries, the combined financial statements of CCA Group, the consolidated
financial statements of CharterComm Holdings, L.P. and subsidiaries, the
combined financial statements of Greater Media Cablevision Systems, the
financial statements of Sonic Communications Cable Television Systems and the
financial statements of Long Beach Acquisition Corp., included in this
prospectus, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their reports, have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included in this
prospectus in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said
report.
The consolidated financial statements of Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. as of
December 31, 1998 (not presented separated herein) and 1997, and for the periods
from April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998 and from January 1, 1998 to April 22,
1998 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1997,
and the combined financial statements of Helicon Partners I, L.P. and affiliates
as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1998, have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing
elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Renaissance Media Group LLC, the
combined financial statements of the Picayune MS, LaFourche LA, St. Tammany LA,
St. Landry LA, Pointe Coupee LA, and Jackson TN cable television systems, the
financial statements of Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd. and the consolidated
financial statements of R/N South Florida Cable Management Limited Partnership,
included in this prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere in this
prospectus, and are included herein in reliance upon such reports given on the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The combined financial statements of InterMedia Cable Systems (comprised of
components of InterMedia Partners and InterMedia Capital Partners IV, L.P.), the
financial statements of Rifkin Cable Income Partners L.P., and the consolidated
financial statements of Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., included in this
Prospectus have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants. The entities and periods covered by these audits are indicated in
their reports. Such financial statements have been so included in reliance on
the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the notes offered hereby and certain other matters will be
passed upon for us by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, New York, New York.
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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-6
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1998........ F-7
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Period from
December 24, 1998, Through December 31, 1998........... F-8
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from
December 24, 1998, Through December 31, 1998........... F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-10
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-25
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997........ F-26
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Period From
January 1, 1998, Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-27
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Investment for
the Period From January 1, 1998 Through December 23,
1998 and for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and
1996................................................... F-28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Period From
January 1, 1998, Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-30
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. F-39
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997........ F-40
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Periods From
April 23 to December 23, 1998 and January 1 to April
22, 1998 and for the Years in the Two-Year Period Ended
December 31, 1997...................................... F-41
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Deficit) for
the Period From January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and
for Each of the Years in the Two-Year Period Ended
December 31, 1997...................................... F-42
Consolidated Statement of Members' Equity from April 23,
1998 to December 23, 1998.............................. F-43
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Period from
April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998, From January 1,
1998 to April 22, 1998 and for the Years Ended December
31, 1997 and 1996...................................... F-44
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-45
CCA GROUP:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-57
Combined Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997............ F-58
Combined Statements of Operations for the Period From
January 1, 1998, Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-59
Combined Statements of Shareholders' Deficit for the
Period From January 1, 1998, Through December 23, 1998
and for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996..... F-60
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Period From
January 1, 1998, Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-61
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-62
</TABLE>
F-1
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CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-77
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997........ F-78
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Period From
January 1, 1998 Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-79
Consolidated Statements of Partner's Capital for the
Period From January 1, 1998 Through December 23, 1998
and for the Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996..... F-80
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Period From
January 1, 1998 Through December 23, 1998 and for the
Years Ended December 31, 1997 and 1996................. F-81
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-82
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-96
Combined Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999 (unaudited),
September 30, 1998 and 1997............................ F-97
Combined Statements of Income for the Six Months Ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) and for the Years
Ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996................ F-98
Combined Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Six
Months Ended March 31, 1999 (unaudited) and for the
Years Ended September 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998.......... F-99
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended
March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) and for the Years
Ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996................ F-100
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-101
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC:
Report of Independent Auditors............................ F-107
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1998........ F-108
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Year Ended
December 31, 1998...................................... F-109
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Members' Equity for
the Year Ended December 31, 1998....................... F-110
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended
December 31, 1998...................................... F-111
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year
Ended December 31, 1998................................ F-112
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE, LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS:
Report of Independent Auditors............................ F-122
Combined Balance Sheet as of April 8, 1998................ F-123
Combined Statement of Operations for the Period from
January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.................. F-124
Combined Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the Period
from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998............. F-125
Combined Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from
January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.................. F-126
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-127
Report of Independent Auditors............................ F-134
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and
1997................................................... F-135
Combined Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997....................... F-136
Combined Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Years
Ended December 31, 1996 and 1997....................... F-137
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
1995, 1996 and 1997.................................... F-138
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-139
</TABLE>
F-2
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HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES:
Independent Auditors' Report.............................. F-147
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
1998................................................... F-148
Combined Statements of Operations for Each of the Years in
the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998.......... F-149
Combined Statements of Changes in Partners' Deficit for
Each of the Years in the Three-Year Period Ended
December 31, 1998...................................... F-150
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Years in
the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1998.......... F-151
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-152
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS (comprised of components of
InterMedia Partners and InterMedia Capital Partners IV,
L.P.):
Report of Independent Accountants......................... F-165
Combined Balance Sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1997..... F-166
Combined Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997............................. F-167
Combined Statement of Changes in Equity for the Years
Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997....................... F-168
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997............................. F-169
Notes to Combined Financial Statements.................... F-170
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.:
Report of Independent Accountants......................... F-183
Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1998............... F-184
Statement of Operations for Each of the Three Years in the
Period Ended December 31, 1998......................... F-185
Statement of Partners' Equity (Deficit) for Each of the
Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1998...... F-186
Statement of Cash Flows for Each of the Three Years in the
Period Ended December 31, 1998......................... F-187
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-188
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.:
Report of Independent Accountants......................... F-192
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and
1997................................................... F-193
Consolidated Statement of Operations for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1998............ F-194
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for Each of the Three
Years in the Period Ended December 31, 1998............ F-195
Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital (Deficit) for
Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December
31, 1998............................................... F-196
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-197
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.:
Report of Independent Auditors............................ F-211
Balance Sheet as December 31, 1997 and 1998............... F-212
Statement of Operations for the Years Ended December 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998.................................... F-213
Statement of Partners' Deficit for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....................... F-214
Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998.................................... F-215
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-216
</TABLE>
F-3
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R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP:
Report of Independent Auditors............................ F-221
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997 and
1998................................................... F-222
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....................... F-223
Consolidated Statement of Partners' Equity (Deficit) for
the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....... F-224
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....................... F-225
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-226
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-230
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets for the
Period from April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998........ F-231
Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from April 1, 1998,
through May 20, 1998................................... F-232
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-233
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.................. F-236
Statement of Operations for the Period from April 1, 1997,
through May 23, 1997................................... F-237
Statement of Stockholder's Equity for the Period from
April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997.................... F-238
Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from April 1, 1997,
through May 23, 1997................................... F-239
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-240
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999
(unaudited) and December 31, 1998...................... F-245
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
(unaudited)............................................ F-246
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
(unaudited)............................................ F-247
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements...... F-248
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999
(unaudited) and December 31, 1998...................... F-254
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 (unaudited)....................... F-255
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Members' Equity for
the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 (unaudited)...... F-256
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 (unaudited)....................... F-257
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-258
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES:
Unaudited Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of March 31,
1999................................................... F-261
Unaudited Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for
the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1998 and
1999................................................... F-262
Unaudited Condensed Combined Statements of Changes in
Partners' Deficit for the Three-Month Period Ended
March 31, 1999......................................... F-263
Unaudited Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for
the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 1998 and
1999................................................... F-264
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial
Statements............................................. F-265
</TABLE>
F-4
<PAGE> 207
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS (comprised of components of
InterMedia Partners and InterMedia Capital Partners IV,
L.P.):
Combined Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999 (unaudited)
and December 31, 1998.................................. F-267
Combined Statements of Operations for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited).............. F-268
Combined Statement of Changes in Equity for the Three
Months Ended March 31, 1999 (unaudited) and for the
Year Ended December 31, 1998........................... F-269
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited).............. F-270
Notes to Condensed Combined Financial Statements
(unaudited)............................................ F-271
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.:
Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and March 31, 1999
(unaudited)............................................ F-278
Statement of Operations for the Quarters Ended March 31,
1998 and 1999 (unaudited).............................. F-279
Statement of Partners' Equity for the Quarters Ended March
31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited).......................... F-280
Statement of Cash Flows for the Quarters Ended March 31,
1998 and 1999 (unaudited).............................. F-281
Notes to Financial Statements............................. F-282
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.:
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 1999 (unaudited)
and December 31, 1998.................................. F-284
Consolidated Statement Of Operations for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited).............. F-285
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited).............. F-286
Consolidated Statements of Partners' Capital (Deficit) for
the Three Months Ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
(unaudited)............................................ F-287
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-288
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.:
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1999 (unaudited)............ F-290
Statement of Operations for the Three Months Ended March
31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited).......................... F-291
Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March
31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited).......................... F-292
Notes to Financial Statement (unaudited).................. F-293
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1999
(unaudited)............................................ F-294
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited).............. F-295
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Three Months
Ended March 31, 1998 and 1999 (unaudited).............. F-296
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement (unaudited)..... F-297
</TABLE>
F-5
<PAGE> 208
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the period from
December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998. We did not audit the balance sheet
of Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998, that
is included in the consolidated balance sheet of Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries and reflects total assets of 40% of the
consolidated totals. This balance sheet was audited by other auditors whose
report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the
amounts included for Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. and subsidiaries, is based
solely on the report of the other auditors. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for the period from December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
February 5, 1999 (except with respect to the
matters discussed in Notes 1 and 12,
as to which the date is April 19, 1999)
F-6
<PAGE> 209
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 10,386
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $3,528..................................... 31,163
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 8,613
----------
Total current assets................................... 50,162
----------
INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 1,473,727
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $112,122... 5,705,420
----------
7,179,147
----------
OTHER ASSETS................................................ 6,347
----------
$7,235,656
==========
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 87,950
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 199,831
Payable to related party.................................. 20,000
Payables to manager of cable television systems -- related
party.................................................. 7,675
----------
Total current liabilities.............................. 315,456
----------
LONG-TERM DEBT.............................................. 3,435,251
----------
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES -- RELATED PARTY................... 15,561
----------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES................................. 40,097
----------
MEMBERS' EQUITY -- 100 UNITS ISSUED AND OUTSTANDING......... 3,429,291
----------
$7,235,656
==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement.
F-7
<PAGE> 210
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
DECEMBER 24,
1998, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1998
-------------
<S> <C>
REVENUES.................................................... $23,450
-------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating costs........................................... 9,957
General and administrative................................ 2,722
Depreciation and amortization............................. 13,811
Corporate expense charges -- related party................ 766
-------
27,256
-------
Loss from operations................................... (3,806)
-------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income........................................... 133
Interest expense.......................................... (5,051)
-------
(4,918)
-------
Net loss............................................... $(8,724)
=======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement.
F-8
<PAGE> 211
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
DECEMBER 24,
1998, THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1998
--------------
<S> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $ (8,724)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities --
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 13,811
Changes in assets and liabilities --
Receivables, net..................................... (8,753)
Prepaid expenses and other........................... (587)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................ 4,961
Payables to manager of cable television systems...... 473
Other operating activities........................... 2,021
----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 3,202
----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (13,672)
----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (13,672)
----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debt.............................. 15,620
----------
Net cash provided by financing activities......... 15,620
----------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................... 5,150
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 5,236
----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $ 10,386
==========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST...................................... $ 6,155
==========
NONCASH TRANSACTION -- Transfer of cable television
operating subsidiaries from the parent company (see Note
1)........................................................ $3,438,015
==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated statement.
F-9
<PAGE> 212
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (Charter Holdings), a Delaware limited
liability company, was formed in February 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Investment, Inc. (Charter), formerly Charter Communications, Inc.
Charter, through its wholly owned cable television operating subsidiary, Charter
Communications Properties, LLC (CCP), commenced operations with the acquisition
of a cable television system on September 30, 1995.
Effective December 23, 1998, through a series of transactions, Paul G.
Allen acquired approximately 94% of Charter for an aggregate purchase price of
$211 million, excluding $214 million in debt assumed (the "Paul Allen
Transaction"). In conjunction with the Paul Allen Transaction, Charter acquired
100% of the interests it did not already own in CharterComm Holdings, LLC
(CharterComm Holdings) and CCA Group (comprised of CCA Holdings Corp., CCT
Holdings Corp. and Charter Communications Long Beach Inc.), all cable television
operating companies, for $2.0 billion, excluding $1.8 billion in debt assumed
from unrelated third parties for fair value. Charter previously managed and
owned minority interests in these companies. These acquisitions were accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, results of
operations of CharterComm Holdings and CCA Group are included in the financial
statements from the date of acquisition. In February 1999, Charter transferred
all of its cable television operating subsidiaries to a wholly owned subsidiary
of Charter Holdings, Charter Communications Operating, LLC (Charter Operating).
This transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common
control similar to a pooling of interests.
As a result of the change in ownership of CCP, CharterComm Holdings and CCA
Group, Charter Holdings has applied push-down accounting in the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, Charter Holdings increased
its members' equity by $2.2 billion to reflect the amounts paid by Paul G. Allen
and Charter. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities
assumed based on their relative fair values, including amounts assigned to
franchises of $3.6 billion. The allocation of the purchase price is based, in
part, on preliminary information which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining
complete valuation information of intangible assets. The valuation information
is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 1999. Management believes
that finalization of the purchase price will not have a material impact on the
results of operations or financial position of Charter Holdings.
On April 7, 1999, the cable television operating subsidiaries of Marcus
Cable Company, L.L.C. (Marcus) were transferred to Charter Operating. As a
result of the Marcus transfer, Charter Holdings is owned 54% by Charter and 46%
by companies controlled by Paul G. Allen giving Paul G. Allen a 97% direct and
indirect ownership interest in Charter Holdings. The transfer was accounted for
as a reorganization of entities under common control similar to a pooling of
interests since Paul G. Allen and a company controlled by Paul G. Allen
purchased substantially all of the outstanding partnership interests in Marcus
in April 1998, and purchased the remaining interest in Marcus on April 7, 1999.
F-10
<PAGE> 213
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Holdings include the
accounts of Charter Operating and CCP and the accounts of CharterComm Holdings
and CCA Group and their subsidiaries since December 23, 1998 (date acquired by
Charter), and the accounts of Marcus since December 23, 1998 (date Paul G. Allen
controlled both Charter and Marcus), and are collectively referred to as the
"Company" herein. All subsidiaries are wholly owned. All material intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company derives its primary
source of revenues by providing various levels of cable television programming
and services to residential and business customers. As of December 31, 1998, the
Company provided cable television services to customers in 22 states in the U.S.
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Holdings for periods prior
to December 24, 1998, are not presented herein since, as a result of the Paul
Allen Transaction and the application of push down accounting, the financial
information as of December 31, 1998, and for the period from December 24, 1998,
through December 31, 1998, is presented on a different cost basis than the
financial information as of December 31, 1997, and for the periods prior to
December 24, 1998. Such information is not comparable.
The accompanying financial statements have been retroactively restated to
include the accounts of Marcus beginning December 24, 1998, using historical
carrying amounts. Previously reported revenues and net loss of the Company,
excluding Marcus, was $13,713 and $4,432, respectively, for the period from
December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998. Revenues and net loss of Marcus
for the period from December 24, 1998 through December 31, 1998, included in the
accompanying financial statements, was $9,737 and $4,292, respectively.
Previously reported members' equity of the Company, excluding Marcus, was $2.1
billion as of December 31, 1998.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1998,
cash equivalents consist primarily of repurchase agreements. These investments
are carried at cost that approximates market value.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable television
transmission and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer
installations. The costs of disconnecting a customer are charged to expense in
the period incurred. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense as incurred, and equipment replacement and betterments are capitalized.
F-11
<PAGE> 214
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems................................ 3-15 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements...................... 5-15 years
Vehicles and equipment.................................... 3-5 years
</TABLE>
FRANCHISES
Costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises are deferred and
amortized over the lives of the franchises. Costs relating to unsuccessful
franchise applications are charged to expense when it is determined that the
efforts to obtain the franchise will not be successful. Franchise rights
acquired through the purchase of cable television systems represent management's
estimate of fair value and are generally amortized using the straight-line
method over a period of 15 years.
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset may be impaired,
the carrying value is reviewed. If a review indicates that the carrying value of
such asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted cash flows related
to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is
reduced to its estimated fair value.
REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
estimated average period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of December 31, 1998, no installation revenue has
been deferred, as direct selling costs have exceeded installation revenue.
Fees collected from programmers to guarantee carriage are deferred and
amortized to income over the life of the contracts. Local governmental
authorities impose franchise fees on the Company ranging up to a federally
mandated maximum of 5.0% of gross revenues. On a monthly basis, such fees are
collected from the Company's customers and are periodically remitted to local
franchises. Franchise fees collected and paid are reported as revenues.
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
The Company manages fluctuations in interest rates by using interest rate
hedge agreements, as required by certain debt agreements. Interest rate swaps,
caps and collars are accounted for as hedges of debt obligations, and
accordingly, the net settlement amounts are recorded as adjustments to interest
expense in the period incurred. Premiums paid for interest rate caps are
deferred, included in other assets, and are amortized over the original term of
the interest rate agreement as an adjustment to interest expense.
F-12
<PAGE> 215
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company's interest rate swap agreements require the Company to pay a
fixed rate and receive a floating rate thereby creating fixed rate debt.
Interest rate caps and collars are entered into by the Company to reduce the
impact of rising interest rates on floating rate debt.
The Company's participation in interest rate hedging transactions involves
instruments that have a close correlation with its debt, thereby managing its
risk. Interest rate hedge agreements have been designed for hedging purposes and
are not held or issued for speculative purposes.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are the responsibility of the individual members or partners
and are not provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
In addition, certain subsidiaries are corporations subject to income taxes but
have no operations and, therefore, no material income tax liabilities or assets.
SEGMENTS
In 1998, Charter Holdings adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." Segments have been identified based
upon management responsibility. Charter Holdings operates in one segment, cable
services.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
In addition to the acquisitions by Charter of CharterComm Holdings and CCA
Group, the Company acquired cable television systems for an aggregate purchase
price, net of cash acquired, of $291,800 and $342,100 in 1998 and 1997,
respectively, and completed the sale of certain former Marcus cable television
systems for an aggregate sales price of $405,000 in 1998, all prior to December
24, 1998. The Company also refinanced substantially all of its long-term debt in
March 1999 (see Note 12).
F-13
<PAGE> 216
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Unaudited pro forma operating results as though the acquisitions and
refinancing discussed above, including the Paul Allen Transaction and the
combination with Marcus, had occurred on January 1, 1997, with adjustments to
give effect to amortization of franchises, interest expense and certain other
adjustments are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31
-----------------------
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues....................................... $1,059,882 $ 971,924
Loss from operations........................... (143,557) (185,051)
Net loss....................................... (599,953) (631,592)
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for
comparative purposes and does not purport to be indicative of the results of
operations or financial position of the Company had these transactions been
completed as of the assumed date or which may be obtained in the future.
3. MEMBERS' EQUITY:
For the period from December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998, members'
equity consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, December 24, 1998................................. $3,438,015
Net loss................................................... (8,724)
----------
Balance, December 31, 1998................................. $3,429,291
==========
</TABLE>
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31,
1998:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems................................. $1,439,182
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements................. 41,321
Vehicles and equipment..................................... 61,237
----------
1,541,740
Less -- Accumulated depreciation........................... (68,013)
----------
$1,473,727
==========
</TABLE>
For the period from December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998,
depreciation expense was $5,029.
F-14
<PAGE> 217
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following at December
31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued interest............................................ $ 34,561
Franchise fees.............................................. 21,441
Programming costs........................................... 21,395
Capital expenditures........................................ 17,343
Accrued income taxes........................................ 15,205
Accounts payable............................................ 7,439
Other accrued liabilities................................... 82,447
--------
$199,831
========
</TABLE>
6. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Charter:
Credit Agreements (including CCP, CCA Group and
CharterComm Holdings)................................. $1,726,500
Senior Secured Discount Debentures....................... 109,152
11 1/4% Senior Notes..................................... 125,000
Marcus:
Senior Credit Facility................................... 808,000
13 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes............... 383,236
14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes............................ 241,183
----------
3,393,071
Current maturities....................................... (87,950)
Unamortized net premium.................................. 130,130
----------
$3,435,251
==========
</TABLE>
CCP CREDIT AGREEMENT
CCP maintains a credit agreement (the "CCP Credit Agreement"), which
provides for two term loan facilities, one with the principal amount of $60,000
that matures on June 30, 2006, and the other with the principal amount of
$80,000 that matures on June 30, 2007. The CCP Credit Agreement also provides
for a $90,000 revolving credit facility with a maturity date of June 30, 2006.
Amounts under the CCP Credit Agreement bear interest at the LIBOR Rate or Base
Rate, as defined, plus a margin up to 2.88%. The variable interest rates ranged
from 7.44% to 8.19% at December 31, 1998.
F-15
<PAGE> 218
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
CC-I, CC-II COMBINED CREDIT AGREEMENT
Charter Communications, LLC and Charter Communications II, LLC,
subsidiaries of CharterComm Holdings, maintains a combined credit agreement (the
"Combined Credit Agreement"), which provides for two term loan facilities, one
with the principal amount of $200,000 that matures on June 30, 2007, and the
other with the principal amount of $150,000 that matures on December 31, 2007.
The Combined Credit Agreement also provides for a $290,000 revolving credit
facility, with a maturity date of June 30, 2007. Amounts under the Combined
Credit Agreement bear interest at the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus
a margin up to 2.0%. The variable interest rates ranged from 6.69% to 7.31% at
December 31, 1998. A quarterly commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.375% per
annum is payable on the unborrowed balance of the revolving credit facility.
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS -- SENIOR SECURED DISCOUNT DEBENTURES
CharterComm Holdings issued $146,820 of Senior Secured Discount Debentures
(the "Debentures") for proceeds of $75,000. The Debentures are effectively
subordinated to the claims and creditors of CharterComm Holdings' subsidiaries,
including the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement. The Debentures are
redeemable at the Company's option at amounts decreasing from 107% to 100% of
principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, beginning on
March 15, 2001. The issuer is required to make an offer to purchase all of the
Debentures, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, together
with accrued and unpaid interest, upon a Change in Control, as defined in the
Debentures Indenture. No interest is payable on the Debentures prior to March
15, 2001. Thereafter, interest on the Debentures is payable semiannually in
arrears beginning September 15, 2001, until maturity on March 15, 2007.
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS -- 11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES
CharterComm Holdings issued $125,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4%
Senior Notes (the "11 1/4% Notes"). The Notes are effectively subordinated to
the claims of creditors of CharterComm Holdings' subsidiaries, including the
lenders under the Combined Credit Agreements. The 11 1/4% Notes are redeemable
at the Company's option at amounts decreasing from 106% to 100% of principal,
plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption, beginning on March
15, 2001. The issuer is required to make an offer to purchase all of the 11 1/4%
Notes, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, together with
accrued and unpaid interest, upon a Change in Control, as defined in the 11 1/4%
Notes indenture. Interest is payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15
until maturity on March 15, 2006.
As of December 24, 1998, the Debentures and 11 1/4% Notes were recorded at
their estimated fair values resulting in an increase in the carrying values of
the debt and an unamortized net premium as of December 31, 1998. The premium
will be amortized to interest expense over the estimated remaining lives of the
debt using the interest method. As of December 31, 1998, the effective interest
rates on the Debentures and 11 1/4% Notes were 10.7% and 9.6%, respectively.
F-16
<PAGE> 219
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
CCE-I CREDIT AGREEMENT
Charter Communications Entertainment I LLC, a subsidiary of CCA Group,
maintains a credit agreement (the "CCE-I Credit Agreement"), which provides for
a $280,000 term loan that matures on September 30, 2006, and $85,000 fund loan
that matures on March 31, 2007, and a $175,000 revolving credit facility with a
maturity date of September 30, 2006. Amounts under the CCE-I Credit Agreement
bear interest at either the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin
up to 2.75%. The variable interest rates ranged from 6.88% to 8.06% at December
31, 1998. A quarterly commitment fee of between 0.375% and 0.5% per annum is
payable on the unborrowed balance of the revolving credit facility.
CCE-II COMBINED CREDIT AGREEMENT
Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC and Long Beach LLC,
subsidiaries of CCA Group, maintain a credit agreement (the "CCE-II Combined
Credit Agreement"), which provides for two term loan facilities, one with the
principal amount of $100,000 that matures on March 31, 2005, and the other with
the principal amount of $90,000 that matures on March 31, 2006. The CCE-II
Combined Credit Agreement also provides for a $185,000 revolving credit
facility, with a maturity date of March 31, 2005. Amounts under the CCE-II
Combined Credit Agreement bear interest at either the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate,
as defined, plus a margin up to 2.5%. The variable rates ranged from 6.56% to
7.59% at December 31, 1998. A quarterly commitment fee of between 0.25% and
0.375% per annum is payable on the unborrowed balance of the revolving credit
facility.
CCE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Charter Communications Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of CCA Group,
maintains a credit agreement (the "CCE Credit Agreement") which provides for a
term loan facility with the principal amount of $130,000 that matures on
September 30, 2007. Amounts under the CCE Credit Agreement bear interest at the
LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin up to 3.25%. The variable
interest rate at December 31, 1998, was 8.62%.
CCE-II HOLDINGS CREDIT AGREEMENT
CCE-II Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of CCA Group, entered into a credit
agreement (the "CCE-II Holdings Credit Agreement"), which provides for a term
loan facility with the principal amount of $95,000 that matures on September 30,
2006. Amounts under the CCE-II Holdings Credit Agreement bear interest at either
the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin up to 3.25%. The variable
rate at December 31, 1998, was 8.56%.
MARCUS -- SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY
Marcus maintains a senior credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility"),
which provides for two term loan facilities, one with a principal amount of
$490,000 that matures on December 31, 2002 (Tranche A) and the other with a
principal amount of $300,000 that matures on April 30, 2004 (Tranche B). The
Senior Credit Facility provides for
F-17
<PAGE> 220
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
scheduled amortization of the two term loan facilities which began in September
1997. The Senior Credit Facility also provides for a $360,000 revolving credit
facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"), with a maturity date of December 31,
2002. Amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at
either the (i) Eurodollar rate, (ii) prime rate or (iii) CD base rate or Federal
Funds rate, plus a margin up to 2.25%, which is subject to certain quarterly
adjustments based on the ratio of the issuer's total debt to annualized
operating cash flow, as defined. The variable interest rates ranged from 6.23%
to 7.75% at December 31, 1998. A quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to
0.375% per annum is payable on the unused commitment under the Senior Credit
Facility.
MARCUS -- 13 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED DISCOUNT NOTES
Marcus issued $413,461 face amount of 13 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount
Notes due August 1, 2004 (the "13 1/2% Notes") for net proceeds of $215,000. The
13 1/2% Notes are unsecured, are guaranteed by Marcus and are redeemable, at the
option of Marcus, at amounts decreasing from 105% to 100% of par beginning on
August 1, 1999. No interest is payable on the 13 1/2% Notes until February 1,
2000. Thereafter, interest is payable semiannually until maturity. The discount
on the 13 1/2% Notes is being accreted using the effective interest method and
the effective interest rate as of December 31, 1998 was 10.0%. The unamortized
discount was $30,225 at December 31, 1998.
MARCUS -- 14 1/4% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES
Marcus issued $299,228 of 14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes due December 15,
2005 (the "14 1/4% Notes") for net proceeds of $150,003. The 14 1/4% Notes are
unsecured and are redeemable at the option of Marcus at amounts decreasing from
107% to 100% of par beginning on June 15, 2000. No interest is payable until
December 15, 2000. Thereafter, interest is payable semiannually until maturity.
The discount on the 14 1/4% Notes is being accreted using the effective interest
method and the effective interest rate as of December 31, 1998 was 14.1%. The
unamortized discount was $53,545 at December 31, 1998.
The debt agreements require the Company and/or its subsidiaries to comply
with various financial and other covenants, including the maintenance of certain
operating and financial ratios. These debt instruments also contain substantial
limitations on, or prohibitions of, distributions, additional indebtedness,
liens, asset sales and certain other items.
As a result of limitations on and prohibitions of distributions,
substantially all of the net assets of the consolidated subsidiaries are
restricted for distribution to Charter Holdings, the parent company. The parent
company's balance sheet consists solely of an investment in Charter Operating
totaling $3.4 billion and membership equity of $3.4 billion. Equity in losses
for the period from December 24, 1998 through December 31, 1998 consists of $8.7
million.
F-18
<PAGE> 221
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Based upon outstanding indebtedness at December 31, 1998, and the
amortization of term and fund loans, and scheduled reductions in available
borrowings of the revolving credit facilities, aggregate future principal
payments on the total borrowings under all debt agreements at December 31, 1998,
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR AMOUNT
- ---- ----------
<S> <C>
1999....................................................... $ 87,950
2000....................................................... 110,245
2001....................................................... 148,950
2002....................................................... 393,838
2003....................................................... 295,833
Thereafter................................................. 2,482,193
----------
$3,519,009
==========
</TABLE>
7. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
A summary of debt and the related interest rate hedge agreements at
December 31, 1998, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CARRYING NOTIONAL FAIR
DEBT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
- ---- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charter:
Charter Credit Agreements (including
CCP, CCA Group and CharterComm
Holdings)........................... $1,726,500 $ -- $1,726,500
Senior Secured Discount Debentures..... 138,102 -- 138,102
11 1/4% Senior Notes................... 137,604 -- 137,604
Marcus:
Senior Credit Facility................. 808,000 -- 808,000
13 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount
Notes............................... 425,812 -- 418,629
14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes.......... 287,183 -- 279,992
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
Swaps.................................... (22,092) 1,505,000 (28,977)
Caps..................................... -- 15,000 --
Collars.................................. (4,174) 310,000 (4,174)
</TABLE>
As the long-term debt under the credit agreements bears interest at current
market rates, their carrying amount approximates market value at December 31,
1998. The fair values of the 11 1/4% Notes, the Debentures, the 13 1/2% Notes
and the 14 1/2% Notes are based on quoted market prices.
The weighted average interest pay rate for the Company's interest rate swap
agreements was 7.1% at December 31, 1998. The weighted average interest rate for
the Company's interest rate cap agreements was 8.45% at December 31, 1998. The
weighted
F-19
<PAGE> 222
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
average interest rates for the Company's interest rate collar agreements were
8.63% and 7.31% for the cap and floor components, respectively, at December 31,
1998.
The notional amounts of interest rate hedge agreements do not represent
amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the Company's
exposure through its use of interest rate hedge agreements. The amounts
exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms
of the contracts.
The fair value of interest rate hedge agreements generally reflects the
estimated amounts that the Company would receive or pay (excluding accrued
interest) to terminate the contracts on the reporting date, thereby taking into
account the current unrealized gains or losses of open contracts. Dealer
quotations are available for the Company's interest rate hedge agreements.
Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate hedge agreements
will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. In addition, some
of the interest rate hedge agreements are with certain of the participating
banks under the Company's credit facilities, thereby reducing the exposure to
credit loss. The Company has policies regarding the financial stability and
credit standing of major counterparties. Nonperformance by the counterparties is
not anticipated nor would it have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
8. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Charter provides management services to the Company including centralized
customer billing services, data processing and related support, benefits
administration and coordination of insurance coverage and self-insurance
programs for medical, dental and workers' compensation claims. Actual costs of
certain services are charged directly to the Company and are included in
operating costs. Such costs totaled $128 for the period from December 24, 1998,
through December 31, 1998. All other costs incurred by Charter on behalf of the
Company are recorded as expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements and are included in corporate expense charges -- related party.
Management believes that costs incurred by Charter on Charter Holdings behalf
and included in the accompanying financial statements are not materially
different than costs Charter Holdings would have incurred as a stand alone
entity.
Charter utilizes a combination of excess insurance coverage and
self-insurance programs for its medical, dental and workers' compensation
claims. Charges are made to Charter Holdings as determined by independent
actuaries at the present value of the actuarially computed present and future
liabilities for such benefits. Medical coverage provides for $2,435 aggregate
stop loss protection and a loss limitation of $100 per person per year. Workers'
compensation coverage provides for $800 aggregate stop loss protection and a
loss limitation of $150 per person per year.
The Company is charged a management fee based on percentages of revenues or
a flat fee plus additional fees based on percentages of operating cash flows, as
stipulated in the management agreements between Charter and the operating
subsidiaries. To the extent management fees charged to the Company are
greater(less) than the corporate expenses incurred by Charter, the Company will
record distributions to(capital contributions from) Charter. For the period from
December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998, the
F-20
<PAGE> 223
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
management fee charged to the Company approximated the corporate expenses
incurred by Charter on behalf of the Company. As of December 31, 1998,
management fees currently payable of $7,675 are included in payables to manager
of cable television systems-related party. Beginning in 1999, the management fee
will be based on 3.5% of revenues as permitted by the new debt agreements of the
Company (see Note 12).
The payable to related party represents the reimbursement of costs incurred
by Paul G. Allen in connection with the acquisition of Marcus by Paul G. Allen.
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the period from
December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998, were $144. Future minimum lease
payments are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999........................................................ $5,898
2000........................................................ 4,070
2001........................................................ 3,298
2002........................................................ 1,305
2003........................................................ 705
Thereafter.................................................. 3,395
</TABLE>
The Company also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such
rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the
period from December 24, 1998, through December 31, 1998, was $226.
LITIGATION
The Company is a party to lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of
conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with
legal counsel, the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
F-21
<PAGE> 224
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of December 31,
1998, the amount refunded by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may
be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company is unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation. The Company is subject to state regulation in
Connecticut.
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The Company's employees may participate in 401(k) plans (the "401(k)
Plans"). Employees that qualify for participation can contribute up to 15% of
their salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a maximum contribution limit as
determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company made contributions to
the 401(k) Plans totaling $30 for the period from December 24, 1998, through
December 31, 1998.
F-22
<PAGE> 225
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
11. ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.
133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's
gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and
assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company has
not yet quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on its consolidated
financial statements nor has it determined the timing or method of its adoption
of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility in earnings
(loss).
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Through April 19, 1999, the Company has entered into definitive agreements
to purchase eight cable television companies, including a swap of cable
television systems, for approximately $4.6 billion. The swap of cable television
systems will be recorded at the fair value of the systems exchanged. The
acquisitions are expected to close no later than March 31, 2000. The
acquisitions will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and
accordingly, results of operations of the acquired businesses will be included
in the financial statements from the dates of acquisitions.
In March 1999, concurrent with the issuance of $600.0 million 8.250% Senior
Notes due 2007, $1.5 billion 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 and $1.475 billion
9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011 (collectively, the "CCH Notes"), the
Company extinguished substantially all long-term debt, excluding borrowings of
the Company under its credit agreements, and refinanced substantially all
existing credit agreements at various subsidiaries with a new credit agreement
(the "CCO Credit Agreement") entered into by Charter Operating. Charter Holdings
expects to record an extraordinary loss of approximately $4 million in
conjunction with the extinguishment of substantially all long-term debt and the
refinancing of its credit agreements.
The CCO Credit Agreement provides for two term facilities, one with a
principal amount of $1.0 billion that matures September 2008 (Term A), and the
other with the principal amount of $1.85 billion that matures on March 2009
(Term B). The CCO Credit Agreement also provides for a $1.25 billion revolving
credit facility with a maturity date of September 2008. Amounts under the CCO
Credit Agreement bear interest at the Base Rate or the Eurodollar rate, as
defined, plus a margin up to 2.75%. A quarterly commitment fee of between 0.25%
and 0.375% per annum is payable on the unborrowed balance of Term A and the
revolving credit facility. On March 17, 1999, the Company borrowed $1.75 billion
under Term B and invested the excess cash of $1.0 billion in short-term
investments.
F-23
<PAGE> 226
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation is a co-issuer of the
CCH Notes and is a wholly owned finance subsidiary of Charter Holdings with no
independent assets or operations.
In December 1998 and February 1999, Charter Investment and Charter Holdings
adopted option plans providing for the grant of options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 10% of the equity value of Charter Communications Holdings Company,
LLC, (CCHC) parent of Charter Holdings and 3% of the equity value of Charter
Investment. The option plans provide for grants of options to employees,
officers and directors of CCHC and its affiliates and consultants who provide
services to CCHC. The option exercise price is equal to the fair market value at
the date of grant. Options granted vest over four to five years. However, if
there has not been a public offering of the equity interests of CCHC or an
affiliate, vesting will occur only upon termination of employment for any
reason, other than for cause or disability. Options not exercised accumulate and
are exercisable, in whole or in part, in any subsequent period, but not later
than ten years from the date of grant.
Options outstanding as of March 31, 1999, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
---------------------------------------- -------------------
EXERCISE NUMBER OF REMAINING CONTRACT NUMBER OF
PRICE OPTIONS LIFE (IN YEARS) OPTIONS
- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$20.00 15,312,327 9.8 1,761,032
</TABLE>
The Company follows Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees" to account for the option plans. No compensation
expense is recognized because the option exercise price is equal to the fair
value of the underlying membership interests on the date of grant.
Had compensation expense for the option plans been determined based on the
fair value at the grant dates under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the
Company's net loss would have been $9.9 million for the period from December 24,
1998, through December 31, 1998. The fair value of each option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following assumptions: no dividend yield, expected volatility of 44.00%,
risk free rate of 5.00%, and expected option lives of 10 years.
F-24
<PAGE> 227
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholder's investment and cash
flows for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. These consolidated 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 1998, through
December 23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
February 5, 1999 (except with respect to
the matters discussed in Note 1, as to
which the date is April 7, 1999)
F-25
<PAGE> 228
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1997
------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 626
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $52........................................ 579
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 32
-------
Total current assets................................... 1,237
-------
INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 25,530
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $3,829..... 28,195
-------
53,725
-------
OTHER ASSETS................................................ 849
-------
$55,811
=======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... $ 3,082
Payables to manager of cable television systems -- related
party.................................................. 114
-------
Total current liabilities.............................. 3,196
-------
LONG-TERM DEBT.............................................. 41,500
-------
NOTE PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY, including accrued interest... 13,090
-------
SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100 shares authorized, one
issued and outstanding................................. --
Paid-in capital........................................... 5,900
Accumulated deficit....................................... (7,875)
-------
Total shareholder's investment......................... (1,975)
-------
$55,811
=======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-26
<PAGE> 229
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, YEAR ENDED
1998, THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DECEMBER 23, ------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES....................................... $ 49,731 $18,867 $14,881
-------- ------- -------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating costs.............................. 18,751 9,157 5,888
General and administrative................... 7,201 2,610 2,235
Depreciation and amortization................ 16,864 6,103 4,593
Corporate expense allocation -- related
party..................................... 6,176 566 446
-------- ------- -------
48,992 18,436 13,162
-------- ------- -------
Income from operations.................... 739 431 1,719
-------- ------- -------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income.............................. 44 41 20
Interest expense............................. (17,277) (5,120) (4,415)
Other, net................................... (728) 25 (47)
-------- ------- -------
(17,961) (5,054) (4,442)
-------- ------- -------
Net loss.................................. $(17,222) $(4,623) $(2,723)
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-27
<PAGE> 230
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON PAID-IN ACCUMULATED
STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT TOTAL
------ ------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1995........ $-- $ 1,500 $ (529) $ 971
Capital contributions........... -- 4,400 -- 4,400
Net loss........................ -- -- (2,723) (2,723)
-- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996........ -- 5,900 (3,252) 2,648
Net loss........................ -- -- (4,623) (4,623)
-- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997........ -- 5,900 (7,875) (1,975)
Capital contributions........... -- 10,800 -- 10,800
Net loss........................ -- -- (17,222) (17,222)
-- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 23, 1998........ $-- $16,700 $(25,097) $ (8,397)
== ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-28
<PAGE> 231
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, YEAR ENDED
1998, THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DECEMBER 23, -------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss............................................. $ (17,222) $(4,623) $ (2,723)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities --
Depreciation and amortization...................... 16,864 6,103 4,593
Loss on sale of cable television system............ -- 1,363 --
Amortization of debt issuance costs, debt discount
and interest rate cap agreements................. 267 123 --
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment........................................ (14) 130 --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects
from acquisitions --
Receivables, net................................. 10 (227) 6
Prepaid expenses and other....................... (125) 18 312
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............ 16,927 894 3,615
Payables to manager of cable television
systems....................................... 5,288 (153) 160
Other operating activities....................... 569 -- --
--------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities........ 22,564 3,628 5,963
--------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment........... (15,364) (7,880) (5,894)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired...... (167,484) -- (34,069)
Proceeds from sale of cable television system........ -- 12,528 --
Other investing activities........................... (486) -- 64
--------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities.................................... (183,334) 4,648 (39,899)
--------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debt......................... 217,500 5,100 31,375
Repayments of long-term debt......................... (60,200) (13,375) (1,000)
Capital contributions................................ 7,000 -- 4,400
Payment of debt issuance costs....................... (3,487) (12) (638)
--------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.................................... 160,813 (8,287) 34,137
--------- ------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS... 43 (11) 201
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period......... 626 637 436
--------- ------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period............... $ 669 $ 626 $ 637
========= ======= ========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST................................. $ 7,679 $ 3,303 $ 2,798
========= ======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-29
<PAGE> 232
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (Charter Holdings), a Delaware limited
liability company, was formed in February 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Investment, Inc. (Charter), formerly Charter Communications, Inc.
Charter, through its wholly owned cable television operating subsidiary, Charter
Communications Properties, LLC (CCP), commenced operations with the acquisition
of a cable television system on September 30, 1995.
Effective December 23, 1998, through a series of transactions, Paul G.
Allen acquired approximately 94% of Charter for an aggregate purchase price of
$211 million, excluding $214 million in debt assumed (the "Paul Allen
Transaction"). In conjunction with the Paul Allen Transaction, Charter acquired
100% of the interest it did not already own in CharterComm Holdings, LLC
(CharterComm Holdings) and CCA Group (comprised of CCA Holdings Corp., CCT
Holdings Corp. and Charter Communications Long Beach Inc.), all cable television
operating companies, for $2.0 billion, excluding $1.8 billion in debt assumed
from unrelated third parties for fair value. Charter previously managed and
owned minority interests in these companies. These acquisitions were accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly results of
operations of CarterComm Holdings and CCA Group are included in the financial
statements of Charter Holdings from the date of acquisition. In February 1999,
Charter transferred all of its cable television operating subsidiaries to a
wholly owned subsidiary of Charter Holdings, Charter Communications Operating,
LLC (Charter Operating). The transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of
entities under common control similar to a pooling of interests.
On April 7, 1999, the cable television operating subsidiaries of Marcus
Cable Company, L.L.C. (Marcus) were transferred to Charter Operating. The
transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control
similar to a pooling of interests, since Paul G. Allen and a company controlled
by Paul G. Allen purchased substantially all of the outstanding partnership
interests in Marcus in April 1998, and purchased the remaining interests in
Marcus on April 7, 1999.
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of CCP,
Charter's wholly owned cable operating subsidiary, representing the financial
statements of Charter Holdings and subsidiaries (the Company) for all periods
presented. The accounts of CharterComm Holdings and CCA Group are not included
since these companies were not owned and controlled by Charter prior to December
23, 1998. The accounts of Marcus are not included since both Charter and Marcus
were not owned and controlled by the same party prior to December 23, 1998.
As a result of the change in ownership of CCP, CharterComm Holdings and CCA
Group, Charter Holdings has applied push-down accounting in the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements effective December 23, 1998. Accordingly,
the financial statements of Charter Holdings for periods ended on or before
December 23, 1998, are presented on a different cost basis than the financial
statements for the periods after December 23, 1998 (not presented herein), and
are not comparable.
F-30
<PAGE> 233
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1997,
cash equivalents consist primarily of repurchase agreements. These investments
are carried at cost that approximates market value.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable television
transmission and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer
installations. The costs of disconnecting a customer are charged to expense in
the period incurred. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense as incurred, and equipment replacement and betterments are capitalized.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems................................ 3-15 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements...................... 5-15 years
Vehicles and equipment.................................... 3-5 years
</TABLE>
In 1997, the Company shortened the useful lives from 10 years to 5 years of
certain plant and equipment included in cable distribution systems associated
with costs of new customer installations. As a result, additional depreciation
of $550 was recorded during 1997. The estimated useful lives were shortened to
be more reflective of average customer lives.
FRANCHISES
Costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises are deferred and
amortized over the lives of the franchises. Costs relating to unsuccessful
franchise applications are charged to expense when it is determined that the
efforts to obtain the franchise will not be successful. Franchise rights
acquired through the purchase of cable television systems represent management's
estimate of fair value and are generally amortized using the straight-line
method over a period of 15 years.
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset may be impaired,
the carrying value is reviewed. If a review indicates that the carrying value of
such asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted cash flows related
to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is
reduced to its estimated fair value.
REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
estimated average period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of
F-31
<PAGE> 234
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1997, no installation revenue has been deferred, as direct selling
costs have exceeded installation revenue.
Fees collected from programmers to guarantee carriage are deferred and
amortized to income over the life of the contracts. Local governmental
authorities impose franchise fees on the Company ranging up to a federally
mandated maximum of 5.0% of gross revenues. On a monthly basis, such fees are
collected from the Company's customers and are periodically remitted to local
franchises. Franchise fees collected and paid are reported as revenues.
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
The Company manages fluctuations in interest rates by using interest rate
hedge agreements, as required by certain debt agreements. Interest rate swaps,
caps and collars are accounted for as hedges of debt obligations, and
accordingly, the net settlement amounts are recorded as adjustments to interest
expense in the period incurred. Premiums paid for interest rate caps are
deferred, included in other assets, and are amortized over the original term of
the interest rate agreement as an adjustment to interest expense.
The Company's interest rate swap agreements require the Company to pay a
fixed rate and receive a floating rate thereby creating fixed rate debt.
Interest rate caps and collars are entered into by the Company to reduce the
impact of rising interest rates on floating rate debt.
The Company's participation in interest rate hedging transactions involves
instruments that have a close correlation with its debt, thereby managing its
risk. Interest rate hedge agreements have been designed for hedging purposes and
are not held or issued for speculative purposes.
INCOME TAXES
The Company files a consolidated income tax return with Charter. Income
taxes are allocated to the Company in accordance with the tax-sharing agreement
between the Company and Charter.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
In 1998, the Company acquired cable television systems for an aggregate
purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $228,400, comprising $167,500 in cash
and $60,900 in a note payable to Seller. The excess of cost of properties
acquired over the amounts assigned to net tangible assets at the date of
acquisition was $207,600 and is included in franchises.
In 1996, the Company acquired cable television systems for an aggregate
purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $34,100. The excess of the cost of
properties acquired over the amounts assigned to net tangible assets at the date
of acquisition was $24,300 and is included in franchises.
F-32
<PAGE> 235
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The above acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, results of operations of the acquired assets have
been included in the financial statements from the dates of acquisition. The
purchase prices were allocated to tangible and intangible assets based on
estimated fair values at the acquisition dates.
Unaudited pro forma operating results as though the acquisition discussed
above, excluding the Paul Allen Transaction, had occurred on January 1, 1997,
with adjustments to give effect to amortization of franchises, interest expense
and certain other adjustments are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, 1998,
THROUGH YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 23, 1998 1997
----------------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.......................................... $ 67,007 $ 63,909
Loss from operations.............................. (7,097) (7,382)
Net loss.......................................... (24,058) (26,099)
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma information has been presented for comparative
purposes and does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations had
these transactions been completed as of the assumed date or which may be
obtained in the future.
3. SALE OF FT. HOOD SYSTEM:
In February 1997, the Company sold the net assets of the Ft. Hood system,
which served customers in Texas, for an aggregate sales price of approximately
$12,500. The sale of the Ft. Hood system resulted in a loss of $1,363, which is
included in operating costs in the accompanying statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems.................................. $29,061
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements.................. 447
Vehicles and equipment...................................... 1,744
-------
31,252
Less- Accumulated depreciation.............................. (5,722)
-------
$25,530
=======
</TABLE>
For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, depreciation expense was $6,249, $3,898
and $2,371, respectively.
F-33
<PAGE> 236
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following at December
31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued interest............................................ $ 292
Capital expenditures........................................ 562
Franchise fees.............................................. 426
Programming costs........................................... 398
Accounts payable............................................ 298
Other....................................................... 1,012
------
$2,988
======
</TABLE>
6. LONG-TERM DEBT:
The Company maintained a revolving credit agreement (the "Old Credit
Agreement") with a consortium of banks for borrowings up to $47,500, of which
$41,500 was outstanding at December 31, 1997. In 1997, the Credit Agreement was
amended to reflect the impact of the sale of a cable television system. The debt
bears interest, at the Company's option, at rates based on the prime rate of the
Bank of Montreal (the agent bank), or LIBOR, plus the applicable margin based
upon the Company's leverage ratio at the time of the borrowings. The variable
interest rates ranged from 7.44% to 7.63% at December 31, 1997.
In May 1998, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "CCP Credit
Agreement"), which provides for two term loan facilities, one with the principal
amount of $60,000 that matures on June 30, 2006, and the other with the
principal amount of $80,000 that matures on June 30, 2007. The CCP Credit
Agreement also provides for a $90,000 revolving credit facility with a maturity
date of June 30, 2006. Amounts under the CCP Credit Agreement bear interest at
the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin of up to 2.88%.
Commencing March 31, 1999, and at the end of each quarter thereafter,
available borrowings under the revolving credit facility shall be reduced on an
annual basis by 3.5% in 1999, 7.0% in 2000, 9.0% in 2001, 10.5% in 2002 and
16.5% in 2003. Commencing March 31, 2000, and at the end of each quarter
thereafter, available borrowings under the term loan shall be reduced on an
annual basis by 6.0% in 2000, 8.0% in 2001, 11.0% in 2002 and 16.5% in 2003.
Commencing March 31, 2000, and at the end of each quarter thereafter, available
borrowings under the other term loan shall be reduced on an annual basis by 1.0%
in 2000, 1.0% in 2001, 1.0% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003.
The credit agreement requires the Company and/or its subsidiaries to comply
with various financial and other covenants, including the maintenance of certain
operating and financial ratios. This agreement also contains substantial
limitations on, or prohibitions of, distributions, additional indebtedness,
liens, asset sales and certain other items.
The parent company's balance sheet as of December 31, 1997, consists solely
of an investment in its consolidated subsidiaries totaling $(1,975) and
membership equity of $(1,975). Equity in losses for the period from January 1,
1998 through December 23, 1998
F-34
<PAGE> 237
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 consist of $(17,222),
$(4,623) and $(2,723), respectively.
7. NOTE PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY:
As of December 31, 1997, the Company holds a promissory note payable to CCT
Holdings Corp., a company managed by Charter and acquired by Charter effective
December 23, 1998. The promissory note bears interest at the rates paid by CCT
Holdings Corp. on a note payable to a third party. Principal and interest are
due on September 29, 2005.
8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
A summary of debt and the related interest rate hedge agreements at
December 31, 1997, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CARRYING NOTIONAL FAIR
VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Debt
CCP Credit Agreement............................. $41,500 $ -- $41,500
Interest Rate Hedge Agreements
Caps............................................. -- 15,000 --
Collars.......................................... -- 20,000 (74)
</TABLE>
As the long-term debt under the credit agreements bears interest at current
market rates, its carrying amount approximates market value at December 31,
1997.
The notional amounts of interest rate hedge agreements do not represent
amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the Company's
exposure through its use of interest rate hedge agreements. The amounts
exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms
of the contracts.
The fair value of interest rate hedge agreements generally reflects the
estimated amounts that the Company would receive or pay (excluding accrued
interest) to terminate the contracts on the reporting date, thereby taking into
account the current unrealized gains or losses of open contracts. Dealer
quotations are available for the Company's interest rate hedge agreements.
Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate hedge agreements
will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. The Company has
policies regarding the financial stability and credit standing of major
counterparties. Nonperformance by the counterparties is not anticipated nor
would it have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.
9. INCOME TAXES:
At December 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of
$9,594, which if not used to reduce taxable income in future periods, expire in
the years 2010 through 2012. As of December 31, 1997, the Company's deferred
income tax assets were offset by valuation allowances and deferred income tax
liabilities resulting primarily from differences in accounting for depreciation
and amortization.
F-35
<PAGE> 238
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
10. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Charter provides management services to the Company including centralized
customer billing services, data processing and related support, benefits
administration and coordination of insurance coverage and self-insurance
programs for medical, dental and workers' compensation claims. Actual costs of
certain services are charged directly to the Company and are included in
operating costs. Such costs totaled $437, $220 and $131, respectively for the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996. All other costs incurred by Charter on behalf of the
Company are expensed in the accompanying financial statements and are included
in corporate expense allocations -- related party. The cost of these services is
allocated based on the number of basic customers. Management considers this
allocation to be reasonable for the operations of the Company.
Charter utilizes a combination of excess insurance coverage and
self-insurance programs for its medical, dental and workers' compensation
claims. Charges are made to Charter Holdings as determined by independent
actuaries, at the present value of the actuarially computed present and future
liabilities for such benefits. Medical coverage provides for $2,435 aggregate
stop loss protection and a loss limitation of $100 per person per year. Workers'
compensation coverage provides for $800 aggregate stop loss protection and a
loss limitation of $150 per person per year.
The Company is charged a management fee based on percentages of revenues as
stipulated in the management agreement between Charter and the Company. For the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, the management fee charged to the Company
approximated the corporate expenses incurred by Charter on behalf of the
Company. Management fees currently payable of $114 are included in payables to
manager of cable television systems -- related party as of December 31, 1997.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the period from
January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, were $278, $130 and $91, respectively.
The Company also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such
rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, was $421, $271 and $174, respectively.
LITIGATION
The Company is a party to lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of
conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with
legal counsel, the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
F-36
<PAGE> 239
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of December 31,
1998, the amount refunded by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may
be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company is unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed
F-37
<PAGE> 240
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
to be more restrictive than the federal or local regulation. The Company is
subject to state regulation in Connecticut.
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
401(k) PLAN
The Company's employees may participate in the Charter Communications, Inc.
401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Employees that qualify for participation can
contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a
maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The
Company contributes an amount equal to 50% of the first 5% of contributions by
each employee. The Company contributed $74, $29 and $22 for the period from
January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
Certain employees of Charter participate in the 1995 Charter
Communications, Inc. Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan permits
Charter to grant 1,500,000 units to certain key employees, of which 1,251,500
were outstanding at December 31, 1997. Units received by an employee vest at a
rate of 20% per year, unless otherwise provided in the participant's
Appreciation Rights Unit Agreement. The appreciation rights entitle the
participants to receive payment, upon termination or change in control of
Charter, of the excess of the unit value over the base value (defined as the
appreciation value) for each vested unit. The unit value is based on Charter's
adjusted equity, as defined in the Plan. Deferred compensation expense recorded
by Charter is based on the appreciation value since the grant date and is being
amortized over the vesting period.
As a result of the acquisition of Charter by Paul G. Allen, the Plan was
terminated, all outstanding units became 100% vested and all amounts were paid
by Charter in 1999. The cost of this plan was allocated to the Company based on
the number of basic customers. Management considers this allocation to be
reasonable for the operations of the Company. For the period January 1, 1998,
through December 23, 1998, the Company expensed $3,800, included in corporate
expense allocation, for the cost of this plan.
13. ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.
133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's
gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and
assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company has
not yet quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on its consolidated
financial statements nor has it determined the timing or method of its adoption
of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility in earnings
(loss).
F-38
<PAGE> 241
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Members
Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marcus
Cable Company, L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 (which
December 31, 1998 balance sheet is not presented separately herein) and the
related consolidated statements of operations, members' equity and cash flows
for the period from April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998 and the consolidated
statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit), and cash flows for the
period from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1997. These consolidated financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 Marcus Cable
Company, L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods from April 23,
1998 to December 23, 1998 and from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and for
each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements,
substantially all of Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. was acquired by Vulcan Cable,
Inc. and Paul G. Allen as of April 22, 1998 in a business combination accounted
for as a purchase. As a result of the application of purchase accounting, the
consolidated financial statements of Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. and
subsidiaries for the period from April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998 are
presented on a different cost basis than those for periods prior to April 23,
1998, and accordingly, are not directly comparable.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 19, 1999
(except for the tenth paragraph of Note 1
which is as of April 7, 1999)
F-39
<PAGE> 242
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREDECESSOR (NOTE 1)
--------------------
1997
----
<S> <C>
ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 1,607
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,800 in 1998
and $1,904 in 1997..................................... 23,935
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 2,105
----------
Total current assets.............................. 27,647
Investment in cable television systems:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 706,626
Franchises................................................ 972,440
Noncompetition agreements................................. 6,770
Other assets................................................ 36,985
----------
$1,750,468
==========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 67,499
Accrued liabilities....................................... 68,754
----------
Total current liabilities......................... 136,253
Long-term debt.............................................. 1,531,927
Other long-term liabilities................................. 2,261
Partners' capital........................................... 80,027
----------
$1,750,468
==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-40
<PAGE> 243
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREDECESSOR (NOTE 1)
SUCCESSOR (NOTE 1) -----------------------------------------------
-------------------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
PERIOD FROM APRIL 23 PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1 -----------------------
TO DECEMBER 23, 1998 TO APRIL 22, 1998 1997 1996
-------------------- --------------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Cable services.......... $ 332,139 $ 157,389 $ 473,701 $ 432,172
Management fees --
related party........ 181 374 5,614 2,335
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total
revenues...... 332,320 157,763 479,315 434,507
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Selling, service and
system management.... 129,435 60,501 176,515 157,197
General and
administrative....... 51,912 24,245 72,351 73,017
Transaction and
severance costs...... 16,034 114,167 -- --
Management fees --
related party........ 3,048 -- -- --
Depreciation and
amortization......... 174,968 64,669 188,471 166,429
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating
expenses...... 375,397 263,582 437,337 396,643
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income
(loss)........ (43,077) (105,819) 41,978 37,864
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense........ 93,103 49,905 151,207 144,376
Gain on sale of
assets............... -- (43,662) -- (6,442)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total other
expense....... 93,103 6,243 151,207 137,934
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Loss before
extraordinary
item.......... (136,180) (112,062) (109,229) (100,070)
Extraordinary item -- gain
on early retirement of
debt.................... (2,384) -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net loss........ $(133,796) $(112,062) $(109,229) $(100,070)
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-41
<PAGE> 244
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREDECESSOR (NOTE 1)
----------------------------------
CLASS B
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNERS PARTNERS TOTAL
-------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995.................... $(21,396) $ 310,722 $ 289,326
Net loss...................................... (200) (99,870) (100,070)
-------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996.................... (21,596) 210,852 189,256
Net loss...................................... (218) (109,011) (109,229)
-------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1997.................... (21,814) 101,841 80,027
Net loss -- January 1, 1998 to April 22,
1998....................................... (224) (111,838) (112,062)
-------- --------- ---------
Balance at April 22, 1998....................... $(22,038) $ (9,997) $ (32,035)
======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-42
<PAGE> 245
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUCCESSOR (NOTE 1)
----------------------------------------
MARCUS
CABLE
PROPERTIES, VULCAN
L.L.C. CABLE, INC. TOTAL
----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Initial capitalization (note 3)................ $53,200 $1,346,800 $1,400,000
Capital contribution (note 3).................. -- 20,000 20,000
Net loss -- April 23, 1998 to December 23,
1998......................................... (5,084) (128,712) (133,796)
------- ---------- ----------
Balance at December 23, 1998................... $48,116 $1,238,088 $1,286,204
======= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-43
<PAGE> 246
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUCCESSOR (NOTE 1) PREDECESSOR (NOTE 1)
-------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
PERIOD FROM APRIL 23 PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1 --------------------------
TO DECEMBER 23, 1998 TO APRIL 22, 1998 1997 1996
-------------------- --------------------- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................. $(133,796) $(112,062) $(109,229) $(100,070)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary item -- gain on early
retirement of debt.................... (2,384) -- -- --
Gain on sale of assets.................. -- (43,662) -- (6,442)
Depreciation and amortization........... 174,969 64,669 188,471 166,429
Non cash interest expense............... 52,942 24,819 72,657 63,278
Amortization of carrying value
premium............................... (11,043) -- -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net
of working capital adjustments for
acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net.............. 6,550 1,330 (6,439) (70)
Prepaid expenses and other............ (1,356) (1,855) 95 (574)
Other assets.......................... -- (16) (385) (502)
Payables to related party............. 3,048 -- -- --
Accrued liabilities................... (1,504) 90,804 9,132 (3,063)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating
activities:...................... 87,426 24,027 154,302 118,986
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of cable systems.............. -- (57,500) (53,812) (10,272)
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash
acquired and selling costs.............. 340,568 64,564 -- 20,638
Additions to property, plant and
equipment............................... (158,388) (65,715) (197,275) (110,639)
Other..................................... (648) (42) -- --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
investing activities:............ 181,532 (58,693) (251,087) (100,273)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under Senior Credit Facility... 158,750 59,000 226,000 65,000
Repayments under Senior Credit Facility... (343,250) (16,250) (131,250) (95,000)
Repayments of notes and debentures........ (109,344) -- -- --
Payment of debt issuance costs............ -- (99) (1,725) --
Cash contributed by member................ 20,000 -- -- --
Payments on other long-term liabilities... (550) (321) (667) (88)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities............. (274,394) 42,330 92,358 (30,088)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents... (5,436) 7,664 (4,427) (11,375)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the period............................. 9,271 1,607 6,034 17,409
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
period.................................... $ 3,835 $ 9,271 $ 1,607 $ 6,034
========= ========= ========= =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Interest paid............................. $ 52,631 $ 28,517 $ 81,155 $ 83,473
========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-44
<PAGE> 247
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(1) ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Marcus Cable Company, L.L.C. ("MCCLLC") and subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") is a Delaware limited liability company, formerly Marcus Cable
Company, L.P. ("MCCLP"). MCCLP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership and
was converted to a Delaware limited liability company on June 9, 1998 (note 3).
The Company derives its primary source of revenues by providing various levels
of cable television programming and services to residential and business
customers. The Company's operations are conducted through Marcus Cable Operating
Company, L.L.C. ("MCOC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company
has operated its cable television systems primarily in Texas, Wisconsin,
Indiana, California and Alabama.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
MCCLLC and its subsidiary limited liability companies and corporations. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
On April 23, 1998, Vulcan Cable, Inc. and Paul G. Allen (collectively
referred to as "Vulcan") acquired all of the outstanding limited partnership
interests and substantially all of the general partner interest in MCCLP. Under
the terms of the purchase agreement, the owner of the remaining 0.6% general
partner interest (the "Minority Interest") in the Company can cause Vulcan to
purchase the 0.6% general partner interest under certain conditions, or Vulcan
can cause the Minority Interest to sell its interest to Vulcan under certain
conditions, at a fair value of not less than $8,000.
As a result of this acquisition (the "Vulcan Acquisition"), the Company has
applied purchase accounting in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. Accordingly, MCCLP adjusted its equity as of April 23,
1998 to reflect the amount paid in the Vulcan Acquisition and has allocated that
amount to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair
values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of MCCLP's tangible
and separately identifiable intangible assets less liabilities was allocated as
franchises. The allocation of the purchase price is based, in part, on
preliminary information which is subject to adjustment upon completion of
certain appraisal and valuation information.
The total transaction was valued at $3,243,475 and was allocated as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Franchises............................. $2,492,375
Property, plant and equipment.......... 735,832
Noncompetition agreements.............. 6,343
Other assets........................... 8,925
----------
$3,243,475
==========
</TABLE>
The transaction was initially funded through cash payments of $1,392,000
from Vulcan and the assumption of $1,809,621 in net liabilities. In addition,
Vulcan incurred direct costs of the acquisition (principally financial advisory,
legal and accounting fees) of $20,000, which will be reimbursed by the Company.
In addition, the Company recorded the fair value of the Minority Interest of
$8,000 in equity and $13,854 in direct transaction costs.
In connection with the Vulcan Acquisition, the Company incurred transaction
costs of approximately $114,167, comprised of $90,167 paid to employees of the
Company in
F-45
<PAGE> 248
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
settlement of specially designated Class B units in MCCLP ("EUnit") granted in
past periods by the general partner of MCCLP, and $24,000 of transaction fees
paid to certain equity partners for investment banking services. These
transaction costs have been included in the accompanying consolidated statement
of operations for the period from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998.
As a result of the Vulcan Acquisition and the application of purchase
accounting, financial information in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto for the period from April 23, 1998 to December 23,
1998 (the "Successor Period") are presented on a different cost basis than the
financial information as of December 31, 1997 and for the period from January 1,
1998 to April 22, 1998 and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 (the
"Predecessor Period"), and therefore, such information is not comparable.
Effective December 23, 1998, through a series of transactions, Paul G.
Allen acquired approximately 94% of Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter").
In March 1999, Charter transferred all of its cable television operating
subsidiaries to a subsidiary, Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (Charter
Holdings) in connection with the issuance of Senior Notes and Senior Discount
Notes totaling $3.6 billion. These operating subsidiaries were then transferred
to Charter Communications Operating, LLC ("Charter Operating"). On April 7,
1999, the cable operations of the Company were transferred to Charter Operating
subsequent to the purchase by Paul G. Allen of the Minority Interest. The
transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control
similar to a pooling of interests. For periods subsequent to December 23, 1998
(the date Paul G. Allen controlled both Charter and the Company), the accounts
of the Company will be included in the consolidated financial statements of
Charter Holdings at historical carrying amounts.
As a result of the combination of the Company and Charter, the Company
recognized severance and stay-on bonus compensation of $16,034, which is
included in Transaction and Severance Costs in the accompanying statement of
operations for the period from April 22, 1998 to December 23, 1998. As of
December 23, 1998, 35 employees and officers of the Company had been terminated
and $13,634 had been paid under severance and bonus arrangements. By March 31,
1999, an additional 50 employees will be terminated. The remaining balance of
$2,400 is to be paid by April 30, 1999 and an additional $400 in stay-on bonuses
will be recorded as compensation in 1999 as the related services are provided.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1997,
cash equivalents consist of certificates of deposit and money market funds.
These investments are carried at cost which approximates market value.
(b) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable television
transmission and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer
installation. The costs of disconnecting
F-46
<PAGE> 249
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
a customer are charged to expense in the period incurred. Expenditures for
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and equipment
replacements and betterments are capitalized.
Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems............. 3-10 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements... 5-15 years
Vehicles and equipment................. 3-5 years
</TABLE>
(c) FRANCHISES
Costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises are deferred and
amortized over the estimated lives of the franchises. Costs relating to
unsuccessful franchise applications are charged to expense when it is determined
that the efforts to obtain the franchise will not be successful. Franchise
rights acquired through the purchase of cable television systems, including the
Vulcan Acquisition, represent the excess of the cost of properties acquired over
the amounts assigned to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets at date
of acquisition and are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of
15 years. Accumulated amortization was $264,600 at December 31, 1997.
The historical cost of $37,274 and the related accumulated amortization of
$9,959 for the going concern value of acquired cable television systems as of
December 31, 1997 has been reflected in the caption "Franchises" in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet. This asset was amortized in the
Predecessor Period using the straight-line method over a period of up to 15
years.
(d) NONCOMPETITION AGREEMENTS
Noncompetition agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over
the term of the respective agreements. Accumulated amortization was $19,144 at
December 31, 1997.
(e) OTHER ASSETS
Debt issuance costs were amortized to interest expense over the term of the
related debt. Debt issuance costs associated with debt outstanding at the Vulcan
Acquisition date were eliminated in connection with pushdown accounting.
(f) IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset may be impaired,
the carrying value is reviewed. If a review indicates that the carrying value of
such asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted cash flows related
to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is
reduced to its estimated fair value.
(g) REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
estimated average period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of
F-47
<PAGE> 250
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
December 31, 1997, no installation revenue has been deferred, as direct selling
costs exceeded installation revenue.
Management fee revenues are recognized concurrently with the recognition of
revenues by the managed cable television system, or as a specified monthly
amount as stipulated in the management agreement. Incentive management fee
revenue is recognized upon performance of specified actions as stipulated in the
management agreement.
(h) INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are the responsibility of the individual members and are not
provided for in the accompanying financial statements. The Company's subsidiary
corporations are subject to federal income tax but have had no operations and
therefore, no taxable income since inception.
(i) INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
The Company manages fluctuations in interest rates by using interest rate
hedge agreements, as required by certain of its debt agreements. Interest rate
swaps and caps are accounted for as hedges of debt obligations, and accordingly,
the net settlement amounts are recorded as adjustments to interest expense in
the period incurred.
The Company's interest rate swap agreements require the Company to pay a
fixed rate and receive a floating rate thereby creating thereby creating fixed
rate debt. Interest rate caps are entered into by the Company to reduce the
impact of rising interest rates on floating rate debt.
The Company's participation in interest rate hedging transactions involves
instruments that have a close correlation with its debt, thereby managing its
risk. Interest rate hedge agreements have been designed for hedging purposes and
are not held or issued for speculative purposes.
(j) USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(k) ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT IMPLEMENTED
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Boards adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 133 establishes
accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument
(including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be
recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its
fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special
accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and losses to
offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement, and requires
that a company must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of
transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 1999.
F-48
<PAGE> 251
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company has not yet quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on its
consolidated financial statements nor has it determined the timing or method of
its adoption of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility of
earnings (loss).
(3) CAPITAL STRUCTURE
PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(a) CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
The MCCLP partnership agreement (the "Partnership Agreement") provided for
Class B Units and Convertible Preference Units. Class B Units consisted of
General Partner Units ("GP Units") and Limited Partner Units ("LP Units"). To
the extent that GP Units had the right to vote, GP Units voted as Class B Units
together with Class B LP Units. Voting rights of Class B LP Units were limited
to items specified under the Partnership Agreement. Prior to the dissolution of
the Partnership on June 9, 1998, there were 18,848.19 GP Units and 294,937.67
Class B LP Units outstanding.
The Partnership Agreement also provided for the issuance of a class of
Convertible Preference Units. These units were entitled to a general
distribution preference over the Class B LP Units and were convertible into
Class B LP Units. The Convertible Preference Units could vote together with
Class B Units as a single class, and the voting percentage of each Convertible
Preference Unit, at a given time, was based on the number of Class B LP Units
into which such Convertible Preference Unit is then convertible. MCCLP had
issued 7,500 Convertible Preference Units with a distribution preference and
conversion price of two thousand dollars per unit.
The Partnership Agreement permitted the General Partner, at its sole
discretion, to issue up to 31,517 Employee Units (classified as Class B Units)
to key individuals providing services to the Company. Employee Units were not
entitled to distributions until such time as all units have received certain
distributions as calculated under provisions of the Partnership Agreement
("subordinated thresholds"). At December 31, 1997 28,033.20 Employee Units were
outstanding with a subordinated threshold ranging from $1,600 to $1,750 per unit
(per unit amounts in whole numbers). In connection with the Vulcan Acquisition,
the amount paid to EUnit holders of $90,167 was recognized as Transaction and
Severance Costs in the period from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998.
(b) ALLOCATION OF INCOME AND LOSS TO PARTNERS
MCCLP incurred losses from inception. Losses were allocated as follows:
(1) First, among the partners whose capital accounts exceed their
unreturned capital contributions in proportion to such excesses until each such
partner's capital account equals its unreturned capital contribution; and
(2) Next, to the holders of Class B Units in accordance with their
unreturned capital contribution percentages.
The General Partner was allocated a minimum of 0.2% to 1% of income or loss
at all times, depending on the level of capital contributions made by the
partners.
F-49
<PAGE> 252
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
MEMBERS' EQUITY
Upon completion of the Vulcan Acquisition, Vulcan collectively owned 99.4%
of MCCLP through direct ownership of all LP Units and through 80% ownership of
Marcus Cable Properties, Inc. ("MCPI"), the general partner of Marcus Cable
Properties, L.P. ("MCPLP"), the general partner of MCCLP. The Minority Interest
owned the voting common stock, or the remaining 20% of MCPI. In connection with
the Vulcan Acquisition, historical partners' capital at April 22, 1998 was
eliminated and the Successor entity was initially recapitalized at $1,400,000
(see note 1). In July 1998, Vulcan contributed $20,000 in cash to the Company
relating to certain employee severance arrangements.
On June 9, 1998, MCCLP was converted into a Delaware limited liability
company with two members: Vulcan Cable, Inc., with 96.2% ownership, and Marcus
Cable Properties, L.L.C. ("MCPLLC") (formerly MCPLP), with 3.8% ownership.
Vulcan Cable, Inc. owns approximately 25.6% and MCPI owns approximately 74.4% of
MCPLLC, with Vulcan's interest in MCPI unchanged. As there was no change in
ownership interests, the historical partners' capital balances at June 9, 1998
were transferred to and became the initial equity of MCCLLC, and thus the
accompanying statement of members' equity from April 22, 1998 to December 23,
1998 has been presented as if the conversion of MCCLP into MCCLLC occurred on
April 23, 1998.
As of December 23, 1998, MCCLLC has 100 issued and outstanding membership
units. Income and losses of MCCLLC are allocated to the members in accordance
with their ownership interests. Members are not personally liable for
obligations of MCCLLC.
(4) ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
In 1998, the Company acquired cable television systems in the Birmingham,
Alabama area for a purchase price of $57,500. The excess of the cost of
properties acquired over the amounts assigned to net tangible assets and
noncompetition agreements as of the date of acquisition was approximately
$44,603 and is included in franchises.
Additionally, in 1998, the Company completed the sale of certain cable
television systems for an aggregate sales price of $405,132, resulting in a gain
of $43,662. No gains or losses were recognized on the sale of the cable
television systems divested after the Vulcan Acquisition as such amounts are
considered to be an adjustment of the purchase price allocation as these systems
were designated as assets to be sold at the date of the Vulcan Acquisition.
In 1997, the Company acquired cable television systems in the Dallas-Ft.
Worth, Texas area for a purchase price of $35,263. The excess of the cost of
properties acquired over the amounts assigned to net tangible assets as of the
date of acquisition was $15,098 and is included in franchises.
Additionally, in July 1997, the Company completed an exchange of cable
television systems in Indiana and Wisconsin. According to the terms of the trade
agreement, in addition to the contribution of its systems, the Company paid
$18,549.
In 1996, the Company acquired cable television systems in three separate
transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $10,272. The excess of the cost
of properties acquired over the amounts assigned to net tangible assets as of
the date of acquisition was $4,861 and is included in franchises.
F-50
<PAGE> 253
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Additionally, in 1996, the Company completed the sale of cable television
systems in Washington, D.C. for a sale price of $20,638. The sale resulted in a
gain of $6,442.
The above acquisitions, which were completed during the Predecessor Period,
were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly,
results of operations of the acquired assets have been included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition.
The purchase prices were allocated to tangible and intangible assets based on
estimated fair market values at the dates of acquisition. The cable system trade
discussed above was accounted for as a nonmonetary exchange and, accordingly,
the additional cash contribution was allocated to tangible and intangible assets
based on recorded amounts of the nonmonetary assets relinquished.
Unaudited pro forma operating results as though 1998 and 1997 acquisitions
and divestitures discussed above, including the Vulcan Acquisition, had occurred
on January 1, 1997, with adjustments to give effect to amortization of
franchises, interest expense and certain other adjustments is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1 TO YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 23, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues................................. $444,738 $ 421,665
Operating loss........................... (51,303) (56,042)
Net loss................................. (187,342) (190,776)
</TABLE>
(5) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(PREDECESSOR)
-------------
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems............................ $878,721
Vehicles and other.................................... 37,943
Land and buildings.................................... 17,271
--------
933,935
Accumulated depreciation.............................. (227,309)
--------
$706,626
========
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense for the periods from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998
and from April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998 and for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996 was $35,929, $70,538, $96,220, and $72,281, respectively.
(6) OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(PREDECESSOR)
-------------
<S> <C>
Debt issuance costs................................... $45,225
Other................................................. 1,090
-------
46,315
Accumulated amortization.............................. (9,330)
-------
$36,985
=======
</TABLE>
F-51
<PAGE> 254
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(7) ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(PREDECESSOR)
-------------
<S> <C>
Accrued operating liabilities......................... $27,923
Accrued programming costs............................. 9,704
Accrued franchise fees................................ 10,131
Accrued property taxes................................ 5,125
Accrued interest...................................... 7,949
Other accrued liabilities............................. 7,922
-------
$68,754
=======
</TABLE>
(8) LONG-TERM DEBT
The Company has outstanding the following borrowings on long-term debt
arrangements at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(PREDECESSOR)
-------------
<S> <C>
Senior Credit Facility................................ $ 949,750
13 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount Notes............ 336,304
14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes......................... 213,372
11 7/8% Senior Debentures............................. 100,000
----------
1,599,426
Less current maturities............................... 67,499
----------
$1,531,927
==========
</TABLE>
In conjunction with the Vulcan Acquisition and in accordance with purchase
accounting, the Company recorded its outstanding debt at its fair value. As a
result, the Company recognized a carrying value premium (fair market value of
outstanding debt less historical carrying amount) of $108,292 as of the date of
the Vulcan Acquisition. The carrying value premium is being amortized to
interest expense over the estimated remaining lives of the related indebtedness
using the effective interest method.
The Company, through MCOC, maintains a senior credit facility ("Senior
Credit Facility"), which provides for two term loan facilities, one with a
principal amount of $490,000 that matures on December 31, 2002 ("Tranche A") and
the other with a principal amount of $300,000 million that matures on April 30,
2004 ("Tranche B"). The Senior Credit Facility provides for scheduled
amortization of the two term loan facilities which began in September 1997. The
Senior Credit Facility also provides for a $360,000 revolving credit facility
("Revolving Credit Facility"), with a maturity date of December 31, 2002.
Amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at either
the: i) Eurodollar rate, ii) prime rate, or iii) CD base rate or Federal Funds
rate, plus a margin of up to 2.25%, which is subject to certain quarterly
adjustments based on the ratio of MCOC's total debt to annualized operating cash
flow, as defined. The variable interest rates ranged from 6.23% to 7.75% and
5.97% to 8.00% at December 23, 1998, and December 31, 1997, respectively. A
quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to 0.375% per annum is payable on
the unused commitment under the Senior Credit Facility.
On October 16, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement to amend its
Senior Credit Facility. The amendment provides for, among other items, a
reduction in the permitted leverage and cash flow ratios, a reduction in the
interest rate charge under the Senior Credit Facility and a change in the
restriction related to the use of cash proceeds from asset sales to allow such
proceeds to be used to redeem the 11 7/8% Senior Debentures.
F-52
<PAGE> 255
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
In 1995, the Company issued $299,228 of 14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes due
December 15, 2005 (the "14 1/4% Notes") for net proceeds of $150,003. The
14 1/4% Notes are unsecured and rank pari passu to the 11 7/8% Debentures
(defined below). The 14 1/4% Notes are redeemable at the option of MCCLLC at
amounts decreasing from 107% to 100% of par beginning on June 15, 2000. No
interest is payable until December 15, 2000. Thereafter interest is payable
semi-annually until maturity. The discount on the 14 1/4% Notes is being
accreted using the effective interest method. The unamortized discount was
$85,856 at December 31, 1997.
In 1994, the Company, through MCOC, issued $413,461 face amount of 13 1/2%
Senior Subordinated Discount Notes due August 1, 2004 (the "13 1/2% Notes") for
net proceeds of $215,000. The 13 1/2% Notes are unsecured, are guaranteed by
MCCLLC and are redeemable, at the option of MCOC, at amounts decreasing from
105% to 100% of par beginning on August 1, 1999. No interest is payable on the
13 1/2% Notes until February 1, 2000. Thereafter, interest is payable
semi-annually until maturity. The discount on the 13 1/2% Notes is being
accreted using the effective interest method. The unamortized discount was
$77,157 at December 31, 1997.
In 1993, the Company issued $100,000 principal amount of 11 7/8% Senior
Debentures due October 1, 2005 (the "11 7/8% Debentures"). The 11 7/8%
Debentures were unsecured and were redeemable at the option of the Company on or
after October 1, 1998 at amounts decreasing from 105.9% to 100% of par at
October 1, 2002, plus accrued interest, to the date of redemption. Interest on
the 11 7/8% Debentures was payable semi-annually each April 1 and October 1
until maturity.
On July 1, 1998, $4,500 face amount of the 14 1/4% Notes and $500 face
amount of the 11 7/8% Notes were tendered for gross tender payments of $3,472
and $520 respectively. The payments resulted in a gain on the retirement of the
debt of $753. On December 11, 1998, the 11 7/8% Notes were redeemed for a gross
payment of $107,668, including accrued interest. The redemption resulted in a
gain on the retirement of the debt of $1,631.
The 14 1/4% Notes, 13 1/2% Notes, 11 7/8% Debentures and Senior Credit
Facility are all unsecured and require the Company and/or its subsidiaries to
comply with various financial and other covenants, including the maintenance of
certain operating and financial ratios. These debt instruments also contain
substantial limitations on, or prohibitions of, distributions, additional
indebtedness, liens, asset sales and certain other items.
(9) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying and fair values of the Company's significant financial
instruments as of December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(PREDECESSOR)
-------------------
CARRYING FAIR
VALUE VALUE
-------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Senior Credit Facility...................................... $949,750 $949,750
13 1/2% Notes............................................... 336,304 381,418
14 1/4% Notes............................................... 213,372 258,084
11 7/8% Debentures.......................................... 100,000 108,500
</TABLE>
The carrying amount of the Senior Credit Facility approximates fair value
as the outstanding borrowings bear interest at market rates. The fair values of
the 14 1/4% Notes, 13 1/2% Notes, and 11 7/8% Debentures, are based on quoted
market prices. The Company had interest rate swap agreements covering a notional
amount of $500,000 at December 31, 1997.
F-53
<PAGE> 256
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The weighted average interest pay rate for the interest rate swap
agreements was 5.7% at December 31, 1997. Certain of these agreements allow for
optional extension by the counterparty or for automatic extension in the event
that one month LIBOR exceeds a stipulated rate on any monthly reset date.
Approximately $100,000 notional amount included in the $500,000 notional amount
described above is also modified by an interest rate cap agreement which resets
monthly.
The notional amounts of the interest rate hedge agreements do not represent
amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the Company's
exposure through its use of interest rate hedge agreements. The amounts
exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms
of the contracts.
The fair values of the interest rate hedge agreements generally reflect the
estimated amounts that the Company would receive or (pay) (excluding accrued
interest) to terminate the contracts on the reporting date, thereby taking into
account the current unrealized gains or losses of open contracts. Dealer
quotations are available for the Company's interest rate hedge agreements.
Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate hedge agreements
will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. In addition, some
of the interest rate hedge agreements are with certain of the participating
banks under the Company's Senior Credit Facility thereby reducing the exposure
to credit loss. The Company has policies regarding the financial stability and
credit standing of the major counterparties. Nonperformance by the
counterparties is not anticipated nor would it have a material adverse effect on
the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
(10) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company and Charter entered into a management agreement on October 6,
1998 whereby Charter began to manage the day-to-day operations of the Company.
In consideration for the management consulting services provided by Charter,
Marcus pays Charter an annual fee equal to 3% of the gross revenues of the cable
system operations, plus expenses. From October 6, 1998 to December 23, 1998,
management fees under this agreement were $3,048.
Prior to the consummation of the Vulcan Acquisition, affiliates of Goldman
Sachs owned limited partnership interests in MCCLP. Maryland Cable Partners,
L.P. ("Maryland Cable"), which was controlled by an affiliate of Goldman Sachs,
owned the Maryland Cable systems. MCOC managed the Maryland Cable systems under
the Maryland Cable Agreement. Pursuant to such agreement, MCOC earned a
management fee equal to 4.7% of the revenues of Maryland Cable.
Effective January 31, 1997, Maryland Cable was sold to a third party.
Pursuant to the Maryland Cable Agreement, MCOC recognized incentive management
fees of $5,069 during the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 in conjunction
with the sale. Although MCOC is no longer involved in the active management of
the Maryland Cable systems, MCOC has entered into an agreement with Maryland
Cable to oversee the activities, if any, of Maryland Cable through the
liquidation of the partnership. Pursuant to such agreement, MCOC earns a nominal
monthly fee. During the periods from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and from
April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998, MCOC earned total management fees of $374
and $181, respectively. Including the incentive management fees noted above,
during the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, MCOC earned total management
fees of $5,614 and $2,335, respectively.
F-54
<PAGE> 257
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(11) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan for its employees whereby employees that
qualify for participation under the plan can contribute up to 15% of their
salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a maximum contribution limit as
determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches participant
contributions up to a maximum of 2% of a participant's salary. For the periods
from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and from April 23, 1998 to December 23,
1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company made
contributions to the plan of $329, $536, $761 and $480, respectively.
(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Lease and rental costs charged to expense for the periods from
January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and from April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998,
and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $1,098, $2,222, $3,230,
and $2,767, respectively. The Company also rents utility poles in its
operations. Generally, pole rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the
Company anticipates that such rentals will recur. Rent expense for pole
attachments for the periods from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and from
April 23, 1998 to December 23, 1998 and for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1996 were $1,372 , $2,620, $4,314, and $4,008, respectively.
REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of December 23,
1998, the amount returned by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may
be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous
F-55
<PAGE> 258
MARCUS CABLE COMPANY, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
twelve-month period may be ordered upon certification if the Company is unable
to justify its basic rates. The Company is unable to estimate at this time the
amount of refunds, if any, that may be payable by the Company in the event
certain of its rates are successfully challenged by franchising authorities or
found to be unreasonable by the FCC. The Company does not believe that the
amount of any such refunds would have a material adverse effect on the financial
position or results of operations of the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation.
LITIGATION
In Alabama, Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin, customers have filed punitive
class action lawsuits on behalf of all person residing in those respective
states who are or were potential customers of the Company's cable television
service, and who have been charged a processing fee for delinquent payment of
their cable bill. The actions challenge the legality of the processing fee and
seek declaratory judgment, injunctive relief and unspecified damages. In Alabama
and Wisconsin, the Company has entered into joint speculation and case
management orders with attorneys for plaintiffs. A Motion to Dismiss is pending
in Indiana. The Company intends to vigorously defend the actions. At this stage
of the actions, the Company is not able to project the expenses of defending the
actions or the potential outcome of the actions, including the impact on the
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company is also party to lawsuits which are generally incidental to its
business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the
outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
(13) SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
In March 1999, concurrent with the issuance of Senior Notes and Senior
Discount Notes, the combined company (Charter and the Company, see note 1)
extinguished all long-term debt, excluding borrowings of Charter and the Company
under their respective credit agreements, and refinanced all existing credit
agreements at various subsidiaries of the Company and Charter with a new credit
agreement entered into by a wholly owned subsidiary of the combined company.
F-56
<PAGE> 259
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To CCA Group:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of CCA Holdings
Corp., CCT Holdings Corp. and Charter Communications Long Beach, Inc.
(collectively CCA Group) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the
related combined statements of operations, shareholders' deficit and cash flows
for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. These combined 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the combined financial position of CCA Group and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the combined results of their
operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 1998, through
December 23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
February 5, 1999
F-57
<PAGE> 260
CCA GROUP
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET -- DECEMBER 31, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 4,501
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $926....................................... 9,407
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 1,988
Deferred income tax asset................................. 5,915
----------
Total current assets.............................. 21,811
----------
RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTY, including accrued interest... 13,090
----------
INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 352,860
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $132,871... 806,451
----------
1,159,311
----------
OTHER ASSETS................................................ 13,731
----------
$1,207,943
==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 25,625
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 48,554
Payables to manager of cable television systems -- related
party.................................................. 1,975
----------
Total current liabilities......................... 76,154
----------
DEFERRED REVENUE............................................ 1,882
----------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES....................................... 117,278
----------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities..................... 758,795
----------
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES.................................... 4,291
----------
NOTES PAYABLE, including accrued interest................... 348,202
----------
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT:
Common stock.............................................. 1
Additional paid-in capital................................ 128,499
Accumulated deficit....................................... (227,159)
----------
Total shareholders' deficit....................... (98,659)
----------
$1,207,943
==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-58
<PAGE> 261
CCA GROUP
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1,
1998, YEAR ENDED
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DECEMBER 23, --------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES........................................ $ 324,432 $289,697 $233,392
--------- -------- --------
EXPENSES:
Operating costs............................... 135,705 122,917 102,977
General and administrative.................... 28,440 26,400 18,687
Depreciation and amortization................. 136,689 116,080 96,547
Management fees -- related parties............ 17,392 11,414 8,634
--------- -------- --------
318,226 276,811 226,845
--------- -------- --------
Income from operations..................... 6,206 12,886 6,547
--------- -------- --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income............................... 4,962 2,043 1,883
Interest expense.............................. (113,824) (108,122) (88,999)
Other, net.................................... (294) 171 (2,504)
--------- -------- --------
(109,156) (105,908) (89,620)
--------- -------- --------
Net loss................................... $(102,950) $(93,022) $(83,073)
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-59
<PAGE> 262
CCA GROUP
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONAL
COMMON PAID-IN ACCUMULATED
STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT TOTAL
------ ---------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1995........... $ 1 $ 99,999 $ (51,064) $ 48,936
Net loss........................... -- -- (83,073) (83,073)
--- -------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996........... 1 99,999 (134,137) (34,137)
Capital contributions.............. -- 28,500 -- 28,500
Net loss........................... -- -- (93,022) (93,022)
--- -------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997........... 1 128,499 (227,159) (98,659)
Capital contributions.............. -- 5,684 -- 5,684
Net loss........................... -- -- (102,950) (102,950)
--- -------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, December 23, 1998........... $ 1 $134,183 $(330,109) $(195,925)
=== ======== ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-60
<PAGE> 263
CCA GROUP
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1,
1998, YEAR ENDED
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DECEMBER 23, ---------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.............................................. $(102,950) $(93,022) $ (83,073)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by operating activities --
Depreciation and amortization...................... 136,689 116,080 96,547
Amortization of debt issuance costs and non cash
interest cost.................................... 44,701 49,107 39,927
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and
equipment........................................ 511 (156) 1,257
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects
from acquisitions --
Accounts receivable, net......................... 4,779 222 (1,393)
Prepaid expenses and other....................... 243 (175) 216
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............ 3,849 8,797 3,855
Payables to manager of cable television systems,
including deferred management fees............ 3,485 784 448
Deferred revenue................................. 1,336 559 (236)
Other operating activities....................... 5,583 (3,207) 1,372
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........ 98,226 78,989 58,920
--------- -------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment............ (95,060) (82,551) (56,073)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired....... -- (147,187) (122,017)
Other investing activities............................ (2,898) (1,296) 54
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.............. (97,958) (231,034) (178,036)
--------- -------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debt.......................... 300,400 162,000 127,000
Repayments of long-term debt.......................... (64,120) (39,580) (13,100)
Payments of debt issuance costs....................... (8,442) (3,360) (3,126)
Repayments under notes payable........................ (230,994) -- --
Capital contributions................................. -- 28,500 --
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities....................................... (3,156) 147,560 110,774
--------- -------- ---------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............... (2,888) (4,485) (8,342)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.......... 4,501 8,986 17,328
--------- -------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period................ $ 1,613 $ 4,501 $ 8,986
========= ======== =========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST.................................. $ 179,781 $ 49,687 $ 51,434
========= ======== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-61
<PAGE> 264
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
CCA Group consists of CCA Holdings Corp. (CCA Holdings), CCT Holdings Corp.
(CCT Holdings) and Charter Communications Long Beach, Inc. (CC-LB), all Delaware
corporations (collectively referred to as "CCA Group" or the "Company") and
their subsidiaries. The combined financial statements of each of these companies
have been combined by virtue of their common ownership and management. All
material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
CCA Holdings commenced operations in January 1995 in connection with
consummation of the Crown Transaction (as defined below). The accompanying
financial statements include the accounts of CCA Holdings; its wholly-owned
subsidiary, CCA Acquisition Corp. (CAC); CAC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Cencom
Cable Entertainment, Inc. (CCE); and Charter Communications Entertainment I,
L.P. (CCE-I), which is controlled by CAC through its general partnership
interest. Through December 23, 1998, CCA Holdings was approximately 85% owned by
Kelso Investment Associates V, L.P., an investment fund, together with an
affiliate (collectively referred to as "Kelso" herein) and certain other
individuals and approximately 15% by Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter),
manager of CCE-I's cable television systems.
CCT Holdings was formed on January 6, 1995. CCT Holdings commenced
operations in September 1995 in connection with consummation of the Gaylord
Transaction (as defined below). The accompanying financial statements include
the accounts of CCT Holdings and Charter Communications Entertainment II, L.P.
(CCE-II), which is controlled by CCT Holdings through its general partnership
interest. Through December 23, 1998, CCT Holdings was owned approximately 85% by
Kelso and certain other individuals and approximately 15% by Charter, manager of
CCE-II's cable television systems.
In January 1995, CAC completed the acquisition of certain cable television
systems from Crown Media, Inc. (Crown), a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards,
Incorporated (Hallmark) (the "Crown Transaction"). On September 29, 1995, CAC
and CCT Holdings entered into an Asset Exchange Agreement whereby CAC exchanged
a 1% undivided interest in all of its assets for a 1.22% undivided interest in
certain assets to be acquired by CCT Holdings from an affiliate of Gaylord
Entertainment Company, Inc. (Gaylord). Effective September 30, 1995, CCT
Holdings acquired certain cable television systems from Gaylord (the "Gaylord
Transaction"). Upon execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement, CAC and CCT
Holdings entered into a series of agreements to contribute the assets acquired
under the Crown Transaction to CCE-I and certain assets acquired in the Gaylord
acquisition to CCE-II. Collectively, CCA Holdings and CCT Holdings own 100% of
CCE-I and CCE-II.
CC-LB was acquired by Kelso and Charter in May 1997. The accompanying
financial statements include the accounts of CC-LB and its wholly owned
subsidiary, Long Beach Acquisition Corp. (LBAC) from the date of acquisition.
Through December 23, 1998, CC-LB was owned approximately 85% by Kelso and
certain other individuals and approximately 15% by Charter, manager of LBAC's
cable television systems.
F-62
<PAGE> 265
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Effective December 23, 1998, Paul G. Allen acquired 94% of Charter through
a series of transactions. In conjunction with Mr. Allen's acquisition, Charter
acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of CCA Holdings, CCT Holdings and CC-LB
on December 23, 1998.
In 1998, CCE-I provided cable television service to customers in
Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri and New Hampshire, CCE-II
provided cable television service to customers in California and LBAC provided
cable television service to customers in Long Beach, California, and certain
surrounding areas.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1997,
cash equivalents consist primarily of repurchase agreements. These investments
are carried at cost that approximates market value.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable television
transmission and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer
installation. The costs of disconnecting a residence are charged to expense in
the period incurred. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense as incurred, and equipment replacement costs and betterments are
capitalized.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems........................... 3-15 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements................. 5-15 years
Vehicles and equipment............................... 3-5 years
</TABLE>
In 1997, the Company shortened the estimated useful lives of certain property,
plant and equipment for depreciation purposes. As a result, additional
depreciation of $8,123 was recorded during 1997.
FRANCHISES
Costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises are deferred and
amortized over the lives of the franchises. Costs relating to unsuccessful
franchise applications are charged to expense when it is determined that the
efforts to obtain the franchise will not be successful. Franchise rights
acquired through the purchase of cable television systems represent management's
estimate of fair value and are amortized using the straight-line method over 15
years.
OTHER ASSETS
Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the
related debt. The interest rate cap costs are being amortized over the terms of
the agreement, which approximates three years.
F-63
<PAGE> 266
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes."
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
In 1997, CC-LB acquired the stock of LBAC for an aggregate purchase price,
net of cash acquired, of $147,200. In connection with the completion of this
acquisition, LBAC recorded $55,900 of deferred income tax liabilities resulting
from differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of certain assets
acquired. The excess of the cost of properties acquired over the amounts
assigned to net tangible assets at the date of acquisition was $190,200 and is
included in franchises.
In 1996, the Company acquired cable television systems in three separate
transactions for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $122,000.
The excess of the cost of properties acquired over the amounts assigned to net
tangible assets at the dates of acquisition was $100,200 and is included in
franchises.
The above acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, results of operations of the acquired assets have
been included in the financial statements from the dates of the acquisitions.
Unaudited pro forma operating results for the 1997 acquisitions as though
the acquisitions had been made on January 1, 1997, with pro forma adjustments to
give effect to amortization of franchises, interest expense and certain other
adjustments as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1997
(UNAUDITED)
-------------
<S> <C>
Revenues............................................ $303,797
Income from operations.............................. 14,108
Net loss............................................ (94,853)
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma information has been presented for comparative
purposes and does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations had
these transactions been completed as of the assumed date or which may be
obtained in the future.
3. RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTY:
In connection with the transfer of certain assets acquired in the Gaylord
Transaction to Charter Communications Properties, Inc. (CCP), Charter
Communications Properties Holding Corp. (CCP Holdings), the parent of CCP and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Charter, entered into a $9,447 promissory note with
CCT Holdings. The promissory note
F-64
<PAGE> 267
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
bears interest at the rates paid by CCT Holdings on the Gaylord Seller Note.
Principal and interest are due on September 29, 2005. Interest income has been
accrued based on an average rate of interest over the life of the Gaylord Seller
Note, which approximates 15.4% and totaled $1,899 for the period from January 1,
1998, through December 23, 1998, and $1,806 and $1,547 for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, interest
receivable totaled $3,643.
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems............................ $ 426,241
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements............ 15,443
Vehicles and equipment................................ 24,375
---------
466,059
Less -- Accumulated depreciation...................... (113,199)
---------
$ 352,860
=========
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense for the period from January 1, 1998, through December
23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, was $72,914,
$59,599 and $39,575, respectively.
5. OTHER ASSETS:
Other assets consists of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Debt issuance costs..................................... $13,416
Note receivable......................................... 2,100
Other................................................... 1,342
-------
16,858
Less -- Accumulated amortization........................ (3,127)
-------
$13,731
=======
</TABLE>
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following at December
31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued interest........................................ $ 8,389
Franchise fees.......................................... 6,434
Programming expenses.................................... 5,855
Accounts payable........................................ 4,734
Public education and governmental costs................. 4,059
Salaries and related benefits........................... 3,977
Capital expenditures.................................... 3,629
Other................................................... 11,477
-------
$48,554
=======
</TABLE>
F-65
<PAGE> 268
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CCE-I:
Term loans............................................. $274,120
Fund loans............................................. 85,000
Revolving credit facility.............................. 103,800
--------
462,920
--------
CCE-II:
Term loans............................................. 105,000
Revolving credit facility.............................. 123,500
--------
228,500
--------
LBAC:
Term loans............................................. 85,000
Revolving credit facility.............................. 8,000
--------
93,000
--------
Total debt..................................... 784,420
Less -- Current maturities............................... (25,625)
--------
Total long-term debt........................... $758,795
========
</TABLE>
CCE-I CREDIT AGREEMENT
CCE-I maintains a credit agreement (the "CCE-I Credit Agreement"), which
provides for a $280,000 term loan that matures on September 30, 2006, an $85,000
fund loan that matures on March 31, 2007, and a $175,000 revolving credit
facility with a maturity date of September 30, 2006. Amounts under the CCE-I
Credit Agreement bear interest at either the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as
defined, plus a margin of up to 2.75%. The variable interest rate ranged from
6.88% to 8.06% at December 23, 1998, and from 7.63% to 8.50% and 7.63% to 8.38%
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Commencing June 30, 2002, and at the end of each calendar quarter
thereafter, available borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the
term loan shall be reduced on an annual basis by 12.0% in 2002 and 15.0% in
2003. Commencing June 30, 2002, and at the end of each calendar quarter
thereafter, the available borrowings for the fund loan shall be reduced on an
annual basis by 0.75% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003. A quarterly commitment fee of
between 0.375% and 0.5% per annum is payable on the unborrowed balance of the
revolving credit facility.
COMBINED CREDIT AGREEMENT
CCE-II and LBAC maintain a credit agreement (the "Combined Credit
Agreement") which provides for two term loan facilities, one with the principal
amount of $100,000 that matures on March 31, 2005, and the other with the
principal amount of $90,000 that matures on March 31, 2006. The Combined Credit
Agreement also provides for a $185,000 revolving credit facility, with a
maturity date of March 31, 2005. Amounts under the Combined Credit Agreement
bear interest at either the LIBOR Rate or Base
F-66
<PAGE> 269
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Rate, as defined, plus a margin of up to 2.5%. The variable interest rate ranged
from 6.56% to 7.59% at December 23, 1998, and from 7.50% to 8.38% at December
31, 1997, respectively.
Commencing March 31, 2001, and at the end of each quarter thereafter,
available borrowings under the revolving credit facility and one term loan shall
be reduced on an annual basis by 5.0% in 2001, 15.0% in 2002 and 18.0% in 2003.
Commencing in December 31, 1999, and at the end of each quarter thereafter,
available borrowings under the other term loan shall be reduced on annual basis
by 0.5% in 1999, 0.8% in 2000, 1.0% in 2001, 1.0% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003. A
quarterly commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.375% per annum, based upon the
intercompany indebtedness of the Company, is payable on the unborrowed balance
of the revolving credit facility.
CCE CREDIT AGREEMENT
In October 1998, Charter Communications Entertainment, L.P. (CCE L.P.), a
98% direct and indirect owner of CCE-I and CCE-II and indirectly owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (the "CCE L.P. Credit
Agreement") which provides for a term loan facility with the principal amount of
$130,000 that matures on September 30, 2007. Amounts under the CCE L.P. Credit
Agreement bear interest at the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a
margin of up to 3.25%. The variable interest rate at December 23, 1998, was
8.62%.
Commencing June 30, 2002, and the end of each calendar quarter thereafter,
the available borrowings for the term loan shall be reduced on an annual basis
by 0.75% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003.
CCE-II HOLDINGS CREDIT AGREEMENT
CCE-II Holdings, LLC (CCE-II Holdings), a wholly owned subsidiary of CCE
L.P. and the parent of CCE-II, entered into a credit agreement (the "CCE-II
Holdings Credit Agreement") in November 1998, which provides for a term loan
facility with the principal amount of $95,000 that matures on September 30,
2006. Amounts under the CCE-II Holdings Credit Agreement bear interest at either
the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin of up to 3.25%. The
variable rate at December 23, 1998, was 8.56%.
Commencing June 30, 2002, and at the end of each quarter thereafter,
available borrowings under the revolving credit facility and one term loan shall
be reduced on an annual basis by 0.5% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003.
The credit agreements require the Company to comply with various financial
and nonfinancial covenants, including the maintenance of annualized operating
cash flow to fixed charge ratio, as defined, not to exceed 1.0 to 1.0. These
debt instruments also contain substantial limitations on, or prohibitions of,
distributions, additional indebtedness, liens asset sales and certain other
items.
F-67
<PAGE> 270
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
8. NOTES PAYABLE:
Notes payable consists of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
HC Crown Note............................................ $ 82,000
Accrued interest on HC Crown Note........................ 36,919
Gaylord Seller Note...................................... 165,688
Accrued interest on Gaylord Seller Note.................. 63,595
--------
Total.......................................... $348,202
========
</TABLE>
In connection with the Crown Transaction, the Company entered into an
$82,000 senior subordinated loan agreement with a subsidiary of Hallmark, HC
Crown Corp., and pursuant to such loan agreement issued a senior subordinated
note (the "HC Crown Note"). The HC Crown Note was an unsecured obligation. The
HC Crown Note was limited in aggregate principal amount to $82,000 and has a
stated maturity date of December 31, 1999 (the "Stated Maturity Date"). Interest
has been accrued at 13% per annum, compounded semiannually, payable upon
maturity. In October 1998, the Crown Note and accrued interest was paid in full.
In connection with the Gaylord Transaction, CCT Holdings entered into a
$165,700 subordinated loan agreement with Gaylord (the "Gaylord Seller Note").
Interest expense has been accrued based on an average rate of interest over the
life of the Gaylord Seller Note, which approximated 15.4%.
In connection with the Gaylord Transaction, CCT Holdings, CCE L.P. and
Gaylord entered into a contingent payment agreement (the "Contingent
Agreement"). The Contingent Agreement indicates CCE L.P. will pay Gaylord 15% of
any amount distributed to CCT Holdings in excess of the total of the Gaylord
Seller Note, Crown Seller Note and $450,000. In conjunction with the Paul G.
Allen acquisition of Charter and the Company, Gaylord was paid an additional
$132,000 pursuant to the Contingent Agreement and the Gaylord Seller Note was
paid in full.
9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
A summary of debt and the related interest rate hedge agreements at
December 31, 1997, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
--------------------------------
CARRYING NOTIONAL FAIR
VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DEBT
Debt under credit agreements...................... $784,420 $ -- $784,420
HC Crown Note (including accrued interest)........ 118,919 -- 118,587
Gaylord Seller Note (including accrued
interest)....................................... 229,283 -- 214,074
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
Swaps............................................. -- 405,000 (1,214)
Caps.............................................. -- 120,000 --
Collars........................................... -- 190,000 (437)
</TABLE>
F-68
<PAGE> 271
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
As the long-term debt under the credit agreements bear interest at current
market rates, their carrying amount approximates fair market value at December
31, 1997. Fair value of the HC Crown Note is based upon trading activity at
December 31, 1997. Fair value of the Gaylord Seller Note is based on current
redemption value.
The weighted average interest pay rate for the Company's interest rate swap
agreements was 7.82% at December 31, 1997. The weighted average interest rate
for the Company's interest rate cap agreements was 8.49% at December 31, 1997.
The weighted average interest rates for the Company's interest rate collar
agreements were 9.04% and 7.57% for the cap and floor components, respectively,
at December 31, 1997.
The notional amounts of interest rate hedge agreements do not represent
amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the Company's
exposure through its use of interest rate hedge agreements. The amounts
exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms
of the contracts.
The fair value of interest rate hedge agreements generally reflects the
estimated amounts that the Company would receive or pay (excluding accrued
interest) to terminate the contracts on the reporting date, thereby taking into
account the current unrealized gains or losses of open contracts. Dealer
quotations are available for the Company's interest rate hedge agreements.
Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate hedge agreements
will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. In addition, some
of the interest rate hedge agreements are with certain of the participating
banks under the Company's Senior Credit Facility thereby reducing the exposure
to credit loss. The Company has policies regarding the financial stability and
credit standing of major counterparties. Nonperformance by the counterparties is
not anticipated nor would it have a material adverse effect on the results of
operations or the financial position of the Company.
F-69
<PAGE> 272
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
10. COMMON STOCK:
The Company's common stock consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CCA Holdings:
Common stock -- Class A, voting, $.01 par value, 100,000
shares authorized; 75,515 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ $ 1
Common stock -- Class B, voting, $.01 par value, 20,000
shares authorized; 4,300 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ --
Common stock -- Class C, nonvoting, $.01 par value, 5,000
shares authorized; 185 shares issued and outstanding... --
---
1
---
CCT Holdings:
Common stock -- Class A, voting, $.01 par value, 20,000
shares authorized; 16,726 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ --
Common stock -- Class B, voting, $.01 par value, 4,000
shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ --
Common stock -- Class C, nonvoting, $.01 par value, 1,000
shares authorized; 275 shares issued and outstanding... --
---
CC-LB:
Common stock -- Class A, voting, $.01 par value, 31,000
shares authorized, 27,850 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ --
Common stock -- Class B, voting, $.01 par value, 2,000
shares authorized, 1,500 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ --
Common stock -- Class C, nonvoting, $.01 par value, 2,000
shares authorized, 650 shares issued and outstanding... --
---
Total common stock................................ $ 1
===
</TABLE>
CCA HOLDINGS
The Class A Voting Common Stock (CCA Class A Common Stock) and Class C
Nonvoting Common Stock (CCA Class C Common Stock) have certain preferential
rights upon liquidation of CCA Holdings. In the event of liquidation,
dissolution or "winding up" of CCA Holdings, holders of CCA Class A and Class C
Common Stock are entitled to a preference of $1,000 per share. After such amount
is paid, holders of Class B Voting Common Stock (CCA Class B Common Stock) are
entitled to receive $1,000 per share. Thereafter, Class A and Class C
shareholders shall ratably receive the remaining proceeds.
If upon liquidation, dissolution or "winding up" the assets of CCA Holdings
are insufficient to permit payment to Class A and Class C shareholders for their
full preferential amounts, all assets of CCA Holdings shall then be distributed
ratably to Class A and Class C shareholders. Furthermore, if the proceeds from
liquidation are inadequate to pay Class B shareholders their full preferential
amounts, the proceeds are to be distributed on a pro rata basis to Class B
shareholders.
Upon the occurrence of any Conversion Event (as defined within the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation) Class C shareholders may convert any
or all of their outstanding shares into the same number of Class A shares.
Furthermore, CCA Holdings
F-70
<PAGE> 273
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
may automatically convert outstanding Class C shares into the same number of
Class A shares.
CCA Holdings is restricted from making cash dividends on its common stock
until the balance outstanding under the HC Crown Note is repaid.
Charter and Kelso entered into a Stockholders' Agreement providing for
certain restrictions on the transfer, sale or purchase of CCA Holdings' common
stock.
CCT HOLDINGS
The Class A Voting Common Stock (CCT Class A Common Stock) and Class C
Nonvoting Common Stock (CCT Class C Common Stock) have certain preferential
rights upon liquidation of CCT Holdings. In the event of liquidation,
dissolution or "winding up" of CCT Holdings, holders of CCT Class A Common Stock
and Class C Common Stock are entitled to a preference of $1,000 per share. After
such amount is paid, holders of Class B Voting Common Stock (CCT Class B Common
Stock) are entitled to receive $1,000 per share. Thereafter, Class A and Class C
shareholders shall ratably receive the remaining proceeds.
If upon liquidation, dissolution or "winding up" the assets of CCT Holdings
are insufficient to permit payment to Class A Common Stock and Class C
shareholders for their full preferential amount, all assets of the Company shall
then be distributed ratably to Class A and Class C shareholders. Furthermore, if
the proceeds from liquidation are inadequate to pay Class B shareholders their
full preferential amount, the proceeds are to be distributed on a pro rata basis
to Class B shareholders.
Upon the occurrence of any Conversion Event (as defined within the Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), Class C shareholders may convert any
or all of their outstanding shares into the same number of Class A shares.
Furthermore, CCT Holdings may automatically convert outstanding Class C shares
into the same number of Class A shares.
CCT Holdings is restricted from making cash dividends on its common stock
until the balance outstanding under the note payable to seller is repaid.
Charter and Kelso entered into a Stockholders' Agreement providing for
certain restrictions on the transfer, sale or purchase of CCT Holdings' common
stock.
CC-LB
The Class A Voting Common Stock (CC-LB Class A Common Stock) and Class C
Nonvoting Common Stock (CC-LB Class C Common Stock) have certain preferential
rights upon liquidation of CC-LB. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or
"winding up" of CC-LB, holders of CC-LB Class A Common Stock and Class C Common
Stock are entitled to a preference of $1,000 per share. After such amount is
paid, holders of Class B Voting Common Stock (CC-LB Class B Common Stock) are
entitled to receive $1,000 per share. Thereafter, Class A, Class B and Class C
shareholders shall ratably receive the remaining proceeds.
If upon liquidation, dissolution or "winding up" the assets of CC-LB are
insufficient to permit payment to Class A and Class C shareholders for their
full preferential amount,
F-71
<PAGE> 274
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
all assets of the Company shall then be distributed ratably to Class A and Class
C shareholders. Furthermore, if the proceeds from liquidation are inadequate to
pay Class B shareholders their full preferential amount, the proceeds are to be
distributed on a pro rata basis to Class B shareholders.
CC-LB Class C Common Stock may be converted into CC-LB Class A Common Stock
upon the transfer of CC-LB Class C Common Stock to a person not affiliated with
the seller. Furthermore, CC-LB may automatically convert outstanding Class C
shares into the same number of Class A shares.
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Charter provides management services to the Company under the terms of a
contract which provides for annual base fees equal to $9,277 and $9,485 for the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the year ended
December 31, 1997, respectively, plus an additional fee equal to 30% of the
excess, if any, of operating cash flow (as defined in the management agreement)
over the projected operating cash flow. Payment of the additional fee is
deferred due to restrictions provided within the Company's credit agreements.
Deferred management fees bear interest at 8.0% per annum. The additional fees
for the periods from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, totaled $2,160, $1,990 and $1,255,
respectively. In addition, the Company receives financial advisory services from
an affiliate of Kelso, under terms of a contract which provides for fees equal
to $1,064 and $1,113 per annum as of January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998,
and December 31, 1997, respectively. Management and financial advisory service
fees currently payable of $2,281 are included in payables to manager of cable
television systems -- related party at December 31, 1997.
The Company pays certain acquisition advisory fees to an affiliate of Kelso
and Charter, which typically equal approximately 1% of the total purchase price
paid for cable television systems acquired. Total acquisition fees paid to the
affiliate of Kelso for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, were $-0-. Total acquisition fees paid to the affiliate of Kelso in 1997
and 1996 were $-0- and $1,400, respectively. Total acquisition fees paid to
Charter for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, were
$-0-. Total acquisition fees paid to Charter in 1997 and 1996 were $-0- and
$1,400, respectively.
The Company and all entities managed by Charter collectively utilize a
combination of insurance coverage and self-insurance programs for medical,
dental and workers' compensation claims. Medical coverage provides for $2,435
aggregate stop loss protection and a loss limitation of $100 per person per
year. Workers' compensation coverage provides for $800 aggregate stop loss
protection and a loss limitation of $150 per person per year. Charges are
determined by independent actuaries at the present value of the actuarially
computed present and future liabilities for such benefits. The Company is
allocated its share of the charges monthly based upon its total number of
employees, historical claims and medical cost trend rates. Management considers
this allocation to be reasonable for the operations of the Company. For the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, the Company expensed
$1,950 relating to insurance allocations. During 1997 and 1996, the Company
expensed $1,689 and $2,065, respectively, relating to insurance allocations.
F-72
<PAGE> 275
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Beginning in 1996, the Company and other entities managed by Charter
employed the services of Charter's National Data Center (the "National Data
Center"). The National Data Center performs certain customer billing services
and provides computer network, hardware and software support to the Company and
other affiliated entities. The cost of these services is allocated based on the
number of customers. Management considers this allocation to be reasonable for
the operations of the Company. For the period from January 1, 1998, through
December 23, 1998, the Company expensed $843 relating to these services. During
1997 and 1996, the Company expensed $723 and $466 relating to these services,
respectively.
CCE-I maintains a regional office. The regional office performs certain
operational services on behalf of CCE-I and other affiliated entities. The cost
of these services is allocated to CCE-I and affiliated entities based on their
number of customers. Management considers this allocation to be reasonable for
the operations of CCE-I. From the period January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, the Company expensed $1,926 relating to these services. During 1997 and
1996, CCE-I expensed $861 and $799, respectively, relating to these services.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Lease and rental costs charged to expense for the period from
January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, was $2,222. Rent expense incurred
under these leases during 1997 and 1996 was $1,956 and $1,704, respectively.
The Company also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such
rentals will recur. Rent expensed incurred for pole attachments for the period
from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, was $2,430. Rent expense
incurred for pole attachments during 1997 and 1996 was $2,601 and $2,330,
respectively.
LITIGATION
The Company is a party to lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of
conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with
legal counsel, the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
13. REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY:
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
F-73
<PAGE> 276
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of December 23,
1998, the amount refunded by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may
be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company is unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation. The Company is subject to state regulation in
Connecticut.
14. INCOME TAXES:
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future
tax consequence attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred income tax assets
F-74
<PAGE> 277
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year
in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the liability
or asset recorded for deferred taxes. A valuation allowance must be established
for any portion of a deferred tax asset for which it is more likely than not
that a tax benefit will not be realized.
For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, no current provision (benefit) for
income taxes was recorded. The effective income tax rate is less than the
federal rate of 35% primarily due to providing a valuation allowance on deferred
income tax assets.
Deferred taxes are comprised of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable................................... $ 252
Other assets.......................................... 7,607
Accrued expenses...................................... 4,740
Deferred revenue...................................... 624
Deferred management fees.............................. 1,654
Tax loss carryforwards................................ 80,681
Tax credit carryforward............................... 1,360
Valuation allowance................................... (40,795)
---------
Total deferred income tax assets.............. 56,123
---------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment......................... (38,555)
Franchise costs....................................... (117,524)
Other................................................. (11,407)
---------
Total deferred income tax liabilities......... (167,486)
---------
Net deferred income tax liability............. $(111,363)
=========
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1997, the Company had net operating loss (NOL)
carryforwards for regular income tax purposes aggregating $204,400, which expire
in various years from 1999 through 2012. Utilization of the NOLs carryforwards
is subject to certain limitations.
15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The Company's employees may participate in the Charter Communications, Inc.
401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Employees that qualify for participation can
contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a
maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The
Company contributes an amount equal to 50% of the first 5% of contributions by
each employee. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998,
the Company contributed $585 to the 401(k) plan. During 1997 and 1996, the
Company contributed approximately $499 and $435 to the 401(k) Plan,
respectively.
Certain employees of the Company are participants in the 1996 Charter
Communications/Kelso Group Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan
covers certain key employees and consultants within the group of companies and
partnerships controlled by
F-75
<PAGE> 278
CCA GROUP
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
affiliates of Kelso and managed by Charter. The Plan permits the granting of up
to 1,000,000 units, of which 705,000 were outstanding at December 31, 1997.
Unless otherwise provided in a particular instance, units vest at a rate of 20%
per annum. The Plan entitles participants to receive payment of the appreciated
unit value for vested units, upon the occurrence of certain events specified in
the Plan (i.e. change in control, employee termination) The units do not
represent a right to an equity interest to any entities within the CCA Group.
Compensation expense is based on the appreciated unit value and is amortized
over the vesting period.
As a result of the acquisition of Charter and the Company, the Plan was
terminated, all outstanding units became 100% vested and all amounts were paid
by Charter in 1999. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, the Company recorded $5,684 of expense, included in management fees, and a
contribution from Charter related to the Appreciation Rights Plan.
16. ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.
133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's
gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and
assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company has
not yet quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on its consolidated
financial statements nor has it determined the timing or method of its adoption
of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility in earnings
(loss).
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
Subsequent to December 23, 1998, CCA Holdings, CCT Holdings and CC-LB
converted to limited liability companies and are now known as CCA Holdings LLC,
CCT Holdings LLC and Charter Communications Long Beach, LLC, respectively.
F-76
<PAGE> 279
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To CharterComm Holdings, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CharterComm
Holdings, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, partners' capital and cash flows for the
period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, and for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996. These consolidated 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 CharterComm Holdings, L.P.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
February 5, 1999
F-77
<PAGE> 280
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET -- DECEMBER 31, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 2,742
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $330....................................... 3,158
Prepaid expenses and other................................ 342
--------
Total current assets.............................. 6,242
--------
INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 235,808
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $119,968... 480,201
--------
716,009
--------
OTHER ASSETS................................................ 16,176
--------
$738,427
========
</TABLE>
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt...................... $ 5,375
Accounts payable and accrued expenses..................... 30,507
Payables to manager of cable television systems -- related
party.................................................. 1,120
--------
Total current liabilities......................... 37,002
--------
DEFERRED REVENUE............................................ 1,719
--------
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities..................... 666,662
--------
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES.................................... 7,805
--------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES....................................... 5,111
--------
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED LIMITED UNITS -- 577.81 units,
issued and outstanding.................................... 20,128
--------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
General Partner........................................... --
Common Limited Partners -- 220.24 units issued and
outstanding............................................ --
--------
Total partners' capital........................... --
--------
$738,427
========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-78
<PAGE> 281
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1,
1998, YEAR ENDED
THROUGH DECEMBER 31
DECEMBER 23, --------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES........................................ $196,801 $175,591 $120,280
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating costs............................... 83,745 75,728 50,970
General and administrative.................... 14,586 12,607 9,327
Depreciation and amortization................. 86,741 76,535 53,133
Management fees -- related party.............. 14,780 8,779 6,014
-------- -------- --------
199,852 173,649 119,444
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations.............. (3,051) 1,942 836
-------- -------- --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income............................... 211 182 233
Interest expense.............................. (66,121) (61,498) (41,021)
Other, net.................................... (1,895) 17 (468)
-------- -------- --------
(67,805) (61,299) (41,256)
-------- -------- --------
Loss before extraordinary item............. (70,856) (59,357) (40,420)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM -- Loss on early retirement
of debt....................................... (6,264) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net loss................................... (77,120) (59,357) (40,420)
REDEMPTION PREFERENCE ALLOCATION:
Special Limited Partner units................. -- -- (829)
Redeemable Preferred Limited units............ -- -- (4,081)
NET LOSS ALLOCATED TO REDEEMABLE PREFERRED
LIMITED UNITS................................. 20,128 2,553 4,063
-------- -------- --------
Net loss applicable to partners' capital
accounts................................. $(56,992) $(56,804) $(41,267)
======== ======== ========
NET LOSS ALLOCATION TO PARTNERS' CAPITAL
ACCOUNTS:
General Partner............................... $(56,992) $(21,708) $(38,391)
Common Limited Partners....................... -- (35,096) (2,876)
-------- -------- --------
$(56,992) $(56,804) $(41,267)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-79
<PAGE> 282
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNER PARTNERS TOTAL
------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, December 31, 1995........................ $ 29,396 $ 2,202 $ 31,598
Capital contributions........................... 30,703 2,300 33,003
Allocation of net loss.......................... (38,391) (2,876) (41,267)
-------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996........................ 21,708 1,626 23,334
Capital contributions........................... -- 33,470 33,470
Allocation of net loss.......................... (21,708) (35,096) (56,804)
-------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997........................ -- -- --
Capital contributions........................... 4,920 -- 4,920
Allocation of net loss.......................... (56,992) -- (56,992)
-------- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 23, 1998........................ $(52,072) $ -- $(52,072)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-80
<PAGE> 283
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1,
1998,
THROUGH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
DECEMBER 23, -----------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss........................................ $ (77,120) $ (59,357) $ (40,420)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities --
Extraordinary item -- Loss on early
retirement of debt......................... 6,264 -- --
Depreciation and amortization................ 86,741 76,535 53,133
Amortization of debt issuance costs, debt
discount and interest rate cap
agreements................................. 14,563 14,212 9,564
Loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment.................................. 1,714 203 367
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
effects from acquisition --
Accounts receivable, net................... 2,000 369 (303)
Prepaid expenses and other................. (203) 943 245
Accounts payable and accrued expenses...... (1,970) 3,988 9,911
Payables to manager of cable television
systems, including deferred management
fees.................................... 9,456 3,207 3,479
Deferred revenue........................... 770 (82) 452
Other operating activities................. 5,378 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating
activities.............................. 47,593 40,018 36,428
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment...... (85,044) (72,178) (48,324)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash
acquired..................................... (5,900) (159,563) (145,366)
Other investing activities...................... 5,280 1,577 (2,089)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities........ (85,664) (230,164) (195,779)
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowings of long-term debt.................... 547,400 231,250 260,576
Repayments of long-term debt.................... (505,300) (67,930) (34,401)
Partners' capital contributions................. -- 29,800 --
Payment of debt issuance costs.................. (3,651) (3,593) (11,732)
Payment of Special Limited Partnership units.... -- -- (43,243)
Repayments of note payable -- related party..... -- -- (15,000)
Payments for interest rate cap agreements....... -- -- (35)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities.... 38,449 189,527 156,165
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS..................................... 378 (619) (3,186)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.... 2,742 3,361 6,547
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.......... $ 3,120 $ 2,742 $ 3,361
========= ========= =========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST............................ $ 61,559 $ 42,538 $ 28,860
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-81
<PAGE> 284
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
CharterComm Holdings, L.P. (CharterComm Holdings) was formed in March 1996
with the contributions of Charter Communications Southeast Holdings, L.P.
(Southeast Holdings), Charter Communications, L.P. (CC-I) and Charter
Communications II, L.P. (CC-II). This contribution was accounted for as a
reorganization under common control and, accordingly, the consolidated financial
statements and notes have been restated to include the results and financial
position of Southeast Holdings, CC-I and CC-II.
Through December 23, 1998, CharterComm Holdings was owned 75.3% by
affiliates of Charterhouse Group International, Inc., a privately owned
investment firm (collectively referred to herein as "Charterhouse"), indirectly
owned 5.7% by Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter), manager of the
Partnership's (as defined below) cable television systems, and owned 19.0%
primarily by other institutional investors.
Effective December 23, 1998, Paul G. Allen acquired 94% of Charter through
a series of transactions. In conjunction with Mr. Allen's acquisition, Charter
acquired 100% of the outstanding partnership interests in CharterComm Holdings
on December 23, 1998.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
CharterComm Holdings and its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the
"Partnership" herein. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
In 1998, the Partnership through its subsidiaries provided cable television
service to customers in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina,
South Carolina and Tennessee.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 1997,
cash equivalents consist primarily of repurchase agreements. These investments
are carried at cost that approximates market value.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable television
transmission and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer
installation. The costs of disconnecting a customer are charged to expense in
the period incurred. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense as incurred, and equipment replacement and betterments are capitalized.
F-82
<PAGE> 285
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives of the related assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems............................. 3-15 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements................... 5-15 years
Vehicles and equipment................................. 3-5 years
</TABLE>
In 1997, the Partnership shortened the estimated useful lives of certain
property, plant and equipment for depreciation purposes. As a result, an
additional $4,775 of depreciation was recorded during 1997.
FRANCHISES
Costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises are deferred and
amortized over the lives of the franchises. Costs relating to unsuccessful
franchise applications are charged to expense when it is determined that the
efforts to obtain the franchise will not be successful. Franchise rights
acquired through the purchase of cable television systems represent management's
estimate of fair value and are generally amortized using the straight-line
method over a period of 15 years. In addition, approximately $100,000 of
franchise rights are being amortized over a period of 3 to 11 years.
OTHER ASSETS
Debt issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term
of the related debt. The interest rate cap costs are being amortized over the
terms of the agreement, which approximates three years.
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset may be impaired,
the carrying value is reviewed. If a review indicates that the carrying value of
such asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted cash flows related
to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is
reduced to its estimated fair value.
REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
estimated average period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of December 31, 1997, no installation revenue has
been deferred, as direct selling costs exceeded installation revenue.
Fees collected from programmers to guarantee carriage are deferred and
amortized to income over the life of the contracts. Local governmental
authorities impose franchise fees on the Partnership ranging up to a federally
mandated maximum of 5.0% of gross revenues. On a monthly basis, such fees are
collected from the Partnership's customers and
F-83
<PAGE> 286
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
are periodically remitted to local franchises. Franchise fees collected and paid
are reported as revenue.
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
The Partnership manages fluctuations in interest rates by using interest
rate hedge agreements, as required by certain debt agreements. Interest rate
swaps, caps and collars are accounted for as hedges of debt obligations, and
accordingly, the net settlement amounts are recorded as adjustments to interest
expense in the period incurred. Premiums paid for interest rate caps are
deferred, included in other assets, and are amortized over the original term of
the interest rate agreement as an adjustment to interest expense.
The Partnership's interest rate swap agreements require the Partnership to
pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate thereby creating fixed rate debt.
Interest rate caps and collars are entered into by the Partnership to reduce the
impact of rising interest rates on floating rate debt.
The Partnership's participation in interest rate hedging transactions
involves instruments that have a close correlation with its debt, thereby
managing its risk. Interest rate hedge agreements have been designed for hedging
purposes and are not held or issued for speculative purposes.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Other, net includes gain and loss on disposition of property, plant and
equipment, and other miscellaneous items, all of which are not directly related
to the Partnership's primary line of business. In 1996, the Partnership recorded
$367 of nonoperating losses for its portion of insurance deductibles pertaining
to damage caused by hurricanes to certain cable television systems.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are the responsibility of the partners and are not provided
for in the accompanying financial statements except for Peachtree Cable TV, Inc.
(Peachtree), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, which is a C corporation and
for which taxes are presented in accordance with SFAS No. 109.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. ACQUISITIONS:
In 1998, the Partnership acquired cable television systems in one
transaction for a purchase price net of cash acquired, of $5,900. The excess
cost of properties acquired over
F-84
<PAGE> 287
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the amounts assigned to net tangible assets at the date of acquisition was
$5,000 and is included in franchises.
In 1997, the Partnership acquired cable television systems in three
separate transactions for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of
$159,600. The excess of the cost of properties acquired over the amounts
assigned to net tangible assets at the date of acquisition was $126,400 and is
included in franchises.
In 1996, the Partnership acquired cable television systems in three
separate transactions for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of
$145,400. The excess of the cost of properties acquired over the amounts
assigned to net tangible assets at the date of acquisition was $118,200 and is
included in franchises.
The above acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, results of operations of the acquired assets have
been included in the financial statements from the dates of acquisition.
Unaudited pro forma operating results for the 1997 acquisitions as though
the acquisitions had been made on January 1, 1997, with pro forma adjustments to
give effect to amortization of franchises, interest expense and certain other
adjustments are as follows.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1997
------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C>
Revenues............................................... $182,770
Income from operations................................. 2,608
Net loss............................................... (61,389)
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of
the results of operations had these transactions been completed as of the
assumed date or which may be obtained in the future.
3. DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS:
For financial reporting purposes, redemption preference allocations,
profits and losses are allocated to partners in accordance with the liquidation
provision of the applicable partnership agreement.
As stated in the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership may make
distributions to the partners out of all available funds at such times and in
such amounts as the General Partner may determine in its sole discretion.
4. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED LIMITED UNITS:
As of December 31, 1995, certain Redeemable Preferred Limited Partner units
of CC-I and CC-II were outstanding. During 1996, the Partnership issued certain
Redeemable Preferred Limited Partner units of CharterComm Holdings.
The Preferred Limited Partners' preference return has been reflected as an
addition to the Redeemable Preferred Limited Partner units, and the decrease has
been allocated to
F-85
<PAGE> 288
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
the General Partner and Common Limited Partner consistent with the liquidation
and distribution provisions in the partnership agreements.
At December 23, 1998, the balance related to the CharterComm Holdings
Preferred Limited Partner units was as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Contribution, March 1996................................. $ 20,052
1996 redemption preference allocation.................. 2,629
Allocation of net loss................................. --
--------
Balance, December 31, 1996............................... 22,681
1997 redemption preference allocation.................. --
Allocation of net loss................................. (2,553)
--------
Balance, December 31, 1997............................... 20,128
1998 redemption preference allocation.................. --
Allocation of net loss................................. (20,128)
--------
Balance, December 23, 1998............................... $ --
========
</TABLE>
The 1998 and 1997 redemption preference allocations of $4,617 and $4,020,
respectively, have not been reflected in the Preferred Limited Partners' capital
accounts since the General Partner and Common Limited Partners' capital accounts
have been reduced to $-0-.
5. SPECIAL LIMITED PARTNER UNITS (CC-I):
Prior to March 28, 1996, certain Special Limited Partner units of CC-I were
outstanding. CC-I's profits were allocated to the Special Limited Partners until
allocated profits equaled the unrecovered preference amount (preference amounts
range from 6% to 17.5% of the unrecovered initial cost of the partnership units
and unrecovered preference amounts per annum). When there was no profit to
allocate, the preference return was reflected as a decrease in Partners'
Capital.
In accordance with a purchase agreement and through the use of a capital
contribution from Charter Communications Southeast, L.P. (Southeast), a wholly
owned subsidiary of Southeast Holdings, resulting from the proceeds of the Notes
(see Note 9), CC-I paid the Special Limited Partners $43,243 as full
consideration for their partnership interests on March 28, 1996.
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31,
1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable distribution systems............................... $274,837
Land, buildings and leasehold improvements............... 5,439
Vehicles and equipment................................... 14,669
--------
294,945
Less -- Accumulated depreciation......................... (59,137)
--------
$235,808
========
</TABLE>
F-86
<PAGE> 289
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Depreciation expense for the period from January 1, 1998, through December
23, 1998, and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, was $44,307,
$33,634 and $16,997, respectively.
7. OTHER ASSETS:
Other assets consist of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Debt issuance costs....................................... $18,385
Other assets.............................................. 3,549
-------
21,934
Less -- Accumulated amortization.......................... (5,758)
-------
$16,176
=======
</TABLE>
As a result of the payment and termination of the CC-I Credit Agreement and
CC-II Credit Agreement (see Note 9), debt issuance costs of $6,264 were written
off as an extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt for the period from
January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998.
8. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following at December
31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued interest.......................................... $ 9,804
Franchise fees............................................ 3,524
Programming costs......................................... 3,391
Accounts payable.......................................... 2,479
Capital expenditures...................................... 2,099
Salaries and related benefits............................. 2,079
Other..................................................... 7,131
-------
$30,507
=======
</TABLE>
9. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Senior Secured Discount Debentures....................... $146,820
11 1/4% Senior Notes..................................... 125,000
Credit Agreements:
CC-I................................................... 112,200
CC-II.................................................. 339,500
--------
723,520
Less:
Current maturities..................................... (5,375)
Unamortized discount................................... (51,483)
--------
$666,662
========
</TABLE>
F-87
<PAGE> 290
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
SENIOR SECURED DISCOUNT DEBENTURES
On March 28, 1996, Southeast Holdings and CharterComm Holdings Capital
Corporation (Holdings Capital), a wholly owned subsidiary of Southeast Holdings
(collectively the "Debentures Issuers"), issued $146,820 of Senior Secured
Discount Debentures (the "Debentures") for proceeds of $75,000. Proceeds from
the Debentures were used to pay fees and expenses related to the issuance of the
Debentures and the balance of $72,400 was a capital contribution to Southeast.
The Debentures are secured by all of Southeast Holdings' ownership interest in
Southeast and rank pari passu in right and priority of payment to all other
existing and future indebtedness of the Debentures Issuers. The Debentures are
effectively subordinated to the claims of creditors of Southeast Holdings'
subsidiaries, including the Combined Credit Agreement (as defined herein). The
Debentures are redeemable at the Debentures Issuers' option at amounts
decreasing from 107% to 100% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the redemption date, beginning on March 15, 2001. The Debentures Issuers are
required to make an offer to purchase all of the Debentures, at a purchase price
equal to 101% of the principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid
interest, upon a Change in Control, as defined in the Debentures Indenture. No
interest is payable on the Debentures prior to March 15, 2001. Thereafter,
interest on the Debentures is payable semiannually in arrears beginning
September 15, 2001, until maturity on March 15, 2007. The discount on the
Debentures is being accreted using the effective interest method at an interest
rate of 14% from the date of issuance to March 15, 2001.
11 1/4% SENIOR NOTES
Southeast and CharterComm Capital Corporation (Southeast Capital), a wholly
owned subsidiary of Southeast (collectively the "Notes Issuers"), issued
$125,000 aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes (the "Notes"). The
Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Notes Issuers and rank pari passu
in right and priority of payment to all other existing and future indebtedness
of the Notes Issuers. The Notes are effectively subordinated to the claims of
creditors of Southeast's subsidiaries, including the lenders under the Combined
Credit Agreement. The Notes are redeemable at the Notes Issuers' option at
amounts decreasing from 105.625% to 100% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid
interest to the date of redemption, beginning on March 15, 2001. The Notes
Issuers are required to make an offer to purchase all of the Notes, at a
purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, together with accrued and
unpaid interest, upon a Change in Control, as defined in the Notes Indenture.
Interest is payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 until maturity on
March 15, 2006.
Southeast and Southeast Holdings are holding companies with no significant
assets other than their direct and indirect investments in CC-I and CC-II.
Southeast Capital and Holdings Capital were formed solely for the purpose of
serving as co-issuers and have no operations. Accordingly, the Notes Issuers and
Debentures Issuers must rely upon distributions from CC-I and CC-II to generate
funds necessary to meet their obligations, including the payment of principal
and interest on the Notes and Debentures.
F-88
<PAGE> 291
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
COMBINED CREDIT AGREEMENT
In June 1998, CC-I and CC-II (the "Borrowers") replaced their existing
credit agreements and entered into a combined credit agreement (the "Combined
Credit Agreement"), which provides for two term loan facilities, one with the
principal amount of $200,000 that matures on June 30, 2007, and the other with
the principal amount of $150,000 that matures on December 31, 2007. The Combined
Credit Agreement also provides for a $290,000 revolving credit facility, with a
maturity date of June 30, 2007. Amounts under the Combined Credit Agreement bear
interest at the LIBOR Rate or Base Rate, as defined, plus a margin of up to
2.0%. The variable interest rates ranged from 6.69% to 7.31% at December 23,
1998.
Commencing March 31, 2002, and at the end of each calendar quarter
thereafter, the available borrowings for the revolving credit facility and the
$200,000 term loan shall be reduced on an annual basis by 11.0% in 2002 and
14.6% in 2003. Commencing March 31, 2002, and at the end of each calendar
quarter thereafter, the available borrowings for the $150,000 term loan shall be
reduced on an annual basis by 1.0% in 2002 and 1.0% in 2003. A quarterly
commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.375% per annum is payable on the
unborrowed balance of the revolving credit facility.
The Debentures, Notes and Combined Credit Agreement require the Partnership
to comply with various financial and nonfinancial covenants including the
maintenance of a ratio of debt to annualized operating cash flow, as defined,
not to exceed 5.25 to 1 at December 23, 1998. These debt instruments also
contain substantial limitations on, or prohibitions of, distributions,
additional indebtedness, liens, asset sales and certain other items.
CC-I CREDIT AGREEMENT
CC-I maintained a credit agreement (the "CC-I Credit Agreement") with a
consortium of banks for borrowings up to $127,200, consisting of a revolving
line of credit of $63,600 and a term loan of $63,600. Interest accrued, at
CC-I's option, at rates based upon the Base Rate, as defined in the CC-I Credit
Agreement, LIBOR, or prevailing bid rates of certificates of deposit plus the
applicable margin based upon CC-I's leverage ratio at the time of the
borrowings. The variable interest rates ranged from 7.75% to 8.00% and 7.44% to
7.50% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
In June 1998, the CC-I Credit Agreement was repaid and terminated in
conjunction with the establishment of the Combined Credit Agreement.
CC-II CREDIT AGREEMENT
CC-II maintained a credit agreement (the "CC-II Credit Agreement") with a
consortium of banks for borrowings up to $390,000, consisting of a revolving
credit facility of $215,000, and two term loans totaling $175,000. Interest
accrued, at CC-II's option, at rates based upon the Base Rate, as defined in the
CC-II Credit Agreement, LIBOR, or prevailing bid rates of certificates of
deposit plus the applicable margin based upon CC-II's leverage ratio at the time
of the borrowings. The variable interest rates ranged from 7.63% to 8.25% and
7.25% to 8.125% at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
F-89
<PAGE> 292
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
In June 1998, the CC-II Credit Agreement was repaid and terminated in
conjunction with the establishment of the Combined Credit Agreement.
10. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
A summary of debt and the related interest rate hedge agreements at
December 31, 1997, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CARRYING NOTIONAL FAIR
VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DEBT
Senior Secured Discount Debentures........ $ 95,337 $ -- $115,254
11 1/4% Senior Notes...................... 125,000 -- 136,875
CC-I Credit Agreement..................... 112,200 -- 112,200
CC-II Credit Agreement.................... 339,500 -- 339,500
INTEREST RATE HEDGE AGREEMENTS
CC-I:
Swaps................................... -- 100,000 (797)
CC-II:
Swaps................................... -- 170,000 (1,030)
Caps.................................... -- 70,000 --
Collars................................. -- 55,000 (166)
</TABLE>
As the CC-I and CC-II Credit Agreements bear interest at current market
rates, their carrying amounts approximate fair market values at December 31,
1997. The fair value of the Notes and the Debentures is based on current
redemption value.
The weighted average interest pay rate for CC-I interest rate swap
agreements was 8.07% at December 31, 1997.
The weighted average interest pay rate for CC-II interest rate swap
agreements was 8.03% at December 31, 1997. The weighted average interest rate
for CC-II interest cap agreements was 8.48% at December 31, 1997. The weighted
average interest rates for CC-II interest rate collar agreements were 9.01% and
7.61% for the cap and floor components, respectively, at December 31, 1997.
The notional amounts of interest rate hedge agreements do not represent
amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the
Partnership's exposure through its use of interest rate hedge agreements. The
amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amount and the
other terms of the contracts.
The fair value of interest rate hedge agreements generally reflects the
estimated amounts that the Partnership would receive or pay (excluding accrued
interest) to terminate the contracts on the reporting date, thereby taking into
account the current unrealized gains or losses of open contracts. Dealer
quotations are available for the Partnership's interest rate hedge agreements.
Management believes that the sellers of the interest rate hedge agreements
will be able to meet their obligations under the agreements. In addition, some
of the interest rate hedge agreements are with certain of the participating
banks under the Partnership's credit
F-90
<PAGE> 293
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
facilities thereby reducing the exposure to credit loss. The Partnership has
policies regarding the financial stability and credit standing of major
counterparties. Nonperformance by the counterparties is not anticipated nor
would it have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or the
financial position of the Partnership.
11. INCOME TAXES:
The book value of the Partnership's net assets (excluding Peachtree)
exceeds its tax reporting basis by $2,919 as of December 31, 1997.
As of December 31, 1997, temporary differences and carryforwards that gave
rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities for Peachtree are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred income tax assets:
Accounts receivable..................................... $ 4
Accrued expenses........................................ 29
Deferred management fees................................ 111
Deferred revenue........................................ 24
Tax loss carryforwards.................................. 294
Tax credit carryforwards................................ 361
-------
Total deferred income tax assets................ 823
-------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment........................... (1,372)
Franchises and other assets............................. (4,562)
-------
Total deferred income tax liabilities........... (5,934)
-------
Net deferred income tax liability............... $(5,111)
=======
</TABLE>
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Charter provides management services to the Partnership under the terms of
contracts which provide for fees equal to 5% of the Partnership's gross service
revenues. The debt agreements prohibit payment of a portion of such management
fees (40% for both CC-I and CC-II) until repayment in full of the outstanding
indebtedness. The remaining 60% of management fees, are paid quarterly through
December 31, 1998. Thereafter, the entire fee may be deferred if a multiple of
EBITDA, as defined, does not exceed outstanding indebtedness of CC-I and CC-II.
In addition, payments due on the Notes and Debentures shall be paid before any
deferred management fees are paid. Expenses recognized under the contracts for
the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, were $9,860.
Expenses recognized under the contracts during 1997 and 1996 were $8,779 and
$6,014, respectively. Management fees currently payable of $1,432 are included
in payables to manager of cable television systems -- related party at December
31, 1997.
The Partnership and all entities managed by Charter collectively utilize a
combination of insurance coverage and self-insurance programs for medical,
dental and workers' compensation claims. Medical coverage provides for $2,435
aggregate stop loss protection and a loss limitation of $100 per person per
year. Workers' compensation coverage provides for $800 aggregate stop loss
protection and a loss limitation of $150 per person per year.
F-91
<PAGE> 294
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Charges are determined by independent actuaries at the present value of the
actuarially computed present and future liabilities for such benefits. The
Partnership is allocated its share of the charges monthly based upon its total
number of employees, historical claims and medical cost trend rates. Management
considers this allocation to be reasonable for the operations of the
Partnership. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, the
Partnership expensed $1,831 relating to insurance allocations. During 1997 and
1996, the Partnership expensed $1,524 and $1,136, respectively, relating to
insurance allocations.
The Partnership employs the services of Charter's National Data Center (the
"National Data Center"). The National Data Center performs certain customer
billing services and provides computer network, hardware and software support
for the Partnership and other entities managed by Charter. The cost of these
services is allocated based on the number of basic customers. Management
considers this allocation to be reasonable for the operations of the
Partnership. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, the
Partnership expensed $685 relating to these services. During 1997 and 1996, the
Partnership expensed $606 and $345, respectively, relating to these services.
CC-I, CC-II and other entities managed by Charter maintain regional
offices. The regional offices perform certain operational services. The cost of
these services is allocated based on number of basic customers. Management
considers this allocation to be reasonable for the operations of the
Partnership. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, the
Partnership expensed $3,009 relating to these services. During 1997 and 1996,
the Partnership expensed $1,992 and $1,294, respectively, relating to these
services.
The Partnership pays certain acquisition advisory fees to Charter and
Charterhouse for cable television systems acquired. Total acquisition fees paid
to Charter for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, were
$-0-. Total acquisition fees paid to Charter in 1997 and 1996 were $982 and
$1,738, respectively. Total acquisition fees paid to Charterhouse for the period
from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, were $-0-. Total acquisition
fees paid to Charterhouse in 1997 and 1996 were $982 and $1,738, respectively.
During 1997, the ownership of CharterComm Holdings changed as a result of
CharterComm Holdings receiving a $25,000 cash contribution from an institutional
investor, a $3,000 cash contribution from Charterhouse and a $2,000 cash
contribution from Charter, as well as the transfer of assets and liabilities of
a cable television system through a series of transactions initiated by Charter
and Charterhouse. Costs of $200 were incurred in connection with the cash
contributions. These contributions were contributed to Southeast Holdings which,
in turn, contributed them to Southeast.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASES
The Partnership leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Lease and rental costs charged to expense for the period from
January 1, 1998,
F-92
<PAGE> 295
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
through December 23, 1998, was $642. Rent expense incurred under leases during
1997 and 1996 was $615 and $522, respectively.
The Partnership also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Partnership anticipates that
such rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for
the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23, 1998, was $3,261. Rent
expense incurred for pole attachments during 1997 and 1996 was $2,930 and
$2,092, respectively.
LITIGATION
The Partnership is a party to lawsuits that arose in the ordinary course of
conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with
legal counsel, the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse
effect on the Partnership's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of December 23,
1998, the amount returned by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may
be required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company is unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The
F-93
<PAGE> 296
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation.
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
The Partnership's employees may participate in Charter Communications, Inc.
401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Employees that qualify for participation can
contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a
maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The
Partnership contributes an amount equal to 50% of the first 5% of contributions
by each employee. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, the Partnership contributed $305. During 1997 and 1996, the Partnership
contributed $262 and $149, respectively.
Certain Partnership employees participate in the 1996 Charter
Communications/ Charterhouse Group Appreciation Rights Plan (the "Appreciation
Rights Plan"). The Appreciation Rights Plan covers certain key employees and
consultants within the group of companies and partnerships controlled by
Charterhouse and managed by Charter. The Plan permits the granting of up to
1,000,000 units, of which 925,000 were outstanding at December 31, 1997. Unless
otherwise provided in a particular instance, units vest at a rate of 20% per
annum. The Plan entitles participants to receive payment of the appreciated unit
value for vested units, upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the
Plan (i.e. change in control, employee termination). The units do not represent
a right to an equity interest in CharterComm Holdings. Compensation expense is
based on the appreciated unit value and is amortized over the vesting period.
As a result of the acquisition of Charter and the Partnership, the Plan was
terminated, all outstanding units became 100% vested and all amounts were paid
by Charter in 1999. For the period from January 1, 1998, through December 23,
1998, the Partnership recorded $4,920 of expense, included in management fees,
and a contribution from Charter related to the Appreciation Rights Plan.
F-94
<PAGE> 297
CHARTERCOMM HOLDINGS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
15. ACCOUNTING STANDARD NOT YET IMPLEMENTED:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board adopted SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No.
133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair
value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting
criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's
gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
statement, and requires that a company must formally document, designate and
assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Partnership
has not yet quantified the impacts of adopting SFAS No. 133 on its consolidated
financial statements nor has it determined the timing or method of its adoption
of SFAS No. 133. However, SFAS No. 133 could increase volatility in earnings
(loss).
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
Subsequent to December 31, 1998, CharterComm Holdings, L.P. and all of its
subsidiaries converted to limited liability companies and are now known as
CharterComm Holdings LLC and subsidiaries.
F-95
<PAGE> 298
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Greater Media, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Greater Media
Cablevision Systems (see Note 1) (collectively, the "Combined Systems") included
in Greater Media, Inc., as of September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the related
combined statements of income, changes in net assets, and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended September 30, 1998. These combined financial
statements are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the
Combined Systems, as of September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
March 2, 1999
F-96
<PAGE> 299
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS (SEE NOTE 1)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30,
MARCH 31, ------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 2,440 $ 4,080 $ 3,680
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $308 (unaudited), $244 and
$337)........................................ 2,577 2,755 2,739
Prepaid expenses and other current assets....... 3,052 2,746 1,949
------- ------- -------
Total current assets.................... 8,069 9,581 8,368
Property and equipment, net....................... 58,196 54,468 41,971
Intangible assets, net............................ 2,653 2,690 1,647
Other assets...................................... 80 77 103
------- ------- -------
Total assets............................ $68,998 $66,816 $52,089
======= ======= =======
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses........... $ 6,022 $ 7,125 $ 5,299
Customers' prepayments and deferred installation
revenue...................................... 1,904 1,910 1,815
------- ------- -------
Total current liabilities............... 7,926 9,035 7,114
Other long-term liabilities....................... 3,618 3,650 3,920
Net assets........................................ 57,454 54,131 41,055
------- ------- -------
Total liabilities and net assets........ $68,998 $66,816 $52,089
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined balance
sheets.
F-97
<PAGE> 300
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS (SEE NOTE 1)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------- ---------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET REVENUES....................... $40,515 $37,389 $77,127 $73,436 $66,816
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating expenses............... 17,356 16,009 32,665 31,115 29,460
General and administrative....... 5,850 5,313 10,869 11,211 10,321
Corporate charges................ 2,057 1,882 3,888 3,696 3,365
Depreciation and amortization.... 4,628 3,631 8,183 7,368 7,353
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
29,891 26,835 55,605 53,390 50,499
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income from operations........ 10,624 10,554 21,522 20,046 16,317
OTHER EXPENSES:
Interest expense, net.............. (297) (177) (504) (307) (764)
Other.............................. 17 (15) (532) (957) (366)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION IN LIEU OF
INCOME TAXES..................... 10,344 10,362 20,486 18,782 15,187
Provision in lieu of income taxes
(Note 6)......................... 4,199 4,025 8,008 7,964 5,987
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income......................... $ 6,145 $ 6,337 $12,478 $10,818 $ 9,200
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-98
<PAGE> 301
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS (SEE NOTE 1)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
-----
<S> <C>
Balance, September 30, 1995................................. $ 42,185
Net income................................................ 9,200
Provision in lieu of income taxes......................... 5,987
Net payments to affiliates................................ (17,038)
--------
Balance, September 30, 1996................................. 40,334
Net income................................................ 10,818
Provision in lieu of income taxes......................... 7,964
Net payments to affiliates................................ (18,061)
--------
Balance, September 30, 1997................................. 41,055
Net income................................................ 12,478
Provision in lieu of income taxes......................... 8,008
Net payments to affiliates................................ (7,410)
--------
Balance, September 30, 1998................................. 54,131
Net income (unaudited).................................... 6,145
Provision in lieu of income taxes (unaudited)............. 4,199
Net payments to affiliates (unaudited).................... (7,021)
--------
Balance, March 31, 1999 (unaudited)......................... $ 57,454
========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-99
<PAGE> 302
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS (SEE NOTE 1)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------- ----------------------------
1999 1998 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income............................ $ 6,145 $ 6,337 $12,478 $10,818 $ 9,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Provision in lieu of income taxes... 4,199 4,025 8,008 7,964 5,987
Depreciation and amortization....... 4,628 3,631 8,183 7,368 7,353
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed
assets........................... -- (19) 300 715 274
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, prepaid
expenses and other assets........ (129) (3,277) (813) (1,115) (498)
Other assets........................ (3) 27 24 (30) (11)
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses......................... (1,103) 700 1,825 (440) (1,900)
Customers' prepayments and deferred
installation revenue............. (6) 25 96 367 94
Customers' deposits and deferred
revenue.......................... (32) (67) (270) (69) 466
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by operating
activities.......................... 13,699 11,382 29,831 25,578 20,965
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Cash flow from investing activities:
Capital expenditures.................. (8,319) (10,447) (21,049) (7,587) (5,122)
Proceeds from disposition of property
and equipment....................... -- 19 72 -- 128
Purchase of licenses.................. -- (50) (1,044) (99) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Net cash used in investing
activities.......................... (8,319) (10,478) (22,021) (7,686) (4,994)
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Cash flow from financing activities:
Net payments to affiliates............ (7,020) (1,759) (7,410) (18,061) (17,038)
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash....... (1,640) (855) 400 (169) (1,067)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
of year............................. 4,080 3,680 3,680 3,849 4,916
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
year................................ $ 2,440 $ 2,825 $ 4,080 $ 3,680 $ 3,849
======== ======== ======= ======= ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Non-affiliate interest paid during
the year......................... $ 65 $ 90 $ 296 $ 155 $ 447
======== ======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined statements.
F-100
<PAGE> 303
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND OPERATIONS
Greater Media Cablevision Systems is the owner and operator of the
following Massachusetts-based cable television systems: Auburn, Boylston,
Chicopee, Dudley, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Grafton, Hampden, Holden,
Leicester, Ludlow, Millbury, Northborough, Northbridge, Oxford, Paxton,
Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Upton, Webster,
West Boylston, West Brookfield, Westborough, Wilbraham and Worcester ("the
Combined Systems"). The Combined Systems are wholly-owned by Greater Media
Cablevision, Inc. ("the Company"). The combined financial statements do not
include the accounts of Greater Philadelphia Cablevision, Inc. or Greater
Philadelphia Cablevision Limited Partnership (the "Philadelphia System"), which
are also wholly-owned by the Company. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Greater Media, Inc. ("the Parent"). In February, 1999 the Parent and the
Company entered into an agreement ("Sales Agreement") to sell the net assets of
the Company including the Combined Systems but excluding the Philadelphia
Systems to Charter Communications Holdings, LLC.
Significant intercompany accounts and transactions between the Combined
Systems have been eliminated in the combined financial statements. Significant
accounts and transactions with the Parent and other affiliates are disclosed as
related party transactions (See Note 7).
The Combined Systems primarily provide cable television services to
subscribers in central and western Massachusetts.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. For financial
reporting purposes, depreciation is provided on the straight-line method based
on the following estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASSIFICATION YEARS
-------------- -----
<S> <C>
Land improvements........................................ 20
Buildings................................................ 15-40
Furniture, fixtures and equipment........................ 3-15
Trunk and distribution systems........................... 7-12
</TABLE>
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill amortized over forty years
and costs incurred in obtaining and renewing cable franchises which are
amortized over the life of the respective franchise agreements.
F-101
<PAGE> 304
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
REVENUES
Cable revenues from basic and premium services are recognized when the
related services are provided.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles 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 revenue and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
QUARTERLY RESULTS
The financial statements included herein as of December 31, 1998 and for
the three months ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 have been prepared by the
Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments have been
made which are of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the
Combined Systems' financial position as of December 31, 1998 and the results of
operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the three months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997. Certain information and footnote disclosures have
been condensed or omitted for these periods. The results for interim periods are
not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.
2. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid and other current assets consist of the following at September 30:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Franchise grant.................................. $1,445 $ 604
Corporate business tax........................... 1,015 882
Other............................................ 286 463
------ ------
Prepaid expenses and other current assets........ $2,746 $1,949
====== ======
</TABLE>
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following at September 30:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Land and land improvements................... $ 1,229 $ 1,134
Buildings.................................... 4,521 4,521
Furniture, fixtures and equipment............ 5,503 4,822
Trunk and distribution systems............... 109,253 97,042
Construction in progress..................... 9,026 4,450
-------- --------
129,532 111,969
Accumulated depreciation..................... 75,064 69,998
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net.................. $ 54,468 $ 41,971
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-102
<PAGE> 305
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Depreciation expense for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
was $8,081, $7,337, and $7,314, respectively. Construction in progress results
primarily from costs to upgrade the systems to fiber optic technologies in the
areas served by the Combined Systems.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of the following at September 30:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Franchise agreements............................. $3,230 $2,883
Customer lists................................... 1,751 1,751
Organization expenses............................ 146 146
Goodwill......................................... 2,260 1,510
Covenant not to compete.......................... 40 40
------ ------
7,427 6,330
Accumulated amortization......................... 4,737 4,683
------ ------
Intangible assets, net........................... $2,690 $1,647
====== ======
</TABLE>
Amortization expense for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
was $102, $31 and $39, respectively.
5. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following at September
30:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts payable................................. $4,733 $3,544
Rate refund liability............................ 923 481
Programming expenses............................. 586 557
Other............................................ 883 717
------ ------
$7,125 $5,299
====== ======
</TABLE>
6. INCOME TAXES
The Combined Systems are included in the consolidated federal income tax
return of the Parent. However, the Parent is responsible for tax payments
applicable to the Combined Systems. The combined financial statements reflect a
provision in lieu of income taxes as if the combined systems were filing on a
separate company basis. Accordingly, the Combined Systems have included the
provision in lieu of income taxes as a component of net assets for all periods
presented.
The provision in lieu of income taxes approximates the amount of tax
computed using U.S. statutory rates, after reflecting state income tax expense
of $2,053, $1,924 and $1,486, for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
F-103
<PAGE> 306
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
As the Sales Agreement represents a sale of assets, Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC will have new tax basis in the Combined Systems' assets and
liabilities acquired.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company and each of its subsidiaries are guarantors of the Parent
Company's debt.
The combined statements include the charge for certain corporate expenses
incurred by the Parent on behalf of the Combined Systems. Such charges amounted
to $3,888, $3,696, and $3,365 for the three years ended September 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996. Management believes that these costs are reasonable and reflect costs
of doing business that the Combined Systems would have incurred on a stand-alone
basis.
The Combined Systems charge an affiliate interest on certain balances,
aggregating $15,000 per year, at an annual rate of 12%. Interest income on such
balances amounted to $1,800 for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 1998. In addition, the Combined Systems are required to pay the
Parent interest on certain balances, at an annual rate of 12%. Interest expense
on such balances amounted to $2,340 for each of these years in the period ended
September 30, 1998, all which were due during the periods presented. The amounts
described above and certain non-interest bearing amounts due affiliates are
included in Net Assets in the Combined Systems balance sheet. As a result of the
Sales Agreement, such amounts will be assumed by the Parent. The interest income
and expense have been netted in the accompanying statement of operations.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
401(k) PLAN
The Combined Systems' employees participate in the Greater Media, Inc.
401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). Employees that qualify for participation can
contribute up to 12% of their salary, on a before tax basis, subject to a
maximum contribution limit as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The
Parent contributes an amount equal to 50% of the participant's contribution,
limited to the lessor of 3% of the participant's compensation or $1 per year.
The Combined Systems expense relating to the 401(k) Plan was $140, $127,
and $96 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
PENSION
Employees of the Combined Systems participate in a pension plan sponsored
by the Parent. The Combined Systems allocable share of the pension expense
amounted to $105, $204 and $217 during the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996, respectively. As a result of the Sales Agreement, the Combined
Systems' employees will be fully vested with respect to their plan benefits,
although no additional benefits will accrue to such employees in the future. In
addition, the Parent will be responsible for the allocable pension liability
($838 at September 30, 1998) and will continue to administer the plan on behalf
of the Combined Systems' employees after the sale is consummated.
F-104
<PAGE> 307
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancellable
operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the years ended
September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, was $2,124, $2,133 and $1,636, respectively.
Rent expense incurred under leases for the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997
and 1996, was $678, $665 and $660, respectively. Future minimum lease payments
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999........................................ $ 690
2000........................................ 618
2001........................................ 524
2002........................................ 402
2003........................................ 396
Thereafter.................................. 3,267
</TABLE>
The Company also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such
rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the
years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996, was $1,008, $840 and $578,
respectively.
LITIGATION
The Company is party to lawsuits that arise in the ordinary course of
conducting its business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with
legal counsel, the outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's combined financial position or results of operations.
REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act" and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject of
judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation
and regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
F-105
<PAGE> 308
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. The Company may be
required to refund additional amounts in the future.
The Combined Systems believe that they have complied in all material
respects with the provisions of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting
provisions promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen
not to certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered
upon certification if a company is unable to justify its basic rates. The
Combined Systems are unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if
any, that may be payable by the Combined Systems in the event certain of its
rates are successfully challenged by franchising authorities or found to be
unreasonable by the FCC. The Combined Systems do not believe that the amount of
any such refunds would have a material adverse effect on their financial
position or results of operations.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Combined Systems cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom
Act on their financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Combined Systems.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation. The Combined Systems are subject to state
regulation in Massachusetts.
F-106
<PAGE> 309
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
Renaissance Media Group LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Renaissance
Media Group LLC as of December 31, 1998 and the related consolidated statements
of operations, changes in members' equity, and cash flows for the year ended
December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 consolidated financial position of Renaissance
Media Group LLC at December 31, 1998, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
February 22, 1999
except for Note 11, as to which
the date is February 24, 1999
F-107
<PAGE> 310
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 8,482
Accounts receivable -- trade (less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $92).......................................... 726
Accounts receivable -- other................................ 584
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 340
Escrow deposit.............................................. 150
Investment in cable television systems:
Property, plant and equipment............................. 71,246
Less: Accumulated depreciation............................ (7,294)
--------
63,952
--------
Cable television franchises............................... 236,489
Less: Accumulated amortization............................ (11,473)
--------
225,016
--------
Intangible assets......................................... 17,559
Less: Accumulated amortization............................ (1,059)
--------
16,500
--------
Total investment in cable television systems......... 305,468
--------
Total assets...................................... $315,750
========
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable............................................ $ 2,042
Accrued expenses(a)......................................... 6,670
Subscriber advance payments and deposits.................... 608
Deferred marketing support.................................. 800
Advances from Holdings...................................... 135
Debt........................................................ 209,874
--------
Total Liabilities................................. 220,129
--------
Members' Equity:
Paid in capital............................................. 108,600
Accumulated deficit......................................... (12,979)
--------
Total members' equity................................ 95,621
--------
Total liabilities and members' equity............. $315,750
========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) includes accrued costs from transactions with affiliated companies of $921.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-108
<PAGE> 311
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REVENUES.................................................... $ 41,524
--------
COSTS & EXPENSES
Service Costs(a).......................................... 13,326
Selling, General & Administrative......................... 7,711
Depreciation & Amortization............................... 19,107
--------
Operating Income....................................... 1,380
Interest Income........................................ 158
Interest (Expense) (b)................................. (14,358)
--------
(Loss) Before Provision for Taxes...................... (12,820)
Provision for Taxes.................................... 135
--------
Net (Loss)............................................. $(12,955)
========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(a) includes costs from transactions with affiliated companies of $7,523.
(b) includes $676 of amortization of deferred financing costs.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-109
<PAGE> 312
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAID TOTAL
IN ACCUMULATED MEMBER'S
CAPITAL (DEFICIT) EQUITY
------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contributed Members' Equity -- Renaissance Media
Holdings LLC and Renaissance Media LLC......... $ 15,000 $ (24) $14,976
Additional capital contributions................. 93,600 -- 93,600
Net (Loss)....................................... -- (12,955) (12,955)
-------- -------- -------
Balance December 31, 1998........................ $108,600 $(12,979) $95,621
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-110
<PAGE> 313
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss).................................................. $(12,955)
Adjustments to non-cash and non-operating items:
Depreciation and amortization............................. 19,107
Accretion on Senior Discount Notes........................ 7,363
Other non-cash charges.................................... 730
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable -- trade, net...................... (726)
Accounts receivable -- other........................... (584)
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................... (338)
Accounts payable....................................... 2,031
Accrued expenses....................................... 6,660
Subscriber advance payments and deposits............... 608
Deferred marketing support............................. 800
--------
Net cash provided by operating activities................... 22,696
--------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchased cable television systems:
Property, plant and equipment.......................... (65,580)
Cable television franchises............................ (235,412)
Cash paid in excess of identifiable assets............. (8,608)
Escrow deposit............................................ (150)
Capital expenditures...................................... (5,683)
Cable television franchises............................... (1,077)
Other intangible assets................................... (526)
--------
Net cash (used in) investing activities..................... (317,036)
--------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Debt acquisition costs.................................... (8,323)
Principal repayments on bank debt......................... (7,500)
Advances from Holdings.................................... 33
Proceeds from bank debt................................... 110,000
Proceeds from 10% Senior Discount Notes................... 100,012
Capital contributions..................................... 108,600
--------
Net cash provided by financing activities................... 302,822
--------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................... 8,482
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997.............. --
--------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998.............. $ 8,482
========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
INTEREST PAID............................................. $ 4,639
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-111
<PAGE> 314
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Renaissance Media Group LLC ("Group") was formed on March 13, 1998 by
Renaissance Media Holdings LLC ("Holdings"). Holdings is owned by Morgan Stanley
Capital Partners III, L.P. ("MSCP III"), Morgan Stanley Capital Investors, L.P.
("MSCI"), MSCP III 892 Investors, L.P. ("MSCP Investors" and, collectively, with
its affiliates, MSCP III and MSCI and their respective affiliates, the "Morgan
Stanley Entities"), Time Warner and the Management Investors. On March 20, 1998,
Holdings contributed to Group its membership interests in two wholly-owned
subsidiaries; Renaissance Media (Louisiana) LLC ("Louisiana") and Renaissance
Media (Tennessee) LLC ("Tennessee"), which were formed on January 7, 1998.
Louisiana and Tennessee acquired a 76% interest and 24% interest, respectively,
in Renaissance Media LLC ("Media") from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners III,
Inc. ("MSCP"), on February 13, 1998 through an acquisition of entities under
common control accounted for as if it were a pooling of interests. As a result,
Media became a subsidiary of Group and Holdings. Group and its aforementioned
subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company". On April 9, 1998,
the Company acquired (the "Acquisition") six cable television systems (the
"Systems") from TWI Cable, Inc. ("TWI Cable"), a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.
("Time Warner"). See Note 3. Prior to this Acquisition, the Company had no
operations other than start-up related activities.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
During fiscal 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued Statement No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" ("FAS 133").
FAS 133 provides a comprehensive and consistent standard for the
recognition and measurement of derivatives and hedging activities. The Company
will adopt FAS 133 as of January 1, 2000. The impact of the adoption on the
Company's consolidated financial statements is not expected to be material.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts
of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
A significant portion of the customer base is concentrated within the local
geographical area of each of the individual cable television systems. The
Company generally extends credit to customers and the ultimate collection of
accounts receivable could be affected by the local economy. Management performs
continuous credit evaluations of its customers and may require cash in advance
or other special arrangements from certain customers. Management does not
believe that there is any significant credit risk which could have a material
effect on the Company's financial condition.
F-112
<PAGE> 315
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
REVENUE AND COSTS
Subscriber fees are recorded as revenue in the period the related services
are provided and advertising revenues are recognized in the period the related
advertisements are exhibited. Rights to exhibit programming are purchased from
various cable networks. The costs of such rights are generally expensed as the
related services are made available to subscribers.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed upon the first exhibition of the related
advertisements. Advertising expense amounted to $491 in 1998.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and investments in short-term,
highly liquid securities, which have maturities when purchased of three months
or less.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at purchased and capitalized
cost. Capitalized internal costs principally, consist of employee costs and
interest on funds borrowed during construction. Capitalized labor, materials and
associated overhead amounted to approximately $1,429 in 1998. Replacements,
renewals and improvements to installed cable plant are capitalized. Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation expense for the
year ended December 31, 1998 amounted to $7,314. Property, plant and equipment
is depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated
service lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings and leasehold improvements........................ 5 - 30 years
Cable systems, equipment and subscriber devices............. 5 - 30 years
Transportation equipment.................................... 3 - 5 years
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment.................... 5 - 10 years
</TABLE>
Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 1998 consisted of:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Land...................................................... $ 432
Buildings and leasehold improvements...................... 1,347
Cable systems, equipment and subscriber devices........... 62,740
Transportation equipment.................................. 2,181
Furniture, Fixtures and office equipment.................. 904
Construction in progress.................................. 3,642
-------
71,246
Less: accumulated depreciation.............................. (7,294)
-------
Total............................................. $63,952
=======
</TABLE>
F-113
<PAGE> 316
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISES AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Cable television franchise costs include the assigned fair value, at the
date of acquisition, of the franchises from purchased cable television systems.
Intangible assets include goodwill, deferred financing and other intangible
assets. Cable television franchises and intangible assets are amortized using
the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cable television franchises................................. 15 years
Goodwill.................................................... 25 years
Deferred financing and other intangible assets.............. 2 - 10 years
</TABLE>
Intangible assets at December 31, 1998 consisted of:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Goodwill.................................................... $ 8,608
Deferred Financing Costs.................................... 8,323
Other intangible assets..................................... 628
-------
17,559
Less: accumulated amortization.............................. (1,059)
-------
Total............................................. $16,500
=======
</TABLE>
The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its long-lived
assets, including property, plant and equipment, cable television franchises and
intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value may not be recoverable. To the extent the estimated future cash
inflows attributable to the asset, less estimated future cash outflows, is less
than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that
the carrying value of such asset is greater than its fair value.
ESTIMATES USED IN FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. ACQUISITIONS
TWI CABLE
On April 9, 1998, the Company acquired six cable television systems from
TWI Cable. The systems are clustered in southern Louisiana, western Mississippi
and western Tennessee. This Acquisition represented the first acquisition by the
Company. The purchase price for the systems was $309,500 which was paid as
follows: TWI Cable received $300,000 in cash, inclusive of an escrow deposit of
$15,000, and a $9,500 (9,500 units) equity interest in Renaissance Media
Holdings LLC, the parent company of Group. In addition to the purchase price,
the Company incurred approximately $1,385 in transaction costs, exclusive of
financing costs.
F-114
<PAGE> 317
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
The Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method and,
accordingly, results of operations are reported from the date of the Acquisition
(April 9, 1998). The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value
of the tangible assets acquired has been allocated to cable television
franchises and goodwill in the amount of $235,387 and $8,608, respectively.
DEFFNER CABLE
On August 31, 1998, the Company acquired the assets of Deffner Cable, a
cable television company located in Gadsden, Tennessee. The purchase price was
$100 and was accounted for using the purchase method. The allocation of the
purchase price is subject to change, although management does not believe that
any material adjustment to such allocation is expected.
BAYOU VISION, INC.
On February 3, 1999, Media acquired the cable television assets of Bayou
Vision, Inc. and Gulf South Cable, Inc. serving approximately 1,950 subscribers
in the Villages of Estherwood, Morse and Mermentau and Acadia and Livingston
Parish, Louisiana. The cash purchase price was approximately $2,700 and was paid
out of available Company funds.
Unaudited Pro Forma summarized results of operations for the Company for
the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, assuming the Acquisition, Notes (as
hereinafter defined) offering and Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) had
been consummated on January 1, 1998 and 1997, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------
1997 1998
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues............................................. $ 50,987 $ 56,745
Expenses............................................. 53,022 55,210
-------- --------
Operating (loss) income.............................. (2,035) 1,535
Interest expense and other expenses.................. (19,740) (19,699)
-------- --------
Net (Loss)........................................... $(21,775) $(18,164)
======== ========
</TABLE>
4. DEBT
As of December 31, 1998, debt consisted of:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
10.00% Senior Discount Notes at Accreted Value(a)........... $107,374
Credit Agreement(b)......................................... 102,500
--------
$209,874
========
</TABLE>
(a) On April 9, 1998, in connection with the Acquisition described in Note
3, the Company issued $163,175 principal amount at maturity, $100,012 initial
accreted value, of 10.00% senior discount notes due 2008 ("Notes"). The Notes
pay no interest until April 15, 2003. From and after April 15, 2003 the Notes
will bear interest, payable semi-
F-115
<PAGE> 318
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
annually in cash, at a rate of 10% per annum on April 15 and October 15 of each
year, commencing October 15, 2003. The Notes are due on April 15, 2008.
(b) On April 9, 1998, Renaissance Media entered into a credit agreement
among Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated as Placement Agent, Morgan Stanley
Senior Funding Inc., as Syndication Agent, the Lenders, CIBC Inc., as
Documentation Agent and Bankers Trust Company as Administrative Agent (the
"Credit Agreement"). The aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement total
$150,000, consisting of a $40,000 revolver, $60,000 Tranche A Term Loans and
$50,000 Tranche B Term Loans (collectively the "Term Loans"). The revolving
credit and term loans are collateralized by a first lien position on all present
and future assets and the member's interest of Media, Louisiana and Tennessee.
The Credit Agreement provides for interest at varying rates based upon various
borrowing options and the attainment of certain financial ratios and for
commitment fees of 1/2% on the unused portion of the revolver. The effective
interest rate, including commitment fees and amortization of related deferred
financing costs and the interest-rate cap, for the year ended December 31, 1998
was 8.82%.
On April 9, 1998, $110,000 was borrowed under the Credit Agreement's
Tranche A and B Term Loans. On June 23, 1998, $7,500 was repaid resulting in
$102,500 of outstanding Tranche A and B Term Loans as of December 31, 1998.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had unrestricted use of the $40,000
revolver. No borrowings had been made by the Company under the revolver through
that date.
Annual maturities of borrowings under the Credit Agreement for the years
ending December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999........................................................ $ 776
2000........................................................ 1,035
2001........................................................ 2,701
2002........................................................ 9,506
2003........................................................ 11,590
2004........................................................ 11,590
Thereafter.................................................. 65,302
--------
102,500
Less: Current portion....................................... (776)
--------
$101,724
========
</TABLE>
The Credit Agreement and the Indenture pursuant to which the Notes were
issued contain restrictive covenants on the Company and subsidiaries regarding
additional indebtedness, investment guarantees, loans, acquisitions, dividends
and merger or sale of the subsidiaries and require the maintenance of certain
financial ratios.
Total interest cost incurred for the year ended December 31, 1998,
including commitment fees and amortization of deferred financing and
interest-rate cap costs was $14,358, net of capitalized interest of $42.
F-116
<PAGE> 319
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
5. INTEREST RATE-CAP AGREEMENT
The Company purchases interest-rate cap agreements that are designed to
limit its exposure to increasing interest rates and are designated to its
floating rate debt. The strike price of these agreements exceeds the current
market levels at the time they are entered into. The interest rate indices
specified by the agreements have been and are expected to be highly correlated
with the interest rates the Company incurs on its floating rate debt. Payments
to be received as a result of the specified interest rate index exceeding the
strike price are accrued in other assets and are recognized as a reduction of
interest expense (the accrual accounting method). The cost of these agreements
is included in other assets and amortized to interest expense ratably during the
life of the agreement. Upon termination of an interest-rate cap agreement, any
gain is deferred in other liabilities and amortized over the remaining term of
the original contractual life of the agreement as a reduction of interest
expense.
On December 1, 1997, the Company purchased an interest-rate cap agreement
from Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc. The carrying value as of December 31,
1998 was $47. The fair value of the interest-rate cap, which is based upon the
estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the cap
agreement as of December 31, 1998, taking into consideration current interest
rates and the credit worthiness of the counterparties, approximates its carrying
value.
The following table summarizes the interest-rate cap agreement:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOTIONAL INITIAL
PRINCIPAL EFFECTIVE TERMINATION CONTRACT FIXED RATE
AMOUNT TERM DATE DATE COST (PAY RATE)
- --------- ---- --------- ----------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000 2 years 12/1/97 12/1/99 $100 7.25%
</TABLE>
6. TAXES
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the provision for income taxes has
been calculated on a separate company basis. The components of the provision for
income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------
<S> <C>
Federal:
Current.................................................. $ --
Deferred................................................. --
State:
Current.................................................. 135
Deferred................................................. --
----
Provision for income taxes............................ $135
====
</TABLE>
The Company's current state tax liability results from its obligation to
pay franchise tax in Tennessee and Mississippi and tax on capital in New York.
F-117
<PAGE> 320
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
The Company has a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward for income tax
purposes which is available to offset future taxable income. This NOL totals
approximately $14,900 and expires in the year 2018. The Company has established
a valuation allowance to offset the entire potential future tax benefit of the
NOL carryforward and, therefore, has recognized no deferred tax asset with
respect to the NOL.
Louisiana and Tennessee have elected to be treated as corporations for
federal income tax purposes and have not recorded any tax benefit for their
losses as the realization of theses losses by reducing future taxable income in
the carry forward period is uncertain at this time.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
(a) TRANSACTIONS WITH MORGAN STANLEY ENTITIES
In connection with the Acquisition, Media entered into the Credit Agreement
with Morgan Stanley Senior Funding Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
acted as the Placement Agent for the Notes. In connection with these services
the Morgan Stanley Entities received customary fees and expense reimbursement.
(b) TRANSACTIONS WITH TIME WARNER AND RELATED PARTIES
In connection with the Acquisition, Media entered into an agreement with
Time Warner, pursuant to which Time Warner manages the Company's programming in
exchange for providing the Company access to certain Time Warner programming
arrangements.
(c) Transactions with Management
Prior to the consummation of the Acquisition described in Note 3, Media
paid fees in 1998 to six senior executives of the Company who are investors in
the Company (the "Management Investors") for services rendered prior to their
employment by Media relating to the Acquisition and the Credit Agreement. These
fees totaled $287 and were recorded as transaction and financing costs.
(d) DUE TO MANAGEMENT INVESTORS
Prior to the formation of the Company, the Management Investors advanced
$1,000 to Holdings, which was used primarily for working capital purposes. Upon
formation of the Company, Holdings contributed certain assets and liabilities to
Group and the $1,000 advance from the Management Investors was recorded as paid
in capital.
(e) TRANSACTIONS WITH BOARD MEMBER
The Company has utilized the law firm of one of its board members for legal
services for the Acquisition, financing agreements and various ongoing legal
matters. These fees totaled approximately $1,348 for the year ended December 31,
1998.
F-118
<PAGE> 321
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses as of December 31, 1998 consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Accrued programming costs................................... $1,986
Accrued interest............................................ 1,671
Accrued franchise fees...................................... 1,022
Accrued legal and professional fees,........................ 254
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits........................ 570
Accrued property and sales tax.............................. 637
Other accrued expenses...................................... 530
------
$6,670
======
</TABLE>
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Effective April 9, 1998, the Company began sponsoring a defined
contribution plan which covers substantially all employees (the "Plan"). The
Plan provides for contributions from eligible employees up to 15% of their
compensation. The Company's contribution to the Plan is limited to 50% of each
eligible employee's contribution up to 10% of his or her compensation. The
Company has the right in any year to set the amount of the Company's
contribution percentage. Company matching contributions to the Plan for the year
ended December 31, 1998 were approximately $97. All participant contributions
and earnings are fully vested upon contribution and company contributions and
earnings vest 20% per year of employment with the Company, becoming fully vested
after five years.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) LEASES
The Company had rental expense under various lease and rental agreements
primarily for offices, tower sites and warehouses of approximately $125 in 1998.
In addition, the Company rents utility poles in its operations generally under
short term arrangements, but the Company expects these arrangements to recur.
Total rent expense for utility poles was approximately $620 in 1998. Future
minimum annual rental payments under noncancellable leases are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999...................................... $162
2000...................................... 38
2001...................................... 24
2002...................................... 20
2003 and thereafter....................... 66
----
Total................................ $310
====
</TABLE>
(b) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Media has entered into employment agreements with six senior executives who
are also investors in Holdings. Under the conditions of five of the agreements
the employment term is five years, expiring in April 2003 and requires Media to
continue salary payments
F-119
<PAGE> 322
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
(including any bonus) through the term if the executive's employment is
terminated by Media without cause, as defined in the employment agreement.
Media's obligations under the employment agreements may be reduced in certain
situations based on actual operating performance relative to the business plan,
death or disability or by actions of the other senior executives.
The employment agreement for one senior executive has a term of one year
and may be renewed annually. This agreement has been renewed through April 8,
2000.
(c) OTHER AGREEMENTS
In exchange for certain flexibility in establishing cable rate pricing
structures for regulated services that went into effect on January 1, 1996, Time
Warner agreed with the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to invest in
certain upgrades to its cable infrastructure (consisting primarily of materials
and labor in connection with the plant upgrades up to 750 megahertz) by 1999
(approximately $23 million). This agreement with the FCC has been assumed by the
Company as part of the Acquisition.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 23, 1999, Holdings entered into an agreement with Charter
Communications, LLC and Charter Communications, Inc., to sell 100% of its
members' equity in the Company for approximately $459,000, subject to certain
closing conditions. This transaction is expected to close during the third
quarter of 1999.
12. YEAR 2000 ISSUES (UNAUDITED)
The Company relies on computer systems, related software applications and
other control devices in operating and monitoring all major aspects of its
business, including, but not limited to, its financial systems (such as general
ledger, accounts payable, payroll and fixed asset modules), subscriber billing
systems, internal networks and telecommunications equipment. The Company also
relies, directly and indirectly, on the external systems of various independent
business enterprises, such as its suppliers and financial organizations, for the
accurate exchange of data.
The Company continues to assess the likely impact of Year 2000 issues on
its business operations, including its material information technology ("IT")
and non-IT applications. These material applications include all billing and
subscriber information systems, general ledger software, payroll systems,
accounting software, phone switches and certain headend applications, all of
which are third party supported.
The Company believes it has identified all systems that may be affected by
Year 2000 Issues. Concurrent with the identification phase, the Company is
securing compliance determinations relative to all identified systems. For those
systems that the Company believes are material, compliance programs have been
received or such systems have been certified by independent parities as Year
2000 compliant. For those material systems that are subject to compliance
programs, the Company expects to receive Year 2000 certifications from
independent parties by the second quarter 1999. Determinations of Year
F-120
<PAGE> 323
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
(ALL DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
2000 compliance requirements for less mission critical systems are in progress
and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1999.
With respect to third parties with which the Company has a material
relationship, the Company believes its most significant relationships are with
financial institutions, who receive subscriber monthly payments and maintain
Company bank accounts, and subscriber billing and management systems providers.
We have received compliance programs which if executed as planned should provide
a high degree of assurance that all Year 2000 issues will be addressed by mid
1999.
The Company has not incurred any material Year 2000 costs to date, and
excluding the need for contingency plans, does not expect to incur any material
Year 2000 costs in the future because most of its applications are maintained by
third parties who have borne Year 2000 compliance costs.
The Company cannot be certain that it or third parties supporting its
systems have resolved or will resolve all Year 2000 issues in a timely manner.
Failure by the Company or any such third party to successfully address the
relevant Year 2000 issues could result in disruptions of the Company's business
and the incurrence of significant expenses by the Company. Additionally, the
Company could be affected by any disruption to third parties with which the
Company does business if such third parties have not successfully addressed
their Year 2000 issues.
Failure to resolve Year 2000 issues could result in improper billing to the
Company's subscribers which could have a major impact on the recording of
revenue and the collection of cash as well as create significant customer
dissatisfaction. In addition, failure on the part of the financial institutions
with which the Company relies on for its cash collection and management services
could also have a significant impact on collections, results of operations and
the liquidity of the Company.
The Company has not yet finalized contingency plans necessary to handle the
most likely worst case scenarios. Before concluding as to possible contingency
plans, the Company must determine whether the material service providers
contemplate having such plans in place. In the event that contingency plans from
material service providers are not in place or are deemed inadequate, management
expects to have such plans in place by the third quarter of 1999.
F-121
<PAGE> 324
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
TWI Cable, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of the Picayune MS,
Lafourche LA, St. Tammany LA, St. Landry LA, Pointe Coupee LA, and Jackson TN
cable television systems, (collectively, the "Combined Systems") included in TWI
Cable, Inc. ("TWI Cable"), as of April 8, 1998, and the related combined
statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the period
from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998. These combined financial statements
are the responsibility of the Combined Systems' management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our
audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the
Combined Systems, included in TWI Cable, at April 8, 1998, and the combined
results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1,
1998 through April 8, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
February 22, 1999
F-122
<PAGE> 325
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 8, 1998
-------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 7
Receivables, less allowance of $116......................... 576
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 438
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 35,992
Cable television franchises, net............................ 195,907
Goodwill and other intangibles, net......................... 50,023
--------
Total assets...................................... $282,943
========
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts payable............................................ $ 63
Accrued programming expenses................................ 978
Accrued franchise fees...................................... 616
Subscriber advance payments and deposits.................... 593
Deferred income taxes....................................... 61,792
Other liabilities........................................... 747
--------
Total liabilities................................. 64,789
Total net assets.................................. 218,154
--------
Total liabilities and net assets.................. $282,943
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-123
<PAGE> 326
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, 1998
THROUGH
APRIL 8, 1998
---------------
<S> <C>
REVENUES.................................................... $15,221
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating and programming................................... 3,603
Selling, general and administrative......................... 4,134
Depreciation and amortization............................... 5,031
(Gain) on disposal of fixed assets.......................... (96)
-------
Total costs and expenses.......................... 12,672
-------
Operating income............................................ 2,549
Provision for income taxes.................................. 1,191
-------
Net income.................................................. $ 1,358
=======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-124
<PAGE> 327
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1997................................ $224,546
Repayment of advances from Parent......................... (17,408)
Advances from Parent...................................... 9,658
Net income................................................ 1,358
--------
Balance at April 8, 1998.................................... $218,154
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-125
<PAGE> 328
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
PERIOD FROM
JANUARY 1, 1998
THROUGH
APRIL 8, 1998
---------------
<S> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.................................................. $ 1,358
Adjustments for noncash and nonoperating items:
Income tax expense........................................ 1,191
Depreciation and amortization............................. 5,031
(Gain) on disposal of fixed assets........................ (96)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, prepaids and other assets................. 289
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
liabilities........................................... (770)
Other balance sheet changes............................ (4)
--------
Net cash provided by operations............................. 6,999
--------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................................ (613)
--------
Net cash used in investing activities....................... (613)
--------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net repayment of advances from Parent....................... (7,750)
--------
Net cash (used in) financing activities..................... (7,750)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....................... (1,364)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD............ 1,371
--------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD.................. $ 7
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-126
<PAGE> 329
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The cable television systems operating in the metropolitan areas of
Picayune, Mississippi; Lafourche, Louisiana; St. Tammany, Louisiana; St. Landry,
Louisiana; Pointe Coupee, Louisiana; and Jackson, Tennessee (the "Combined
Systems") are principally engaged in the cable television business under
non-exclusive franchise agreements, which expire at various times beginning in
1999. The Combined Systems' operations consist primarily of selling video
programming which is distributed to subscribers for a monthly fee through a
network of coaxial and fiber-optic cables.
Prior to January 4, 1996, the Combined Systems were included in certain
subsidiaries of Cablevision Industries Corporation ("CVI"). On January 4, 1996,
CVI merged into a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (the "CVI
Merger"). On October 1, 1996, Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner") completed a
reorganization amongst certain of its wholly owned cable television subsidiaries
whereby CVI was renamed TWI Cable Inc. ("TWI Cable").
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
TWI Cable has sold the Combined Systems to Renaissance Media Holdings LLC
("Renaissance") pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement with Renaissance, dated
November 14, 1997 (see Note 8). Accordingly, the accompanying combined financial
statements of the Combined Systems reflect the "carved out" historical financial
position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets of the
operations of the Combined Systems as if they had been operating as a separate
company. Effective as of January 1, 1996, the Combined Systems' financial
statements reflect the new basis of accounting arising from Time Warner's merger
with CVI. Based on Time Warner's allocation of the purchase price, the assets
and liabilities of the Combined Systems were revalued resulting in goodwill
allocated to the Combined Systems of approximately $52,971,000, which is being
amortized over its estimated life of 40 years. In addition, approximately
$220,981,000 was allocated to cable television franchises and other intangible
assets, which is being amortized over periods up to 20 years.
The combined statements have been adjusted to include the allocation of
certain corporate expenses incurred by Time Warner Cable and/or TWI Cable on the
Combined Systems' behalf, based upon the number of Combined System subscribers
managed by Time Warner Cable and the ratio of Combined System subscribers to
total TWI Cable subscribers, respectively. These allocations reflect all costs
of doing business that the Combined Systems would have incurred on a stand alone
basis as disclosed in Note 3. Management believes that these allocations are
reasonable.
BASIS OF COMBINATION
The combined financial statements include the assets, liabilities,
revenues, expenses, income, loss and cash flows of the Combined Systems, as if
the Combined Systems were a single company. Significant intercompany accounts
and transactions between the Combined
F-127
<PAGE> 330
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Systems have been eliminated. Significant accounts and transactions with Time
Warner and its affiliates are disclosed as related party transactions (see Note
3).
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of combined financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial
statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
A significant portion of the customer base is concentrated within the local
geographical area of each of the individual cable television systems. The
Combined Systems generally extend credit to customers and the ultimate
collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the local economy.
Management performs continuous credit evaluations of its customers and may
require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers.
Management does not believe that there is any significant credit risk which
could have a material effect on the financial condition of the Combined Systems.
REVENUE AND COSTS
Subscriber fees are recorded as revenue in the period the related services
are provided and advertising revenues are recognized in the period the related
advertisements are exhibited. Rights to exhibit programming are purchased from
various cable networks. The costs of such rights are generally expensed as the
related services are made available to subscribers.
FRANCHISE FEES
Local governmental authorities impose franchise fees on the cable
television systems owned by the Combined Systems ranging up to a federally
mandated maximum of 5.0% of gross revenues. On a monthly basis, such fees are
collected from the Combined Systems' customers and such fees are not included as
revenue or as a franchise fee expense.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed upon the first exhibition of the related
advertisements. Advertising expense amounted to $105,000 for the period from
January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
The Combined Systems participate in a cash management system with
affiliates whereby cash receipts are transferred to a centralized bank account
from which centralized payments to various suppliers and creditors are made on
behalf of the Combined Systems. The excess of such cash receipts over payments
is included in net assets. Amounts shown
F-128
<PAGE> 331
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
as cash represent the Combined Systems' net cash receipts not transferred to the
centralized account as of December 31, 1996 and 1997. The average net
intercompany payable balances was $166,522,000 for the period from January 1,
1998 through April 8, 1998.
For purposes of this statement, cash and cash equivalents includes all
highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or
less.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Additions to property,
plant and equipment generally include material, labor, overhead and interest.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives
as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings and improvements........................... 5-20 years
Cable television equipment........................... 5-15 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment.............. 3-10 years
</TABLE>
Property, plant and equipment consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 8, 1998
-------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Land and buildings.................................. $ 2,255
Cable television equipment.......................... 40,276
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment............. 2,308
Construction in progress............................ 1,183
--------
46,022
Less accumulated depreciation....................... (10,030)
--------
Total..................................... $ 35,992
========
</TABLE>
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Combined Systems amortized goodwill over periods up to 40 years and
cable television franchises over periods up to 20 years, both using the
straight-line method. For the period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998
amortization of goodwill amounted to $360,000 and amortization of cable
television franchises amounted to $3,008,000. Accumulated amortization of
intangible assets amounted to $28,114,000 at April 8, 1998.
IMPAIRMENT
Management separately reviews the carrying value of acquired long-lived
assets for each acquired entity on a quarterly basis to determine whether an
impairment may exist. Management considers relevant cash flow and profitability
information, including estimated future operating results, trends and other
available information, in assessing whether the carrying value of long-lived
assets can be recovered. Upon a determination that the carrying value of
long-lived assets will not be recovered from the undiscounted future cash flows
of the acquired business, the carrying value of such long-lived assets would be
considered impaired and would be reduced by a charge to operations in the amount
of the
F-129
<PAGE> 332
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
impairment. An impairment charge is measured as a deficiency in estimated
discounted future cash flows of the acquired business to recover the carrying
value related to the long-lived assets.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes have been provided using the liability method prescribed by
FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under the liability
method, deferred income taxes reflect tax carryforwards and the net tax effects
of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities
for financial statements and income tax purposes, as determined under enacted
tax laws and rates.
2. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Following the CVI Merger, the Combined Systems began participation in the
Time Warner Cable Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan"), a non-contributory defined
benefit pension plan, and the Time Warner Cable Employee Savings Plan (the
"Savings Plan") which are administered by a committee appointed by the Board of
Representatives of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. ("TWE"), an affiliate
of Time Warner, and which cover substantially all employees.
Benefits under the Pension Plan are determined based on formulas which
reflect an employee's years of service and compensation levels during the
employment period. Pension expense for the period from January 1, 1998 through
April 8, 1998 totaled $61,000.
The Combined Systems' contributions to the Savings Plan are limited to
6.67% of an employee's eligible compensation during the plan year. The Board of
Representatives of TWE has the right in any year to set the maximum amount of
the Combined Systems' contribution. Defined contribution plan expense for the
period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998 totaled $38,000.
The Combined Systems have no material obligations for other post retirement
benefits.
3. RELATED PARTIES
In the normal course of conducting business, the Combined Systems had
various transactions with Time Warner and its affiliates, generally on terms
resulting from a negotiation between the affected units that in management's
view resulted in reasonable allocations.
PROGRAMMING
Included in the Combined Systems' operating expenses are charges for
programming and promotional services provided by Home Box Office, Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc. and other affiliates of Time Warner. These charges are
based on customary rates and are in the ordinary course of business. These
charges totaled $1,164,000 for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 8,
1998. Accrued related party expenses for these
F-130
<PAGE> 333
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
programming and promotional services included in accrued programming expenses
approximated $409,000 for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.
MANAGEMENT FEES
TWI Cable entered into a management service arrangement with Time Warner
Cable ("TWC"), pursuant to which TWC is responsible for the management and
operation of TWI Cable, which includes the Combined Systems. The management fees
paid to TWC by TWI Cable are based on an allocation of the corporate expenses of
TWC's cable division in proportion to the respective number of subscribers of
all cable systems managed by TWC's cable division. The allocation of the TWI
Cable management fee to the Combined Systems approximated $486,000 for the
period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.
Other divisional expenses allocated to the Combined Systems approximated
$299,000 for the period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998.
4. INTEREST EXPENSE
Prior to the CVI Merger, the Jackson, Tennessee system was included in
Cablevision Industries Limited Partnership and Combined Entities ("CILP"). The
Jackson system was charged interest expense in connection with CILP's (a) senior
and subordinated bank credit agreements; and (b) senior unsecured subordinated
Series A and Series B notes payable to CVI. The remaining five systems
comprising the Combined Systems were included in Cablevision Industries of the
Southeast, Inc. and Combined Entities ("CIOS"). These systems were charged
interest expense in connection with CIOS's (a) bank revolving credit agreement;
and (b) junior and senior subordinated debt to CVI.
5. INCOME TAXES
Effective January 4, 1996, the Combined Systems are included in the
consolidated federal income tax return of Time Warner. Prior to January 4, 1996,
the Combined Systems were included in the consolidated federal income tax return
of CVI. The provision for income taxes has been calculated on a separate company
basis. The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
FROM JANUARY 1, 1998
THROUGH
APRIL 8, 1998
--------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Federal:
Current........................................ $ --
Deferred....................................... 962
State:
Current........................................ --
Deferred....................................... 229
------
Net provision for income taxes.............. $1,191
======
</TABLE>
F-131
<PAGE> 334
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Combined Systems did not, and will not, have a tax sharing agreement
with either Time Warner, TWI Cable or CVI. Therefore, the Combined Systems have
not and will not be compensated for the utilization of the Combined Systems' tax
losses, by Time Warner, TWI Cable or CVI. In addition, the Combined Systems have
not and will not be required to make payments to either Time Warner or TWI Cable
for the current tax provision of the Combined Systems.
The differences between the income tax provision expected at the U.S.
federal statutory income tax rate and the total income tax provision are due to
nondeductible goodwill amortization and state taxes.
Significant components of the Combined Systems' deferred tax assets and
liabilities, as calculated on a separate company basis, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 8, 1998
-------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortization..................................... $57,817
Depreciation..................................... 4,181
-------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities..... 61,998
-------
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss carryforwards........................... 160
Allowance for doubtful accounts.................. 46
-------
Total deferred tax assets................ 206
-------
Net deferred tax liability............... $61,792
=======
</TABLE>
On a separate company basis, the Combined Systems have tax loss
carryforwards of approximately $400,000 at April 8, 1998. However, if the
Combined Systems are acquired in an asset purchase, the tax loss carryforwards,
and net deferred tax liabilities relating to temporary differences will not
carry over to Renaissance (see Note 8).
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Combined Systems had rental expense of approximately $244,000 for the
period from January 1, 1998 through April 8, 1998 under various lease and rental
agreements for offices, utility poles, warehouses and computer equipment. Future
minimum annual rental payments under noncancellable leases will approximate
$1,000,000 annually over the next five years.
In exchange for certain flexibility in establishing cable rate pricing
structures for regulated services that went into effect on January 1, 1996, TWC
has agreed with the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to invest in
certain upgrades to its cable infrastructure (consisting primarily of materials
and labor in connection with the plant upgrades up to 750 megahertz) over the
next three years (approximately $25 million at December 31, 1997). This
agreement with the FCC, which extends to the Combined Systems, will be assumed
by Renaissance as it relates to the Combined Systems in accordance with the
Asset Purchase Agreement.
F-132
<PAGE> 335
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 8, 1998
-------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Compensation........................................ $279
Data Processing Costs............................... 161
Sales and other taxes............................... 146
Copyright Fees...................................... 35
Pole Rent........................................... 93
Other............................................... 33
----
Total..................................... $747
====
</TABLE>
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
The sale of the Combined Systems, in connection with the Asset Purchase
Agreement with Renaissance, closed on April 9, 1998 at the purchase price of
$309,500,000.
F-133
<PAGE> 336
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
TWI Cable Inc.
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Picayune
MS, Lafourche LA, St. Tammany LA, St. Landry LA, Pointe Coupee LA, and Jackson
TN cable television systems, (collectively, the "Combined Systems") included in
TWI Cable, Inc. ("TWI Cable"), as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, the related
combined statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the
years then ended. In addition, we have audited the combined statement of
operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1995 of the
Predecessor Combined Systems. These combined financial statements are the
responsibility of the Combined Systems' or the Predecessor's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Combined
Systems, included in TWI Cable or the Predecessor, at December 31, 1996 and
1997, and the combined results of their operations and their cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
March 16, 1998
F-134
<PAGE> 337
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1996 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 570 $ 1,371
Receivables, less allowance of $71 and $116 for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively............ 794 1,120
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 45 183
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 36,966 36,944
Cable television franchises, net............................ 209,952 198,913
Goodwill and other intangibles, net......................... 51,722 50,383
-------- --------
Total assets...................................... $300,049 $288,914
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts payable............................................ $ 1,640 $ 652
Accrued programming expenses................................ 847 904
Accrued franchise fees...................................... 736 835
Subscriber advance payments and deposits.................... 66 407
Deferred income taxes....................................... 58,340 60,601
Other liabilities........................................... 945 969
-------- --------
Total liabilities................................. 62,574 64,368
Total net assets.................................. 237,475 224,546
-------- --------
Total liabilities and net assets.................. $300,049 $288,914
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-135
<PAGE> 338
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(PREDECESSOR) (INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES..................................... $43,549 $47,327 $50,987
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating and programming.................... 13,010 12,413 12,101
Selling, general and administrative.......... 9,977 12,946 13,823
Depreciation and amortization................ 17,610 18,360 18,697
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets...... -- (244) 620
------- ------- -------
Total costs and expenses........... 40,597 43,475 45,241
------- ------- -------
Operating income............................. 2,952 3,852 5,746
Interest expense............................. 11,871 -- --
------- ------- -------
(Loss) income before income tax (benefit)
expense.................................... (8,919) 3,852 5,746
Income tax (benefit) expense................. (3,567) 1,502 2,262
------- ------- -------
Net (loss) income............................ $(5,352) $ 2,350 $ 3,484
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-136
<PAGE> 339
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Contribution by Parent...................................... $250,039
Repayment of advances from Parent......................... (47,895)
Advances from Parent...................................... 32,981
Net income................................................ 2,350
--------
Balance at December 31, 1996................................ 237,475
Repayment of advances from Parent......................... (50,661)
Advances from Parent...................................... 34,248
Net income................................................ 3,484
--------
Balance at December 31, 1997................................ $224,546
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-137
<PAGE> 340
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(PREDECESSOR) (INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income............................... $(5,352) $ 2,350 $ 3,484
Adjustments for noncash and nonoperating
items:
Income tax (benefit) expense............... (3,567) 1,502 2,262
Depreciation and amortization.............. 17,610 18,360 18,697
(Gain) loss on disposal
of fixed assets.......................... -- (244) 620
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities:
Receivables, prepaids and other
assets................................ (196) 944 (464)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other liabilities..................... (972) 176 (466)
Other balance sheet changes.............. -- -- (529)
------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by operations................. 7,523 23,088 23,604
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of Predecessor cable systems, net of
cash acquired................................. -- (249,473) --
Capital expenditures............................ (7,376) (8,170) (6,390)
------- --------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities........... (7,376) (257,643) (6,390)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Advance from Parent for purchase of
Predecessor................................... -- 250,039 --
Net repayment of advances from Parent........... -- (14,914) (16,413)
------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.................................... -- 235,125 (16,413)
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........... 147 570 801
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
PERIOD........................................ 419 0 570
------- --------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD...... $ 566 $ 570 $ 1,371
======= ========= ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-138
<PAGE> 341
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The cable television systems operating in the metropolitan areas of
Picayune, Mississippi; Lafourche, Louisiana; St. Tammany, Louisiana; St. Landry,
Louisiana; Pointe Coupee, Louisiana; and Jackson, Tennessee (the "Combined
Systems") are principally engaged in the cable television business under
non-exclusive franchise agreements, which expire at various times beginning in
1999. The Combined Systems' operations consist primarily of selling video
programming which is distributed to subscribers for a monthly fee through a
network of coaxial and fiber-optic cables.
Prior to January 4, 1996, the Combined Systems were included in certain
subsidiaries of Cablevision Industries Corporation ("CVI"). On January 4, 1996,
CVI merged into a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (the "CVI
Merger"). On October 1, 1996, Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner") completed a
reorganization amongst certain of its wholly owned cable television subsidiaries
whereby CVI was renamed TWI Cable Inc. ("TWI Cable").
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
TWI Cable has committed to sell the Combined Systems to Renaissance Media
Holdings LLC ("Renaissance") pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement with
Renaissance, dated November 14, 1997. Accordingly, the accompanying combined
financial statements of the Combined Systems reflect the "carved out" historical
financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in net assets
of the operations of the Combined Systems as if they had been operating as a
separate company. Effective as of January 1, 1996, the Combined Systems'
financial statements reflect the new basis of accounting arising from Time
Warner's merger with CVI. Based on Time Warner's allocation of the purchase
price, the assets and liabilities of the Combined Systems were revalued
resulting in goodwill allocated to the Combined Systems of approximately
$52,971,000, which is being amortized over its estimated life of 40 years. In
addition, approximately $220,981,000 was allocated to cable television
franchises and other intangible assets, which is being amortized over periods up
to 20 years. The Combined Systems' financial statements through December 31,
1995 reflect the historical cost of their assets and liabilities and results of
their operations.
The combined statements have been adjusted to include the allocation of
certain corporate expenses incurred by Time Warner Cable and/or TWI Cable on the
Combined Systems' behalf, based upon the number of Combined System subscribers
managed by Time Warner Cable and the ratio of Combined System subscribers to
total TWI Cable subscribers, respectively. These allocations reflect all costs
of doing business that the Combined Systems would have incurred on a stand alone
basis as disclosed in Note 3. Management believes that these allocations are
reasonable.
F-139
<PAGE> 342
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
BASIS OF COMBINATION
The combined financial statements include the assets, liabilities,
revenues, expenses, income, loss and cash flows of the Combined Systems, as if
the Combined Systems were a single company. Significant intercompany accounts
and transactions between the Combined Systems have been eliminated. Significant
accounts and transactions with Time Warner and its affiliates are disclosed as
related party transactions (see Note 3).
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of combined financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial
statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
A significant portion of the customer base is concentrated within the local
geographical area of each of the individual cable television systems. The
Combined Systems generally extend credit to customers and the ultimate
collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the local economy.
Management performs continuous credit evaluations of its customers and may
require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers.
Management does not believe that there is any significant credit risk which
could have a material effect on the financial condition of the Combined Systems.
REVENUE AND COSTS
Subscriber fees are recorded as revenue in the period the related services
are provided and advertising revenues are recognized in the period the related
advertisements are exhibited. Rights to exhibit programming are purchased from
various cable networks. The costs of such rights are generally expensed as the
related services are made available to subscribers.
FRANCHISE FEES
Local governmental authorities impose franchise fees on the cable
television systems owned by the Combined Systems ranging up to a federally
mandated maximum of 5.0% of gross revenues. On a monthly basis, such fees are
collected from the Combined Systems' customers. Prior to January 1997, franchise
fees were not separately itemized on customers' bills. Such fees were considered
part of the monthly charge for basic services and equipment, and therefore were
reported as revenue and expense in the Combined Systems' financial results.
Management began the process of itemizing such fees on all customers' bills
beginning in January 1997. In conjunction with itemizing these charges, the
Combined Systems began separately collecting the franchise fee on all revenues
subject to franchise fees. As a result, such fees are no longer included as
revenue or as franchise
F-140
<PAGE> 343
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
fee expense. The net effect of this change is a reduction in 1997 revenue and
franchise fee expense of approximately $1,500,000 versus the comparable period
in 1996.
ADVERTISING COSTS
Advertising costs are expensed upon the first exhibition of the related
advertisements. Advertising expense amounted to $308,000, $632,000 and $510,000
for the years ended 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
The Combined Systems participate in a cash management system with
affiliates whereby cash receipts are transferred to a centralized bank account
from which centralized payments to various suppliers and creditors are made on
behalf of the Combined Systems. The excess of such cash receipts over payments
is included in net assets. Amounts shown as cash represent the Combined Systems'
net cash receipts not transferred to the centralized account as of December 31,
1996 and 1997. The average net intercompany payable balances were $173,348,000
and $170,438,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
For purposes of this statement, cash and cash equivalents includes all
highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or
less.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Additions to property,
plant and equipment generally include material, labor, overhead and interest.
Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives
as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings and improvements............................. 5-20 years
Cable television equipment............................. 5-15 years
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment................ 3-10 years
</TABLE>
Property, plant and equipment consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1996 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Land and buildings..................................... $ 2,003 $ 2,265
Cable television equipment............................. 32,324 39,589
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment................ 1,455 2,341
Construction in progress............................... 5,657 1,028
------- -------
41,439 45,223
Less accumulated depreciation.......................... (4,473) (8,279)
------- -------
Total........................................ $36,966 $36,944
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-141
<PAGE> 344
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
During 1996 and 1997, the Combined Systems amortized goodwill over periods
up to 40 years and cable television franchises over periods up to 20 years, both
using the straight-line method. Prior to the CVI Merger, goodwill and cable
television franchises were amortized over 15 years using the straight-line
method. For the years ended 1995, 1996, and 1997, amortization of goodwill
amounted to $8,199,000, $1,325,000, and $1,325,000, respectively, and
amortization of cable television franchises amounted to $1,284,000, $11,048,000,
and $11,048,000, respectively. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets at
December 31, 1996 and 1997 amounted to $12,373,000 and $24,746,000,
respectively.
IMPAIRMENT
Management separately reviews the carrying value of acquired long-lived
assets for each acquired entity on a quarterly basis to determine whether an
impairment may exist. Management considers relevant cash flow and profitability
information, including estimated future operating results, trends and other
available information, in assessing whether the carrying value of long-lived
assets can be recovered. Upon a determination that the carrying value of
long-lived assets will not be recovered from the undiscounted future cash flows
of the acquired business, the carrying value of such long-lived assets would be
considered impaired and would be reduced by a charge to operations in the amount
of the impairment. An impairment charge is measured as a deficiency in estimated
discounted future cash flows of the acquired business to recover the carrying
value related to the long-lived assets.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes have been provided using the liability method prescribed by
FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under the liability
method, deferred income taxes reflect tax carryforwards and the net tax effects
of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities
for financial statements and income tax purposes, as determined under enacted
tax laws and rates.
2. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Following the CVI Merger, the Combined Systems began participation in the
Time Warner Cable Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan"), a non-contributory defined
benefit pension plan, and the Time Warner Cable Employee Savings Plan (the
"Savings Plan") which are administered by a committee appointed by the Board of
Representatives of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. ("TWE"), an affiliate
of Time Warner, and which cover substantially all employees.
Benefits under the Pension Plan are determined based on formulas which
reflect an employee's years of service and compensation levels during the
employment period. Pension expense for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997 totaled $184,000 and $192,000, respectively.
F-142
<PAGE> 345
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Combined Systems' contributions to the Savings Plan are limited to
6.67% of an employee's eligible compensation during the plan year. The Board of
Representatives of TWE has the right in any year to set the maximum amount of
the Combined Systems' contribution. Defined contribution plan expense for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 totaled $107,000 and $117,000,
respectively.
Prior to the CVI Merger, substantially all employees were eligible to
participate in a profit sharing plan or a defined contribution plan. The profit
sharing plan provided that the Combined Systems may contribute, at the
discretion of their board of directors, an amount up to 15% of compensation for
all eligible participants out of its accumulated earnings and profits, as
defined. Profit sharing expense amounted to approximately $31,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1995.
The defined contribution plan contained a qualified cash or deferred
arrangement pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). This plan provided
that eligible employees may contribute from 2% to 10% of their compensation to
the plan. The Combined Systems matched contributions of up to 4% of the
employees' compensation. The expense for this plan amounted to approximately
$96,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
The Combined Systems have no material obligations for other post retirement
benefits.
3. RELATED PARTIES
In the normal course of conducting business, the Combined Systems had
various transactions with Time Warner and its affiliates, generally on terms
resulting from a negotiation between the affected units that in management's
view resulted in reasonable allocations.
PROGRAMMING
Included in the Combined Systems' 1996 and 1997 operating expenses are
charges for programming and promotional services provided by Home Box Office,
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and other affiliates of Time Warner. These
charges are based on customary rates and are in the ordinary course of business.
For the year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, these charges totaled $3,260,000
and $3,458,000, respectively. Accrued related party expenses for these
programming and promotional services included in accrued programming expenses
approximated $327,000 and $291,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively. There were no such programming and promotional service
related party transactions in 1995.
MANAGEMENT FEES
TWI Cable entered into a management service arrangement with Time Warner
Cable ("TWC"), pursuant to which TWC is responsible for the management and
operation of TWI Cable, which includes the Combined Systems. The management fees
paid to TWC by TWI Cable are based on an allocation of the corporate expenses of
TWC's cable
F-143
<PAGE> 346
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
division in proportion to the respective number of subscribers of all cable
systems managed by TWC's cable division. The allocation of the TWI Cable
management fee to the Combined Systems approximated $1,432,000 and $1,715,000
for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Other divisional expenses allocated to the Combined Systems approximated
$1,301,000 and $1,067,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
4. INTEREST EXPENSE
Prior to the CVI Merger, the Jackson, Tennessee system was included in
Cablevision Industries Limited Partnership and Combined Entities ("CILP"). The
Jackson system was charged interest expense in connection with CILP's (a) senior
and subordinated bank credit agreements; and (b) senior unsecured subordinated
Series A and Series B notes payable to CVI. The remaining five systems
comprising the Combined Systems were included in Cablevision Industries of the
Southeast, Inc. and Combined Entities ("CIOS"). These systems were charged
interest expense in connection with CIOS's (a) bank revolving credit agreement;
and (b) junior and senior subordinated debt to CVI.
5. INCOME TAXES
Effective January 4, 1996, the Combined Systems are included in the
consolidated federal income tax return of Time Warner. Prior to January 4, 1996,
the Combined Systems were included in the consolidated federal income tax return
of CVI. The provision (benefit) for income taxes has been calculated on a
separate company basis. The components of the provision (benefit) for income
taxes are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
FEDERAL:
Current...................... $ -- $ -- $ --
Deferred..................... (2,881) 1,213 1,826
STATE:
Current...................... -- -- --
Deferred..................... (686) 289 436
------- ------ ------
Net provision (benefit) for
income taxes.............. $(3,567) $1,502 $2,262
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
The Combined Systems did not, and will not, have a tax sharing agreement
with either Time Warner, TWI Cable or CVI. Therefore, the Combined Systems have
not and will not be compensated for the utilization of the Combined Systems' tax
losses, by Time Warner, TWI Cable or CVI. In addition, the Combined Systems have
not and will not be required to make payments to either Time Warner or TWI Cable
for the current tax provision of the Combined Systems.
F-144
<PAGE> 347
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The differences between the income tax provision (benefit) expected at the
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and the total income tax provision
(benefit) are due to nondeductible goodwill amortization and state taxes.
Significant components of the Combined Systems' deferred tax assets and
liabilities, as calculated on a separate company basis, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1996 1997
---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
Amortization....................... $61,266 $58,507
Depreciation....................... 3,576 4,060
------- -------
Total gross deferred tax
liabilities.............. 64,842 62,567
------- -------
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
Tax loss carryforwards............. 6,474 1,920
Allowance for doubtful accounts.... 28 46
------- -------
Total deferred tax
assets................... 6,502 1,966
------- -------
Net deferred tax liability......... $58,340 $60,601
======= =======
</TABLE>
On a separate company basis, the Combined Systems have tax loss
carryforwards of approximately $4.8 million at December 31, 1997. However, if
the Combined Systems are acquired in an asset purchase, the tax loss
carryforwards, and net deferred tax liabilities relating to temporary
differences will not carry over to Renaissance (see Note 8).
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Combined Systems had rental expense of approximately $642,000,
$824,000, and $843,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997,
respectively, under various lease and rental agreements for offices, utility
poles, warehouses and computer equipment. Future minimum annual rental payments
under noncancellable leases will approximate $1,000,000 annually over the next
five years.
In exchange for certain flexibility in establishing cable rate pricing
structures for regulated services that went into effect on January 1, 1996, TWC
has agreed with the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to invest in
certain upgrades to its cable infrastructure (consisting primarily of materials
and labor in connection with the plant upgrades up to 750 megahertz) over the
next three years (approximately $22 million). This agreement with the FCC, which
extends to the Combined Systems, will be assumed by Renaissance as it relates to
the Combined Systems in accordance with the Asset Purchase Agreement.
F-145
<PAGE> 348
PICAYUNE MS, LAFOURCHE LA, ST. TAMMANY LA, ST. LANDRY LA,
POINTE COUPEE LA, AND JACKSON TN CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
(INCLUDED IN TWI CABLE INC.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------
1996 1997
---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Compensation............................................ $217 $250
Data Processing Costs................................... 100 90
Sales and other taxes................................... 101 90
Copyright Fees.......................................... 85 83
Pole Rent............................................... 66 63
Other................................................... 376 393
---- ----
Total.............................................. $945 $969
==== ====
</TABLE>
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
The sale of the Combined Systems, in connection with the Asset Purchase
Agreement with Renaissance, closed on April 9, 1998 at the purchase price of
$309,500,000.
F-146
<PAGE> 349
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Partners
Helicon Partners I, L.P.:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Helicon Partners I,
L.P. and affiliates as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the related combined
statements of operations, changes in partners' deficit, and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998. These combined
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Helicon Partners I,
L.P. and affiliates as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
March 26, 1999
F-147
<PAGE> 350
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS (NOTES 8 AND 9)
Cash and cash equivalents (note 2).............. $ 4,372,281 $ 5,130,561
Receivables from subscribers.................... 1,439,720 1,631,931
Prepaid expenses and other assets............... 2,205,794 3,469,228
Property, plant and equipment, net (notes 3, 4,
and 11)....................................... 80,104,377 86,737,580
Intangible assets and deferred costs, net (notes
3 and 5)...................................... 85,066,665 94,876,847
------------- -------------
Total assets.......................... $ 173,188,837 $ 191,846,147
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
Liabilities:
Accounts payable.............................. $ 7,416,901 $ 8,037,193
Accrued expenses.............................. 1,539,116 1,589,240
Subscriptions received in advance............. 1,018,310 819,564
Accrued interest.............................. 3,760,360 3,742,456
Due to principal owner (note 7)............... 5,000,000 5,000,000
Senior secured notes (note 8)................. 115,000,000 115,000,000
Loans payable to banks (note 9)............... 85,776,641 120,266,922
12% subordinated notes, net of unamortized
discount of $2,889,541 in 1997 and
$2,543,869 in 1998 (note 10)............... 37,249,948 42,672,085
Redeemable partnership interests (note 10).... 6,437,142 16,253,906
Other notes payable (note 11)................. 5,747,076 5,448,804
Due to affiliates, net (note 6)............... 71,474 247,042
------------- -------------
Total liabilities..................... 269,016,968 319,077,212
------------- -------------
Commitments (notes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13)
Partners' deficit (note 12):
Preferred limited partners.................... 7,649,988 8,567,467
Accumulated partners' deficit................. (103,477,119) (135,797,532)
Less capital contribution receivable.......... (1,000) (1,000)
------------- -------------
Total partners' deficit............... (95,828,131) (127,231,065)
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and partners'
deficit............................ $ 173,188,837 $ 191,846,147
============= =============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-148
<PAGE> 351
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............................... $ 42,061,537 $ 59,957,434 $ 75,576,810
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses (note 13)......... 11,395,509 17,408,265 22,687,850
General and administrative expenses
(notes 6 and 13).................. 7,244,663 9,762,931 13,365,824
Marketing expenses................... 1,235,553 2,266,627 3,521,893
Depreciation and amortization........ 12,556,023 19,411,813 24,290,088
Management fee charged by affiliate
(note 6).......................... 2,103,077 2,997,872 3,496,271
Corporate and other expenses......... 426,672 549,222 602,987
------------ ------------ ------------
Total operating expenses..... 34,961,497 52,396,730 67,964,913
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income..................... 7,100,040 7,560,704 7,611,897
------------ ------------ ------------
Interest expense (note 7).............. (17,418,266) (23,586,227) (27,633,714)
Interest income........................ 563,362 154,037 92,967
------------ ------------ ------------
(16,854,904) (23,432,190) (27,540,747)
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before extraordinary item....... (9,754,864) (15,871,486) (19,928,850)
------------ ------------ ------------
Extraordinary item -- write-off of
deferred financing costs (note 9).... -- -- (1,657,320)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss............................. $ (9,754,864) $(15,871,486) $(21,586,170)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-149
<PAGE> 352
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PARTNERS' DEFICIT
-------------------------
PREFERRED CLASS A CAPITAL
LIMITED GENERAL LIMITED CONTRIBUTION
PARTNERS PARTNER PARTNERS RECEIVABLE TOTAL
---------- --------- ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1995........ $ -- $(307,994) $ (67,144,287) $(1,000) $ (67,453,281)
Issuance of preferred limited
partnership interests (note 10)... 6,250,000 (62,500) (6,187,500) -- --
Partner capital contributions (note
10)............................... -- 1,500 -- -- 1,500
Distribution of additional preferred
partnership interests (note 10)... 558,430 (5,584) (552,846) -- --
Net loss............................ -- (97,549) (9,657,315) -- (9,754,864)
---------- --------- ------------- ------- -------------
Balance at December 31, 1996........ 6,808,430 (472,127) (83,541,948) (1,000) (77,206,645)
Distribution of additional preferred
partnership interests (note 10)... 841,558 (8,416) (833,142) -- --
Accretion of redeemable partnership
interests (note 10)............... -- (27,500) (2,722,500) -- (2,750,000)
Net loss............................ -- (158,715) (15,712,771) -- (15,871,486)
---------- --------- ------------- ------- -------------
Balance at December 31, 1997........ 7,649,988 (666,758) (102,810,361) (1,000) (95,828,131)
Distribution of additional preferred
partnership interests (note 10)... 917,479 (9,175) (908,304) -- --
Accretion of redeemable partnership
interests (note 10)............... -- (98,168) (9,718,596) -- (9,816,764)
Net loss............................ -- (215,861) (21,370,309) -- (21,586,170)
---------- --------- ------------- ------- -------------
Balance at December 31, 1998........ $8,567,467 $(989,962) $(134,807,570) $(1,000) $(127,231,065)
========== ========= ============= ======= =============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-150
<PAGE> 353
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................................. $ (9,754,864) $(15,871,486) $(21,586,170)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Extraordinary item...................................... -- -- 1,657,320
Depreciation and amortization........................... 12,556,023 19,411,813 24,290,088
Gain on sale of equipment............................... (20,375) (1,069) (29,323)
Interest on 12% subordinated notes paid through the
issuance of additional notes.......................... 1,945,667 4,193,819 4,961,241
Interest on other notes payable added to principal...... 168,328 185,160 --
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing
costs................................................. 2,115,392 849,826 919,439
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of
acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in receivables from subscribers... 176,432 (496,146) (79,535)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets......... (269,156) (976,491) (1,255,018)
Increase in financing costs incurred.................. (4,525,331) (434,000) (2,200,000)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses..... 2,182,762 2,957,524 681,037
Increase (decrease) in subscriptions received in
advance............................................ 119,277 325,815 (208,803)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest............... 1,613,630 376,158 (17,904)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total adjustments.................................. 16,062,649 26,392,409 28,718,542
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities.......... 6,307,785 10,520,923 7,132,372
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (8,987,766) (15,824,306) (13,538,978)
Proceeds from sale of equipment........................... 21,947 23,270 118,953
Cash paid for net assets of cable television systems
acquired................................................ (35,829,389) (70,275,153) (26,063,284)
Cash paid for net assets of internet businesses
acquired................................................ (40,000) (993,760) --
Increase in intangible assets and deferred costs.......... (127,673) (308,759) (183,018)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities.............. (44,962,881) (87,378,708) (39,666,327)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Capital contributions..................................... 1,500 -- --
Decrease in restricted cash............................... -- 1,000,000 --
Proceeds from issuance of 12% subordinated notes and
redeemable partnership interests........................ 34,000,000 -- --
Proceeds from bank loans.................................. 8,900,000 77,285,000 104,000,000
Repayment of bank loans................................... (952,777) (1,505,581) (69,509,719)
Repayment of other notes payable.......................... (527,514) (1,145,989) (1,362,995)
Advances to affiliates.................................... (3,207,996) (3,412,411) (8,856,491)
Repayments of advances to affiliates...................... 3,479,336 2,986,778 9,021,440
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities.......... 41,692,549 75,207,797 33,292,235
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents...................................... 3,037,453 (1,649,988) 758,280
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.............. 2,984,816 6,022,269 4,372,281
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.................... $ 6,022,269 $ 4,372,281 $ 5,130,561
============ ============ ============
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid............................................. $ 11,575,250 $ 17,981,264 $ 21,770,938
============ ============ ============
Other non-cash items:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment through
issuance of other notes payable....................... $ 1,222,000 $ 917,815 $ 1,025,319
============ ============ ============
Issuance of notes payable in connection with the
acquisition of cable television and internet systems,
net of imputed interest............................... $ 569,500 $ 1,914,479 --
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-151
<PAGE> 354
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Helicon Partners I, L.P. ("the Partnership") was organized as a limited
partnership on November 30, 1994 under the laws of the State of Delaware. On
April 8, 1996, Baum Investments, Inc. acquired a 1% general partnership interest
in the Partnership through an initial capital contribution of $1,500 and the
existing limited partners of The Helicon Group, L.P. ("THGLP"), formed in 1993,
exchanged their limited partnership interests in THGLP for all Class A Common
Limited Partnership Interests and Preferred Limited Partnership Interests in the
Partnership. As a result of this exchange, THGLP became 99% owned by the
Partnership. The Partnership now owns all of the limited partnership interests
in THGLP and Baum Investments, Inc. continues to be the general partner of THGLP
and to own a 1% general partnership interest in THGLP. The Partnership also owns
a 99% interest and THGLP a 1% interest in HPI Acquisition Co., LLC ("HPIAC"), a
Delaware limited liability company formed on February 7, 1996. The Partnership
also owned an 89% limited partnership interest and Baum Investments, Inc. a 1%
general partnership interest in Helicon OnLine, L. P. ("HOL"), a Delaware
limited partnership formed May 31, 1997. On June 29, 1998, the net assets of HOL
were transferred to THGLP in settlement of the inter-company loans THGLP had
made to HOL. The Partnership, THGLP, HPIAC and HOL are referred to collectively
herein as the Company.
On March 22, 1999, Helicon Partners I, L. P. (HPI), Baum Investments, Inc.
and all the holders of partnership interests in HPI entered into a purchase
agreement by and among Charter Communications, Inc, Charter Communications, LLC
and Charter Helicon, LLC (collectively the "Charter Entities") providing for the
sale of all such partnership interests and Helicon Corp.'s interest in the
management agreements with THGLP and HPIAC to the Charter Entities. The sale
price is $550 million which amount will be reduced by any outstanding
indebtedness assumed by the Charter Entities.
The Company operates cable television systems located in Pennsylvania, West
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Georgia and Tennessee. The Company also offers a broad range of Internet access
service, including dial-up access, dedicated high speed access, both two-way and
asymmetrical ("Hybrid"), high speed cable modem access, World Wide Web design
and hosting services and other value added services such as paging and private
network systems within the Company's cable service and contiguous areas.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) PRINCIPLES OF COMBINATION
The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the
Partnership, THGLP and HPIAC and HOL which have been combined because of common
ownership and control. They also reflect the accounts of THGLP's subsidiary,
Helicon Capital Corp. ("HCC"), which has nominal assets and no operations since
its incorporation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in combination.
F-152
<PAGE> 355
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
b) PARTNERSHIP PROFITS, LOSSES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Under the terms of the partnership agreements of the Partnership and THGLP,
profits, losses and distributions will be made to the general and Class A
Limited Partners pro-rata based on their respective partnership interest.
Holders of Preferred Limited Partnership Interests are entitled to an
aggregate preference on liquidation of $6,250,000 plus cumulative in-kind
distributions of additional Preferred Limited Partnership interests at an annual
rate of 12%.
c) REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized as services are provided to subscribers. Subscription
revenues billed in advance for services are deferred and recorded as income in
the period in which services are rendered.
d) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets.
e) INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS
Intangible assets and deferred costs are carried at cost and are amortized
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets. The Company periodically reviews the amortization periods of their
intangible assets and deferred costs. The Company evaluates whether there has
been a permanent impairment in the value of these assets by considering such
factors including projected undiscounted cash flows, current market conditions
and changes in the cable television industry that would impact the
recoverability of such assets, among other things.
f) INCOME TAXES
No provision for Federal or state income taxes has been made in the
accompanying combined financial statements since any liability for such income
taxes is that of the partners and not of the Partnership or its affiliates.
Certain assets have a basis for income tax purposes that differs from the
carrying value for financial reporting purposes, primarily due to differences in
depreciation methods. As a result of these differences, at December 31, 1997 and
1998 the net carrying value of these assets for financial reporting purposes
exceeded the net basis for income tax purposes by approximately $22 million and
$27 million respectively.
g) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents, consisting of amounts on deposit in money market
accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposit, were $4,372,281 and
$5,130,561 at December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
h) USE OF ESTIMATES
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions
relating to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these combined
financial statements in
F-153
<PAGE> 356
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
i) INTEREST RATE CAP AGREEMENTS
The cost paid is amortized over the life of the agreements.
j) DISCLOSURE ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivables, Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash
and cash equivalents, current receivables, notes receivable, accounts payable,
and accrued expenses approximate fair values.
Senior Secured Notes and Long-term Debt
For the Senior Secured Notes, fair values are based on quoted market
prices. The fair market value at December 31, 1997 and 1998 was approximately
$123,000,000 and $120,000,000, respectively. For long-term debt, their values
approximate carrying value due to the short-term maturity of the debt and/or
fluctuating interest.
Comprehensive Income
On January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
presentation of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of
financial statements. Comprehensive income consists of net income and net
unrealized gains (losses) on securities and is presented in the consolidated
statements of stockholder's equity and comprehensive income. The Statement
requires only additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements;
it does not affect the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The Company has no items that qualify as comprehensive income.
3. ACQUISITIONS
Cable Acquisitions
On January 31, 1995, THGLP acquired a cable television system, serving
approximately 1,100 (unaudited) subscribers in the Vermont communities of
Bradford, South Royalton and Chelsea. The aggregate purchase price was
approximately $350,000 and was allocated to the net assets acquired which
included property and equipment and intangible assets.
In June and July, 1996, HPIAC completed the acquisitions of all the
operating assets of the cable television systems, serving approximately 26,000
(unaudited) subscribers, in the areas of Jasper and Skyline, Tennessee and
Summerville, Trenton, Menlo, Decatur and Chatsworth, Georgia (collectively
referred to as the Tennessee cluster).
F-154
<PAGE> 357
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The aggregate purchase price of $36,398,889, including acquisition costs of
$742,837, was allocated to the net assets acquired based on their estimated fair
value. Such allocation is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Land............................................ $ 25,000
Cable television system......................... 17,876,244
Other property, plant and equipment............. 185,000
Subscriber lists................................ 17,474,762
Noncompete agreement............................ 1,000
Other intangible assets......................... 742,837
Other net operating items....................... 94,046
-----------
Total aggregate purchase price.................. $36,398,889
===========
</TABLE>
A portion of the purchase price was paid through the issuance of notes to
the sellers of one of the systems totaling $750,000. Such notes were reported
net of imputed interest of $180,500 computed at 9% per annum (see note 11).
On January 16, 1997, HPIAC acquired an adjacent cable television system
serving approximately 2,256 (unaudited) subscribers in the communities of Ten
Mile and Hamilton, Tennessee. The aggregate purchase price was approximately
$2,960,294 and was allocated to the net assets acquired which included property,
equipment and intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
On January 31, 1997, THGLP acquired a cable television system, serving
approximately 823 (unaudited) subscribers in the West Virginia counties of Wirt
and Wood. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $1,053,457, and was
allocated to the net assets acquired which included property, equipment and
intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
On April 18, 1997, HPIAC acquired a cable television system serving
approximately 839 (unaudited) subscribers in the communities of Charleston and
Calhoun, Tennessee. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $1,055,693
and was allocated to the net assets acquired which included property and
equipment and intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
On June 26, 1997, HPIAC acquired the net assets of cable television systems
serving approximately 21,500 (unaudited) subscribers primarily in the North
Carolina communities of Avery County and surrounding areas and in the South
Carolina community of Anderson County. The aggregate purchase price was
approximately $45,258,279, including acquisition costs of $547,235, and was
allocated to the net assets acquired which included property, plant, equipment
and intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
On June 26, 1997, THGLP acquired the net assets of a cable television
system serving approximately 11,000 (unaudited) subscribers in the North
Carolina communities of Watauga County, Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain and the
town of Boone. The aggregate purchase price was $19,947,430 and was allocated to
the net assets acquired which included, property, plant, equipment and
intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
F-155
<PAGE> 358
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The aggregate purchase price of the 1997 cable acquisitions was $70,275,153
and was allocated to the net assets acquired based on their estimated fair
market value as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Land.............................................. $ 158,500
Cable television system........................... 21,320,900
Vehicles.......................................... 1,473,600
Computer equipment................................ 240,000
Subscriber lists.................................. 46,925,173
Organization and other costs...................... 688,816
Other net operating items......................... (531,836)
-----------
Total aggregate purchase price.................... $70,275,153
===========
</TABLE>
On December 31, 1998, HPIAC acquired the net assets of cable television
systems serving approximately 11,225 (unaudited) subscribers primarily in the
North Carolina community of Roanoke Rapids. The aggregate purchase price was
$26,063,284 including acquisition costs of $535,875 and was allocated to the net
assets acquired, which included, property, equipment and intangible assets,
based on their estimated fair value.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Land.............................................. $ 250,000
Cable television system........................... 4,258,000
Other property, plant and equipment............... 1,103,375
Subscriber lists.................................. 19,805,000
Organization and other costs...................... 535,875
Other net operating items......................... 111,034
-----------
Total aggregate purchase price.................... $26,063,284
===========
</TABLE>
Internet Acquisitions
On March 22, 1996, THGLP acquired the net assets of a telephone dial-up
internet access provider ("ISP") serving approximately 350 (unaudited) customers
in and around the area of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The aggregate purchase price
was approximately $40,000.
On April 1, 1997, the Partnership acquired the net assets of a telephone
dial-up ISP serving approximately 2,500 (unaudited) customers in and around the
area of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The aggregate purchase price was $757,029.
On May 31, 1997, the Partnership acquired the net assets of a telephone
dial-up ISP serving approximately 1,800 (unaudited) customers in and around the
area of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The aggregate purchase price was $213,629.
On November 14, 1997, HOL acquired the net assets of a telephone dial-up
ISP serving approximately 1,744 (unaudited) customers in and around the area of
Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The aggregate purchase price was $348,927.
F-156
<PAGE> 359
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On December 17, 1997, HOL acquired the net assets of a telephone dial-up
ISP serving 1,571 (unaudited) customers in and around the area of Plainfield,
Vermont. The aggregate purchase price was $497,307.
On December 17, 1997, HOL acquired the net assets of a telephone dial-up
ISP serving approximately 2,110 (unaudited) customers in and around the area of
Wells River, Vermont. The aggregate purchase price was $673,170.
The aggregate purchase price of the 1997 ISP acquisitions was $2,490,062
and was allocated to the net assets acquired, based on their estimated fair
value. Such allocation is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Internet service equipment......................... $ 237,064
Customer lists..................................... 1,409,768
Non-compete Agreement.............................. 883,097
Other intangible assets............................ 35,000
Other net operating items.......................... (74,867)
----------
Total aggregate purchase price..................... $2,490,062
==========
</TABLE>
A portion of the purchase price was paid through the issuance of notes to
the Sellers totaling $1,801,000. Such notes were reported net of imputed
interest of $304,698 computed at 9% per annum (see Note 11).
The operating results relating to the above acquisitions, effective with
their acquisition dates, are included in the accompanying combined financial
statements.
4. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment, net is summarized as follows at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED USEFUL
1997 1998 LIFE IN YEARS
------------ ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Land...................... $ 121,689 $ 320,689 --
Cable television system... 124,684,403 140,441,324 5 to 20
Internet service
equipment............... 1,281,362 2,483,602 2 to 3
Office furniture and
fixtures................ 677,672 728,253 5 and 10
Vehicles.................. 3,536,358 4,570,990 3 and 5
Building.................. 805,525 1,585,384 5 and 10
Building and leasehold
Improvements............ 398,843 445,820 1 to 5
Computers................. 3,232,355 4,159,506 3 to 5
------------ ------------
134,738,207 154,735,568
Less accumulated
depreciation............ (54,633,830) (67,997,988)
------------ ------------
$ 80,104,377 $ 86,737,580
============ ============
</TABLE>
F-157
<PAGE> 360
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS
Intangible assets and deferred costs are summarized as follows at December
31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED USEFUL
1997 1998 LIFE IN YEARS
------------ ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Covenants not-to-compete.... $ 14,270,120 $ 14,270,120 5
Franchise agreements........ 19,650,889 19,650,889 9 to 17
Goodwill.................... 1,703,760 1,703,760 20
Subscriber lists............ 82,292,573 102,097,573 6 to 10
Financing costs............. 9,414,809 9,291,640 8 to 10
Organization and other
costs..................... 3,631,650 4,306,777 5 to 10
------------ ------------
130,963,801 151,320,760
Less accumulated
amortization.............. (45,897,136) (56,443,913)
------------ ------------
$ 85,066,665 $ 94,876,847
============ ============
</TABLE>
6. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Amounts due from/to affiliates result from management fees, expense
allocations and temporary non-interest bearing loans. The affiliates are related
to the Company through common-ownership.
The Partnership is managed by Helicon Corp., an affiliated management
company. During 1996, 1997 and 1998, the Partnership was charged management fees
of $2,103,077, $2,997,872, and $3,496,271, respectively. In 1997 and 1998,
$2,685,172 and $3,231,362 of the management fees were paid and $312,700 and
$172,476 were deferred, in accordance with the terms of the Partnership's credit
agreements, respectively. Management fees are calculated based on the gross
revenues of the systems. Additionally, during 1996, 1997 and 1998, THGLP was
also charged $980,000, $713,906, and $1,315,315, respectively, for certain costs
incurred by this related party on their behalf.
In May 1997, immediately after the formation of HOL, HPI sold 10% of its
limited partner interest in HOL to certain employees of Helicon Corp. Such
interests were sold at HPI's proportionate carrying value of HOL of $83,631 in
exchange for notes receivable from these individuals. These notes are due upon
the liquidation of HOL or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets.
On June 26, 1998, the notes were cancelled in consideration of the return
by the Helicon employees of their 10% limited partnership interests.
7. DUE TO PRINCIPAL OWNER
Mr. Theodore Baum, directly or indirectly, is the principal owner of 96.17%
of the general and limited partnership interests of the Partnership (the
"Principal Owner"). Due to Principal Owner consists of $5,000,000 at December
31, 1997 and 1998 payable by THGLP. Beginning on November 3, 1993, interest on
the $5,000,000 due to the Principal Owner did not accrue and in accordance with
the provisions of the Senior Secured Notes
F-158
<PAGE> 361
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
was not paid for twenty four months. Interest resumed on November 3, 1995 (see
Note 8). The principal may only be repaid thereafter subject to the passage of
certain limiting tests under the covenants of the Senior Secured Notes. Prior to
the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes, amounts due to Principal Owner bore
interest at varying rates per annum based on the prime rate and were due on
demand. Interest expense includes $521,701 in 1996 and $530,082 in 1997 and
$524,880 in 1998 related to this debt.
8. SENIOR SECURED NOTES
On November 3, 1993, THGLP and HCC (the "Issuers"), through a private
placement offering, issued $115,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior
Secured Notes due 2003 (the "Senior Secured Notes"), secured by substantially
all the assets of THGLP. The Senior Secured Notes were issued at a substantial
discount from their principal amount and generated net proceeds to the Issuers
of approximately $105,699,000. Interest is payable on a semi-annual basis in
arrears on November 1 and May 1, beginning on May 1, 1994. Until November 1,
1996 the Senior Secured Notes bore interest at the rate of 9% per annum. After
November 1, 1996, the Senior Secured Notes bear interest at the rate of 11% per
annum. The discount on the Senior Secured Notes has been amortized over the term
of the Senior Secured Notes so as to result in an effective interest rate of 11%
per annum.
The Senior Secured Notes may be redeemed at the option of the Issuers in
whole or in part at any time on or after November 1, 1997 at the redemption
price of 108% reducing ratably to 100% of the principal amount, in each case
together with accrued interest to the redemption date. The Issuers are required
to redeem $25,000,000 principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes on each of
November 1, 2001 and November 1, 2002. The indenture under which the Senior
Secured Notes were issued contains various restrictive covenants, the more
significant of which are, limitations on distributions to partners, the
incurrence or guarantee of indebtedness, the payment of management fees, other
transactions with officers, directors and affiliates, and the issuance of
certain types of equity interests or distributions relating thereto.
9. LOANS PAYABLE TO BANKS
On July 12, 1996, HPIAC entered into $85,000,000 of senior secured credit
facilities ("Facilities") with a group of banks and The First National Bank of
Chicago, as agent. The Facilities were comprised of a $55,000,000 senior secured
two and one-half year revolving credit facility, converting on December 31, 1998
to a five and one-half year amortizing term loan due June 30, 2004 ("Facility
A"); and, a $30,000,000 senior secured, amortizing, multiple draw nine year term
loan facility due June 30, 2005 ("Facility B"). The Facilities financed certain
permitted acquisitions, transaction expenses and general corporate purposes.
Interest on outstanding borrowings was payable at specified margins over either
LIBOR or the higher of the corporate base rate of The First National Bank of
Chicago or the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System. The margins varied based on the Company's total leverage
ratio, as defined, at the time of an advance. As of December 31, 1997, the
amounts outstanding were $30,000,000 under Facility B and $35,500,000
outstanding under Facility A. Interest
F-159
<PAGE> 362
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
was payable at LIBOR plus 3.50% for Facility B and LIBOR plus 3.00% for Facility
A. In addition, HPIAC paid a commitment fee of .5% of the unused balance of the
Facilities.
On December 15, 1998, the Facilities were repaid in full together with
accrued interest thereon from the proceeds of the new credit agreements (see
below).
In connection with the early retirement of the aforementioned bank debt,
HPIAC wrote off related unamortized deferred financing costs totaling
$1,657,320. Such amount has been classified as an extraordinary item in the
accompanying 1998 combined statement of operations.
In connection with the aforementioned Facilities, HPIAC entered into an
interest rate cap agreement to reduce its exposure to interest rate risk.
Interest rate cap transactions generally involve the exchange of fixed and
floating rate interest payment obligations and provide for a ceiling on interest
to be paid, respectively, without the exchange of the underlying notional
principal amount. These types of transactions involve risk of counterpart
nonperformance under the terms of the contract. At December 31, 1997, HPIAC had
cap agreements with aggregate notional amounts of $42,500,000 expiring through
March 29, 2000. On December 15, 1998, in connection with the early retirement of
the related bank debt, the cap agreements were terminated and HPIAC wrote off
the unamortized costs of these cap agreements.
On December 15, 1998, HPIAC entered into credit agreements with a group of
banks and Paribas, as agent, providing maximum borrowings of $110,000,000 (the
1998 Credit Facilities). The agreements include (i) a senior secured Credit
Agreement consisting of a $35,000,000 A Term Loan, maturing on December 31,
2005, $45,000,000 B Term Loan, maturing on December 31, 2006 and a $10,000,000
Revolving Commitment, maturing on December 31, 2005 and (ii) a Loan Agreement
consisting of a $20,000,000 Hybrid Facility, maturing on December 31, 2007.
As of December 31, 1998, the A Term Loan, B Term Loan and Hybrid Facility
were fully drawn down and there was nothing outstanding under the Revolving
Commitment. The principal cash payments required under the Company's credit
agreements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and
2003 are estimated to aggregate $0, $812,500, $3,950,000, $5,700,000 and
$7,450,000, respectively.
Interest is payable at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is based on a
ratio of loans outstanding to annualized EBITDAM, as defined in the agreement
and can not exceed 3.00% for A Term Loan and Revolving Commitments, 3.25% for B
Term Loan and 4.50% for the Hybrid Facility. In addition, the Company pays a
commitment fee of .50% of the unused balance of the Revolving Commitment.
The 1998 Credit Facilities are secured by a first perfected security
interest in all of the assets of HPIAC and a pledge of all equity interests of
HPIAC. The credit agreement contains various restrictive covenants that include
the achievement of certain financial ratios relating to interest, fixed charges,
leverage, limitations on capital expenditures, incurrence or guarantee of
indebtedness, other transactions with affiliates and distributions to members.
In addition, management fees in the aggregate cannot exceed 5% of gross revenues
of HPIAC.
F-160
<PAGE> 363
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On June 26, 1997, THGLP entered into a $20,000,000 senior secured credit
facility with Banque Paribas, as Agent (the 1997 Credit Facility). On January 5,
1999, the 1997 Credit Facility was restated and amended. The facility is
non-amortizing and is due November 1, 2000. Borrowings under the facility
financed the acquisition of certain cable television assets in North Carolina
(see note 3). Interest on the $20,000,000 outstanding is payable at specified
margins over either LIBOR or the rate of interest publicly announced in New York
City by The Chase Manhattan Bank from time to time as its prime commercial
lending rate. The margins vary based on the THGLP's total leverage ratio, as
defined, at the time of an advance. Currently interest is payable at LIBOR plus
2.75%.
The 1997 Credit Facility is secured by a first perfected security interest
in all of the assets of the Partnership and a pledge of all equity interests of
the THGLP. The credit agreement contains various restrictive covenants that
include the achievement of certain financial ratios relating to interest, fixed
charges, leverage, limitations on capital expenditures, incurrence or guarantee
of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, distributions to members and
management fees which accrue at 5% of gross revenues.
Also included in loans payable to banks is a mortgage note of $266,922
payable to a bank that is secured by THGLP's office building in Vermont. The
interest is payable at Prime plus 1% and the mortgage note is due March 1, 2012.
Principal payments on the mortgage note are summarized as follows at
December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 AMOUNT
- ----------------------- --------
<S> <C>
1999................................................. $ 10,581
2000................................................. 11,631
2001................................................. 12,786
2002................................................. 14,055
2003 and thereafter.................................. 217,869
--------
$266,922
========
</TABLE>
10. SUBORDINATED NOTES AND REDEEMABLE PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
In April 1996 the Partnership sold to unrelated investors, $34,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its 12% Subordinated Notes (the "Subordinated
Notes") and warrants to purchase 2,419.1 units (the "Units") of Class B Common
Limited Partnership Interests representing in the aggregate 24.191% of the
outstanding limited partner interests of the Partnership on a fully diluted
basis (the "Warrants"). Of the $34,000,000 of gross proceeds, $3,687,142 was
determined to be the value of the Warrants, and $30,312,858 was allocated to the
Subordinated Notes. The discount on the Subordinated Notes is being amortized
over the term of these Notes.
The Subordinated Notes are subordinated to the senior indebtedness of the
Partnership and are due April 1, 2004. Interest is payable semi-annually on each
October 1 and April 1 in cash or through the issuance of additional Subordinated
Notes, at the option of the Partnership. In October 1996, April 1997, October
1997, April 1998 and
F-161
<PAGE> 364
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
October 1998, the Partnership elected to satisfy interest due through the
issuance of $1,945,667, $2,156,740, $2,037,079, $2,408,370 and $2,552,871,
respectively, additional Subordinated Notes. After September 2001, a holder or
holders of no less than 33 1/3% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Subordinated Notes can require the Partnership to repurchase their Subordinated
Notes at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest.
The Partnership has an option to redeem the Subordinated Notes at 102% of the
aggregate principal amount after the fifth anniversary of their issuance, at
101% of the aggregate principal amount after the sixth anniversary of issuance
and at 100% of the aggregate principal amount after the seventh anniversary of
issuance.
Holders of the Warrants have the right to acquire the Units at any time for
a price of $1,500 per Unit. After September 2001, a holder or holders of at
least 33 1/3% of the Warrants can require the Partnership to either purchase
their Warrants at their interest in the Net Equity Value of the Partnership or
seek a purchaser for all of the assets or equity interests of the Partnership.
Net Equity Value pursuant to the terms of the underlying agreements is the
estimated amount of cash that would be available for distribution to the
Partnership interests upon a sale of all of the assets of the Partnership and
its subsequent dissolution and liquidation. The Net Equity Value is the amount
agreed to by the Partnership and 66 2/3% of the holders of the Subordinated
Notes and Warrants or, absent such agreement, determined through a specified
appraisal process.
The Partnership estimated the Net Equity Value of the Warrants to be
approximately $43,250,000 at December 31, 1998 and $16,750,000 at December 31,
1997. Such estimate as of December 31, 1998 reflects the amount that the holders
of the warrants have agreed to accept for their interests assuming the proposed
sale of all of the interests of the partnership is consummated (see note 14).
The increase in the estimated Net Equity Value over the original carrying value
of the Warrants is being accreted evenly over the period beginning with the date
of the increase and September 2001. Such accretion is being reflected in the
accompanying financial statements as an increase in the carrying value of the
Warrants and a corresponding reduction in the carrying value of the capital
accounts of the General and Class A Limited Partners.
The agreements underlying the Subordinated Notes and the Warrants contain
various restrictive covenants that include limitations on incurrence or
guarantee of indebtedness, transactions with affiliates, and distributions to
partners. In addition, management fees in the aggregate cannot exceed 5% of
gross revenues of the Partnership.
F-162
<PAGE> 365
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
11. OTHER NOTES PAYABLE
Other Notes payable consists of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Promissory note in consideration for acquisition of a
cable television system, accruing interest at 10%
per annum on principal and accrued interest which is
added to principal on certain specified dates;
interest becomes payable on January 1, 1998 and the
principal is payable in full on August 20, 2000 $2,036,765 $2,036,765
Non-interest bearing promissory notes issued in
connection with the acquisition of a cable
television system. Principal payments begin on July
16, 1997, in the amount of $70,000 and four
installments in the amount of $170,000 on each July
16 thereafter. Such notes are reported net of
imputed interest of $141,116 and $101,732 in 1997
and 1998, respectively, computed at 9% per annum 538,884 408,268
Non-interest bearing promissory notes issued in
connection with the acquisitions of the internet
businesses. Principal payments are due in January,
February, and March of each year and continue
quarterly thereafter through June, 2001. Such notes
are reported net of imputed interest of $180,727 and
$146,441 in the 1997 and 1998, respectively,
computed at 9% per annum 1,398,478 1,021,474
Installment notes, collateralized by vehicles and
other equipment and payable in monthly installments,
at interest rates between 5.5% to 14.25% per annum,
through January, 2003 1,772,949 1,982,297
---------- ----------
$5,747,076 $5,448,804
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Principal payments due on the above notes payable are summarized as follows
at December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 AMOUNT
- ----------------------- ----------
<S> <C>
1999............................................. $1,337,476
2000............................................. 3,276,529
2001............................................. 678,349
2002............................................. 140,944
2003............................................. 15,506
----------
$5,448,804
==========
</TABLE>
F-163
<PAGE> 366
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
12. PARTNERS' DEFICIT
During 1993, the Principal Owner contributed a $6,500,000 unsecured,
non-interest bearing personal promissory note due on demand to the general
partner of THGLP. Additionally, the Principal Owner contributed to THGLP an
unsecured, non-interest bearing personal promissory note in the aggregate
principal amount of $24,000,000 (together with the $6,500,000 note, the "Baum
Notes"). The Baum Notes have been issued for the purpose of THGLP's credit
enhancement. Although the Baum Notes are unconditional, they do not become
payable except (i) in increasing amounts presently up to $19,500,000 and in
installments thereafter to a maximum of $30,500,000 on December 16, 1996 and
(ii) at such time after such dates as THGLP's creditors shall have exhausted all
claims against THGLP's assets.
13. COMMITMENTS
The Partnership and affiliates leases telephone and utility poles on an
annual basis. The leases are self renewing. Pole rental expense for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 was $609,075, $873,264 and $982,306,
respectively.
In connection with certain lease and franchise agreements, the Partnership,
from time to time, issues security bonds.
The Partnership and affiliates utilizes certain office space under
operating lease agreements which expire at various dates through August 2013 and
contain renewal options. At December 31, 1998 the future minimum rental
commitments under such leases were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31
- -----------------------
<S> <C>
1999............................................. $ 166,825
2000............................................. 142,136
2001............................................. 141,727
2002............................................. 147,912
2003............................................. 151,412
Thereafter....................................... 1,418,017
----------
$2,168,029
==========
</TABLE>
Office rent expense was $102,801 in 1996, $203,506 in 1997 and $254,955 in
1998.
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On March 22, 1999, Helicon Partners I, L. P. (HPI), Baum Investments, Inc.
and all the holders of partnership interests in HPI entered into a purchase
agreement by and among Charter Communications, Inc, Charter Communications, LLC
and Charter Helicon, LLC (collectively the "Charter Entities") providing for the
sale of all such partnership interests and Helicon Corp.'s interest in the
management agreements with THGLP and HPIAC to the Charter Entities. The sale
price is $550 million which amount will be reduced by any outstanding
indebtedness assumed by the Charter Entities.
F-164
<PAGE> 367
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of InterMedia Partners
and InterMedia Capital Partners IV, L.P.
In our opinion, the accompanying combined balance sheets and the related
combined statements of operations, of changes in equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of InterMedia
Cable Systems (comprised of components of InterMedia Partners and InterMedia
Capital Partners IV, L.P.), at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the management of InterMedia Partners and InterMedia
Capital Partners IV, L.P.; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San Francisco, California
April 20, 1999
F-165
<PAGE> 368
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $899 and $680, respectively........................... $ 14,425 $ 13,017
Receivables from affiliates................................ 5,623 1,719
Prepaid expenses........................................... 423 626
Other current assets....................................... 350 245
-------- --------
Total current assets............................. 20,821 15,607
Intangible assets, net..................................... 255,356 283,562
Property and equipment, net................................ 218,465 179,681
Deferred income taxes...................................... 12,598 14,221
Other non-current assets................................... 2,804 1,140
-------- --------
Total assets..................................... $510,044 $494,211
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities................... $ 19,230 $ 20,934
Deferred revenue........................................... 11,104 8,938
Payables to affiliates..................................... 3,158 2,785
Income taxes payable....................................... 285
-------- --------
Total current liabilities........................ 33,492 32,942
Note payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P................ 396,579 387,213
Deferred channel launch revenue............................ 4,045 2,104
-------- --------
Total liabilities................................ 434,116 422,259
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies..............................
Mandatorily redeemable preferred shares.................... 14,184 13,239
Equity..................................................... 61,744 58,713
-------- --------
Total liabilities and equity..................... $510,044 $494,211
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-166
<PAGE> 369
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Basic and cable services................................... $125,920 $112,592
Pay services............................................... 23,975 24,467
Other services............................................. 26,167 25,519
-------- --------
176,062 162,578
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Program fees............................................... 39,386 33,936
Other direct expenses...................................... 16,580 16,500
Selling, general and administrative expenses............... 30,787 29,181
Management and consulting fees............................. 3,147 2,870
Depreciation and amortization.............................. 85,982 81,303
-------- --------
175,882 163,790
-------- --------
Profit/(loss) from operations.............................. 180 (1,212)
-------- --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense........................................... (25,449) (28,458)
Gain on sale/exchange of cable systems..................... 26,218 10,006
Interest and other income.................................. 341 429
Other expense.............................................. (3,188) (1,431)
-------- --------
(2,078) (19,454)
Loss before income tax benefit (expense)................... (1,898) (20,666)
Income tax benefit (expense)............................... (1,623) 4,026
-------- --------
NET LOSS................................................... $ (3,521) $(16,640)
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-167
<PAGE> 370
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996................................ $ 69,746
Net loss.................................................... (16,640)
Accretion for mandatorily redeemable preferred shares....... (882)
Net contributions from parent............................... 6,489
--------
Balance at December 31, 1997................................ 58,713
Net loss.................................................... (3,521)
Accretion for mandatorily redeemable preferred shares....... (945)
Net cash contributions from parent.......................... 6,350
In-kind contribution from parent............................ 1,147
--------
Balance at December 31, 1998................................ $ 61,744
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-168
<PAGE> 371
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss............................................... $ (3,521) $(16,640)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization....................... 85,982 81,303
Loss and disposal of fixed assets................... 3,177 504
Gain on sale/exchange of cable systems.............. (26,218) (10,006)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable............................... (1,395) (2,846)
Receivables from affiliates....................... (3,904) (639)
Prepaid expenses.................................. 203 (251)
Other current assets.............................. (106) (10)
Deferred income taxes............................. 1,623 (4,311)
Other non-current assets.......................... (517) (58)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......... (2,073) 4,436
Deferred revenue.................................. 1,208 1,399
Payables to affiliates............................ 373 469
Accrued interest.................................. 25,449 28,458
Deferred channel launch revenue................... 2,895 2,817
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities........... 83,176 84,625
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment................. (72,673) (87,253)
Sale/exchange of cable systems...................... (398) 11,157
Intangible assets................................... (372) (506)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities........... (73,443) (76,602)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net contributions from parent....................... 6,350 6,489
Net repayment of borrowings......................... (16,083) (14,512)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities........... (9,733) (8,023)
-------- --------
Net change in cash....................................... -- --
-------- --------
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.............................. -- --
-------- --------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD.................................... $ -- $ --
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.
F-169
<PAGE> 372
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
THE CHARTER TRANSACTIONS
InterMedia Partners, a California limited partnership ("IP-I"), and
InterMedia Capital Partners IV, L.P., a California limited partnership,
("ICP-IV", together with IP-I, "InterMedia") are affiliated through common
control and management. Robin Media Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, ("RMG")
is a majority owned subsidiary of ICP-IV. On April 20, 1999, InterMedia and
certain of its affiliates entered into agreements (the "Agreements") with
affiliates of Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter") to sell and exchange
certain of their cable television systems ("the Charter Transactions").
Specifically, ICP-IV and its affiliates have agreed to sell certain of
their cable television systems in Tennessee and Gainsville, Georgia through a
combination of asset sales and the sale of its equity interests in RMG, and to
exchange their systems in and around Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina
for Charter systems located in Indiana, Kentucky, Utah and Montana. Immediately
upon Charter's acquisition of RMG, IP-I will exchange its cable television
systems in Athens, Georgia, Asheville and Marion, North Carolina and Cleveland,
Tennessee for RMG's cable television systems located in middle Tennessee.
The Charter Transactions are expected to close during the third or fourth
quarter of 1999. The cable systems retained by Charter upon consummation of the
Charter Transactions, together with RMG, are referred to as the "InterMedia
Cable Systems," or the "Systems."
PRESENTATION
The accompanying combined financial statements represent the financial
position of the InterMedia Cable Systems as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended.
The Systems being sold or exchanged do not individually or collectively comprise
a separate legal entity. Accordingly, the combined financial statements have
been carved-out from the historical accounting records of InterMedia.
CARVE-OUT METHODOLOGY
Throughout the periods covered by the combined financial statements, the
individual cable systems were operated and accounted for separately. However,
the Charter Transactions exclude certain systems (the "Excluded Systems") which
were operated as part of the Marion, North Carolina and western Tennessee
systems throughout 1997 and 1998. For purposes of carving out and excluding the
results of operations and financial position of the Excluded Systems from the
combined financial statements, management has estimated the revenues, expenses,
assets and liabilities associated with each Excluded System based on the ratio
of each Excluded System's basic subscribers to the total basic subscribers
served by the Marion, North Carolina and western Tennessee systems,
respectively. Management believes the basis used for these allocations is
reasonable. The
F-170
<PAGE> 373
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Systems' results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future
operating results or the results that would have occurred if the Systems were a
separate legal entity.
Management and consulting fees represent an allocation of management fees
charged to IP-I and ICP-IV by InterMedia Capital Management, a California
limited partnership ("ICM") and InterMedia Management, Inc. ("IMI"),
respectively. Prior to January 1, 1998, InterMedia Capital Management IV, L.P.
("ICM-IV") provided such management and consulting services to ICP-IV. ICM and
ICM-IV are limited partners of IP-I and ICP-IV, respectively. IMI is the
managing member of each of the general partners of IP-I and ICP-IV. These fees
are charged at a fixed amount per annum and have been allocated to the Systems
based upon the allocated contributed capital of the individual systems as
compared to the total contributed capital of InterMedia's subsidiaries.
As more fully described in Note 9 -- "Related Party Transactions," certain
administrative services are also provided by IMI and are charged to all
affiliates based on relative basic subscriber percentages.
CASH AND INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS
Under InterMedia's centralized cash management system, cash requirements of
its individual operating units were generally provided directly by InterMedia
and the cash generated or used by the Systems was transferred to/from
InterMedia, as appropriate, through intercompany accounts. The intercompany
account balances between InterMedia and the individual operating units, except
RMG's intercompany note payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P. ("IP-IV") as
described in Note 7 -- "Note Payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P." are not
intended to be settled. Accordingly, the balances, other than RMG's note payable
to IP-IV, are included in equity and all net cash generated from operations,
investing activities and financing activities have been included in the Systems'
net contribution from parent in the combined statements of cash flows.
IP-I and ICP-IV or its subsidiaries maintain all external debt to fund and
manage InterMedia's operations on a centralized basis. The combined financial
statements present only the debt and related interest expense of RMG, which is
assumed and repaid by Charter pursuant to the Charter Transactions. See Note
7 -- "Note Payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P." Debt, unamortized debt issue
costs and interest expense related to the financing of the cable systems not
owned by RMG have not been allocated to the InterMedia Cable Systems. As such,
the level of debt, unamortized debt issue costs and related interest expense
presented in the combined financial statements are not representative of the
debt that would be required or interest expenses incurred if InterMedia Cable
Systems were a separate legal entity.
F-171
<PAGE> 374
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Cable television service revenue is recognized in the period in which
services are provided to customers. Deferred revenue generally represents
revenue billed in advance and deferred until cable service is provided.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Additions to property and equipment, including new customer installations,
are recorded at cost. Self-constructed fixed assets include materials, labor and
overhead. Costs of disconnecting and reconnecting cable service are expensed.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Capitalized
fixed assets are written down to recoverable values whenever recoverability
through operations or sale of the systems becomes doubtful. Gains and losses on
disposal of property and equipment are included in the Systems' statements of
operations when the assets are sold or retired from service.
Depreciation is computed using the double-declining balance method over the
following estimated useful lives:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS
------
<S> <C>
Cable television plant...................................... 5 - 10
Buildings and improvements.................................. 10
Furniture and fixtures...................................... 3 - 7
Equipment and other......................................... 3 - 10
</TABLE>
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Systems have franchise rights to operate cable television systems in
various towns and political subdivisions. Franchise rights are being amortized
over the lesser of the remaining franchise lives or the base ten and twelve-year
terms of IP-I and ICP-IV, respectively. The remaining lives of the franchises
range from one to eighteen years.
Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition costs over the fair value of
net tangible and franchise assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over the base ten or twelve-year term of IP-I
and ICP-IV, respectively.
Capitalized intangibles are written down to recoverable values whenever
recoverability through operations or sale of the systems becomes doubtful. Each
year, the Systems evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of their
intangible assets by assessing whether the projected cash flows, including
projected cash flows from sale of the systems, is sufficient to recover the
unamortized costs of these assets.
F-172
<PAGE> 375
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes reported in InterMedia Cable Systems' combined financial
statements represent the tax effects of RMG's results of operations. RMG as a
corporation is the only entity within InterMedia Cable Systems which reports a
provision/benefit for income taxes. No provision or benefit for income taxes is
reported by any of the other cable systems within the InterMedia Cable Systems
structure because these systems are currently owned by various partnerships,
and, as such, the tax effects of these cable systems' results of operations
accrue to the partners.
RMG accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach which
requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the tax
consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates
applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of receivables, payables, deferred revenue and accrued
liabilities approximates fair value due to their short maturity.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income (FAS
130), which establishes standards for reporting and disclosure of comprehensive
income and its components. FAS 130 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997 and requires reclassification of financial statements for
earlier periods to be provided for comparative purposes. The Systems' total
comprehensive loss for all periods presented herein did not differ from those
amounts reported as net loss in the combined statement of operations.
F-173
<PAGE> 376
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
3. SALE AND EXCHANGE OF CABLE PROPERTIES
SALE
On December 5, 1997, RMG sold its cable television assets serving
approximately 7,400 (unaudited) basic subscribers in and around Royston and
Toccoa, Georgia. The sale resulted in a gain, calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Proceeds from sale.......................................... $11,212
Net book value of assets sold............................... (1,206)
-------
Gain on sale................................................ $10,006
=======
</TABLE>
EXCHANGE
On December 31, 1998, certain of the Systems' cable television assets
located in and around western and eastern Tennessee ("Exchanged Assets"),
serving approximately 10,600 (unaudited) basic subscribers, plus cash of $398
were exchanged for other cable television assets located in and around western
and eastern Tennessee, serving approximately 10,000 (unaudited) basic
subscribers.
The cable television assets received have been recorded at fair market
value, allocated as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Property and equipment...................................... $ 5,141
Franchise rights............................................ 24,004
-------
Total............................................. $29,145
=======
</TABLE>
The exchange resulted in a gain of $26,218 calculated as the difference
between the fair value of the assets received and the net book value of the
Exchanged Assets less cash paid of $398.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1998 1997
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Franchise rights..................................... $ 332,157 $302,308
Goodwill............................................. 58,505 58,772
Other................................................ 345 6,392
--------- --------
391,007 367,472
Accumulated amortization............................. (135,651) (83,910)
--------- --------
$ 255,356 $283,562
========= ========
</TABLE>
F-174
<PAGE> 377
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Land.................................................. $ 1,068 $ 1,898
Cable television plant................................ 231,937 138,117
Building and improvements............................. 5,063 4,657
Furniture and fixtures................................ 3,170 2,009
Equipment and other................................... 25,396 21,808
Construction-in-progress.............................. 18,065 49,791
-------- --------
284,699 218,280
Accumulated depreciation.............................. (66,234) (38,599)
-------- --------
$218,465 $179,681
======== ========
</TABLE>
6. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------
1998 1997
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts payable......................................... $ 1,780 $ 2,996
Accrued program costs.................................... 1,897 1,577
Accrued franchise fees................................... 4,676 4,167
Accrued copyright fees................................... 406 762
Accrued capital expenditures............................. 5,215 5,179
Accrued payroll costs.................................... 1,784 1,789
Accrued property and other taxes......................... 862 1,851
Other accrued liabilities................................ 2,610 2,613
------- -------
$19,230 $20,934
======= =======
</TABLE>
7. NOTE PAYABLE TO INTERMEDIA PARTNERS IV, L.P.
RMG's note payable to IP-IV consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Intercompany revolving credit facility, $1,200,000
commitment as of December 31, 1998, interest
currently at 6.86% payable on maturity, matures
December 31, 2006................................ $396,579 $387,213
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-175
<PAGE> 378
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
RMG's debt is outstanding under an intercompany revolving credit facility
executed with IP-IV. The revolving credit facility currently provides for
$1,200,000 of available credit.
RMG's intercompany revolving credit facility requires repayment of the
outstanding principal and accrued interest on the earlier of (i) December 31,
2006, or (ii) acceleration of any of IP-IV's obligations to repay under its bank
debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility ("IP-IV Revolving Credit
Facility") and term loan agreement ("IP-IV Term Loan", together with the IP-IV
Revolving Credit Facility, the "IP-IV Bank Facility") dated July 30, 1996.
Interest rates under RMG's intercompany revolving credit facility are
calculated monthly and are referenced to those made available under the IP-IV
Bank Facility. Interest rates ranged from 6.84% to 7.92% during 1998.
Charter has an obligation to assume and repay RMG's intercompany revolving
credit facility pursuant to the Charter Transactions.
Advances under the IP-IV Bank Facility are available under interest rate
options related to the base rate of the administrative agent for the IP-IV Bank
Facility ("ABR") or LIBOR. Effective October 20, 1997, pursuant to an amendment
to the IP-IV Bank Facility, interest rates on borrowings under the IP-IV Term
Loan vary from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.00% or ABR plus 0.50% to ABR
plus 0.75% based on IP-IV's ratio of debt outstanding to annualized quarterly
operating cash flow ("Senior Debt Ratio"). Interest rates vary on borrowings
under the IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility from LIBOR plus 0.625% to LIBOR plus
1.50% or ABR to ABR plus 0.25% based on IP-IV's Senior Debt Ratio. Prior to the
amendment, interest rates on borrowings under the IP-IV Term Loan were at LIBOR
plus 2.375% or ABR plus 1.125%; and, interest rates on borrowings under the
IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility varied from LIBOR plus 0.75% to LIBOR plus 1.75%
or ABR to ABR plus 0.50% based on IP-IV's Senior Debt Ratio. The IP-IV Bank
Facility requires quarterly payment of fees on the unused portion of the IP-IV
Revolving Credit Facility of 0.375% per annum when the Senior Debt Ratio is
greater than 4.0:1.0 and at 0.25% when the Senior Debt Ratio is less than or
equal to 4.0:1.0.
The terms and conditions of RMG's intercompany debt agreement are not
necessarily indicative of the terms and conditions which would be available if
the Systems were a separate legal entity.
8. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES
RMG has Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding at December 31, 1998 and
1997, which has an annual dividend of 10.0% and participates in any dividends
paid on the common stock at 10.0% of the dividend per share paid on the common
stock. The Redeemable Preferred Stock bears a liquidation preference of $12,000
plus any accrued but unpaid dividends at the time of liquidation and is
mandatorily redeemable on September 30, 2006 at the liquidation preference
amount. Under the Agreements, upon
F-176
<PAGE> 379
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
consummation of the Charter Transactions, Charter has an obligation to redeem
RMG's Redeemable Preferred Stock at the liquidation preference amount.
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ICM and IMI provide certain management services to IP-I and ICP-IV,
respectively, for per annum fixed fees, of which 20% per annum is deferred and
payable in each following year in order to support InterMedia's debt. Prior to
January 1, 1998, ICM-IV provided such management services to ICP-IV.
InterMedia's management fees for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
amounted to $5,410, and $6,395, respectively, of which $3,147 and $2,870,
respectively, has been charged to the Systems.
IMI has entered into agreements with both IP-I and ICP-IV to provide
accounting and administrative services at cost. Under the terms of the
agreements, the expenses associated with rendering these services are charged to
the Systems and other affiliates based upon relative basic subscriber
percentages. Management believes this method to be reflective of the actual
cost. During 1998 and 1997, IMI administrative fees charged to the Systems
totaled $3,657 and $4,153, respectively. Receivable from affiliates at December
31, 1998 and 1997 includes $52 and $1,080, respectively, of advances to IMI, net
of administrative fees charged by IMI and operating expenses paid by IMI on
behalf of the Systems.
IP-I is majority-owned, and ICP-IV is owned in part, by
Tele-Communications, Inc. ("TCI"). As affiliates of TCI, IP-I and ICP-IV are
able to purchase programming services from a subsidiary of TCI. Management
believes that the overall programming rates made available through this
relationship are lower than the Systems could obtain separately. Such volume
rates may not continue to be available in the future should TCI's ownership
interest in InterMedia significantly decrease. Program fees charged by the TCI
subsidiary to the Systems for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
amounted to $30,884 and $26,815, respectively. Payable to affiliates includes
programming fees payable to the TCI subsidiary of $2,918 and $2,335 at December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
On January 1, 1998 an affiliate of TCI entered into agreements with
InterMedia to manage the Systems' advertising business and related services for
an annual fixed fee per advertising sales subscriber as defined by the
agreements. In addition to the annual fixed fee TCI is entitled to varying
percentage shares of the incremental growth in annual cash flows from
advertising sales above specified targets. Management fees charged by the TCI
subsidiary for the year ended December 31, 1998 amount to $292. Receivable from
affiliates at December 31, 1998 includes $3,437 of receivable from TCI for
advertising sales.
As part of its normal course of business the Systems are involved in
transactions with affiliates of InterMedia which own and operate cable
television systems. Such transactions include purchases and sales of inventories
used in construction of cable plant at cost. Receivable from affiliates at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 includes $2,134 and $639,
F-177
<PAGE> 380
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
respectively, of receivables from affiliated systems. Payable to affiliates at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 includes $208 and $181, respectively, of payables to
affiliated systems.
10. CABLE TELEVISION REGULATION
Cable television legislation and regulatory proposals under consideration
from time to time by Congress and various federal agencies have in the past, and
may in the future, materially affect the Systems and the cable television
industry.
The cable industry is currently regulated at the federal and local levels
under the Cable Act of 1984, the Cable Act of 1992 ("the 1992 Act"), the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") and regulations issued by the
Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") in response to the 1992 Act. FCC
regulations govern the determination of rates charged for basic, expanded basic
and certain ancillary services, and cover a number of other areas including
customer services and technical performance standards, the required transmission
of certain local broadcast stations and the requirement to negotiate
retransmission consent from major network and certain local television stations.
Among other provisions, the 1996 Act eliminated rate regulation on the expanded
basic tier effective March 31, 1999.
Current regulations issued in conjunction with the 1992 Act empower the FCC
and/or local franchise authorities to order reductions of existing rates which
exceed the maximum permitted levels and to require refunds measured from the
date a complaint is filed in some circumstances or retroactively for up to one
year in other circumstances. Management believes it has made a fair
interpretation of the 1992 Act and related FCC regulations in determining
regulated cable television rates and other fees based on the information
currently available. However, complaints have been filed with the FCC on rates
for certain franchises and certain local franchise authorities have challenged
existing and prior rates. Further complaints and challenges could be
forthcoming, some of which could apply to revenue recorded in 1998, 1997 and
prior years. Management believes that the effect, if any, of these complaints
and challenges will not be material to the Systems' financial position or
results of operations.
Many aspects of regulation at the federal and local levels are currently
the subject of judicial review and administrative proceedings. In addition, the
FCC is required to conduct rulemaking proceedings to implement various
provisions of the 1996 Act. It is not possible at this time to predict the
ultimate outcome of these reviews or proceedings or their effect on the Systems.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Systems are committed to provide cable television services under
franchise agreements with remaining terms of up to eighteen years. Franchise
fees of up to 5% of gross revenues are payable under these agreements.
F-178
<PAGE> 381
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Current FCC regulations require that cable television operators obtain
permission to retransmit major network and certain local television station
signals. The Systems have entered into long-term retransmission agreements with
all applicable stations in exchange for in-kind and/or other consideration.
InterMedia has been named in purported and certified class actions in
various jurisdictions concerning late fee charges and practices. Certain cable
systems owned by InterMedia charge late fees to customers who do not pay their
cable bills on time. These late fee cases challenge the amount of the late fees
and the practices under which they are imposed. The Plaintiffs raise claims
under state consumer protection statutes, other state statutes, and common law.
Plaintiffs generally allege that the late fees charged by InterMedia's cable
systems, including the Systems in the States of Tennessee, South Carolina and
Georgia are not reasonably related to the costs incurred by the cable systems as
a result of the late payment. Plaintiffs seek to require cable systems to reduce
their late fees on a prospective basis and to provide compensation for alleged
excessive late fee charges for past periods. These cases are either at the early
stages of the litigation process or are subject to a case management order that
sets forth a process leading to mediation. Based upon the facts available
management believes that, although no assurances can be given as to the outcome
of these actions, the ultimate disposition of these matters should not have a
material adverse effect upon the financial condition of the Systems.
Under existing Tennessee laws and regulations, the Systems pay an Amusement
Tax in the form of a sales tax on programming service revenues generated in
Tennessee in excess of charges for the basic and expanded basic levels of
service. Under the existing statute, only the service charges or fees in excess
of the charges for the "basic cable" television service package are exempt from
the Amusement Tax. Related regulations clarify the definition of basic cable to
include two tiers of service, which InterMedia's management and other operators
in Tennessee have interpreted to mean both the basic and expanded basic level of
services.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue ("TDOR") has proposed legislation which
would replace the Amusement Tax under the existing statute with a new sales tax
on all cable service revenues in excess of twelve dollars per month. The new tax
would be computed at a rate approximately equal to the existing effective tax
rate.
Unless InterMedia and other cable operators in Tennessee support the
proposed legislation, the TDOR has suggested that it would assess additional
taxes on prior years' expanded basic service revenues. The TDOR can issue an
assessment for prior periods up to three years. Management estimates that the
amount of such an assessment for the Systems, if made for all periods not
previously audited, would be approximately $5.4 million. InterMedia's management
believes that it is possible but not likely that the TDOR can make such an
assessment and prevail in defending it.
InterMedia's management believes it has made a valid interpretation of the
current Tennessee statute and regulations and that it has properly determined
and paid all sales taxes due. InterMedia further believes that the legislative
history of the current statute and
F-179
<PAGE> 382
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
related regulations, as well as the TDOR's history of not making assessments
based on audits of prior periods, support InterMedia's interpretation.
InterMedia and other cable operators in Tennessee are aggressively defending
their past practices on calculation and payment of the Amusement Tax and are
discussing with the TDOR modifications to their proposed legislation which would
clarify the statute and would minimize the impact of such legislation on the
Systems' results of operations.
The Systems are subject to other claims and litigation in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of any
existing litigation or other claims will not have a material effect on the
Systems' financial position or results of operations.
The Systems have entered into pole rental agreements and lease certain of
its facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. Minimum
rental commitments at December 31, 1998 for the next five years and thereafter
under non-cancelable operating leases related to the Systems are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999........................................................ $155
2000........................................................ 144
2001........................................................ 136
2002........................................................ 35
2003........................................................ 7
----
$477
====
</TABLE>
Rent expense, including pole rental agreements, for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $2,817 and $2,828, respectively.
12. INCOME TAXES
Income tax (expense) benefit consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
----------------
1998 1997
------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Current federal....................................... $ -- $ (285)
Deferred federal...................................... (1,454) 3,813
Deferred state........................................ (169) 498
------- ------
$(1,623) $4,026
======= ======
</TABLE>
F-180
<PAGE> 383
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Deferred income taxes relate to temporary differences as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------
1998 1997
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Property and equipment............................ $ (7,258) $ (6,786)
Intangible assets................................. (12,930) (8,336)
-------- ---------
(20,188) (15,122)
Loss carryforward - federal....................... 31,547 29,058
Loss carryforward - state......................... 297 --
Other............................................. 942 285
-------- ---------
$ 12,598 $ 14,221
======== =========
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, RMG had net operating loss carryforwards for federal
income tax purposes aggregating $92,785, which expire through 2018. RMG is a
loss corporation as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Therefore, if certain substantial changes in RMG's ownership should occur, there
could be a significant annual limitation on the amount of loss carryforwards
which can be utilized.
InterMedia's management has not established a valuation allowance to reduce
the deferred tax assets related to RMG's unexpired net operating loss
carryforwards. Due to an excess of appreciated asset value over the tax basis of
RMG's net assets, management believes it is more likely than not that the
deferred tax assets related to unexpired net operating losses will be realized.
A reconciliation of the tax benefit computed at the statutory federal rate
and the tax (expense) benefit reported in the accompanying combined statements
of operations is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------
1998 1997
------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax benefit at federal statutory rate............... $ 626 $ 4,454
State taxes, net of federal benefit................. 73 498
Goodwill amortization............................... (2,309) (2,056)
Realization of acquired tax benefit................. -- 346
Other............................................... (13) 784
------- --------
$(1,623) $ 4,026
======= ========
</TABLE>
13. CHANNEL LAUNCH REVENUE
During the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Systems were
credited $2,646 and $5,072, respectively, representing their share of payments
received by IP-I and ICP-IV from certain programmers to launch and promote their
new channels. Also, during 1998 the Systems recorded a receivable from a
programmer, of which $1,791 remains outstanding at December 31, 1998, for the
launch and promotion of its new channel. Of
F-181
<PAGE> 384
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
the total amount credited the Systems recognized advertising revenue of $586 and
$1,182 during the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, for
advertisements provided by the Systems to promote the new channels. The
remaining payments and receivable credited from the programmers are being
amortized over the respective terms of the program agreements which range
between five and ten years. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, the
Systems amortized and recorded as other service revenue $956 and $894
respectively.
14. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
In connection with RMG's sale of its cable television assets located in
Royston and Toccoa, Georgia in December 1997, as described in Note 3 -- "Sale
and Exchange of Cable Properties," net cash proceeds received were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Proceeds from sale.......................................... $11,212
Receivable from buyer....................................... (55)
-------
Net proceeds received from buyer.................. $11,157
=======
</TABLE>
In connection with the exchange of certain cable assets in and around
western and eastern Tennessee on December 31, 1998, as described in Note 3, the
Systems paid cash of $398.
In December 1998, IP-IV contributed its 4.99% partner interest in a limited
partnership to RMG. The book value of the investment at the time of the
contribution was $1,147.
Total accretion on RMG's Redeemable Preferred Stock for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 amounted to $945 and $882, respectively.
15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Systems participate in the InterMedia Partners Tax Deferred Savings
Plan which covers all full-time employees who have completed at least six months
of employment. The plan provides for a base employee contribution of 1% and a
maximum of 15% of compensation. The Systems' matching contributions under the
plan are at the rate of 50% of the employee's contribution, up to a maximum of
5% of compensation.
F-182
<PAGE> 385
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
Rifkin Cable Income Partners L.P.
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheet and the related statements of
operations, of partners' equity (deficit) and of cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Rifkin Cable Income Partners
L.P. (the "Partnership") at December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 19, 1999
F-183
<PAGE> 386
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L. P.
BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/97 12/31/98
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 381,378 $ 65,699
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $12,455 in 1997 and $18,278
in 1998........................................... 49,585 51,523
Other receivables................................... 123,828 133,278
Prepaid expenses and deposits....................... 81,114 70,675
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment.................. 8,536,060 8,758,525
Land, buildings, vehicles and furniture and
fixtures....................................... 618,671 623,281
----------- -----------
9,154,731 9,381,806
Less accumulated depreciation..................... (3,847,679) (4,354,685)
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment.............. 5,307,052 5,027,121
Franchise costs and other intangible assets, net of
accumulated amortization of $1,819,324 in 1997 and
$2,033,405 in 1998................................ 2,005,342 1,772,345
----------- -----------
Total assets.............................. $ 7,948,299 $ 7,120,641
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............ $ 365,392 $ 396,605
Customer deposits and prepayments................... 177,307 126,212
Interest payable.................................... 58,093 --
Long-term debt...................................... 4,914,000 --
Interpartnership debt............................... -- 2,865,426
----------- -----------
Total liabilities......................... 5,514,792 3,388,243
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4 and 8)
Partners' equity:
General partner................................... 263,171 822,837
Limited partners.................................. 2,170,336 2,909,561
----------- -----------
Total partner's equity.................... 2,433,507 3,732,398
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and partners' equity.... $ 7,948,299 $ 7,120,641
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-184
<PAGE> 387
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service...................................... $4,104,841 $4,491,983 $4,790,052
Installation and other....................... 206,044 239,402 345,484
---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue...................... 4,310,885 4,731,385 5,135,536
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense............................ 643,950 691,700 671,968
Programming expense.......................... 787,124 879,939 1,077,540
Selling, general and administrative
expense.................................... 683,571 663,903 622,774
Depreciation................................. 535,559 602,863 628,515
Amortization................................. 377,749 332,770 199,854
Management fees.............................. 215,544 236,569 256,777
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets............ 1,530 2,980 (2,138)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........... 3,245,027 3,410,724 3,455,290
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income............................. 1,065,858 1,320,661 1,680,246
Interest expense............................. 533,294 448,530 362,439
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income before extraordinary item......... 532,564 872,131 1,317,807
Extraordinary item -- Loss on early
retirement of debt (Note 1)................ -- -- 18,916
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income................................... $ 532,564 $ 872,131 $1,298,891
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-185
<PAGE> 388
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNER PARTNERS TOTAL
--------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' equity (deficit), December 31,
1995.................................... $(299,131) $1,427,630 $1,128,499
Net income................................ 229,471 303,093 532,564
Equity distribution....................... (42,953) (56,734) (99,687)
--------- ---------- ----------
Partners' equity (deficit), December 31,
1996.................................... (112,613) 1,673,989 1,561,376
Net income................................ 375,784 496,347 872,131
--------- ---------- ----------
Partners' equity, December 31, 1997....... 263,171 2,170,336 2,433,507
Net income................................ 559,666 739,225 1,298,891
--------- ---------- ----------
Partners' equity December 31, 1998........ $ 822,837 $2,909,561 $3,732,398
========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The partners' capital accounts for financial reporting purposes vary from
the tax capital accounts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-186
<PAGE> 389
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
--------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income............................. $ 532,564 $ 872,131 $ 1,298,891
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization....... 913,308 935,633 828,369
Amortization of deferred loan
cost.............................. 18,970 18,970 14,228
Loss on early retirement of debt.... -- -- 18,916
Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed
assets............................ 1,530 2,980 (2,138)
Decrease (increase) in customer
accounts receivables.............. 521 (5,729) (1,938)
Increase in other receivables....... (45,274) (56,059) (9,450)
Decrease in prepaid expense and
other............................. 40,737 13,230 10,439
Increase (decrease) in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities... (207,035) 61,625 31,213
Increase (decrease) in customer
deposits and prepayment........... 673 (63,524) (51,095)
Increase (decrease) in interest
payable........................... 35,638 (3,145) (58,093)
----------- ---------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities..................... 1,291,632 1,776,112 2,079,342
----------- ---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant and
equipment........................... (824,359) (679,394) (415,534)
Additions to other intangible assets,
net of refranchises................. -- (112) --
Net proceeds from the sale of assets... 18,255 57,113 69,087
Sales tax related to Florida assets
sold in 1994........................ (14,694) -- --
----------- ---------- -----------
Net cash used in investing
activities..................... (820,798) (622,393) (346,447)
----------- ---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from interpartnership debt.... -- -- 4,265,426
Payments of long-term debt............. (715,000) (871,000) (4,914,000)
Payments of interpartnership debt...... -- -- (1,400,000)
Partners' capital distributions........ (99,687) -- --
----------- ---------- -----------
Net cash used in financing
activities..................... (814,687) (871,000) (2,048,574)
----------- ---------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents............................ (343,853) 282,719 (315,679)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period................................. 442,512 98,659 381,378
----------- ---------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period................................. $ 98,659 $ 381,378 $ 65,699
=========== ========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid.......................... $ 455,124 $ 431,722 $ 406,304
=========== ========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-187
<PAGE> 390
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Rifkin Cable Income Partners L.P. (the "Partnership") was formed in 1986 as
a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Partnership
owns, operates and develops cable television systems in Missouri and New Mexico.
Rifkin Cable Management Partners L.P., an affiliate of Rifkin & Associates, Inc.
(Note 3), is the general partner of the Partnership.
The Partnership Agreement (the "Agreement") establishes the respective
rights, obligations and interests of the partners. The Agreement provides that
net income or loss, certain capital events, and cash distributions (all as
defined in the Agreement) are generally allocated 43% to the general partner and
57% to the limited partners.
ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP
During 1998, Interlink Communications Partners, LLLP ("ICP") agreed to
purchase all of the interests of the Partnership. ICP acquired the limited
partner interests, effective December 31, 1998, and is currently in the process
of obtaining the necessary consents to transfer all of the Partnership's
franchises to ICP. Once obtained, ICP will then purchase the general partner
interest in the Partnership, and the Partnership will, by operation of law, be
consolidated into ICP.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Customer fees are recorded as revenue in the period the service is
provided. The cost to acquire the rights to the programming generally is
recorded when the product is initially available to be viewed by the customer.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES
Advertising and promotion expenses are charged to income during the year in
which they are incurred and were not significant for the periods shown.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, which in
the case of assets constructed includes amounts for material, labor, overhead
and capitalized interest, if applicable. Upon sale or retirement of an asset,
the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and
any gain or loss is recognized.
Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings.......................................... 21-30 years
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment.................... 3-15 years
Vehicles and furniture and fixtures................ 3-5 years
</TABLE>
F-188
<PAGE> 391
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
FRANCHISE COSTS
Franchise costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the
remaining lives of the franchises as of the date they were acquired, ranging
from eight to twenty-five years. The carrying value of intangibles is assessed
for recoverability by management based on an analysis of undiscounted expected
future cash flows. The Partnership's management believes that there has been no
impairment thereof as of December 31, 1998.
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Loan costs of the Partnership have been deferred and have been amortized to
interest expense utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related
debt. Use of the straight-line method approximates the results of the
application of the interest method. The net amount remaining at December 31,
1997 was $37,886.
On December 30, 1998, the loan with a financial institution was paid in
full (Note 2). The related deferred loan costs and associated accumulated
amortization were written off and an extraordinary loss of $18,916 was recorded.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of
three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
INCOME TAXES
No provision for Federal or State income taxes is necessary in the
financial statements of the Partnership, because as a partnership, it is not
subject to Federal or State income tax as the tax effect of its activities
accrues to the partners.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities," which requires the Partnership to expense all start up costs
related to opening a new facility, introduction of anew product or service, or
conducting business with a new class of customer or in a new territory. This
standard is effective for the Partnership's 1999 fiscal year. Management
believes that SOP 98-5 will have no material effect on its financial position or
the results of operations.
F-189
<PAGE> 392
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1997 financial
statements to conform with the 1998 financial statement presentation.
2. DEBT
The Partnership had a term loan with a financial institution which required
varying quarterly payments. At December 31, 1997, the term loan had a balance of
$4,914,000. At December 30, 1998, the term loan had a balance of $4,216,875; at
that date, the total balance and accrued interest were paid in full.
On that same date, the Partnership obtained a new interpartnership loan
with ICP (Note 1). Borrowing under the interpartnership loan, as well as
interest and principle payments are due at the discretion of the management of
ICP, resulting in no minimum required annual principle payments. The balance of
the interpartnership loan at December 31, 1998 was $2,865,426. The effective
interest rate at December 31, 1998 was 8.5%.
3. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Partnership has entered into a management agreement with Rifkin and
Associates, Inc. (Rifkin). The management agreement provides that Rifkin shall
act as manager of the Partnership's CATV systems, and shall be entitled to
annual compensation of 5% of the Partnership's CATV revenues, net of certain
CATV programming costs. Effective September 1, 1998, Rifkin conveyed its CATV
management business to R & A Management, LLC (RML). The result of this
transaction included the conveyance of the Rifkin management agreement (Rifkin
Agreement) to RML (RML Agreement). Expenses incurred pursuant to the Rifkin
Agreement and the RML Agreement are disclosed in total on the Statement of
Operations.
4. COMMITMENTS AND RENTAL EXPENSE
The Partnership leases certain real and personal property under
noncancelable operating leases expiring through the year 2001. Future minimum
lease payments under such noncancelable leases as of December 31, 1998 are:
$30,000 for each year 1999, 2000 and 2001, totaling $90,000.
Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998
was $60,323, $68,593 and $68,776, respectively, including $27,442, $36,822 and
$36,716, respectively, relating to cancelable pole rental agreements.
5. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Partnership has a 401(k) plan for its employees that have been employed
by the Partnership for at least one year. Employees of the Partnership can
contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a before-tax basis, with a maximum 1998
contribution of $10,000 (as set by the Internal Revenue Service). The
Partnership matches participant contributions up to a maximum of 50% of the
first 3% of a participant's salary contributed. All participant contributions
and earnings are fully vested upon contribution and Partnership contributions
F-190
<PAGE> 393
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
and earnings vest 20% per year of employment with the Partnership, becoming
fully vested after five years. The Partnership's matching contributions for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were $2,693, $3,653 and $2,680,
respectively.
6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Partnership has a number of financial instruments, none of which are
held for trading purposes. The following method and assumptions were used by the
Partnership to estimate the fair values of financial instruments as disclosed
herein:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Customer Accounts Receivable, Other Receivables,
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities and Customer Deposits and Prepayments:
The carrying value amount approximates fair value because of the short period to
maturity.
Debt: The carrying value amount approximates the fair value because the
Partnership's interpartnership debt was obtained on December 30, 1998.
7. CABLE REREGULATION
Congress enacted the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition
Act of 1992 (the Cable Act) and has amended it at various times since.
The total effects of the present law are, at this time, still unknown.
However, one provision of the present law further redefines a small cable
system, and exempts these systems from rate regulation on the upper tiers of
cable service. The Partnership is awaiting an FCC rulemaking implementing the
present law to determine whether its systems qualify as small cable systems.
8. LITIGATION
The Partnership could possibly be named as defendant in various actions and
proceedings arising from the normal course of business. In all such cases, the
Partnership will vigorously defend itself against the litigation and, where
appropriate, will file counterclaims. Although the eventual outcome of potential
lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management's opinion that any such lawsuit
will not result in liabilities that would have a material affect on the
Partnership's financial position or results of operations.
F-191
<PAGE> 394
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rifkin
Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December
31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which 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, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Denver, Colorado
March 19, 1999
F-192
<PAGE> 395
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/98 12/31/97
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents......................... $ 2,324,892 $ 1,902,555
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $444,839 in 1998 and
$425,843 in 1997................................ 1,932,140 1,371,050
Other receivables................................. 5,637,771 4,615,089
Prepaid expenses and other........................ 2,398,528 1,753,257
Property, plant and equipment at cost:
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment................ 149,376,914 131,806,310
Land, buildings, vehicles and furniture and
fixtures..................................... 7,421,960 7,123,429
------------ ------------
156,798,874 138,929,739
Less accumulated depreciation................... (35,226,773) (26,591,458)
------------ ------------
Net property, plant and equipment....... 121,572,101 112,338,281
Franchise costs and other intangible assets, net
of accumulated amortization of $67,857,545 in
1998 and $53,449,637 in 1997.................... 183,438,197 180,059,655
------------ ------------
Total assets............................ $317,303,629 $302,039,887
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......... $ 11,684,594 $ 11,690,894
Customer deposits and prepayments................. 1,676,900 1,503,449
Interest payable.................................. 7,242,954 7,384,509
Deferred tax liability, net....................... 7,942,000 12,138,000
Notes payable..................................... 224,575,000 229,500,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities....................... 253,121,448 262,216,852
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 14)
Redeemable partners' interests.................... 10,180,400 7,387,360
Partners' capital (deficit):
General partner................................. (1,991,018) (1,885,480)
Limited partners................................ 55,570,041 34,044,912
Preferred equity interest....................... 422,758 276,243
------------ ------------
Total partners' capital........................... 54,001,781 32,435,675
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and partners'
capital.............................. $317,303,629 $302,039,887
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-193
<PAGE> 396
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
-----------------------------------------
12/31/98 12/31/97 12/31/96
----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service................................. $82,498,638 $ 78,588,503 $ 66,433,321
Installation and other.................. 7,422,675 5,736,412 4,852,124
----------- ------------ ------------
Total revenue................. 89,921,313 84,324,915 71,285,445
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense....................... 13,305,376 14,147,031 10,362,671
Programming expense..................... 18,020,812 15,678,977 14,109,527
Selling, general and administrative
expense............................... 13,757,090 12,695,176 11,352,870
Depreciation............................ 15,109,327 14,422,631 11,725,246
Amortization............................ 22,104,249 24,208,169 23,572,457
Management fees......................... 3,147,246 2,951,372 2,475,381
Loss on disposal of assets.............. 3,436,739 7,834,968 1,357,180
----------- ------------ ------------
Total costs and expenses...... 88,880,839 91,938,324 74,955,332
----------- ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss)................. 1,040,474 (7,613,409) (3,669,887)
Gain from the sale of assets (Note 4)... (42,863,060) -- --
Interest expense........................ 23,662,248 23,765,239 21,607,174
----------- ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes....... 20,241,286 (31,378,648) (25,277,061)
Income tax benefit...................... (4,177,925) (5,335,000) (3,645,719)
----------- ------------ ------------
Net income (loss)....................... $24,419,211 $(26,043,648) $(21,631,342)
=========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-194
<PAGE> 397
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
------------------------------------------
12/31/98 12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).................................. $ 24,419,211 $(26,043,648) $(21,631,342)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................... 37,213,576 38,630,800 35,297,703
Amortization of deferred loan costs............. 989,760 989,760 970,753
Gain on sale of assets (Note 4)................. (42,863,060) -- --
Loss on disposal of fixed assets................ 3,436,739 7,834,968 1,357,180
Deferred tax benefit............................ (4,196,000) (5,335,000) (3,654,000)
Increase in customer accounts receivables....... (300,823) (186,976) (117,278)
Increase in other receivables................... (474,599) (1,992,714) (994,681)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and
other......................................... (684,643) 23,015 (494,252)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities................................... 34,073 1,753,656 3,245,736
Increase (decrease) in customer deposits and
prepayments................................... (86,648) 231,170 164,824
Increase (decrease) in interest payable......... (141,555) 600,248 6,692,988
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities.............................. 17,346,031 16,505,279 20,837,631
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of cable systems, net (Note 3)......... (2,212,958) (19,359,755) (71,797,038)
Additions to property, plant and equipment......... (26,354,756) (28,009,253) (16,896,582)
Additions to cable television franchises, net of
retirements..................................... (151,695) 72,162 (1,182,311)
Net proceeds from the sale of cable systems (Note
4).............................................. 16,533,564 -- --
Net proceeds from the other sales of assets........ 247,216 306,890 197,523
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities...... (11,938,629) (46,989,956) (89,678,408)
------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from isssuance of senior subordinated
notes........................................... -- -- 125,000,000
Proceeds from long-term bank debt.................. 22,500,000 38,000,000 18,000,000
Deferred loan costs................................ -- -- (6,090,011)
Payments of long-term bank debt.................... (27,425,000) (7,000,000) (82,000,000)
Partners' capital contributions.................... -- -- 15,000,000
Equity distributions to partners................... (60,065) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.............................. (4,985,065) 31,000,000 69,909,989
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash................................. 422,337 515,323 1,069,212
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..... 1,902,555 1,387,232 318,020
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........... $ 2,324,892 $ 1,902,555 $ 1,387,232
============ ============ ============
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid...................................... $ 22,737,443 $ 22,098,732 $ 13,866,995
============ ============ ============
Noncash investing activities:
Proceeds from the sale of Michigan assets held
in escrow..................................... $ 500,000 $ -- $ --
============ ============ ============
Trade value related to the trade sale of
Tennessee assets.............................. $ 46,668,000 $ -- $ --
============ ============ ============
Trade value related to trade acquisition of
Tennessee assets.............................. $(46,668,000) $ -- $ --
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-195
<PAGE> 398
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED GENERAL LIMITED
EQUITY INTEREST PARTNER PARTNERS TOTAL
--------------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' capital (deficit)
at December 31, 1995..... $ 562,293 $(1,085,311) $ 69,421,043 $ 68,898,025
Partners' capital
contributions............ -- 150,000 14,850,000 15,000,000
Accretion of redeemable
partners' interest....... -- (157,730) (1,104,110) (1,261,840)
Net loss................... (129,788) (216,313) (21,285,241) (21,631,342)
--------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Partners' capital (deficit)
at December 31, 1996..... 432,505 (1,309,354) 61,881,692 61,004,843
Accretion of redeemable
partners' interest....... -- (315,690) (2,209,830) (2,525,520)
Net loss................... (156,262) (260,436) (25,626,950) (26,043,648)
--------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Partners' capital (deficit)
at December 31, 1997..... 276,243 (1,885,480) 34,044,912 32,435,675
Accretion of redeemable
partners' interest....... -- (349,130) (2,443,910) (2,793,040)
Net income................. 146,515 244,192 24,028,504 24,419,211
Partners' equity
distribution............. -- (600) (59,465) (60,065)
--------- ----------- ------------ ------------
Partners' capital (deficit)
at December 31, 1998..... $ 422,758 $(1,991,018) $ 55,570,041 $ 54,001,781
========= =========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
The Partners' capital accounts for financial reporting purposes vary from
the tax capital accounts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-196
<PAGE> 399
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P. ("the Partnership") was formed
pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado. The Partnership and its
subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to on a consolidated basis as the
"Company." The Company owns, operates, and develops cable television systems in
Georgia, Tennessee, and Illinois. Rifkin Acquisition Management, L.P., an
affiliate of Rifkin & Associates, Inc. (Note 7), is the general partner of the
Partnership ("General Partner").
The Partnership operates under a limited liability limited partnership
agreement (the "Partnership Agreement") which establishes contribution
requirements, enumerates the rights and responsibilities of the partners and
advisory committee, provides for allocations of income, losses and
distributions, and defines certain items relating thereto. The Partnership
Agreement provides that net income or loss, certain defined capital events, and
cash distributions, all as defined in the Partnership Agreement, are generally
allocated 99% to the limited partners and 1% to the general partner.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the following
entities:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- - Rifkin Acquisition Partners, - Cable Equities of Colorado, Ltd.
L.L.L.P. (CEC)
- - Cable Equities of Colorado - Cable Equities, Inc. (CEI)
Management Corp. (CEM) - Rifkin Acquisition Capital Corp.
(RACC)
</TABLE>
The financial statements for 1997 and 1996 also included the following
entities:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- - Rifkin/Tennessee, Ltd. (RTL) - FNI Management Corp. (FNI)
</TABLE>
Effective January 1, 1998, both the RTL and FNI entities were dissolved and
the assets were transferred to the Partnership.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated.
REVENUE AND PROGRAMMING
Customer fees are recorded as revenue in the period the service is
provided. The cost to acquire the rights to the programming generally is
recorded when the product is initially available to be viewed by the customer.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION EXPENSES
Advertising and promotion expenses are charged to income during the year in
which they are incurred and were not significant for the periods shown.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, which in
the case of assets constructed, includes amounts for material, labor, overhead
and interest, if applicable. Upon sale or retirement of an asset, the related
costs and accumulated
F-197
<PAGE> 400
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is recognized.
Capitalized interest was not significant for the periods shown.
Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings.......................................... 27-30 years
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment.................... 3-15 years
Vehicles and furniture and fixtures................ 3-5 years
</TABLE>
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
FRANCHISE COSTS
Franchise costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the
remaining lives of the franchises as of the date they were acquired, ranging
from one to twenty years. The carrying value of franchise costs is assessed for
recoverability by management based on an analysis of undiscounted future
expected cash flows from the underlying operations of the Company. Management
believes that there has been no impairment thereof as of December 31, 1998.
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Certain loan costs have been deferred and are amortized to interest expense
utilizing the straight-line method over the remaining term of the related debt.
Use of the straight-line method approximates the results of the application of
the interest method. The net amounts remaining at December 31, 1998 and 1997
were $6,176,690 and $7,166,450, respectively.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
All highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of
three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
REDEEMABLE PARTNERS' INTERESTS
The Partnership Agreement provides that if a certain partner dies or
becomes disabled, that partner (or his personal representative) shall have the
option, exercisable by notice given to the partners at any time within 270 days
after his death or disability (except that if that partner dies or becomes
disabled prior to August 31, 2000, the option may not be exercised until August
31, 2000 and then by notice by that partner or his personal representative given
to the partners within 270 days after August 31, 2000) to sell, and require the
General Partner and certain trusts controlled by that partner to sell, and the
Partnership to purchase, up to 50% of the partnership interests owned by any of
such partners and certain current and former members of management of Rifkin &
Associates, Inc. that requests to sell their interest, for a purchase price
equal to the fair market value of those interests determined by appraisal in
accordance with the Partnership Agreement. Accordingly, the current fair value
of such partnership interests have been reclassified outside of partners'
capital.
F-198
<PAGE> 401
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities," which requires the Partnership to expense all start up costs
related to organizing a new business. This new standard also includes one-time
activities related to opening a new facility, introduction of a new product or
service, or conducting business with a new class of customer or in a new
territory. This standard is effective for the Partnership's 1999 fiscal year.
Management believes that SOP 98-5 will have no material effect on its financial
position or the results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1997 and 1996 financial
statements to conform with the 1998 financial statement presentation. Such
reclassification had no effect on the net loss as previously stated.
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 12, 1999, the Company signed a letter of intent for the
partners to sell all of their partnership interests to Charter Communications
("Charter"). The Company and Charter are expected to sign a purchase agreement
and complete the sale during the third quarter of 1999.
3. ACQUISITION OF CABLE PROPERTIES
1998 ACQUISITIONS
At various times during the second half of 1998, the Company completed
three separate acquisitions of cable operating assets. Two of the acquisitions
serve communities in Gwinnett County, Georgia (the "Georgia Systems"). These
acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
The third acquisition resulted from a trade of the Company's systems
serving the communities of Paris and Piney Flats, Tennessee for the operating
assets of another cable operator serving primarily the communities of Lewisburg
and Crossville, Tennessee (the "Tennessee Trade"). The trade was for cable
systems that are similar in size and was accounted for based on fair market
value. Fair market value was established at $3,000 per customer relinquished,
which was based on recent sales transactions of similar cable systems. The
transaction included the payment of approximately $719,000, net, of additional
cash (Note 4).
F-199
<PAGE> 402
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The combined purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair values
from an independent appraisal to property, plant and equipment and franchise
cost as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GEORGIA TENNESSEE
SYSTEMS TRADE TOTAL
------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of assets relinquished (Note 4)...... $ -- $46,668 $46,668
Cash paid....................................... 1,392 719 2,111
Acquisition Costs (appraisal, transfer fees and
direct costs)................................. 26 76 102
------ ------- -------
Total acquisition cost.......................... $1,418 $47,463 $48,881
====== ======= =======
Allocation:
Current assets.................................. $ (2) $ 447 $ 445
Current liabilities............................. (1) (397) (398)
Property, plant and equipment................... 333 11,811 12,144
Franchise Cost.................................. 1,088 35,602 36,690
------ ------- -------
Total cost allocated............................ $1,418 $47,463 $48,881
====== ======= =======
</TABLE>
The fair value of assets relinquished from the Tennessee Trade was treated
as a noncash transaction on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The cash
acquisition costs were funded by proceeds from the Company's reducing revolving
loan with a financial institution.
The following combined pro forma information presents a summary of
consolidated results of operations for the Company as if the Tennessee Trade
acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 1997, with pro forma adjustments
to show the effect on depreciation and amortization for the acquired assets,
management fees on additional revenues and interest expense on additional debt
(dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
-----------------------
12/31/98 12/31/97
-------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Total revenues.......................... $89,921 $ 84,325
Net income (loss)....................... 19,447 (29,631)
</TABLE>
The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the
operating results that would have occurred had the Tennessee Trade actually been
acquired on January 1, 1997.
1997 ACQUISITIONS
On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired the cable operating assets of two
cable systems serving the Tennessee communities of Shelbyville and Manchester
(the "Manchester Systems"), for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$19.7 million of which $495,000 was paid as escrow in 1996. The acquisition was
accounted for using the
F-200
<PAGE> 403
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
purchase method of accounting, and was funded by proceeds from the Company's
reducing revolving loan with a financial institution. No pro forma information
giving the effect of the acquisitions is shown due to the results being
immaterial.
1996 ACQUISITIONS
On March 1, 1996, the Company acquired certain cable operating assets
("Mid-Tennessee Systems") from Mid-Tennessee CATV, L.P., and on April 1, 1996
acquired the cable operating assets ("RCT Systems") from Rifkin Cablevision of
Tennessee, Ltd. Both Mid-Tennessee CATV, L.P. and Rifkin Cablevision of
Tennessee, Ltd. were affiliates of the General Partner. The acquisition costs
were funded by $15 million of additional partner contributions and the remainder
from a portion of the proceeds received from the issuance of $125 million of
11 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2006 (see Note 6).
The acquisitions were recorded using the purchase method of accounting. The
results of operations of the Mid-Tennessee Systems have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since March 1, 1996, and the results of the
RCT Systems have been included in the consolidated financial statements since
April 1, 1996. The combined purchase price was allocated based on estimated fair
values from an independent appraisal to property, plant and equipment and
franchise cost as follows (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cash paid, net of acquired cash....................... $71,582
Acquisition costs (appraisal, transfer fees, and
direct costs)....................................... 215
-------
Total acquisition cost................................ $71,797
=======
Allocation:
Current assets........................................ $ 624
Current liabilities................................... (969)
Property, plant and equipment......................... 24,033
Franchise cost and other intangible assets............ 48,109
-------
Total cost allocated.................................. $71,797
=======
</TABLE>
The following combined pro forma information presents a summary of
consolidated results of operations for the Company as if the Mid-Tennessee
Systems and the RCT Systems acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 1996,
with pro forma adjustments to show the effect on depreciation and amortization
for the acquired assets, management fees on additional revenues and interest
expense on additional debt (dollars in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
-----------
12/31/96
-----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C>
Total revenues..................................... $ 74,346
Net loss........................................... (22,558)
</TABLE>
The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the
operating results that would have occurred had the Mid-Tennessee Systems and the
RCT Systems actually been acquired on January 1, 1996.
F-201
<PAGE> 404
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. SALE OF ASSETS
On February 4, 1998, the Company sold all of its operating assets in the
state of Michigan (the "Michigan Sale") to another cable operator for cash. In
addition, on December 31, 1998, the Company traded certain cable systems in
Tennessee (the "Tennessee Trade") for similar-sized cable systems (Note 3). Both
sales resulted in a gain recognized by the Company as follows (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MICHIGAN TENNESSEE
SALE TRADE TOTAL
-------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of assets relinquished...... $ -- $46,668 $46,668
Original cash proceeds................. 16,931 -- 16,931
Adjustments for value of assets and
liabilities assumed.................. 120 (17) 103
------- ------- -------
Net proceeds........................... 17,051 46,651 63,702
Net book value of assets sold.......... 11,061 9,778 20,839
------- ------- -------
Net gain from sale..................... $ 5,990 $36,873 $42,863
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The Michigan Sale proceeds amount includes $500,000 that is currently being
held in escrow. This amount and the fair value of assets relinquished, related
to the Tennessee Trade, were both treated as noncash transactions on the
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The cash proceeds from the Michigan Sale were used by the Company to reduce
its revolving and term loans with a financial institution.
5. INCOME TAXES
Although the Partnership is not a taxable entity, two corporations (the
"subsidiaries") are included in the consolidated financial statements. These
subsidiaries are required to pay taxes on their taxable income, if any.
F-202
<PAGE> 405
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The following represents a reconciliation of pre-tax losses as reported in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the losses
attributable to the partners and included in their individual income tax
returns:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
12/31/98 12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pre-tax income (loss) as
reported......................... $ 20,241,286 $(31,378,648) $(25,277,061)
(Increase) decrease due to:
Separately taxed book results of
corporate subsidiaries........ 9,397,000 15,512,000 9,716,000
Effect of different depreciation
and amortization methods for
tax and book purposes......... (1,360,000) (2,973,000) (3,833,000)
Additional tax gain from the sale
of Michigan(Note 4).............. 2,068,000 -- --
Book gain from trade sale of
Tennessee assets(Note 4)......... (36,873,000) -- --
Additional tax loss from
dissolution of FNI stock......... (7,235,000) -- --
Other.............................. 81,714 (45,052) (22,539)
------------ ------------ ------------
Tax loss attributed to the
partners......................... $(13,680,000) $(18,884,700) $(19,416,600)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method. Under
this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities
and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect
when the differences are expected to reverse.
As a result of a change in control in 1995, the book value of the Company's
net assets was increased to reflect their fair market value. In connection with
this revaluation, a deferred income tax liability in the amount of $22,801,000
was established to provide for future taxes payable on the revised valuation of
the net assets. A deferred tax benefit of $4,196,000, $5,335,000 and $3,654,000
was recognized for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, reducing the liability to $7,942,000.
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) were comprised of the following at
December 31, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/98 12/31/97
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets resulting from
loss carryforwards.............. $ 11,458,000 $ 9,499,000
Deferred tax liabilities resulting
from depreciation and
amortization.................... (19,400,000) (21,637,000)
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax liability........ $ (7,942,000) $(12,138,000)
============ ============
</TABLE>
F-203
<PAGE> 406
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the subsidiaries have net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOLs") for income tax purposes of $30,317,000 and $25,264,000,
respectively, substantially all of which are limited. The NOLs will expire at
various times between the years 2000 and 2013.
In 1998, one of the corporate entities was dissolved. The existing NOL's
were used to offset taxable income down to $87,751, resulting in a current tax
for 1998 of $18,075.
Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
subsidiaries generally would be entitled to reduce their future federal income
tax liabilities by carrying the unused NOLs forward for a period of 15 years to
offset their future income taxes. The subsidiaries' ability to utilize any NOLs
in future years may be restricted, however, in the event the subsidiaries
undergo an "ownership change" as defined in Section 382 of the Code. In the
event of an ownership change, the amount of NOLs attributable to the period
prior to the ownership change that may be used to offset taxable income in any
year thereafter generally may not exceed the fair market value of the subsidiary
immediately before the ownership change (subject to certain adjustments)
multiplied by the applicable long-term, tax exempt rate published by the
Internal Revenue Service for the date of the ownership change. Two of the
subsidiaries underwent an ownership change on September 1, 1995 pursuant to
Section 382 of the Code. As such, the NOLs of the subsidiaries are subject to
limitation from that date forward. It is the opinion of management that the NOLs
will be released from this limitation prior to their expiration dates and, as
such, have not been limited in their calculation of deferred taxes.
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount
which would be computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35%
to pre-tax income before extraordinary loss as a result of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
-----------------------------------------
12/31/98 12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tax expense (benefit) computed at
statutory rate...................... $ 7,084,450 $(10,982,527) $(8,846,971)
Increase (decrease) due to:
Tax benefit (expense) for
non-corporate loss............... (10,373,252) 5,900,546 5,446,721
Permanent differences between
financial statement income and
taxable income................... (36,200) 84,500 48,270
State income tax.................... (247,000) (377,500) (252,590)
Tax benefit from dissolved
corporation...................... (148,925) -- --
Other............................... (456,998) 39,981 (41,149)
------------ ------------ -----------
Income Tax Benefit.................. $ (4,177,925) $ (5,335,000) $(3,645,719)
============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
F-204
<PAGE> 407
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
6. NOTES PAYABLE
Debt consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Senior Subordinated Notes......... $125,000,000 $125,000,000
Tranche A Term Loan............... 21,575,000 25,000,000
Tranche B Term Loan............... 40,000,000 40,000,000
Reducing Revolving Loan........... 35,000,000 36,500,000
Senior Subordinated Debt.......... 3,000,000 3,000,000
------------ ------------
$224,575,000 $229,500,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
The Notes and loans are collateralized by substantially all of the assets
of the Company.
On January 26, 1996, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, RACC (the
"Issuers"), co-issued $125,000,000 of 11 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (the
"Notes") to institutional investors. These notes were subsequently exchanged on
June 18, 1996 for publicly registered notes with identical terms. Interest on
the Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The
Notes, which mature on January 15, 2006, can be redeemed in whole or in part, at
the Issuers' option, at any time on or after January 15, 2001, at redeemable
prices contained in the Notes plus accrued interest. In addition, at any time on
or prior to January 15, 1999, the Issuers, at their option, may redeem up to 25%
of the principle amount of the Notes issued to institutional investors of not
less than $25,000,000. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, all of the Notes were
outstanding (see also Note 10).
The Company has a $25,000,000 Tranche A term loan with a financial
institution. This loan requires quarterly payments of $1,875,000 plus interest
commencing on March 31, 2000. Any unpaid balance is due March 31, 2003. The
agreement requires that what it defines as excess proceeds from the sale of a
cable system be used to retire Tranche A term debt. As a result of the Michigan
sale (Note 4), there was $3,425,000 of excess proceeds used to pay principal in
1998. The interest rate on the Tranche A term loan is either the bank's prime
rate plus .25% to 1.75% or LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.75%.
The specific rate is dependent upon the senior funded debt ratio which is
recalculated quarterly. The weighted average effective interest rate at December
31, 1998 and 1997 was 7.59% and 8.24%, respectively.
In addition, the Company has a $40,000,000 Tranche B term loan, which
requires principal payments of $2,000,000 on March 31, 2002, $18,000,000 on
March 31, 2003, and $20,000,000 on March 31, 2004. The Tranche B term loan bears
an interest rate of 9.75% and is payable quarterly.
The Company also has a reducing revolving loan providing for borrowing up
to $20,000,000 at the Company's discretion, subject to certain restrictions, and
an additional $60,000,000 available to finance acquisitions subject to certain
restrictions. On March 4,
F-205
<PAGE> 408
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
1998, the reducing revolving loan agreement was amended to revise the scheduled
reduction in revolving commitments. The additional financing amounts available
at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were $45,000,000 and $52,500,000, respectively. At
December 31, 1998, the full $20,000,000 available had been borrowed, and
$15,000,000 had been drawn against the $45,000,000 commitment. At December 31,
1997, the full $20,000,000 available had been borrowed, and $16,500,000 had been
drawn against the $52,500,000 commitment. The amount available for borrowing
will decrease annually during its term with changes over the four years
following December 31, 1998 as follows: 1999 -- $2,500,000 reduction per
quarter, and 2000 through 2002 -- $3,625,000 per quarter. Any unpaid balance is
due on March 31, 2003. The revolving loan bears an interest rate of either the
bank's prime rate plus .25% to 1.75% or LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.75%. The specific
rate is dependent upon the senior funded debt ratio which is recalculated
quarterly. The weighted average effective interest rates at December 31, 1998
and 1997 was 8.08% and 8.29%, respectively. The reducing revolving loan includes
a commitment fee of 1/2% per annum on the unborrowed balance.
Certain mandatory prepayments may also be required, commencing in fiscal
1997, on the Tranche A term loan, the Tranche B term loan, and the reducing
revolving credit based on the Company's cash flow calculations, proceeds from
the sale of a cable system or equity contributions. Based on the 1998
calculation and the Michigan sale, $3,425,000 of prepayments were required.
Optional prepayments are allowed, subject to certain restrictions. The related
loan agreement contains covenants limiting additional indebtedness, dispositions
of assets, investments in securities, distribution to partners, management fees
and capital expenditures. In addition, the Company must maintain certain
financial levels and ratios. At December 31, 1998, the Company was in compliance
with these covenants.
The Company also has $3,000,000 of senior subordinated debt payable to a
Rifkin Partner. The debt has a scheduled maturity, interest rate and interest
payment schedule identical to that of the Notes, as discussed above.
Based on the outstanding debt as of December 31, 1998, the minimum
aggregate maturities for the five years following 1998 are none in 1999,
$7,500,000 in 2000, $16,500,000 in 2001, $23,075,000 in 2002 and $29,500,000 in
2003.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company entered into a management agreement with Rifkin & Associates,
Inc. (Rifkin). The management agreement provides that Rifkin will act as manager
of the Company's CATV systems and be entitled to annual compensation of 3.5% of
the Company's revenue. Effective September 1, 1998, Rifkin conveyed its CATV
management business to R & A Management, LLC (RML). The result of this
transaction included the conveyance of the Rifkin management agreement (Rifkin
Agreement) to RML (RML Agreement). Expenses incurred pursuant to the Rifkin
Agreement and the RML Agreement are disclosed in total on the Consolidated
Statement of Operations.
The Company is associated with a company to purchase certain cable
television programming at a discount. Rifkin acted as the agent and held the
deposit funds required for the Company to participate.
F-206
<PAGE> 409
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Effective September 1, 1998, Rifkin conveyed this contract and deposit
amount to RML. The deposit amount recorded at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
$2,139,274 and $1,225,274, respectively. The Company subsequently received
$1,225,274 of the December 31, 1998 balance.
The Company paid approximately $550,000 to a law firm in connection with
the public offering in 1996. A partner of this law firm is a relative of one of
the Company's partners.
8. COMMITMENTS AND RENTAL EXPENSE
The Company leases certain real and personal property under noncancelable
operating leases expiring through the year 2007. Future minimum lease payments
under such noncancelable leases as of December 31, 1998 are: $316,091 in 1999;
$249,179 in 2000; $225,768 in 2001; $222,669 in 2002; and $139,910 in 2003; and
$344,153 thereafter, totaling $1,497,770.
Total rental expense and the amount included therein which pertains to
cancelable pole rental agreements were as follows for the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL CANCELABLE
RENTAL POLE RENTAL
PERIOD EXPENSE EXPENSE
- ------ ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1998.......... $1,592,080 $1,109,544
Year Ended December 31, 1997.......... $1,577,743 $1,061,722
Year Ended December 31, 1996.......... $1,294,084 $ 874,778
</TABLE>
9. COMPENSATION PLANS AND RETIREMENT PLANS
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
In 1996, the Company implemented an Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") in
which certain Rifkin & Associates' executive officers and key employees, and
certain key employees of the Company are eligible to participate. Plan
participants in the aggregate, have the right to receive (i) cash payments of up
to 2.0% of the aggregate value of all partnership interests of the Company (the
"Maximum Incentive Percentage"), based upon the achievement of certain annual
Operating Cash Flow (as defined in the Plan) targets for the Company for each of
the calendar years 1996 through 2000, and (ii) an additional cash payment equal
to up to 0.5% of the aggregate value of all partnership interests of the Company
(the "Additional Incentive Percentage"), based upon the achievement of certain
cumulative Operating Cash Flow targets for the Company for the five-year period
ended December 31, 2000. Subject to the achievement of such annual targets and
the satisfaction of certain other criteria based on the Company's operating
performance, up to 20% of the Maximum Incentive Percentage will vest in each
such year; provided, that in certain events vesting may accelerate. Payments
under the Plan are subject to certain restrictive covenants contained in the
Notes.
No amounts are payable under the Plan except upon (i) the sale of
substantially all of the assets or partnership interests of the Company or (ii)
termination of a Plan participant's employment with Rifkin & Associates or the
Company, as applicable, due to
F-207
<PAGE> 410
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
(a) the decision of the Advisory Committee to terminate such participant's
employment due to disability, (b) the retirement of such participant with the
Advisory Committee's approval or (c) the death of such Participant. The value of
amounts payable pursuant to clause (i) above will be based upon the aggregate
net proceeds received by the holders of all of the partnership interests in the
Company, as determined by the Advisory Committee, and the amounts payable
pursuant to clause (ii) above will be based upon the Enterprise Value determined
at the time of such payment. For purposes of the Plan, Enterprise Value
generally is defined as Operating Cash Flow for the immediately preceding
calendar year times a specified multiple and adjusted based on the Company's
working capital.
The amount expensed for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
relating to this plan were $1,119,996, $859,992 and $660,000, respectively.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a 401(k) plan for employees that have been employed by the
Company for at least one year. Employees of the Company can contribute up to 15%
of their salary, on a before-tax basis, with a maximum 1998 contribution of
$10,000 (as set by the Internal Revenue Service). The Company matches
participant contributions up to a maximum of 50% of the first 3% of a
participant's salary contributed. All participant contributions and earnings are
fully vested upon contribution and Company contributions and earnings vest 20%
per year of employment with the Company, becoming fully vested after five years.
The Company's matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 were $50,335, $72,707 and $42,636, respectively.
10. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company has a number of financial instruments, none of which are held
for trading purposes. The following method and assumptions were used by the
Company to estimate the fair values of financial instruments as disclosed
herein:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Customer Accounts Receivable, Other Receivables,
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities and Customer Deposits and Prepayments:
The carrying value amount approximates fair value because of the short period to
maturity.
Debt: The fair value of bank debt is estimated based on interest rates for
the same or similar debt offered to the Company having the same or similar
remaining maturities and collateral requirements. The fair value of public
Senior Subordinated Notes is based on the market quoted trading value. The fair
value of the Company's debt is estimated at $236,137,500 and is carried on the
balance sheet at $224,575,000.
11. CABLE REREGULATION
Congress enacted the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition
Act of 1992 (the Cable Act) and has amended it at various times since.
The total effects of the present law are, at this time, still unknown.
However, one provision of the present law further redefines a small cable
system, and exempts these systems from rate regulation on the upper tiers of
cable service. The Partnership is
F-208
<PAGE> 411
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
awaiting an FCC rulemaking implementing the present law to determine whether its
systems qualify as small cable systems.
12. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CEM, CEI and CEC (collective, the "Guarantors") are all wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Company and, together with RACC, constitute all of the
Partnership's direct and indirect subsidiaries. As discussed in Note 1, RTL and
FNI were dissolved on January 1, 1998 and the assets were transferred to the
Company, however, prior thereto, RTL and FNI, as wholly-owned subsidiaries of
the Company, were Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors provides a full,
unconditional, joint and several guaranty of the obligations under the Notes
discussed in Note 6. Separate financial statements of the Guarantors are not
presented because management has determined that they would not be material to
investors.
The following tables present summarized financial information of the
Guarantors on a combined basis as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the
years ended December 31, 1998, and 1997 and 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/98 12/31/97
BALANCE SHEET ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash....................... $ 373,543 $ 780,368
Accounts and other
receivables, net......... 3,125,830 3,012,571
Prepaid expenses........... 791,492 970,154
Property, plant and
equipment net............ 48,614,536 66,509,120
Franchise costs and other
intangible assets, net... 56,965,148 103,293,631
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities...... 22,843,354 18,040,588
Other liabilities.......... 980,536 1,122,404
Deferred taxes payable..... 7,942,000 12,138,000
Notes payable.............. 140,050,373 167,200,500
Equity (deficit)........... (61,945,714) (23,935,648)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
12/31/98 12/31/97 12/31/96
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total revenue.............. $ 29,845,826 $ 47,523,592 $ 42,845,044
Total costs and
expenses...... (31,190,388) (53,049,962) (43,578,178)
Interest expense........... (14,398,939) (17,868,497) (16,238,221)
Income tax benefit......... 4,177,925 5,335,000 3,645,719
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss................... $(11,565,576) $(18,059,867) $(13,325,636)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-209
<PAGE> 412
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
13. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following interim financial information of the Company presents the
1998 and 1997 consolidated results of operations on a quarterly basis (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED 1998
------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31(A) JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31(B)
----------- ------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue.................. $22,006 $22,296 $22,335 $23,284
Operating income
(loss)................. 295 511 (1,522) 1,756
Net income (loss)........ 1,437 (4,458) (5,907) 33,347
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(a) First quarter includes a $5,900 gain from the sale of Michigan assets
(Note 4).
(b) Fourth quarter includes a $36,873 gain from the trade sale of certain
Tennessee assets (Note 4).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED 1997
------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
-------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue....................... $19,337 $21,331 $21,458 $22,199
Operating loss................ (1,220) (2,818) (2,777) (798)
Net loss...................... (5,998) (6,890) (8,127) (5,029)
</TABLE>
14. LITIGATION
The Company could possibly be named as defendant in various actions and
proceedings arising from the normal course of business. In all such cases, the
Company will vigorously defend itself against the litigation and, where
appropriate, will file counterclaims. Although the eventual outcome of potential
lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management's opinion that any such lawsuit
will not result in liabilities that would have a material affect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
F-210
<PAGE> 413
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Partners
Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd.
as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the related statements of operations,
partners' deficit and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and
1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd.
at December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 19, 1999
F-211
<PAGE> 414
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS (PLEDGED)
Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 82,684 $ 108,619
Customer accounts receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $18,311 in 1997 and $24,729
in 1998........................................... 87,154 85,795
Other receivables................................... 257,236 295,023
Prepaid expenses and deposits....................... 172,614 152,575
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Buildings......................................... 78,740 91,682
Transmission and distribution systems and related
equipment...................................... 10,174,650 11,336,892
Office furniture and equipment.................... 144,137 161,327
Spare parts and construction inventory............ 435,554 742,022
----------- -----------
10,833,081 12,331,923
Less accumulated depreciation..................... 7,624,570 8,008,158
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment.............. 3,208,511 4,323,765
Other assets, at cost less accumulated amortization
(Note 3).......................................... 5,817,422 5,083,029
----------- -----------
Total assets.............................. $ 9,625,621 $10,048,806
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......... $ 718,716 $ 897,773
Customer prepayments.............................. 50,693 47,458
Interest payable.................................. 32,475 --
Long-term debt (Note 4)........................... 10,650,000 --
Interpartnership debt (Note 4).................... -- 9,606,630
----------- -----------
Total liabilities......................... 11,451,884 10,551,861
Commitments (Notes 5 and 6)
Partners' deficit:
General partner................................... (66,418) (20,106)
Limited partner................................... (1,759,845) (482,949)
----------- -----------
Total partners' deficit............................. (1,826,263) (503,055)
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and partners' deficit... $ 9,625,621 $10,048,806
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-212
<PAGE> 415
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service...................................... $6,272,049 $6,827,504 $7,165,843
Installation and other....................... 538,158 622,699 773,283
---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue...................... 6,810,207 7,450,203 7,939,126
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense............................ 989,456 1,142,932 974,617
Programming expense.......................... 1,474,067 1,485,943 1,727,089
Selling, general and administrative
expense.................................... 1,112,441 1,142,247 1,128,957
Depreciation................................. 889,854 602,554 537,884
Amortization................................. 718,334 718,335 707,539
Management fees.............................. 340,510 372,510 396,956
Loss on disposal of assets................... 6,266 639 74,714
---------- ---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses........... 5,530,928 5,465,160 5,547,756
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income............................. 1,279,279 1,985,043 2,391,370
Interest expense............................. 1,361,415 1,292,469 970,160
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary
item....................................... (82,136) 692,574 1,421,210
Extraordinary item--loss on early retirement
of debt (Note 3 and 4)..................... -- -- 98,002
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................ $ (82,136) $ 692,574 $1,323,208
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-213
<PAGE> 416
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' DEFICIT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNERS PARTNERS TOTAL
-------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' deficit at December 31, 1995... $(87,783) $(2,348,918) $(2,436,701)
Net loss for the year ended December
31, 1996............................ (2,875) (79,261) (82,136)
-------- ----------- -----------
Partners' deficit at December 31, 1996... (90,658) (2,428,179) (2,518,837)
Net income for the year ended December
31, 1997............................ 24,240 668,334 692,574
-------- ----------- -----------
Partners' deficit at December 31, 1997... (66,418) (1,759,845) (1,826,263)
Net income for the year ended December
31, 1998............................ 46,312 1,276,896 1,323,208
-------- ----------- -----------
Partners' deficit at December 31, 1998... $(20,106) $ (482,949) $ (503,055)
======== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The partners' capital accounts for financial reporting purposes vary from
the tax capital accounts.
See accompanying notes.
F-214
<PAGE> 417
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
------------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss).................................... $ (82,136) $ 692,574 $ 1,323,208
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization..................... 1,608,188 1,320,889 1,245,423
Amortization of deferred loan costs............... 48,764 72,922 23,149
Loss on disposal of assets........................ 6,266 639 74,714
Loss on write-off of deferred loan cost associated
with early retirement of debt................... -- -- 95,832
Decrease (increase) in customer accounts
receivable...................................... (13,110) 1,536 1,359
Increase in other receivables..................... (80,843) (108,256) (37,787)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
deposits........................................ (53,259) (5,928) 20,039
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities............................. (190,357) (147,971) 179,057
Increase (decrease) in customer prepayments....... 16,355 (13,190) (3,235)
Decrease in interest payable...................... (12,314) (39,471) (32,475)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities.... 1,247,554 1,773,744 2,889,284
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment........... (675,244) (592,685) (1,732,831)
Proceeds from sale of assets......................... 227,025 23,662 4,979
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash used in investing activities........ (448,219) (569,023) (1,727,852)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt......................... 2,000,000 1,450,000 10,636,421
Proceeds from interpartnership debt.................. -- -- 9,606,630
Deferred loan cost................................... (70,000) (29,776) (92,127)
Payments of long-term debt........................... (2,200,000) (3,100,000) (21,286,421)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash used in financing activities........ (270,000) (1,679,776) (1,135,497)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents... 529,335 (475,055) 25,935
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year......... 28,404 557,739 82,684
----------- ----------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............... $ 557,739 $ 82,684 $ 108,619
=========== =========== ============
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid........................................ $ 1,324,965 $ 1,258,078 $ 947,606
=========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-215
<PAGE> 418
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd. (the "Partnership"), a Colorado limited
partnership, was organized in March 1987 for the purpose of acquiring and
operating cable television systems and related operations in Indiana and
Illinois.
For financial reporting purposes, Partnership profits or losses are
allocated 3.5% to the general partners and 96.5% to the limited partners.
Limited partners are not required to fund any losses in excess of their capital
contributions.
ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP:
Interlink Communications Partners, LLLP ("ICP") agreed to purchase all of
the interests of the Partnership. ICP acquired all of the limited partner
interests, effective December 31, 1998, and is currently in the process of
obtaining the necessary consents to transfer all of the Partnership's franchises
to ICP. Once these are obtained, ICP will then purchase the general partner
interest in the Partnership, and the Partnership will, by operation of law, be
consolidated into ICP.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
The Partnership records additions to property, plant and equipment at cost,
which in the case of assets constructed includes amounts for material, labor,
overhead and capitalized interest, if applicable.
For financial reporting purposes, the Partnership uses the straight-line
method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Buildings and improvements......................... 5-30 years
Transmission and distribution systems and related
equipment........................................ 3-15 years
Office furniture and equipment..................... 5 years
</TABLE>
OTHER ASSETS:
Other assets are carried at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the following lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Franchises -- the terms of the franchises
(10-19 1/2 years)
Goodwill -- the term of the Partnership
agreement (12 3/4 years)
Deferred loan costs -- the term of the debt (1-6 years)
Organization costs -- 5 years
</TABLE>
F-216
<PAGE> 419
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
INCOME TAXES:
No provision for the payment or refund of income taxes has been provided
for the Partnership since the partners are responsible for reporting their
distributive share of Partnership net income or loss in their personal
capacities.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
The Partnership considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with
a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
REVENUE RECOGNITION:
Customer fees are recorded as revenue in the period the service is
provided.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS:
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, customer accounts
receivable, accounts payable and interpartnership debt approximate fair value.
USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 (UNAUDITED):
The Partnership recognizes that certain of its time-sensitive computer
programs and product distribution equipment may be affected by conversion to the
year 2000. During 1998, management began their evaluation of the information
systems, product distribution facilities, and vendor and supplier readiness. To
date, considerable progress has been made to complete the evaluation process, to
integrate and test compliance installations, and to prepare contingency plans.
In addition, third party suppliers are either fully compliant or are expected to
be compliant by December 31, 1999. Management expects to have all systems
compliant, or have a contingency plan in effect that will result in minimal
impact on the operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT:
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities," which requires the Partnerships to expense all start-up costs
related to organizing a new business. This new standard also includes one-time
activities related to opening a new facility, introduction of a new product or
service, or conducting business with a new class of customer or in a new
territory. This standard is effective for the Partnerships' 1999 fiscal year.
Organization costs are all fully amortized resulting in SOP 98-5 having no
material effect on its financial position or the results of operations.
F-217
<PAGE> 420
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION:
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1997 financial
statements to conform with the 1998 financial statement presentation. Such
reclassifications had no effect on the net income or loss as previously stated.
3. OTHER ASSETS
At December 31, 1997 and 1998, other assets consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Franchises.................................. $13,144,332 $12,996,580
Goodwill.................................... 378,336 378,336
Deferred loan costs......................... 26,854 --
Organization costs.......................... 63,393 63,393
----------- -----------
13,612,915 13,438,309
Less accumulated amortization............... 7,795,493 8,355,280
----------- -----------
$ 5,817,422 $ 5,083,029
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
On December 31, 1997, the loan agreement with a financial institution was
amended (Note 4). At that time, the original loan's costs, which were fully
amortized, and the accumulated amortization were written off. The bank loan
amendment required the payment of additional loan costs which will be amortized
over the remaining term of the bank loan.
On August 31, 1998, the loan with a financial institution and the
subordinated debt loan with two investor groups were paid in full (Note 4). The
related deferred loan costs and associated accumulated amortization were written
off and $9,263 was recorded as an extraordinary loss. On December 30, 1998, the
new loan agreement with a financial institution was paid in full (Note 4). The
related deferred loan costs and associated accumulated amortization were written
off and $86,569 was recorded as an extraordinary loss.
4. DEBT
The Partnership had a revolving credit agreement with a financial
institution which provided for borrowing up to $7,000,000 with a maturity date
of December 31, 1997, at which time the balance of the loan was $4,650,000. On
December 31, 1997, the credit agreement was amended to reduce the amount
available to borrow to $5,200,000 and extend the maturity date to December 31,
1998. The Partnership also had subordinated term notes with two investors
totalling $6,000,000 at December 31, 1997. Total outstanding loans at December
31, 1997 were $10,650,000. On August 31, 1998, the revolving credit loan and
subordinated term notes had a balance of $3,450,000 and $6,000,000,
respectively; at that date, the total balance of $10,650,000 and accrued
interest were paid in full. On that same date, the Partnership obtained a new
credit agreement with a financial institution. The new credit agreement provided
for a senior term note payable in the amount of $7,500,000 and a revolving
credit loan which provided for borrowing up to
F-218
<PAGE> 421
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
$7,500,000. At December 30, 1998, the term note and revolving credit had a
balance of $7,500,000 and $1,950,000, respectively; at that date, the total
balance of $9,450,000 and accrued interest were paid in full. The Partnership
also incurred a LIBOR break fee of $2,170 in conjunction with the retirement of
debt which was recorded as an extraordinary item.
Also on December 30, 1998, the Partnership obtained a new interpartnership
loan agreement with ICP (Note 1). Borrowing under the interpartnership loan, as
well as interest and principal payments are due at the discretion of the
management of ICP, resulting in no minimum required annual principal payments.
The balance of the interpartnership loan at December 31, 1998 was $9,606,630.
The effective interest rate at December 31, 1998 was 8.5%.
5. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Partnership has entered into a management agreement with Rifkin and
Associates, Inc., (Rifkin) whose sole stockholder is affiliated with a general
partner of the Partnership. The agreement provides that Rifkin shall manage the
Partnership and shall receive annual compensation equal to 2 1/2% of gross
revenues and an additional 2 1/2% if a defined cash flow level is met. Effective
September 1, 1998, Rifkin conveyed its CATV management business to R & A
Management, LLC (RML). The result of this transaction was the conveyance of the
Rifkin management agreement (Rifkin Agreement) to RML (RML Agreement). Expenses
incurred pursuant to the Rifkin Agreement and the RML Agreement are disclosed on
the Statement of Operations.
6. LEASE COMMITMENTS
At December 31, 1998, the Partnership had lease commitments under long-term
operating leases as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999.................................................. $27,408
2000.................................................. 6,300
2001.................................................. 2,700
2002.................................................. 1,500
2003.................................................. 1,500
Thereafter............................................ 10,500
-------
Total....................................... $49,908
=======
</TABLE>
Rent expense, including pole rent, was as follows for the periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
RENTAL
PERIOD EXPENSE
- ------ --------
<S> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1996......................... $105,590
Year Ended December 31, 1997......................... 98,693
Year Ended December 31, 1998......................... 104,155
</TABLE>
F-219
<PAGE> 422
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
7. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Partnership has a 401(k) plan for its employees that have been employed
by the Partnership for at least one year. Employees of the Partnership can
contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a before-tax basis, with a maximum 1998
contribution of $10,000 (as set by the Internal Revenue Service). The
Partnership matches participant contributions up to a maximum of 50% of the
first 3% of a participant's salary contributed. All participant contributions
and earnings are fully vested upon contribution and Partnership contributions
and earnings vest 20% per year of employment with the Partnership, becoming
fully vested after five years. The Partnership's matching contributions for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were $4,723, $8,769 and $8,639,
respectively.
F-220
<PAGE> 423
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Partners
R/N South Florida Cable Management
Limited Partnership
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of R/N South Florida
Cable Management Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1997 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, partners' equity (deficit) and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 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 consolidated financial position of R/N
South Florida Cable Management Limited Partnership at December 31, 1997 and
1998, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 19, 1999
F-221
<PAGE> 424
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
ASSETS (PLEDGED) ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 362,619 $ 678,739
Customer accounts receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $85,867 in 1997 and $84,474
in 1998........................................... 569,296 455,339
Other receivables................................... 1,180,507 1,691,593
Prepaid expenses and deposits....................... 416,455 393,022
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Transmission and distribution system and related
equipment......................................... 22,836,588 27,981,959
Office furniture and equipment...................... 704,135 755,398
Leasehold improvements.............................. 546,909 549,969
Construction in process and spare parts inventory... 718,165 744,806
----------- -----------
24,805,797 30,032,132
Less accumulated depreciation....................... 9,530,513 11,368,764
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment......... 15,275,284 18,663,368
Other assets, at cost less accumulated amortization
(Note 2).......................................... 6,806,578 5,181,012
----------- -----------
Total assets.............................. $24,610,739 $27,063,073
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............ $ 2,994,797 $ 2,356,540
Interest payable.................................... 287,343 --
Customer prepayments................................ 699,332 690,365
Long-term debt (Note 3)............................. 29,437,500 --
Interpartnership debt (Note 3)...................... -- 31,222,436
----------- -----------
Total liabilities......................... 33,418,972 34,269,341
Commitments (Notes 4 and 5)
Partners' equity (deficit):
General partner................................... (96,602) (81,688)
Limited partner................................... (9,582,050) (8,104,718)
Special limited partner........................... 870,419 980,138
----------- -----------
Total partners' equity (deficit).................... (8,808,233) (7,206,268)
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and partners' deficit... $24,610,739 $27,063,073
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-222
<PAGE> 425
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
---------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Service................................... $16,615,767 $17,520,883 $18,890,202
Installation and other.................... 1,732,681 2,425,742 3,158,742
----------- ----------- -----------
18,348,448 19,946,625 22,048,944
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense......................... 2,758,704 3,489,285 3,707,802
Programming expense....................... 4,075,555 4,014,850 4,573,296
Selling, general and administrative
expense................................. 3,979,002 4,087,845 4,537,535
Depreciation.............................. 1,787,003 1,912,905 2,256,765
Amortization.............................. 1,350,195 1,287,588 1,293,674
Management fees........................... 733,938 797,863 881,958
Loss on disposal of assets................ 373,860 513,177 178,142
----------- ----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses........ 15,058,257 16,103,513 17,429,172
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income.......................... 3,290,191 3,843,112 4,619,772
Interest expense.......................... 2,528,617 2,571,976 2,583,338
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income before extraordinary item...... 761,574 1,271,136 2,036,434
Extraordinary item -- loss on early
retirement of debt (Note 2)............. -- -- 434,469
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income................................ $ 761,574 $ 1,271,136 $ 1,601,965
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-223
<PAGE> 426
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SPECIAL
GENERAL LIMITED LIMITED
PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS TOTAL
--------- ------------ -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' equity (deficit) at
December 31, 1995.............. $(115,526) $(11,456,616) $731,199 $(10,840,943)
Net income for the year ended
December 31, 1996........... 7,090 702,324 52,160 761,574
--------- ------------ -------- ------------
Partners' equity (deficit) at
December 31, 1996.............. (108,436) (10,754,292) 783,359 (10,079,369)
Net income for the year ended
December 31, 1997........... 11,834 1,172,242 87,060 1,271,136
--------- ------------ -------- ------------
Partners' equity (deficit) at
December 31, 1997.............. (96,602) (9,582,050) 870,419 (8,808,233)
Net income for the year ended
December 31, 1998........... 14,914 1,477,332 109,719 1,601,965
--------- ------------ -------- ------------
Partners' equity (deficit) at
December 31, 1998.............. $ (81,688) $ (8,104,718) $980,138 $ (7,206,268)
========= ============ ======== ============
</TABLE>
The partners' capital accounts for financial reporting purposes vary from
the tax capital accounts.
See accompanying notes.
F-224
<PAGE> 427
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
------------------------------------------
12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.................................. $ 761,574 $ 1,271,136 $ 1,601,965
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............ 3,137,198 3,200,493 3,550,439
Amortization of deferred loan cost....... 68,898 79,108 89,788
Loss on early retirement of debt......... -- -- 434,469
Loss on disposal of assets............... 373,860 513,177 178,142
Decrease (increase) in customer accounts
receivable............................. 1,420 (152,229) 113,957
Increase in other receivables............ (377,553) (506,325) (511,086)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses
and deposits........................... (114,720) 115,734 23,433
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
and accrued liabilities................ 122,512 513,839 (638,257)
Increase (decrease) in customer
prepayments............................ 362 208,021 (8,967)
Increase (decrease) in interest
payable................................ 180 16,207 (287,343)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities....................... 3,973,731 5,259,161 4,546,540
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment................................ (4,000,631) (4,288,776) (5,915,434)
Additions to other assets, net of
refranchises............................. (10,600) (164,560) (186,790)
Proceeds from the sale of assets............ 16,674 70,865 92,443
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash used in investing
activities....................... (3,994,557) (4,382,471) (6,009,781)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt................ 2,750,000 3,850,000 5,550,000
Proceeds from interpartnership debt......... -- -- 31,222,436
Payments of long-term debt.................. (2,604,913) (4,562,500) (34,987,500)
Deferred loan costs......................... -- (132,727) (5,575)
----------- ----------- ------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities............. 145,087 (845,227) 1,779,361
----------- ----------- ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents..... 124,261 31,463 316,120
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
year........................................ 206,895 331,156 362,619
----------- ----------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year...... $ 331,156 $ 362,619 $ 678,739
=========== =========== ============
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid............................... $ 2,412,038 $ 2,441,662 $ 2,780,893
=========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes
F-225
<PAGE> 428
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND ORGANIZATION:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
R/N South Florida Cable Management Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") and
its substantially wholly-owned subsidiary Rifkin/Narragansett South Florida CATV
Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership"). Each partnership is a Florida
Limited Partnership. The Partnership was organized in 1988 for the purpose of
being the general partner to the Operating Partnership which is engaged in the
installation, ownership, operation and management of cable television systems in
Florida.
In 1992, the Partnership adopted an amendment to the Partnership agreement
(the "Amendment") and entered into a Partnership Interest Purchase Agreement
whereby certain Special Limited Partnership interests were issued in the
aggregate amount of $1,250,000. These new Special Limited Partners are
affiliated with the current General and Limited Partners of the Partnership. The
Amendment provides for the methods under which the gains, losses, adjustments
and distributions are allocated to the accounts of the Special Limited Partners.
For financial reporting purposes, partnership profits or losses are
allocated to the limited partners, special limited partners and general partners
in the following ratios: 92.22%, 6.849% and .931%, respectively. Limited
partners and special limited partners are not required to fund any losses in
excess of their capital contributions.
ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP:
InterLink Communications Partners, LLLP ("ICP") agreed to purchase all of
the interests of the Partnerships. ICP acquired all of the limited partner
interests of the Operating Partnership, effective December 31, 1998, and is
currently in the process of obtaining the necessary consents to transfer all of
the Operating Partnership's franchises to ICP. Once obtained, ICP will then
purchase the general partner interest, and the Partnership, by operation of law,
will consolidate into ICP.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
Property, plant and equipment additions are recorded at cost, which in the
case of assets constructed includes amounts for material, labor, overhead and
capitalized interest, if applicable.
For financial reporting purposes, the Operating Partnership uses the
straight-line method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives of the
assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Transmission and distribution systems and related
equipment....................................... 15 years
Office furniture and equipment.................... 3-15 years
Leasehold improvements............................ 5-8 years
</TABLE>
F-226
<PAGE> 429
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
OTHER ASSETS:
Other assets are carried at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the following lives:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Franchises.............. -- the terms of the franchises (3-13
years)
Goodwill................ -- 40 years
Organization costs...... -- 5 years
Deferred loan costs..... -- the term of the debt (8 years)
</TABLE>
INCOME TAXES:
No provision for the payment or refund of income taxes has been provided
since the partners are responsible for reporting their distributive share of
partnerships net income or loss in their personal capacities.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
The Partnerships consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with
a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
REVENUE RECOGNITION:
Customer fees are recorded as revenue in the period the service is
provided.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, customer accounts
receivable, accounts payable and interpartnership debt approximate fair value.
USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 (UNAUDITED):
The Partnerships recognize that certain of its time-sensitive computer
programs and product distribution equipment may be affected by conversion to the
year 2000. During 1998, management began their evaluation of the information
systems, product distribution facilities, and vendor and supplier readiness. To
date, considerable progress has been made to complete the evaluation process, to
integrate and test compliance installations, and to prepare contingency plans.
In addition, third party suppliers are either fully compliant or are expected to
be compliant by December 31, 1999. Management expects to have all systems
compliant, or have a contingency plan in effect that will result in minimal
impact on the operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT:
In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5 "Reporting on the costs of Start-Up
Activities," which requires the Partnerships to expense all start-up costs
related to organizing a new business. This new standard also includes one-time
activities related to opening a new facility, introduction of
F-227
<PAGE> 430
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
a new product or service, or conducting business with a new class of customer or
in a new territory. This standard is effective for the Partnerships' 1999 fiscal
year. The organization costs are fully amortized, resulting in SOP 98-5 having
no material effect on its financial position or the results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION:
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1997 financial
statements to conform with the 1998 financial statement presentation. Such
reclassifications had no effect on the net income as previously stated.
2. OTHER ASSETS
At December 31, 1997 and 1998, other assets consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Franchises and other................ $14,348,984 $14,535,774
Goodwill............................ 3,429,845 3,429,845
Deferred loan costs................. 694,819 --
Organization costs.................. 23,218 23,218
----------- -----------
18,496,866 17,988,837
Less accumulated amortization....... 11,690,288 12,807,825
----------- -----------
$ 6,806,578 $ 5,181,012
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
On December 30, 1998, the Partnerships' loan with a financial institution
was paid in full (Note 3). The related deferred loan costs and associated
accumulated amortization were written off and an extraordinary loss of $434,469
was recorded.
3. DEBT
The Partnerships had senior term note payable and a revolving credit loan
agreement with a financial institution. The senior term note payable was a
$29,500,000 loan which required varying quarterly payments which commenced on
September 30, 1996. On June 30, 1997, the loan agreement was amended to defer
the June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997 principal payments and restructured the
required principal payment amounts due through December 31, 2003. The revolving
credit loan provided for borrowing up to $3,000,000 at the discretion of the
Partnerships. On June 30, 1997, the loan agreement was amended to increase the
amount provided for borrowing under the revolving credit loan to $3,750,000. At
December 31, 1997, the term notes and the revolving credit loan had a balance of
$28,387,500 and $1,050,000, respectively, with a total balance of $29,437,500.
At December 30, 1998, the term notes and the revolving credit loan had a balance
of $27,637,500 and $3,300,000, respectively; at that date, the total balance of
$30,937,500 and accrued interest were paid in full.
Also on December 30, 1998, the Partnerships obtained a new interpartnership
loan agreement with ICP (Note 1). Borrowing under the interpartnership loan, as
well as interest and principal payments are due at the discretion of the
management of ICP, resulting in no minimum required annual principal payments.
The balance of the
F-228
<PAGE> 431
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
interpartnership loan at December 31, 1998 was $31,222,436. The effective
interest rate at December 31, 1998 was 8.5%.
4. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Partnerships have entered into a management agreement with Rifkin &
Associates, Inc. (Rifkin). The management agreement provides that Rifkin shall
manage the Operating Partnership and shall be entitled to annual compensation of
4% of gross revenues. Effective September 1, 1998, Rifkin conveyed its CATV
management business to R & A Management, LLC (RML). The result of this
transaction was the conveyance of the Rifkin management agreement (Rifkin
Agreement) to RML (RML Agreement). Expenses incurred pursuant to the Rifkin
Agreement and the RML Agreement are disclosed on the Consolidated Statement of
Operations.
5. LEASE COMMITMENTS
At December 31, 1998, the Operating Partnership had lease commitments under
long-term operating leases as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999................................................. $195,437
2000................................................. 189,643
2001................................................. 116,837
--------
Total...................................... $501,917
========
</TABLE>
Rent expense, including pole rent, was as follows for the periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
RENTAL
PERIOD EXPENSE
- ------ --------
<S> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1996....................... $262,231
Year Ended December 31, 1997....................... 279,655
Year Ended December 31, 1998....................... 295,107
</TABLE>
6. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Operating Partnership has a 401(k) plan for its employees that have
been employed by the Operating Partnership for at least one year. Employees of
the Operating Partnership can contribute up to 15% of their salary, on a
before-tax basis, with a maximum 1998 contribution of $10,000 (as set by the
Internal Revenue Service). The Operating Partnership matches participant
contributions up to a maximum of 50% of the first 3% of a participant's salary
contributed. All participant contributions and earnings are fully vested upon
contribution and Operating Partnership contributions and earnings vest 20% per
year of employment with the Operating Partnership, becoming fully vested after
five years. The Operating Partnership's matching contributions for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 were $15,549, $23,292 and $20,652,
respectively.
F-229
<PAGE> 432
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Charter Communications Holdings, LLC:
We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and changes in
net assets and cash flows of Sonic Communications Cable Television Systems for
the period from April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 results of operations and cash flows of Sonic
Communications Cable Television Systems for the period from April 1, 1998,
through May 20, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
February 5, 1999
F-230
<PAGE> 433
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1998, THROUGH MAY 20, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REVENUES.................................................... $ 6,343,226
-----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating costs........................................... 1,768,393
General and administrative................................ 1,731,471
Depreciation and amortization............................. 1,112,057
-----------
4,611,921
-----------
Income from operations................................. 1,731,305
INTEREST EXPENSE............................................ 289,687
-----------
Income before provision for income taxes............... 1,441,618
PROVISION IN LIEU OF INCOME TAXES........................... 602,090
-----------
Net income............................................. 839,528
NET ASSETS, April 1, 1998................................... 55,089,511
-----------
NET ASSETS, May 20, 1998.................................... $55,929,039
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-231
<PAGE> 434
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1998, THROUGH MAY 20, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................ $ 839,528
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities --
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 1,112,057
Changes in assets and liabilities --
Accounts receivable, net............................. 49,980
Prepaid expenses and other........................... 171,474
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................ (1,479,682)
-----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 693,357
-----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (470,530)
Payments of franchise costs............................... (166,183)
-----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (636,713)
-----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on long-term debt................................ (41,144)
-----------
Net cash used in financing activities............. (41,144)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................... 15,500
-----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 532,238
-----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $ 547,738
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-232
<PAGE> 435
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Sonic Communications Cable Television Systems (the Company) operates cable
television systems in California and Utah.
Effective May 21, 1998, the Company's net assets were acquired by Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The Company depreciates its cable distribution systems using the
straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 15 years for systems
acquired on or after April 1, 1981. Systems acquired before April 1, 1981, are
depreciated using the declining balance method over estimated useful lives of 8
to 20 years.
Vehicles, machinery, office, and data processing equipment and buildings
are depreciated using the straight-line or declining balance method over
estimated useful lives of 3 to 25 years. Capital leases and leasehold
improvements are amortized using the straight-line or declining balance method
over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.
INTANGIBLES
The excess of amounts paid over the fair values of tangible and
identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are amortized
using the straight-line method over the life of the franchise. Identifiable
intangible assets such as franchise rights, noncompete agreements and subscriber
lists are amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives,
generally 3 to 15 years.
REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
estimated average period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of May 20, 1998, no installation revenue has been
deferred, as direct selling costs exceeded installation revenue.
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest expense relates to a note payable to a stockholder of the Company,
which accrues interest at 7.8% per annum.
F-233
<PAGE> 436
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
FRANCHISES
The Company has committed to provide cable television services under
franchise agreements with various governmental bodies for remaining terms up to
13 years. Franchise fees of up to 5% of gross revenues are payable under these
agreements.
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Leases and rental costs charged to expense for the period from
April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998, were $59,199.
The Company also rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole
rentals are cancelable on short notice, but the Company anticipates that such
rentals will recur. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the
period from April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998, was $64,159.
3. INCOME TAXES:
The results of the Company are included in the consolidated federal income
tax return of its parent, Sonic Enterprises, Inc., which is responsible for tax
payments applicable to the Company. The financial statements reflect a provision
in lieu of income taxes as if the Company was filing on a separate company
basis. Accordingly, the Company has included the provision in lieu of income
taxes in the accompanying statement of operations.
The provision in lieu of income taxes approximates the amount of tax
computed using U.S. statutory rates, after reflecting state income tax expense
of $132,510 for the period from April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998.
4. REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY:
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act") and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject to
judicial proceeding and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation and
regulations
F-234
<PAGE> 437
SONIC COMMUNICATIONS CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of future
developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. For the period from
April 1, 1998, through May 20, 1998, the amount refunded by the Company has been
insignificant. The Company may be required to refund additional amounts in the
future.
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
ownership of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company are unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Systems.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation.
F-235
<PAGE> 438
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Long Beach Acquisition Corp.:
We have audited the accompanying statements of operations, stockholder's
equity and cash flows of Long Beach Acquisition Corp. (a Delaware corporation)
for the period from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997. 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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 results of operations and cash flows of Long Beach
Acquisition Corp. for the period from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
St. Louis, Missouri,
July 31, 1998
F-236
<PAGE> 439
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1997, THROUGH MAY 23, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SERVICE REVENUES............................................ $ 5,313,282
-----------
EXPENSES:
Operating costs........................................... 1,743,493
General and administrative................................ 1,064,841
Depreciation and amortization............................. 3,576,166
Management fees -- related parties........................ 230,271
-----------
6,614,771
-----------
Loss from operations................................... (1,301,489)
INTEREST EXPENSE............................................ 753,491
-----------
Net loss............................................... $(2,054,980)
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-237
<PAGE> 440
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1997, THROUGH MAY 23, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A, SENIOR
VOTING REDEEMABLE ADDITIONAL TOTAL
COMMON PREFERRED PAID-IN ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDER'S
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT EQUITY
-------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE,
April 1, 1997....... $100 $11,000,000 $33,258,723 $(51,789,655) $(7,530,832)
Net loss............ -- -- -- (2,054,980) (2,054,980)
---- ----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
BALANCE,
May 23, 1997........ $100 $11,000,000 $33,258,723 $(53,844,635) $(9,585,812)
==== =========== =========== ============ ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-238
<PAGE> 441
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1997, THROUGH MAY 23, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $(2,054,980)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 3,576,166
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from
acquisition-
Accounts receivable, net............................. (830,725)
Prepaid expenses and other........................... (19,583)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................ (528,534)
Other current liabilities............................ 203,282
-----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 345,626
-----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (596,603)
-----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (596,603)
-----------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................... (250,977)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period.............. 3,544,462
-----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period.................... $ 3,293,485
===========
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST...................................... $ 1,316,462
===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
F-239
<PAGE> 442
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MAY 23, 1997
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Long Beach Acquisition Corp. (LBAC or the "Company") was a wholly owned
corporation of KC Cable Associates, L.P., a partnership formed through a joint
venture agreement between Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Cablevision
Industries Corporation (CVI). The Company was formed to acquire cable television
systems serving Long Beach, California, and surrounding areas.
On May 23, 1997, the Company executed a stock purchase agreement with
Charter Communications Long Beach, Inc. (CC-LB) whereby CC-LB purchased all of
the outstanding stock of the Company for an aggregate purchase price, net of
cash acquired, of $150.9 million. Concurrent with this stock purchase, CC-LB was
acquired by Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter) and Kelso Investment
Associates V, L.P., an investment fund (Kelso).
As of May 23, 1997, LBAC provided cable television service to subscribers
in southern California.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, including all direct and
certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission
and distribution facilities, and the cost of new customer installation. The
costs of disconnecting a customer are charged to expense in the period incurred.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred, and
equipment replacement costs and betterments are capitalized.
Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
life of the related asset as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Leasehold improvements........................... Life of respective lease
Cable systems and equipment...................... 5-10 years
Subscriber devices............................... 5 years
Vehicles......................................... 5 years
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment......... 5-10 years
</TABLE>
FRANCHISES
Franchises include the assigned fair value of the franchise from purchased
cable television systems. These franchises are amortized on a straight-line
basis over six years, the remaining life of the franchise at acquisition.
F-240
<PAGE> 443
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets include goodwill, which is amortized over fifteen years;
subscriber lists, which are amortized over seven years; a covenant not to
compete which is amortized over five years; organization costs which are
amortized over five years and debt issuance costs which are amortized over ten
years, the life of the loan.
IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
If facts and circumstances suggest that a long-lived asset may be impaired,
the carrying value is reviewed. If a review indicates that the carrying value of
such asset is not recoverable based on projected undiscounted cash flows related
to the asset over its remaining life, the carrying value of such asset is
reduced to its estimated fair value.
REVENUES
Cable television revenues from basic and premium services are recognized
when the related services are provided.
Installation revenues are recognized to the extent of direct selling costs
incurred. The remainder, if any, is deferred and amortized to income over the
average estimated period that customers are expected to remain connected to the
cable television system. As of May 23, 1997, no installation revenue has been
deferred, as direct selling costs have exceeded installation service revenues.
INCOME TAXES
LBAC's income taxes are recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes."
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-241
<PAGE> 444
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
2. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
For the period from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997, stockholder's
equity consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Stockholder's (deficit) equity:
Common stock -- Class A, voting $1 par value, 100 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding..................... $ 100
Common stock -- Class B, nonvoting, $1 par value, 1,000
shares authorized, no shares issued.................... --
Senior redeemable preferred stock, no par value, 110,000
shares authorized, issued and outstanding, stated at
redemption value....................................... 11,000,000
Additional paid-in capital................................ 33,258,723
Accumulated deficit....................................... (53,844,635)
------------
Total stockholder's (deficit) equity................... $ (9,585,812)
============
</TABLE>
3. INTEREST EXPENSE:
The Company has the option of paying interest at either the Base Rate of
the Eurodollar rate, as defined, plus a margin which is based on the attainment
of certain financial ratios. The weighted average interest rate for the period
from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997, was 7.3%.
4. REGULATION IN THE CABLE TELEVISION INDUSTRY:
The cable television industry is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, local and, in some instances, state levels. The Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 (the "1984 Cable Act"), the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (the "1992 Cable Act") and together with
the 1984 Cable Act, the "Cable Acts"), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996
(the "1996 Telecom Act"), establish a national policy to guide the development
and regulation of cable television systems. The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has principal responsibility for implementing the policies of
the Cable Acts. Many aspects of such regulation are currently the subject to
judicial proceeding and administrative or legislative proposals. Legislation and
regulations continue to change, and the Company cannot predict the impact of
future developments on the cable television industry.
The 1992 Cable Act and the FCC's rules implementing that act generally have
increased the administrative and operational expenses of cable television
systems and have resulted in additional regulatory oversight by the FCC and
local or state franchise authorities. The Cable Acts and the corresponding FCC
regulations have established rate regulations.
The 1992 Cable Act permits certified local franchising authorities to order
refunds of basic service tier rates paid in the previous twelve-month period
determined to be in excess of the maximum permitted rates. As of May 23, 1997,
the amount refunded by the Company has been insignificant. The Company may be
required to refund additional amounts in the future.
F-242
<PAGE> 445
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company believes that it has complied in all material respects with the
ownership of the 1992 Cable Act, including the rate setting provisions
promulgated by the FCC. However, in jurisdictions that have chosen not to
certify, refunds covering the previous twelve-month period may be ordered upon
certification if the Company are unable to justify its basic rates. The Company
is unable to estimate at this time the amount of refunds, if any, that may be
payable by the Company in the event certain of its rates are successfully
challenged by franchising authorities or found to be unreasonable by the FCC.
The Company does not believe that the amount of any such refunds would have a
material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of
the Company.
The 1996 Telecom Act, among other things, immediately deregulated the rates
for certain small cable operators and in certain limited circumstances rates on
the basic service tier, and as of March 31, 1999, deregulates rates on the cable
programming service tier (CPST). The FCC is currently developing permanent
regulations to implement the rate deregulation provisions of the 1996 Telecom
Act. The Company cannot predict the ultimate effect of the 1996 Telecom Act on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
The FCC may further restrict the ability of cable television operators to
implement rate increases or the United States Congress may enact legislation
that could delay or suspend the scheduled March 1999 termination of CPST rate
regulation. This continued rate regulation, if adopted, could limit the rates
charged by the Company.
A number of states subject cable television systems to the jurisdiction of
centralized state governmental agencies, some of which impose regulation of a
character similar to that of a public utility. State governmental agencies are
required to follow FCC rules when prescribing rate regulation, and thus, state
regulation of cable television rates is not allowed to be more restrictive than
the federal or local regulation.
5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company has entered into a management agreement (the "Management
Agreement") with CVI under which CVI manages the operations of the Company for
an annual management fee equal to 4% of gross operating revenues, as defined.
Management fees under this agreement amounted to $210,100 for the period from
April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997. In addition, the Company has agreed to pay
a monitoring fee of two dollars per basic subscriber, as defined, per year for
services provided by KKR. Monitoring fees amounted to $20,171 for the period
from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment under noncancelable
operating leases. Rent expense incurred under these leases for the period from
April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997, was $67,600.
The Company rents utility poles in its operations. Generally, pole rental
agreements are short term, but LBAC anticipates that such rentals will recur.
Rent expense for pole attachments for the period from April 1, 1997, through May
23, 1997, was $12,700.
F-243
<PAGE> 446
LONG BEACH ACQUISITION CORP.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
LITIGATION
The Company is a party to lawsuits which are generally incidental to its
business. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, the
outcome of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
7. INCOME TAXES:
The Company has not recognized the tax benefit associated with its taxable
loss for the period from April 1, 1997, through May 23, 1997, as the Company
believes the benefit will likely not be realized.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
Substantially all employees of the Company are eligible to participate in a
defined contribution plan containing a qualified cash or deferred arrangement
pursuant to IRC Section 401(k). The plan provides that eligible employees may
contribute up to 10% of their compensation to the plan. The Company made no
contributions to the plan for the period from April 1, 1997, through May 23,
1997.
F-244
<PAGE> 447
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUCCESSOR
---------------------------
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $1,038,360 $ 10,386
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $3,171 and $3,528, respectively..... 30,314 31,163
Prepaid expenses and other......................... 15,882 8,613
---------- ----------
Total current assets....................... 1,084,556 50,162
---------- ----------
INVESTMENT IN CABLE TELEVISION PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment...................... 1,533,197 1,473,727
Franchises......................................... 5,607,539 5,705,420
---------- ----------
7,140,736 7,179,147
---------- ----------
OTHER ASSETS......................................... 131,990 6,347
---------- ----------
$8,357,282 $7,235,656
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt............... $ -- $ 87,950
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.............. 216,397 199,831
Payable to related party........................... -- 20,000
Payables to manager of cable television systems -
related party................................... 12,554 23,236
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities.................. 228,951 331,017
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT....................................... 4,754,018 3,435,251
---------- ----------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES.......................... 48,171 40,097
---------- ----------
MEMBERS' EQUITY...................................... 3,326,142 3,429,291
---------- ----------
$8,357,282 $7,235,656
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
statements.
F-245
<PAGE> 448
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
------------------------
1999 1998
SUCCESSOR PREDECESSOR
------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES................................................ $286,135 $4,782
-------- ------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating, general and administrative................. 152,075 2,638
Depreciation and amortization......................... 153,747 1,605
Corporate expense charges -- related party............ 5,323 143
-------- ------
311,145 4,386
(Loss) income from operations...................... (25,010) 396
-------- ------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income....................................... 1,733 8
Interest expense...................................... (71,591) (1,329)
Other, net............................................ 15 2
-------- ------
(69,843) (1,319)
Loss before extraordinary item..................... (94,853) (923)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM- Loss from early extinguishment of
debt.................................................. 3,604 --
-------- ------
Net loss........................................... $(98,457) $ (923)
======== ======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
statements.
F-246
<PAGE> 449
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31
------------------------
1999 1998
SUCCESSOR PREDECESSOR
------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss............................................... $ (98,457) $ (923)
---------- ------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization....................... 153,747 1,605
Amortization of non-cash interest expense........... 12,277 31
Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and
equipment......................................... (15) --
Loss from early extinguishment of debt.............. 3,604 --
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from
acquisition --
Accounts receivable, net............................ 862 274
Prepaid expenses and other.......................... (3,369) 10
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............... (27,141) (550)
Payables to manager of cable television systems,
including deferred management fees................ 4,879 (41)
Other operating activities.......................... (563) --
---------- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 45,824 406
---------- ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment............. (109,629) (821)
Purchase of cable television system.................... (2,752) --
Other investing activities............................. (4,419) --
---------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (116,800) (821)
---------- ------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debt........................... 4,854,188 900
Repayments of long-term debt........................... (3,641,666) (900)
Payments for debt issuance costs....................... (88,880) --
Distributions.......................................... (4,692) --
Payment to related party............................... (20,000) --
---------- ------
Net cash used in financing activities............. 1,098,950 --
---------- ------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..... 1,027,974 (415)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period........... 10,386 626
---------- ------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period................. $1,038,360 $ 211
========== ======
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST................................... $ 91,672 $1,013
========== ======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
statements.
F-247
<PAGE> 450
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (Charter Holdings), a Delaware limited
liability company, was formed in February 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Charter Investment, Inc. (Charter), formerly Charter Communications, Inc.
Charter, through its wholly owned cable television operating subsidiary, Charter
Communications Properties, LLC (CCP), commenced operations with the acquisition
of a cable television system on September 30, 1995.
Effective December 23, 1998, through a series of transactions, Paul G.
Allen acquired approximately 94% of Charter for an aggregate purchase price of
$2.2 billion, excluding $2.0 billion in debt assumed (the "Paul Allen
Transaction"). In conjunction with the Paul Allen Transaction, Charter acquired
100% of the interests it did not already own in CharterComm Holdings, LLC
(CharterComm Holdings) and CCA Group (comprised of CCA Holdings Corp., CCT
Holdings Corp. and Charter Communications Long Beach, Inc.), all cable
television operating companies, for $2.0 billion, excluding $1.8 billion in debt
assumed from unrelated third parties for fair value. Charter previously managed
and owned minority interests in these companies. These acquisitions were
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, results
of operations of CharterComm Holdings and CCA Group are included in the
financial statements from the date of acquisition. In February 1999, Charter
transferred all of its cable television operating subsidiaries to a wholly owned
subsidiary of Charter Holdings, Charter Communications Operating, LLC (Charter
Operating). This transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of entities
under common control similar to a pooling of interests.
As a result of the change in ownership of CCP, CharterComm Holdings and CCA
Group, Charter Holdings has applied push-down accounting in the preparation of
the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, Charter Holdings increased
its members' equity by $2.2 billion to reflect the amounts paid by Paul G. Allen
and Charter. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities
assumed based on their relative fair values, including amounts assigned to
franchises of $3.6 billion. The allocation of the purchase price is based, in
part, on preliminary information which is subject to adjustment upon obtaining
complete appraisal and valuation information of intangible assets. The valuation
information is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 1999. Management
believes that finalization of the purchase price will not have a material impact
on the results of operations or financial position of Charter Holdings.
On April 7, 1999, the cable television operating subsidiaries of Marcus
Cable Company, L.L.C. (Marcus) were transferred to Charter Operating. As a
result of the Marcus transfer, Charter Holdings is owned 54% by Charter and 46%
by companies controlled by Paul G. Allen giving Paul G. Allen a 97% direct and
indirect ownership interest in Charter Holdings. The transfer was accounted for
as a reorganization of entities under common control similar to a pooling of
interests since Paul G. Allen and a company controlled by Paul G. Allen
purchased substantially all of the outstanding partnership
F-248
<PAGE> 451
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
interests in Marcus in April 1998, and purchased the remaining interest in
Marcus on April 7, 1999.
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Holdings include the
accounts of Charter Operating and CCP, the accounts of CharterComm Holdings and
CCA Group and their subsidiaries since December 23, 1998 (date acquired by
Charter), and the accounts of Marcus since December 23, 1998 (date Paul G. Allen
controlled both Charter and Marcus), and are collectively referred to as the
"Company" herein. All subsidiaries are wholly owned. All material intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated.
As a result of the Paul Allen Transaction and application of push-down
accounting, the financial information of the Company in the accompanying
financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 1998, and March 31,
1999, and for the Successor Period (January 1, 1999, through March 31, 1999) is
presented on a different cost basis than the financial information of the
Company for the Predecessor Period (January 1, 1998, through March 31, 1998) and
therefore, such information is not comparable.
The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Charter Holdings have
been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The accompanying financial statements are unaudited; however, in the
opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments necessary for a
fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. The interim
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
and notes thereto as of and for the period ended December 31, 1998. Interim
results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
3. ACQUISITIONS:
In addition to the Paul Allen Transaction and the acquisitions by Charter
of CharterComm Holdings and CCA Group, the Company acquired cable television
systems for an aggregate purchase price, net of cash acquired, of $291,800 in
1998, and completed the sale of certain cable television systems for an
aggregate sales price of $405,000 in 1998, all prior to December 24, 1998. The
Company also refinanced substantially all of its long-term debt in March 1999
(see Note 4).
The above acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, results of operations of the acquired assets have
been included in the financial statements from the dates of acquisition. The
purchase prices were allocated to tangible and intangible assets based on
estimated fair values at the acquisition dates.
Unaudited pro forma operating results as though the acquisitions and
dispositions discussed above, including the Paul Allen Transaction and the
combination with Marcus, and the refinancing discussed herein, had occurred on
January 1, 1998, with adjustments to
F-249
<PAGE> 452
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
give effect to amortization of franchises, interest expense and certain other
adjustments are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
----------------------
1999 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues....................................... $ 286,135 $ 264,971
Loss from operations........................... (25,010) (35,889)
Net loss....................................... (102,633) (149,988)
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma information has been presented for comparative
purposes and does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations had
these transactions been completed as of the assumed date or which may be
obtained in the future.
4. LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Charter:
Credit Agreements (including CCP, CCA
Group and CharterComm Holdings)......... $ -- $1,726,500
Senior Secured Discount Debentures......... -- 109,152
11 1/4% Senior Notes....................... 25 125,000
Marcus:
Senior Credit Facility..................... -- 808,000
13 1/2% Senior Subordinated Discount
Notes................................... 1,010 383,236
14 1/4% Senior Discount Notes.............. 50 241,183
Charter Holdings:
8.250% Senior Notes........................ 600,000 --
8.625% Senior Notes........................ 1,500,000 --
9.920% Senior Discount Notes............... 909,055 --
CCO Credit Agreement....................... 1,750,000 --
---------- ----------
4,760,140 3,393,071
Current maturities......................... -- (87,950)
Unamortized net premium (discount)......... (6,122) 130,130
---------- ----------
$4,754,018 $3,435,251
========== ==========
</TABLE>
In March 1999, the Company extinguished substantially all existing
long-term debt, excluding borrowings of the Company under its credit agreements,
and refinanced substantially all existing credit agreements at various
subsidiaries with a new credit
F-250
<PAGE> 453
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
agreement entered into by Charter Operating (the "CCO Credit Agreement"). The
excess of the amount paid over the carrying value of the Company's long-term
debt was recorded as Extraordinary item -- loss on early extinguishment of debt
in the accompanying statement of operations.
CCH NOTES
In March 1999, the Company issued $600.0 million 8.250% Senior Notes due
2007 (the "8.250% Senior Notes") for net proceeds of $598.4 million, $1.5
billion 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 (the "8.625% Senior Notes") for net
proceeds of $1,495.4 million, and $1,475.0 million 9.920% Senior Discount Notes
due 2011 (the "9.920% Senior Discount Notes") for net proceeds of $905.6
million, (collectively with the 8.250% Senior Notes and the 8.625% Senior Notes,
referred to as the "CCH Notes").
The 8.250% Senior Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity. Interest is
payable semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 beginning October 1,
1999 until maturity.
The 8.625% Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company at
amounts decreasing from 104.313% to 100% of par beginning on April 1, 2004, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, to the date of redemption. At any time prior to
April 1, 2002, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of the 8.625% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 108.625% of the
principal amount under certain conditions. Interest is payable semiannually in
arrears on April 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 1999 until maturity.
The 9.920% Senior Discount Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Company at amounts decreasing from 104.960% to 100% of accreted value beginning
April 1, 2004. At any time prior to April 1, 2002, the Company may redeem up to
35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes at a
redemption price of 109.920% of the accreted value under certain conditions. No
interest will be payable until April 1, 2004. Thereafter, interest is payable
semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 beginning April 1, 2004 until
maturity. The discount on the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes is being accreted
using the effective interest method at a rate of 9.920% per year. The
unamortized discount was $565.9 million at March 31, 1999.
The CCH Notes rank equally with current and future unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness (including trade payables of the Company). The
Company is required to make an offer to purchase all of the CCH Notes, at a
price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal or 101% of the accreted value,
together with accrued and unpaid interest, upon a Change of Control as defined.
CCO CREDIT AGREEMENT
The CCO Credit Agreement provides for two term facilities, one with a
principal amount of $1.0 billion that matures September 2008 (Term A), and the
other with the principal amount of $1.85 billion that matures on March 2009
(Term B). The CCO Credit Agreement also provides for a $1.25 billion revolving
credit facility with a maturity date of September 2008. Amounts under the CCO
Credit Agreement bear interest at the
F-251
<PAGE> 454
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
Base Rate or the Eurodollar rate, as defined, plus a margin up to 2.75%. A
quarterly commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.375% per annum is payable on the
unborrowed balance of Term A and the revolving credit facility.
The indentures governing the debt agreements require the Company and/or its
subsidiaries to comply with various financial and other covenants, including the
maintenance of certain operating and financial ratios. These debt instruments
also contain substantial limitations on, or prohibitions of distributions,
additional indebtedness, liens, asset sales and certain other items. As a result
of limitations and prohibitions of distributions, substantially all of the net
assets of the consolidated subsidiaries are restricted for distribution to
Charter Holdings, the parent company.
Based upon outstanding indebtedness at March 31, 1999, and the amortization
of term and fund loans, and scheduled reductions in available borrowings of the
revolving credit facility, aggregate future principal payments on the total
borrowings under all debt agreements at March 31, 1999, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR AMOUNT
- ---- ----------
<S> <C>
2000....................................................... $ --
2001....................................................... --
2002....................................................... 17,500
2003....................................................... 17,500
2004....................................................... 18,510
Thereafter................................................. 4,706,630
----------
$4,760,140
==========
</TABLE>
5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company is charged a management fee equal to 3.5% percent of gross
revenues payable quarterly. To the extent management fees charged to the Company
are greater (less) than the corporate expenses incurred by Charter, the Company
records a distribution to (capital contributions from) parent. For the three
months ended March 31, 1999, the Company recorded a distribution of $4,692. As
of March 31, 1999, management fees currently payable of $10,015 are included in
payables to manager of cable television systems-related party.
6. STOCK OPTION PLAN
In December 1998 and February 1999, Charter Investment and Charter
Holdings, adopted option plans providing for the grant of options to purchase up
to an aggregate of 10% of the equity value of Charter Communications Holdings
Company, LLC parent of Charter Holdings (CCHC) and 3% of the equity value of
Charter Investment. The option plans provide for grants of options to employees,
officers and directors of CCHC and its affiliates and consultants who provide
services to CCHC. The option exercise price is equal to the fair market value at
the date of grant. Options granted under the vest over four to five years.
However, if there has not been a public offering of the equity interests of
F-252
<PAGE> 455
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
CCHC or an affiliate, vesting will occur only upon termination of employment for
any reason, other than for cause or disability. Options not exercised accumulate
and are exercisable, in whole or in part, in any subsequent period, but not
later than ten years from the date of grant.
Options outstanding as of March 31, 1999, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
---------------------------------------- -------------------
EXERCISE NUMBER OF REMAINING CONTRACT NUMBER OF
PRICE OPTIONS LIFE (IN YEARS) OPTIONS
- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$20.00 15,312,327 9.8 1,761,032
</TABLE>
The Company follows Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees" to account for the option plans. No compensation
expense is recognized because the option exercise price is equal to the fair
value of the underlying membership interests on the date of grant.
Had compensation expense for the option plans been determined based on the
fair value at the grant dates under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the
Company's net loss would have been $112.9 million. The fair value of each option
grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model with the following assumptions: no dividend yield, expected volatility of
44.0%, risk free rate of 5.00%, and expected option lives of 10 years.
7. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
In the second quarter of 1999, the Company acquired cable television
systems in two separate transactions for an aggregate purchase price of $699.0
million. The Company has also entered into definitive agreements to purchase
additional cable television systems, including a exchange of cable television
systems, for approximately $3.9 billion. The exchange of cable television
systems will be recorded at the fair value of the systems exchanged. The
additional six acquisitions are expected to close no later than March 31, 2000.
F-253
<PAGE> 456
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED) (AUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 8,901 $ 8,482
Accounts receivable -- trade (less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $76 in 1999 and $94 in 1998)... 731 726
Accounts receivable -- other.......................... 552 584
Prepaid expenses and other assets..................... 381 340
Escrow deposit........................................ -- 150
Investment in cable television systems:
Property, plant and equipment....................... 74,435 71,246
Less: accumulated depreciation..................... (9,841) (7,294)
-------- --------
64,594 63,952
-------- --------
Cable television franchises......................... 238,407 236,489
Less: accumulated amortization..................... (15,436) (11,473)
-------- --------
222,971 225,016
-------- --------
Intangible assets................................... 17,540 17,559
Less: accumulated amortization..................... (1,411) (1,059)
-------- --------
16,129 16,500
-------- --------
Total investment in cable television systems.......... 303,694 305,468
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS.......................................... $314,259 $315,750
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable...................................... $ 587 $ 2,042
Accrued expenses...................................... 7,062 6,670
Subscriber advance payments and deposits.............. 651 608
Deferred marketing support............................ 755 800
Advances from affiliates.............................. 135 135
Debt.................................................. 212,503 209,874
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES..................................... 221,693 220,129
-------- --------
MEMBERS' EQUITY:
Paid-in capital....................................... 108,600 108,600
Accumulated deficit................................... (16,034) (12,979)
-------- --------
Total members' equity................................. 92,566 95,621
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY................. $314,259 $315,750
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-254
<PAGE> 457
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
MARCH 31,
1999
------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C>
Revenues.................................................... $15,254
Cost and expenses:
Service costs............................................. 4,596
Selling, general and administrative....................... 2,293
Depreciation and amortization............................. 6,655
-------
Operating income............................................ 1,710
-------
Interest (income)......................................... (90)
Interest expense.......................................... 4,797
-------
Loss before provision for taxes............................. (2,997)
-------
Provision for taxes......................................... 58
-------
Net loss.................................................... $(3,055)
=======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-255
<PAGE> 458
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
PAID-IN ACCUMULATED MEMBERS'
CAPITAL DEFICIT EQUITY
-------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance December 31, 1998 (Audited)......... $108,600 $(12,979) $95,621
Net loss (Unaudited)........................ -- (3,055) (3,055)
-------- -------- -------
Balance March 31, 1999 (Unaudited).......... $108,600 $(16,034) $92,566
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-256
<PAGE> 459
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
MARCH 31,
1999
---------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C>
Operating Activities:
Net loss.................................................. $(3,055)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 6,655
Accretion on senior discount notes and non-cash
interest expense...................................... 2,630
Other non-cash expenses................................ 239
Deferred marketing support............................. (45)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of
effects from acquisitions
Accounts receivable -- trade, net...................... (5)
Accounts receivable -- other........................... 32
Prepaid expenses and other assets...................... (41)
Accounts payable....................................... (1,455)
Accrued expenses....................................... 392
Subscriber advance payments and deposits............... 43
-------
Net cash provided by operating activities............ 5,390
-------
Investing Activities:
Purchases of cable television systems:
Property, plant and equipment.......................... (830)
Cable television franchises............................... (1,918)
Escrow deposit............................................ 150
Capital expenditures...................................... (2,393)
Other intangible assets................................... 20
-------
Net cash used in investing activities.................. (4,971)
-------
Financing Activities:
Net cash provided by financing activities.............. --
-------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 419
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 8,482
=======
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 8,901
=======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-257
<PAGE> 460
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1999
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
(UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION
Renaissance Media Group LLC ("Group") was formed on March 13, 1998 by
Renaissance Media Holdings LLC ("Holdings"). Holdings formed Renaissance Media
Capital Corporation on March 12, 1998. On March 20, 1998, Holdings contributed
to Group its membership interests in two wholly owned subsidiaries; Renaissance
Media (Louisiana) LLC ("Louisiana") and Renaissance Media (Tennessee) LLC
("Tennessee"), both of which were formed on January 7, 1998. Louisiana and
Tennessee acquired a 76% interest and 24% interest, respectively, in Renaissance
Media LLC ("Media") from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners III, Inc. ("MSCP III")
on February 13, 1998 for a nominal amount. As a result, Media became a
subsidiary of Holdings. The transfer was accounted for as a reorganization of
entities under common control similar to a pooling of interests since an entity
affiliated with MSCP III had a controlling interest in Holdings. Group and its
aforementioned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company"
herein. On April 9, 1998, the Company acquired (the "Acquisition") six cable
television systems (the "TWI Systems") from TWI Cable, Inc. ("TWI Cable") a
subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner"). Prior to this Acquisition, the
Company had no operations other than start-up related activities. For further
information, refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998 for additional disclosures and information regarding the
formation of the Company.
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and
with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles. The interim financial statements
are unaudited but include all adjustments, which are of normal recurring nature
that the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position and the results of operations and cash flows for such period. Operating
results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full
year.
3. SALE OF THE COMPANY
On February 23, 1999, Holdings, Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter")
and Charter Communications, LLC ("Buyer") executed a purchase agreement (the
"Charter Purchase Agreement"), providing for Holdings to sell and Buyer to
purchase, all the outstanding limited liability company membership interests in
Group held by Holdings (the "Charter Transaction") subject to certain covenants
and restrictions pending closing and satisfaction of certain conditions prior to
closing. On April 30, 1999, the Charter Transaction was consummated. In
connection therewith all amounts outstanding, including accrued interest and
fees, under the Credit Agreement, (as defined herein, see Note 5), were paid in
full and the Credit Agreement was terminated on April 30, 1999.
F-258
<PAGE> 461
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 1999
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
(UNAUDITED)
4. ACQUISITIONS
On April 9, 1998, the Company commenced operations with the acquisition of
the TWI Systems (the "TWI Acquisition"). Unaudited pro forma summarized results
of operations for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 1998,
assuming the TWI Acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 1998 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED
MARCH 31,
1998
------------
<S> <C>
Revenues.................................................... $13,973
Costs and expenses.......................................... 13,531
-------
Operating income............................................ 442
Interest and other expenses................................. 4,954
=======
Net loss.................................................... $(4,512)
=======
</TABLE>
5. DEBT
Media maintained a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"). The aggregate
commitments under the Credit Agreement totaled $150,000, consisted of a $40,000
revolver, $60,000 Tranche A Term Loans and $50,000 Tranche B Term Loans. The
revolving credit facility and term loans were collateralized by a first lien
position on all present and future assets and members' interest of Media,
Louisiana and Tennessee. The Credit Agreement provided for interest at varying
rates based upon various borrowing options and the attainment of certain
financial ratios and for commitment fees of 1/2% on the unused portion of the
revolver. The effective interest rate for the quarter ended March 31, 1999 was
7.67%.
On April 9, 1998, $110,000 was borrowed under the Credit Agreement's
Tranche A and B Term Loans. On June 23, 1998, $7,500 was repaid resulting in
$102,500 of outstanding Tranche A and B Term Loans as of March 31, 1999.
On March 31, 1999, the Company had unrestricted use of the $40,000
revolver. No borrowings had been made by the Company through that date.
As required by the Credit Agreement, Media purchased an interest rate cap
agreement from Morgan Stanley Capital Services Inc., an affiliate of MSCP III.
The agreement effectively fixed or set a maximum LIBOR rate of 7.25% on bank
debt borrowings up to $100,000 through December 1999. As of March 31, 1999, the
fair value of the interest rate cap agreement was $0.
As a result of the Charter Transaction (i.e., change of control) and in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the indenture governing the 10%
senior discount notes
F-259
<PAGE> 462
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
MARCH 31, 1999
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED)
(UNAUDITED)
due 2008 (the "Notes"), the Company will offer to repurchase the Notes at a
redemption price of 101% of Accreted Value (as defined in the indenture) plus
accrued interest.
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the Acquisition, Media entered into an agreement with
Time Warner, pursuant to which Time Warner manages the Company's programming in
exchange for providing the Company access to certain Time Warner programming
arrangements. Management believes that these programming rates made available
through its relationship with Time Warner are lower than the Company could
obtain separately. Such volume rates will not continue to be available after the
Charter Transaction.
For the quarter ended March 31, 1999, the Company incurred approximately
$2,009 for programming services under this agreement. In addition, the Company
has incurred programming costs of approximately $713 for programming services
owned directly or indirectly by Time Warner entities for the quarter ended March
31, 1999.
The Company has utilized the law firm of one of its board members for
various ongoing legal matters. These fees totaled approximately $154 for the
quarter ended March 31, 1999.
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan that covers substantially
all employees (the "Plan"). The Plan provides for contributions from eligible
employees up to 15% of their compensation subject to a maximum limit as
determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company's contribution to the
Plan is limited to 50% of each eligible employee's contribution up to 10% of his
or her compensation. The Company has the right to change the amount of the
Company's matching contribution percentage. The Company matching contributions
approximated $38 for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.
F-260
<PAGE> 463
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
MARCH 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 11,463,984
Receivables from subscribers................................ 1,619,055
Prepaid expenses and other assets........................... 2,866,831
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 88,723,374
Intangible assets and deferred costs, net................... 95,641,669
------------
Total assets........................................... $200,314,913
============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
Liabilities:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 6,318,658
Accrued expenses.......................................... 839,902
Subscriptions received in advance......................... 954,732
Accrued interest.......................................... 8,381,948
Due to principal owner.................................... 5,000,000
Senior secured notes...................................... 115,000,000
Loans payable to banks.................................... 120,264,288
Senior subordinated loans payable to banks................ 12,000,000
12% subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount of
$2,313,425............................................. 42,787,309
Redeemable partnership interests.......................... 18,708,097
Other notes payable....................................... 5,293,908
Due to affiliates, net.................................... 136,952
------------
Total liabilities...................................... 335,685,794
------------
Commitments
Partners' deficit:
Preferred limited partners................................ 8,824,491
Accumulated partners' deficit............................. (144,194,372)
Less capital contribution receivable...................... (1,000)
------------
Total partners' deficit................................ (135,370,881)
------------
Total liabilities and partners' deficit................ $200,314,913
============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-261
<PAGE> 464
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1999
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues............................................ $18,348,297 $21,251,906
----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Operating expenses................................ 5,576,707 6,724,757
General and administrative expenses............... 3,138,482 3,365,652
Marketing expenses................................ 820,971 1,094,800
Depreciation and amortization..................... 5,774,012 6,828,410
Management fee charged by affiliate............... 635,485 1,063,597
Corporate and other expenses...................... 63,751 90,977
----------- -----------
Total operating expenses....................... 16,009,408 19,168,193
----------- -----------
Operating income.................................. 2,338,889 2,083,713
----------- -----------
Interest expense.................................... (6,844,969) (7,821,042)
Interest income..................................... 30,314 51,704
----------- -----------
(6,814,655) (7,769,338)
----------- -----------
Net loss.......................................... ($4,475,766) ($5,685,625)
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-262
<PAGE> 465
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN PARTNERS' DEFICIT
THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PARTNERS' DEFICIT
PREFERRED ----------------------------- CAPITAL
LIMITED GENERAL CLASS A LIMITED CONTRIBUTION
PARTNERS PARTNER PARTNERS RECEIVABLE TOTAL
---------- ----------- --------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1998...... $8,567,467 $ (989,962) $(134,807,570) $(1,000) $(127,231,065)
Distribution of additional
preferred partnership
interests....................... 257,024 (2,570) (254,454) -- 0
Accretion of redeemable
partnership interests........... -- (24,542) (2,429,649) -- (2,454,191)
Net loss.......................... -- (56,856) (5,628,769) -- (5,685,625)
---------- ----------- ------------- ------- -------------
Balance at March 31, 1999......... $8,824,491 $(1,073,930) $(143,120,442) $(1,000) $(135,370,881)
========== =========== ============= ======= =============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-263
<PAGE> 466
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P. AND AFFILIATES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE-MONTHS PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1999
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss.................................................. ($4,475,766) ($5,685,625)
----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 5,774,012 6,828,410
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing
costs................................................. 230,005 241,605
Gain on sale of equipment.............................. (1,498) (6,000)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables from subscribers............. 285,217 39,303
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
assets.............................................. (756,438) 605,752
Increase in financing costs incurred................. (37,500) (240,000)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses.... (1,125,646) (2,501,877)
Increase in subscriptions received in advance........ 137,562 135,169
Increase in accrued interest......................... 4,356,122 4,639,494
----------- -----------
Total adjustments................................. 8,861,836 9,741,856
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 4,386,070 4,056,231
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (1,725,789) (3,229,629)
Proceeds from sale of equipment........................... 91,128 6,000
Cash paid for net assets of cable television systems
acquired............................................... -- (5,951,453)
Increase in intangible assets and deferred costs.......... (47,088) (172,593)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (1,681,749) (9,347,675)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank loans.................................. 1,000,000 12,000,000
Repayment of bank loans................................... (2,511) (2,633)
Repayment of other notes payable.......................... (307,889) (262,410)
Advances to affiliates.................................... (895,633) (2,596,997)
Repayments of advances to affiliates...................... 364,141 2,486,907
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities......... 158,108 11,624,867
----------- -----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents......... 2,862,429 6,333,423
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 4,372,281 5,130,561
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 7,234,710 $11,463,984
=========== ===========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid............................................. $ 2,258,842 $ 2,939,944
=========== ===========
Other non-cash items:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment through
issuance of other notes payable....................... $ 17,686 $ 97,666
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed combined financial statements.
F-264
<PAGE> 467
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 1999
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Helicon Partners I, L.P. ("the Partnership") was organized as a limited
partnership on November 30, 1994 under the laws of the State of Delaware. On
April 8, 1996, Baum Investments, Inc. acquired a 1% general partnership interest
in the Partnership through an initial capital contribution of $1,500 and the
existing limited partners of The Helicon Group, L.P. ("THGLP"), formed in 1993,
exchanged their limited partnership interests in THGLP for all Class A Common
Limited Partnership Interests and Preferred Limited Partnership Interests in the
Partnership. As a result of this exchange, THGLP became 99% owned by the
Partnership. The Partnership now owns all of the limited partnership interests
in THGLP and Baum Investments, Inc. continues to be the general partner of THGLP
and to own a 1% general partnership interest in THGLP. The Partnership also owns
a 99% interest and THGLP a 1% interest in HPI Acquisition Co., LLC ("HPIAC"), a
Delaware limited liability company formed on February 7, 1996. The Company also
owns a 89% limited partnership interest and Baum Investments, Inc. a 1% general
partnership interest in Helicon OnLine, L. P. ("HOL"), a Delaware limited
partnership formed May 31, 1997. The Partnership, THGLP, HPIAC and HOL are
referred to collectively herein as the Company.
The Partnership operates in one business segment offering cable television
services in the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Louisiana, Vermont and New Hampshire, Georgia and Tennessee. The
Company also offers to customers advanced services, such as paging, cable modems
and private data network systems under the name of "Helicon Network Solutions",
as well as, dial up internet service in Pennsylvania and Vermont under the name
of "Helicon OnLine".
On March 22, 1999, the Partnership, Baum Investments, Inc. and all the
holders of partnership interests in the Partnership entered into a purchase
agreement by and among Charter Communications, Inc, Charter Communications, LLC
and Charter Helicon, LLC (collectively the "Charter Entities") providing for the
sale of all such partnership interests and Helicon Corp.'s interest in the
management agreements with THGLP and HPIAC to the Charter Entities. The sale
price is $550 million which amount will be reduced by any outstanding
indebtedness assumed by the Charter Entities.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed combined
financial statements of the Partnership reflect all adjustments, consisting of
normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Partnership's
combined financial position as of March 31, 1999, and their results of
operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1998 and
1999. The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 1999
are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.
2. ACQUISITIONS
On December 31, 1998, HPIAC acquired the net assets of cable television
systems serving approximately 11,225 (unaudited) subscribers primarily in the
North Carolina community of Roanoke Rapids. The aggregate purchase price was
$26,063,284 including acquisition costs of $535,875 and was allocated to the net
assets acquired, which included property, equipment and intangible assets, based
on their estimated fair value.
F-265
<PAGE> 468
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P AND AFFILIATES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
On January 7, 1999, THGLP acquired the cable television systems, serving
approximately 4,350 (unaudited) subscribers in the North Carolina counties of
Carter, Johnson and Unicol. The aggregate purchase price was approximately
$5,228,097 and was allocated to the net assets acquired, which included property
and equipment and intangible assets.
On March 1, 1999, HPIAC acquired a cable television system serving
approximately 551 (unaudited) subscribers in the communities of Abbeville,
Donalds and Due West, South Carolina. The aggregate purchase price was
approximately $723,356 and was allocated to the net assets acquired, which
included property, equipment and intangible assets, based on their estimated
fair value.
The operating results relating to the above acquisitions, effective with
their acquisition dates, are included in the accompanying unaudited condensed
combined financial statements.
On April 6, 1999, the HPIAC acquired a cable television system serving
approximately 314 (unaudited) subscribers in the communities of Mentone and part
of DeKalb, Alabama. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $265,690 and
was allocated to the net assets acquired, which included property, equipment and
intangible assets, based on their estimated fair value.
3. LOANS PAYABLE TO BANKS
On January 5, 1999, THGLP entered into a $12,000,000 Senior Subordinated
Loan Agreement with Paribas Capital Funding, LLC ("the 1999 Credit Facility").
The Facility is non-amortizing and is due January 5, 2003. Initial borrowings of
$7,000,000 under this Facility financed the acquisition of certain cable
television assets in North Carolina. On February 19, 1999, the Company borrowed
the remainder $5,000,000 available under the 1999 Credit Facility. Interest on
the $12,000,000 is payable at 11.5% per annum.
F-266
<PAGE> 469
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
----------- ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $948 and $899, respectively.............. $ 13,949 $ 14,425
Receivables from affiliates............................ 5,038 5,623
Prepaid expenses....................................... 847 423
Other current assets................................... 206 350
-------- --------
Total current assets......................... 20,040 20,821
Intangible assets, net................................. 240,567 255,356
Property and equipment, net............................ 225,682 218,465
Deferred income taxes.................................. 13,994 12,598
Investments and other non-current assets............... 3,697 2,804
-------- --------
Total assets................................. $503,980 $510,044
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............... $ 19,030 $ 19,230
Deferred revenue....................................... 11,944 11,104
Payables to affiliates................................. 3,057 3,158
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.................... 34,031 33,492
Note payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P. .......... 412,436 396,579
Deferred channel launch revenue........................ 3,900 4,045
-------- --------
Total liabilities............................ 450,367 434,116
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Mandatorily redeemable preferred shares................ 14,430 14,184
Equity................................................. 39,183 61,744
-------- --------
Total liabilities and equity................. $503,980 $510,044
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed combined financial statements.
F-267
<PAGE> 470
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
------------------
1999 1998
-------- -------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Basic and cable services.................................... $ 34,215 $30,103
Pay services................................................ 6,436 6,070
Other services.............................................. 7,637 5,961
-------- -------
48,288 42,134
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Program fees................................................ 11,598 9,616
Other direct expenses....................................... 4,763 4,177
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 9,719 8,183
Management and consulting fees.............................. 781 781
Depreciation and amortization............................... 26,100 20,353
-------- -------
52,961 43,110
-------- -------
Loss from operations........................................ (4,673) (976)
-------- -------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense............................................ (5,778) (6,734)
Interest and other income................................... 77 49
Other expense............................................... -- (24)
-------- -------
(5,701) (6,709)
-------- -------
Loss before income tax benefit.............................. (10,374) (7,685)
Income tax benefit.......................................... 1,396 1,595
-------- -------
NET LOSS.................................................... $ (8,978) $(6,090)
======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed combined financial statements.
F-268
<PAGE> 471
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1998.................................. $ 58,713
Net loss.................................................... (3,521)
Accretion for mandatorily redeemable preferred shares....... (945)
Net cash contributions from parent.......................... 6,350
In-kind contribution from parent............................ 1,147
--------
Balance at December 31, 1998................................ 61,744
Net loss (unaudited)........................................ (8,978)
Accretion for mandatorily redeemable preferred shares
(unaudited)............................................... (246)
Net cash distributions to parent (unaudited)................ (13,337)
--------
Balance at March 31, 1999 (unaudited)....................... $ 39,183
========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed combined financial statements.
F-269
<PAGE> 472
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------
1999 1998
-------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss............................................... $ (8,978) $ (6,090)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization....................... 26,100 20,353
Loss on disposal of fixed assets.................... -- 4
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable............................... 476 242
Receivables from affiliates....................... 585 (1,092)
Prepaid expenses.................................. (424) (183)
Other current assets.............................. 144 52
Deferred income taxes............................. (1,396) (1,595)
Investments and other non-current assets.......... (893) 138
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......... (713) (5,272)
Deferred revenue.................................. (220) 522
Payables to affiliates............................ (101) (53)
Accrued interest.................................. 5,532 6,505
Deferred channel launch revenue................... 915 591
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities........... 21,027 14,122
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment................. (17,895) (18,069)
Intangible assets................................... (120) (161)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities........... (18,015) (18,230)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (distributions) contributions to/from parent.... (13,337) 5,431
Net (repayments) borrowings of intercompany debt.... 10,325 (1,323)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities........... (3,012) 4,108
-------- --------
Net change in cash....................................... -- --
-------- --------
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.............................. -- --
-------- --------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD.................................... $ -- $ --
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to the condensed combined financial statements.
F-270
<PAGE> 473
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
THE CHARTER TRANSACTIONS
InterMedia Partners, a California limited partnership ("IP-I"), and
InterMedia Capital Partners IV, L.P., a California limited partnership,
("ICP-IV", together with IP-I, "InterMedia") are affiliated through common
control and management. Robin Media Group, Inc. , a Nevada corporation, ("RMG")
is a majority owned subsidiary of ICP-IV. On April 20, 1999 InterMedia and
certain of its affiliates entered into agreements (the "Agreements") with
affiliates of Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter") to sell and exchange
certain of their cable television systems ("the Charter Transactions").
Specifically, ICP-IV and its affiliates have agreed to sell certain of
their cable television systems in Tennessee and Gainesville, Georgia through a
combination of asset sales and the sale of their equity interests in RMG, and to
exchange their systems in and around Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina
for Charter systems located in Indiana, Kentucky, Utah and Montana. Immediately
upon Charter's acquisition of RMG, IP-I will exchange its cable television
systems in Athens, Georgia, Asheville and Marion, North Carolina and Cleveland,
Tennessee for RMG's cable television systems located in middle Tennessee.
The Charter Transactions are expected to close during the third or fourth
quarter of 1999. The cable systems retained by Charter upon consummation of the
Charter Transactions, together with RMG, are referred to as the "InterMedia
Cable Systems," or the "Systems."
PRESENTATION
The Systems being sold or exchanged do not individually or collectively
comprise a separate legal entity. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed
combined financial statements have been carved-out from the historical
accounting records of InterMedia.
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed combined financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain footnote disclosures
have been condensed or omitted. In the management's opinion, the interim
unaudited combined financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the
Systems' financial position as of March 31, 1999 and their results of operations
and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. The results
of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 1999 are not
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending
December 31, 1999. These condensed combined financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the Systems' audited combined financial statements and notes
thereto for the year ended December 31, 1998.
F-271
<PAGE> 474
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
CARVE-OUT METHODOLOGY
Throughout the periods covered by the condensed combined financial
statements, the individual cable systems were operated and accounted for
separately. However, the Charter Transactions exclude certain systems (the
"Excluded Systems") which were operated as part of the Marion, North Carolina
and western Tennessee systems throughout 1998 and 1999. For purposes of carving
out and excluding the results of operations and financial position of the
Excluded Systems from the condensed combined financial statements, management
has estimated the revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities associated with
each Excluded System based on the ratio of each Excluded System's basic
subscribers to the total basic subscribers served by the Marion, North Carolina
and western Tennessee systems, respectively. Management believes the basis used
for these allocations is reasonable. The Systems' results of operations are not
necessarily indicative of future operating results or the results that would
have occurred if the Systems were a separate legal entity.
Management and consulting fees represent an allocation of management fees
charged to IP-I and ICP-IV by InterMedia Capital Management, a California
limited partnership ("ICM") and InterMedia Management, Inc. ("IMI"),
respectively. ICM is a limited partner of IP-I. IMI is the managing member of
each of the general partners of IP-I and ICP-IV. These fees are charged at a
fixed amount per annum and have been allocated to the Systems based upon the
allocated contributed capital of the individual systems as compared to the total
contributed capital of InterMedia's subsidiaries.
As more fully described in Note 4 -- "Related Party Transactions," certain
administrative services are also provided by IMI and are charged to all
affiliates based on relative basic subscriber percentages.
CASH AND INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS
Under InterMedia's centralized cash management system, cash requirements of
its individual operating units were generally provided directly by InterMedia
and the cash generated or used by the Systems was transferred to/from
InterMedia, as appropriate, through intercompany accounts. The intercompany
account balances between InterMedia and the individual operating units, except
RMG's intercompany note payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P. ("IP-IV"), as
described in Note 3 -- "Note Payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P.," are not
intended to be settled. Accordingly, the balances, other than RMG's note payable
to IP-IV, are included in equity and all net cash generated from operations,
investing activities and financing activities have been included in the Systems'
net (distributions) contributions to/from parent in the combined statements of
cash flows.
IP-I and ICP-IV or its subsidiaries maintain all external debt to fund and
manage InterMedia's operations on a centralized basis. The condensed combined
financial statements present only the debt and related interest expense of RMG,
which is assumed
F-272
<PAGE> 475
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
and repaid by Charter pursuant to the Charter Transactions. See Note 3 -- "Note
Payable to InterMedia Partners IV, L.P." Debt, unamortized debt issue costs and
interest expense related to the financing of the cable systems not owned by RMG
have not been allocated to the InterMedia Cable Systems. As such, the level of
debt, unamortized debt issue costs and related interest expense presented in the
condensed combined financial statements are not representative of the debt that
would be required or interest expense incurred if InterMedia Cable Systems were
a separate legal entity.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
2. EXCHANGE OF CABLE PROPERTIES
EXCHANGE
On December 31, 1998, certain of the Systems' cable television assets
located in and around western and eastern Tennessee ("Exchanged Assets"),
serving approximately 10,600 (unaudited) basic subscribers, plus cash of $398
were exchanged for other cable television assets located in and around western
and eastern Tennessee, serving approximately 10,000 (unaudited) basic
subscribers.
The exchange resulted in a gain of $26,218 calculated as the difference
between the fair value of the assets received and the net book value of the
Exchanged Assets less cash paid of $398.
3. NOTE PAYABLE TO INTERMEDIA PARTNERS IV, L.P.
RMG's note payable to IP-IV consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
--------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Intercompany revolving credit facility, $1,200,000
commitment as of March 31, 1999, interest currently at
6.84% payable on maturity, matures December 31, 2006... $412,436 $396,579
======== ========
</TABLE>
RMG's debt is outstanding under an intercompany revolving credit facility
executed with IP-IV. The revolving credit facility currently provides for
$1,200,000 of available credit.
RMG's intercompany revolving credit facility requires repayment of the
outstanding principal and accrued interest on the earlier of (i) December 31,
2006, or (ii) acceleration of any of IP-IV's obligations to repay under its bank
debt outstanding under its revolving
F-273
<PAGE> 476
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
credit facility ("IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility") and term loan agreement
("IP-IV Term Loan", together with the IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility, the
"IP-IV Bank Facility") dated July 30, 1996.
Interest rates under RMG's intercompany revolving credit facility are
calculated monthly and are referenced to those made available under the IP-IV
Bank Facility. Interest rates ranged from 6.21% to 6.84% during the three months
ended March 31, 1999.
Charter has an obligation to assume and repay RMG's intercompany revolving
credit facility pursuant to the Charter Transactions.
Advances under the IP-IV Bank Facility are available under interest rate
options related to the base rate of the administrative agent for the IP-IV Bank
Facility ("ABR") or LIBOR. Interest rates on borrowings under the IP-IV Term
Loan vary from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.00% or ABR plus 0.50% to ABR
plus 0.75% based on IP-IV's ratio of debt outstanding to annualized quarterly
operating cash flow ("Senior Debt Ratio"). Interest rates on borrowings under
the IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility also vary from LIBOR plus 0.625% to LIBOR
plus 1.50% or ABR to ABR plus 0.25% based on IP-IV's Senior Debt Ratio. The
IP-IV Bank Facility requires quarterly payment of fees on the unused portion of
the IP-IV Revolving Credit Facility of 0.375% per annum when the Senior Debt
Ratio is greater than 4.0:1.0 and at 0.25% when the Senior Debt Ratio is less
than or equal to 4.0:1.0.
The terms and conditions of RMG's intercompany debt agreement are not
necessarily indicative of the terms and conditions which would be available if
the Systems were a separate legal entity.
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ICM and IMI provide certain management services to IP-I and ICP-IV,
respectively, for per annum fixed fees, of which 20% per annum is deferred and
payable in each following year in order to support InterMedia's debt.
InterMedia's management fees for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
amounted to $1,353, of which $781 has been charged to the Systems.
IMI has entered into agreements with both IP-I and ICP-IV to provide
accounting and administrative services at cost. Under the terms of the
agreements, the expenses associated with rendering these services are charged to
the Systems and other affiliates based upon relative basic subscriber
percentages. Management believes this method to be reflective of the actual
cost. During the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998, IMI administrative
fees charged to the Systems totaled $859 and $1,206, respectively. Receivables
from affiliates at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 include $405 and $52,
respectively, of advances to IMI, net of administrative fees charged by IMI and
operating expenses paid by IMI on behalf of the Systems.
F-274
<PAGE> 477
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
IP-I is majority-owned, and ICP-IV is owned in part, by AT&T Broadband &
Internet Services ("AT&TBIS"), formerly Tele-Communications, Inc. As affiliates
of AT&TBIS, IP-I and ICP-IV are able to purchase programming services from a
subsidiary of AT&TBIS. Management believes that the overall programming rates
made available through this relationship are lower than the Systems could obtain
separately. Such volume rates may not continue to be available in the future
should AT&TBIS's ownership interest in InterMedia significantly decrease.
Program fees charged by the AT&TBIS subsidiary to the Systems for the three
months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 amounted to $8,505 and $6,624,
respectively. Payables to affiliates include programming fees payable to the
AT&TBIS subsidiary of $2,846 and $2,918 at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998,
respectively.
On January 1, 1998 an affiliate of AT&TBIS entered into agreements with
InterMedia to manage the Systems' advertising business and related services for
an annual fixed fee per advertising sales subscriber as defined by the
agreements. In addition to the annual fixed fee AT&TBIS is entitled to varying
percentage shares of the incremental growth in annual cash flows from
advertising sales above specified targets. Management fees charged by the
AT&TBIS subsidiary for the three months ended March 31, 1999 amounted to $90.
Receivables from affiliates at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 include
$4,119 and $3,437, respectively, of receivable from AT&TBIS for advertising
sales.
As part of its normal course of business the Systems are involved in
transactions with affiliates of InterMedia which own and operate cable
television systems. Such transactions include purchases and sales at cost of
inventories used in construction of cable plant. Receivables from affiliates at
March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 include $514 and $2,134, respectively, of
receivables from affiliated systems. Payables to affiliates at March 31, 1999
and December 31, 1998 include $172 and $208, respectively, of payables to
affiliated systems.
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Systems are committed to provide cable television services under
franchise agreements with remaining terms of up to eighteen years. Franchise
fees of up to 5% of gross revenues are payable under these agreements.
Current FCC regulations require that cable television operators obtain
permission to retransmit major network and certain local television station
signals. The Systems have entered into long-term retransmission agreements with
all applicable stations in exchange for in-kind and/or other consideration.
InterMedia has been named in purported and certified class actions in
various jurisdictions concerning late fee charges and practices. Certain cable
systems owned by InterMedia charge late fees to customers who do not pay their
cable bills on time. These late fee cases challenge the amount of the late fees
and the practices under which they are imposed. The plaintiffs raise claims
under state consumer protection statutes, other state
F-275
<PAGE> 478
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
statutes and common law. The plaintiffs generally allege that the late fees
charged by InterMedia's cable systems, including the Systems in the States of
Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia are not reasonably related to the costs
incurred by the cable systems as a result of the late payment. The plaintiffs
seek to require cable systems to reduce their late fees on a prospective basis
and to provide compensation for alleged excessive late fee charges for past
periods. These cases are either at the early stages of the litigation process or
are subject to a case management order that sets forth a process leading to
mediation. Based upon the facts available management believes that, although no
assurances can be given as to the outcome of these actions, the ultimate
disposition of these matters should not have a material adverse effect upon the
financial condition of the Systems.
Under existing Tennessee laws and regulations, the Systems pay an Amusement
Tax in the form of a sales tax on programming service revenues generated in
Tennessee in excess of charges for the basic and expanded basic levels of
service. Under the existing statute, only the service charges or fees in excess
of the charges for the "basic cable" television service package are subject to
the Amusement Tax. Related regulations clarify the definition of basic cable to
include two tiers of service, which InterMedia's management and other operators
in Tennessee have interpreted to mean both the basic and expanded basic level of
services.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue ("TDOR") has proposed legislation which
would replace the Amusement Tax under the existing statute with a new sales tax
on all cable service revenues in excess of twelve dollars per month. The new tax
would be computed at a rate approximately equal to the existing effective tax
rate.
Unless InterMedia and other cable operators in Tennessee support the
proposed legislation, the TDOR has suggested that it would assess additional
taxes on prior years' expanded basic service revenues. The TDOR can issue an
assessment for prior periods up to three years. Management estimates that the
amount of such an assessment for the Systems, if made for all periods not
previously audited, would be approximately $5.4 million. InterMedia's management
believes that it is possible but not likely that the TDOR can make such an
assessment and prevail in defending it.
InterMedia's management believes it has made a valid interpretation of the
current Tennessee statute and regulations and that it has properly determined
and paid all sales taxes due. InterMedia further believes that the legislative
history of the current statute and related regulations, as well as the TDOR's
history of not making assessments based on audits of prior periods, support
InterMedia's interpretation. InterMedia and other cable operators in Tennessee
are aggressively defending their past practices on calculation and payment of
the Amusement Tax and are discussing with the TDOR modifications to their
proposed legislation which would clarify the statute and would minimize the
impact of such legislation on the Systems' results of operations. See Note
8 -- Subsequent Events.
The Systems are subject to other claims and litigation in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of any
existing litigation or
F-276
<PAGE> 479
INTERMEDIA CABLE SYSTEMS
(COMPRISED OF COMPONENTS OF INTERMEDIA PARTNERS AND
INTERMEDIA CAPITAL PARTNERS IV, L.P.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
other claims will not have a material effect on the Systems' financial position
or results of operations.
6. CHANNEL LAUNCH REVENUE
During 1997 and 1998, the Systems were credited with amounts representing
their share of payments received or to be received by InterMedia from certain
programmers to launch and promote their new channels. Of the total amount
credited the Systems recognized advertising revenue of $333 during the three
months ended March 31, 1999 for advertisements provided by the Systems to
promoted the new channels. The remaining amounts credited to the Systems are
being amortized over the respective terms of the program agreements which range
between five to ten years. For the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998
the Systems amortized and recorded as other service revenues of $218 and $179,
respectively.
7. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Total accretion on RMG's Redeemable Preferred Stock for the three months
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 amounted to $246 and $230, respectively.
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In late May 1999, both Houses of the Tennessee legislature passed new
legislation which replaces the existing Amusement Tax with a new sales tax on
cable service revenues effective September 1, 1999. Under the new legislation,
all cable service revenues in excess of fifteen dollars are subject to tax at a
rate which approximates the existing tax rate. The new legislation reflects
certain amendments to the TDOR's proposed legislation described in Note
5 -- Commitments and Contingencies, including the change in the amount of cable
service revenues which are exempt from sales tax from twelve dollars per month
to fifteen dollars per month.
F-277
<PAGE> 480
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS, L. P.
BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/98 3/31/99
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 65,699 $ 76,892
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $18,278 in 1998 and $6,406 in
1999.............................................. 51,523 34,147
Other receivables................................... 133,278 100,057
Prepaid expenses and deposits....................... 70,675 18,731
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment.................. 8,758,525 11,010,643
Land, buildings, vehicles and furniture and
fixtures....................................... 623,281 449,299
----------- -----------
9,381,806 11,459,942
Less accumulated depreciation..................... (4,354,685) (293,664)
----------- -----------
Net property, plant and equipment.............. 5,027,121 11,166,278
Franchise costs and other intangible assets, net of
accumulated amortization of $2,033,405 in 1998 and
$281,821 in 1999.................................. 1,772,345 13,197,093
----------- -----------
Total assets.............................. $ 7,120,641 $24,593,198
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............ $ 396,605 $ 299,110
Customer deposits and prepayments................... 126,212 102,492
Interest payable.................................... -- 3,231
Interpartnership debt............................... 2,865,426 2,312,776
----------- -----------
Total liabilities......................... 3,388,243 2,717,609
Partners' equity:
General partner................................... 822,837 8,784,068
Limited partners.................................. 2,909,561 13,091,521
----------- -----------
Total partner's equity.................... 3,732,398 21,875,589
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and partners' equity.... $ 7,120,641 $24,593,198
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-278
<PAGE> 481
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED
------------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service............................................... $1,189,030 $1,249,886
Installation and other................................ 76,220 101,437
---------- ----------
Total revenue............................... 1,265,250 1,351,323
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense..................................... 198,322 134,256
Programming expense................................... 275,393 305,007
Selling, general and administrative expense........... 119,236 166,467
Depreciation.......................................... 155,000 293,767
Amortization.......................................... 50,072 281,548
Management fees....................................... 63,262 67,497
Loss on disposal of assets -- 8,578
---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses.................... 861,285 1,257,120
---------- ----------
Operating income...................................... 403,965 94,203
Interest expense...................................... 98,537 55,708
---------- ----------
Net income............................................ $ 305,428 $ 38,495
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-279
<PAGE> 482
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNER PARTNERS TOTAL
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' equity, December 31, 1997.... $ 263,171 $ 2,170,336 $ 2,433,507
Net income............................. 131,603 173,825 305,428
---------- ----------- -----------
Partners' equity, March 31, 1998....... 394,774 2,344,161 2,738,935
========== =========== ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Partners' equity, December 31, 1998.... 822,837 2,909,561 3,732,398
Partners' contribution................. 7,944,340 10,160,356 18,104,696
Net income............................. 16,891 21,604 38,495
---------- ----------- -----------
Partners' equity March 31, 1999........ $8,784,068 $13,091,521 $21,875,589
========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The partners' capital accounts for financial reporting purposes vary from
the tax capital accounts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-280
<PAGE> 483
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED
--------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income............................................ $305,428 $ 38,495
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization...................... 205,072 575,315
Amortization of deferred loan cost................. 4,743 --
Loss on disposal of fixed assets................... -- 8,578
Decrease in customer accounts receivables.......... 9,781 17,376
Decrease in other receivables...................... 52,995 33,221
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expense and other... (22,190) 51,944
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities...................................... (46,448) (97,495)
Decrease in customer deposits and prepayment....... (15,329) (23,720)
Increase (decrease) in interest payable............ (4,924) 3,231
-------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities........ 489,128 606,945
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant and equipment............ (99,234) (44,602)
Proceeds from the sale of assets...................... -- 1,500
-------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............ (99,234) (43,102)
-------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from interpartnership debt................... -- 55,000
Payments of long-term debt............................ (232,375) --
Payments of interpartnership debt..................... -- (607,650)
-------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities............ (232,375) (552,650)
-------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............... 157,519 11,193
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period........ 381,378 65,699
-------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............. $538,897 $ 76,892
======== =========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid......................................... $ 98,718 $ 52,350
======== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-281
<PAGE> 484
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ORGANIZATION
Rifkin Cable Income Partners L.P. (the "Partnership") was formed in 1986 as
a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Partnership
owns, operates and develops cable television systems in Missouri and New Mexico.
Rifkin Cable Management Partners L.P., an affiliate of Rifkin & Associates,
Inc., is the general partner of the Partnership.
The Partnership Agreement (the "Agreement") establishes the respective
rights, obligations and interests of the partners. The Agreement provides that
net income or loss, certain capital events, and cash distributions (all as
defined in the Agreement) are generally allocated 43% to the general partner and
57% to the limited partners.
ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP
Effective December 31, 1998, InterLink Communications Partners, LLLP
("ICP") acquired 100% of the Partnership. This transaction was accounted for as
a purchase, as such, assets and liabilities were written up to their fair market
value. The December 31, 1998 audited financial statements represent the
Partnership just prior to this transaction. The March 31, 1999 unaudited
financial statements represent the new basis of accounting as property, plant
and equipment and franchise cost which were written up by $6,398,400 and
$11,701,600, respectively.
Accordingly, the March 31, 1999 unaudited financial statements of the
Partnership are not comparable to the December 31, 1998 audited financial
statements of the Partnership, which are based upon historic costs.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed financial statements are unaudited. However, in
the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair presentation in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to interim
periods. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full
fiscal year and cannot be used to indicate financial performance for the entire
year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the December 31, 1998 audited financial statements of Rifkin Cable Income
Partners, L.P.
ACQUISITION BY CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
On February 12, 1999, ICP signed a letter of intent to sell all of ICP's
partnership interests to Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter"). On April 26,
1999, ICP signed a definitive Purchase and Sale Agreement with Charter for the
sale of the individual partners' interest. ICP and Charter are expected to
complete the sale during the third quarter of 1999.
F-282
<PAGE> 485
RIFKIN CABLE INCOME PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
2. LITIGATION
The Partnership could possibly be named as defendant in various actions and
proceedings arising from the normal course of business. In all such cases, the
Partnership will vigorously defend itself against the litigation and, where
appropriate, will file counterclaims. Although the eventual outcome of potential
lawsuits cannot be predicted, it is management's opinion that any such lawsuit
will not result in liabilities that would have a material affect on the
Partnership's financial position or results of operations.
F-283
<PAGE> 486
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash.............................................. $ 4,397,931 $ 2,324,892
Subscriber accounts receivable, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $286,228 in 1999 and
$444,839 in 1998............................. 1,438,418 1,932,140
Other receivables................................. 3,743,948 5,637,771
Prepaid expenses and other........................ 1,479,094 2,398,528
Property, plant and equipment at cost:
Cable television transmission and distribution
systems and related equipment................ 154,357,916 149,376,914
Land, building, vehicles and furniture and
fixtures..................................... 7,895,440 7,421,960
------------ ------------
162,253,356 156,798,874
Less accumulated depreciation................... (39,125,222) (35,226,773)
------------ ------------
Net property, plant and equipment....... 123,128,134 121,572,101
Franchise costs and other intangible assets, net
of accumulated amortization of $72,059,022 in
1999 and $67,857,545 in 1998.................... 176,785,191 183,438,197
------------ ------------
Total assets............................ $310,972,716 $317,303,629
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......... $ 13,513,817 $ 11,684,594
Subscriber deposits and prepayments............... 645,379 1,676,900
Interest payable.................................. 3,651,571 7,242,954
Deferred taxes payable............................ 7,405,000 7,942,000
Notes payable..................................... 226,575,000 224,575,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities....................... 251,790,767 253,121,448
Commitments:
Redeemable partners' interests.................... 16,732,480 10,180,400
Partners' capital (deficit):
General partner................................. (2,860,031) (1,991,018)
Limited partners................................ 44,916,743 55,570,041
Preferred equity interest....................... 392,757 422,758
------------ ------------
Total partners' capital........................... 42,449,469 54,001,781
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and partners'
capital.............................. $310,972,716 $317,303,629
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-284
<PAGE> 487
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
--------------------------
1999 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service............................................. $21,827,094 $20,535,417
Installation and other.............................. 2,190,189 1,470,093
----------- -----------
Total revenue............................. 24,017,283 22,005,510
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense................................... 3,461,852 3,546,468
Programming expense................................. 5,396,599 4,941,131
Selling, general and administrative expense......... 3,380,966 2,748,970
Depreciation........................................ 4,010,219 3,625,474
Amortization........................................ 6,383,145 5,817,358
Management fees..................................... 840,605 770,193
Loss on disposal of assets.......................... 76,798 260,912
----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses.................. 23,550,184 21,710,506
----------- -----------
Operating income.................................... 467,099 295,004
Gain on sale of Michigan assets..................... -- (5,989,846)
Interest expense.................................... 5,892,724 5,945,495
----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative
effect of accounting change....................... (5,425,625) 339,355
Income tax benefit.................................. (537,000) (1,098,000)
----------- -----------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting
change............................................ (4,888,625) 1,437,355
Cumulative effect of accounting change for
organizational costs.............................. 111,607 --
----------- -----------
Net income (loss)................................... $(5,000,232) $ 1,437,355
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-285
<PAGE> 488
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
---------------------------
1999 1998
----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)................................ $(5,000,232) $ 1,437,355
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization................. 10,393,364 9,442,832
Amortization of deferred loan cost............ 235,956 247,440
Gain on sale of Michigan assets............... -- (5,989,846)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets.............. 76,798 260,912
Cumulative effect of accounting change for
organizational costs........................ 111,607 --
Deferred taxes benefit........................ (537,000) (1,098,000)
Decrease in subscriber accounts receivable.... 493,722 309,085
Decrease in other receivables................. 1,893,823 593,691
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
other....................................... 919,434 (205,882)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities......................... 1,829,223 (900,090)
Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits and
prepayment.................................. (1,031,521) 15,946
Decrease in interest payable.................. (3,591,383) (3,702,056)
----------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................ 5,793,791 411,387
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of cable systems, net............... (13,812) --
Additions to property, plant and equipment....... (5,722,161) (6,727,584)
Additions to cable television franchises, net of
retirements and changes in other intangible
assets........................................ (63,890) (38,349)
Net proceeds from sale of Michigan assets........ -- 17,050,564
Net proceeds from the disposal of assets (other
than Michigan)................................ 79,111 92,664
----------- ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities............................ (5,720,752) 10,377,295
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term bank debt................ 8,000,000 8,500,000
Payments of long term-bank debt.................. (6,000,000) (20,000,000)
----------- ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities............................ 2,000,000 (11,500,000)
----------- ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH.................... 2,073,039 (711,318)
CASH AT BEGINNING OF QUARTER....................... 2,324,892 1,902,555
----------- ------------
CASH AT END OF QUARTER............................. $ 4,397,931 $ 1,191,237
=========== ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-286
<PAGE> 489
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
(UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED GENERAL LIMITED
EQUITY INTEREST PARTNER PARTNERS TOTAL
--------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Partners' capital (deficit) at
12/31/98............................. $422,758 $(1,991,018) $55,570,041 $54,001,781
Net loss for the quarter ended
3/31/99.............................. (30,001) (50,003) (4,920,228) (5,000,232)
Accretion of redeemable partners'
interest............................. -- (819,010) (5,733,070) (6,552,080)
-------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Partners' capital (deficit) at
3/31/99.............................. $392,757 $(2,860,031) $44,916,743 $42,449,469
======== =========== =========== ===========
Partners' capital (deficit) at
12/31/97............................. $276,243 $(1,885,480) $34,044,912 $32,435,675
Net income for the quarter ended
3/31/98.............................. 8,624 14,374 1,414,357 1,437,355
Accretion of redeemable partners'
interest............................. -- (140,880) (986,160) (1,127,040)
-------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Partners' capital (deficit) at
3/31/98.............................. $284,867 $(2,011,986) $34,473,109 $32,745,990
======== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statement.
F-287
<PAGE> 490
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.P. ("RAP L.P.") was formed on December 16,
1988, pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado, for the purpose of
acquiring and operating cable television (CATV) systems. On September 1, 1995,
RAP L.P. registered as a limited liability limited partnership, Rifkin
Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P. (the "Partnership"), pursuant to the laws of the
State of Colorado. Rifkin Acquisition Management, L.P., was the general partner
of RAP L.P. and is the general partner of the Partnership ("General Partner").
The Partnership and its subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to on a
consolidated basis as the "Company."
The Partnership operates under a limited liability limited partnership
agreement (the "Partnership Agreement") which establishes contribution
requirements, enumerates the rights and responsibilities of the partners and
advisory committee, provides for allocations of income, losses and
distributions, and defines certain items relating thereto.
These statements have been completed in conformity with the SEC
requirements for unaudited consolidated financial statements for the Company and
does not contain all of the necessary footnote disclosures required for a fair
presentation of the balance sheets, statements of operations, of partners'
capital(deficit), and of cash flows in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. However, in the opinion of management, this data includes
all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals necessary to present
fairly the Company's consolidated financial position at March 31, 1999, December
31, 1998 and March 31,1998, and its consolidated results of operations and cash
flows for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998. The results of
operations for the three months ended March 31, 1999 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year and
cannot be used to indicate financial performance for the entire year. The
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's annual consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included on
Form 10-K, No. 333-3084, for the year ended December 31, 1998.
2. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 12, 1999, the Company signed a letter of intent for the
partners to sell their partnership interests to Charter Communications, Inc.
("Charter"). On April 26, 1999, the Company signed a definitive Purchase and
Sale Agreement with Charter for the sale of the individual partners' interest.
Subsequently, Charter assigned this contract to Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC (CCH). The company and CCH are expected to complete the sale during the
third quarter of 1999.
3. ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
Effective January 1, 1999, the Company adopted the Accounting Standards
Executive Committee's Statement of Position (SOP)98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of
Start-Up Activities," which requires the Company to expense all start-up costs
related to organizing a new business. During the first quarter of 1999, the
Company wrote off the organization costs capitalized in prior years along with
the accumulated amortization, resulting in the recognition of a cumulative
effect of accounting change loss of $111,607.
F-288
<PAGE> 491
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
4. RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1998 Consolidated Statement
of Operations to conform with the Audited Consolidated Statement of Operations
for the year ended December 31, 1998.
5. SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES
On January 26, 1996, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Rifkin
Acquisition Capital Corp (RAC), co-issued a $125 million aggregate principal
amount of 11 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Notes") to institutional
investors. These Notes were subsequently exchanged on June 18, 1996 for publicly
registered notes with identical terms. Interest on the Notes is payable in cash,
semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on July 15,
1996. The Notes, which mature on January 15, 2006, can be redeemed in whole or
in part, at the Issuers' option, at any time on or after January 15, 2001, at
redeemable prices contained in the Notes plus accrued interest. In addition, at
any time on or prior to January 15, 1999, the Issuers, at their option, were
allowed to redeem up to 25% of the principle amount of the notes issued to
institutional investors of not less than $25 million. Such redemption did not
take place. The Senior Subordinated Notes had a balance of $125 million at March
31, 1999 and 1998.
F-289
<PAGE> 492
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3/31/99
-----------
<S> <C>
ASSETS (PLEDGED)
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 111,665
Customer accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $2,017........................................ 64,223
Other receivables........................................... 163,272
Prepaid expenses and deposits............................... 39,535
Property, plant and equipment:
Buildings................................................. 19,155
Transmission and distribution systems and related
equipment.............................................. 11,238,219
Office furniture and equipment............................ 57,153
Spare parts and construction inventory.................... 742,022
-----------
12,056,549
Less accumulated depreciation............................. 351,158
-----------
Net property, plant and equipment...................... 11,705,391
Other assets, less accumulated amortization................. 20,799,833
-----------
Total assets...................................... $32,883,919
===========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................. $ 687,332
Customer prepayments...................................... 23,157
Interest payable.......................................... 20,644
Interpartnership debt..................................... 9,513,888
-----------
Total liabilities................................. 10,245,021
Partners' equity:
General partner........................................... 789,862
Limited partner........................................... 21,849,036
-----------
Total partners' equity...................................... 22,638,898
-----------
Total liabilities and partners' equity............ $32,883,919
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-290
<PAGE> 493
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Service............................................... $1,828,568 $1,885,201
Installation and other................................ 171,518 216,944
---------- ----------
Total revenue............................... 2,000,086 2,102,145
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense..................................... 322,881 212,173
Programming expense................................... 452,606 465,569
Selling, general and administrative expense........... 263,679 285,549
Depreciation.......................................... 128,089 351,257
Amortization.......................................... 178,279 1,034,849
Management fees....................................... 100,004 105,103
Loss on disposal of assets............................ 24,924 8,897
---------- ----------
Total costs and expenses.................... 1,470,462 2,463,397
---------- ----------
Operating income (loss)............................... 529,624 (361,252)
Interest expense...................................... 293,941 203,002
---------- ----------
Net income (loss)..................................... $ 235,683 $ (564,254)
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-291
<PAGE> 494
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
----------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)......................................... $ 235,683 $(564,254)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation........................................... 128,089 351,257
Amortization........................................... 178,279 1,034,849
Amortization of deferred loan costs.................... 6,947 --
Loss on disposal of assets............................. 24,924 8,897
Decrease in customer accounts receivable............... 20,138 21,572
Decrease in other receivables.......................... 52,089 131,751
Decrease in prepaid expenses and deposits.............. 126 113,040
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities........................................... 14,651 (210,441)
Increase (decrease) in customer prepayments............ 633 (24,301)
Increase (decrease) in interest payable................ (1,448) 20,644
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 660,111 883,014
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (142,080) (787,226)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............. (142,080) (787,226)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt.............................. 150,000 --
Payments of long-term debt................................ (400,000) --
Payments of interpartnership debt......................... -- (92,742)
Deferred loan cost........................................ (934) --
--------- ---------
Net cash used in financing activities............. (250,934) (92,742)
--------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... 267,097 3,046
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 82,684 108,619
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 349,781 $ 111,665
========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid............................................. $ 288,442 $ 182,358
========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-292
<PAGE> 495
INDIANA CABLE ASSOCIATES, LTD.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited.
However, in the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all
adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair
presentation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
applicable to interim periods. Interim results of operations are not indicative
of results for the full year. The accompanying financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of
Indiana Cable Associates, L.P. (the "Partnership").
2. ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP
InterLink Communications Partners, LLLP ("ICP") agreed to purchase all of
the Partnership interests as of December 31, 1998, for a total purchase price of
approximately $32,693,781. The acquisition of the Partnership by ICP was
accounted for as a purchase and a new basis of accounting was established
effective January 1, 1999. The new basis resulted in assets and liabilities
being recorded at their fair market value resulting in an increase in property,
plant, and equipment and franchise costs of $6,952,385 and $16,751,653,
respectively. Accordingly, the 1999 interim unaudited financial statements are
not comparable to the 1998 interim unaudited financial statements of the
Partnership, which are based on historical costs.
3. DEBT
On December 30, 1998, the Partnership obtained an interpartnership loan
agreement with ICP. Borrowings under the interpartnership loan, as well as
interest and principal payments are due at the discretion of the management of
ICP. The balance of the interpartnership loan at March 31, 1999 was $9,513,888.
The interest rate was 8.5% on March 31, 1999.
4. ACQUISITION BY CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
On February 12, 1999, ICP signed a letter of intent to sell all of ICP's
partnership interests to Charter Communications Holdings, LLC ("Charter"). On
April 26, 1999, ICP signed a definitive Purchase and Sale Agreement with Charter
for the sale of the individual partners' interest. ICP and Charter are expected
to complete the sale during the third quarter of 1999.
F-293
<PAGE> 496
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
3/31/99
ASSETS (PLEDGED) ------------
<S> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 886,775
Customer accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $15,315....................................... 225,562
Other receivables........................................... 1,108,404
Prepaid expenses and deposits............................... 198,634
Property, plant and equipment:
Transmission and distribution system and related
equipment................................................. 23,861,716
Office furniture and equipment.............................. 244,959
Construction in process and spare parts inventory........... 1,000,389
------------
25,107,064
Less accumulated depreciation............................... 689,851
------------
Net property, plant and equipment................. 24,417,213
Other assets, less accumulated amortization................. 76,223,185
------------
Total assets...................................... $103,059,773
============
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................... $ 2,464,391
Interest payable............................................ 42,298
Customer prepayments........................................ 493,169
Interpartnership debt....................................... 30,272,414
------------
Total liabilities................................. 33,272,272
Partners' equity:
General partner........................................... 635,124
Limited partner........................................... 62,898,936
Special limited partner................................... 6,253,441
------------
Total partners' equity...................................... 69,787,501
------------
Total liabilities and partners' equity............ $103,059,773
============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-294
<PAGE> 497
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Service.............................................. $4,621,902 $ 5,199,389
Installation and other............................... 759,252 946,223
---------- -----------
5,381,154 6,145,612
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating expense.................................... 1,178,431 1,018,808
Programming expense.................................. 1,257,362 1,267,120
Selling, general and administrative expense.......... 912,931 1,074,086
Depreciation......................................... 543,852 692,889
Amortization......................................... 322,652 6,231,423
Management fees...................................... 215,246 245,824
Loss on disposal of assets........................... 17,917 138,643
---------- -----------
Total costs and expenses................... 4,448,391 10,668,793
---------- -----------
Operating income (loss).............................. 932,763 (4,523,181)
Interest expense..................................... 637,986 607,692
---------- -----------
Net income (loss).................................... $ 294,777 $(5,130,873)
========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-295
<PAGE> 498
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------
3/31/98 3/31/99
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)................................. $ 294,777 $(5,130,873)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation................................... 543,852 692,889
Amortization................................... 322,652 6,231,423
Amortization of deferred loan cost............. 22,329 --
Loss on disposal of assets..................... 17,917 138,643
Decrease in customer accounts receivable....... 172,099 229,777
Decrease (increase) in other receivables....... (61,849) 583,189
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and
deposits..................................... (11,708) 194,388
Increase in accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.................................. 454,505 107,851
Decrease in customer prepayments............... (200,756) (197,196)
Increase (decrease) in interest payable........ (10,308) 42,298
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities............................. 1,543,510 2,892,389
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment........ (2,326,765) (1,619,609)
Additions to other assets, net of refranchises.... (117,090) (135,252)
Proceeds from the sale of assets.................. 4,442 20,530
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities..... (2,439,413) (1,734,331)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from long-term debt...................... 2,900,000 --
Payments of long-term debt........................ (1,900,000) --
Payments of interpartnership debt................. -- (950,022)
Deferred loan costs............................... (132,727) --
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities............................. 1,000,000 (950,022)
----------- -----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents........... 104,097 208,036
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.... 362,619 678,739
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.......... $ 466,716 $ 886,775
=========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid..................................... $ 617,214 $ 565,395
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
F-296
<PAGE> 499
R/N SOUTH FLORIDA CABLE MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. However,
in the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair presentation in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to interim
periods. Interim results of operations are not indicative of results for the
full year. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the audited consolidated financial statements of R/N South Florida Cable
Management Limited Partnership (the "Partnership").
2. ACQUISITION BY INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP
InterLink Communications Partners, LLLP ("ICP") agreed to purchase all of
the Partnership interests as of December 31, 1998, for a total purchase price of
approximately $105,447,622. The acquisition of the Partnership by ICP was
accounted for as a purchase and a new basis of accounting was established
effective January 1, 1999. The new basis resulted in assets and liabilities
being recorded at their fair market value resulting in a increase in property,
plant, and equipment and franchise costs of $4,986,298 and $77,273,596,
respectively. Accordingly, the 1999 interim unaudited financial statements are
not comparable to the 1998 interim unaudited financial statements of the
Partnership, which are based on historical costs.
3. DEBT
On December 30, 1998, the Partnership obtained an interpartnership loan
agreement with ICP. Borrowings under the interpartnership loan, as well as
interest and principal payments are due at the discretion of the management of
ICP. The balance of the interpartnership loan at March 31, 1999 was $30,272,414.
The interest rate at March 31, 1999 was 8.5%
4. ACQUISITION BY CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
On February 12, 1999, ICP signed a letter of intent to sell all of ICP's
partnership interests to Charter Communications Holdings, LLC ("Charter"). On
April 26, 1999, ICP signed a definitive Purchase and Sale Agreement with Charter
for the sale of the individual partners' interest. ICP and Charter are expected
to complete the sale during the third quarter of 1999.
F-297
<PAGE> 500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$3,575,000,000
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007,
8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND
9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011
FOR ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007,
8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND
9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011,
RESPECTIVELY, OF
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
HOLDINGS, LLC
AND
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
HOLDINGS CAPITAL CORPORATION
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO REPRESENT ANYTHING NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. YOU MUST
NOT RELY ON ANY UNAUTHORIZED INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS. THIS PROSPECTUS IS
AN OFFER TO ISSUE ONLY THE EXCHANGE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY, BUT ONLY UNDER
CIRCUMSTANCES AND IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE IT IS LAWFUL TO DO SO. THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS CURRENT ONLY AS OF ITS DATE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 501
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF CHARTER
HOLDINGS.
The limited liability company agreement of Charter Holdings, entered into
as of February 9, 1999, by Charter Investment, as the initial member, provides
that the members, the manager, the directors, their affiliates or any person who
at any time serves or has served as a director, officer, employee or other agent
of any member or any such affiliate, and who, in such capacity, engages or has
engaged in activities on behalf of Charter Holdings, shall be indemnified and
held harmless by Charter Holdings to the fullest extent permitted by law from
and against any losses, damages, expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or in
connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding arising out of or
incidental to such indemnifiable person's conduct or activities on behalf of
Charter Holdings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification is available
under the limited liability company agreement in respect of any such claim
adjudged to be primarily the result of bad faith, willful misconduct or fraud of
an indemnifiable person. Payment of these indemnification obligations shall be
made from the assets of Charter Holdings and the members shall not be personally
liable to an indemnifiable person for payment of indemnification.
INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THE DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACT.
Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act authorizes a
limited liability company to indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager
or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever,
subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its
limited liability company agreement.
INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THE BY-LAWS OF CHARTER CAPITAL.
The by-laws of Charter Capital provide that Charter Capital, to the
broadest and maximum extent permitted by applicable law, will indemnify each
person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such
person is or was a director or officer of Charter Capital, or is or was serving
at the request of Charter Capital as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding. To the extent that a director, officer,
employee or agent of Charter Capital has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in the
preceding paragraph, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter, such person
will be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and
reasonably incurred by such person. Expenses, including attorneys' fees,
incurred by a director or officer in defending any civil or criminal action,
suit or proceeding may be paid by Charter Capital in advance of the final
disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by the board of
directors of Charter Capital, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of
such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be
determined that such director or officer was not entitled to be indemnified by
Charter Capital as authorized in
II-1
<PAGE> 502
the by-laws of Charter Capital. The indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided by, or granted pursuant to, the by-laws of Charter Capital will not be
deemed exclusive and are declared expressly to be non-exclusive of any other
rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancements of expenses may be
entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and
as to action in another capacity while holding an office, and, unless otherwise
provided when authorized or ratified, will continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the
benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
INDEMNIFICATION UNDER THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, authorizes a
corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to
be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if the person
acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or
not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's
conduct was unlawful. In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law does not
permit indemnification in any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by
or in the right of the corporation in respect of any claim, issue or matter as
to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation,
unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was
brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of
liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is
fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses, which such court
shall deem proper. To the extent that a present or former director or officer of
a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to above, or in defense of any claim, issue
or matter, such person shall be indemnified against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person. Indemnity is
mandatory to the extent a claim, issue or matter has been successfully defended.
The Delaware General Corporation Law also allows a corporation to provide for
the elimination or limit of the personal liability of a director to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit
the liability of a director
(i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or
its stockholders,
(ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
(iii) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or
redemptions, or
(iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. These provisions will not limit the liability of
directors or officers under the federal securities laws of the United
States.
II-2
<PAGE> 503
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1.1 Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 1999, by and among
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase
Securities Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc
Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Credit
Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc., First Union Capital Markets
Corp., Prudential Securities Incorporated, TD Securities
(USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Nesbitt Burns
Securities Inc.*
2.1 Merger Agreement, dated March 31, 1999, by and between
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Marcus Cable
Holdings, LLC*
2.2(a) Membership Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1999,
by and between ACEC Holding Company, LLC and Charter
Communications, Inc.
2.2(b) Assignment of Membership Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 23, 1999, by and between Charter Communications,
Inc. and Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC
2.3(a) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999,
among Greater Media, Inc., Greater Media Cablevision, Inc.
and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.3(b) Assignment of Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February
23, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC
2.4 Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 23, 1999, by and
among Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications,
LLC, Renaissance Media Holdings LLC and Renaissance Media
Group LLC
2.5 Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1999, among
Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications, LLC,
Charter Helicon, LLC, Helicon Partners I, L.P., Baum
Investments, Inc. and the limited partners of Helicon
Partners I, L.P.
2.6(a) Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 1999,
between Intermedia Partners of West Tennessee, L.P. and
Charter Communications, LLC*
2.6(b) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, between TCID
1P-V, Inc. and Charter Communications, LLC*
2.6(c) RMG Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1999, between
Robin Media Group, Inc., InterMedia Partners of West
Tennessee, L.P. and Charter RMG, LLC.*
2.6(d) Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, among
InterMedia Partners Southeast Charter Communications, LLC,
Charter Communications Properties, LLC, and Marcus Cable
Associates, L.L.C.*
2.6(e) Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, among
InterMedia Partners, a California Limited Partnership,
Brenmor Cable Partners, L.P. and Robin Media Group, Inc.*
2.6(f) Common Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, between InterMedia
Partners, InterMedia Partners Southeast, InterMedia Partners
of West Tennessee, L.P., InterMedia Capital Partners IV,
L.P., InterMedia Partners IV, L.P., Brenmor Cable Partners,
L.P., TCID IP-V, Inc., Charter Communications, LLC, Charter
Communications Properties, LLC, Marcus Cable Associates,
L.L.C. and Charter RMG, LLC+
2.7(a) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1999, by
and among Interlink Communications Partners, LLLP, the
sellers listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.*
</TABLE>
II-3
<PAGE> 504
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2.7(b) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1999, by
and among Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., the sellers
listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.7(c) RAP Indemnity Agreement, dated April 26, 1999, by and among
the sellers listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.7(d) Assignment of Purchase Agreement with Interlink, dated as of
June 30, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
2.7(e) Assignment of Purchase Agreement with Rifkin, dated as of
June 30, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
2.7(f) Assignment of RAP Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 30,
1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
3.1 Certificate of Formation of Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC*
3.2 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC*
3.3 Certificate of Incorporation of Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation*
3.4 By-Laws of Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation*
4.1(a) Indenture relating to the 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007,
dated as of March 17, 1999, between Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
4.1(b) Form of 8.250% Senior Note due 2007 (included in Exhibit No.
4.1(a))
4.1(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
8.250% Senior Notes due 2007*
4.2(a) Indenture relating to the 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009,
dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
4.2(b) Form of 8.625% Senior Note due 2009 (included in Exhibit No.
4.2(a))
4.2(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
8.625% Senior Notes due 2009*
4.3(a) Indenture relating to the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due
2011, dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank*
4.3(b) Form of 9.920% Senior Discount Note due 2011 (included in
Exhibit No. 4.3(a))
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 505
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
4.3(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011*
5.1 Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP regarding
legality
8.1 Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP regarding
tax matters
10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1999, between
Charter Communications Operating, LLC and certain lenders
and agents named therein*
10.2 Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, between Charter Communications Operating, LLC and
Charter Communications, Inc.
10.3 Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 10, 1999, by and
between Vulcan Northwest Inc., Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
10.4 Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 1999 Option Plan
10.5 Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated July 22,
1999, by and between Charter Communications Holding Company,
LLC and Paul G. Allen
12.1 Predecessor of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Ratio
of Earnings to Fixed Charges Calculation*
12.2 Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges Calculation*
21.1 Subsidiaries of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Capital Holdings Corporation*
23.1 Consent of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (contained
in Exhibit No. 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23.3 Consent of KPMG LLP
23.4 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.5 Consent of KPMG LLP
23.6 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.7 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.8 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.9 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.10 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in Part II of Amendment No. 2 to
the Registration Statement on the signature page)*
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of and Qualification (Form T-1) of
Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal
99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Filed by prior amendment.
+ Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
II-5
<PAGE> 506
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Schedules not listed above are omitted because of the absence of the
conditions under which they are required or because the information required by
such omitted schedules is set forth in the financial statements or the notes
thereto.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that:
(1) Prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within
the meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering
prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable
registration form with respect to the reofferings by persons who may be
deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other
items of the applicable form.
(2) Every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to the immediately
preceding paragraph or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an
offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants
have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities, other than the payment by the registrants of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by then is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
II-6
<PAGE> 507
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC has duly caused this Amendment No. 4 to the
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri on the 22nd day of
July, 1999.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC:
a registrant
By: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDING
COMPANY, LLC, its member
By: CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., its member
and manager, and the manager of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC
By: /s/ CURTIS S. SHAW
------------------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President, General
Counsel
and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPACITY WITH CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
THE MANAGER OF CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
AND THE MANAGER AND SOLE MEMBER OF CHARTER
COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS COMPANY,
LLC, THE SOLE MEMBER OF CHARTER
SIGNATURE COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC DATE
--------- --------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* Director July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------
William D. Savoy
* President, Chief Executive Officer and Director July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------ (Principal Executive Officer)
Jerald L. Kent
* Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------ (Principal Financial Officer)
Kent D. Kalkwarf
*By: /s/ CURTIS S. SHAW
- -----------------------------------
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE> 508
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation has duly caused this Amendment No. 4
to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri on the
22nd day of July, 1999.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS CAPITAL
CORPORATION, a registrant
By: /s/ CURTIS S. SHAW
------------------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE CAPACITY DATE
--------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* Director July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------
William D. Savoy
* President, Chief Executive Officer and Director July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------ (Principal Executive Officer)
Jerald L. Kent
* Senior Vice President and Chief Financial July 22, 1999
- ------------------------------------ Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Kent D. Kalkwarf
*By: /s/ CURTIS S. SHAW
- -----------------------------------
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE> 509
GLOSSARY
ACCESS PROVIDER: A company that provides telecommunication connection to
the internet.
AMPLIFIER: A device used to compensate for signal loss caused by coaxial
cable and passive device losses.
ANALOG: Pertaining to signals in the form of continuously variable
electrical quantities.
ANALOG CHANNEL: A communication channel on which the information is
transmitted in analog form. Voice-grade channels are analog channels.
ANALOG CONVERTER: A device which converts an analog signal to a digital
signal.
BANDWIDTH: A measure of the information-carrying capacity of a
communication channel. It is the range of usable frequencies that can be carried
by a cable television system.
BASIC CABLE SERVICE: The service that cable customers receive for the
threshold fee. This service usually includes local television stations, some
distant signals and perhaps one or more non-broadcast services.
BASIC CUSTOMERS: Customers who receive basic cable service.
BASIC PROGRAMMING: Programming which includes a variety of entertainment
programming, locally originated programming and the retransmission of local
broadcast stations.
BROADBAND: Any network able to deliver a multitude of channels and/or
services to its users or customers. It generally refers to cable television
systems. Synonymous with wideband.
BROADCAST SIGNAL CARRIAGE: The transmission of broadcast television
signals over a cable system to cable customers.
CABLE: One or more electrical or optical conductors found within a
protective sheathing.
CABLE MODEM: A peripheral device attached to a personal computer that
allows the user to send and receive data over a cable system.
CABLE PROGRAMMING SERVICE TIER: Expanded basic programming, which offers
more services than basic programming.
CABLE TELEVISION: A broadband communications technology in which multiple
television channels as well as audio and video signals are transmitted either
one way or bi-directionally through a distribution system to single or multiple
specified locations.
CARRIAGE: The carrying of certain television station signals on the cable
system's channels.
CHANNEL CAPACITY: The number of channels that can be simultaneously
carried on the cable system. Generally defined in terms of the number of analog
(6 MHz) channels.
CHIPS: The physical structure upon which integrated circuits are
fabricated as components of telephone systems, computers, memory systems, etc.
G-1
<PAGE> 510
CLUSTER CODES: Identifying customers by marketing type, such as young
professionals, retirees or families.
CLUSTER: Where owned cable systems are within the same geographic
proximity to other cable systems.
COAXIAL CABLE: A type of cable used for broadband data and cable systems.
Composed of a center conductor, insulating dielectric, conductive shield, and
optional protective covering, this type of cable has excellent broadband
frequency characteristics, noise immunity and physical durability. The cable is
connected from each node to individual homes or buildings. Synonymous with coax.
CO-LOCATED CABLE SYSTEMS: Cable systems serving an overlapping territory.
CONVERTER: A set-top device added in front of a subscriber's television
receiver to change the frequency of the cable television signals to a suitable
channel that the television receiver is able to tune and to allow access to
premium programming.
COST-OF-SERVICE REGULATION: A traditional form of rate regulation, under
which a utility is allowed to recover its costs of providing the regulated
service, plus a reasonable profit.
DATA TRANSMISSION SERVICE: Private network services interconnecting
location for a customer.
DIGITAL: Technology that uses discrete levels (usually 0 and 1) to
represent characters or numbers.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING INSERTION: The insertion of local, regional and
national programming.
DIGITAL TELEVISION OR DTV: Cable television service provided through
digital technology.
DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE OR DBS: A satellite service of one or more
entertainment or information program channels that can be received directly
using an antenna on the subscriber's premises.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE: Conducting business and financial transactions
through broadband interactivity and internet services.
EXPANDED BASIC: A cable programming service tier that offers more services
than basic programming.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OR FCC: The United States government
agency established in 1934 to regulate electronic communications.
FIBER OPTICS: A communication medium that uses hair-thin glass fibers to
transmit signals over long distances with minimum signal loss or distortion.
FRANCHISING AUTHORITY: The municipal, county or state government entity
that grants a cable operator a franchise to construct and operate a cable
television system within the bounds of that entity's governmental authority.
HEADEND: The control center of a cable television system, where incoming
signals are amplified, converted, processed and combined into a multiplex along
with an origination cablecasting, for transmission to customers.
G-2
<PAGE> 511
HIGH SPEED CABLE ACCESS: High speed access to the worldwide web that is
provided over the cable hybrid fiber coaxial plant.
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS: High speed access to the worldwide web that is
provided over the cable hybrid fiber coaxial plant.
HOMES PASSED: The number of living units, such as single residence homes,
apartments and condominium units, passed by the cable television distribution
network in a given cable system service area.
HYBRID FIBER OPTIC/COAXIAL ARCHITECTURE, OR HFC ARCHITECTURE: A type of
distribution network used.
IMPULSE PAY-PER-VIEW: The ability for the subscriber to select
pay-per-view programming selections through the cable system without placing a
separate telephone call.
INTERACTIVE CABLE SYSTEM: A network that has the capability of information
flow in both directions. Examples include impulse Pay-per-view, interactive
data, and telephony service.
INTERACTIVE PROGRAM GUIDE: A comprehensive guide to television program
listings that can be accessed by network, time, date or genre.
INTERACTIVE SERVICES: Services that have the capability of information
flow in both directions.
INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEPHONY: Technology that allows telephone services to
be conducted over the internet.
LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OR LANS: Permit networks of computers to be connected
within a given area.
LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER: A local phone company.
MODEMS: Equipment which converts digital signals to analog signals and
vice-versa. Modems are used to send digital data signals over the telephone
network, which usually is analog.
MULTICHANNEL, MULTIPOINT DISTRIBUTION SERVICE OR MMDS: A collection of
various multipoint distribution services and instructional television fixed
service omnidirectional microwave radio authorizations that can be combined to
provide up to 28 channels of entertainment, education and information. Also
known as wireless cable.
MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS OR MDU'S: Units that include condominiums,
apartment complexes and private residential communities.
MULTIPLE SYSTEM OPERATOR OR MSO: An organization that operates more than
one cable television system.
MULTIPLEXING: The simultaneous carrying of two or more signals over a
common transmission medium.
MUST CARRY: Broadcast signal carriage requirement that allows local
commercial television broadcast stations to require a cable system to carry the
station.
NATIONAL CABLE TELEVISION ASSOCIATION OR NCTA: The Washington, D.C.-based
trade association for the cable television industry.
NODE: A single connection to a cable system's main high-capacity
fiberoptic cable that is shared by a number of customers.
G-3
<PAGE> 512
OPTICAL FIBER: An extremely thin, flexible thread of pure glass able to
carry thousands of times the information possible with traditional copper wire.
OVERBUILD: The construction of a second, competing network in a franchise
area already served by an existing network.
PAY-PER-VIEW: Usage-based fee structure used sometimes in cable television
programming in which the user is charged a price for individual programs
requested.
PENETRATION: In areas where cable television is available, the percentage
of households passed by cable distribution facilities that subscribe to the
service.
POINT-TO-POINT SERVICES: Services which involve a private circuit,
conversation or teleconference in which there is one person at each end, usually
connected by some dedicated transmission line.
POLE ATTACHMENTS: Cable wires that are attached to poles.
PREMIUM CHANNELS: Channels that provide unedited commercial-free movies,
sports and other special event entertainment programming.
PREMIUM UNITS: The total number of subscriptions to premium channels.
PROGRAMMING: The news, entertainment, information resources and
educational presentations carried on a cable system or broadcast by a radio or
television station.
RETRANSMISSION CONSENT: Broadcast signal carriage requirement that allows
local commercial television broadcast stations to negotiate for payments for
granting permission to the cable operator to carry the station.
REVERSE SIGNAL INTERFERENCE: Interference that can occur when you have
two-way communication capability.
SATELLITE: An orbiting space station 22,500 miles above the earth,
primarily used to relay signals from one point on the earth's surface to one or
many other points. A geosynchronous or stationary satellite orbits the earth
exactly in synchronization with the earth's rotation and can be communicated
with using fixed non-steerable antennas located within the satellite's
footprint.
SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEM OR SMATV: A system wherein one
central antenna is used to receive signals, either broadcast or satellite, and
deliver them to a concentrated grouping of television sets, such as might be
found in apartments, hospitals, hotels, etc.
SET-TOP CONVERTER BOX: See "Converter."
SHEATH MILES: The actual length of cable in route miles.
SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION INDUSTRY: The providers of paid television
service, including cable, DBS, MMDS, and SMATV companies, and excluding
broadcast companies that transmit their signal to customers without assessing a
subscription fee.
SWITCHING TECHNOLOGIES: Standard technologies used to connect the public
switch telephone network.
SYNDICATED PROGRAM EXCLUSIVITY: A Federal Communications Commission rule
which requires a cable system to delete particular programming offered by a
distant broadcast signal carried on the system which duplicates the programming
for which a local broadcast station has secured exclusive distribution rights.
G-4
<PAGE> 513
TELEPHONE RETURN PATH SERVICE: Using the telephone to connect to the
internet to transmit data when the hybrid fiber coaxial plant is used as the
path to receive data.
TELEPHONY: The use or operation of an apparatus for transmission of voice
signals between widely removed points, with or without connecting wires.
TERRESTRIALLY DELIVERED PROGRAMMING: Programming delivered other than by
satellite.
TIER OR TIERED SERVICE: Different packages of programs and services on
cable television systems, for different prices; a marketing approach that
divides services into more levels than simply basic and pay services.
TIERED PACKAGING STRATEGIES: Marketing plans for offering customers
multiple programming services together for a bundled price.
TIER RATE: The price charged for a particular level of packaged
programming services.
TIER REGULATION: The rate regulation of a particular level of packaged
programming services, typically referring to the expanded basic level of
services.
TRADE PAYABLES: Account payables to vendors, suppliers and service
providers.
TRANSPONDER: That portion of a satellite used for reception and
retransmission of a signal or signals.
TURNKEY SERVICE: A complete service including sales, marketing,
installation, service and support.
TWO-WAY CAPABILITY: The ability to have bandwidth available for upstream
or two-way communication.
VIDEO-ON-DEMAND: A service that allows many users to request the same
videos at the same time or any time.
VIDEO PROGRAMMING SERVICE: An offering of television shows.
WIDE AREA NETWORK: A data network typically extending a local area network
outside the building over telephone common carrier lines to link to other local
area networks in remote buildings in possibly remote cities.
G-5
<PAGE> 514
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1.1 Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 12, 1999, by and among
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase
Securities Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc
Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., Credit
Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc., First Union Capital Markets
Corp., Prudential Securities Incorporated, TD
Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Nesbitt
Burns Securities Inc.*
2.1 Merger Agreement, dated March 31, 1999, by and between
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Marcus Cable
Holdings, LLC*
2.2(a) Membership Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1999,
by and between ACEC Holding Company, LLC and Charter
Communications, Inc.
2.2(b) Assignment of Membership Purchase Agreement, dated as of
February 23, 1999, by and between Charter Communications,
Inc. and Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC
2.3(a) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 17, 1999,
among Greater Media, Inc., Greater Media Cablevision, Inc.
and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.3(b) Assignment of Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February
23, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC
2.4 Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 23, 1999, by and
among Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications,
LLC, Renaissance Media Holdings LLC and Renaissance Media
Group LLC
2.5 Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 22, 1999, among
Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications, LLC,
Charter Helicon, LLC, Helicon Partners I, L.P., Baum
Investments, Inc. and the limited partners of Helicon
Partners I, L.P.
2.6(a) Asset and Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 1999,
between InterMedia Partners of West Tennessee, L.P. and
Charter Communications, LLC*
2.6(b) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, between TCID
1P-V, Inc. and Charter Communications, LLC*
2.6(c) RMG Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 20, 1999, between
Robin Media Group, Inc., InterMedia Partners of West
Tennessee, L.P. and Charter RMG, LLC*
2.6(d) Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, among
InterMedia Partners Southeast, Charter Communications, LLC,
Charter Communications Properties, LLC, and Marcus Cable
Associates, L.L.C.*
2.6(e) Asset Exchange Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, among
InterMedia Partners, a California Limited Partnership,
Brenmor Cable Partners, L.P. and Robin Media Group, Inc.*
2.6(f) Common Agreement, dated April 20, 1999, between InterMedia
Partners, InterMedia Partners Southeast, InterMedia Partners
of West Tennessee, L.P., InterMedia Capital Partners IV,
L.P., InterMedia Partners IV, L.P., Brenmor Cable Partners,
L.P., TCID IP-V, Inc., Charter Communications, LLC, Charter
Communications Properties, LLC, Marcus Cable Associates,
L.L.C. and Charter RMG, LLC+
2.7(a) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1999, by
and among Interlink Communications Partners, LLLP, the
sellers listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.*
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 515
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2.7(b) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1999, by
and among Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., the sellers
listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.7(c) RAP Indemnity Agreement, dated April 26, 1999, by and among
the sellers listed therein and Charter Communications, Inc.
2.7(d) Assignment of Purchase Agreement with Interlink, dated as of
June 30, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
2.7(e) Assignment of Purchase Agreement with Rifkin, dated as of
June 30, 1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
2.7(f) Assignment of RAP Indemnity Agreement, dated as of June 30,
1999, by and between Charter Communications, Inc. and
Charter Communications Operating, LLC.
3.1 Certificate of Formation of Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC*
3.2 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC*
3.3 Certificate of Incorporation of Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation*
3.4 By-Laws of Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation*
4.1(a) Indenture relating to the 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007,
dated as of March 17, 1999, between Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
4.1(b) Form of 8.250% Senior Note due 2007 (included in Exhibit No.
4.1(a))
4.1(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
8.250% Senior Notes due 2007*
4.2(a) Indenture relating to the 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009,
dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter Communications
Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
4.2(b) Form of 8.625% Senior Note due 2009 (included in Exhibit No.
4.2(a))
4.2(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
8.625% Senior Notes due 2009*
4.3(a) Indenture relating to the 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due
2011, dated as of March 17, 1999, among Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, Charter Communications
Holdings Capital Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank*
4.3(b) Form of 9.920% Senior Discount Note due 2011 (included in
Exhibit No. 4.3(a))
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 516
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
4.3(c) Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, by and among Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Chase Securities Inc., Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, Salomon
Smith Barney Inc., Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA), Inc.,
First Union Capital Markets Corp., Prudential Securities
Incorporated, TD Securities (USA) Inc., CIBC Oppenheimer
Corp. and Nesbitt Burns Securities Inc., relating to the
9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011*
5.1 Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP regarding
legality
8.1 Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP regarding
tax matters
10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1999, between
Charter Communications Operating, LLC and certain lenders
and agents named therein*
10.2 Amended and Restated Management Agreement, dated March 17,
1999, between Charter Communications Operating, LLC and
Charter Communications, Inc.
10.3 Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 10, 1999, by and
between Vulcan Northwest Inc., Charter Communications, Inc.
and Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
10.4 Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 1999 Option Plan
10.5 Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated July 22,
1999, by and between Charter Communications Holding Company,
LLC and Paul G. Allen
12.1 Predecessor of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Ratio
of Earnings to Fixed Charges Calculation*
12.2 Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges Calculation*
21.1 Subsidiaries of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Capital Holdings Corporation*
23.1 Consent of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (contained
in Exhibit No. 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23.3 Consent of KPMG LLP
23.4 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.5 Consent of KPMG LLP
23.6 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.7 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.8 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.9 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
23.10 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in Part II of Amendment No. 2 to
the Registration Statement on the signature page)*
25.1 Statement of Eligibility of and Qualification (Form T-1) of
Harris Trust and Savings Bank*
99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal
99.2 Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Filed by prior amendment.
+ Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.2(a)
MEMBERSHIP PURCHASE AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
ACEC HOLDING COMPANY, LLC,
AS SELLER
AND
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
AS BUYER
DATED AS OF JANUARY 1, 1999
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Sections 1.1 - 1.89: Definitions .......................................... 1 - x
ARTICLE II
PURCHASE AND SALE OF ACEC MEMBERSHIP INTEREST
Section 2.1: Purchase and Sale of ACEC Membership Interest ................ x
2.2: Instruments of Transfer ......................................
ARTICLE III
PURCHASE PRICE
Section 3.1: Purchase Price; Payment; Allocation
3.2: Deposit in Escrow ............................................
3.3: Adjustments and Prorations ...................................
3.4: Indemnity Escrow .............................................
ARTICLE IV
CLOSING
Section 4.1: Closing Date .................................................
4.2: Right to Specific Performance ................................
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
Section 5.1: Valid Existence of Seller ....................................
5.2: Seller's Interest in ACEC ....................................
5.3: ACEC's Valid Existence and Qualification .....................
5.4: Business of ACEC .............................................
5.5: Authorization; Enforceability ................................
5.6: Required Consents; Effect of Agreement; No Breach ............
5.7: Financial Statements .........................................
5.8: Undisclosed Liabilities ......................................
5.9: Tax Matters ..................................................
5.10: Franchises and Necessary Contracts ...........................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
5.11: No Other Agreements ..........................................
5.12: Systems' Capacity, Subscribers and Rates .....................
5.13: Pole Attachment Agreements ...................................
5.14: Employees ....................................................
5.15: Absence of Certain Developments ..............................
5.16: Real Property ................................................
5.17: Title to Assets; Personal Property ...........................
5.18: Intangible Property ..........................................
5.19: Necessary Property ...........................................
5.20: Compliance with Laws .........................................
5.21: Litigation and Legal Proceedings .............................
5.22: Brokers' Fees ................................................
5.23: Pensions and Other Deferred Compsensation; Benefits ..........
5.24: Insurance, Surety Bonds, Damages .............................
5.25: Environmental Laws ...........................................
5.26: No Other Commitment to Sell ..................................
5.27: Disclosure ...................................................
5.28: Affiliate Agreements to be Terminated prior to or upon .......
Closing
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Section 6.1: Organization ................................................
6.2: Authorization; Enforceability
6.3: No Default ..................................................
6.4: Litigation ..................................................
6.5: Finders' and Brokers' Fees
6.6: Disclosure ..................................................
ARTICLE VII
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF ACEC PRIOR TO CLOSING
Section 7.1: Restrictions on Operations Prior to Closing Date ............
7.2: Payment of Obligations ......................................
7.3: Inventory ...................................................
7.4: Compliance with Franchises ..................................
7.5: Victorville Rebuild .........................................
ARTICLE VIII
INVESTIGATION BY BUYER
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Section 8.1: Access to Records.............................................
8.2: Publicity.....................................................
ARTICLE XI
FURTHER COVENANTS
Section 9.1: Delivery of Documents to Buyer................................
9.2: Transfer of Franchises and Necessary Contracts Prior to
Closing ......................................................
9.3: Further Assurances............................................
9.4: Environmental Reports.........................................
9.5: HSR Notification..............................................
9.6: Diligent, Good Faith Efforts..................................
9.7: No Solicitation...............................................
9.8: Closing Notice................................................
ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ALL PARTIES
Section 10.1: Orders Prohibiting Consummation of Transactions..............
10.2: HSR Act......................................................
10.3: Subscribers..................................................
ARTICLE XI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS
Section 11.1: Compliance with Agreement....................................
11.2: Correctness of Representations and Warranties................
11.3: No Adverse Change in Business or Properties..................
11.4: Termination of Affiliate Agreements..........................
11.5: Certificate of Officer.......................................
11.6: Rancho Cucamonga Franchise...................................
11.7: Pole Attachments.............................................
11.8: Opinion of Counsel...........................................
11.10: Opinion of FCC Counsel......................................
11.10: Noncompete Agreement.........................................
11.11: Consents.....................................................
ARTICLE XII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS
Section 12.1: Correctness of Representations and Warranties................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
12.2: Compliance with Agreement....................................
12.3: Certificate of Officer.......................................
12.4: Proceedings and Documents....................................
12.5: Opinion of Counsel...........................................
ARTICLE XIII
EXPENSES OF NEGOTIATION AND TRANSFER
Section 13.1: Expenses.....................................................
ARTICLE XIV
RIGHTS TO TERMINATE; BREACH; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
Section 14.1: Termination..................................................
ARTICLE XV
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 15.1: Indemnification by Seller....................................
15.2: Indemnification by Buyer.....................................
15.3: Notice and Right to Defend Third Party Claims................
ARTICLE XVI
CASUALTY OR LOSS
Section 16.1: Repairs or Replacement of Assets.............................
16.2: Risk of Loss.................................................
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 17.1: Assignment...................................................
17.2: Successors...................................................
17.3: Entire Agreement.............................................
17.4: Third Parties................................................
17.5: Amendments in Writing........................................
17.6: Arbitration..................................................
17.7: Governing Law Enforcement....................................
17.8: Interpretation...............................................
17.9: Notices......................................................
17.10:Severability..................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
17.11:Counterparts..................................................
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
Exhibit Title
------- -----
<S> <C>
2.2 Assignment of ACEC Membership Interest
3.2 Deposit Escrow Agreement
3.4 Closing Escrow Agreement
11.7 Legal Opinion of Seller's Counsel
11.10 Legal Opinion of Seller's FCC Counsel
11.11 Members' Indemnity
11.12 Required Consent
12.5 Legal Opinion of Buyer's Counsel
</TABLE>
SCHEDULES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Schedule Title
-------- -----
<S> <C>
1.1(A) Systems and Service Areas
1.9 Tangible Assets
1.35 Excluded Assets
1.55 Slow Pay Bulk Accounts
1.87 Victorville Upgrade
5.6 Required Consents
5.9 Unpaid Taxes
5.10(A) Franchises
5.10(B) Necessary Contracts
5.10(C) Defaults; Pending Modifications; Commitments
5.12 System Characteristics, Subscribers and Rates
5.13 Pole Attachments
5.14 Labor Discussions; Employees
5.15 Absence of Certain Developments
5.16 Real Estate Owned by ACEC; Permitted Encumbrances
5.18 Intangible Property
5.21 Litigation and Administrative Proceedings
5.23 Employee Benefit Plans
5.24 Insurance Policies and Surety Bonds
5.25 Environmental Laws; Environmental Permits
5.26 Sale Commitments
5.28 Affiliate Agreements
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 8
THIS MEMBERSHIP PURCHASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of January
1, 1999 by and between ACEC HOLDING COMPANY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company ("Seller"), and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Buyer").
WHEREAS, Seller is the sole member of, and owns and holds all right, title
and interest in and to the sole membership interest in, American Cable
Entertainment Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("ACEC");
WHEREAS, ACEC owns and operates cable television systems serving
subscribers in the City of Hesperia, the City of Rancho Cucamonga, the City of
San Bernardino, the City of Victorville, the City of Yucaipa, unincorporated
areas of the County of San Bernardino (including the unincorporated areas of
Angelus Oaks, Forrest Falls and Spring Valley Lake), and the Town of Apple
Valley, all in the State of California; and
WHEREAS, in reliance upon the representations and warranties of Buyer set
forth herein, Seller desires to sell to Buyer, and in reliance upon the
representations and warranties of Seller set forth herein, Buyer desires to
purchase from Seller, all right, title and interest in and to the sole
membership interest in ACEC;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
1.1 "1992 Act" means the Cable Television Consumer Protection and
Competition Act of 1992.
1.2 "1998 Credit Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 between ACEC and the respective lenders
named therein.
1.3 "ACEC" means American Cable Entertainment Company, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company doing business as American Cable Entertainment in the
City of Rancho Cucamonga and the other areas served by the Angelus Oaks System,
the Rancho System and the Yucaipa System and as Hi-Desert Cablevision in the
City of Victorville, California and the other areas served by the Victorville
System.
1.4 "ACEC Membership Interest" or "Membership Interest" means ACEC's sole
<PAGE> 9
issued and outstanding membership interest.
1.5 "Additional Financial Statements" means (i) as to monthly statements,
ACEC's unaudited Statement of Operations for each monthly period after the
period ended September 30, 1998, and (ii) as to quarterly statements, ACEC's
unaudited Balance Sheet and related Statements of Operations and Statements of
Changes in Financial Position for each quarterly period after the period ended
September 30, 1998.
1.6 "Affiliate" has the meaning prescribed by Rule 12-b-2 of the
regulations promulgated pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and in the case of Buyer, Affiliate shall include any Person in which
Paul G. Allen has an equity interest valued in excess of $100,000,000.
1.7 "Affiliate Agreements" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.28.
1.8 "Angelus Oaks System" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1(A).
1.9 "Assets" means all of ACEC's assets (including, without limitation,
those listed in Schedules 1.9, 5.10(A), 5.10(B), 5.16 and 5.18), whether
tangible or intangible, other than the Excluded Assets.
1.10 "Assignment" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
1.11 "Basic Subscriber Equivalents" or "BSE's" means equivalent bona fide
Non-Delinquent CATV subscribers served by commercial establishments and
multi-dwelling units (e.g., bars, taverns, apartment buildings, dormitories,
hospitals, etc.) that are billed on a bulk or otherwise discounted basis for
basic (or expanded basic) service which have paid in full the charges for at
least one month of service, none of which is pending disconnection for any
reason, the number of which BSE's shall be deemed to be equal to the quotient
that is derived from dividing: (a) the gross basic (or, if applicable, expanded
basic) billings to all such commercial establishments and multi-dwelling units
that are billed on a bulk or otherwise discounted basis for basic (or expanded
basic) service (but excluding billings from a la carte tiers or premium
services, installation or other non-recurring charges, converter rental, any
fees or charges for any outlet or connection other than the first outlet or
connection, and pass-through charges for sales taxes, line-itemized franchise
fees, fees charged by the FCC and the like) attributable to such commercial
establishment or multi-dwelling unit during the most recent Monthly Billing
Period ended prior to the date of calculation (but excluding billings in excess
of a single Monthly Billing Period's charge) by (b) the rate charged by the
respective System to individual homes at the date of determination for basic
service (or, if the respective commercial establishment or multi-dwelling unit
also takes expanded basic service, then by the rate charged by that System to
individual homes at the date of determination for basic and expanded basic
service), exclusive of any charges for the additional services, franchise fees,
taxes, etc. which are excluded from the calculation of gross basic (or, if
applicable, expanded basic) billings set forth in clause (a) above, such rate to
be not less than the respective System's standard rate for such service.
2
<PAGE> 10
1.12 "Basic Subscribers" means (i) all bona fide Non-Delinquent CATV
subscribers (i.e., the first connections) that have paid in full, on a
nondiscounted basis, for at least one Monthly Billing Period of the respective
basic (or expanded basic, as the case may be) services ordered by the respective
subscriber, and to whom the respective System is rendering its basic (or
expanded basic, as the case may be) CATV service (whether or not in conjunction
with any tiered or premium services, and whether or not any such tiered or
premium services have been discounted, provided that any such discount shall be
in accordance with the respective System's past practices in the ordinary course
of business) at that System's then applicable monthly rate therefor, none of
which subscribers is pending disconnection for any reason, plus (ii) all BSE's;
provided, that solely for purposes of calculating the number of Basic
Subscribers, those residential subscribers in the City of Victorville who are
paying the discounted monthly expanded basic service rate then being billed to,
and who qualify as, those "grandfathered" subscribers who funded the initial
construction of the Victorville System shall be deemed to be Basic Subscribers.
1.13 "Basket" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1(b)(iii).
1.14 "BSE's" means Basic Subscriber Equivalents.
1.15 "Business" means the CATV business conducted by ACEC on the date of
this Agreement through the Systems in and around the Service Areas.
1.16 "Buyer" means Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
1.17 "Cable Act" means the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as
amended and supplemented by the 1992 Act and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
1.18 "CARS" means CATV relay service.
1.19 "CATV" means cable television.
1.20 "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
1.21 "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
1.22 "Closing Escrow Agreement" means an indemnification escrow agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.4.
1.23 "Closing Date Subscriber Total" means the total number of Basic
Subscribers on the Closing Date.
1.24 "Completed Plant" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.87, which
Schedule defines the Victorville Upgrade and the Victorville Upgrade Completion
Cost.
1.25 "Debt Certificate" means the certificate to be delivered by Buyer to
Seller not less than 10 days prior to the Closing Date pursuant to Section
3.3(c).
1.26 "DeMinimus Agreements" means ACEC's written or oral subscriber
agreements
3
<PAGE> 11
with subscribers entered into in the ordinary course of business for the
provision of CATV service at the standard rates (or, solely with respect to the
Victorville System's "grandfathered" subscribers referred to in Section 1.12, at
the discounted rates) charged by the respective System for such service and
those contracts, leases, assignments, licenses, commitments and other agreements
that involve payments of less than $25,000 individually over the life thereof
and less than $100,000 in the aggregate for all such agreements, etc. over the
life thereof and do not impose (individually or collectively) any material
non-monetary obligations.
1.27 "Deposit" means the sum of Seven Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
($7,200,000) deposited into escrow by Buyer with the Escrow Agent pursuant to
Section 3.2(a).
1.28 "Deposit Escrow Agreement" means a deposit escrow agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.2.
1.29 "Effective Time" means 11:59 p.m. of the day prior to the Closing
Date.
1.30 "Encumbrances" means, collectively, all liens, mortgages, security
interests and other encumbrances of any kind, character or description, whether
accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise (and whether or not reflected or
reserved against in the balance sheets, books of account and records of ACEC).
1.31 "Environmental Law" means any applicable federal, state, or local
law, statute, standard, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit,
authorization, approval, and any consent order, administrative or judicial
order, judgment, decree, injunction, or settlement agreement between ACEC and a
governmental entity relating to the protection, preservation or restoration of
the environment (including, without limitation, air, water, land, plant and
animal life or any other natural resource).
1.32 "Environmental Permit" means any permit, license, approval, consent
or other authorization required by any applicable Environmental Law.
1.33 "Escrow Agent" means Societe Generale, New York Branch.
1.34 "Event of Loss" has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1.
1.35 "Excluded Assets" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.35.
1.36 "FAA" means the Federal Aviation Authority.
1.37 "FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
1.38 "Final Closing Certificate" means the certificate to be delivered by
Buyer to Seller within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date pursuant to
Section 3.3(f).
1.39 "Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.7.
1.40 "Franchise" means, with respect to any System, the respective
franchise (or, in lieu thereof, the respective license, consent, permit,
approval or authorization) entered into, issued or otherwise granted by any
state or local (e.g., city, county, parish, town or village)
4
<PAGE> 12
franchising authority, for the construction, installation and operation of the
respective System within the respective Service Area (or portion thereof)
designated therein.
1.41 "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied.
1.42 "Hazardous Substance" means any substance or material listed,
defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous,
or otherwise regulated, under any Environmental Law, whether by type or by
quantity; Hazardous Substance includes, without limitation, any toxic waste,
pollutant, contaminant, hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste,
special waste, industrial substance or petroleum or any derivative or by-product
thereof, radon, radioactive material, asbestos, asbestos-containing material,
urea formaldehyde foam installation, lead and polychlorinated biphenyl
classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated
under any Environmental Law.
1.43 "Homes Passed" means all single family homes and all residential
units in multi-dwelling units (e.g., apartment buildings, dormitories), provided
that as of the date of determination any such home or unit is capable of being
serviced by any System without further trunk or feeder line construction, and
all commercial or institutional real property improvements (e.g., bars, taverns,
hospitals, hotels, motels), provided that as of the date of determination any
such improvement subscribes (directly or indirectly) to any System's CATV
services.
1.44 "HSR Act" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5.
1.45 "Improvements" means all buildings, structures, CATV towers and
fixtures, and other improvements now or hereafter attached to the Real Estate,
and all modifications, additions, restorations or replacements of the whole or
any part thereof.
1.46 "Indemnifiable Damages" means any and all liabilities in respect of
suits, proceedings, demands, judgments, damages, expenses and costs (including,
without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and costs and expenses) incurred in
the investigation, defense or settlement of any claims covered by the
indemnification set forth in this Agreement.
1.47 "Indemnitee" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.3.
1.48 "Indemnitor" has the meaning set forth in Section 15.3.
1.49 "Indemnity Fund" means the sum of Ten Million dollars ($10,000,000)
of the Purchase Price deposited at Closing with the Escrow Agent pursuant to the
Closing Escrow Agreement.
1.50 "Knowledge" or "knowledge" means, as to Seller, the actual knowledge
of any of Seller's executive officers, and as to ACEC, the actual knowledge of
any of ACEC's executive officers or general manager.
1.51 "Legal Proceedings" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.21.
1.52 "Membership Interest" means the ACEC Membership Interest.
5
<PAGE> 13
1.53 "Monthly Billing Period" means the respective monthly period (whether
such period is a calendar month or, as in the case of any System that engages in
cycle billing, any other monthly period) to which any System-generated
subscriber bill for CATV services relates.
1.54 "Necessary Contract" means any agreement to which ACEC is a party, or
by which any of the Assets is bound, and which is reasonably necessary for
ACEC's (i) use of any tower, office or headend site, (ii) pole attachments,
(iii) rights-of-way, (iv) service to any residential development or any
commercial or residential dwelling unit, (v) material licenses and easements, or
(vi) operation of the Business and the Systems; provided, that the term
"Necessary Contract" shall be deemed to exclude all Franchises and DeMinimus
Agreements.
1.55 "Non-Delinquent" means a subscriber who does not have a past due
balance of more than two Monthly Billing Periods (except as otherwise set forth
on Schedule 1.55 with respect to those certain bulk accounts, if any, itemized
thereon) from the first day of the initial Monthly Billing Period to which a
bill relates, except for past due amounts representing late charges and other
minimal ancillary charges totaling $5.00 or less.
1.56 "NTSC" means National Television System Committee.
1.57 "Operating Agreement" means that certain Limited Liability Company
Agreement of ACEC dated as of April, 1998.
1.58 "Outside Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
1.59 "Permitted Encumbrances" means (a) any Encumbrances set forth in
Schedule 5.16; (b) any liens for current taxes, assessments or governmental
charges not yet due and payable; (c) any non-monetary Encumbrances that do not,
in any material respect, individually or in the aggregate, affect or impair
ACEC's use of the affected Asset in the ordinary course of ACEC's business as
presently conducted; and (d) any materialmen's, mechanics', carriers',
workmen's, warehousemen's, repairmen's or other like liens arising in the
ordinary course of business (or deposits to obtain the release thereof).
1.60 "Person" or "person" means an individual, corporation, limited
liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, association, joint venture,
joint stock company, trust, incorporated organization, or governmental agency or
other entity.
1.61 "Phase I Property" means each parcel of Real Estate referred to in
Section 9.4 for which Seller is to deliver a Phase I environmental report.
1.62 "Pledge Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Pledge
Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 between Seller, as pledgor, and Societe
Generale, as pledgee and administrative agent thereunder.
1.63 "Pre-Closing Certificate" means the certificate to be delivered by
Seller to Buyer not less than 10 days prior to the Closing pursuant to Section
3.3(a).
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1.64 "Premium Subscriber" means a Basic Subscriber who subscribes to and
has been (or is to be) charged for any optional single or multiple premium
channel service for which there is a specified charge.
1.65 "Purchase Price" means Two Hundred Forty Million dollars
($240,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to Section 3.3.
1.66 "Rancho System" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1(A).
1.67 "Real Estate" means, collectively, each parcel of real property owned
by ACEC at the date hereof as described in Schedule 5.16.
1.68 "Required Consents" means those approvals and consents listed on
Schedule 5.6.
1.69 "Remaining Mileage Number" has the meaning set forth in Schedule
1.87, which Schedule defines the Victorville Upgrade and the Victorville Upgrade
Completion Cost.
1.70 "Security Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Security
Agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 among ACEC and Societe Generale, as
administrative agent for the lenders under the 1998 Credit Agreement.
1.71 "Seller" means ACEC Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company.
1.72 "Service Areas" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1(A).
1.73 "Signals" means the transmissions (whether television, satellite,
radio or otherwise) of video programming or other information that any System
transmits to its respective subscribers.
1.74 "Signature Date" means the date (or the later of the two dates) on
which Buyer and Seller actually execute this Agreement, as such date(s) is (are)
set forth below Buyer's and Seller's signatures on the signature page hereof;
provided that, as used in this Agreement, the words "the date of this
Agreement", "the date hereof" and words to similar effect shall mean "as of
January 1, 1999" and not the Signature Date.
1.75 "Subscriber Certificate" means the certificate to be delivered by
Seller to Buyer not less than 10 days prior to the Closing pursuant to Section
3.3(b).
1.76 "System" means all of the assets, property and business constituting
any CATV system of ACEC, each of which CATV systems (namely, the Angelus Oaks
System, the Rancho System, the Victorville System and the Yucaipa System)
together with the respective Service Area served thereby is described in
Schedule 1.1(A).
1.77 "Tax" or "Taxes" means any taxes, imposts, duties, fees, levies,
withholdings or other like assessments or charges, imposed by the United States,
or any state, local or foreign government or subdivision or agency thereof,
including any interest, penalties and additions to
7
<PAGE> 15
tax attributable thereto.
1.78 "Tax Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.
1.79 "Tax Return" means any tax return (including any estimated tax
return), report, election, information return, declaration, statement or other
filing (including any amendments thereto) required to be filed with any relevant
taxing authority.
1.80 "Third Party" means any Person other than Buyer or Seller or any
Affiliate of Buyer.
1.81 "Title Asset Representation" means any representation or warranty of
Seller as to ACEC's legal title to any Asset.
1.82 "Title Interest Representation" means any representation or warranty
of Seller as to (i) Seller's legal title to the ACEC Membership Interest or (ii)
Seller's legal and valid sale, assignment and transfer to Buyer of all right,
title and interest in and to the ACEC Membership Interest.
1.83 "Total Purchase Consideration" means the sum of (i) the Purchase
Price and (ii) the aggregate amount of ACEC's liabilities at and upon the
Closing.
1.84 "Transfer Taxes" means all sales, use, transfer, stamp, value added,
motor vehicle transfer or registration, documentary, registration, recording,
excise, real estate transfer and similar Taxes, if any, payable in connection
with Seller's sale, assignment and transfer of the ACEC Membership Interest to
Buyer.
1.85 "Upgrade Test" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.87, which
Schedule defines the Victorville Upgrade and the Victorville Upgrade Completion
Cost.
1.86 "Victorville System" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1(A).
1.87 "Victorville Upgrade" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.87.
1.88 "Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost" has the meaning set forth in
Schedule 1.87.
1.89 "Yucaipa System" has the meaning set forth in Schedule 1.1(A).
The plural of any term defined in the singular, and the singular of any term
defined in the plural, shall have a meaning correlative to such defined term.
ARTICLE II
PURCHASE AND SALE OF ACEC MEMBERSHIP INTEREST
8
<PAGE> 16
2.1 Purchase and Sale of ACEC Membership Interest.
Seller shall sell, transfer and deliver to Buyer on the Closing Date, and
Buyer shall purchase from Seller on the Closing Date, all on the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth, the ACEC Membership Interest.
2.2 Instruments of Transfer.
At the Closing, Seller will deliver to Buyer an assignment in
substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2 (the "Assignment"), duly executed by
Seller, selling, assigning and transferring to Buyer all right, title and
interest in and to the ACEC Membership Interest. At any time and from time to
time after the Closing Date, on Buyer's reasonable request, Seller will execute,
acknowledge and deliver such further instruments of sale, assignment and
transfer, and take such further actions, as may be reasonably required in
conformity with this Agreement for the adequate sale, assignment and transfer of
the Membership Interest to Buyer.
ARTICLE III
PURCHASE PRICE
3.1 Purchase Price; Payment; Allocation.
The purchase price for the sale of the ACEC Membership Interest under this
Agreement shall be Two Hundred Forty Million Dollars ($240,000,000), as adjusted
pursuant to Section 3.3 (the "Purchase Price"). The entire Purchase Price,
except for the amount of the Indemnity Fund, shall be payable to Seller (or to
such other Persons, not to exceed seven in total, as Seller may designate at
least three business days prior to the Closing Date) at the Closing by the wire
transfer of federal funds to an account or accounts designated by Seller, in a
written notice delivered by Seller to Buyer. Buyer shall deposit the amount of
the Indemnity Fund provided in Section 3.4 directly with the Escrow Agent on the
Closing Date. For tax reporting purposes, Buyer and Seller shall use their good
faith efforts to reach, at least 45 days prior to the Closing, agreement upon
the allocation of the Total Purchase Consideration among the Assets; provided,
that in the event that Buyer and Seller shall not reach agreement upon such
allocation at least 45 days prior to the Closing, then Buyer shall select (with
Seller's consent, not to be unreasonably withheld) and retain, at Buyer's
expense, a reputable appraisal firm with experience in the valuation and
appraisal of CATV system assets, to prepare that allocation. The foregoing
allocation (whether agreed upon by Buyer and Seller, or prepared by an appraisal
firm) shall be prepared in accordance with the rules under Section 1060 of the
Tax Code, which allocation shall thereafter be amended to reflect any
adjustments to the Purchase Price under Section 3.3. Seller shall promptly
notify Buyer, and Buyer shall promptly notify Seller, of any adjustment that
comes to its attention which is proposed to be made by any federal, state or
local taxing authority with respect to the allocation of the Total Purchase
Consideration. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, Buyer and Seller
agree to act, and to cause their respective Affiliates to act, in accordance
with the computations and allocations contained in the foregoing allocation
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in any relevant Tax Returns or similar filings (including any forms or reports
required to be filed pursuant to Section 1060 of the Tax Code), to cooperate in
the preparation of any such tax forms or reports required to be filed pursuant
to such Section 1060, to file any such tax forms or reports in the manner
required by applicable law, and to not take any position inconsistent with such
allocation upon examination of any tax refund or refund claim, in any litigation
or otherwise.
3.2 Deposit in Escrow.
(a) On (or within five business days after) the Signature Date, Buyer will
deposit in escrow with the Escrow Agent under the Deposit Escrow Agreement the
sum of Seven Million Two Hundred Thousand dollars ($7,200,000) (the "Deposit").
At the Closing, Buyer and Seller shall authorize and direct the Escrow Agent to
pay the Deposit plus accrued interest to Seller on the Closing Date, which
combined sum shall be credited against the Purchase Price. In the event that the
Closing shall not occur prior to the Outside Date by reason of a material breach
or default hereunder by Buyer, and provided that Seller shall have performed, or
shall stand ready, willing, and able to perform, its obligations under this
Agreement in all material respects, and shall not otherwise be in material
breach of its obligations hereunder, the Escrow Agent, in accordance with the
terms of the Deposit Escrow Agreement, shall pay the Deposit and all accrued
interest to Seller, which Seller shall thereupon be entitled to receive, take
possession of and make use of pending any final judgment obtained by Buyer or
Seller (or any written agreement entered into by Buyer and Seller) with respect
to the final disposition thereof, it being agreed that (i) such payment shall
not constitute liquidated damages hereunder, unless Seller shall elect (in
Seller's sole discretion) to accept such payment as liquidated damages by
written notice to Buyer and the Escrow Agent within fifteen (15) business days
after Seller's receipt thereof, in the event of which election by Seller that
payment shall be deemed to constitute full liquidated damages hereunder and to
terminate all of Buyer's obligations to Seller (and all of Seller's obligations
to Buyer) hereunder, and (ii) in the event that Seller shall not elect (as
hereinbefore provided) to accept Seller's receipt of the Deposit as liquidated
damages, Seller shall be entitled to (a) Buyer's specific performance of all of
Buyer's obligations hereunder and (b) upon (and subject to) Buyer's specific
performance hereof and the consummation of the Closing in accordance with the
terms and provisions of this Agreement, Seller shall apply the Deposit and all
accrued interest thereon, less Seller's costs and expenses (including court
costs, attorney fees and related expenses) incurred by Seller in connection with
Seller's obtaining Buyer's specific performance hereof, to Buyer's payment of
the Purchase Price. For purposes of Buyer's foregoing grant to Seller of the
right to Buyer's specific performance of all of Buyer's obligations hereunder,
Buyer acknowledges that under the current circumstances applicable to ACEC,
ACEC's management and Seller's management, and Seller's sale of the ACEC
Membership Interest, Seller's remedies at law would not be adequate to enable
Seller to obtain all of the benefits of the subject sale (or benefits comparable
thereto); and Buyer does hereby irrevocably waive any objection to Seller's
foregoing right of specific performance hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary hereinbefore set forth, however, Seller's exclusive remedy
hereunder shall be either (i) to accept Seller's receipt of the Deposit as
liquidated damages, in the event that Seller shall not elect (as hereinbefore
provided) to pursue Buyer's specific performance of Buyer's obligations under
this Agreement, or (ii) to accept Seller's receipt of the Deposit as partial
performance by Buyer of Buyer's obligations under this
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Agreement, in the event that Seller shall elect (as hereinbefore provided) to
pursue Buyer's specific performance thereof.
(b) In the event that (i) the Closing does not occur prior to the Outside
Date for any reason other than a material breach or default by Buyer under this
Agreement, (ii) this Agreement is terminated by Seller for any reason in
accordance with Section 14 (other than a termination by Seller based upon a
material breach or default by Buyer under this Agreement), or (iii) this
Agreement is terminated by Buyer for any reason in accordance with Section 14,
then Buyer and Seller shall authorize and direct the Escrow Agent to return the
Deposit plus interest to Buyer, in accordance with the terms of the Deposit
Escrow Agreement (without prejudice to Buyer's other remedies hereunder, if
any).
(c) Concurrent with the execution of this Agreement, Buyer, Seller and the
Escrow Agent are entering into (or, within five business days after the
Signature Date, Buyer, Seller and the Escrow Agent shall enter into) the Deposit
Escrow Agreement, subject to the Escrow Agent's timely receipt of the Deposit
pursuant to Section 3.2(a).
3.3 Adjustments and Prorations.
The Purchase Price shall be adjusted at the Closing as follows:
(a) The Purchase Price shall be increased or decreased with respect to
ACEC's current assets and current liabilities, as follows: Seller shall deliver
to Buyer, not less than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, a certificate
signed by or on behalf of Seller (the "Pre-Closing Certificate"), together with
such supporting documentation as Buyer may reasonably request, which Pre-Closing
Certificate shall specify Seller's good faith estimate of the amount of the
current assets and current liabilities of ACEC as such items would be reflected
in the current assets and the current liability section of a balance sheet
prepared, as of the Closing Date, in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding
anything else contained herein, for purposes of making the calculations under
this Section 3.3(a), (i) current assets shall not include (1) assets from which
ACEC will not derive a benefit subsequent to the Closing Date or (2) any
receivables from Seller or any other Affiliate of ACEC or Seller; (ii) without
limiting the applicability of GAAP with respect to other items, current assets
shall include (1) only an amount for ACEC's subscriber accounts receivable for
services rendered by ACEC prior to the Closing Date, as determined in accordance
with GAAP, equal to (a) 98% of the face amount of all subscriber receivables
which, as of the Effective Time, are not more than sixty (60) days past due from
the first day of the respective Monthly Billing Period to which a bill relates,
and (b) zero percent of the face amount of the subscriber receivables which, as
of the Effective Time, are more than sixty (60) days past due from the first day
of the respective Monthly Billing Period to which a bill relates, excepting from
every such past due determination with respect to the foregoing clauses (a) and
(b) such charges (other than late charges) as do not exceed $5.00 per subscriber
and any and all late charges; (2) only an amount for ACEC's advertising sales
accounts receivable for services rendered by ACEC prior to the Closing Date, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, equal to 95% of the face amount of all
advertising receivables which, as of the Effective Time, are not more than
ninety (90) days past due; and (3) the prepaid portion of
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premiums and/or fees paid by ACEC in connection with bonds which are included in
the Assets that are attributable to periods after the Closing Date; (iii)
without limiting the applicability of GAAP with respect to other items, current
liabilities shall include (1) the amount of subscriber deposits and converter
deposits (and any interest accrued thereon) and subscriber prepayments; (2)
adjustments for accrued vacation pay; (3) deferred revenue; and (4) any amounts
due in respect of bonuses to employees not otherwise paid or discharged on or
before the Closing Date (including, without limitation, any employee bonuses
due, but not otherwise paid or discharged on or before the Closing Date, under
those certain eight employee letter agreements listed in Schedule 5.10(B) and,
insofar but only insofar as any of such eight employees is terminated by ACEC at
and upon the Closing, any additional severance bonuses due, but not otherwise
paid or discharged on or before the Closing Date, under those eight letter
agreements, it being agreed that Buyer shall be responsible for any and all
costs and expenses attributable to ACEC's post-Closing termination of any ACEC
employee); and (iv) current liabilities shall not include the current portion of
any long-term debt. If the Pre-Closing Certificate shows that current assets
exceed current liabilities, the Purchase Price payable at Closing shall be
increased by such excess; and if the Pre-Closing Certificate shows that current
liabilities exceed current assets, the Purchase Price payable at Closing shall
be decreased by such excess.
(b) In the event the Closing Date Subscriber Total shall be less than
68,200, the Purchase Price shall be decreased by an amount equal to Three
Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($3,500) for each Basic Subscriber less than
68,200. For purposes of calculating the Closing Date Subscriber Total prior to
the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer not less than ten (10) days prior to
the Closing Date a certificate signed by or on behalf of Seller (the "Subscriber
Certificate"), together with such supporting documentation as Buyer may
reasonably request, which shall specify Seller's good faith estimate of the
Closing Date Subscriber Total, and that Subscriber Certificate shall be used by
Buyer and Seller on the Closing Date for purposes of calculating the foregoing
Purchase Price decrease (if any), without prejudice to either party's right to
seek any post-Closing adjustment or correction thereof that may be appropriate.
(c) The Purchase Price shall be decreased at the Closing by (i) the
principal amount of all long-term debt of ACEC, including the current portion
thereof and any accrued and unpaid interest on such debt (including, without
limitation, all debt and interest outstanding under the 1998 Credit Agreement),
as such items would be reflected in the liability section of a balance sheet
prepared, as of the Closing Date, in accordance with GAAP, together with any
prepayment penalties, premiums or other costs and expenses attributable to,
arising out of or relating to such debt or the discharge of such debt; (ii) the
amount of any management fees, together with accrued but unpaid interest
thereon, or any other amounts due and owing by ACEC to Seller or to any
Affiliate of Seller or to ACEC Management Company, Inc., as of the Closing Date;
(iii) to the extent not reflected in the Pre-Closing Certificate, the amount of
any other liabilities or obligations of ACEC attributable to the period on or
prior to the Closing Date that are not otherwise adjusted under Section 3.3(a)
or this Section 3.3(c) (including, without limitation, the cost incurred to
cancel any of ACEC's then existing interest rate hedge agreements); and (iv)
ACEC's costs (including, without limitation, its attorneys' fees), insofar as
unpaid at the Closing Date, related to its consummation of its Closing
obligations under this Agreement. Buyer shall cause ACEC to pay all amounts
referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 3.3(c) concurrent
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with the Closing hereunder. For the purpose of determining such long-term debt,
management fees or any other amounts in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this
Section 3.3(c) as of the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer not less
than ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, a certificate signed by or on
behalf of Seller (the "Debt Certificate") , together with such supporting
documentation as Buyer may reasonably request, which shall specify the amount of
such long-term debt, management fees or any other amounts in clauses (i), (ii)
and (iii) of this Section 3.3(c), calculated as of the Closing Date.
(d) If the Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost shall exceed $3,500,000,
then the Purchase Price shall be decreased by that excess amount (i.e., by the
Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost less $3,500,000). If the Victorville Upgrade
Completion Cost shall be less than $3,500,000, then the Purchase Price shall not
be adjusted on account thereof; provided, that in the event that Buyer shall
have directed ACEC pursuant to Section 7.5 to continue (and Seller shall have
continued) with the Victorville Upgrade notwithstanding the Victorville Upgrade
Completion Cost's reaching and equalling $3,500,000, then the Purchase Price
shall be increased by the difference between (x) $3,500,000 and (y) the
Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost.
(e) Lastly, the Purchase Price shall be decreased by one-half of the
aggregate amount of all Transfer Taxes.
(f) Within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to
Seller a certificate (the "Final Closing Certificate") to be signed by an
executive officer of Buyer setting forth any changes to the adjustments made as
of the Closing pursuant to Sections 3.3(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) together with
a copy of such supporting evidence as shall be appropriate hereunder and as
Seller may reasonably request. If Seller shall conclude that the Final Closing
Certificate does not accurately reflect the changes to be made to the closing
adjustments pursuant to this Section 3.3, Seller shall, within thirty (30) days
after its receipt of the Final Closing Certificate, provide to Buyer its written
statement (together with any supporting documentation as Buyer may reasonably
request) of any discrepancy or discrepancies believed to exist. Seller's
representatives shall be permitted access to all books, records, billing service
reports and other documents necessary or appropriate for the determination of
the adjustments.
(g) Buyer and Seller shall attempt jointly to resolve any discrepancies
within thirty (30) days after receipt of Seller's discrepancy statement, which
resolution, if achieved, shall be binding upon all parties to this Agreement and
not subject to dispute or review. If Buyer and Seller cannot resolve the
discrepancies to their mutual satisfaction within such thirty (30) day period,
Buyer and Seller shall, within the following ten (10) days, jointly retain the
New York City office of Ernst & Young, or (in the event of the unavailability or
unwillingness to serve of Ernst & Young or the existence of any conflict of
interest on the part of Ernst & Young with respect to either Buyer or Seller)
the New York City office of another mutually-acceptable nationally known
independent public accounting firm to review the Final Closing Certificate
together with Seller's discrepancy statement and any other relevant documents.
The cost of retaining such independent public accounting firm shall be borne
equally by Seller and Buyer. Such firm shall report its conclusions in writing
to Buyer and Seller and such conclusions as to adjustments pursuant to this
Section 3.3 shall be conclusive on Seller and Buyer and not subject
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to dispute or review.
(h) If as a result of such adjustments, Buyer shall owe any amount to
Seller, Buyer shall pay that amount to Seller in immediately available funds
within three business days of such determination, and if Seller shall owe any
amount to Buyer, Seller shall pay that amount to Buyer in immediately available
funds within three business days of such determination (it being agreed that any
such amount to be paid by Seller shall not be subject to the limitations of
Section 15.1 and shall not decrease the Indemnity Fund; provided, however, that
at Buyer's option, Buyer may seek payment thereof from the Indemnity Fund).
3.4 Closing Escrow.
At the Closing, Buyer shall deposit with the Escrow Agent the sum of Ten
Million dollars ($10,000,000) of the Purchase Price (the "Indemnity Fund")
pursuant to the Closing Escrow Agreement. One-half of the Indemnity Fund, less
the amount of all claims theretofore paid to Buyer from such Indemnity Fund and
the amount of all unresolved claims theretofore made by Buyer for
indemnification pursuant to Section 15.1 (provided that the aggregate amount of
such of the foregoing claims as are based upon breaches of Seller's
representations and warranties contained herein, other than any claims based
upon breaches of any Title Asset Representation or Title Interest
Representation, shall exceed the Basket), shall be paid to Seller under the
Closing Escrow Agreement at the close of business on the first business day
after nine (9) months from the Closing Date. The remainder of the Indemnity
Fund, less the amount of all unresolved claims theretofore made by Buyer for
indemnification pursuant to Section 15.1 (provided that the aggregate amount of
such of the foregoing claims as are based upon breaches of Seller's
representations and warranties contained herein shall exceed the Basket), shall
be paid to Seller at the close of business on the first business day after
fifteen (15) months from the Closing Date. Seller expressly agrees that any
post-Closing Date adjustments required to be made to the Purchase Price pursuant
to Section 3.3 and payable to Buyer shall be paid directly by Seller to Buyer in
immediately available funds and shall not decrease the amount of the Indemnity
Fund; provided that Buyer may, at its option, make a claim against the Indemnity
Fund for such Purchase Price adjustment amounts, which claim shall not be
subject to either the Basket or any other limitation as to the maximum amount
thereof which Buyer may seek or be entitled to indemnification under Section 15
or any other provision of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE IV
CLOSING
4.1 Closing Date
Subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall occur
at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP at 399
Park Avenue, 31st Floor, in New York, New York on such date (the "Closing Date")
as Buyer shall designate upon at least fifteen (15) business days prior written
notice to Seller, which designation (i) Buyer shall make within five (5)
business days following the delivery of notice by Seller to Buyer that all
conditions to Buyer's obligation to consummate the Closing have been satisfied
(or could reasonably be expected to be satisfied by or upon the Closing) or have
been waived by the respective party (parties) otherwise entitled to the
fulfillment thereof or (ii) Buyer may make, at Buyer's election, in the event
that all conditions to Buyer's obligation to consummate the Closing have been
satisfied (or could reasonably be expected to be satisfied by or upon the
Closing) or have been waived by the respective party (parties) otherwise
entitled to the fulfillment thereof but Seller shall have failed promptly to
deliver to Buyer the foregoing notice to that effect; provided, that in the
event that Buyer shall fail to timely exercise its duty to designate a Closing
Date under clause (i) hereof and shall not have exercised its right to do so
under clause (ii) hereof, then Seller shall have the right to designate the
Closing Date upon at least fifteen (15) business days prior written notice to
Buyer; provided, further, that in no event shall the Closing Date occur (or be
designated by Buyer or Seller to occur) prior to May 1, 1999 or later than July
31, 1999, unless either party upon prior written notice to the other at least
two (2) business days prior to that July 31st date elects to extend such date
for up to an additional nine months (not to extend beyond April 30, 2000) in
order to allow Seller the further opportunity to obtain all of the Required
Consents in the event that any such Required Consents have not been received by
July 31, 1999, but are being actively pursued with a reasonable expectation of
their receipt. The foregoing July 31, 1999 date, as the same may hereafter be
extended to April 30, 2000 as hereinbefore provided, is hereinafter referred to
as the "Outside Date".
4.2 Right to Specific Performance.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or elsewhere,
(i) Seller shall be entitled, at its sole option, (a) to waive compliance by
Buyer with any term or provision of this Agreement (including, without
limitation, any closing conditions) and/or (b) without the posting of any bond
or other security, to require Buyer to consummate and specifically perform the
purchase of the ACEC Membership Interest from Seller in accordance with all
other terms of this Agreement, if necessary through injunction or other court
order or process, if the conditions to the obligations of Buyer to effect the
Closing have been satisfied or are capable of being satisfied by or upon the
Closing, if the Closing were to be held, and (ii) Buyer shall be entitled, at
its sole option, (a) to waive compliance by Seller with any term or provision of
this Agreement (including, without limitation, any closing conditions) and/or
(b) without the posting of any bond or other security, to require Seller to
consummate and specifically perform the sale of the ACEC Membership Interest to
Buyer in accordance with all other terms of this Agreement, if necessary
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through injunction or other court order or process, if the conditions to the
obligations of Seller to effect the Closing have been satisfied or are capable
of being satisfied by or upon the Closing, if the Closing were to be held. Any
such equitable relief invoked or granted shall not be exclusive and Seller or
Buyer, as the case may be, shall also be entitled to seek and obtain money
damages (including, without limitation, court costs, attorney fees and related
expenses) insofar as applicable law shall permit, subject (in the case of
Seller) to the last sentence of Section 3.2(a).
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
As an inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, Seller hereby makes the following
representations and warranties:
5.1 Valid Existence of Seller.
Seller is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Seller has the
requisite limited liability company power and authority to own, lease, use and
operate the properties it currently owns, leases, uses or operates and to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.
5.2 Seller's Interest in ACEC.
Seller is the exclusive record and beneficial owner of the ACEC Membership
Interest, and has good and valid title to such Membership Interest, free and
clear of any and all liens, pledges, encumbrances or claims of any kind
whatsoever, other than Seller's pledge of the Membership Interest (and any lien
or encumbrance created by such pledge) pursuant to the Pledge Agreement,
pledging the Membership Interest as collateral under the 1998 Credit Agreement.
Neither the Membership Interest nor any portion thereof is subject to preemptive
rights. There is no existing option, warrant, call, commitment or other
agreement requiring or relating to, and there are no convertible or exchangeable
securities outstanding which upon conversion or exchange would require, the
issuance of any additional membership interest(s) of ACEC or any other
instrument convertible into or exchangeable therefor. There are no voting
agreements, voting trust agreements, shareholder agreements, or other agreements
relating to the Membership Interest. Seller does not own or hold any record or
beneficial interest in any Person, other than the ACEC Membership Interest. Upon
the Closing, Seller will deliver good and valid title to the Membership Interest
to Buyer, free and clear of any and all liens, pledges, encumbrances or claims
of any kind whatsoever (provided that the 1998 Credit Agreement, and the Pledge
Agreement, shall have both been terminated upon the Closing), excluding any
liens, pledges or encumbrances that may be placed thereon by or on behalf of
Buyer in connection with the Closing.
5.3 ACEC's Valid Existence and Qualification.
ACEC is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and
in good
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standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. ACEC has the requisite limited
liability company power and authority to own, lease, use and operate the
properties it currently owns, leases, uses or operates and to transact the
business in which it is engaged as presently transacted, and is qualified to do
business in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the business conducted by
it makes such qualification necessary. ACEC does not have any subsidiary.
5.4 Business of ACEC.
All of the tangible Assets are owned or leased (and all of the intangible
Assets are held) and operated directly by ACEC, and the operation of the Systems
has not been conducted by or through any direct or indirect Affiliate of Seller
(or by or through any direct or indirect Affiliate of ACEC) other than ACEC
itself; provided, however, that various management services have been provided
to ACEC by ACEC Management Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation of which Bruce
A. Armstrong is the president and sole stockholder.
5.5 Authorization; Enforceability.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other instruments or
documents executed by Seller or ACEC in connection herewith, as well as all
actions required to be taken hereunder or thereunder by Seller or ACEC, have
been duly authorized by Seller or ACEC, as the case may be, and upon execution
and delivery, each such document will constitute the valid and binding
obligation of Seller or ACEC, as the case may be, enforceable against Seller or
ACEC, as the case may be, upon and in accordance with its terms, subject to
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally and general principles of equity.
All persons who have executed this Agreement on behalf of Seller are authorized
to do so under its organizational documents and the laws of its state of
creation.
5.6 Required Consents; Effect of Agreement; No Breach.
(a) All approvals, consents, filings and notices required under (i) any of
ACEC's Franchises, (ii) any of ACEC's permits, licenses, leases, contracts and
agreements, and (iii) any applicable government regulations, in order for the
sale and transfer of the ACEC Membership Interest to Buyer to be consummated
pursuant to this Agreement, are listed in Schedule 5.6, except for such
non-Franchise-related approvals, consents, filings and notices which, if not
obtained or made, would not in the aggregate be material. Each of the approvals
and consents listed on Schedule 5.6 shall be deemed to be a Required Consent.
(b) Subject to obtaining the Required Consents listed in Schedule 5.6, and
complying with the HSR Act and the regulations applicable thereto, neither the
execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement nor the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will, with the passage of
time or the giving of notice or both, (i) contravene the respective operating
agreement of Seller or ACEC, (ii) conflict with, or result in a breach,
termination, suspension, modification or impairment of, any of the terms of, or
constitute a default under or a violation of, or create or impose any
Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) upon,
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or give any other person any right of termination, acceleration or cancellation
of or with respect to, any Franchise or any other permit, license, lease,
contract or agreement to which Seller or ACEC is a party or by which Seller or
ACEC or any of Seller's or ACEC's properties is bound, or (iii) result in any
material violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, decree,
determination or award presently in effect or having applicability to Seller or
ACEC. No event has occurred which, with the passage of time or the giving of
notice or both, would constitute a material breach or violation of or default
under any Franchise or Necessary Contract by ACEC or, to the best of Seller's or
ACEC's knowledge, any Third Party thereto, except as may otherwise be disclosed
in any of Schedules 5.10(A), 5.10(B) or 5.10(C).
5.7 Financial Statements.
Seller has delivered to Buyer a copy of ACEC's Balance Sheet at September
30, 1998 and related Statement of Operations and Statement of Changes in
Financial Position of ACEC for the nine months then ended (the "Financial
Statements"). The Financial Statements (i) are in accordance with the books and
records of ACEC, (ii) were prepared in conformity with GAAP, subject to normal
year-end audit adjustments and footnotes (none of which are expected to be
material in amount), and (iii) present fairly the financial position of ACEC at
September 30, 1998 and the results of operations and changes in financial
position of ACEC for the nine months then ended. The Additional Financial
Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(ii) that are for quarterly
periods will (i) be prepared in conformity with GAAP applied consistently with
the Financial Statements, and (ii) present fairly the financial position of ACEC
at the dates indicated and the results of operations and changes in financial
position of ACEC for the periods indicated, subject to normal year-end audit
adjustments and footnotes (none of which are expected to be material in amount).
The Additional Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 9.1(ii)
that are for monthly periods will (i) be prepared in conformity with GAAP
applied consistently with the Financial Statements, and (ii) present fairly the
results of operations of ACEC for the periods indicated, subject to normal
year-end audit adjustments and footnotes (none of which are expected to be
material in amount). Whenever references are made throughout this Agreement to
financial statements, it will be understood that all notes and exhibits are
included therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided.
5.8 Undisclosed Liabilities.
ACEC has no material liabilities or obligations, whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, and Seller
does not know of any basis for any claim against ACEC for any such liabilities
or obligations, except for obligations arising under the contracts, agreements,
licenses, permits, etc. listed on Schedules 5.10(A) and 5.10(B), and except to
the extent set forth in this Agreement (or which otherwise are not required to
be disclosed hereunder because they involve DeMinimus Agreements) or in the
Financial Statements.
5.9 Tax Matters.
There is not as of the date of this Agreement, and there will not be as of
the Closing Date,
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any condition or occurrence of an event with respect to the payment or
withholding by Seller or ACEC of any Taxes which could interfere with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or subject
Seller or ACEC or any of the Assets to any Encumbrances other than any Permitted
Encumbrances. Sellor or ACEC has filed with the appropriate agencies all Tax
Returns and tax reports required by law to be filed by Seller or ACEC, as the
case may be; and each of Seller and ACEC has timely paid, or will timely pay on
or before the Closing Date, all Taxes to the extent that the same have become
due and payable. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.9, there exists no unpaid
federal, state or local income or other tax with respect to the Business, the
existence or operations of the Systems, or the Assets, except for accrued Taxes
not yet due and payable. Each of Seller and ACEC is in substantial compliance
with all applicable sales and use tax laws and regulations. Neither Seller nor
ACEC is a "United States real property interest" or a "U.S. real property
holding corporation" within the meaning of Section 897 of the Tax Code. At all
times since ACEC's formation, (i) ACEC has had only one member, (ii) ACEC has
been disregarded as an entity separate from its sole member within the meaning
of Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(i), and (iii) ACEC has never
been subject to any entity level income, franchise or similar income based
Taxes.
5.10 Franchises and Necessary Contracts.
(a) Attached as Schedule 5.10(A) is a true and accurate list of each
Franchise held by ACEC. Seller has delivered to Buyer true and correct copies of
all of the Franchise documents listed on Schedule 5.10(A). To the best of
Seller's and ACEC's knowledge, all of the Franchises were validly issued. ACEC
is the legal holder of each of the Franchises, and each of them is a valid and
subsisting instrument in full force and effect. There is no Franchise required
by law or used or held for use in the operation of the Systems which is not
described on Schedule 5.10(A). Each local franchising authority whose consent or
approval is required for the transfer of control of ACEC by Seller to Buyer
pursuant to the sale transaction contemplated by this Agreement is listed on
Schedule 5.6 hereto.
(b) Attached as Schedule 5.10(B) is a true and accurate list of each
Necessary Contract. Seller has delivered (or will, prior to Closing and subject
to Buyer's identification thereof, deliver) to Buyer true and correct copies of
all of the Necessary Contracts listed on Schedule 5.10(B). Except as otherwise
noted on Schedule 5.10(B), all of the Necessary Contracts were validly entered
into by ACEC (or, to the best of ACEC's or Seller's knowledge, by ACEC's
predecessor-in-interest), ACEC is a legal party thereto and each of them is a
valid and subsisting instrument in full force and effect; provided, that ACEC
makes no representation or warranty as to the validity, full force or effect of
any Necessary Contract that provides (or purports to provide) for any
right-of-entry or bulk or otherwise discounted service to any residential
development or any multi-dwelling units or commercial or institutional structure
(e.g., any bar, tavern, apartment building, dormitory, hospital, hotel or
motel). There is no Necessary Contract required by law or used or held for use
in the operation of the Systems which is not described on Schedule 5.10(B).
(c) Except as set forth on Schedules 5.10(A), 5.10(B) and 5.10(C), ACEC is
in substantial compliance (and the operations of the Systems and the Assets are
being conducted in
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substantial compliance) with the provisions of all Franchises and Necessary
Contracts, and there are no pending (or to Seller's or ACEC's knowledge,
threatened) modifications, amendments or revocations of or to (i) any Franchise
by the respective issuer thereof or (ii) any Necessary Contract by any Third
Party thereto. Neither Seller nor ACEC has any knowledge of any material breach
(or of any anticipated material breach) of any Necessary Contract by any Third
Party thereto, except as disclosed in Schedule 5.10(C) with respect to the
Angelus Oaks headend site. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.10(C) or as
specifically contained in the Franchises, Necessary Contracts, or other material
contracts which have been provided to Buyer by Seller, no promises or
commitments which are to be fulfilled after the Closing Date have been made with
respect to capital improvements relating to the Systems. (Note: Schedule 5.10(C)
reflects that ACEC has recently commenced franchise renewal negotiations with
the City of Rancho Cucamonga, which renewal negotiations will require the
franchise grantee's commitment to upgrade that portion of the Rancho System
serving the City of Rancho Cucamonga to 750 MHz by December 31, 2001 or such
other date (not to precede December 31, 2000) as that City and ACEC may
hereafter agree.) Pursuant to subsections (a) through (g) of Section 626 of the
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended, ACEC (or the respective
System's predecessor owner) has timely submitted proposals for renewal of all
Franchises having a remaining term of thirty-six (36) months or less as of the
date hereof, and has provided Buyer with copies of all proposals for renewal,
preliminary assessments and franchisor determinations described in subsection
(c) of said Section 626.
(d) Except as otherwise disclosed in Schedule 5.13, as of the date of this
Agreement (i) ACEC has not received any notice from any utility or governmental
agency to relocate any pole attachments or cable lines that has not been and
cannot reasonably be complied with in the ordinary course of business prior to
the expiration of the time period (if any) specified therein, and (ii) there are
no pole attachments or cable lines of ACEC that are required to have been
relocated at or prior to the date hereof, but have not yet been relocated. In
the event that ACEC shall receive, subsequent to the date of this Agreement but
on or before the Closing Date, any written request from any utility or
governmental agency for the relocation of any of ACEC's cable lines or pole
attachments, ACEC shall give Buyer prompt written notice thereof and shall in
good faith undertake the scheduling, commencement and completion of such
relocation to the extent that similarly-located CATV operators would customarily
do so in the ordinary course of their business within the time remaining prior
to the Closing Date, it being agreed that neither Seller nor ACEC shall have any
other obligation (or any post-Closing obligation hereunder) with respect
thereto; provided, that the Seller shall reimburse Buyer for the costs and
expenses of any such relocation necessitated by such request received prior to
the Closing from any utility or governmental agency that is not completed prior
to the Closing Date and which is attributable to ACEC's not being in compliance
with the applicable clearance and spacing requirements of the respective pole
license.
5.11 No Other Agreements.
(a) All of ACEC's agreements and contracts, other than the DeMinimus
Agreements, are listed on Schedules 5.10(A), 5.10(B), 5.12 (as to free and
discounted subscribers), 5.23 and 5.24. Except for those agreements and
contracts listed on those five Schedules, ACEC is not a
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party to any written or oral contract (other than any DeMinimus Agreements )
that is not cancelable without penalty upon 30 days' notice or less, including,
without limitation, any:
(i) bonus, incentive, pension, profit sharing, retirement,
hospitalization, insurance, or other plan providing for deferred or
other compensation to employees, or any other employee benefit or
"fringe benefit" plan, including, without limitation, vacation, sick
leave, medical or other insurance plans or any union collective
bargaining or any other contract with any labor union;
(ii) employment contract for any person or entity on a full-time,
part-time, consulting or other basis;
(iii) agreement or indenture relating to the borrowing of money or
to mortgaging, pledging or otherwise placing a lien on any asset or
group of assets of ACEC;
(iv) guarantee of any obligation;
(v) lease or agreement under which it is lessee or lessor, or holds
or operates any property, real or personal, owned by any other
party, except for any lease under which the aggregate annual rental
payments do not exceed $10,000; and
(vi) agreement or group of related agreements with the same party or
any group of affiliated parties which requires or may in the future
require aggregate consideration by or to ACEC in excess of $10,000.
(b) There is no term or provision of any mortgage, indenture, license,
permit, franchise, contract, agreement or instrument to which ACEC is a party or
by which it or any of its properties is bound, or of any provision of any
federal or state judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation applicable
to or binding upon ACEC or its properties, which does or will materially
adversely affect ACEC, the Business, or the Systems, except for any matter
generally affecting the CATV industry within the United States, the State of
California or the County of San Bernardino. The foregoing assumes that the
System upgrade requirements of the City of Victorville's franchise, and the
anticipated System upgrade requirements of the City of Rancho Cucamonga
franchise renewal presently being negotiated by Seller with that City, are
satisfactory to Buyer and that ACEC's or Buyer's compliance therewith will not
materially adversely affect the Business or the respective Systems.
5.12 Systems' Capacity, Basic Subscribers and Rates.
Schedule 5.12 lists, as of October 31, 1998 (or as of the respective date
therein specified), (a) the material equipment used in the operation of the
Systems, (b) the system bandwidth and maximum National Television System
Committee ("NTSC") analog channel capacity for each System, (c) the programming
offered (and whether each broadcast television station carried by the Systems is
carried pursuant to a retransmission or "must carry" consent), (d) the
approximate linear miles of aerial and underground plant (i.e., main trunk and
distribution or feeder cable), (e)
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the approximate number of Homes Passed, (f) the number of Basic Subscribers, (g)
the aggregate number of premium units subscribed to by ACEC's Premium
Subscribers, (h) the subscriber rates for all services including basic and
premium services, tier services, additional outlets and converter rental charges
in and for the Service Areas, and (i) all free or discount service obligations
of ACEC, with respect to the Systems as of the applicable date hereinbefore
specified in this sentence. ACEC has no obligation or liability for the refund
of monies to any subscribers other than as evidenced by such subscriber's
respective refund (including deposit) account credit balances or as may be
required under the rules and regulations relating to rates promulgated or to be
promulgated by the FCC under the Cable Act. ACEC has delivered to Buyer complete
and correct copies of all FCC forms relating to rate regulation filed with the
FCC with respect to the Systems, copies of all ACEC correspondence with any
Governmental Authority relating to rate regulation generally or specific rates
charged to subscribers with respect to the Systems, including, without
limitation, copies of any complaints filed with the FCC with respect to any
rates charged to any System's subscribers, and any other documentation
supporting an exemption from the rate regulation provisions of the Cable Act
claimed by ACEC with respect to any of the Systems.
5.13 Pole Attachments.
Schedule 5.13 sets forth, as of the date of this Agreement, the
approximate number of pole attachments used by the Systems and the names of the
utilities providing those attachments. ACEC has made all required payments for
its pole attachments and is not in material default under, or in material breach
of, or in receipt of any claim of material default under any agreement,
arrangement or understanding for pole attachments.
5.14 Employees.
Seller is not aware that any officer, executive employee or any group of
employees of ACEC has or have any plans to terminate his, her or their
employment with ACEC, except for all of ACEC's Stamford, Connecticut-based
officers and employees. ACEC has complied in all material respects with all
applicable laws relating to the employment of labor, including without
limitation provisions thereof relating to ERISA, wages, hours, insurance,
worker's compensation, equal opportunity, collective bargaining and the payment
of social security and other taxes. At the date of this Agreement, ACEC is not,
nor has ACEC ever been at any date prior to the date of this Agreement, a party
to any contract with any labor organization or involved in any labor discussion
with any unit or group seeking to become the bargaining unit for any of ACEC's
employees. As of the date of this Agreement, (i) ACEC has never experienced any
strikes, work stoppages or significant grievance proceedings or had any claims
of unfair labor practices filed or, to the knowledge of ACEC, threatened to be
filed with respect to the operation of the Systems, and (ii) to ACEC's
knowledge, no union representation claim exists with respect to the employees of
ACEC and no organizing activities are taking place. Schedule 5.14 sets forth, as
of January 1, 1999, with respect to each employee employed by ACEC in
California, such employee's name, position, and date of employment. Seller has,
for reasons of maintaining the confidentiality of the salary and wage
information therein, provided to Buyer a separate addendum to Schedule 5.14,
setting forth as of January 1, 1999 the current salary or hourly wage
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of each of the employees listed in Schedule 5.14. If required by applicable law,
Seller has timely notified (or will have timely notified prior to the Closing)
all affected employees (as defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act,
29 U.S.C. Section 201 et. seq.) of ACEC who became "affected employees" on or
before the Closing Date.
5.15 Absence of Certain Developments.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.15, and except for the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, ACEC has not insofar as the Systems or the
Assets are concerned, since September 30, 1998:
(i) borrowed any amount or incurred, guaranteed or become subject to any
liabilities (absolute or contingent), except (x) current liabilities
incurred in the ordinary course of business and (y) borrowings under
the 1998 Credit Agreement;
(ii) mortgaged or pledged any of the Assets, or subjected them to any
lien, charge or other encumbrance, except liens for current property
taxes not yet due and payable and liens securing indebtedness under
the 1998 Credit Agreement;
(iii) sold, assigned or transferred any of its assets, except in the
ordinary course of business, or waived, released or cancelled any
debts or claims (other than unpaid subscriber debts and claims in
the ordinary course of business);
(iv) suffered any substantial losses or waived any material rights,
whether or not in the ordinary course of business;
(v) made any changes in personnel policies or compensation or declared,
paid or committed to pay any bonus or other additional salary or
compensation to any person (whether in the capacity of employee,
consultant or other- wise), except in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practices; provided, that ACEC has
made (and retains the right to make) certain pre-Closing performance
incentive and Closing-related pay and bonus commitments with respect
to the sale transaction contemplated by this Agreement, which
commitments ACEC shall fulfill immediately prior to the Closing and
shall not have any obligation or liability therefor subsequent to
the Closing;
(vi) entered into any transaction other than in the ordinary course of
business;
(vii) suffered any damage, destruction or casualty loss of any Asset,
whether or not covered by insurance, that materially and adversely
affects the financial condition, the Business or prospects of the
Systems;
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(viii)undergone a material adverse change in the financial condition,
assets, liabilities, Business, results of operations or prospects of
the Systems, for any reason other than one attributable to
conditions affecting the CATV industry generally;
(ix) revalued any of the Assets;
(x) amended or terminated any agreement, contract, license or
understanding listed in any Schedule, except in the ordinary course
of business (it being understood that ACEC is presently negotiating
a franchise renewal with the City of Rancho Cuca-monga, which
franchise renewal is expected to include a commitment on the part of
ACEC to upgrade that portion of the Rancho System serving the City
of Rancho Cucamonga to 750 MHz by a specified date between January
1, 2001 and December 31, 2001);
(xi) taken, or permitted to be taken, any action that would affect or
change the capitalization of ACEC;
(xii) become aware of any other event or condition of any character that
has or might reasonably have a material and adverse effect on the
financial condition, business, assets, results of operations or
prospects of the Systems, taken as a whole, except for matters
affecting the CATV industry generally; or
(xiii)entered into any agreement or understanding to do any of the
foregoing.
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5.16 Real Property.
Schedule 5.16 contains a list, including a legal description, of each
parcel of Real Estate owned by ACEC together with a description of the type of
use of each such parcel. Such list is true, complete and accurate in all
material respects. Seller has furnished to Buyer a copy of ACEC's title
insurance policy issued and currently in effect with respect to each parcel of
Real Estate owned by ACEC. Except for those Encumbrances listed on Schedule 5.16
(all of which are Permitted Encumbrances), ACEC is the sole owner (both legal
and equitable) of, and has good and marketable title to, each parcel of Real
Estate listed on Schedule 5.16 and to all Improvements thereon. All of the
structures on the Real Estate are structurally sound and in generally good
condition and repair (reasonable wear and tear excepted), and to Seller's and
ACEC's best knowledge, all of such Real Estate conforms in all material
respects, including use by ACEC, with all applicable deed restrictions,
covenants, contractual requirements and building, zoning, subdivision,
environmental, land-use, fire and other laws. The use (i.e., headend, tower or
office site) of each real property lease to which ACEC is a party is identified
on Schedule 5.10(B). All of the Real Estate, and all of the real property leased
by ACEC, utilized as a headend, office or tower site has unfettered access
(whether by public or private road, street or other right of way, or otherwise)
to public roads or streets and all utilities and services necessary for the
proper conduct and operation of the Systems. To Seller's knowledge, (i) neither
the whole nor any part of any real property owned or leased by Seller which is
included within the Assets is subject to any pending suit for condemnation or
other taking by any public authority and (ii) no such condemnation or other
taking is currently threatened or contemplated. None of the towers (including
any guy anchors or wires), buildings or other facilities located upon any parcel
of Real Estate or leased real property that is utilized as a headend or tower
site constitutes a trespass upon the property of any other person or entity.
5.17 Title to Assets; Personal Property.
ACEC is the sole owner (both legal and equitable) of and has good title to
the Assets constituting personal property, tangible and intangible, free and
clear of all mortgages, liens, security interests, charges, claims, restrictions
and other encumbrances of every kind other than with respect to indebtedness
under the 1998 Credit Agreement and the Permitted Encumbrances. Schedules 1.9
and 5.12 list all material equipment held or used in connection with or
necessary for the operation of the Systems, and Schedule 5.10(B) lists all
material contracts pursuant to which ACEC holds or uses any of such equipment,
which lists are true, complete and accurate in all respects. The equipment and
other tangible assets included in the Assets are in satisfactory operating
condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and conform in all material
respects to all applicable ordinances, rules, regulations and technical
standards, including the rules, regulations and technical standards of the FCC
and the local franchise authorities, and all applicable building, zoning and
other laws. None of the owners of any property on which any trunk or feeder
lines or other facilities of the Systems are located has notified ACEC in
writing of any objection to the placement of such cable, lines, or other
facilities on their property, nor have any such owners made any demand for
relocation, removal, reinstallation, or restoration of such cable, lines or
other facilities which might require material expenditures in connection
therewith.
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5.18 Intangible Property. Schedule 5.18 contains a list of all intangible
property, including all intellectual property (other than the Systems'
subscriber lists, which lists will be and remain in the possession of ACEC upon
the Closing, and other than American Cable Entertainment, which name is an
Excluded Asset), necessary for use or used in the operation and conduct of the
Business as presently conducted, which list is true, complete and accurate in
all material respects. Except for the Excluded Assets, or such conditions as
affect the CATV industry generally, or as disclosed in Schedule 5.18 or Section
5.19, ACEC possesses or has the right to use all intangible property, including
all intellectual property, necessary for use or used in the operation and
conduct of the Business as presently conducted without any conflict with the
rights of any Third Party. ACEC (a) has not licensed any Person to use any
intellectual property; (b) has no knowledge of the infringement by any Person of
any of the intellectual property set forth on Schedule 5.18; and (c) this
Agreement and the sale of the ACEC Membership Interest will not materially
breach any contract or agreement governing any intellectual property right of
ACEC. Schedule 5.18 also lists all of the trade names (including the Hi-Desert
Cablevision name) owned or held by Seller, other than the name American Cable
Entertainment, and derivations thereof, which name and derivations are Excluded
Assets; provided that Buyer shall have the right to use the American Cable
Entertainment name, and derivations thereof, for a period of 120 days following
the Closing Date, or for such longer period of time as Buyer shall be using
commercially reasonable efforts to remove such name, and derivations thereof,
from any items of equipment or inventory of the Systems, but in no event for
more than 180 days after the Closing Date.
5.19 Necessary Property.
ACEC has no material properties or assets used, held for use or usable in
the operation of the Systems which are not set forth on the Schedules. The
Assets (including, without limitation, the Franchises), together with the
Excluded Assets, constitute all of the property used and reasonably necessary
for the operation of the Systems in the manner and to the extent presently
conducted by ACEC; provided, that (i) ACEC does not have at the date of this
Agreement (but may seek, although it can provide no assurances that it will in
that event be able to obtain, prior to the consummation of the Closing) any
necessary license(s) for its exhibition of the CATV signals being exhibited by
the Systems, other than those CATV programming licenses listed at the date of
this Agreement as Necessary Contracts on Schedule 5.10(B), and (ii) ACEC does
not have at the date of this Agreement (but will continue to seek, although it
can provide no assurances that it will be able to obtain, from General Telephone
Company of California and Southern California Edison Company prior to the
consummation of the Closing) any pole attachment agreement(s) or license(s).
5.20 Compliance with Laws.
(a) The operations of the Systems have been, and are being, conducted in
material compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and other
requirements of all federal, state, county or local governmental authorities or
agencies.
(b) (i) ACEC is permitted under all applicable Franchises and FCC rules,
regulations and
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orders to distribute the transmissions (whether television, satellite, radio or
otherwise) of video programming or other information that any System presently
transmits to its respective customers (the "Signals") and to utilize all carrier
frequencies generated by the operations of the Systems, and is licensed to
operate all the facilities required by law to be licensed, including without
limitation, any business radio and any CARS system being operated by ACEC as
part of the Systems; and (ii) other than requests for network nonduplication and
syndex protection and sports league (e.g., NBA, NHL, MLB) blackout requests, no
written requests have been received by ACEC from the FCC, the United States
Copyright Office, any local or other television station or system or from any
other Person challenging or questioning the legal right of ACEC to own or
operate any System or to own, operate or use any FCC licensed or registered
facility owned, operated and used by ACEC in conjunction with ACEC's operation
of any System.
(c) ACEC is in substantial compliance with the applicable Cumulative
Leakage Index requirements of the FCC.
(d) Each of the Angelus Oaks System, the Rancho System and the Yucaipa
System is delivering to its respective subscribers (i) the respective channel
line-up set forth as to that System on Schedule 5.12, which channel line-up is
capable of being viewed in its entirety by every subscriber to that System, and
(ii) signals that are at least equal in quality to those signals that such
System was delivering to its subscribers at the date of this Agreement; and each
of the foregoing three Systems will, on the Closing Date, be in compliance with
the FCC's CLI (Cumulative Leakage Index) requirements. The Victorville System,
when loaded with the number of analog channels presently being exhibited by that
System (as listed on that System's channel line-up as set forth on Schedule
5.12), is capable of operating in substantial compliance with the terms of the
applicable FCC rules and regulations currently in effect and is capable of
delivering such number of analog channels throughout all portions of the
respective System. The Victorville System will, on the Closing Date, be in
compliance with the FCC's CLI requirements.
(e) ACEC has deposited (or will, prior to the Closing, timely deposit)
with the United States Copyright Office all statements of account and other
documents and instruments, and has paid (or will, prior to the Closing, timely
pay) all such royalties, supplemental royalties, fees and other sums to the
United States Copyright Office with respect to the business and operations of
the Systems as are required under the Copyright Act to obtain, hold and maintain
the compulsory license for CATV systems prescribed in Section 111 of the
Copyright Act. To Seller's knowledge, ACEC and the Systems are in compliance
with the Copyright Act and the rules and regulations of the Copyright Office.
ACEC and the Systems are entitled to hold and do hold the compulsory copyright
license described in Section 111 of the Copyright Act, which compulsory
copyright license is in full force and effect and has not been revoked,
cancelled, encumbered or adversely affected in any manner. As disclosed above in
Section 5.19, ACEC does not have at the date of this Agreement (but may seek,
although it can provide no assurances that it will in that event be able to
obtain, prior to the consummation of the Closing) those programming license(s)
necessary for its exhibition of the CATV signals being exhibited by the Systems,
other than those CATV programming licenses listed at the date of this Agreement
as Necessary Contracts on Schedule 5.10(B).
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(f) All necessary FAA approvals have been obtained with respect to the
height and location of those towers owned by ACEC which are used in connection
with the operation of the Systems and those towers are being operated in
accordance with applicable FCC and FAA rules.
(g) There is as of the date of this Agreement no inquiry, claim, action or
demand pending (or, to ACEC's knowledge, threatened) before the United States
Copyright Office or the Copyright Royalty Tribunal which questions the copyright
filings or payments made by ACEC with respect to the Systems, other than routine
inquiries or proposed corrections none of which routine inquiries or corrections
(individually or in the aggregate) is or will be material. Seller will provide
Buyer with copies of any and all additional inquiries, claims, actions or
demands during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Closing
Date .
(h) Copies of all aeronautical frequency notices filed with the FCC with
respect to the Systems have been (or will, within 45 days after the Signature
Date, be) delivered to Buyer.
(i) No basis exists under the 1992 Act (after giving effect to provisions
of the 1992 Act which otherwise would be effective but for the passage of time),
as in effect at the date of this Agreement, for any rollback of rates for basic
service, or any rollback or refund of rates for any premium or pay service, with
respect to the Systems.
5.21 Litigation and Legal Proceedings.
Schedule 5.21 sets forth a complete and accurate list and description of
all audits, suits, claims, actions and administrative, arbitration or other
similar proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Seller or ACEC, threatened
against ACEC, the Assets, any of ACEC's Affiliates, directors, officers,
employees or agents relating to ACEC, the Business, the Systems, any of the
Assets or ACEC (including proceedings concerning labor disputes or grievances,
civil rights discrimination cases and affirmative action proceedings) and all
governmental investigations pending or, to the knowledge of ACEC, threatened, to
which ACEC is a party, or against its properties or business, and each judgment,
order, injunction, decree or award relating to ACEC, or the Assets (whether
rendered by a court or administrative agency, or by arbitration pursuant to a
grievance or other procedure) to which ACEC is a party or relating to the Assets
which is unsatisfied or requires continuing compliance therewith (such suits,
actions, claims, judgments, orders, injunctions, decrees and awards are herein
referred to as "Legal Proceedings"). Seller is not aware of any facts or
circumstances which would give rise to any unasserted possible material claims
against the Systems or the Assets. There is no action, suit, proceeding or (to
Seller's or ACEC's knowledge) investigation to restrain, prohibit or otherwise
challenge the legality or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement pending or (to Seller's or ACEC's knowledge) threatened against Seller
or ACEC as of the date of this Agreement. The foregoing warranty specifically
excludes matters undertaken by or pending before Congress, the FCC, the
Copyright Royalty Tribunal or any state governmental authority in any state in
which any System is located which would have applicability to CATV systems in
general but to which ACEC is not expressly a party.
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5.22 Brokers' Fees.
Except for Waller Capital and the brokerage fee due that firm in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (which brokerage
fee will be paid by Seller at Closing out of the Closing proceeds), neither
Seller nor ACEC has entered into any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or
employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability of ACEC, for any
brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection with the negotiations
leading to or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Nor is either
Seller or ACEC, except as otherwise hereinbefore set forth in this Section,
aware of any claim, or any basis for any claim, for the payment by ACEC of any
agent's fees in connection with the negotiation or consummation of this
Agreement.
5.23 Pensions and Other Deferred Compensation; Benefits.
There are no (nor, within the past six years, have there been any)
employee pension benefit plans (as defined in ERISA Section 3(2)),
profit-sharing or deferred compensation plans or policies or employee welfare
benefit plans (as defined in ERISA Section 3(1)) for the benefit of employees of
ACEC or any entity that is in the control group of entities that includes ACEC
as determined under Section 4.14(b), (c) and (m) of the Tax Code, except as set
forth on Schedule 5.23 and, to the knowledge of ACEC, ACEC is not subject to any
liability resulting from the withdrawal by ACEC or any of its Affiliates from,
or the termination of, a multi-employer pension plan within the meaning of
section 3(37) of ERISA previously utilized by ACEC. All of the employee benefit
plans listed on Schedule 5.23 have been designed and administered in compliance
with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Tax Code. Except with respect to
claims under the employee benefit plans listed on Schedule 5.23, no person has
asserted any claim under which ACEC would have any liability under any health
insurance, life insurance, disability, medical, surgical, hospital, death
benefit, or any other employee benefit plan, contract or arrangement maintained
by ACEC, or to which ACEC is a party or may be bound, or under any worker's
compensation or similar law, which is not fully covered by insurance maintained
with reputable, responsible financial insurers. None of the plans listed in
Schedule 5.23 provides for post-retirement health coverage (except as required
by ERISA Sections 601-609) or post-retirement life insurance benefits.
5.24 Insurance, Surety Bonds, Damages.
Schedule 5.24 lists all insurance policies and surety bonds of ACEC now in
effect and maintained or held by ACEC at the date hereof, which list is
accurate, true and complete in all material respects, and that list also sets
forth the names of the respective insureds and their addresses. The premiums on
such insurance policies and bonds have been currently paid, and such policies
and bonds are valid, outstanding and enforceable, in full force and effect.
Seller will cause ACEC to maintain coverage of similar kinds and amounts and to
pay the premium for such coverage through the Closing Date. As of the date of
this Agreement, no insurance carrier has denied any claim for insurance made by
ACEC in respect of any of the Assets or refused to renew any policy issued in
respect of any of the Assets.
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5.25 Environmental Laws.
Except as set forth in Schedule 5.25: (i) ACEC is in compliance with all
Environmental Laws relating to its operation of the Systems, its ownership of
the Real Estate and its leasing of the real property it leases; (ii) no order,
directions or notices relating to the Systems have been issued pursuant to any
Environmental Law and no government agency has submitted to ACEC any request for
information pursuant to any Environmental Law relating to the Systems; (iii) to
the best of Seller's and ACEC's knowledge, there are no Environmental Permits
required under any Environmental Law in connection with the operation of the
Systems as presently operated or in connection with the Real Estate or leased
property; (iv) during the term that ACEC has occupied the Real Estate and any
leased real property, the Real Estate and such leased real property as has been
occupied by ACEC has not been utilized for (or, to ACEC's knowledge, affected
by) any industrial or commercial operation involving the generation, storage,
release or disposal of any Hazardous Substance, nor to Seller's knowledge has
any such utilization been made by any other present or previous owner, tenant,
occupant or user of such Real Estate or leased property; and (v) ACEC has
obtained all governmental authorizations under Environmental Laws necessary for
the operation of the Assets, which governmental authorizations are in full force
and effect (or ACEC or Buyer can readily obtain all such governmental
authorizations upon or promptly after the Closing in the ordinary course of
business and without disruption or delay of the operation of the Systems).
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.25, ACEC has received no notification pursuant
to any Environmental Laws that: (a) any work, repairs, construction or capital
expenditures are required to be made in respect of any of the Assets as a
condition of compliance with any Environmental Laws relating to the Systems; or
(b) any currently held material Environmental Permit relating to the Systems is
about to be made subject to materially different limitations or conditions, or
is about to be revoked, withdrawn or terminated. No claim or investigation based
on Environmental Laws which relate to any Real Estate or leased property or any
operations or conditions thereon (a) has been asserted or conducted in the past
or is currently pending against or with respect to ACEC or any other Person or
(to Seller's knowledge) is threatened or contemplated. To Seller's knowledge, no
release of Hazardous Substances outside the Real Estate or leased property has
entered or threatens to enter any Real Estate or leased property nor is there
any pending or threatened claim based on Environmental Laws which arises from
any condition of land surrounding Real Estate or leased property. Seller has
provided, or prior to Closing, will provide, Buyer with complete and correct
copies of all studies, reports or surveys in Seller's and ACEC's possession
relating to the presence or alleged presence of Hazardous Substances at, on or
affecting the Real Estate or leased real property. No underground or above
ground storage tanks are currently (and, to Seller's and ACEC's knowledge, no
such tanks have been) located on any Real Estate. To Seller's knowledge, (a) no
Real Estate or any property leased by ACEC has been used at any time as a
gasoline service station or any other facility for storing, pumping, dispensing,
or producing gasoline or any other petroleum products or wastes, and (b) no
building or other structure on any Real Estate or any property leased by ACEC
contains asbestos.
5.26 No Other Commitment to Sell.
No part of the Systems or any of the Assets is directly or indirectly
subject in any manner
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to any written or oral commitment or any understanding or arrangement for the
sale, transfer, assignment, or disposition thereof, in whole or in part, except
(i) pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) as provided in any of ACEC's Franchises or
in the general security provisions of any of ACEC's debt instruments, (iii) the
sale of any Asset in the ordinary course of business which has been or will be
replaced by ACEC on or before the Closing Date with a replacement Asset of equal
or greater value, or (iv) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 5.26.
5.27 Disclosure.
No representation or warranty made herein by Seller, and no statement by
Seller contained in any certificate or other instrument furnished or to be
furnished by Seller to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, contains or will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact.
5.28 Affiliate Agreements to be Terminated prior to or upon Closing.
Schedule 5.28 sets forth those contracts, agreements, arrangements and
understandings between ACEC and any Affiliate of ACEC which will be included in
ACEC's Assets immediately prior to or upon the Closing ("Affiliate Agreements").
Seller will cause ACEC to terminate all such Affiliate Agreements prior to or
upon the Closing, without payment by Buyer or ACEC of any penalty, premium,
liquidated damages or other compensation on account thereof (other than the
Purchase Price adjustments contemplated on the basis of Buyer's compliance with
clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 3.3(c)). Seller will also cause ACEC to use its
reasonable, good faith efforts to effect the termination as of the Closing Date
of any and all of ACEC's then existing programming licenses for any System's
distribution of CATV programming.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
As an inducement to Seller to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer hereby makes the following
representations and warranties:
6.1 Organization.
Buyer is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws
of the State of Delaware and has the power and authority to own and use its
properties and to transact the business in which it is engaged and to acquire
the ACEC Membership Interest pursuant to this Agreement. Buyer is (or will be,
prior to the Closing) qualified to do business in the State of California.
6.2 Authorization; Enforceability
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other instruments or
documents
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executed by Buyer in connection herewith, as well as all action required to be
taken hereunder or thereunder by Buyer, have been duly authorized by Buyer, and
upon execution and delivery, each such document will constitute the valid and
binding obligation of Buyer enforceable upon and in accordance with its terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general principles
of equity. All Persons who have executed this Agreement on behalf of Buyer are
authorized to do so under its organizational documents and the laws of its state
of creation.
6.3 No Default.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other instruments or
documents executed by Buyer in connection herewith and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not violate any provision of, or
constitute a default under any provision in Buyer's Certificate of Incorporation
or Bylaws or any agreement or instrument to which Buyer is a party or which is
otherwise applicable to Buyer or result in the acceleration of any obligation,
or to the best of its knowledge, cause or give any reason for an adverse action
to be taken by any person or governmental authority under any mortgage, lien,
lease, agreement, instrument, order, judgment, or decree to which Buyer is a
party or by which it is bound and will not violate or conflict with any other
restriction to which Buyer is subject, including, to the best of Buyer's
knowledge, federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
6.4 Litigation.
As of the date hereof, there is no pending suit, claim, action or
proceeding to which Buyer is a party which individually or in the aggregate will
have a material adverse affect upon the business or condition, financial or
otherwise, of Buyer. As of the date hereof, no judgment, order or decree has
been entered nor any such liability incurred which has such effect. There is no
claim, action or proceeding pending as of the date hereof or threatened as of
the date hereof against Buyer of which Buyer has received notice which will
prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
6.5 Finders' and Brokers' Fees.
Buyer has not employed any broker or finder or incurred any liability for
any brokerage fees, commissions or finders' fees in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
6.6 Disclosure.
No representation or warranty made herein by Buyer, and no statement
contained in any certificate or other instrument furnished or to be furnished by
Buyer to Seller pursuant to this Agreement, contains or will contain any untrue
statement of a material fact.
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ARTICLE VII
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF ACEC PRIOR TO CLOSING
7.1 Restrictions on Operations Prior to Closing Date.
Following its execution hereof and to and including the Closing Date,
Seller shall cause ACEC to conduct ACEC's business and operations and maintain
all of the Assets according to ACEC's ordinary and usual course of business,
except as otherwise contemplated by the provisions of this Agreement.
Furthermore, without the prior written consent of Buyer, Seller agrees to cause
ACEC not to:
(i) Make any contract, incur any indebtedness or provide any
guarantee, other than in the ordinary course of business or under
the 1998 Credit Agreement;
(ii) Sell, transfer, lease, or assign any Asset, or take or agree to
take any action, other than in the ordinary course of business;
(iii) Increase in any manner the compensation of any of ACEC's
employees (except for normal increases in line with past practices,
and sale-related performance and Closing bonuses payable by ACEC to
those employees who remain in the employ of ACEC through the Closing
Date and for which Buyer shall have no liability) or commit (without
first making commercially reasonable efforts to avoid commiting) to
any employment or collective bargaining agreements;
(iv) Cancel or fail to renew any of the insurance policies referred
to in Schedule 5.24 except in compliance with Section 5.24;
(v) Fail to use its diligent efforts to keep the business of ACEC
intact, to keep in service the present officers and key employees of
ACEC consistent with good business practices and to preserve the
good will of ACEC's suppliers and customers and others having
business relations with it; or
(vi) Grant subscribers or potential subscribers any discounts or
waive any service or installation fees or grant any other promotion
in connection with marketing activities, which are not in accordance
with any System's past practices in the ordinary course of business.
7.2 Payment of Obligations.
Seller shall cause ACEC to pay ACEC's current liabilities consistent with
prior business practices as and when they become due, except those being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
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7.3 Inventory.
Seller shall cause ACEC to continue to maintain ACEC's inventory of
equipment, cable and supplies consistent with ACEC's past practice, which has
been to maintain a 30-to-90 day inventory supply.
7.4 Compliance with Franchises.
Seller shall cause ACEC to continue to comply in all material respects
with the provisions of the Franchises.
7.5 Victorville Rebuild.
Seller shall cause ACEC to make available to Buyer (or Buyer's designated
on-site representative) continuous access to all Victorville Upgrade
construction sites and all information regarding the on-going costs and progress
of that Upgrade. As Seller's work on the Victorville Upgrade proceeds, Seller
shall keep Buyer informed of the progress thereof and shall notify Buyer, at
least five business days prior thereto, of that date on which (by Seller's
estimate) the Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost will reach and equal Three
Million Five Hundred Thousand dollars ($3,500,000). Buyer shall then have the
right, at Buyer's option to be exercised within three business days after
Buyer's receipt of Seller's foregoing notice, to direct Seller to continue with
all, or a designated dollar amount of, the Victorville Upgrade at Buyer's cost
and expense (as contemplated by the proviso set forth in the second sentence of
Section 3.3(d)).
ARTICLE VIII
INVESTIGATION BY BUYER
8.1 Access to Records.
Following its execution hereof and to and including the Closing Date,
Seller shall give Buyer and its representatives, including, without limitation,
advisors, accountants and attorneys designated by Buyer, full access during
ordinary business hours, upon reasonable notice, to its premises, assets,
properties, books of account, agreements and commitments, provided that Buyer's
investigation and use of the same shall not unreasonably interfere with ACEC's
normal operations. Seller shall permit Buyer to inspect, review and copy all
information with respect to the business and affairs of ACEC to which Buyer may,
from time to time, reasonably request access, including, without limitation, any
interim financial statements and reports of ACEC and the tax returns and
information relating to ACEC. Seller shall cause ACEC's employees to render to
Buyer and its representatives reasonable cooperation in connection with their
investigation of ACEC's premises, assets, properties, records, books of account,
agreements, commitments and other information relating to the CATV Business and
the Systems. No such investigation by Buyer or its representatives of the assets
and other information relating to ACEC's affairs shall affect the continuing
validity or effect of the representations and warranties
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of Seller contained in this Agreement. In the event that Buyer discovers any
fact which would result in a Seller's representation or warranty being
inaccurate, or any other breach of this Agreement by Seller, Buyer will give
prompt notice of such breach to Seller, specifying the nature of such breach in
reasonable detail and Seller shall have the right (but not the obligation) to
cure such breach prior to the Closing.
8.2 Publicity.
Except as required by applicable law, (i) Seller and Buyer shall consult
with and cooperate with the other with respect to the content and timing of all
press releases and other public announcements concerning this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) neither Buyer nor Seller shall make
any such release or announcement without the prior written consent and approval
of the other, which consent and approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
ARTICLE IX
FURTHER COVENANTS
9.1 Delivery of Documents to Buyer.
Seller covenants that, to the extent that it has not already done so,
Seller will insofar as practicable deliver or otherwise make available (or cause
ACEC to deliver or otherwise make available) to Buyer for inspection, at
Stamford, Connecticut or San Bernardino, California, the following within thirty
(30) days after the Signature Date, or as specifically delineated below:
(i) ACEC's most recently prepared managerial reports and subscriber
accounting records, which shall include a subscriber accounts
receivable aging report summarizing, respectively, subscribers whose
accounts are at least one, two, and three or more Monthly Billing
Periods overdue, for the last (or then most recently concluded)
regular Monthly Billing Period.
(ii) Copies of the Additional Financial Statements as soon as
practicable after completion, but in any case, within forty-five
(45) days of the end of the period covered by any such Additional
Financial Statement, and monthly statements of operating income
within 30 days after the end of each month.
(iii) Copies of such as-built engineering drawings as ACEC has in
its possession for the Systems, or, if not available, such design
maps and plant drawings and as-built engineering drawings as ACEC
has in its possession will be made available to Buyer for inspection
and at the Closing will be left on site at a System office for
Buyer.
(iv) Copies of any and all bonds in force with regard to the Systems
and ACEC.
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(v) Copies of all written franchises, contracts, agreements and
other documents listed in the Schedules, together with a certificate
of a duly authorized executive officer, certifying that to the best
of such officer's knowledge the copies so delivered are true and
complete in all material respects.
(vi) Copies of any required Registration Statements filed with the
FCC pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Section 76.12.
(vii) The Initial Notice of Identity and Signal Carriage, and all
subsequent statements of account filed with the Copyright Office
within the past three years and all Notices of Change of Identity or
Signal Carriage filed within the past three years shall be made
available for inspection by Buyer or its representatives upon
reasonable notice.
(viii)Copies of radio licenses, earth station licenses and CARS
licenses.
(ix) Copies of must carry elections and retransmission consent
agreements;
To the extent that any of the items referred to above are received or
filed after a date which is 30 days from the Signature Date, Seller covenants to
deliver such items to Buyer as soon as practicable after receipt or filing.
9.2 Transfer of Franchises and Necessary Contracts Prior to Closing.
Seller shall cause ACEC to file, within 45 days after the Signature Date,
all necessary and appropriate Form 394's and all other submissions to
governmental authorities in connection with the transfer of control of the
Franchises, and shall also cause ACEC to use its diligent good faith efforts,
prior to the Closing Date (including, without limitation, attendance at City
Council or similar meetings and hearings before local and county administrative
bodies) to obtain at ACEC's expense all requisite consents, approvals and
authorizations required to be received by or on the part of ACEC or Buyer for
the transfer of control of the Franchises and the Necessary Contracts, provided
that neither Seller nor ACEC shall be required to incur any material expense or
obligation in connection therewith (other than the commitment to be undertaken
by ACEC to upgrade that portion of the Rancho System serving the City of Rancho
Cucamonga to 750 MHz, as hereinbefore provided, in the event that ACEC obtains a
renewal of its Franchise issued by the City of Rancho Cucamonga). Seller shall
cause ACEC to commence its efforts to obtain such Required Consents as soon as
practicable after the Signature Date. Buyer agrees to prepare and deliver the
requisite Form 394's to ACEC within thirty (30) days after the Signature Date
and to cooperate fully with and to assist Seller and ACEC, subject to all the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, in obtaining such approvals, including,
without limitation, attendance at City Council or similar meetings and hearings
before local and county administrative bodies and to promptly return to ACEC any
reasonably requested documents required to be executed or delivered by Buyer to
the franchisors in the normal course of the transfer proceedings.
9.3 Further Assurances.
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Each of the parties hereto shall, subject to the fulfillment at or before
the Closing Date of each of the conditions to its performance set forth herein
or the waiver thereof, perform such further acts and execute such documents as
reasonably may be required to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Each of the parties hereto shall use all reasonable efforts to expeditiously
fulfill or obtain the fulfillment of the conditions precedent of the other party
set forth below, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to expand any
parties' obligations hereunder.
9.4 Environmental Reports.
Within sixty (60) days after the Signature Date, Seller shall cause to be
prepared and delivered a Phase I environmental report and, if recommended in
such report, within forty-five (45) days thereafter, a Phase II environmental
report for each parcel of Real Estate that is listed on Schedule 5.16. The cost
for the Phase I environmental reports shall be borne fifty percent (50%) by
Seller and fifty percent (50%) by Buyer. The cost of any Phase II environmental
reports shall be borne entirely (100%) by Seller. Seller shall deliver to Buyer
a copy of each environmental report within three (3) business days of receipt of
such report by Seller. Subject to Section 14(a) hereof, if such environmental
reports disclose one or more adverse environmental conditions, Seller shall
assume full responsibility for remediation of each such environmental condition
and shall bear all expenses incurred in connection therewith.
9.5 HSR Notification.
As promptly as practicable after the Signature Date, and in any event
within thirty (30) days after the Signature Date, Seller and Buyer shall
complete and file, or cause to be completed and filed, any required notification
and report required to be filed under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-Trust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"). Each of the parties will
take or cause to be taken any additional action that may be necessary, proper or
advisable, will cooperate to prevent inconsistencies between their respective
filings and will furnish to each other such necessary information and reasonable
assistance as the other may reasonably request in connection with its
preparation of necessary filings or submissions under the HSR Act. Buyer and
Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts (including the filing of a
request for early termination) to obtain the early termination of the waiting
period under the HSR Act. Seller and Buyer shall each bear one-half (50%) of the
entire cost of any filing fees in connection therewith.
9.6 Diligent, Good Faith Efforts.
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Buyer and
Seller shall each use its diligent, good faith efforts to fulfill the respective
conditions precedent to Closing hereunder that are to be fulfilled by such party
and to take, or cause to be taken, and to do all things reasonably necessary,
proper or advisable under any applicable law to consummate and make effective in
the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated hereby.
9.7 No Solicitation.
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From and after the Signature Date to the earlier of the Closing Date or
the termination of this Agreement by either Seller or Buyer, neither Seller nor
any of its Affiliates (including ACEC) nor any officer, director, employee,
agent (including without limitation, any investment banker, financial advisor,
attorney or accountant) or other representative of Seller or any of its
Affiliates shall, directly or indirectly for or on behalf of Seller or ACEC,
initiate any contact with, or solicit, encourage, negotiate or enter into any
agreement with, or enter into or continue any discussions or negotiations with
or provide any information to, any Third Party in connection with any possible
sale or acquisition of the ACEC Membership Interest, the Assets or any part
thereof.
9.8 Closing Notice.
Seller shall deliver to Buyer the Closing notice referred to in Section
4.1 promptly upon, and in any event within ten (10) business days after, the
satisfaction (or waiver) of all conditions to Buyer's obligation to consummate
the Closing.
9.9 Termination of ACEC's 401(k) Plan.
Seller shall cause ACEC to terminate ACEC's 401(k) plan prior to the
Closing.
9.10 Transfer Tax Return Filings.
Each party legally obligated to file any Tax Return (or any exemption,
clearance or similar filing or certificate) with respect to any Transfer Taxes
required to be paid to any relevant taxing authority (or for which an exemption
is being sought) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement shall timely file such Tax Return (or exemption, clearance or similar
filing or certificate) with respect thereto.
9.11 Revision of ACEC Operating Agreement.
ACEC shall revise its Operating Agreement within fifteen (15) business
days after the date hereof, so as to provide for the continuation of ACEC's
valid existence notwithstanding (i) any sale of the ACEC Membership Interest and
(ii) any change in the identity of ACEC's respective member(s).
ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ALL PARTIES
The obligations of each of the parties to consummate the transaction
contemplated hereby are subject to the conditions that:
10.1 Orders Prohibiting Consummation of Transactions.
At the Closing Date, there shall exist no applicable law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment
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or injunction the effect of which is to prohibit consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
10.2 HSR Act.
All necessary pre-merger notification filings required under the HSR Act
will have been made with the Federal Trade Commission and the United States
Department of Justice and the prescribed waiting periods (and any extensions
thereof) will have expired or been terminated.
10.3 Closing Date Subscriber Total.
The Closing Date Subscriber Total shall not be less than 66,000; provided,
that Buyer shall have the right, at its sole option, unilaterally to effect the
joint waiver of the foregoing condition by and on behalf of both Buyer and
Seller, provided, further, that in the event of any such joint waiver effected
by Buyer, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived any right to any Purchase Price
adjustment (whether pursuant to Section 3.3(b) or otherwise) on account of the
Closing Date Subscriber Total's being less than 66,000; provided, further, that
any such joint waiver effected by Buyer shall not be deemed to waive or limit
Buyer's right to a Purchase Price adjustment pursuant to Section 3.3(b) hereof
on account of the Closing Date Subscriber Total's being less than 68,200 (any
such adjustment in that event to be limited to an aggregate total of 2,200 Basic
Subscribers).
ARTICLE XI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS
All obligations of Buyer under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment in all material respects (or waiver in whole or in part by Buyer in
writing) on or before the Closing Date (or such earlier date as may be
specified), of each of the following conditions:
11.1 Compliance with Agreement.
Seller shall have performed and complied with its obligations under this
Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to Closing.
11.2 Correctness of Representations and Warranties.
The representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement,
and in the certificates delivered to Buyer pursuant hereto, shall be true in all
respects on the date hereof and on the Closing Date as though such
representations and warranties were made on and as of the Closing Date, except
to the extent that any inaccuracies do not, in the aggregate, constitute a
material adverse effect with respect to the Assets, or the Systems, taken as a
whole.
11.3 No Adverse Change in Business or Properties.
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Since September 30, 1998, neither the Business, the Systems nor the Assets
have been affected in the aggregate adversely to a material extent or interfered
with in any material way, except for matters affecting the CATV industry
generally.
11.4 Termination of Affiliate Agreements.
ACEC shall have terminated the Affiliate Agreements (including, without
limitation, the 1998 Credit Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and the Security
Agreement) prior to the Closing, or shall have arranged for the termination
thereof subject to and effective upon the consummation of the Closing and the
repayment pursuant to Section 3.3(c) of the long-term debt, management fees and
other sums referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of that Section (including,
without limitation, all of the debt and accrued interest outstanding under the
1998 Credit Agreement).
11.5 Instrument of Transfer.
Seller shall deliver to Buyer the Assignment, duly executed by Seller, in
substantially the form of Exhibit 2.2, selling, assigning and transferring to
Buyer all right, title and interest in and to the ACEC Membership Interest.
11.6 Certificate of Officer.
Seller shall deliver to Buyer a certificate of an authorized executive
officer of Seller dated the Closing Date, certifying as to the fulfillment of
the conditions set forth in Sections 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3 above, together with a
certified authorizing resolution and incumbency certificate.
11.7 Rancho Cucamonga Franchise.
ACEC shall not have executed, entered into or otherwise accepted any
renewal of the Franchise for the City of Rancho Cucamonga without the prior
written consent of Buyer, which consent Buyer shall not unreasonably withhold;
provided, that it is expressly agreed that ACEC shall not have any obligation
under this Agreement to execute, enter into or otherwise accept any renewal of
its Franchise with the City of Rancho Cucamonga, except at ACEC's sole
discretion (and only then subject to Buyer's foregoing consent), and the
execution, entry into or other acceptance of any renewal of the foregoing
Franchise, whether by ACEC or the City of Rancho Cucamonga or both of them,
shall not be a condition under this Article XI.
11.8 Pole Attachments.
ACEC shall have used its reasonable good faith efforts to have obtained
and entered into pole attachment agreements, in substantially such form as the
respective utility shall have required or provided, for the pole attachments
referenced in Section 5.13 hereof.
11.9 Opinion of Counsel.
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Buyer shall have received from Seller's Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, Day L. Patterson, or from Seller's counsel, Baer Marks & Upham LLP, a
favorable opinion of Mr. Patterson or such counsel, addressed to Buyer and its
lenders dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 11.9.
11.10 Opinion of FCC Counsel.
Buyer shall have received from Seller's FCC counsel, Cole Raywid &
Braverman, a favorable opinion of such counsel, addressed to Buyer and its
lenders dated as of the Closing Date, in the form of Exhibit 11.10.
11.11 Members' Indemnity.
Buyer shall have received from Seller an indemnity in substantially the
form of Exhibit 11.11, duly executed by each of Seller's members, together with
one or more legal opinions of the members' respective legal counsel as to the
respective member's due execution and authorization of that indemnity and the
enforceability thereof as to such member upon and in accordance with its terms,
subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
other laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and general principles of
equity.
11.12 Consents.
All consents or approvals of franchisors, governmental authorities and
other Third Parties which are Required Consents in connection with the transfer
of the ACEC Membership Interest to Buyer and the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall have been obtained in substantially the form set forth
in Exhibit 11.12 (subject to the asterisked provisions thereof and footnote
therein), or in such other form as the respective Third Party may reasonably
request (but without any terms or provisions materially adverse to Buyer, other
than those terms and provisions set forth in Exhibit 11.12), and Seller shall
have delivered to Buyer copies of all such Required Consents (and any other
consents and approvals) so obtained. Without Buyer's approval, the Required
Consents (and any other consents and approvals) shall not contain any materially
adverse changes to the underlying documents to which they apply.
11.13 Resignations of ACEC Officers
Buyer shall have received from Seller the resignations of each officer of
ACEC, effective the Closing Date.
ARTICLE XII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLER'S OBLIGATIONS
All obligations of Seller under this Agreement are subject to fulfillment
in all material respects (or waiver in whole or in part by Seller in writing) on
or before the Closing Date (or
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such earlier date as may be specified) of each of the following conditions:
12.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties.
The representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement,
and in the certificates delivered to Seller pursuant hereto, shall be true in
all respects on the date hereof and on the Closing Date as though such
representations and warranties were made on and as of the Closing Date, except
to the extent that any inaccuracies do not, in the aggregate, constitute a
material adverse effect with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or
Buyer's ability to consummate same.
12.2 Compliance with Agreement.
Buyer shall have performed and complied with its obligations under this
Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to Closing.
12.3 Certificate of Officer.
Buyer shall have delivered to Seller a certificate signed by an executive
officer of Buyer, dated the Closing Date, certifying as to the fulfillment of
the conditions set forth in Sections 12.1 and 12.2 above, together with a
certified authorizing board resolution and incumbency certificate.
12.4 Opinion of Counsel.
Seller shall have received from Buyer's counsel, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky
& Walker LLP, a favorable opinion of such counsel, addressed to Seller dated as
of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 12.5.
ARTICLE XIII
EXPENSES OF NEGOTIATION AND TRANSFER
13.1 Expenses.
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party shall pay its
own expenses, taxes and other costs incident to or resulting from this Agreement
whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated. Costs of
Seller include, but are not limited to, all filing and application fees paid to
governmental and regulatory authorities in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (with the exception of the HSR filing fees
referred to in Section 9.6 hereof, which fees shall be paid one-half by by
Seller and one-half by Buyer at the time of filing), and documentary taxes.
Buyer's costs include, but are not limited to, fees for the filing or recording
of instruments of transfer. In accordance with Section 3.3(g), the Purchase
Price shall be decreased by one-half of (and Buyer and Seller shall thereby
divide equally between them) the aggregate amount of all Transfer Taxes.
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<PAGE> 50
ARTICLE XIV
RIGHTS TO TERMINATE; BREACH; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
14. Termination.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing:
(i) at any time by mutual consent of Seller and Buyer;
(ii) by either Seller or Buyer if there shall be in effect a final,
nonappealable order restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby;
(iii) by Seller (provided that Seller is not then in material breach
of any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement
contained herein), in the event that Buyer shall be in material
breach or default under this Agreement or the Deposit Escrow
Agreement, and shall have failed to cure such breach or default
within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof from
Seller; provided, that if Buyer shall fail to make the Deposit
pursuant to Section 3.2(a) hereof, then Seller shall have the right
to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Buyer, effective
immediately;
(iv) by Seller, if all the conditions set forth in Section 12 have
not been satisfied (or waived by Seller) by the Outside Date other
than due, in whole or in part, to a breach or default by Seller; and
(v) by Seller, if any Phase I environmental report or Phase II
environmental report for any Phase I property obtained pursuant to
Section 9.5 discloses one or more adverse environmental conditions
and Seller concludes, in its reasonable judgment, that the cost of
remediation of such condition(s) will exceed One Million dollars
($1,000,000); provided that termination pursuant to this Section
14(a)(v) shall not be effective, and shall be void ab initio, in the
event that within ten (10) business days after receipt of Seller's
notice of termination Buyer delivers notice to Seller that Buyer
will bear all costs in connection with such remediation in excess of
One Million dollars ($1,000,000).
(vi) by Buyer (provided that Buyer is not then in material breach of
any representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained
herein), in the event that Seller shall be in material breach or
default under this Agreement or the Deposit Escrow Agreement, and
shall have failed to cure such breach or default within thirty (30)
days after receiving written notice thereof from Buyer; and
(vii) by Buyer, if all the conditions set forth in Section 11 have
not been satisfied (or waived by Buyer) by the Outside Date other
than due, in whole or in part, to a breach or default by Buyer.
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<PAGE> 51
(b) In the event either party shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to
Section 14(a), the terminating party shall give prompt written notice thereof to
the other party hereto and this Agreement shall thereupon terminate, without
further action by either of the parties hereto. If the Agreement is terminated
as provided herein: (i) except as otherwise provided herein, the termination of
this Agreement shall not relieve any party of any liability for breach of this
Agreement prior to the date of termination; and (ii) all filings, applications
and other submissions relating to the transfer of the Assets made pursuant to
this Agreement shall, to the extent practicable, be withdrawn from the agency
or other person to which made. In the event of a termination of this Agreement
by Buyer or Seller, the provisions of this Section 14(b) shall survive any such
termination.
(c) Nothing in this Article XIV is intended or shall be construed to limit
any right either party may have under any other provision of this Agreement with
respect to the remedy of specific performance.
ARTICLE XV
INDEMNIFICATION
15.1 Indemnification by Seller.
(a) Seller shall indemnify Buyer against and hold it harmless from any and
all Indemnifiable Damages which Buyer may suffer or incur by reason of (i)
Seller's breach of any of Seller's representations and warranties contained in
this Agreement or any document, certificate or agreement delivered pursuant
hereto, (ii) Seller's breach of any of Seller's covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement or any document, certificate or agreement delivered
pursuant hereto, or (iii) any liabilities for obligations, whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, of Seller
(or of ACEC, other than those ACEC liabilities for which Buyer receives a
purchase price adjustment pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof) or arising out of any
acts occurring (or the operation of the Business) prior to the Closing. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to the measurement of
Indemnifiable Damages, Buyer shall have the right to be put in the same
financial position as it would have been in had Seller not breached the
respective representation, warranty, covenant or agreement. However,
notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, if Buyer
makes any claim for damages, Buyer will use reasonable efforts to mitigate the
amount and nature thereof in accordance with customary industry procedures and
all reasonable costs and expenses that Buyer incurs in mitigating those damages
shall be considered Indemnifiable Damages.
(b) Seller's obligation to indemnify Buyer pursuant to Section 15.1(a)
shall be subject to and limited by each of the following qualifications:
(i) Each of the Title Interest Representations made by Seller in this
Agreement or pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing hereunder for the
respective statute of limitations governing the survival thereof, unless (and
then only to the extent) a claim shall have been
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<PAGE> 52
commenced by Buyer's providing Seller (and the Escrow Agent, if there shall then
be an Escrow Agent) with written notice thereof prior to the expiration of that
statute of limitations. In any notice delivered by Buyer pursuant to the
preceding sentence, Buyer shall identify the claim, set forth the basis thereof
and its good faith estimate of the amount of damages thereof, and in that event
the applicable Title Interest Representations shall survive solely with respect
to such claim until such claim has been resolved, and thereafter shall be
extinguished as to such claim. No legal action or proceeding for the enforcement
of any Title Interest Representation may be commenced after the expiration of
the respective statute of limitations governing the survival of that
representation or warranty.
(ii) Each of the other representations and warranties made by Seller in
this Agreement or pursuant hereto (i.e., other than any Title Interest
Representation) shall survive the Closing hereunder for a period of fifteen (15)
months from and after the Closing Date, unless (and then only to the extent) a
claim shall have been commenced by Buyer's providing Seller and the Escrow Agent
with written notice thereof within fifteen (15) months after the Closing Date.
In any notice delivered by Buyer pursuant to the preceding sentence, Buyer shall
identify the claim, set forth the basis thereof and its good faith estimate of
the amount of damages thereof, and in that event the applicable representations
and warranties shall survive solely with respect to such claim until such claim
has been resolved, and thereafter shall be extinguished as to such claim. No
legal action or proceeding for the enforcement of any foregoing claim may be
commenced more than fifteen (15) months following the Closing Date.
(iii) Seller shall have no liability to Buyer for or on account of any of
the Indemnifiable Damages provided in Section 15.1(a)(i) (except with respect to
any broker's fee payable by ACEC or Seller pursuant to Section 5.22) unless and
until such damages in the aggregate (exclusive of and without reference to any
and all damages attributable to any breach of any representation or warranty
attributable to Seller's breach of any covenant, provided that the breach of
such covenant is indemnifiable by Seller under Section 15.1(a)(ii)) exceed Five
Hundred Thousand dollars ($500,000) (the "Basket"), in which case such damages
shall include the entire amount of the Indemnifiable Damages, including those
not in excess of the Basket.
(iv) The total aggregate liability of Seller, whether pursuant to its
indemnity obligation under this Section 15.1 or otherwise under this Agreement,
shall be limited in all respects to, and shall be payable solely from, the
Indemnity Fund; provided, that (a) the total aggregate liability of Seller as to
any and all breaches of any and all of Seller's representations or warranties
(other than any Title Asset Representation or any Title Interest Representation)
shall be limited in all respects to Seven Million Two Hundred Thousand dollars
($7,200,000) of the Indemnity Fund and (b) the total liability of Seller as to
any breach of any Title Interest Representation shall not be limited to or by
the Indemnity Fund but shall instead be limited solely to the amount of the
Purchase Price. Upon the occurrence of an event to which Seller's indemnity
obligations under this Section 15.1 applies, Buyer's sole and exclusive remedy
shall be recourse to the Indemnity Fund (except as hereinabove expressly
provided otherwise with respect to any Title Interest Representation).
(v) In the event that Buyer shall submit any claim for indemnification by
Seller under
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<PAGE> 53
this Agreement, the basis for which claim could or might reasonably support any
claim by ACEC against any one or more of Booth Communications Of Southern
California Assets, Inc., Booth Communications Of Southern California, Inc.,
Booth American Company, DCA Cablevision and The Marks Partners, L.P. (whether in
any such Person's capacity as seller, guarantor or otherwise), Buyer shall
diligently pursue such claim and shall credit any recovery thereon to and
against Buyer's foregoing claim for indemnification against Seller, and Seller
shall cooperate fully with Buyer's prosecution of any such claim.
15.2 Indemnification by Buyer.
(a) Buyer shall indemnify Seller against and hold it harmless from any and
all Indemnifiable Damages which Seller may suffer or incur by reason of (i)
Buyer's breach of any of Buyer's representations and warranties contained in
this Agreement or any document, certificate or agreement delivered pursuant
hereto, (ii) Buyer's breach of any of Buyer's covenants or agreements contained
in this Agreement or any document, certificate or agreement delivered pursuant
hereto, or (iii) any liabilities for obligations, whether accrued, absolute,
contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, assumed by Buyer
pursuant to this Agreement or any document, certificate or agreement delivered
pursuant hereto or arising out of any acts occurring (or the operation of the
Business) after the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
with respect to the measurement of Indemnifiable Damages, Seller shall have the
right to be put in the same financial position as it would have been in had
Buyer not breached the respective representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement. However, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, if Seller makes any claim for damages, Seller will use reasonable
efforts to mitigate the amount and nature thereof in accordance with customary
industry procedures and all reasonable costs and expenses that Seller incurs in
mitigating those damages shall be considered Indemnifiable Damages.
(b) Buyer's obligation to indemnify Seller pursuant to Section 15.2(a)
shall be subject to and limited by each of the following qualifications:
(i) Each of the representations and warranties made by Buyer in this
Agreement or pursuant hereto shall survive the Closing hereunder for a period of
fifteen (15) months from and after the Closing Date, unless (and then only to
the extent) a claim shall have been commenced by Seller's providing Buyer and
the Escrow Agent with written notice thereof within fifteen (15) months after
the Closing Date. In any notice delivered by Seller pursuant to the preceding
sentence, Seller shall set forth the basis of its claim for damages and its good
faith estimate of the amount thereof, in which case the applicable
representations and warranties shall survive with respect to such claim until
such claim has been resolved, and thereafter all such representations and
warranties shall be extinguished, and no action for the enforcement of the
foregoing obligation may be commenced with respect to any claim made more than
fifteen (15) months following the Closing Date.
(ii) Buyer shall have no liability to Seller for or on account of any of
the Indemnifiable Damages provided in Section 15.2(a)(i) unless and until such
damages in the aggregate (exclusive of and without reference to any and all
damages attributable to any breach
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<PAGE> 54
of any representation or warranty attributable to Buyer's breach of any
covenant, provided that the breach of such covenant is indemnifiable by Buyer
under Section 15.2(a)(ii)) exceed the Basket (i.e., $500,000), in which case
such damages shall include the entire amount of the Indemnifiable Damages,
including those not in excess of the Basket.
(iii) The total aggregate post-Closing liability of Buyer, whether
pursuant to its indemnity obligation under this Section 15.1 or otherwise under
this Agreement, shall be limited in all respects to Seven Million Two Hundred
Thousand dollars ($7,200,000).
15.3 Notice and Right to Defend Third Party Claims.
Promptly, upon receipt of notice of any claim, demand or assessment made
by any Third Party or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding brought
by any Third Party in respect of which indemnity may be sought on account of any
provision of Article XV hereof, the party seeking indemnification (the
"Indemnitee") will give written notice thereof to the party from whom
indemnification is sought (the "Indemnitor") promptly and in any event within
sufficient time to enable the Indemnitor to respond to such claim or answer or
otherwise plead in such action. The failure or omission of such Indemnitee to
notify promptly the Indemnitor of any such Third Party claim or action shall not
relieve such Indemnitor from any liability which it may have to such Indemnitee
in connection therewith, on account of any indemnity agreement contained in
Article XV hereof, except to the extent that the Indemnitor shall have been
materially prejudiced thereby. In case any Third Party claim, demand or
assessment shall be asserted or Third Party suit, action or proceeding commenced
against an Indemnitee, and such Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnitor of the
commencement thereof, the Indemnitor shall be entitled to participate therein,
and, to the extent that it may wish, to assume the defense, conduct or
settlement thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee by
providing the Indemnitee with written notice within 10 days after receipt of the
Indemnitee's notice of the claim, demand or assessment. After notice from the
Indemnitor to the Indemnitee of its election so to assume the defense, conduct
or settlement thereof within such 10-day period, the Indemnitor will not be
liable to the Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred
by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense, conduct or settlement thereof.
The Indemnitee will cooperate with the Indemnitor in connection with any such
claim, and make personnel, books and records relevant to the claim available to
the Indemnitor. In the event that the Indemnitor does not assume the defense,
conduct or settlement of any Third Party claim, demand, or assessment within the
foregoing 10- day period, the Indemnitee will not settle such claim, demand, or
assessment without the consent of the Indemnitor, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. A claim shall be deemed conceded, unless the Indemnitor
shall contest it by giving written notice thereof to the Indemnitee within
thirty (30) days after such claim is made.
15.4 Characterization of Indemnity Payments. Any indemnification payment
made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated for tax purposes as an
adjustment to the Purchase Price, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
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ARTICLE XVI
CASUALTY OR LOSS
16.1 Repairs or Replacement of Assets.
In the event that any of the Assets is damaged or destroyed between the
date hereof and the Closing Date (an "Event of Loss"), then Seller shall cause
ACEC to use such commercially reasonable efforts as would customarily be applied
in the ordinary course of business to repair or replace the respective damaged
or destroyed Asset(s) with comparable property of like value and quality before
the Closing Date. In the event that any such damaged or destroyed Asset(s)
cannot reasonably be repaired or replaced prior to the Closing Date, the
Purchase Price shall be decreased by the replacement cost of any such damaged or
destroyed Asset(s) and all insurance proceeds and claims to insurance proceeds
or other rights of ACEC against any Third Parties arising from such Event of
Loss shall (to the extent assignable under applicable state law and the
applicable insurance policy) be separately assigned to Seller by ACEC. If the
Event of Loss shall have had a material adverse effect on the Systems and the
repair or replacement thereof cannot be accomplished by the Closing Date, the
Closing shall be postponed for a period of up to 60 days to the extent
reasonably necessary to permit Seller to accomplish that repair or replacement;
if, however, the Event of Loss shall have had a material adverse effect on the
Systems and the repair or replacement thereof cannot be accomplished prior to
the expiration of the foregoing 60-day extension period, Seller shall give Buyer
written notice thereof and Buyer may thereupon elect, by written notice to
Seller within thirty (30) days after Buyer's receipt of Seller's foregoing
notice, as follows:
(i) to postpone the Closing, but not more than 90 days beyond the date for
Closing originally scheduled pursuant to Section 4.1, until such date as the
damaged or destroyed Asset(s) can be repaired or replaced in all material
respects as aforesaid;
(ii) to close the sale transaction on the scheduled date of the Closing
and accept the Assets as is (in which event no decrease shall be made to the
Purchase Price in respect of such casualty or loss except to the extent of the
amount of any deductibles under ACEC's insurance policies); or
(iii) to terminate this Agreement without liability on the part of either
Buyer or Seller.
16.2 Risk of Loss.
The risk of any loss, damage or destruction with respect to any of the
Assets (whether from fire, casualty or other cause) shall be borne by and remain
with Seller until the Closing.
ARTICLE XVII
MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 Assignment.
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Neither this Agreement, nor any right hereunder, may be assigned by any of
the parties hereto, except that: (i) Buyer may, upon at least ten (10) days
prior written notice to Seller, assign all of its rights hereunder to an
Affiliate; provided, that such assignment will not delay, impede or otherwise
interfere with Seller's efforts to obtain any Required Consent; and provided,
further, that notwithstanding any such assignment, Buyer shall (with such
Affiliate) be and remain liable to Seller for the performance and fulfillment of
all of Buyer's covenants, duties and obligations hereunder; and (ii) Buyer may
assign all of its rights, duties, covenants and obligations hereunder to any
successor or assign at any time after the Closing, upon ten (10) days prior
written notice to Seller.
17.2 Successors.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Buyer and
Seller and their respective successors or assigns, subject in all respects to
Section 17.1.
17.3 Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, constitutes
the entire agreement of the parties, and supercedes all prior documents,
agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations
or warranties, whether oral or written, by or on behalf of either party hereto
or any officer, employee, representative or agent of either party hereto.
17.4 Third Parties.
Except as specifically set forth or referred to herein, nothing herein
expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give to
any person or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their permitted
successors or assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement.
17.5 Amendments in Writing.
The terms of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived except
by written agreement executed by Buyer and Seller.
17.6 Arbitration.
None of the terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be subject to
arbitration, except as otherwise expressly provided in Schedule 1.87 with
respect to the Victorville Upgrade and the Victorville Upgrade Completion Cost.
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17.7 Governing Law; Enforcement.
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York, without reference to such State's laws governing
conflicts of laws, and the parties covenant and agree to bring any action or
proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any agreement
or instrument executed with respect hereto in the Federal or State courts in New
York County, New York State and consent to the jurisdiction of any such court,
except as otherwise expressly provided in the Closing Escrow Agreement or
Schedule 1.87 hereto. The parties further agree that any service of process with
respect to any such action or proceeding served in accordance with Section 17.9
shall for all purposes be deemed valid service.
17.8 Interpretation.
The headings of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted
for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof or
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Each of
Seller and Buyer acknowledges that it has actively participated in the
preparation, drafting and review of this Agreement, and each party hereby waives
any claim that this Agreement or any provision hereof (or any Exhibit or
Schedule hereto) is to be construed against the other party hereto as the
draftsperson thereof.
17.9 Notices.
All notices hereunder shall be in writing, and shall (i) be transmitted
(or be attempted to be transmitted) by facsimile to the respective facsimile
numbers set forth below (or such other facsimile number as either party may
designate to the other by written notice in accordance herewith) and, in
addition to any such facsimile transmittal, (ii) be delivered (and shall be
deemed to have been delivered on the date of the first attempted delivery) by a
reputable overnight delivery service, to the respective party at its address set
forth below or such other address as either party may designate to the other by
written notice in accordance herewith:
If to Seller:
American Cable Entertainment
Attention: Bruce A. Armstrong,
President and CEO
Four Landmark Square, Suite 302
Stamford, CT 06901
Facsimile Number: (203) 325-3110
with a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself
shall not constitute notice) to:
American Cable Entertainment
Attention: Day L. Patterson,
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<PAGE> 58
SVP and General Counsel
Four Landmark Square, Suite 302
Stamford, Connecticut 06901
Facsimile Number: (203) 325-3110
If to Buyer:
Charter Communications, Inc.
Attention: Jerald L. Kent,
President and CEO
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63131
Facsimile Number: (314) 965-8793
with a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself
shall not constitute notice) to:
Charter Communications, Inc.
Attention: Curtis S. Shaw,
SVP and General Counsel
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63131
Facsimile Number: (314) 965-8793
17.10 Severability.
Any provision hereof which is prohibited or unenforceable shall be
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.
17.11 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which
executed counterparts shall be deemed to constitute an original and all of
which, taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same
instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunto have duly executed this
Agreement.
SELLER:
ACEC HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
By: /s/ Bruce A. Armstrong
------------------------------------------
Bruce A. Armstrong,
President and CEO
Signature Date: January 15, 1999
BUYER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
------------------------------------------
Curtis S. Shaw,
SVP and General Counsel
Signature Date: January 15, 1999
52
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.2(b)
ASSIGNMENT
OF
MEMBERSHIP PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Assignment of Membership Purchase Agreement by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. ("CCI") and its controlled subsidiary, Charter
Communications Entertainment II, LLC ("CCE-II"), is made as of the 23rd day of
February, 1999, with respect to the following:
A. CCI is the "Buyer" of certain membership interests pursuant to the
Membership Purchase Agreement by and between ACEC Holding Company,
LLC ("Seller") and CCI dated January 1, 1999 (the "Purchase
Agreement");
B. Pursuant to Section 17.1 of the Purchase Agreement, CCI may assign
its rights under the Agreement to an Affiliate upon at least ten
(10) days prior written notice to the Seller;
C. CCI desires to assign its rights and liabilities under the Purchase
Agreement and CCE-II desires to assume such rights and liabilities
under the Purchase Agreement;
D. CCI transmitted notice on February 23, 1999 to the Seller of the
intended assignment of rights, with such notice to be deemed
delivered to Seller on February 24, 1999.
In recognition of the above and for other good and valuable consideration
the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. CCI hereby assigns all of its rights and obligations under the
Purchase Agreement to CCE-II.
2. CCE-II agrees to assume all of CCI's rights and obligations under
the Purchase Agreement.
3. The assignment of CCI's rights and obligations under the Purchase
Agreement shall be effective on the earlier of March 8, 1999 or such
earlier date as Seller consents to the assignment.
<PAGE> 2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by their duly authorized officers.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
----------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
----------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
---------------------------
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
ENTERTAINMENT II, LLC
By: /s/ Kent Kalkwarf
----------------------------------
Name: Kent Kalkwarf
----------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
---------------------------
-2-
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.3(a)
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Among
GREATER MEDIA, INC., and
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION, INC.,
and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
February 17, 1999
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS; ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES..........................................1
1.1 Agreement to Purchase and Sell......................................................1
1.2 Subject Assets......................................................................2
1.3 Excluded Assets.....................................................................3
1.4 Purchase Price......................................................................4
1.5 Allocation of the Purchase Price....................................................4
1.6 Assumption of Liabilities...........................................................5
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
THE COMPANY AND GMI....................................................6
2.1 Organization; Authority; Enforceability.............................................6
2.2 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals, etc...........................................6
2.3 Subsidiaries........................................................................7
2.4 Financial Statements................................................................7
2.5 Absence of Certain Changes..........................................................7
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities..................................................9
2.7 Compliance with Law................................................................10
2.8 Company Contracts; Franchise Matters...............................................12
2.9 Personal Property; Assets..........................................................14
2.10 Real Property......................................................................15
2.11 Intellectual Property..............................................................16
2.12 Litigation.........................................................................16
2.13 Taxes..............................................................................16
2.14 Employee Benefit Plan Matters......................................................17
2.15 Labor Matters......................................................................19
2.16 Environmental Matters..............................................................19
2.17 Transactions with Affiliates.......................................................20
2.18 Brokers and Finders................................................................20
2.19 Disclosure.........................................................................20
2.20 Insurance..........................................................................20
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
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<S> <C>
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER........................................................................21
3.1 Organization and Authority.........................................................21
3.2 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals, etc..........................................21
3.3 Financial Ability to Perform.......................................................22
3.4 Litigation.........................................................................22
3.5 No Violation of FCC Cross Ownership Rules..........................................22
3.6 Brokers and Finders................................................................22
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS......................................................................................22
4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company.................................................22
4.2 Access to Information, etc.........................................................24
4.3 Reasonable Best Efforts............................................................25
4.4 No Action..........................................................................25
4.5 Public Announcements...............................................................25
4.6 Notification.......................................................................25
4.7 Employee Benefits..................................................................26
4.8 Records Retention..................................................................27
4.9 Company Names......................................................................28
4.10 Intercompany Accounts..............................................................28
4.11 Intercompany Debt..................................................................28
4.12 Notice of Proceedings..............................................................29
4.13 Guarantees.........................................................................29
4.14 Affiliate Contracts................................................................29
4.15 Certain Litigation.................................................................30
4.16 Retained Franchises................................................................30
4.17 Transfer Laws......................................................................30
4.18 Further Assurances.................................................................30
ARTICLE V
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE; CONDITIONS TO CLOSING................................................31
5.1 Closing and Closing Date...........................................................31
5.2 Conditions to the Obligations of All Parties.......................................31
5.3 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company and GMI...............................32
5.4 Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer ............................................33
</TABLE>
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ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION....................................................................................34
6.1 Termination........................................................................34
6.2 Effect of Termination..............................................................34
ARTICLE VII
TAX MATTERS....................................................................................35
7.1 Proration of Taxes.................................................................35
7.2 Payments...........................................................................35
7.3 Tax Returns........................................................................36
7.4 Refunds............................................................................37
7.5 Audits.............................................................................37
7.6 Certain Post-Closing Actions.......................................................38
7.7 Mutual Cooperation.................................................................38
7.8 Maintenance Of Books and Records...................................................38
7.9 Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanism...................................................39
7.10 Certain Payroll Matters............................................................39
7.11 Characterization of Indemnity Payments.............................................39
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS..................................................................................40
8.1 Entire Agreement...................................................................40
8.2 Notices............................................................................40
8.3 Governing Law......................................................................41
8.4 Interpretation.....................................................................41
8.5 Parties in Interest................................................................41
8.6 Counterparts.......................................................................41
8.7 Expenses...........................................................................41
8.8 Personal Liability.................................................................42
8.9 Assignment.........................................................................42
8.10 Amendment..........................................................................42
8.11 Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties; Non-Survival;
Relationship Between the Parties...................................................42
8.12 Exclusive Jurisdiction, etc........................................................42
8.13 Right to Specific Performance......................................................43
</TABLE>
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ARTICLE IX
DEFINITIONS....................................................................................43
</TABLE>
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Schedules
A Systems
B Allocation Schedule
1.3(b) Excluded Programming Agreements
2.2 Consents
2.3 Equity Interests
2.4 Financial Statements
2.5 Absence of Certain Changes
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
2.8(a) Company Contracts; Franchise Matters
2.8(c) Subscribers; Homes Passed; Plant Miles
2.8(g) Overbuild Matters
2.9 Personal Property
2.10 Real Property
2.11 Intellectual Property
2.12 Litigation
2.13 Tax Matters
2.14(a) Employee Benefit Plans
2.14(c) Retiree Plans
2.14(e) Additional Benefits
2.15 Employees; Retired Employees
2.16(a) Environmental Matters
2.17 Transactions with Affiliates
2.20 Insurance
3.2 Buyer Consents
3.6 Buyer Brokers and Finders
4.1 Conduct of the Business
4.13 Guarantees
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<PAGE> 7
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Asset Purchase Agreement (this "AGREEMENT"), dated as of
February 17, 1999, is made by and among Greater Media, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("GMI"), Greater Media Cablevision, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly owned subsidiary of GMI (the "COMPANY"), and Charter Communications,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "BUYER").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Company is the owner and operator of the cable
television systems set forth on Schedule A (the "SYSTEMS").
WHEREAS, the Company desires to sell all of the Systems to the
Buyer, and the Buyer desires to purchase all of the Systems from the Company,
upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.
WHEREAS, certain capitalized terms used herein without
definition are defined in Article IX.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the
representations, warranties and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS; ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES
1.1 Agreement to Purchase and Sell. Subject to the terms and
conditions contained in this Agreement, the Company agrees to sell, convey,
assign, transfer and deliver to the Buyer on the Closing Date, and the Buyer
agrees to purchase from the Company on the Closing Date, all of the Company's
right, title and interest in and to all real and personal, tangible and
intangible, assets and properties (other than the Excluded Assets) used by the
Company in its business (collectively, the "SUBJECT ASSETS"), free and clear of
all Liens other than Permitted Liens .
1.2 Subject Assets. The Subject Assets shall include, without
limitation:
(a) all towers, tower equipment, receivers, modulators,
demodulators, processors, encoders, descramblers, taps, aboveground and
underground cable,
<PAGE> 8
headend amplifiers, line amplifiers, earth stations, converters, ad
insertion equipment, auxiliary equipment and facilities and other
physical assets that are owned by the Company and any leasehold
interests of the Company relating to any of the foregoing;
(b) all Franchise Agreements and other Authorizations
(including, but not limited to, television translator station licenses,
microwave licenses (including, without limitation, CARS), business
radio licenses and TVRO earth station registrations) held by the
Company;
(c) all rights of the Company under pole line or joint pole
agreements, multiple dwelling unit agreements, leases (including leases
of real property), retransmission consent agreements, written
agreements with subscribers for cable television service and written
hotel and motel agreements and any other instruments, contracts and
agreements to which the Company is a party;
(d) all real property interests owned by the Company,
including, without limitation, all improvements or fixtures that may
exist on the foregoing, all easements, rights of entry and rights of
way, whether public or private, and leasehold interests and
improvements owned or utilized by the Company;
(e) all subscriber, customer and trade and other accounts
receivable of the Company;
(f) all motor vehicles owned by the Company and any leasehold
interests of the Company in any motor vehicles;
(g) all rights, claims, credits, causes of action or rights of
set-off with respect to or arising out of the Subject Assets or the
Assumed Liabilities (as defined in Section 1.6);
(h) all intangible assets owned by the Company, including,
without limitation, all of the rights of the Company to the
Intellectual Property (as defined in Section 2.11), including technical
information and data, computer disks and tapes, drawings, blueprints,
schematics, maps, reports, lists, plans, filings with Governmental
Authorities and the FCC and all books and records, including subscriber
records;
(i) the Company's cash on hand and cash equivalents, including
customer and advertiser prepayments and deposits;
2
<PAGE> 9
(j) all GMI Contracts for which the requisite third party
consents have been obtained pursuant to Section 4.14(a); and
(k) all other assets, tangible or intangible, owned by the
Company as of the date hereof, which shall not have been disposed of in
the ordinary course of business after the date hereof and any
replacements or additions to such assets.
1.3 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in Section 1.2, the Subject Assets shall not include, and the Company shall not
sell, convey, assign, transfer or deliver, any of the following assets and
properties of the Company (the "EXCLUDED ASSETS"):
(a) all rights, title and interest in (i) the shares of
Greater Philadelphia Cablevision, Inc. ("GPCI"), (ii) the Philadelphia
Merger Agreement and all related ancillary agreements and documents and
(iii) the GPCI Merger Consideration;
(b) the programming agreements set forth on Schedule 1.3(b);
(c) the Master Affiliation Agreement, dated as of December 4,
1998, between ServiceCo LLC and the Company;
(d) all insurance policies, except for rights and claims
thereunder related to occurrences prior to the Closing and except as
provided in Section 4.7(c);
(e) the following books and records: any books and records
that the Company is required by law to retain, any tax reports and
returns, the Company's corporate minute books, any other books and
records relating to internal corporate matters, and any other books and
records relating to financial relationships with the Company's lenders
or affiliates;
(f) any claims, rights and interest in and to any refunds of
any Taxes (i) for which GMI or the Company is responsible under Article
VII hereof, or (ii) that are Excluded Liabilities;
(g) subject to Section 4.9 hereof, all owned or licensed
trademarks, trade names, service marks, service names, logos and
similar proprietary rights of the Company relating to the names
"Greater Media" and "Greater Media Cablevision" and the initials "GMI,"
whether alone or in combination with one or more other words, whether
or not used by the Company or any of its affiliates;
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<PAGE> 10
(h) any and all indebtedness owed by GPCI to the Company and
any intercompany accounts owing to the Company referred to in Section
4.10;
(i) any assets of or related to the Company Plans, including,
without limitation, the Greater Media Cablevision, Inc. Pension Plan;
(j) the Guarantees (as defined in Section 4.13);
(k) any GMI Contracts for which the requisite third party
consents have not been obtained pursuant to Section 4.14(a);
(l) the GPCI Contracts (as defined in Section 4.14(b));
(m) subject to Section 4.16, any assets or properties,
including, without limitation, Franchise Agreements, relating to any
Retained Franchises (as defined in Section 4.16);
(n) the Management Agreement, dated September 1, 1986, between
the Company and GMI (the agreements referred to in clauses (a)(ii),
(b), (c), (i), (k), (l), (m) and (n) of this Section 1.3, the "EXCLUDED
CONTRACTS"); and
(o) the shares of the common stock of Telesynergy, Inc. held
by the Company.
1.4 Purchase Price. The purchase price payable for all the
Subject Assets shall be $500,000,000 (the "PURCHASE PRICE") and shall be paid as
set forth in Section 5.1.
1.5 Allocation of the Purchase Price. The aggregate amount of
the Purchase Price, the Intercompany Debt and the Assumed Liabilities shall be
allocated among the Subject Assets in accordance with a schedule (the
"ALLOCATION SCHEDULE") to be prepared by the Buyer and delivered to the Company
for the approval of the Company and GMI within 45 days after the date of this
Agreement, which Allocation Schedule shall be attached to and incorporated into
this Agreement as Schedule B hereto. The Company and the Buyer shall cooperate
and use their reasonable best efforts in reaching a mutually satisfactory
agreement regarding the Allocation Schedule. If prior to the Closing Date, the
Buyer and the Company are unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement as
to such Allocation Schedule, then, any matters in dispute shall be referred to
the Tax Dispute Accountants in accordance with Section 7.9 of this Agreement.
The final Allocation Schedule, determined in the manner described in this
Section 1.5, shall comply with the provisions of Section 1060 of the Code and
each of the Company and the Buyer shall timely file any forms required to be
filed under Section 1060 of the Code
4
<PAGE> 11
and any corresponding provision of state or local Tax law in accordance with the
final Allocation Schedule. The Buyer and the Company each agree (i) to reflect
the Subject Assets on their respective books for tax reporting purposes in
accordance with the Allocation Schedule, (ii) to file all Tax Returns and
determine all Taxes (including, without limitation, for purposes of Section 1060
of the Code) in accordance with and based upon the Allocation Schedule and (iii)
not to take any position inconsistent with such Allocation Schedule in any audit
or judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise.
1.6 Assumption of Liabilities. (a) At the Closing, the Buyer
shall assume, pay, discharge and perform, in accordance with the respective
terms thereof, and indemnify the Company and its affiliates with respect to, all
liabilities, obligations and commitments (whether direct or indirect, matured or
unmatured, known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of the
Company, including, without limitation, all Transfer Taxes, the Intercompany
Debt and all liabilities, obligations and commitments under the Company
Contracts (including, without limitation, the Franchise Agreements), the
Employee Protection Plan and the Authorizations or arising out of or relating to
the ownership or operation of the Subject Assets, whether arising before, on or
after the Closing Date, other than Excluded Liabilities (collectively, the
"ASSUMED LIABILITIES").
(b) The Buyer will not assume or have responsibility for the
following liabilities or obligations of the Company (collectively, the "EXCLUDED
LIABILITIES"): (i) any Taxes for which Buyer is not responsible under Article
VII hereof; (ii) the legal, accounting and investment banking fees or expenses
incurred by the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) all liabilities of the
Company arising under the Excluded Contracts (other than as provided in Sections
4.14(a) and 4.16); (iv) any amounts payable under the Employee Retention Plan;
(v) the upstream guaranty of the Company referred to in Section 4.13(b); (vi)
any intercompany accounts owed by the Company (other than the Intercompany
Debt), including, without limitation, those referred to in Section 4.10; and
(vii) any liabilities directly relating to the Excluded Assets (other than as
provided above in this Section 1.6(b)).
5
<PAGE> 12
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES REGARDING
THE COMPANY AND GMI
The Company and GMI, jointly and severally, represent and
warrant that:
2.1 Organization; Authority; Enforceability. (a) Each of the
Company and GMI is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its
obligations hereunder, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby by the Company and GMI have been duly and
validly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate
action on the part of the Company or GMI is necessary to authorize, approve or
consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Assuming the due
execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of each of the Company and GMI, enforceable against
each of them in accordance with its terms, except (x) as the same may be limited
by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws of general
application relating to or affecting creditors' rights, including, without
limitation, the effect of statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent
conveyances and preferential transfers, and (y) for the limitations imposed by
general principles of equity.
(b) The Company is qualified to do business as a foreign
corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where such
qualification is necessary to conduct its business and operations as presently
conducted and to own and lease the property and assets it owns or leases, except
where the failure to so qualify, individually or in the aggregate, would not
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has all requisite corporate power
and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate
its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as will
be conducted on the Closing Date, except where the failure to have such power,
authority and governmental approvals would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
2.2 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals, etc. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the Company and GMI do not,
and the performance of its respective obligations hereunder will not (i) violate
or conflict with the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company or
GMI; (ii) except as set forth in Schedule 2.2, conflict with or violate any
statute, regulation, judgment, order or decree applicable to the Company or GMI
or by which any of their respective assets or property is bound or affected; or
(iii) except as set forth in Schedule 2.2, result in any breach or constitute a
default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become
6
<PAGE> 13
a default) under, result in the loss of a material benefit under, or give to
others any right of termination, acceleration or cancellation of, or result in
the creation or imposition of any Lien on any property or asset of the Company
pursuant to any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, lease,
license, permit, Franchise Agreement or other instrument or obligation to which
the Company or GMI or any of their respective assets or property is bound or
affected, except, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for such conflicts,
violations, breaches, defaults or other occurrences that, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.2, neither the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by the Company or GMI nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby by the Company or GMI will require any consent,
approval or authorization of, or filing with or notification to, any
governmental or regulatory authority, except for (i) notification pursuant to,
and expiration or termination of the waiting period under, the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations
thereunder (the "HSR ACT") and (ii) such other consents, approvals,
authorizations, filings or notifications as, if not obtained or made,
individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect.
2.3 Subsidiaries. Other than (i) GPCI, which will cease to be
a Subsidiary of the Company prior to the time of the Closing hereunder, or (ii)
as set forth in Schedule 2.3, the Company has no Subsidiaries or any other
equity interest or rights to acquire any equity interest in any entity (other
than the GPCI Merger Consideration).
2.4 Financial Statements. Schedule 2.4 contains true and
complete copies of the unaudited balance sheets as at September 30, 1998,
September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, and the related statements of income
and cash flows for such fiscal years of the Company on a stand alone basis. Such
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position and the results of operations and cash flows of the Company on a stand
alone basis as of the dates or for the periods presented therein in conformity
with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis ("GAAP"), except as otherwise noted therein. Such financial
statements have been derived from the work papers used in the preparation of
GMI's audited consolidated financial statements for such fiscal years.
2.5 Absence of Certain Changes. Other than in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 2.5,
since September 30, 1998:
(a) there has not been any material adverse change in the
business, results of operations, financial condition or assets of the
Company, other than as may be a result of (i) general economic and
political conditions; (ii) any change in
7
<PAGE> 14
law, governmental regulation or interpretation thereof by any
Governmental Authority; (iii) matters affecting the cable television
business generally, including, without limitation, the impact or
potential impact of competition from other providers or potential
providers of video programming and (iv) the resignation, retirement or
death of one or more officers or directors of the Company or GMI; and
(b) the Company has conducted its business in the ordinary
course and consistent with past practice, and, except as set forth on
Schedule 2.5, the Company has not:
(i) purchased or redeemed any shares of its
capital stock or issued or agreed to issue any capital stock
or other equity securities of the Company or any securities
or rights convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities of the Company or rights to purchase or otherwise
receive any of the foregoing, or amended any of the terms of
any equity securities or any such rights outstanding on the
date hereof;
(ii) incurred or guaranteed any indebtedness
for borrowed money other than the Intercompany Debt;
(iii) mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any
Lien any of its material properties or assets, except for
Permitted Liens;
(iv) other than in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice or pursuant to
existing plans, programs or arrangements described on Schedule
2.14(a) hereto, made any change in personnel policies or the
compensation (salary, bonus or otherwise) payable or to become
payable to any officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate
or consultant, entered into or amended any employment, sever-
ance, termination or other similar agreement or made any loans
to any of its officers, directors, employees, agents,
affiliates or consultants or made any material change in its
existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of
any such persons, or otherwise entered into any trans actions
with or made any payment to or for any affiliate of the
Company, provided that (i) this clause (iv) shall not apply to
the Employee Protection Plan and the Employee Retention Plan
and (ii) the Employee Protection Plan adopted by the Company
shall be substantially in the form set forth in Schedule
2.14(e) and the Company shall not amend the Employee
Protection Plan after its adoption without the prior written
consent of the Buyer;
8
<PAGE> 15
(v) amended its certificate of incorporation
or by-laws;
(vi) changed its accounting methods,
principles, or practices in such a manner as would be required
to be disclosed pursuant to federal securities laws if the
Company were subject to such laws;
(vii) disposed or agreed to dispose of any
assets where the proceeds of the disposition or the net book
value of the relevant assets exceed in the aggregate $500,000,
except in the ordinary course of business or in connection
with the Philadelphia Transaction;
(viii) suffered the damage, destruction or
loss of any assets (whether or not covered by insurance)
having a Material Adverse Effect;
(ix) waived or released any right or claim
material to the operation of the business of the Company
(without regard to its ownership of GPCI), except in the
ordinary course of business;
(x) amended in any material respect or
terminated any contract, license, agreement or understanding
listed in any Schedule hereto and material to the operation of
the business of the Company (without regard to its ownership
of GPCI), except in the ordinary course of business; or
(xi) entered into any agreement to do any of
the things described in the preceding clauses (i) through (x).
2.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 2.6, the Company has no liabilities or obligations of any kind
whatsoever, whether accrued, contingent, absolute or otherwise, that would be
required by GAAP to be reflected on the Company's balance sheet (including the
notes thereto), that is not reflected or reserved against in the unaudited
balance sheet of the Company as of September 30, 1998, except for (i)
liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice since September 30, 1998, and (ii) liabilities or
obligations which, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material
Adverse Effect.
2.7 Compliance with Law. (a) The Company holds all licenses,
franchises, certificates, consents, permits, qualifications and authorizations
("AUTHORIZATIONS") from all Governmental Authorities necessary for the conduct
of its business as currently conducted, and each such Authorization is valid and
in full force and effect,
9
<PAGE> 16
except where the failure to hold any of the foregoing or for any of the
foregoing not to be in full force and effect would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. The Company has not received written notice of any action taken by any
Governmental Authority to terminate, revoke or impair any such Authorization,
except for any such action that would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The
Company is not in conflict with, or in default or violation of (a) any law,
rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to it or by which any of
its properties or assets is bound, or (b) any note, bond, mortgage, indenture,
contract, agreement, lease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or
obligation to which the Company is a party or by which the Company or any
property or asset of the Company is bound, except for any such conflicts,
defaults or violations that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i)
the Company is operating in compliance in all respects with the provisions of
the Communications Act and the rules and regulations of the FCC, (ii) all
reports required by the FCC to be filed and fees required to be paid to the FCC
by the Company have been timely and accurately filed and paid, (iii) the Company
provides customers with periodic notices and information as required by the FCC
rules and regulations, and (iv) each employment unit comprised of one or more
Systems operated by the Company has been certified by the FCC for compliance
with the rules and regulations governing equal employment opportunity for each
reporting year since October 1, 1995.
(c) The Company is providing syndicated exclusivity and
network nonduplication protection to stations entitled thereto which have
requested such protection and has followed the FCC procedures applicable to
origination cablecasting, the fairness doctrine, equal time and personal attack
obligations, obscenity, sponsorship identifications and sponsorship lists as
specified by FCC rules, except where the failure to so provide such protection
or follow such procedures would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company
has obtained all necessary consents for the retransmission of broadcast signals
or is carrying such signals pursuant to must carry elections.
(d) Except for normal "blackout" with respect to syndicated
exclusivity or network nonduplication notices pursuant to FCC regulations, no
notices or demands have been received from any television station or from any
other person claiming to have a right, or objecting to or challenging the right
of the Company to carry any program services, including, without limitation,
broadcast signals, as now being carried by the Company, or challenging the
channel position on which any television station is carried or demanding the
Company to carry any program services not carried, except where such claim,
demand, objection or challenge would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
10
<PAGE> 17
(e) The Company maintains appropriate files as required by FCC
rules, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made
available to the Buyer true and complete copies of (i) all FCC cable rate
regulation forms that it has filed with the FCC, (ii) all material
correspondence since October 1, 1995 with any Governmental Authority, customer
or other interested party relating to rate regulation generally or specific
rates charged to its customers, including, without limitation, any complaints
filed with the FCC since October 1, 1995 with respect to any rates charged to
its customers, and all FCC orders issued since October 1, 1995 with respect to
rate complaints or petitions for review or appeals of local rate decisions, and
(iii) all pleadings filed by the Company or any other party (to the extent the
Company has copies thereof) in any pending FCC rate proceeding involving any
System's rates and any documentation supporting an exemption from the rate
regulation provisions of the Communications Act it has claimed. The Company is
in compliance with any orders affecting the Company's rates of all franchise
authorities with jurisdiction over the Systems and the FCC, except as would not
have a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Since October 1, 1995, the Company has filed timely and
accurately all copyright notices, reports, statements, supplemental statements
and amendments required to be filed by Section 111 of the Copyright Act of 1976,
as amended (the "COPYRIGHT ACT"), and has timely and accurately paid all fees
required to be paid pursuant to Section 111 of the Copyright Act and the rules
and regulations of the United States Copyright Office with respect to the
operation of its Systems, except where the failure to file or pay would not have
a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is in all other respects in compliance
with the Copyright Act, except where the failure to be in compliance would not
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is entitled to hold and currently
holds the compulsory copyright license described in Section 111 of the Copyright
Act, which compulsory license is in full force and effect and has not been
revoked, canceled, encumbered or adversely affected in any manner that would
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has not received any notice or other
communication asserting that it is not in compliance with the Copyright Act,
including, without limitation, any written notice from the United States
Copyright Office, or any other person, either challenging any copyright filing
or payment made by it or alleging a failure by it to make any copyright filing
or payment or threatening to bring suit for copyright infringement, except in
each case as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(g) The Company has obtained all necessary Federal Aviation
Administration ("FAA") approvals and waivers with respect to system towers and
is in compliance with all FAA rules and regulations applicable to its business,
except where the failure to obtain such or be in such compliance would not have
a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made available to the Buyer true and
complete copies of all material FAA approvals and waivers applicable to it.
11
<PAGE> 18
(h) Since October 1, 1995, the Company has not received any
material written notice from any Governmental Authority of its intent to
investigate customer rates (other than with respect to FCC rate regulations) or
business practices, pursuant to a customer complaint or otherwise, including,
without limitation, under any state or local so-called "consumer protection,"
trade practice" or other similar law, or any other statute, law, ordinance, rule
or regulation.
2.8 Company Contracts; Franchise Matters. (a) Schedule 2.8 (a)
lists all the material contracts, agreements and commitments relating to the
Systems to which the Company or GMI is a party or by which either of them is
otherwise bound, including, without limitation, (i) the franchise agreements
(the "FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS") relating to the Systems; (ii) agreements for the
use of head-end sites; (iii) pole attachment agreements and master utilities
agreements; (iv) public utility and municipal facilities agreements; and (v)
agreements to which GMI is a party that will be assigned to the Company upon the
Closing. All contracts, agreements and commitments referred to in the
immediately preceding sentence (other than the Excluded Contracts) are referred
to herein as the "COMPANY CONTRACTS". The Company has not (and, to the knowledge
of GMI or the Company, no other party thereto has) breached any provision of, or
defaulted, nor has the Company received any written notice that it is in default
under the terms of any Company Contract, nor has there occurred any event that,
with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default by the Company
under any such Company Contract, except where such breach or default would not
have a Material Adverse Effect. At no time during the 24 month period prior to
the date hereof has any Governmental Authority taken formal action to terminate
or, other than in connection with franchise renewals, materially adversely
modify any Franchise Agreement. Each of the Company Contracts is a legally
enforceable obligation of the Company, except (a) as the same may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws of general
application relating to or affecting creditors' rights, including, without
limitation, the effect of statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent
conveyances and preferential transfers, and (b) for the limitations imposed by
general principles of equity. Copies of all Company Contracts have been made
available by the Company to the Buyer.
(b) All conditions precedent (other than applicable notice and
approval provisions, if any) contained in any Franchise Agreement relating to
rate increases resulting in the Company's current rates for any type of service
have been satisfied, other than such failures to satisfy conditions that would
not have a Material Adverse Effect and except to the extent any such
requirements have been preempted by federal law or regulation. The Company has
no material obligation or liability for the refund of monies to its subscribers
other than with respect to converter deposits and advance payments of monthly
subscriber fees.
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(c) Schedule 2.8(c) lists, as of September 30, 1998, the
Company's approximate (i) number of Basic Subscribers, (ii) number of
subscribers to premium cable service, (iii) number of homes passed and (iv)
number of plant miles of coaxial and fiber optic cable. As of the date of this
Agreement, no investigation by any Governmental Authority with respect to the
Systems is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(d) The Company has not made any material commitment to any
Governmental Authority with respect to the operation and construction of the
Systems that is not reflected in the Franchise Agreements. The Company has not
entered into any agreement with any Governmental Authority, community group or
similar third parties restricting or limiting the types of programming that may
be shown on the Systems, except where such restrictions or limitations would not
have a Material Adverse Effect.
(e) To the knowledge of the Company, there exists no factor or
matter which would constitute a legally valid basis for revocation, suspension,
termination or denial of granting of a new Franchise upon the expiration thereof
or elimination of rights thereunder, except where such revocation, suspension,
termination, denial or elimination would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) The Company has no knowledge that any Franchise Agreement
will not be renewed in accordance with Section 626 of the Communications Act on
reasonable terms. The Company has timely filed notices of renewal in accordance
with the Communications Act with all franchising authorities and has diligently
pursued the renewal of each Franchise expiring within 36 months after the date
of this Agreement, except as previously disclosed in writing to the Buyer or
except where the failure to so file any such notice and to diligently purse any
such renewal would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(g) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.8(g), to the knowledge
of the Company, as of the date hereof, no geographic area served by the Systems
is presently or threatened to be subject to, any overbuild situation involving
in excess of 1,000 homes passed. To the knowledge of the Company, except as
previously disclosed to the Buyer in writing, as of the date hereof, no other
person (a) has been granted or applied for the consent or approval of any
Governmental Authority for the installation, construction, development,
ownership or operation of a cable television system (as defined in the Cable
Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended) within the geographic area served
by the Systems (other than country-wide franchises where operators have not
shown any significant interest in overbuilding), (b) operates, or has commenced
construction, installation or development of, any cable television system (as
defined in the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended) within the
geographic area served by the Systems or (c) has publicly announced an intention
to provide cable television service
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in any such geographic area, except where the grant or approval, or operation
of, such cable television system would not have a Material Adverse Effect. No
Governmental Authority has advised the Company in writing, or otherwise notified
the Company of its intention to deny renewal of any Franchise Agreement.
2.9 Personal Property; Assets. (a) Except as would not have a
Material Adverse Effect, the Company has and at Closing will have good and
marketable title to, or valid leasehold interests in, its material personal
property and assets, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens. Except
as set forth on Schedule 2.9, the Company owns or has the lawful right to use
all assets, properties and rights which are used in the conduct of its business
as currently conducted. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.9 and for the Excluded
Assets, the Subject Assets constitute all material assets, properties and rights
used or useful in the ownership and operation of the Systems.
(b) The Systems and all major component parts thereof,
including specifically, but not limited to, headend antenna equipment, headend
amplifiers and associated equipment, line amplifiers, trunk line cable and
distribution cable, are, in all material respects, in good and efficient
operating condition, and require no more repair, replacement and rehabilitation
than is normal in the cable television industry, and the Systems, in general,
deliver a picture and sound to all customers which meet the technical standards
of 47 C.F.R. Part 76, Subpart K, and adequate proof of performance tests as
required thereby have been made showing material compliance therewith. Other
than in the ordinary course of business, the Company has not received any
notification that any plant used in the Systems requires any rearrangement or
rehabilitation in order to conform to the requirements of the National Electric
Safety Code or the terms of any pole attachment, conduit or buried cable
agreement, except for any such rearrangement or rehabilitation as would not have
a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) The Systems, in general, monitor signal leakage, maintain
applicable signal leakage logs, conduct the cumulative leakage tests,
demonstrate compliance with the cumulative leakage criteria by showing a passing
cumulative leakage index or a successful flyover, and comply with the frequency
separation standards, in material compliance with the requirements set forth in
47 C.F.R. Part 76 Sec. 76-610 through Sec. 76.619. The Company has filed with
the FCC all notification of utilization of frequencies in the 108-137 MHZ and
225-240 MHZ bands and all other reports required to be filed under such rules
and regulations and has not received any notification of objection thereto by
the FCC which has not been promptly resolved by the Company, except for any such
failure to file or any such notification of objection that would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
2.10 Real Property. (a) Schedule 2.10(a) lists all real
property owned by the Company in connection with its business (the "OWNED REAL
PROPERTY"), together
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with a list of all leases (the "LEASES") for real property leased, occupied or
used by the Company in connection with its business (the "LEASED PROPERTY" and,
together with the Owned Real Property, the "REAL PROPERTY"). Except as set forth
on Schedule 2.10(a), the Real Property constitutes all of the real property
currently used in, held for use in, and necessary to conduct the Company's
business as currently conducted.
(b) The Company has good and marketable fee simple title to
each parcel of Owned Real Property and all improvements thereon and a valid
leasehold interest in each parcel of Leased Property, in each case, free of all
Liens except for Permitted Liens.
(c) The Owned Real Property and all improvements thereon is in
good condition and repair and is sufficient and appropriate for the conduct of
the Company's business. There exist no pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened condemnation proceedings of or relating to the Owned Real Property or
any part thereof. There exist no outstanding options or rights of first refusal
to purchase the Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or any rights or
interests therein. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12 or as would not have a
Material Adverse Effect, neither GMI nor the Company has received any written
notice or order to correct any currently existing violation of law with respect
to the Real Property. Complete and correct copies of any title opinions, surveys
and appraisals in the possession of GMI or the Company, and of any policies of
title insurance currently in force, with respect to any such parcel of Owned
Real Property have been made available by GMI or the Company to the Buyer. With
respect to Real Property leased by the Company, the Company has the right to
quiet enjoyment of such Real Property for the full term of each such lease (and
any renewal option related thereto), except where the failure to enjoy such
quiet enjoyment would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Each Lease is in full force and effect and, to the
Company's knowledge, is enforceable against the landlord which is party thereto
in accordance with its terms, except to the extent the failure of any such Lease
to be in full force and effect or to be enforceable would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There exists no default or event of
default (or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would become
a default) under any Lease which, individually or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made
available to the Buyer true and complete copies of all Leases, including all
amendments thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.10(a) or as would not have
a Material Adverse Effect, the Company holds all easements, access to public
roads, utilities and services and other similar rights necessary to operate its
business as presently conducted.
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2.11 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.11 or as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company owns free and
clear of any Liens, other than Permitted Liens, or is validly licensed or
otherwise has the right to use, all patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade
names, service marks and similar intangible rights, and all applications
therefor, used or held for use in the conduct of its business (the "INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY"). The conduct of the business of the Company as currently conducted
does not infringe, either directly or indirectly, any patent right, license,
trademark right, trade name, trade name right, service mark or copyright of any
third party, except for any infringement that would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. No claims are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
that the Company is infringing or otherwise adversely affecting the rights of
any Person with regard to any Intellectual Property, except for any such
infringements which would not have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge
of the Company, no Person is infringing the rights of the Company with respect
to any Intellectual Property, except for any such infringements which would not
have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has not licensed or agreed to
license for use by any other Person any of the Intellectual Property.
2.12 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12, there
is no suit, claim, action, proceeding or investigation pending against or, to
the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its
assets or properties that, individually or in the aggregate, would have a
Material Adverse Effect. There are no judgments outstanding against the Company
or to or by which the Company is or may be subject or bound which would
reasonably be expected to materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or would have a Material Adverse Effect. There is no suit,
claim, action, proceeding or investigation to restrain, prohibit or otherwise
challenge the legality or propriety of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement pending, or to the Company's or GMI's knowledge, threatened against
the Company as of the date of this Agreement which would be reasonably likely to
prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
2.13 Taxes. (a) (i) All Tax Returns relating to the Company
required to be filed on or before the Closing Date (taking into account
applicable extensions) have (or by the Closing Date will have) been duly filed,
except to the extent that the failure to so file, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) all Taxes shown to be
due on such Tax Returns referred to in clause (i) or otherwise due have been
paid or will be paid prior to the Closing Date, except for Taxes reflected or
reserved against on the balance sheets of the Company referred to in Section 2.4
in accordance with GAAP (without regard to any amounts reserved for deferred
taxes) and Taxes the failure of which to be paid, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.13(b), (i) neither the
IRS nor any other taxing authority is now asserting in writing against the
Company, GMI, the Systems or the Subject Assets any material deficiency or claim
for additional Taxes relating to the Company, the Systems or the Subject Assets
or any material adjustment of Taxes relating to the Company, the Systems or the
Subject Assets, and (ii) there are no proposed written reassessments of any
property owned by the Company or other written proposals that could materially
increase the amount of any Tax to which the Company, the Systems or the Subject
Assets would be subject.
(c) The Company has withheld or collected and paid over to the
appropriate Governmental Authorities or is properly holding for such payment all
Taxes required by law to be withheld or collected, except for such failures to
have so withheld or collected and paid over or to be so holding for payment
which would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) There are no material Tax liens on any assets of the
Company, other than liens for current Taxes not yet due and payable and liens
for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
2.14 Employee Benefit Plan Matters.
(a) Company Employee Plans and Company Benefit Arrangements.
Schedule 2.14(a) lists each Company Employee Plan and Company Benefit
Arrangement. The Company has delivered to the Buyer with respect to each such
Company Employee Plan and Company Benefit Arrangement true and complete copies
of (i) all written documents comprising such plans and arrangements (including
amendments and individual, trust, group annuity, or insurance agreements
relating thereto); (ii) the most recent Federal Form 5500 series (including all
schedules thereto) filed with respect to each such Company Employee Plan; (iii)
the most recent financial statements and actuarial reports, if any, pertaining
to each such plan or arrangement; and (iv) the summary plan description
currently in effect and all material modifications thereto, if any, for each
such Company Employee Plan.
(b) Multiemployer Plans. With respect to any Multiemployer
Plan to which the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates has within the six year
period preceding the Closing Date been required to make or accrue a
contribution, neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has (i)
incurred or reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability, within the
meaning of Section 4201 of ERISA, (ii) been notified by the sponsor of such
Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or has
been terminated or (iii) engaged in or is a successor or parent
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corporation to an entity that has engaged in a transaction described in Section
4212(c) of ERISA.
(c) Retiree Welfare Benefits Plans. Except as set forth in
Schedule 2.14(c) and pursuant to the provisions of COBRA, no Company Employee
Plan provides benefits described in Section 3(l) of ERISA to any former
employees or retirees of the Company.
(d) Pension Plans. All Company Employee Plans that are Pension
Plans intended to be qualified under Section 401 of the Code are so qualified
and have been so qualified during the period since their adoption; each trust
created under any such Plan is exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code
and has been so exempt since its creation. A true and correct copy of the most
recent determination letter from the IRS regarding such qualified status for
each such Plan has been delivered to the Buyer. No Company Employee Plan (other
than any Multiemployer Plan) has incurred an Accumulated Funding Deficiency,
whether or not waived. As of the last applicable annual valuation date, using
the actuarial methods, factors and assumptions used for the most recent
actuarial report with respect to such plan, no Company Pension Plan had accrued
benefit obligations which exceed the current fair market value of the assets of
such plan. Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred, or
reasonably expects to incur prior to the Closing, any liability under Title IV
of ERISA, other than with respect to the payment of premiums to the PBGC.
(e) Additional Benefits. Except as set forth on Schedule
2.14(e), no employee of the Company will receive additional benefits, service or
accelerated rights to payments of benefits under any Company Plan, including the
right to receive any parachute payment, as defined in Section 280G of the Code,
or become entitled to any severance, termination allowance or similar payments
as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(f) Compliance with Laws; Contributions. Each Company Plan has
at all times prior hereto been maintained, in all material respects, in
accordance with its terms and all applicable laws, except where the failure to
do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect. Other than claims for benefits in the ordinary
course, there is no claim pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened, involving any Company Plan by any Person against such plan or the
Company that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, proceeding
involving any Company Employee Plan before the IRS, the United States Department
of Labor or any other Governmental Authority. The Company and its ERISA
Affiliates have made full and timely payment of all amounts required to be
contributed under the terms of each Company Plan and applicable law or required
to be paid as expenses under
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such Company Plan, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the
aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
2.15 Labor Matters. (a) None of the Company or any of its
affiliates is party to any employment contract with any employee of the Company
or any labor or collective bargaining agreement.
(b) As of the date hereof, (i) no employees of the Company are
represented by any labor organization, (ii) no labor organization or group of
employees of the Company has made a pending demand for recognition or
certification, and there are no representation or certification proceedings or
petitions seeking a representation proceeding presently pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened to be brought or filed with the NLRB or any
other labor relations tribunal or authority and (iii) to the knowledge of the
Company, there are no formal organizing activities involving of employees of the
Company pending with, or threatened by, any labor organization that would have a
Material Adverse Effect.
(c) As of the date hereof, except as would not have a Material
Adverse Effect, there are no strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, lockouts,
arbitrations or grievances or other labor disputes pending or, to the knowledge
of the Company, threatened against or involving the Company and (ii) there are
no unfair labor practice charges, grievances or complaints pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened by or on behalf of any employee or group of
employees of the Company.
(d) Schedule 2.15 lists each Retired Employee and each
Employee, as well as such Employee's compensation as of the date hereof, and
such Employee's date of hire by the Company.
2.16 Environmental Matters. (a) The Company has all permits,
licenses and other authorizations required under all applicable federal, state
and local laws and regulations relating to the pollution or protection of public
health, safety or welfare or the environment, including laws and regulations
relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of
pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes into ambient
air, surface water, groundwater or lands or otherwise relating to the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic
materials or waste ("ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS"), except where the failure to hold such
permits, licenses and authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(a), the Company is in compliance with the
terms and conditions of such permits, licenses and authorizations and with
Environmental Laws, except where the failure to so comply would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) to
the knowledge of the Company, no real property owned or operated by the Company
is contaminated with any toxic or hazardous substance that is regulated by or
under authority of any Environmental Law, including any petroleum products,
asbestos or polychlorinated biphenyls (a "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE"), (ii) the
Company has not disposed or arranged for the disposal of Hazardous Substances so
as to give rise to liability of the Company for any disposal or contamination on
Owned Real Property or Leased Property or the real property of any other party,
including, without limitation, off-site locations; and (iii) the Company has not
received any claims or notices alleging liability under any Environmental Law,
nor is there any pending claim or investigation alleging a violation of any
Environmental Law relating to the Owned Real Property.
2.17 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth in
Schedule 2.17, none of GMI's or the Company's stockholders or directors, their
relatives nor any of their respective affiliates is involved in any business
arrangement or relationship with the Company, and none of GMI's stockholders,
their relatives nor any of their respective affiliates owns any property or
right, tangible or intangible, which is used by the Company in connection with
its business.
2.18 Brokers and Finders. Neither the Company nor GMI nor any
of their respective officers, directors or employees has employed any investment
banker, broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees,
commissions or finder's fees in connection with the transactions contemplated
herein, except that GMI has employed Goldman, Sachs & Co. as its financial
advisor. The fees of Goldman, Sachs & Co. shall be paid by GMI.
2.19 Disclosure. The representations and warranties of the
Company and GMI, taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated herein or
necessary in order to make the statements herein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
2.20 Insurance. Schedule 2.20 lists all material policies of
insurance and surety bonds in force maintained, owned or held by the Company on
the date hereof with respect to the Systems. To the knowledge of the Company,
all such policies are with financially sound insurers and are in full force and
effect and insure against risks and liabilities to an extent and in a manner
customary in the cable television business. Since October 1, 1995, no insurance
carrier has refused to renew any policy issued in respect of any material
portion of the Company's assets.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER
The Buyer represents and warrants to the Company and GMI that:
3.1 Organization and Authority. The Buyer is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of in
corporation and has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby by the Buyer have been duly and validly
authorized and approved by the Buyer's board of directors. No other corporate or
stockholder proceedings on the part of the Buyer are necessary to authorize or
approve this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Buyer
and, assuming the due execution and delivery by the other parties hereto,
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Buyer, enforceable against the
Buyer in accordance with its terms, except (x) as the same may be limited by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws of general
application relating to or affecting creditors' rights, including, without
limitation, the effect of statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent
conveyances and preferential transfers and (y) for the limitations imposed by
general principles of equity.
3.2 No Conflicts; Consents and Approvals, etc. (a) The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Buyer do not, and the
performance of its obligations hereunder or consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby by the Buyer will not (i) violate or conflict with the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Buyer; or (ii) constitute a
breach or default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would
become a breach or default) of any statute, regulation, judgment, order or
decree or any mortgage, agreement, deed of trust, indenture or any other
instrument to which the Buyer or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, except, in
the case of clause (ii), for any such conflicts, breaches or defaults which
would not prevent or delay consummation of the Closing, or otherwise prevent the
Buyer from performing its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.2, neither the execution
and delivery of this Agreement by the Buyer nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby by the Buyer will require any consent, approval
or authorization of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental
Authority, except (i) as set forth in Section 2.2(b) and (ii) such other
consents, approvals, authorizations, filings or noti-
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fications as, if not obtained or made would not prevent or delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
3.3 Financial Ability to Perform. The Buyer has currently
available and will have available as of the Closing Date cash funds sufficient
to pay the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 5.1 of this Agreement.
3.4 Litigation. There are no claims, judicial or
administrative actions, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the
knowledge of the Buyer, threatened, against the Buyer or any of its affiliates
or any property or assets of the Buyer or any affiliate, before any court,
arbitrator or administrative, governmental or regulatory authority or body,
domestic or foreign, which would have an adverse affect on the Buyer's ability
to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in a timely manner.
3.5 No Violation of FCC Cross Ownership Rules. On the Closing
Date, the Buyer will not be in violation of any FCC restrictions regarding the
ownership of competing media and related businesses which would adversely affect
the Buyer's ability to complete the transactions contemplated hereby in a timely
manner.
3.6 Brokers and Finders. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6,
neither the Buyer nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees or
affiliates has employed any investment banker, broker or finder or incurred any
liability for any brokerage fees, commissions or finder's fees in connection
with the transactions contemplated herein.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
4.1 Conduct of Business of the Company. Except as contemplated
by this Agreement or the Schedules hereto or by the Company's budgets and plans
heretofore delivered to the Buyer, including, without limitation, the Company's
Schedule of Capital Expenditures included in Schedule 4.1, during the period
from the date hereof to the Closing Date, the Company shall conduct its
operations in the ordinary course of business in substantially the same manner
as heretofore conducted and use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve
intact its business organizations and material relationships with third parties
other than any adverse effect that results from the announcement of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Company shall not without
the prior written consent of the Buyer (not to be unreasonably withheld):
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(a) make any material capital expenditures, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, except for capital expenditures referred to in the
Schedule of Capital Expenditures referred to above;
(b) agree or commit to dispose of any material Subject Assets
out of the ordinary course of business where the proceeds of disposition or the
net book value of the relevant assets exceed in the aggregate $200,000;
(c) merge or consolidate with any Person, acquire any stock or
other ownership interest in any Person or the assets of any business, except in
connection with the Philadelphia Transaction;
(d) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, or pursuant to existing arrangements described on Schedule
2.14(a) hereto, or as contemplated by this Agreement or required by law, make
any change in the compensation (salary, bonus or otherwise) payable or to become
payable to any officer, director, employee, agent, affiliate or consultant,
enter into or amend any employment, severance, termination or other similar
agreement or make any loans to any of its officers, directors, employees,
agents, affiliates or consultants or make any material change in its existing
borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of any such persons, or
otherwise enter into any transactions with or make any payment to or for any
affiliate of the Company or adopt, amend, modify, spin-off, transfer or assume
any of the assets or liabilities of, terminate or partially terminate any
Company Employee Plan, in each case whether contingent on consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise, provided that (i) this Section
4.1(d) shall not apply to the Employee Protection Plan and the Employee
Retention Plan and (ii) the Employee Protection Plan adopted by the Company
shall be substantially in the form set forth in Schedule 2.14(e) and the Company
shall not amend the Employee Protection Plan after its adoption without the
prior written consent of the Buyer.
(e) other than the distribution of the GPCI Merger
Consideration, declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution
(whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of
the Company Common Stock or redeem or otherwise acquire any of its securities;
(f) issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or
deliver (whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants,
commitments, subscriptions, performance shares, interests in the ownership or
earnings of the Company, stock appreciation rights or similar rights to purchase
or otherwise) any stock of any class or any other securities of the Company or
amend any of the terms of any securities of the Company outstanding on the date
hereof;
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(g) except as previously disclosed to the Buyer or other than
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, change the
rates or make any material change in marketing practices applicable to any of
the Systems;
(h) create any Subsidiary of the Company;
(i) incur or guarantee any indebtedness for borrowed money
other than the Intercompany Debt; or
(j) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the
foregoing actions.
4.2 Access to Information, etc. (a) Between the date this
Agreement is publicly announced and the Closing Date, the Company will (i) give
the Buyer and its authorized representatives reasonable access, during regular
business hours upon reasonable notice, to all offices and other facilities and
books and records of the Company, (ii) permit the Buyer to make such reasonable
inspections of the offices, facilities, books and records described in clause
(i) as it may require and (iii) cause its officers to furnish the Buyer with
such financial and operating data and other information with respect to the
business and properties of the Company as the Buyer may from time to time
reasonably request. All such access and information obtained by the parties
hereto and their authorized representatives shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the confidentiality agreement between GMI and the Buyer, dated
February 16, 1999 (the "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT").
(b) During the period from the date hereof to the Closing
Date, each of the parties hereto will cooperate with the others in developing
and implementing a strategy for the implementation of high speed Internet access
in the Systems and for positioning the Company to provide its subscribers with
such high speed Internet access on a timely basis, consistent with such
strategy, provided that without the Buyer's prior written consent (not to be
unreasonably withheld) neither the Company nor GMI will enter into any agreement
with respect to the foregoing that is binding on the Buyer or the Subject Assets
after the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Buyer will make available to the Company and GMI such assistance as may be
reasonably requested to assist the Company in creating the network design for
such high speed Internet access.
4.3 Reasonable Best Efforts. Each of the parties hereto agrees
to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all
appropriate action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper
or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in the most
expeditious manner practicable, including, but not limited to, the
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satisfaction of all conditions to the Closing. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, each of the Company and GMI, on the one hand, and the Buyer,
on the other hand, shall make or cause to be made all required filings with or
applications to Governmental Authorities which are necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain the consents listed on Schedule 2.2 to the transactions contemplated
hereby and each party hereto shall use its reasonable best efforts to contest
and resist any action, including, without limitation, judicial action, and to
have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or
other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that would restrict,
prohibit or prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
including, without limitation, vigorously pursuing all avenues of administrative
and judicial appeal.
4.4 No Action. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, no party will, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
intentionally take any action or commit to take any action that would be
reasonably likely to result in any of the representations and warranties of
such party or its Subsidiary contained herein being or becoming untrue in any
material respect, in the non-fulfillment of any of the agreements contained in
this Article IV or in the failure of any conditions contained in Article V.
4.5 Public Announcements. So long as this Agreement is in
effect, none of the parties hereto shall issue any press release or otherwise
make any public statements with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other parties, provided
that if any such press release or public statement is required by law, the party
subject to such requirement may issue such press release or make such statement,
but such party shall consult with the other party prior to issuing such press
release or public statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto
shall agree to the timing and the text of the initial press release announcing
the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
4.6 Notification. Each party hereto shall, in the event of, or
promptly after obtaining knowledge of the occurrence or threatened occurrence
of, any fact or circumstance that would be reasonably likely to constitute or
cause a breach of any of its representations and warranties set forth herein,
give notice thereof to the other parties hereto and shall use its reasonable
best efforts to promptly remedy or prevent such breach.
4.7 Employee Benefits.
(a) Employees. (i) Except as otherwise provided in this
Section 4.7, the Buyer shall be responsible for all liabilities with respect to
the Employees and the Retired Employees, and their dependents and beneficiaries,
relating to, arising out of or
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resulting from future, present or former employment of, or services rendered by,
the Employees and the Retired Employees prior to or after the Closing Date.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Buyer acknowledges and
agrees that it shall be responsible for, and shall pay or cause to be paid, all
amounts that will become payable under the Employee Protection Plan. GMI shall
be responsible for, and shall pay or cause to be paid, all amounts that will
become payable under the Employee Retention Plan and the Greater Media
Cablevision, Inc. Pension Plan.
(ii) Prior to and effective as of the Closing Date,
the Buyer shall offer employment to all the Employees. The Buyer shall provide
the Employees with remuneration and benefits which shall be substantially
comparable, and the Retired Employees with benefits which shall be identical in
all material respects, to those provided to such Employees and Retired
Employees, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Closing Date for at
least the one-year period following the Closing Date, with length of service
with the Company, up to the Closing Date, to be recognized by the Buyer for all
purposes whatsoever other than benefit accrual, including, without limitation,
for the purposes of the Buyer's benefit plans to the extent such service was
recognized under the Company Plans. The Buyer shall pay or grant to the
Employees and the Retired Employees vacation pay or time earned and/or accrued
to the Employees and the Retired Employees under the Company's vacation policy
prior to the Closing Date, but not paid to or taken by such Employees and the
Retired Employees as vacation time as of the Closing Date. The Buyer
acknowledges that it is familiar with the present employment conditions,
remuneration and benefits of the Employees and the Retired Employees.
(iii) From and after the Closing Date, the employment
or cost of termination of employment of, or future compensation to, the
Employees shall be the sole responsibility of the Buyer and the Buyer shall
defend, indemnify, pay, reimburse and hold GMI and its affiliates harmless with
respect to any and all liabilities to such Employees from and after the Closing
Date. The Buyer agrees to provide severance benefits to each Employee in
accordance with the terms of the Employee Protection Plan.
(b) Company Plans in General. As of the Closing Date, the Em-
ployees shall cease to accrue benefits under the Company Plans. GMI and the
Buyer confirm that upon the completion of the transfers contemplated in Section
4.7(d) hereof, GMI and each of its ERISA Affiliates and each Company Plan shall
be completely discharged of all of their respective obligations with respect to
the benefits accrued by, and account balances of, the Employees and the Retired
Employees under such plans, and the Buyer shall defend, indemnify, pay,
reimburse and hold GMI and its affiliates harmless with respect to any and all
loss, liability or expense in respect of such benefits and account balances,
provided, however, that the forgoing shall not apply to the Greater
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Media Cablevision, Inc. Pension Plan and the Company shall retain all of its
obligations thereunder and the Buyer shall have no obligations with respect
thereto.
(c) Group Insurance. The Buyer shall be responsible for any
and all welfare and fringe benefit claims incurred by the Employees and the
Retired Employees on and after the Closing Date. Without in any way limiting the
generality of Section 4.7(a), the Buyer and GMI shall use their reasonable
efforts to cause the insurance companies providing the Buyer's group insurance
program ("BUYER'S INSURERS") to assume the obligations of the insurance
companies providing GMI's group insurance program ("GMI'S INSURERS") with
respect to the benefits of any Employee or Retired Employee under any short term
or long term disability program. GMI and the Buyer shall use their reasonable
efforts to cause GMI's Insurers to transfer the existing reserves (disabled life
reserve, disabled reserve, incurred but not reported reserve) under GMI's
relevant insurance contracts to the Buyer's relevant insurance contracts as at
the Closing Date. The Buyer acknowledges that this transfer of reserves is only
possible if the relevant GMI's Insurers and the relevant Buyer's Insurers are
the same insurance company.
(d) Buyer's 401(k) Plan. Effective as of the Closing Date,
Employees who were participants in GMI's 401(k) Plan on the Closing Date shall
commence participation in a tax-deferred savings plan maintained by the Buyer
(the "BUYER'S 401(K) PLAN"). Prior to the Closing Date the Company will permit
each Employee and Retired Employee who is a participant in GMI's 401(k) Plan to
elect (i) to receive a distribution of the value in his account less the amount
of any outstanding loan to such participant under such Plan (such participant's
"Account Balance"), (ii) to roll over such participant's Account Balance to an
individual retirement account of such participant or (iii) to roll over such
participant's Account Balance to the Buyer's 401(k) Plan by wire transfer on the
Closing Date. GMI shall make all matching contributions with respect to the
Employees and the Retired Employees that are required to be made before the
Closing Date.
4.8 Records Retention. Except as may otherwise be required
under Article VII, for a period of five years after the Closing Date, (a) the
Buyer shall retain all of the books and records relating to the Company's
business for periods prior to the Closing Date (except for those referred to in
Section 1.3(e)), (b) the Company or GMI shall retain all of the books and
records referred to in Section 1.3(e), and (c) the Company and GMI or the Buyer,
as the case may be, and its authorized representatives shall have the right to
inspect and copy such books and records during normal business hours, upon
reasonable prior notice, in connection with the preparation of tax returns,
financial statements, reports and filings and for any other reasonable purpose.
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4.9 Company Names. The Buyer acknowledges that the names
"Greater Media" and "Greater Media Cablevision" and the initials "GMI," whether
alone or in combination with one or more other words, are an asset of GMI.
Following the Closing Date, the Buyer shall and shall cause its Subsidiaries to
cease using any such name, word or initials or any derivation thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for a period of 180 days after the Closing Date,
the Buyer may continue (but only to the extent reasonably necessary) to operate
the Systems using the names "Greater Media" and "Greater Media Cablevision" and
all derivations and abbreviations of such names in use in the Systems on the
Closing Date, such use to be in a manner consistent with the way in which the
Company has heretofore used such names, derivations and abbreviations. Within
180 days after the Closing Date, the Buyer will discontinue using and will
dispose of all items of stationery, business cards and literature bearing such
names, derivations or abbreviations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Buyer
will not be required to remove or discontinue using any such name, derivation or
abbreviation that is affixed to converters or other items in or to be used in
customer homes or properties, making such removal or discontinuation
impracticable for the Buyer. The Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it will
acquire no rights to any such names, derivations or abbreviations.
4.10 Intercompany Accounts. Other than the Intercompany Debt
(the treatment of which shall be governed by Section 4.11 hereof), all
intercompany accounts between the Company, on the one hand, and GMI and its
other Subsidiaries, on the other hand, shall be canceled or contributed to
capital as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding
the Closing Date.
4.11 Intercompany Debt. (a) On the Closing Date, the Company
shall repay the entire outstanding principal amount of and any accrued interest
on the Intercompany Debt as of such date, provided that, if the Company does not
have sufficient available cash funds to pay such amount on the Closing Date, the
Buyer shall provide the necessary funds to the Company so that the outstanding
principal amount of and accrued interest on the Intercompany Debt is paid in
full on the Closing Date. GMI shall issue to the Buyer an officer's certificate
at least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date, certifying (i) the
amount of unpaid principal of and interest on the Intercompany Debt to be
outstanding as of the Closing Date, (ii) that all Intercompany Debt was incurred
after October 1, 1998 in accordance with, or not in violation of, this Agreement
and (iii) the amount of cash funds of the Company to be available on the Closing
Date to repay the Intercompany Debt.
(b) Upon the closing of the Philadelphia Transaction, all
indebtedness owed by GPCI to the Company shall be canceled.
4.12 Notice of Proceedings. Each party will promptly notify
the other in writing upon (a) becoming aware of the occurrence of any fact or
circumstance that
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would cause or constitute a breach of its representations and warranties set
forth herein or any order or decree or any complaint seeking an order or decree
(or any threat to seek any of the foregoing) restraining or enjoining the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or (b) receiving any notice
from any court or Governmental Authority of its intention to (i) commence an
investigation into, or commence a suit or proceeding to restrain or enjoin, the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) nullify or render
ineffective the transactions contemplated hereby if such transactions are
consummated.
4.13 Guarantees. (a) Set forth in Schedule 4.13 are various
guarantees entered into by GMI to support the business of the Company (the
"GUARANTEES"). The Buyer agrees that it will arrange, effective as of the
Closing Date, for either (a) the Buyer to be substituted as the obligor under
each of the Guarantees or (b) each of the Guarantees to be terminated and, if
requested by any third party to whom a Guarantee was originally issued, for the
Buyer to provide substitute credit support.
(b) GMI will cause the Company's guaranty of GMI's obligations
under GMI's credit agreement with the Bank of New York to be terminated as of
the Closing.
4.14 Affiliate Contracts. (a) As soon as practicable after the
date hereof, GMI will use good faith efforts to obtain all requisite third party
consents required to assign to the Buyer those Company Contracts (except for the
guaranty referenced in Section 4.13(b) and the agreements described in item 2 of
Schedule 2.17) which have been entered into by GMI and relate to the business of
the Company and are listed in item II in Schedule 2.8(a) (the "GMI CONTRACTS").
Upon the Closing, GMI will assign, and the Buyer will assume, those GMI
Contracts for which such third party consents have been obtained or which do not
require such third party consents. If any such third party consents have not
been obtained by the Closing Date, GMI agrees to make the benefits of such GMI
Contracts available to the Buyer from and after the Closing Date at no
additional cost to the Buyer other than the Buyer (i) reimbursing the Company
for amounts due thereunder, (ii) performing all of GMI's obligations thereunder
and (iii) defending, indemnifying, paying, reimbursing and holding harmless GMI
and its affiliates from any liabilities, claims, costs or expenses (including
reasonable attorney fees) arising from or relating to such GMI Contracts.
(b) Set forth in item IV on Schedule 2.8(a) are certain
agreements entered into by the Company that relate only to the business of GPCI
(the "GPCI CONTRACTS"). On or prior to the closing of the Philadelphia
Transaction, the Company shall assign to GPCI, and GPCI will assume those GPCI
Contracts for which third party consents have been obtained or which do not
require such consents.
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4.15 Certain Litigation. The suits, actions, litigations,
proceedings and investigations listed in Schedule 2.12 relate exclusively to the
conduct of the business of the Company. Nevertheless, third parties have and may
in the future name GMI or its affiliates, directors, officers or employees as
parties. Accordingly, the Buyer shall defend, indemnify, pay, reimburse and hold
harmless GMI and its affiliates, directors, officers and employees from any
liabilities, claims, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney fees)
arising from or relating to the suits, actions, litigations, proceedings and
investigations listed in Schedule 2.12 or arising after the date hereof to the
extent they relate to the Company or its business.
4.16 Retained Franchises. In the event that less than 100% of
the consents necessary to transfer the Systems are obtained but the condition
set forth in Section 5.2(a)(iii) has either been satisfied or waived, then GMI
and the Buyer shall cooperate with each other and use their respective
reasonable best efforts to restructure the ownership, control and management of
the assets of each System for which consents have not been obtained (each, a
"RETAINED FRANCHISE") from and after the Closing Date in such a manner that, to
the extent feasible, prevents any violation of the terms of any Franchise
Agreements relating to the Retained Franchises that would have a material
adverse effect on the Buyer and its affiliates, taken as a whole, or on GMI and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, yet preserves the intent of the parties as
set forth in this Agreement regarding their respective economic positions, to
the extent practicable, had 100% of the consents been obtained. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, GMI and the Buyer shall continue to use their reasonable best
efforts to obtain consents for the transfer to the Buyer of any Retained
Franchise.
4.17 Transfer Laws. The Buyer waives compliance by the Company
with legal requirements relating to bulk transfers applicable to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Buyer against any and all claims to the extent they result
from such noncompliance. Nothing in this Section 4.17 shall be interpreted to be
a waiver by the Company or GMI of Buyer's obligation to pay all Transfer Taxes
pursuant to Section 7.2(b).
4.18 Further Assurances. The Company and GMI agree to execute
all such further documents and to do all such other acts and things (other than
the payment of money) as the Buyer, acting reasonably, may request from time to
time after the Closing for the purpose of transferring to the Buyer the Subject
Assets in the manner contemplated by this Agreement.
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ARTICLE V
CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE; CONDITIONS TO CLOSING
5.1 Closing and Closing Date. As soon as practicable after the
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 5.2(a) (but no
later than five business days thereafter), a closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby (the "CLOSING") shall take place at the offices of Debevoise
& Plimpton, 875 Third Avenue, New York, New York, or on such other date and at
such other location as the parties may agree in writing. The date on which the
Closing occurs is referred to as the "CLOSING Date". At the Closing, the Buyer
will pay to the Company the Purchase Price by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the account designated by the Company at least two business
days prior to the Closing Date.
5.2 Conditions to the Obligations of All Parties. The
respective obligations of the Company and the Buyer to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the requirements that:
(a) (i) Any waiting period applicable to the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby under the HSR Act shall have
expired or been terminated, (ii) all FCC authorizations, consents,
orders and approvals listed in item (b) of Schedule 2.2 and which, if
not received, in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the Buyer's operation of the Systems after
the Closing, shall have been received, and (iii) the authorizations,
consents, orders and approvals from franchising authorities listed in
item (c) of Schedule 2.2 regarding the transactions contemplated hereby
shall have been received, provided that so long as the authorizations,
consents, orders or approvals for the transfer to the Buyer of the
Systems representing at least 90% of the subscribers of the Company
shall have been obtained, then the condition described in this Section
5.2(a)(iii) shall be deemed to be satisfied.
(b) There shall not be in effect any injunction or any other
order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction restraining or
prohibiting the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
5.3 Conditions to the Obligations of the Company and GMI. The
obligations of the Company and GMI to effect the transactions contemplated
hereby are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the
following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Buyer contained
in this Agreement, taken as a whole, shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Closing Date (without giving effect
to the materiality or Material
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Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein) with the same effect as if
made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date), except for
such failures to be true and correct which would not in the aggregate
have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated hereby,
and at the Closing the Buyer shall have delivered to each of the
Company and GMI a certificate to that effect.
(b) The Buyer shall have executed and delivered to the Company
an assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Company in which the Buyer agrees to assume, pay, discharge and
perform all of the Assumed Liabilities.
(c) Each of the agreements of the Buyer to be performed on or
before the Closing pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall have
been duly performed in all material respects on or before the Closing
and at the Closing the Buyer shall have delivered to each of the
Company and GMI a certificate to that effect.
(d) GMI shall have received an opinion of Paul, Hastings,
Janofsky & Walker, LLP, counsel for the Buyer, dated as of the Closing
Date, covering such matters as GMI may reasonably request.
(e) GMI shall have been released from the Guarantees or the
Guarantees shall have been terminated, in each case without any further
obligation of GMI.
(f) The Philadelphia Transaction shall have closed.
(g) GMCI shall have received payment in full of the Purchase
Price.
(h) GMI shall have received payment in full of the entire
outstanding principal amount of and accrued interest on the
Intercompany Debt.
(i) GMI shall have received all customary closing documents it
may reasonably request relating to the existence of the Buyer and the
authority of the Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, all in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to GMI.
5.4 Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer . The obligations
of the Buyer to effect the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:
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(a) The representations and warranties of the Company and GMI
contained in this Agreement, taken as a whole, shall be true and
correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date (without giving
effect to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set
forth therein) with the same effect as if made on and as of the Closing
Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as
of an earlier date), except for such failures to be true and correct
which would not in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect, and at
the Closing the Company and GMI shall have delivered to the Buyer a
certificate to that effect.
(b) The Company shall have executed and delivered to the Buyer
a General Conveyance, Bill of Sale and Assignment in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the parties and such other deeds,
assignments and instruments of transfer and assignment as the Buyer may
reasonably request, transferring to the Buyer good and marketable title
in and to the Subject Assets transferred, sold, assigned and conveyed
by the Company to the Buyer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Each of the agreements of the Company and GMI to be
performed on or before the Closing pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement shall have been duly performed in all material respects on or
before the Closing and at the Closing the Company shall have delivered
to the Buyer a certificate to that effect.
(d) The Buyer shall have received an opinion of (i) Debevoise
& Plimpton, special counsel to the Company and GMI, (ii) Barbara Burns,
Esq., general counsel to the Company and GMI (iii) and the opinion of
FCC Counsel to the Company, each dated as of the Closing Date, covering
such matters as the Buyer may reasonably request.
(e) The Buyer shall have received evidence of the cancellation
of all indebtedness owed by GPCI to the Company as provided in Section
4.11(b).
(f) The Buyer shall have received all customary closing
documents it may reasonably request relating to the existence of the
Company and GMI and the authority of the Company and GMI to enter into
this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby,
all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer.
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ARTICLE VI
TERMINATION
6.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the
transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Closing Date:
(a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the boards of
directors of the Company and the Buyer;
(b) by either the Company or the Buyer upon written notice to
the other, one year from the date hereof (the "TERMINATION DATE"), if
the Closing shall not have occurred on or before such Termination Date,
so long as the terminating party is not then in material breach of any
of its obligations hereunder;
(c) by the Company, provided that neither GMI nor the Company
is then in material breach of any of its obligations hereunder, if
either (i) the Buyer fails to perform any material agreement in this
Agreement when performance thereof is due and does not cure such
failure within 20 business days after the Company delivers written
notice thereof or (ii) any condition in Section 5.2 (other than Section
5.2(a)) or Section 5.3 has not been satisfied by the Closing Date and
is not capable of being satisfied prior to the Termination Date; or
(d) by the Buyer, provided that it is not then in material
breach of any of its obligations hereunder, if (i) either the Company
or GMI fails to perform any material agreement in this Agreement when
performance thereof is due and does not cure such failure within 20
business days after notice by the Buyer thereof or (ii) any condition
in Section 5.2 (other than Section 5.2(a)) or Section 5.4 has not been
satisfied by the Closing Date and is not capable of being satisfied
prior to the Termination Date.
6.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of
this Agreement pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, no party shall have any further
liability hereunder, provided that, (a) this Section 6.2, Sections 8.7 and 8.8,
and the confidentiality provisions of Section 4.2 shall survive such termination
and shall remain in full force and effect and (b) that nothing in this Section
6.2 shall relieve any party to this Agreement of liability for any willful
breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this
Agreement to the contrary, if the Closing fails to occur for any reason other
than any of the conditions to the Buyer's obligations to close as set forth in
Section 5.4 that is capable of being satisfied prior to the Closing not being
satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date (other than a failure of such
condition as a result of any
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breach by the Buyer of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or
agreements), GMI and the Company may seek to specifically enforce this Agreement
as provided in Section 8.13.
ARTICLE VII
TAX MATTERS
7.1 Proration of Taxes. In determining the parties' liability
for Taxes for a taxable year or period that begins before and ends after the
Closing Date, the determination of the Taxes for the portion of the year or
period beginning after the Closing Date shall be determined by assuming that the
taxable year or period ended on and included the Closing Date, except that
exemptions, allowances or deductions that are calculated on an annual basis and
real and personal property taxes shall be prorated based on the number of days
in the taxable year or period elapsed through the Closing Date, as compared to
the total number of days in the taxable year or period elapsed after the Closing
Date.
7.2 Payments. (a) GMI's Responsibility. GMI shall pay or cause
to be paid and shall indemnify and hold the Buyer harmless from and against (i)
all Taxes imposed on the Company (other than any Taxes described in Section
7.2(b)) or any Subsidiary and (ii) all Taxes (other than Transfer Taxes) for any
taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Closing Date
relating to the Systems or the Subject Assets.
(b) Buyer's Responsibility. The Buyer shall pay or cause to be
paid and shall indemnify and hold GMI and the Company harmless from and against
(i) all Taxes for any taxable period (or portion thereof), beginning after the
Closing Date relating to the Systems, Subject Assets and Assumed Liabilities and
(ii) all excise, sales, use, value added, transfer (including real property
transfer), transfer gains, gross receipts, stamp, documentary, filing,
recordation, registration, conveyance, license and other similar taxes, together
with any interest, additions or penalties with respect thereto and any interest
in respect of such additions or penalties arising out of or in connection with
or attributable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement ("TRANSFER
TAXES"). The Company and the Buyer shall cooperate with each other in minimizing
Transfer Taxes, including, without limitation, by providing each other all
applicable exemption certificates with respect to such Transfer Taxes available
under applicable law.
7.3 Tax Returns. (a) GMI's Responsibility. GMI shall prepare,
or cause to be prepared, and file, or cause to be filed (i) the consolidated
U.S. federal Income Tax Returns of GMI's Consolidated Group, (ii) the combined,
consolidated or
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unitary Tax Returns for state, local and foreign Income Taxes which includes GMI
or any Subsidiary or affiliate thereof, (iii) all Tax Returns required to be
filed by the Company or any Subsidiary and (iv) all Tax Returns relating to the
Systems or the Subject Assets required to be filed on or before the Closing
Date.
(b) Buyer's Responsibility. The Buyer shall prepare, or cause
to be prepared, and file, or cause to be filed, all Tax Returns relating to the
Systems or the Subject Assets other than those Tax Returns described in Section
7.3(a).
(c) Transfer Taxes. Subject to Section 7.3(d), Tax Returns
required to be filed in respect of Transfer Taxes ("TRANSFER TAX RETURNS") shall
be prepared and filed by the party that has the primary responsibility under
applicable law for filing such Transfer Tax Returns. If no party has primary
responsibility for filing a Transfer Tax Return, then the Buyer shall be
responsible for preparing and filing any such Transfer Tax Return.
(d) Cooperation. The Buyer and GMI shall cooperate in
connection with the preparation and filing of any Tax Return for which the other
is responsible for preparing and filing pursuant to this Section 7.3. If either
GMI or the Buyer is liable for any portion of the Tax payable in connection with
any Tax Return to be prepared and filed by the other, the party responsible for
filing such return (the "PREPARER") shall prepare and deliver to the other party
(the "PAYOR") a copy of such return and any schedules, work papers and other
documentation that are relevant to the preparation of the portion of such Tax
Return for which the Payor is or may be liable hereunder not later than 30 days
prior to the due date for such Tax Return (including applicable extensions) (the
"DUE DATE"). The Preparer shall not file such Tax Return until the earlier of
(i) the receipt of written notice from the Payor indicating the Payor's consent
thereto, or (ii) one day prior to the Due Date. The Payor shall have the option
of providing to the Preparer, at any time at least 10 days prior to the Due
Date, written instructions as to how the Payor wants any, or all, of the Tax
items for which it may be liable reflected on such Tax Return. The Preparer
shall, in preparing such Tax Return, cause the items for which the Payor is
liable hereunder to be reflected in accordance with the Payor's instructions,
provided that if the amount of Taxes for which the Preparer is liable hereunder
would be increased as a result of reflecting such Tax items in accordance with
the Payor's instructions, the manner in which such Tax items will be reflected
on such Tax Return shall be determined pursuant to Section 7.9. In the absence
of having received instructions from Payor, such items shall be reported in any
manner determined by the Preparer.
7.4 Refunds. Subject to the provisions of this Section 7.4,
(i) GMI shall be entitled to retain, or receive immediate payment from the Buyer
(or any affiliate or Subsidiary of the Buyer) of, any refund or credit with
respect to Taxes (including,
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<PAGE> 43
without limitation, refunds and credits arising by reason of amended Returns
filed after the Closing Date), plus any interest received with respect thereto
from the applicable taxing authorities, that are described as being the
responsibility of GMI in Section 7.2(a) and for which GMI has made payment
thereof and (ii) the Buyer shall be entitled to retain, or receive immediate
payment from GMI of, any refund or credit with respect to Taxes, plus any
interest received with respect thereto from the applicable taxing authorities,
that are described as being the responsibility of the Buyer in Section 7.2(b),
provided that neither the Buyer nor any Subsidiary of the Buyer shall be
permitted to carry back any item of loss, deduction or credit from a Tax Return
described as being the responsibility of the Buyer in Section 7.3(b) to any Tax
Return described as being the responsibility of GMI in Section 7.3(a). The Buyer
and GMI shall cooperate with respect to claiming any refund or credit with
respect to Taxes referred to in this Section 7.4, provided that the foregoing
shall be done in a manner so as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct
of the business of the parties.
7.5 Audits. GMI and the Buyer shall notify the other in
writing within 10 days of its receipt of written notice of any pending or
threatened audits, adjustments, assessments or proceedings (whether judicial or
administrative) (a "TAX AUDIT") which may affect the liability for Taxes of such
other party. If the recipient of any such notice fails to notify the other
party, or if such notification is not in sufficient detail to notify the other
party of the nature of the Tax Audit, the recipient shall not be entitled to
indemnification for any Taxes arising in connection with such Tax Audit if such
failure to give adequate notice adversely affects the other party's right to
participate in and contest the Tax Audit. GMI shall have the right to control
any Tax Audit to the extent relating to Taxes that are described as being the
responsibility of GMI in Section 7.2(a), and to employ counsel of its choice at
its expense. The Buyer shall have the right to control any Tax Audit relating to
Taxes that are described as being the responsibility of the Buyer in Section
7.2(b), and to employ counsel of its choice at its expense. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if such Tax Audit relates to Taxes for which both GMI and the Buyer
are liable hereunder, to the extent possible such Tax items will be
distinguished and each party will control the defense and settlement of those
Taxes for which it is so liable. If any such Tax item cannot be identified as
being a liability of only one party or cannot be separated from a Tax item for
which the other party is liable, the party which has the greater potential
liability for those Tax items that cannot be so attributed or separated (or
both) shall control the defense and settlement of the Tax Audit, provided that
such party defends the items as reported on the relevant Tax Return and the
other party is entitled to participate in such defense and settlement at its own
expense. The Buyer and GMI shall cooperate with respect to any Tax Audit
referred to in this Section 7.5, provided that the foregoing shall be done in a
manner so as not to interfere unreasonably with the conduct of the business of
the parties.
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<PAGE> 44
7.6 Certain Post-Closing Actions. (a) Pre-Closing Tax Returns.
None of the Buyer nor any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates shall amend any Tax
Return prepared and filed by GMI pursuant to Section 7.3(a) hereof.
(b) Post-Closing Tax Elections. None of the Buyer nor any of
its Subsidiaries or affiliates shall make any election or take any other action
with respect to Taxes after the Closing which would affect the pre-Closing Tax
liability of GMI, the Company or any of their Subsidiaries or affiliates without
the prior written consent of GMI.
7.7 Mutual Cooperation. In addition to the obligations
otherwise set forth herein, but subject to the terms hereof, GMI and the Buyer
will cooperate with each other in paying any Taxes, filing any Tax Return and
conducting any Tax Audit contemplated by this Agreement and, except as set forth
to the contrary in this Agreement, take such actions as the other party may
reasonably request, including, without limitation, the following: (a) provide
data for the preparation of any Tax Return, including schedules; (b) provide
required documents and data and cooperate in any Tax Audit and execute
appropriate powers of attorney in favor of the other party and/or its agents;
(c) file protests or otherwise contest any proposed or asserted Tax
deficiencies, including filing petitions for redetermination or prosecuting
actions for refund in any court, and pursuing the appeal of any such actions;
(d) execute Tax Returns or other documents reasonably required by the other
party; (e) provide complete access to, and comply with reasonable requests for
copies of all Tax Returns, books and records, data, documents, work papers,
materials and other information relating to Taxes with respect to the Systems or
the Subject Assets for any taxable period; and (f) make available to each other,
its officers, directors, employees and agents for any fact finding, consultation
and discussions related to the preparation and filing of any Tax Return, the
conduct of any Tax Audit and any other matter with respect to Taxes, provided
that the foregoing shall be done in a manner so as not to interfere unreasonably
with the conduct of the business of the parties.
7.8 Maintenance Of Books and Records. Notwithstanding Section
4.8 hereof, until the applicable statute of limitations (including periods of
waiver) has expired for any Tax Return filed or required to be filed covering
the periods up to and including the Closing Date (including, without limitation,
any period beginning before and ending after the Closing Date), the Buyer shall
retain all Tax work papers and related materials in its possession and under its
control that were used in the preparation of any such Tax Return. Each party
shall notify the other party at least 60 days prior to disposing of any Tax
record relating to such taxable periods and will deliver to such other party any
such records requested by such other party.
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<PAGE> 45
7.9 Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanism. If there is a dispute
between the Buyer and GMI regarding any of the matters contained in Section 1.5
hereof or in this Article VII or the interpretation of any other provision of
this Agreement relating to Taxes, such dispute shall be resolved as follows: (i)
the parties will in good faith attempt to negotiate a settlement of the dispute,
(ii) if the parties are unable to negotiate a resolution of the dispute within
30 days of the commencement of the dispute, the dispute will be submitted to the
national office of a firm of independent accountants of nationally recognized
standing reasonably satisfactory to GMI and the Buyer (the "TAX DISPUTE
ACCOUNTANTS"), (iii) the parties will present their arguments to the Tax Dispute
Accountants within 15 days after submission of the dispute to the Tax Dispute
Accountants, (iv) the Tax Dispute Accountants will resolve the dispute, in a
fair and equitable manner and in accordance with the applicable Tax law, within
30 days after the parties have presented their arguments to the Tax Dispute
Accountants, which decision shall be final, conclusive and binding on the
parties, (v) any payment to be made as a result of the resolution of a dispute
shall be made, and any other action to be taken as a result of the resolution of
a dispute shall be taken, on or before the later of (A) the date on which such
payment or action would otherwise be required or (B) the third business day
following the date on which the dispute is resolved (in the case of a dispute
resolved by the Tax Dispute Accountants, such date being the date on which the
parties receive written notice from the Tax Dispute Accountants of their
resolution) and (vi) the fees and expenses of the Tax Dispute Accountants in
resolving a dispute will be borne equally by GMI and the Buyer.
7.10 Certain Payroll Matters. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, in respect of wages paid with respect to the 1999
calendar year to employees of GMI, the Company or any Subsidiary who after the
Closing become employees of the Buyer or its affiliates, GMI, the Company and
the Buyer agree to comply, and to cause their respective affiliates to comply,
with the procedures set forth in Revenue Procedure 96-60 and shall cooperate,
and cause their respective affiliates to cooperate, with each other in complying
with such procedures.
7.11 Characterization of Indemnity Payments. The parties agree
that any indemnification payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be
treated for tax purposes as an adjustment to purchase price, unless otherwise
required by applicable law.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Entire Agreement. Other than the Confidentiality
Agreement, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties
with respect to the subject
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<PAGE> 46
matter hereof and supersedes all prior written and oral and all contemporaneous
oral agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof
(including, without limitation, the Confidential Memorandum, dated April 1998,
prepared by Goldman, Sachs & Co., with respect to the cable television
properties of GMI, and any supplements thereto).
8.2 Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
duly given or made as follows: (a) if sent by registered or certified mail in
the United States, return receipt requested, upon receipt; (b) if sent by
reputable overnight air courier (such as DHL or Federal Express), two business
days after mailing; (c) if sent by facsimile transmission, with a copy mailed on
the same day in the manner provided in (a) or (b) above, when transmitted and
receipt is confirmed by telephone; or (d) if otherwise actually personally
delivered, when delivered and shall be delivered as follows:
if to the Buyer:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent, President and CEO
Fax: 314-965-8793
with a copy to:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Curtis S. Shaw, Senior Vice President
and General Counsel
Fax: 314-965-8793
if to GMI:
Greater Media, Inc.
Two Kennedy Boulevard
P.O. Box 1059
East Brunswick, New Jersey 08116
Attention: General Counsel
Fax: 732-247-4956
40
<PAGE> 47
with a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton
875 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Richard D. Bohm
Fax: 212-909-6836
or to such other address or to such other person as the party to whom notice is
given may have previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set
forth above.
8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York regardless of the
laws that might otherwise govern under principles of conflicts of laws
applicable thereto.
8.4 Interpretation. The section headings in this Agreement are
for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect
the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof. Any references to the
Company's knowledge or the knowledge of the Company shall mean the actual
knowledge of Peter A. Bordes, John Zielinski, Barbara Burns and Walter Veth.
8.5 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person any
rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement.
8.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
8.7 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided for in this
Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such
expenses, provided that if the Closing occurs, all such cost and expenses shall
be paid by the Buyer except as provided in clause (ii) of Section 1.6(b).
8.8 Personal Liability. This Agreement shall not create or be
deemed to create or permit any personal liability or obligation on the part of
any direct or indirect stockholder of any party hereto or any officer, director,
employee, agent or representative of any party hereto.
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<PAGE> 48
8.9 Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any
party hereto, whether by operation of law or otherwise, except that Buyer shall
be permitted to assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any of
its controlled affiliates without the prior consent of any other party hereto,
so long as such assignment does not prevent or delay consummation of the
Closing. No such assignment shall relieve the Buyer of its obligations under
this Agreement.
8.10 Amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be amended,
modified or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
hereto.
8.11 Exclusivity of Representations and Warranties;
Non-Survival; Relationship Between the Parties. It is the explicit intent and
understanding of each of the parties hereto that none of the parties nor any of
their affiliates, nor any of their representatives or agents, is making any
representation or warranty whatsoever, oral or written, express or implied,
other than those set forth in Articles II and III, and no party is relying on
any statement, representation or warranty, oral or written, express or implied,
made by any other party or any such other party's affiliates, or any of their
representatives or agents, except for the representations and warranties set
forth in such sections. None of the representations and warranties in this
Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall survive the Closing, and neither GMI nor the Company shall have
any liability hereunder to the Buyer or any other person with respect to,
arising out of or in any way relating to its representations and warranties
hereunder. The parties agree that this is an arm's length transaction in which
the parties' undertakings and obligations are limited to the performance of
their obligations under this Agreement.
8.12 Exclusive Jurisdiction, etc. Each party irrevocably
submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any court in the City of New York or
any courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of
New York and, subject to Section 7.9, each party hereby agrees that all suits,
actions and proceedings brought by such party hereunder shall be brought in any
such court. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue
of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, any claim that
any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in
an inconvenient forum and the right to object, with respect to any such suit,
action or proceeding brought in any such court, that such court does not have
jurisdiction over such party or the other party. In any such suit, action or
proceeding, each party waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so,
personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the
service thereof may be made by certified or registered mail accompanied by first
class prepaid ordinary postage, addressed to such party at its address. Each
party agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or
proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding.
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<PAGE> 49
8.13 Right to Specific Performance. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary set forth herein or elsewhere, (i) GMI and the Company shall be
entitled, at their sole option, to (a) waive compliance by the Buyer with any
term or provision of this Agreement (including, without limitation, any closing
conditions) and/or (b) without the posting of any bond or other security,
require the Buyer to consummate and specifically perform the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with all other terms of this Agreement, if
necessary through injunction or other court order or process, if the conditions
to the obligations of the Buyer to effect the Closing have been satisfied or are
capable of being satisfied if the Closing were to be held, and (ii) the Buyer
shall be entitled, at its sole option, to (a) waive compliance by GMI and the
Company with any term or provision of this Agreement (including, without
limitation, any closing conditions) and/or (b) without the posting of any bond
or other security, require GMI and the Company to consummate and specifically
perform the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with all other terms
of this Agreement, if necessary through injunction or other court order or
process, if the conditions to the obligations of GMI and the Company to effect
the Closing have been satisfied or are capable of being satisfied if the Closing
were to be held. Any such equitable relief granted shall not be exclusive and
GMI and the Company or Buyer, as the case may be, shall also be entitled to seek
money damages.
ARTICLE IX
DEFINITIONS
When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated.
"ACCUMULATED FUNDING DEFICIENCY" means an accumulated funding
deficiency, as defined in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code.
"ALLOCATION SCHEDULE" has the meaning set forth in Section
1.5.
"ASSUMED LIABILITIES" has the meaning set forth in Section
1.6.
"AUTHORIZATIONS" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a).
"BASIC SUBSCRIBER" means a Person (i) who subscribes to basic
service, (ii) who pays the full rate for such service charged by the Company for
detached single family homes and (iii) whose accounts receivable owed for such
service are not more than 60 days past due from the date of invoice.
43
<PAGE> 50
"CARS" means Cable Television Relay Service.
"CLOSING" AND "CLOSING DATE" each has the meaning set forth in
Section 5.1.
"COBRA" means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation
Act of 1985, as amended, as set forth in Section 4980B of the Code and Part 6 of
Title I of ERISA.
"CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"COMMUNICATIONS ACT" means the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended.
"COMPANY BENEFIT ARRANGEMENT" means any material benefit
arrangement (whether or not written) that is not a Company Employee Plan,
including (i) any employment or consulting agreement, (ii) any arrangement
providing for insurance coverage or workers' compensation benefits, (iii) any
incentive bonus or deferred bonus arrangement, (iv) any arrangement providing
termination allowance, severance or similar benefits, (v) any equity
compensation plan, (vi) any deferred compensation plan and (vii) any
compensation policy and practice, in each case that is maintained by the Company
or any of its ERISA Affiliates covering any employees, former employees,
directors or former directors of the Company, and the beneficiaries of any of
them.
"COMPANY COMMON STOCK" means the issued and outstanding shares
of Class A common stock of the Company.
"COMPANY CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.8(a).
"COMPANY EMPLOYEE PLAN" means any employee benefit plan, as
defined in Section 3(3) or ERISA, that is sponsored or contributed to by the
Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates covering any employees or former
employees, directors or former directors of the Company and the beneficiaries of
any of them.
"COMPANY PLAN" means any Company Employee Benefit Plan or
Company Benefit Arrangement.
"EMPLOYEE" means any individual who, as of the Closing Date,
is actively employed by, or on short-term or long-term disability, accident or
sickness, maternity, lay-off or other authorized leave of absence from the
Company.
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<PAGE> 51
"EMPLOYEE PROTECTION PLAN" means the Company's Employee
Protection Plan, the terms of which are included on Schedule 2.14(e).
"EMPLOYEE RETENTION PLAN" means the Company's Employee
Retention Plan, the terms of which are included in Schedule 2.14(e).
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
"ERISA AFFILIATE" means a Person and/or such Person's
Subsidiary or any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is under
common control with such entity or such entity's Subsidiaries or which is
treated as a single employer with such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person
under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(f) of
ERISA.
"EXCLUDED ASSETS" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.
"EXCLUDED CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in Section
1.3(n).
"EXCLUDED LIABILITIES" has the meaning set forth in Section
1.6.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
"FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.8(a).
"GMI CONTRACTS" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.14(a).
"GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" means any governmental or regulatory
authority, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, any governmental
administrative agency or franchising authority.
"GPCI" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3(a).
"GPCI MERGER CONSIDERATION" means the consideration to be
received by the Company in connection with the merger of GPCI with and into
Philadelphia Merger Sub.
"GUARANTEES" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.13(a).
"INCOME TAX" means any Tax computed in whole or in part based
on or by reference to net income and any alternative, minimum, accumulated
earnings or
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<PAGE> 52
personal holding company Tax (including all interest and penalties thereon and
additions thereto).
"INCOME TAX RETURN" means any Tax Return relating to Income
Taxes.
"INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.11.
"INTERCOMPANY DEBT" means the debt of the Company to GMI
incurred for the operation of the Systems in a manner consistent with past
practice after October 1, 1998 in accordance with, or not in violation of, this
Agreement, the interest on which shall accrue at a rate equal to GMI's average
borrowing rate over the period from October 1, 1998 to the Closing Date,
compounded annually, and any short-term advances to the Company made by GMI (as
to which no interest is charged) in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice and the Company's cash management practices and
disbursement controls for the purposes of, without limitation, the payment of
the Company's payroll and insurance premiums.
"IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
"LIENS" means any lien, claim, charge, restriction, pledge,
mortgage, security interest or other encumbrance.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means any effect that is or is
reasonably likely to be materially adverse to the business, results of
operations or financial condition of the Company, except for effects due to the
general economic or industry-wide conditions.
"MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" means a multiemployer plan, as defined in
Sections 3(37) and 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
"NLRB" means the National Labor Relations Board.
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
"PENSION PLAN" means any employer pension benefit plan, as
defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA.
"PERMITTED LIENS" means (i) Liens for taxes and other
governmental charges and assessments which are not yet due and payable or which
are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) Liens of
landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics and materialmen and
other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due
and payable or that are being contested in good
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<PAGE> 53
faith by appropriate proceedings or with respect to which arrangements for
payment and/or release have been made, (iii) purchase money Liens on property
acquired by the Company in connection with its business which were created
contemporaneously with such acquisition to secure or provide for the payment or
financing of all or any part of the purchase price thereof, (iv) easements,
rights of way, restrictions, leases of property to others, title imperfections
and restrictions, zoning ordinances and other similar encumbrances affecting
the Real Property which in the aggregate do not adversely affect the value of
such Real Property or materially impair its use for the operation of the
relevant Systems, (v) statutory Liens in favor of lessors arising in connection
with any property leased to the Company in connection with the its business, and
(vi) other Liens which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
"PERSON" means any individual, general partnership, limited
partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, trust,
business trust, cooperative or association, and the heirs, executors,
administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of such Person
where the context so requires.
"PHILADELPHIA MERGER AGREEMENT" means the definitive agreement
for the Philadelphia Transaction.
"PHILADELPHIA MERGER SUB" means the wholly owned subsidiary of
Comcast Corporation with which GPCI is to merge pursuant to the Philadelphia
Transaction.
"PHILADELPHIA TRANSACTION" means the transaction in which GPCI
is to be merged with Philadelphia Merger Sub.
"PURCHASE PRICE" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.4.
"RETAINED FRANCHISE" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.16.
"RETIRED EMPLOYEES" means all former employees of the Company
who, as of the Closing Date, are entitled or will be entitled to retirement
benefits under Company Plans.
"SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" means the Schedule of
Capital Expenditures included in Schedule 4.1.
"SUBJECT ASSETS" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2
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"SUBSIDIARY" as to any Person means (i) any corporation,
association or other business entity of which such Person owns or controls,
either directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total combined voting power of
all classes of voting securities of such corporation that are entitled to vote
in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof and (ii) any
partnership, association, joint venture or other form of business organization,
whether or not it constitutes a legal entity, in which such Person directly or
indirectly through its Subsidiaries owns or controls 50% or more of the total
equity interests.
"SYSTEMS" has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
"TAX" means any tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment or
fee of any nature (including any interest and penalties thereon and additions
thereto) that is imposed by any taxing authority or other governmental
authority.
"TAX RETURN" means any return, report, declaration, form,
claim for refund or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including
any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
"TRANSFER TAXES" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(b).
"TRANSFER TAX RETURNS" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.3(c).
[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this
Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized
on the day and year first above written.
GREATER MEDIA, INC.
By /s/ Peter A. Bordes
-----------------------------------
Name: Peter A. Bordes
Title: Chairman of the Board
GREATER MEDIA CABLEVISION, INC.
By /s/ Peter A. Bordes
-----------------------------------
Name: Peter A. Bordes
Title: President
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
-----------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.3(b)
ASSIGNMENT
OF
ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Assignment of Asset Purchase Agreement is made by and between Charter
Communications, Inc. ("CCI") and its wholly-controlled subsidiary, Charter
Communications Entertainment I, LLC ("CCE-I"), effective as of the 23rd day of
February, 1999, with respect to the following:
A. CCI is the "Buyer" of certain cable television assets pursuant to
the Asset Purchase Agreement among Greater Media, Inc., Greater
Media Cablevision, Inc., and CCI dated as of February 17, 1999 (the
"Agreement");
B. Pursuant to Section 8.9 of the Agreement, CCI may assign its rights
and obligations under the Agreement to any of its controlled
affiliates without the prior consent of any other party to the
Agreement;
C. CCI desires to assign its rights and obligations under the Agreement
and CCE-I desires to assume such rights and liabilities under the
Agreement.
In recognition of the above and for other good and valuable consideration
the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. CCI assigns all of its rights and obligations under the Agreement to
CCE-I.
2. CCE-I agrees to assume all of CCI's rights and obligations under the
Agreement and for all intents and purposes to be substituted as the
"Buyer" under the terms thereof.
3. This assignment shall be effective as of the date first written
above.
<PAGE> 2
In witness whereof, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by their duly authorized officers.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
------------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
ENTERTAINMENT I, LLC
By: /s/ Kent Kalkwarf
------------------------------------
Name: Kent Kalkwarf
Title: Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
-2-
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.4
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1999
BY AND AMONG
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
RENAISSANCE MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC
AND
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC
<PAGE> 2
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1999
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SECTION 1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.............................................. 1
1.1 Terms Defined in this Section............................... 1
"Adjustment Time"................................................ 1
"Affiliate"...................................................... 2
"Assets"......................................................... 2
"Basic Subscriber"............................................... 2
"Bulk Subscriber"................................................ 2
"Cable Act"...................................................... 2
"Charter's Disclosure Schedules"................................. 2
"Closing"........................................................ 3
"Closing Date"................................................... 3
"Code"........................................................... 3
"Consents"....................................................... 3
"Contracts"...................................................... 3
"Copyright Act".................................................. 3
"Credit Agreement"............................................... 3
"Debt Documents"................................................. 3
"Employee Plan".................................................. 3
"Employment Agreements".......................................... 4
"Encumbrances"................................................... 4
"Enforceability Exceptions"...................................... 4
"Environmental Claim"............................................ 4
"Environmental Law".............................................. 4
"Equity Interests"............................................... 4
"Equivalent Subscribers"......................................... 5
"ERISA".......................................................... 5
"ERISA Affiliate" ............................................... 5
"Escrow Agent"................................................... 5
"Exchange Act"................................................... 5
"Excluded Assets"................................................ 5
"FCC"............................................................ 5
"FCC Regulations"................................................ 5
"Franchise"...................................................... 5
"Franchise Area"................................................. 6
"Franchising Authorities"........................................ 6
"GAAP"........................................................... 6
"Governmental Authority"......................................... 6
"Hazardous Substance"............................................ 6
"Headquarters Employees"......................................... 6
"HSR Act"........................................................ 6
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"Indemnity Agreement"............................................ 7
"Indenture"...................................................... 7
"Indenture Closing Documents".................................... 7
"Intangibles".................................................... 7
"Knowledge"...................................................... 7
"Legal Restrictions"............................................. 7
"Licenses"....................................................... 8
"Loss"........................................................... 8
"Material Contract".............................................. 8
"Material FCC Consent"........................................... 8
"Material Lease"................................................. 8
"Organizational Documents"....................................... 8
"Permitted Encumbrances"......................................... 8
"Person"......................................................... 9
"Pre-Closing Tax Period"......................................... 9
"Programming Agreement".......................................... 9
"Purchased Interests"............................................ 9
"Rate Regulatory Matter"......................................... 9
"Real Property".................................................. 9
"Renaissance Capital"........................................... 10
"Renaissance Companies"......................................... 10
"Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules"............................ 10
"Renaissance Louisiana"......................................... 10
"Renaissance Media"............................................. 10
"Renaissance Tennessee"......................................... 10
"SEC"........................................................... 10
"Securities Act"................................................ 10
"Senior Debt"................................................... 10
"Senior Debt Amount"............................................ 10
"Senior Discount Notes"......................................... 10
"Senior Discount Notes Accreted Value".......................... 10
"Subsidiary".................................................... 11
"Systems"....................................................... 11
"Tangible Personal Property".................................... 11
"Tax"........................................................... 11
"Tax Return".................................................... 11
"Transaction Documents"......................................... 11
"Upset Date".................................................... 12
1.2 Terms Defined Elsewhere in this Agreement.................. 12
1.3 Rules of Construction...................................... 13
SECTION 2 SALE AND PURCHASE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS; ASSUMPTION OF
LIABILITIES; CASH CONSIDERATION................................. 13
2.1 Agreement to Sell and Buy Purchased Interests.............. 13
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2.2 Cash Consideration for Purchased Interests................. 13
2.3 Cash Consideration Adjustments............................. 13
2.4 Payments at Closing........................................ 14
2.5 Post-Closing Payment of Cash Consideration Adjustments..... 16
SECTION 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GROUP......................... 17
3.1 Organization and Authority. .............................. 18
3.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation...................... 18
3.3 Organization and Ownership of Renaissance Companies....... 18
3.4 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents............... 19
3.5 Financial Statements...................................... 19
3.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities........................ 20
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes................................ 20
3.8 Franchises, Licenses, Material Contracts.................. 20
3.9 Title to and Condition of Real Property and Tangible
Personal Property......................................... 21
3.10 Intangibles............................................... 22
3.11 Information Regarding the Systems......................... 22
3.12 Taxes..................................................... 23
3.13 Employee Plans............................................ 25
3.14 Environmental Laws........................................ 26
3.15 Claims and Litigation..................................... 27
3.16 Compliance With Laws...................................... 27
3.17 Transactions with Affiliates.............................. 28
3.18 Certain Fees.............................................. 28
3.19 Inventory................................................. 28
3.20 Overbuilds; Competition................................... 28
3.21 Disconnections............................................ 29
3.22 Year 2000................................................. 29
3.23 Budgets................................................... 29
3.24 Cure...................................................... 29
SECTION 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDINGS...................... 29
4.1 Organization; Authorization and Binding Obligation........ 29
4.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation...................... 29
4.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents............... 30
4.4 Title to Purchased Interests.............................. 30
4.5 Claims and Litigation..................................... 30
4.6 Certain Fees.............................................. 31
4.7 Cure...................................................... 31
SECTION 5: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND
CHARTER......................................................... 31
5.1 Organization.............................................. 31
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5.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation...................... 31
5.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents............... 32
5.4 Claims and Litigation..................................... 32
5.5 Investment Purpose; Investment Company.................... 32
5.6 Ownership of Buyer........................................ 33
5.7 Certain Fees.............................................. 33
5.8 Availability of Funds..................................... 33
5.9 Cure...................................................... 33
SECTION 6: SPECIAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS................................ 33
6.1 Operation of Business Prior to Closing.................... 33
6.2 Confidentiality; Press Release............................ 36
6.3 Cooperation; Commercially Reasonable Efforts.............. 37
6.4 Consents.................................................. 37
6.5 HSR Act Filing............................................ 38
6.6 Charter's Actions......................................... 39
6.7 Renaissance Debt Obligations.............................. 39
6.8 Retention and Access to the Renaissance Companies'
Records................................................... 40
6.9 Employee Matters.......................................... 40
6.10 Tax Matters............................................... 41
6.11 Renaissance Name.......................................... 43
6.12 No Recourse; Release of Claims............................ 43
6.13 Exculpation and Indemnification........................... 44
6.14 Rate Regulatory Matters................................... 44
6.15 Guaranty by Charter....................................... 45
6.16 Disclosure Schedules...................................... 46
SECTION 7: CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER AND CHARTER.................. 46
7.1 Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer and Charter........ 46
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Holdings..................... 47
SECTION 8: CLOSING AND CLOSING DELIVERIES.................................. 48
8.1 Closing................................................... 48
8.2 Deliveries by Holdings.................................... 49
8.3 Deliveries by Buyer and Charter........................... 50
SECTION 9: TERMINATION..................................................... 51
9.1 Agreement between Holdings and Buyer...................... 51
9.2 Termination by Holdings................................... 51
9.3 Termination by Buyer...................................... 52
9.4 Effect of Termination..................................... 52
9.5 Attorneys' Fees........................................... 53
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SECTION 10: SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
INDEMNIFICATION; CERTAIN REMEDIES............................... 53
10.1 Survival.................................................. 53
10.2 Indemnification by Holdings............................... 53
10.3 Indemnification by Buyer and Charter...................... 54
10.4 Indemnity Agreement....................................... 54
10.5 Certain Limitations on Indemnification Obligations........ 54
10.6 Procedure for Indemnification............................. 57
10.7 Treatment of Indemnification Payments..................... 58
SECTION 11: MISCELLANEOUS................................................... 58
11.1 Fees and Expenses......................................... 58
11.2 Notices................................................... 58
11.3 Benefit and Binding Effect................................ 59
11.4 Further Assurances........................................ 60
11.5 GOVERNING LAW............................................. 60
11.6 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL...................................... 60
11.7 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; VENUE......................... 60
11.8 Severability.............................................. 60
11.9 Entire Agreement.......................................... 61
11.10 Amendments; Waiver of Compliance; Consents................ 61
11.11 Counterparts.............................................. 61
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Schedule Description
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Schedule 1.1 Licenses
Schedule 1.1(a) Buyer and Charter-Knowledge
Schedule 1.1(b) Holdings and Group-Knowledge
Schedule 1.2 Headquarters Employees
Schedule 3.1 Organization and Authority
Schedule 3.3 Organization and Ownership of the Renaissance
Companies
Schedule 3.4 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents
Schedule 3.5 Financial Statements
Schedule 3.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities
Schedule 3.7 Absence of Certain Changes
Schedule 3.8 Franchises, Licenses, Material Contracts
Schedule 3.9 Title to and Condition of Real Property and Tangible
Personal Property
Schedule 3.10 Intangibles
Schedule 3.11 Information Regarding the Systems
Schedule 3.12 Taxes
Schedule 3.13 Employee Plans
Schedule 3.14 Environmental Laws
Schedule 3.15 Claims and Litigation
Schedule 3.16 Compliance with Laws
Schedule 3.17 Transactions with Affiliates
Schedule 3.20 Overbuilds; Competition
Schedule 3.21 Disconnections
Schedule 3.23 Budgets
Schedule 4.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents
Schedule 4.5 Claims and Litigation
Schedule 5.4 Claims and Litigation
Schedule 6.1 Operation of Business Prior to Closing
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TABLE OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit Description
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Exhibit A Student Subscribers
Exhibit B Excluded Assets
Exhibit C Form of Opinion of Counsel to Holdings and Group
Exhibit D Form of Opinion of Counsel to Buyer and Charter
Exhibit E Indemnity Agreement
Exhibit F Adjustment Escrow Agreement
Exhibit G Form of Opinion of Counsel to Holdings and Group
with respect to certain FCC Matters
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 9
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated as of February 23,
1999, by and among CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Charter"), CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
("Buyer"), RENAISSANCE MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
("Holdings"), and RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company ("Group").
R E C I T A L S:
A. Holdings holds all the outstanding limited liability company interests in
Group.
B. Buyer is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Charter.
C. Buyer desires to acquire from Holdings all of its limited liability company
interests in Group.
D. The parties hereto desire to set forth the terms in accordance with which
Buyer shall acquire all the limited liability company interests in Group held by
Holdings for the consideration and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.
A G R E E M E N T S:
In consideration of the above recitals and of the mutual agreements and
covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement, intending
to be bound legally, agree as follows:
SECTION 1 CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Terms Defined in this Section. The following terms, as used in this
Agreement, have the meanings set forth in this Section:
"Adjustment Escrow Agent" means the Escrow Agent named in the Adjustment
Escrow Agreement.
"Adjustment Escrow Agreement" means the Adjustment Escrow Agreement to be
executed and delivered by Buyer, Charter, Holdings and the Adjustment Escrow
Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto.
"Adjustment Time" means (A) with respect to the purchase and sale of the
Purchased Interests and to Current Assets and Current Liabilities and other
items that primarily relate to the Renaissance Companies as a whole, 11:59 p.m.,
New York time, on the Closing Date, and (B) with respect to Current Assets and
Current Liabilities and other items that primarily relate to a particular
System, 11:59 p.m. local time for that System, on the Closing Date.
<PAGE> 10
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"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with the specified Person.
"Assets" means all of the tangible and intangible assets that are owned,
leased or held by the Renaissance Companies and that are used or held for use in
connection with the conduct of the business or operations of the Systems, other
than the Excluded Assets, and less any such Assets that are sold, transferred or
otherwise conveyed by the Renaissance Companies to third Persons prior to the
Closing in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, provided that with
respect to any assets that are leased by the Renaissance Companies or otherwise
not owned by the Renaissance Companies, "Assets" includes only the interest,
title and rights in such assets held by the Renaissance Companies.
"Basic Subscriber" means, with respect to any System, as of any date of
determination, any Subscriber to a System at the regular basic monthly
subscription rate (including discounted rates offered in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice) for at least broadcast basic cable
service (either alone or in combination with any other service) for such System,
who has rendered payment of one month's service and who has not more than Five
Dollars ($5.00) more than two (2) months past due.
"Bulk Subscriber" means, with respect to any System, as of any date of
determination, any Subscriber, other than a Basic Subscriber, to at least
broadcast basic cable service (either alone or in combination with any other
service) for a System which is billed to such Subscriber on a bulk basis to bulk
commercial accounts, such as hotels, motels, hospitals, apartment houses and
similar multiple dwelling units or other commercial accounts and who has
rendered payment for one month's service at such customer's regular basic
monthly subscription rate for such service and who does not have more than
$10.00 (excluding late charges and fees and amounts subject to a bona fide
dispute) that is two months or more past due from the last day of the period to
which any outstanding bill relates.
"Cable Act" means Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
47 U.S.C. Section 151 et seq., and all other provisions of the Cable
Communications Policy Act of 1984, the Cable Television Consumer Protection and
Competition Act of 1992, and the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of
1996 amending Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, in each case as
amended and in effect from time to time.
"Charter's Disclosure Schedules" means the Disclosure Schedules referred
to in Section 5 of this Agreement and attached to this Agreement.
"Charter Parties" means Charter and Buyer, collectively.
"Closing" means the purchase and sale of the Purchased Interests pursuant
to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.
"Closing Date" means the date on which the Closing occurs.
<PAGE> 11
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"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended and in effect from time
to time.
"Compensation Arrangement" means any plan or compensation arrangement
other than an Employee Plan, whether written or unwritten, which provides to
employees, former employees, officers, directors and shareholders of any
Renaissance Company or any ERISA Affiliate any compensation or other benefits,
whether deferred or not, in excess of base salary or wages, including, but not
limited to, any bonus or incentive plan, stock rights plan, deferred
compensation arrangement, life insurance, stock purchase plan, severance pay
plan and any other employee fringe benefit plan.
"Consents" means the consents, permits, approvals and authorizations of
Governmental Authorities and other Persons necessary to transfer the Purchased
Interests to Buyer and to consummate the other transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
"Contracts" means all leases, easements, rights-of-way, rights of entry,
programming agreements, pole attachment and conduit agreements, customer
agreements and other agreements (other than Franchises), written or oral
(including any amendments and other modifications thereto), to which any
Renaissance Company is a party or which are binding upon any Renaissance Company
and (A) which are in effect on the date hereof, or (B) which are entered into by
any Renaissance Company between the date hereof and the Closing Date in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
"Copyright Act" means the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended and in effect
from time to time.
"Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of April 9, 1998
among Renaissance Media, the Lenders party thereto, Morgan Stanley Senior
Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent and Arranger, CIBC, Inc., as Documentation
Agent, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, as the same may be
amended and in effect from time to time.
"Debt Documents" means the Indenture, the Indenture Closing Documents and
the Credit Agreement and all documents or instruments delivered in connection
therewith or pursuant thereto.
"Employee Plan" means any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred
compensation, vacation, severance, bonus, incentive, medical, vision, dental,
disability, life insurance or any other employee benefit plan as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA to which any Renaissance Company or any ERISA Affiliate of
any Renaissance Company contributes or is required to contribute or which any
Renaissance Company or any such ERISA Affiliate sponsors or maintains.
"Employment Agreements" means the Employment Agreement dated April 9, 1998
between Renaissance Media LLC and Fred Schulte, the Employment Agreement dated
April 9,
<PAGE> 12
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1998 between Renaissance Media LLC and Rodney Cornelius, the Employment
Agreement dated April 9, 1998 between Renaissance Media LLC and Mark Halpin, the
Employment Agreement dated April 9, 1998 between Renaissance Media LLC and
Michael J. Egan, the Employment Agreement dated April 9, 1998 between
Renaissance Media LLC and Darlene Fedun and the Employment Agreement dated April
9, 1998 between Renaissance Media LLC and David L. Testa.
"Encumbrances" means any pledge, claim, mortgage, lien, charge,
encumbrance or security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"Enforceability Exceptions" means the exceptions or limitations to the
enforceability of contracts under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally or by judicial discretion in the
enforcement of equitable remedies and by public policies generally.
"Environmental Claim" means any written claim or notice of any proceeding
before a Governmental Authority arising under or pertaining to any Environmental
Law or Hazardous Substance.
"Environmental Law" means any Legal Requirement pertaining to land use,
air, soil, surface water, groundwater (including the protection, cleanup,
removal, remediation or damage thereof), the handling, storage, treatment or
disposal of waste, including hazardous waste, and the handling, storage,
manufacture, treatment or transportation of hazardous materials, or to the
protection of public health and safety, occupational health and safety or worker
health and safety or any other environmental matter, including the following
laws as amended and as in effect at the relevant time (including, but not
limited to, the following statutes, any regulations promulgated pursuant to any
of them, any permits, licenses or authorizations issued thereunder, any state or
regional analogues thereto and any permits or regulations issued thereunder):
(A) Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7401, et seq.); (B) Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. Section 1251, et seq.); (C) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42
U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq.); (D) Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq.); (E) Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f, et seq.); (F) the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act; (G) the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
and (H) Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. Section 2601, et seq.).
"Equity Interests" means any and all shares, interests, or other
equivalent interests (however designated) in the equity of any Person, including
capital stock, partnership interests and membership interests, and including any
rights, options or warrants with respect thereto.
"Equivalent Subscribers" means, with respect to any System, as of any date
of determination, the sum of: (A) the number of Basic Subscribers served by such
System as of such date; (B) the number of Basic Subscribers represented by the
Bulk Subscribers served by such System as of such date, which number shall be
calculated for full basic cable service provided by such System by dividing (1)
the monthly billings attributable to such System's Bulk Subscribers for full
basic cable service provided by such System for the calendar month immediately
preceding the date on which such calculation is made, by (2) the full,
non-
<PAGE> 13
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discounted monthly rate charged by such System for full basic cable service
(excluding pass-through charges for sales taxes, line-itemized franchise fees,
fees charged by the FCC and other similar line-itemized charges); and (C) the
number of equivalent Basic Subscribers represented by the "Student Subscribers"
of the Renaissance Companies as of the date of determination, which number will
be determined as set forth on Exhibit A. For purposes of the foregoing, monthly
billings shall exclude billings for a la carte or optional service tiers and for
premium services, pass-through charges for sales taxes, line-itemized franchise
fees, fees charged by the FCC and other similar line-itemized charges, and
nonrecurring charges or credits which include those relating to installation,
connection, relocation and disconnection fees and miscellaneous rental charges
for equipment such as remote control devices and converters.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as amended and in effect from
time to time.
"ERISA Affiliate" means a trade or business affiliated within the meaning
of Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code.
"Escrow Agent" means the Escrow Agent named in the Indemnity Agreement.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as in effect from
time to time.
"Excluded Assets" means the assets listed on Exhibit B.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission, or any successor agency
thereof.
"FCC Licenses" means any licenses issued or granted to a Renaissance
Company by the FCC, including all amendments thereto and renewals or
modifications thereof.
"FCC Regulations" means the rules, regulations and published policies and
decisions of the FCC as they are applicable to the Systems and promulgated by
the FCC with respect to the Cable Act, as in effect from time to time.
"Franchise" means any cable television franchise and related agreements,
ordinances, permits, instruments or other authorizations issued or granted to a
Renaissance Company by any Governmental Authority, including all amendments
thereto and renewals or modifications thereof.
"Franchise Area" means any geographic area in which a Renaissance Company
is authorized to provide cable television service pursuant to a Franchise or
otherwise provides cable television service for which area a Franchise is being
negotiated or is not required pursuant to applicable Legal Requirements.
<PAGE> 14
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"Franchising Authorities" means all Governmental Authorities that have
issued or granted any Franchises relating to the operation of a System.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the
United States from time to time.
"Governmental Authority" means any federal, state, or local governmental
authority or instrumentality, including any court, tribunal or administrative or
regulatory agency, department, bureau, commission or board.
"Hazardous Substance" means any pollutant, contaminant, hazardous or toxic
substance, material, constituent or waste or any pollutant or any release
thereof that is labeled or regulated as such by any Governmental Authority
pursuant to an Environmental Law, including petroleum or petroleum compounds,
radioactive materials, asbestos or any asbestos-containing material, or
polychlorinated biphenyls.
"Headquarters Employees" means the employees of the Renaissance Companies
set forth in Schedule 1.2.
"HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
and the regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission with respect
thereto, as amended and in effect from time to time.
"Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all
indebtedness for borrowed money; (b) all obligations issued, undertaken or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade
payables and accrued liabilities entered into in the ordinary course of business
on ordinary terms); (c) all non-contingent reimbursement or payment obligations
with respect to surety instruments; (d) all obligations evidenced by notes,
bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced
incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;
(e) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other
title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect
to property acquired by the Person (even though the rights and remedies of the
seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such property) and all obligations under any linefill
agreements; (f) all capitalized lease obligations; (g) all net obligations with
respect to swap Contracts; (h) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (a)
through (g) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has
an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any lien upon or
in property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even
though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such
Indebtedness; and (i) all guaranty obligations in respect of indebtedness or
obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above;
provided, however, that "Indebtedness" shall not include any obligations such as
letters of credit, surety bonds or performance bonds or similar obligations
entered into in the ordinary course of business.
<PAGE> 15
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"Indemnity Agreement" means the Indemnity Agreement to be executed and
delivered by Buyer, Charter, Holdings and the Escrow Agent, substantially in the
form of Exhibit E hereto, which agreement shall be executed and delivered on the
Closing Date.
"Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of April 9, 1998 among
Renaissance Louisiana, Renaissance Tennessee, Renaissance Capital, Group, as
guarantor, and United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee as the same
may be amended and in effect from time to time.
"Indenture Closing Documents" means the Placement Agreement dated April 6,
1998 among Group, Renaissance Louisiana, Renaissance Tennessee, Renaissance
Capital and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and the Registration Rights
Agreement dated April 6, 1998 among Group, Renaissance Louisiana, Renaissance
Tennessee, Renaissance Capital and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, as each of
the same may be amended and in effect from time to time.
"Intangibles" means all copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service
marks, service names, patents, permits, proprietary information, technical
information and data, machinery and equipment warranties, and other similar
intangible property rights and interests (which shall in no event include
Franchises, Licenses or Contracts) issued to or owned by any of the Renaissance
Companies.
"Knowledge" means the actual knowledge of the persons listed in Schedule
1.1(a) with respect to Buyer and Charter and the actual knowledge of the persons
listed in Schedule 1.1(b) with respect to Holdings and Group.
"Legal Restrictions" means restrictions arising under the securities laws,
the Cable Act, FCC Regulations, the Franchises and the Licenses.
"Legal Requirements" means applicable common law and any applicable
statute, permit, ordinance, code or other law, rule, regulation, order,
technical or other standard, requirement or procedure enacted, adopted,
promulgated or applied by any Governmental Authority (including, without
limitation, the FCC), including any applicable order, decree or judgment which
may have been handed down, adopted or imposed by any Governmental Authority, all
as in effect from time to time.
"Licenses" means all domestic satellite, business radio and other FCC
Licenses, and all other licenses, authorizations and permits issued by any
Governmental Authority that are held by a Renaissance Company in the business
and operations of the Systems, excluding the Franchises.
"Loss" means any claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, costs
and expenses (excluding any and all consequential, incidental and special
damages).
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the business,
results of operations, assets, liabilities or financial condition of the
Renaissance Companies, taken as a whole or the Systems, taken as a whole, but
without giving effect to any effect resulting from (i) changes in conditions
(including economic conditions, Rate Regulatory Matters and other
<PAGE> 16
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federal or state governmental actions, proposed or enacted legislation or
proposed or enacted regulations) that are applicable to the economy or the cable
television industry in general on a national, regional or state basis or (ii)
any changes in competition affecting the business of the Renaissance Companies.
"Material Contract" means any Contract that is material to the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the Renaissance Companies, taken
as a whole, including the Debt Documents, the Material Leases, and any other
Contract that requires payments in the aggregate of more than $50,000 per year
and has a remaining stated term of longer than twelve (12) months from the date
of this Agreement.
"Material FCC Consent" means any Consent of the FCC that is necessary for
the transfer of control to Buyer in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Licenses
identified in Schedule 1.1.
"Material Lease" means any lease designated as a "Material Lease" in
Schedule 3.9.
"Organizational Documents" means, with respect any Person (other than an
individual), the articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate
of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited
liability company operating agreement, and all other organizational documents of
any Person other than an individual.
"Permitted Encumbrances" means each of the following: (A) liens for
current taxes and other governmental charges that are not yet due and payable;
(B) liens for taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies, or claims the
non-payment of which is being diligently contested in good faith or liens
arising out of judgments or awards against the Renaissance Companies with
respect to which at the time there shall be a prosecution for appeal or there
shall be a proceeding to review or the time limit has not yet run for such an
appeal or review with respect to such judgment or award; provided that with
respect to the foregoing liens in this clause (B), adequate reserves shall have
been set aside on the Renaissance Companies' books, and no foreclosure,
distraint, sale or similar proceedings shall have been commenced with respect
thereto that remain unstayed for a period of 60 days after their commencement;
(C) liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, laborers, and materialmen and
other similar statutory liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for
sums not yet due or being diligently contested in good faith, and for which
adequate reserves have been set aside on the Renaissance Companies' books; (D)
liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with worker's
compensation and unemployment insurance or similar laws; (E) statutory
landlords' liens; (F) with respect to the Real Property, leases, easements,
rights to access, rights-of-way, mineral rights or other similar reservations
and restrictions, defects of title, which are either of record or set forth in
Schedule 3.19 or in the deeds or leases to such Real Property or which (and,
with respect to owned Real Property only, and which) either individually or in
the aggregate, do not have any Material Adverse Effect; (G) Encumbrances arising
under or in respect of the Senior Debt and the Credit Agreement and the
documents and instruments delivered in connection therewith or pursuant thereto;
and (H) any other claims or encumbrances that are described in Schedule 3.9 and
that relate to liabilities and
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obligations that are to be discharged in full at the Closing or that will be
removed prior to or at Closing.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, association, partnership, joint
venture, trust, estate, limited liability company, limited liability
partnership, Governmental Authority, or other entity or organization.
"Pre-Closing Tax Period" means any Tax period (or portion thereof) ending
on or before the Closing Date.
"Programming Agreement" means the Program Management Agreement dated as of
April 9, 1998 by and between Renaissance Media and Time Warner Cable, a division
of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as
the same may be amended and in effect from time to time.
"Purchased Interests" means 100% of the limited liability company
interests of Group.
"Rate Regulatory Matter" shall mean, with respect to any cable television
system, any matter or any effect on such system or the business or operations
thereof, arising out of or related to the Cable Act, any FCC Regulations
heretofore adopted thereunder, or any other present or future Legal Requirement
dealing with, limiting or affecting the rates which can be charged by cable
television systems to their customers (whether for programming, equipment,
installation, service or otherwise).
"Real Property" means all of the fee and leasehold estates and, to the
extent of the interest, title, and rights of the Renaissance Companies in the
following: buildings and other improvements thereon, easements, licenses, rights
to access, rights-of-way, and other real property interests that are owned or
held by any of the Renaissance Companies and used or held for use in the
business or operations of the Systems, plus such additions thereto and less such
deletions therefrom arising between the date hereof and the Closing Date in
accordance with this Agreement.
"Released Parties" means, collectively, Holdings and its Affiliates and
their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees
and agents.
"Renaissance Capital" means Renaissance Media Capital Corporation, a
Delaware corporation.
"Renaissance Companies" means, collectively, Group, Renaissance Media,
Renaissance Capital, Renaissance Louisiana and Renaissance Tennessee, each of
which may be referred to herein individually as a "Renaissance Company."
"Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules" means the Disclosure Schedules
referred to in Sections 3, 4 and 6.1 of this Agreement and attached to this
Agreement.
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"Renaissance Louisiana" means Renaissance Media (Louisiana) LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company.
"Renaissance Media" means Renaissance Media LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company.
"Renaissance Tennessee" means Renaissance Media (Tennessee) LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company.
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as in effect from time
to time.
"Senior Debt" means the outstanding indebtedness of the Renaissance
Companies under the Credit Agreement.
"Senior Debt Amount" means the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, outstanding in respect of the Senior Debt pursuant to the
Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date.
"Senior Discount Notes" means the 10% Senior Discount Notes due 2008 in
the aggregate principal amount at maturity of $163,175,000 issued by Renaissance
Louisiana, Renaissance Tennessee and Renaissance Capital and guaranteed by
Group.
"Senior Discount Notes Accreted Value" means the Accreted Value (as
defined in the Indenture) of the Senior Discount Notes as of the Closing Date.
"Subscriber" means any Person to whom any Renaissance Company provides
cable television programming or other service through the Systems into a single
household, a multiple dwelling unit, a hotel or motel unit, a commercial
business or any other real property improvement.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which
the outstanding voting Equity Interests sufficient to elect at least a majority
of its board of directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such
voting interests, of which 50% or more of the Equity Interests) are owned
(beneficially or otherwise) directly or indirectly by such first Person or any
Subsidiary thereof.
"Systems" means the cable television systems owned and operated by any
Renaissance Company or any combination of any of them, each of which may be
referred to herein individually as a "System."
"Tangible Personal Property" means all of the equipment, tools, vehicles,
furniture, leasehold improvements, office equipment, plant, converters, spare
parts, and other tangible
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personal property which are owned or leased by any of the Renaissance Companies
and used or held for use in the conduct of the business or operations of the
Systems, plus such additions thereto and less such deletions therefrom arising
between the date hereof and the Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement
and other than the Excluded Assets.
"Tax" means any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts and
other charges of any kind imposed by any government or taxing authority,
including, without limitation: federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross
receipts, windfall profits, severance, property, production, sales, use,
license, excise, franchise, capital, transfer, employment, withholding, or other
tax or governmental assessment, together with any interest, additions, or
penalties with respect thereto and any interest in respect of such additions or
penalties.
"Tax Return" means any tax return, declaration of estimated tax, tax
report or other tax statement, or any other similar filing , including any
schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof, required to
be submitted to any Governmental Authority with respect to any Tax.
"Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Adjustment Escrow
Agreement (if applicable), the Indemnity Agreement and the other documents,
agreements, certificates and other instruments to be executed, delivered and
performed by the parties in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.
"Transferable Franchise Area" means any Franchise Area with respect to
which (A) any Consent necessary under a Franchise in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
obtained or shall have been deemed obtained by operation of law in accordance
with the provisions of the Cable Act, or (B) no Consent is necessary under a
Franchise in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
"Upset Date" means the one year anniversary date of this Agreement,
subject to extension as provided in Section 8.1(a)(3) and 8.1(a)(4).
1.2 Terms Defined Elsewhere in this Agreement. For purposes of this
Agreement, and in addition to (i) the definitions set forth in the first
paragraph hereof and in Section 1.1, and (ii) certain defined terms that are
used solely within the section in which they are defined, the following terms
have the meanings set forth in the sections indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Term Section
- ---- -------
<S> <C>
Adjustment Escrow Amount Section 2.4(b)
Antitrust Division Section 6.5
Cash Consideration Section 2.2
CCH Section 5.6
Claimant Section 10.6(a)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 20
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Closing Cash Payment Section 2.4
Closing Equivalent Subscribers Section 2.3(a)
Closing Net Liabilities Section 2.3(b)
Confidentiality Agreement Section 6.2(a)
Current Assets Section 2.3(b)(2)
Current Liabilities Section 2.3(b)(3)
DOL Section 3.13(d)(ix)
Fee Properties Section 3.9
Final Closing Statement Section 2.5(a)
Financial Statements Section 3.5(a)
FTC Section 6.5
Indemnity Fund Section 10.4
Indemnifying Party Section 10.6(a)
Inventory Section 3.19
Investment Person Section 3.3(a)
Preliminary Closing Statement Section 2.4
Preliminary Dispute Notice Section 2.4
Referee Section 2.4(a)
Tax Partnership Section 3.12(f)
Working Capital Section 2.3(b)(1)
Year 2000 Problem Section 3.22
</TABLE>
1.3 Rules of Construction. Words used in this Agreement, regardless of the
gender and number specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include
any other gender and any other number as the context requires. As used in this
Agreement, the word "including" is not limiting, and the word "or" is not
exclusive. Except as specifically otherwise provided in this Agreement in a
particular instance, a reference to a Section is a reference to a Section of
this Agreement, a reference to an Exhibit is a reference to an Exhibit to this
Agreement, and the terms "hereof," "herein," and other like terms refer to this
Agreement as a whole, including the Disclosure Schedules and the Exhibits to
this Agreement, and not solely to any particular part of this Agreement. The
descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference
only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
<PAGE> 21
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SECTION 2 SALE AND PURCHASE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS; ASSUMPTION OF
LIABILITIES; CASH CONSIDERATION.
2.1 Agreement to Sell and Buy Purchased Interests. Subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Holdings hereby agrees to sell,
transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer at the Closing, and Buyer hereby agrees to
purchase at the Closing, the Purchased Interests free and clear of all
Encumbrances, subject to the Legal Restrictions.
2.2 Cash Consideration for Purchased Interests. Buyer shall pay and
deliver to Holdings at the Closing, as consideration for the sale of the
Purchased Interests, a cash payment equal to Four Hundred Fifty-Nine Million
Dollars ($459,000,000), subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 2.3,
2.4 and 2.5 (the "Cash Consideration"), less the amounts to be deposited by
Buyer in escrow under the Adjustment Escrow Agreement pursuant to Section
2.4(b), to the extent applicable, and under the Indemnity Agreement and pursuant
to Section 10.4.
2.3 Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(a) Closing Equivalent Subscribers. The Cash Consideration shall be
decreased by the number, if any, by which the number of Closing Equivalent
Subscribers is less than 130,645 multiplied by $3,513. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Closing Equivalent Subscribers" means the total number of Equivalent
Subscribers for all of the Systems as of the Closing Date.
(b) Closing Net Liabilities. The Cash Consideration shall be
decreased by the amount of the Closing Net Liabilities. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Closing Net Liabilities" means:
(i) the Senior Discount Notes Accreted Value; plus
(ii) the Senior Debt Amount; plus
(iii) the principal amount and any accrued but unpaid
interest as of the Adjustment Time in respect of
any other indebtedness for borrowed money (not
included in the foregoing clauses (b)(i) and (ii)
of this Section 2.3), if any, of the Renaissance
Companies as of the Closing Date; minus
(iv) Working Capital if such number is greater than
zero; plus
(v) the absolute value of Working Capital if such
number is less than zero.
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.3(b),
"Working Capital" means Current Assets as of the Adjustment Time minus Current
Liabilities as of the Adjustment Time.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.3(b),
"Current Assets" means the total current assets of the Renaissance Companies as
defined for purposes of
<PAGE> 22
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GAAP, and prepayments in respect of performance bonds and long term rights of
way with a maturity in excess of one year, computed for the Renaissance
Companies as of the Adjustment Time on a consolidated basis and without
duplication in accordance with GAAP.
(3) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.3(b) and
Section 3.12(a), "Current Liabilities" means the total current liabilities of
the Renaissance Companies as defined for purposes of GAAP, including, without
limitation, vacation pay, computed for the Renaissance Companies as of the
Adjustment Time on a consolidated basis and without duplication in accordance
with GAAP; provided, however, that notwithstanding GAAP, or anything to the
contrary in this Agreement, Current Liabilities shall not include and no
adjustment to the Cash Consideration shall be made in respect of: (A) any amount
payable in respect of or pursuant to the Debt Documents; (B) any prepayment
penalty or premium, breakage costs, change of control penalty or premium or
other payment arising out of or resulting from the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the termination of any
Contract, under or pursuant to the Debt Documents or any other Contract or other
obligation to which any of the Renaissance Companies is a party or by which it
may be bound; or (C) any Taxes to be paid by the Buyer pursuant to Section 6.10.
2.4 Payments at Closing. No later than ten (10) days prior to the date
scheduled for the Closing, Holdings shall prepare and deliver to Buyer a written
report (the "Preliminary Closing Statement") setting forth Holdings' estimates
of Closing Net Liabilities and Closing Equivalent Subscribers, determined in
accordance with Section 2.3, and the Cash Consideration, as adjusted pursuant to
Section 2.3 and a list and description of the principal methodologies and the
principal accounting policies and practices used in the preparation thereof. The
Preliminary Closing Statement shall be prepared by Holdings in good faith and
shall be certified by Holdings to be its good faith estimate of the Closing Net
Liabilities and Closing Equivalent Subscribers as of the date thereof. Holdings
shall make available to Buyer such information as Buyer shall reasonably request
relating to the matters set forth in the Preliminary Closing Statement. If Buyer
does not agree with the Closing Net Liabilities, Closing Equivalent Subscribers
or Cash Consideration set forth in the Preliminary Closing Statement, then on or
prior to the third day prior to the date scheduled for the Closing, Buyer may
deliver to Holdings a written report (the "Preliminary Dispute Notice") setting
forth in reasonable detail Buyer's good faith estimates (supported by
substantial evidence) of any amount set forth in the Preliminary Closing
Statement with which Buyer disagrees. In the case of any such estimated amount
set forth in the Preliminary Dispute Notice, Holdings and Buyer shall endeavor
in good faith to agree prior to the Closing on the appropriate amount of such
estimates to be used in calculating the Closing Cash Payment (as defined below).
If Holdings and Buyer do not agree on any such amounts by the business day prior
to the date scheduled for the Closing, Holdings, at its election, may either:
(a) Elect to postpone the Closing and retain Price Waterhouse
Coopers (the "Referee") to make a determination as to the appropriate treatment
for purposes of agreeing on estimates to be made at Closing of any amounts under
dispute and the Closing shall thereafter take place on the third business day
following resolution of such dispute, subject to satisfaction or waiver of all
applicable conditions precedent. The Referee shall endeavor to resolve the
dispute as promptly as practicable and the Referee's resolution of the dispute
shall be final and
<PAGE> 23
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binding on the parties for purposes of the estimates to be made at Closing;
provided, however, that in no event shall such resolution result in (i) amounts
less than the amounts therefor (in the case of liabilities) or greater than the
amounts therefor (in the case of assets) set forth in the Preliminary Closing
Statement or (ii) amounts greater than the amounts therefor (in the case of
liabilities) or less than the amounts therefor (in the case of assets) set forth
in the Preliminary Dispute Notice. The costs and expenses of the Referee and its
services rendered pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be borne one-half by Buyer
and one-half by Holdings; or
(b) Elect to proceed to Closing and cause Buyer, at the Closing, to
deposit an amount in cash equal to the difference (the "Adjustment Escrow
Amount") between the Cash Consideration, adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3(a) and
(b) that would be calculated using the estimates set forth in the Preliminary
Closing Statement (with any changes thereto mutually agreed to by Buyer and
Holdings) and the Cash Consideration adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3(a) and (b)
that would be calculated using the estimates set forth in the Preliminary
Dispute Notice (with any changes thereto mutually agreed to by Buyer and
Holdings), to the Adjustment Escrow Agent, to be held and disbursed in
accordance with the terms of the Adjustment Escrow Agreement and Section 2.5.
At Closing, Buyer shall pay (x) to the Escrow Agent the sum of the
Indemnity Fund to be held by the Escrow Agent in escrow on behalf of Holdings in
accordance with the terms of the Indemnity Agreement and Section 10.4, (y) if
Holdings has made the election in clause (b) above, to the Adjustment Escrow
Agent, the Adjustment Escrow Amount to be held by the Adjustment Escrow Agent in
escrow on behalf of the parties in accordance with the terms of the Adjustment
Escrow Agreement and Section 2.5 and (z) to Holdings the amount of the Cash
Consideration adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3(a) and (b), as determined
pursuant to this Section 2.4 (including, without limitation, as determined
pursuant to Section 2.4(a) and as mutually agreed by Buyer and Holdings) (such
amount, the "Closing Cash Payment"), less the aggregate amount paid to the
Escrow Agent under clause (x) and, if applicable, the Adjustment Escrow Agent
under clause (y). None of the Adjustment Escrow Amount will be available for any
purpose, other than as described in Section 2.5(b), and the Adjustment Escrow
Amount shall not be available to satisfy any obligations of Holdings pursuant to
Section 10.
2.5 Post-Closing Payment of Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(a) Final Closing Statement. Within seventy-five (75) days after the
Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Holdings a written report (the
"Final Closing Statement") setting forth Buyer's final estimates of Closing Net
Liabilities and Closing Equivalent Subscribers to the extent not previously
determined pursuant to Section 2.4(a), determined in accordance with Section 2.3
and in accordance with the methodologies and the accounting policies and
practices consistent with those used in preparing the Preliminary Closing
Statement, and the Cash Consideration, as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.3. The
Final Closing Statement shall be prepared by Buyer in good faith and shall be
certified by Buyer to be, as of the date prepared, its good faith estimate of
the Closing Net Liabilities, Closing Equivalent Subscribers and Cash
Consideration, as so adjusted, as applicable. Buyer shall allow Holdings and its
agents access at all reasonable times after the Closing Date to copies of the
books, records
<PAGE> 24
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and accounts of the Renaissance Companies and make available to Holdings such
information as Holdings reasonably requests to allow Holdings to examine the
accuracy of the Final Closing Statement. Within thirty (30) days after the date
that the Final Closing Statement is delivered by Buyer to Holdings, Holdings
shall complete its examination thereof and may deliver to Buyer a written report
setting forth any proposed adjustments to any amounts set forth in the Final
Closing Statement; provided, however, that if Buyer does not comply with its
obligations pursuant to the preceding sentence, such thirty (30) day period
shall run from the day after the date on which Buyer complies with such
obligations. After submission of the Final Closing Statement, Buyer shall have
no right to raise further adjustments in its favor and after submission of
Holdings' report of any proposed adjustments, Holdings shall have no right to
raise further adjustments in its favor. If Holdings notifies Buyer of its
acceptance of the amounts set forth in the Final Closing Statement, or if
Holdings fails to deliver its report of any proposed adjustments within the
period specified in the second preceding sentence, the amounts set forth in the
Final Closing Statement shall be conclusive, final and binding on the parties as
of the last day of such period. Buyer and Holdings shall use good faith efforts
to resolve any dispute involving the amounts set forth in the Final Closing
Statement. If Holdings and Buyer fail to agree on any amount set forth in the
Final Closing Statement within fifteen (15) days after Buyer receives Holdings'
report pursuant to this Section 2.5, (a) then Holdings shall retain the Referee
to make the final determination, under the terms of this Agreement, of any
amounts under dispute. The Referee shall endeavor to resolve the dispute as
promptly as practicable and the Referee's resolution of the dispute shall be
final and binding on the parties, and a judgment may be entered thereon in any
court of competent jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall such resolution
result in (i) amounts less than the amounts therefor (in the case of
liabilities) or more than the amounts therefor (in the case of assets) set forth
in Holdings' written report pursuant to this Section 2.5(a) or (ii) amounts
greater than the amounts therefor (in the case of liabilities) or less than the
amounts therefor (in the case of assets) set forth in the Final Closing
Statement. The costs and expenses of the Referee and its services rendered
pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be borne one-half by Buyer and one-half by
Holdings.
(b) Payment of Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(1) After the amount of the Cash Consideration is finally
determined pursuant to Section 2.5(a), payments shall be made as follows:
(A) If the amount of the Cash Consideration as finally
determined pursuant to Section 2.5(a) exceeds the Closing Cash Payment, then
within three business days after the date the amount of Cash Consideration is
finally determined pursuant to Section 2.5(a), (i) Buyer will pay to Holdings in
cash the amount of such excess by wire or accounts transfer of immediately
available funds to an account designated by Holdings by written notice to Buyer
and (ii) Buyer and Holdings will direct the Adjustment Escrow Agent to pay to
Holdings in cash the Adjustment Escrow Amount, if any.
(B) If the amount of the Closing Cash Payment exceeds
the amount of the Cash Consideration as finally determined pursuant to Section
2.5(a), then within three business days after the date the amount of Cash
Consideration is finally determined
<PAGE> 25
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pursuant to Section 2.5(a), (i) Holdings will direct the Adjustment Escrow Agent
to pay to Buyer in cash the amount of such excess to the extent of the
Adjustment Escrow Amount, if any, and (ii) if such excess is greater than the
amount paid to Buyer from the Adjustment Escrow Amount, Holdings will pay to
Buyer in cash the amount of such excess to the extent not paid from the
Adjustment Escrow Amount, by wire or accounts transfer of immediately available
funds to an account designated by Buyer by written notice to Holdings. If any
portion of the Adjustment Escrow Amount, if any, remains after payment to Buyer
of any amounts pursuant to the preceding sentence, Buyer and Holdings will
direct the Adjustment Escrow Agent to promptly pay such amounts to Holdings.
(2) Any amount which becomes payable pursuant to this Section
2.5 will constitute an adjustment to the Cash Consideration for all purposes.
SECTION 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GROUP
Subject to any provisions of this Agreement limiting, qualifying or
excluding any of the representations or warranties made herein, and to the
disclosures set forth in Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules, as such schedules
are referenced herein, Group hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as set
forth in this Section 3.
3.1 Organization and Authority. Each of the Renaissance Companies (other
than Renaissance Capital) set forth in Schedule 3.1 is a limited liability
company duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware. Renaissance Capital is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of
the Renaissance Companies has the requisite limited liability company or
corporate (as the case may be) power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties, to carry on its business in the places where such properties are now
owned, leased or operated and in the manner in which such business is now
conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which it is a party according to their respective
terms.
3.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. The execution, delivery and
performance by Group of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to
which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability
company or corporate (as the case may be) action on its part. This Agreement and
the other Transaction Documents to which each Renaissance Company is a party
have been duly executed and delivered by such Renaissance Company (as the case
may be, or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at
Closing, when executed and delivered will be duly executed and delivered) and
constitute (or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and
delivered at Closing, when executed and delivered will constitute) the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of such Renaissance Company (as the case may be)
enforceable against such Renaissance Company (as the case may be) in accordance
with their terms, except as the enforceability of this Agreement and such other
Transaction Documents may be limited by Enforceability Exceptions.
<PAGE> 26
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3.3 Organization and Ownership of Renaissance Companies.
(a) Schedule 3.3 sets forth the name of each Renaissance Company,
including the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation (as the case may be) of
each. Each Renaissance Company is duly qualified, validly existing and in good
standing as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may
be, in each jurisdiction listed in Schedule 3.3, which are all jurisdictions in
which such qualification is required. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.3, no
Renaissance Company, directly or indirectly, owns, of record or beneficially,
any outstanding securities or other interest in any Person (each such Person
described in Schedule 3.3, an "Investment Person") or has the right or
obligation to acquire, any Equity Interests, outstanding securities or other
interest in any Person
(b) Schedule 3.3 sets forth the authorized, issued and outstanding
Equity Interests of each Renaissance Company and the record and beneficial owner
of each issued and outstanding Equity Interest of each of them. All of such
issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Renaissance Companies have been
validly issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and have not been issued in
violation of any federal or state securities laws. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.3, the owner of the Equity Interests of each Renaissance Company owns
such Equity Interests free and clear of all Encumbrances, but subject to the
Legal Restrictions (except that no representation is made in this Section 3 as
to the Purchased Interests held by Holdings). Except as disclosed in Schedule
3.3, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls, rights,
commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which any
Renaissance Company is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating such
Renaissance Company to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered
or sold, any additional Equity Interests of such Renaissance Company or
obligating such Renaissance Company to issue, grant, extend or enter into any
such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement
or undertaking. The Renaissance Companies have delivered to Buyer complete and
correct copies of the Organizational Documents of each Renaissance Company as in
effect on the date hereof.
3.4 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, or as set
forth in Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 3.8 or as would not impair the ability of
Group to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents, the execution,
delivery and performance by Holdings and Group of this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which they are a party (with or without the giving of
notice, the lapse of time, or both): (a) do not require the Consent of, notice
to, or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any
Franchise, FCC License or Material Contract; (b) will not conflict with any
provision of the Organizational Documents of any Renaissance Company, each as
currently in effect; (c) assuming receipt of all Consents listed in Schedule 3.4
or Schedule 3.8, will not conflict with, in any material way, result in a
material breach of, or constitute a material default under any Legal Requirement
to which any Renaissance Company is bound; (d) assuming receipt of all Consents
listed in Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 3.8, will not conflict with, constitute
grounds for termination of, result in a breach of, constitute a default under,
or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by the
terms of any Franchise, FCC License, or Material Contract; and (e) assuming
receipt of all Consents, will not result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon
the Assets. Notwithstanding
<PAGE> 27
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the foregoing, Group makes no representation or warranty regarding any of the
foregoing that may result from the specific legal or regulatory status of any of
the Charter Parties or as a result of any other facts that specifically relate
to the business or activities in which any of the Charter Parties is or proposes
to be engaged other than the cable television business.
3.5 Financial Statements.
(a) Holdings has furnished Buyer with true and complete copies of
the audited consolidated financial statements (including the notes thereto) of
Group for the year ended December 31, 1998 that are attached hereto as Schedule
3.5 (collectively, the "Financial Statements"), and such Financial Statements
are by that reference incorporated into and deemed a part of Renaissance's
Disclosure Schedules.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.5, the Financial Statements:
(1) have been prepared from the books and records of the Renaissance Companies
to which they relate; (2) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied since the inception of Group (except as indicated in the
notes thereto); and (3) present fairly in all material respects the financial
condition of the Renaissance Companies to which they relate as at December 31,
1998, and the results of operations for the period then ended.
3.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) None of the Renaissance Companies has any indebtedness,
liability or obligation of a type required by GAAP to be reflected on a balance
sheet that is not reflected or reserved against in the balance sheet of the
Renaissance Companies included in the Financial Statements, other than
indebtedness, liabilities and obligations that were incurred in the ordinary
course of business after December 31, 1998, or that would not, in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to be material in accordance with GAAP.
(b) As of the date hereof, except as provided in or arising pursuant
to the loan or credit agreements, notes, bonds, indentures and other agreements
and instruments listed in Schedule 3.6, or under certain of the property leases
listed in Schedule 3.8, the Renaissance Companies have no Indebtedness.
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 1998, except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.7 and except for matters occurring after the date hereof
that are permitted by the provisions of this Agreement or consented to by Buyer
and Charter no Renaissance Company has:
(a) made any sale, assignment, lease or other transfer of assets
other than in the ordinary course of business;
(b) issued any note, bond or other debt security or created,
incurred, assumed or guaranteed any Indebtedness; or
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(c) made or promised any material increase in the salary or other
compensation payable or to become payable to any executive officer or other
employee of any Renaissance Company other than in the ordinary course of
business or as contemplated under any employment or bonus arrangement currently
in effect.
3.8 Franchises, Licenses, Material Contracts. Schedule 3.8 contains a list
of the Franchises (including the Franchising Authority which granted each
Franchise, the stated expiration date of each Franchise), the System to which
the Franchise applies, FCC Licenses and Material Contracts in effect on the date
hereof, each pending application for a Franchise and a list of any System or
portion thereof owned or operated by the Renaissance Company which does not
require a Franchise authorizing the installation, construction, development,
ownership or operation of the same; which list is true, correct and complete.
The Renaissance Companies possess all Franchises and FCC Licenses necessary to
operate their business as currently conducted. Without material exception, the
Renaissance Companies possess all other Licenses necessary to operate their
business as currently conducted. Holdings has delivered to Buyer true and
complete copies of all Franchises, FCC Licenses and Material Contracts as in
effect on the date hereof. The Franchises, FCC Licenses and Material Contracts
are in full force and effect (subject to expiration at the end of their current
term) and are valid, binding and enforceable upon the Renaissance Company that
is a party thereto and, to Group's Knowledge, the other parties thereto in
accordance with their terms, except to the extent such enforceability may be
affected by Enforceability Exceptions. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8, the
Renaissance Companies are in compliance with the terms of the Franchises, FCC
Licenses and Material Contracts, except for such noncompliance which in the
aggregate is immaterial to the Renaissance Companies, taken as a whole, or would
not prevent the operation of the business of the Renaissance Companies as
currently conducted, and, as of the date of this Agreement, none of the
Renaissance Companies has received any written notice from a Franchising
Authority, a consultant representing a Franchising Authority, any state cable
regulatory authority or the FCC to the effect that any of the Renaissance
Companies are not currently in compliance with the terms of the Franchise
granted by such Franchising Authority or with any FCC License. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.8, a valid request for renewal has been timely filed under
Section 626(a) of the Cable Act with the proper Franchising Authority with
respect to each Franchise that has expired prior to, or will expire within
thirty months after, the date of this Agreement.
3.9 Title to and Condition of Real Property and Tangible Personal
Property. Schedule 3.9 lists the street address for all Real Property owned in
fee by any of the Renaissance Companies as of the date of this Agreement
(excluding easements, rights-of-way, and similar authorizations) (the "Fee
Properties"). A true and correct copy of (i) each deed pursuant to which any of
the Renaissance Companies acquired any Fee Property, any survey and title
insurance policies issued to such Renaissance Company, (ii) any leases under
which any Renaissance Company is the lessor affecting such Fee Property or (iii)
any other easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions and restrictions,
document or agreement affecting title to such Fee Property (and, in the case of
this clause (iii), in the possession of the Renaissance Companies) have been
delivered or made available to Buyer. Schedule 3.9 lists the street address for
the Real Property leased by any of the Renaissance Companies, as lessee, as of
the date of this Agreement and sets forth the parties to the applicable lease
and any amendments,
<PAGE> 29
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supplements or modifications thereto. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.9: (a)
the Renaissance Company that owns a fee estate in a Real Property parcel has
good and marketable title thereto; (b) the Renaissance Company that owns any
material item of Tangible Personal Property has good and valid title thereto;
(c) the Renaissance Company that leases Real Property has a valid leasehold
interest therein (subject to expiration of such lease in accordance with its
terms), except to the extent that the failure to have any such valid leasehold
interests would not impair the operation of the Systems in any material respect;
and (d) the Renaissance Company that leases any material item of Tangible
Personal Property has a valid leasehold interest therein (subject to expiration
of such lease in accordance with its terms), in each case of (a), (b), (c) and
(d) above, free and clear of all Encumbrances, other than Permitted Encumbrances
and subject to the Legal Restrictions. Notwithstanding the express language of
this Section 3.9 or as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, no
representation or warranty is being made as to title to the internal wiring,
house drops and unrecorded dwelling-unit easements, rights of entry or
rights-of-way held or used by the Renaissance Companies.
3.10 Intangibles. Schedule 3.10 contains a true and correct description
and list of the Intangibles (exclusive of those required to be listed in
Schedule 3.8), that are owned or leased by any of the Renaissance Companies and
that are necessary for the conduct of the business or operations of the Systems
as currently conducted. Except as to potential copyright liability arising from
the performance, exhibition or carriage of any music on the Systems or as
disclosed in Schedule 3.10, no Renaissance Company is infringing upon any
trademarks, trade names, copyrights or similar intellectual property rights of
others.
3.11 Information Regarding the Systems.
(a) Subscribers. Schedule 3.11 sets forth the approximate number of
Equivalent Subscribers as of the date indicated therein (including the
approximate number of Equivalent Subscribers served in each System) and sets
forth a true, complete and correct statement of all Subscribers' rates, tariffs
and other charges for cable television and other services provided by any
Renaissance Company, and a list of all free, discount or other promotional
service obligations (other than those obligations which are regularly offered or
arise in the ordinary course of the business and operations of the Renaissance
Companies) of any Renaissance Company, with respect to the Systems as of the
date of this Agreement. The Renaissance Companies' billing records are prepared
by CSG Systems, Inc. in accordance with its customary practices.
(b) Certain Systems Information. Schedule 3.11 sets forth the
approximate number of plant miles (aerial and underground) for each System, the
approximate bandwidth capability of each System, the channel lineup for each
System, and the monthly rates charged for each class of service offered by each
headend, the stations and signals carried by each System and the channel
position of each such signal and station, which information is true and correct
in all material respects, in each case as of the applicable dates specified
therein and subject to any qualifications set forth therein. Each of the
respective channel lineups set forth in Schedule 3.11 is capable of being viewed
in its entirety by each Subscriber in the applicable System (subject to ordinary
course service interruptions).
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(c) Franchise and FCC Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11,
all reports or other documents, payments or submissions required to be filed by
any of the Renaissance Companies with any of the Franchising Authorities or the
FCC have been duly filed and were correct in all material respects when filed.
Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11, the Renaissance Companies are permitted
under all applicable Franchises and FCC Regulations to distribute the television
broadcast signals distributed by the Systems and to utilize all carrier
frequencies generated by the operations of the Systems, and are licensed to
operate in all material respects all the facilities of the Systems required by
Legal Requirements to be licensed.
(d) Request for Signal Carriage. Except for nonduplication and
blackout notices received in the ordinary course of business, none of the
Renaissance Companies has received any FCC order requiring any System to carry a
television broadcast signal or to terminate carriage of a television broadcast
signal with which it has not complied, and, except as disclosed in Schedule
3.11, the Renaissance Companies have complied in all material respects with all
written and bona fide requests or demands received from television broadcast
stations to carry or to terminate carriage of a television broadcast signal on a
System.
(e) Rate Regulatory Matters. Schedule 3.11 sets forth a list of all
Governmental Authorities that are certified to regulate rates of the Systems
pursuant to the Cable Act and FCC Regulations as of the date of this Agreement.
No pending rate complaints have been filed with the FCC against the Systems
according to the FCC's log dated January 1, 1999, which reflects rate complaints
filed through December 31, 1998. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.11, as of the
date of this Agreement, none of the Renaissance Companies has received any
written notice and, to Group's Knowledge, any notice (other than written notice)
from any Governmental Authority that it has any obligation or liability to
refund to subscribers of the Systems any portion of the revenue received by such
Renaissance Company from subscribers of the Systems (excluding revenue with
respect to deposits for converters, encoders, decoders and related equipment and
other prepaid items) that has not been resolved. Buyer and Charter acknowledge
that, except as expressly warranted in this Section 3.11(e), Group is not making
any representation or warranty regarding any Rate Regulatory Matter and Buyer
and Charter shall not be entitled to make any claim against Holdings or Group
arising out of or relating to any Rate Regulatory Matter, except as provided in
Section 10.2(b).
(f) Insurance. The Systems and Assets are insured against claims,
loss or damage in amounts generally customary in the cable television industry
and consistent with the Renaissance Companies' past practices. All such policies
are with financially sound insurers and are each outstanding and in full force
and effect on the date hereof. As of the date hereof, no insurance carrier has
denied any claim for insurance made by any Renaissance Company in respect of any
of the Systems and Assets or refused to renew any policy issued in respect of
any of the Systems and Assets.
(g) Right of First Refusal. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.11, no
Person (including any Governmental Authority) has any right to acquire any
interest in any of the Systems (including, without limitation, any right of
refusal or similar right), other than rights of
<PAGE> 31
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condemnation or eminent domain afforded by law or upon the termination of or
default under any Franchise.
3.12 Taxes.
(a) The Renaissance Companies have filed or have caused to be filed
in a timely manner all required Tax Returns with the appropriate Governmental
Authorities in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be
filed by the Renaissance Companies (except Tax Returns for which the filing date
has not expired or has been extended and such extension period has not expired),
and all Taxes shown on such Tax Returns (other than sales, use and property
Taxes in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000) have been properly accrued
or paid to the extent such Taxes have become due and payable. Schedule 3.12
lists all jurisdictions where material Tax Returns are required to be filed with
respect to the Renaissance Companies. Holdings has delivered to Buyer true,
correct and complete copies of such Tax Returns (in the form filed). The
Financial Statements reflect an adequate reserve in accordance with GAAP
(without regard to any amounts reserved for deferred taxes) for all material
unpaid Taxes payable by the Renaissance Companies for all Tax periods and
portions thereof through the date of such Financial Statements. Unpaid Taxes of
the Renaissance Companies (other than (i) any Taxes referred to in Section
6.10(d) and (ii) Taxes attributable to Buyer's actions on the Closing Date that
are not in the ordinary course of business) for all Pre-Closing Tax Periods
shall be included as Current Liabilities in the computation of Closing Net
Liabilities to the extent that such unpaid Taxes are not reflected on the
Financial Statements. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the
Renaissance Companies has executed any waiver or extension of any statute of
limitations on the assessment or collection of any Tax or with respect to any
liability arising therefrom. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the
federal, state or local income Tax Returns filed by the Renaissance Companies
has been audited by any taxing authority. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12,
(i) neither the Internal Revenue Service nor any other taxing authority has
asserted, or to the best Knowledge of Group, threatened to assert any deficiency
or claim for additional Taxes (other than sales, use and property Taxes in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000) against, or any adjustment of Taxes
(other than sales, use and property Taxes in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$50,000) relating to, any of the Renaissance Companies and, to the best
Knowledge of Group, no basis exists for any such deficiency, claim or
adjustment, and (ii) there are no proposed reassessments of any property owned
by any of the Renaissance Companies that would affect the Taxes of any of the
Renaissance Companies. None of the Renaissance Companies has any liability for
the Taxes of any person (other than any Renaissance Company) pursuant to Section
1.1502-6 of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code or comparable
provisions of any taxing authority in respect of a consolidated, combined or
unitary Tax Return. There are no material Tax liens on any assets of the
Renaissance Companies, other than liens for current Taxes not yet due and
payable and liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Renaissance
Companies was included or is includible in any consolidated, combined or unitary
Tax Return with any entity.
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(c) None of the Renaissance Companies has entered into any
compensatory agreements with respect to the performance of services which
payment thereunder would result in a non-deductible expense to such Renaissance
Company pursuant to Section 280G of the Code or an excise Tax to the recipient
of such payment pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code. No acceleration of the
vesting schedule for any property that is substantially unvested within the
meaning of the regulations under Section 83 of the Code will occur in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) No consent under Section 341(f) of the Code has been filed with
respect to any of the Renaissance Companies.
(e) Each of the Renaissance Companies has had since its inception
and will continue to have through the Closing Date the federal tax status (i.e.
partnership, C corporation or S corporation) such entity reported on its 1997
federal Tax Returns except as results from any actions taken pursuant to this
Agreement.
(f) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Renaissance
Companies has been at any time a member of any partnership, joint venture or
other arrangement or contract which is treated as a partnership for federal,
state, local or foreign tax purposes (a "Tax Partnership") or the holder of a
beneficial interest in any trust for any period for which the statute of
limitations for any Tax has not expired, except for a Tax Partnership which is a
Renaissance Company.
(g) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, there are no tax sharing
agreements or similar arrangements with respect to or involving any of the
Renaissance Companies.
(h) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Renaissance
Companies has any (i) income reportable for a period ending after the Closing
Date but attributable to a transaction (e.g., an installment sale) occurring in
or a change in accounting method made for a period ending on or prior to the
Closing Date which resulted in a deferred reporting of income from such
transaction or from such change in accounting method (other than a deferred
intercompany transaction), or (ii) deferred gain or loss arising out of any
deferred intercompany transaction.
3.13 Employee Plans.
(a) Employee Plans. Schedule 3.13 contains a list of all Employee
Plans and material Compensation Arrangements. The Renaissance Companies have
delivered or made available to Buyer (or, in accordance with Section 6.1(b),
will deliver or make available to Buyer following execution of this Agreement)
true, complete and correct copies of each Employee Plan and each Compensation
Arrangement, if any, together with any other material documents relating to such
Employee Plan or Compensation Arrangement, including, without limitation, any
governmental filings relating to such Employee Plan or Compensation Arrangement.
None of the Renaissance Companies or any of their ERISA Affiliates is or has
been required to contribute to any "multiemployer plan," as defined in ERISA
Section 3(37), nor has any
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Renaissance Company or any such ERISA Affiliate experienced a complete or
partial withdrawal, within the meaning of ERISA Section 4203 or 4205, from such
a "multiemployer plan." Except as required under Code Section 4980B or ERISA
Sections 601-609, no Employee Plan provides health, life insurance or medical
coverage to former employees of the Renaissance Companies.
(b) Qualified Plans. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, with
respect to each Employee Plan, and after taking into consideration the effect of
the payments to be made with respect to the Employee Plans: (1) each such
Employee Plan that is intended to be tax-qualified is the subject of a favorable
determination letter, and no such determination letter has been revoked, and to
the best of Group's Knowledge, no revocation has been threatened, no event has
occurred and no circumstances exist that would adversely affect the
tax-qualification of such Employee Plan; (2) no Employee Plan is subject to
Section 302 or Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code; (3) no non-exempt
prohibited transaction, within the definition of Section 4975 of the Code or
Title 1, Part 4 of ERISA, has occurred which would subject the Renaissance
Companies to any material liability; (4) there is no termination or partial
termination, or requirement to provide security with respect to any Employee
Plan; (5) the fair market value of the assets of any Employee Plan would equal
or exceed the value of all liabilities and obligations of such Employee Plan if
such plan were to terminate on the Closing Date; and (6) the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement will not result in liability under ERISA to any
Renaissance Companies or Buyer, or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates, or
any entitlement to any additional benefits or any acceleration of the time of
payment or vesting of any benefits under any Employee Plan of any Renaissance
Company for any employee of any Renaissance Company.
(c) Plan Administration. Each Employee Plan and each Compensation
Arrangement has been operated and administered in all material respect in
accordance with its terms and all applicable laws, including but not limited to
ERISA and the Code. To the best Knowledge of Group, there are no investigations
by any governmental agency or other claims (except claims for benefits payable
in the normal operation of the Plan), suits or proceedings against or involving
any Plan or asserting any rights to or claims for benefits under any Plan that
could give rise to any material liability, and there are not any facts that
could give rise to any material liability in the event of such investigation,
claim, suit or proceeding.
(d) Welfare Plan Funding. The list of Employee Plans in Schedule
3.13 discloses whether each Plan that is an "employee welfare benefit plan" as
defined in section 3(1) of ERISA is (i) unfunded, (ii) funded through a "welfare
benefit fund," as such term is defined in section 419(e) of the Code, or other
funding mechanism or (iii) insured.
(e) Each of the Renaissance Companies and their ERISA Affiliates
have properly classified individuals providing services to any Renaissance
Company or any ERISA Affiliates as employees or nonemployees except to the
extent that a misclassification would not be material.
<PAGE> 34
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(f) Labor Unions. As of the date of this Agreement, other than as
disclosed in Schedule 3.13, none of the Renaissance Companies is party to or
bound by any collective bargaining agreement. As of the date of this Agreement,
other than as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, to the Knowledge of Group, (1) none of
the employees of the Renaissance Companies is presently a member of any
collective bargaining unit related to his or her employment and (2) no
collective bargaining unit has filed a petition for representation of any of the
employees of the Renaissance Companies.
3.14 Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.14: (a) the
Renaissance Companies' operations with respect to the Systems comply in all
material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws as in effect on the
Closing Date; and (b) none of the Renaissance Companies has used the Real
Property for the manufacture, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of
Hazardous Substances except for gasoline and diesel fuel and such use of
Hazardous Substances (in cleaning fluids, solvents and other similar substances)
customary in the construction, maintenance and operation of a cable television
system and in amounts or under circumstances that would not reasonably be
expected to give rise to material liability for remediation. Except as disclosed
in Schedule 3.14, as of the date of this Agreement, no Environmental Claim has
been filed or issued against the Renaissance Companies. To Group's Knowledge,
the Renaissance Companies' operations with respect to the Systems have complied
with all applicable Environmental Laws, except such non-compliance that would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.15 Claims and Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.15, as of
the date of this Agreement, there is no claim, legal action, arbitration or
other legal, administrative or tax proceeding, order, decree, or judgment or
complaint or, to Group's Knowledge, investigation, dispute or controversy
reasonably likely to result in litigation against or relating to the Renaissance
Companies (or any of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees
or agents related to the business or operations of any Renaissance Companies) or
the business or operations of any of the Systems (other than FCC and other
proceedings generally affecting the cable television industry and not specific
to the Renaissance Companies and other than rate complaints or certifications
filed by customers or Franchising Authorities), other than routine collection
matters or ordinary course matters expected to be covered by insurance policies
maintained by the Renaissance Companies, subject to applicable deductibles.
3.16 Compliance With Laws. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.16 and except
for any such noncompliance as has been remedied, each of the Renaissance
Companies, the Systems and the Assets are in compliance in all material respects
with all Legal Requirements (including, without limitation, (i) the Code, ERISA,
the National Labor Relations Act, the Cable Act, FCC Regulations, and the
Copyright Act and (ii) the FCC's Cumulative Leakage Index). Group has delivered
to Buyer complete and correct copies of all FCC forms relating to rate
regulation filed by the Renaissance Companies with any Governmental Authority
with respect to the Systems and copies of all correspondence from or to the
Renaissance Companies with any Governmental Authority relating to rate
regulation generally and any other Rate Regulatory Matter or specific rates
charged to subscribers of the Systems, and any other documentation prepared by
the Renaissance Companies supporting an exemption from the rate regulation
provisions of the
<PAGE> 35
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Cable Act claimed by any Renaissance Company with respect to any of the Systems.
Group has made available to Buyer, to the extent in the possession of the
Renaissance Companies, copies of all FCC forms relating to rate regulation filed
with any Governmental Authority with respect to the Systems by parties other
than the Renaissance Companies and copies of all correspondence from or to
parties other than the Renaissance Companies with any Governmental Authority
relating to rate regulation generally and any other Rate Regulatory Matter or
specific rates charged to subscribers of the Systems, and any other
documentation supporting any exemption from the rate regulation provisions of
the Cable Act claimed by the Systems by parties other than the Renaissance
Companies. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this
Agreement to the contrary, and without limiting the provisions of Sections 6.14
and 10.2(b), Group does not make any representation or warranty with respect to
compliance with any Legal Requirements dealing with, limiting or affecting the
rates which can be charged by cable television systems to their customers
(whether for programming, equipment, installation, service or otherwise) or any
other Rate Regulatory Matter.
3.17 Transactions with Affiliates. Except to the extent disclosed in the
Financial Statements and the notes thereto or Schedule 3.17, none of the
Renaissance Companies is involved in any business arrangement or business
relationship or is a party to any agreement, contract, commitment or transaction
with any Affiliate of any of the Renaissance Companies (other than another
Renaissance Company), and no Affiliate of any of the Renaissance Companies
(other than another Renaissance Company) owns any property or right, tangible or
intangible, that is used in the business of the Renaissance Companies (other
than in its capacity as a direct or indirect equity or debt holder of the
Renaissance Companies).
3.18 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or other
intermediary has acted on behalf of any Renaissance Company in connection with
this Agreement, any Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated hereby
or thereby, or is entitled to any payment in connection herewith or therewith
which, in either case, would result in any obligation or liability to Buyer or
Charter, except that Holdings has retained certain brokers and advisors and will
pay all fees and expenses of such brokers and advisors in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby.
3.19 Inventory. Each Renaissance Company has inventory, spare parts and
materials relating to the Systems of the type and nature and maintained at a
level consistent with past practice (the "Inventory"), and such Inventory will
be sufficient to operate their respective businesses in the ordinary course for
at least thirty (30) days after the Closing.
3.20 Overbuilds; Competition. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.20, as of
the date of this Agreement, (i) no construction programs have been undertaken by
any Governmental Authority or other active cable television, multichannel
multipoint distribution system (as defined by the rules and regulations of FCC),
or multipoint distribution system provider in any of the Franchise Areas and, to
Group's Knowledge, without investigation but upon inquiry of its regional
managers and as should reasonably be known to a reasonable cable television
operator, no such construction programs are proposed or threatened to be
undertaken; (ii) no franchise or other applications or requests of any Person to
provide cable television service in the Franchise
<PAGE> 36
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Areas have been filed more than two (2) weeks prior to the date hereof or, to
Group's Knowledge (subject to the same limitation referred to in clause (i)
above), have been filed less than two (2) weeks prior to the date hereof or are
pending, threatened, or proposed; (iii) there is no other cable television or
other video services provider within any of the Franchise Areas which is
providing or, to Group's Knowledge (subject to the same limitation referred to
in clause (i) above), has applied for a franchise to provide cable television
services or other video services to any of the Franchise Areas in competition
with any of the Renaissance Companies; and (iv) none of the Renaissance
Companies has received any written notice that any other provider of cable
television services or other existing or prospective video service provider
intends to provide such cable television or other video service in competition
with any Renaissance Company. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.20, no
Renaissance Company is, nor is any Affiliate of any Renaissance Company, a party
to any agreement restricting the ability of any third party to operate cable
television systems or any other video programming distribution business within
any of the Franchise Areas.
3.21 Disconnections. Schedule 3.21 sets forth (i) the number of
Subscribers which each of the Renaissance Companies have disconnected from
service during each of the six (6) months prior to the date hereof and (ii) a
general description of the Renaissance Companies' policies relating to the
connection and disconnection of Subscribers from service.
3.22 Year 2000. Each Renaissance Company has (i) initiated a review and
assessment of all areas within its business that would reasonably be expected to
be adversely affected by the "Year 2000 Problem" (that is, the risk that
computer applications used by such Renaissance Company may be unable to
recognize and perform properly date-sensitive functions involving certain dates
prior to and any date after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan for
addressing the Year 2000 Problem on a timely basis, and (iii) to date,
implemented that plan.
3.23 Budgets. Schedule 3.23 sets forth true, correct and complete copies
of the Renaissance Companies' capital and operating budgets for 1999.
3.24 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of Group (as modified by Renaissance's Disclosure
Schedules) on the date such representation or warranty is made shall be deemed
not to constitute a breach of such representation or warranty if such event or
circumstance is cured on or prior to the Closing Date or the earlier termination
of this Agreement.
SECTION 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HOLDINGS
Subject to any provisions of this Agreement limiting, qualifying or
excluding any of the representations or warranties made herein, and to the
disclosures set forth in Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules, Holdings hereby
represents and warrants to Buyer as set forth in this Section 4.
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4.1 Organization; Authorization and Binding Obligation. Holdings is a
limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Delaware.
4.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. Holdings has the requisite
limited liability company power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party
according to their respective terms. The execution, delivery, and performance by
Holdings of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which Holdings
is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of
Holdings. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which Holdings
is a party have been duly executed and delivered by Holdings (or, in the case of
Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when executed and
delivered will be duly executed and delivered) and constitute (or, in the case
of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when executed
and delivered will constitute) the legal, valid, and binding obligation of
Holdings, enforceable against Holdings in accordance with their terms, except as
the enforceability of this Agreement and such other Transaction Documents may be
limited by Enforceability Exceptions.
4.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, or as set
forth in Schedule 4.3 or as would not impair the ability of Holdings to perform
its obligations under this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it
is a party, the execution, delivery and performance by Holdings of this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party (with or
without the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both): (a) do not require
the consent of, declaration to, notice to, or filing with any Governmental
Authority or any other Person under any material agreement or instrument to
which Holdings is bound; (b) will not conflict with any provision of the
Organizational Documents of Holdings as currently in effect; (c) assuming
receipt of all Consents, will not conflict in any material way with, result in
any material breach of, or constitute a default in any material respect under
any Legal Requirement to which Holdings is bound; (d) assuming receipt of all
Consents, will not conflict with, constitute grounds for termination of, result
in a breach of, constitute a default under, or accelerate or permit the
acceleration of any performance required by the terms of any material agreement
or instrument to which Holdings is bound; and (e) assuming receipt of all
Consents, will not result in the creation of any Encumbrance, but subject to the
Legal Restrictions, upon the Purchased Interests held by Holdings.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Holdings makes no representation or warranty
regarding any of the foregoing that may result from the specific legal or
regulatory status of Buyer, Charter or their Affiliates or as a result of any
other facts that specifically relate to the business or activities in which any
of Buyer, Charter or their Affiliates is or proposes to be engaged other than
the cable television business.
4.4 Title to Purchased Interests. Holdings holds all legal and beneficial
rights to the Purchased Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances, but
subject to the Legal Restrictions.
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4.5 Claims and Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule 4.5, as of the
date of this Agreement, there is no claim, legal action, arbitration or other
legal, administrative or tax proceeding pending or threatened in writing or, to
Holdings' Knowledge, threatened (other than in writing), nor is there
outstanding any order, decree or judgment against or relating to the Renaissance
Companies, the Assets or the business or operations of any of the Systems (other
than FCC and other proceedings generally affecting the cable television industry
and not specific to the Renaissance Companies and other than rate complaints or
certifications filed by customers or Franchising Authorities) that would have an
adverse effect on Holdings' ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.
4.6 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or other
intermediary has acted on behalf of Holdings in connection with this Agreement
or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or is entitled to any
payment in connection herewith or therewith which, in either case, would result
in any obligation or liability to Buyer or Charter, except that Holdings has
retained certain brokers and advisors and will pay all fees and expenses of such
brokers and advisors in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.7 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of Holdings (as modified by Renaissance's
Disclosure Schedules) on the date such representation or warranty is made shall
be deemed not to constitute a breach of such representation or warranty if such
event or circumstance is cured on or prior to the Closing Date or the earlier
termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 5: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND CHARTER
Buyer and Charter jointly and severally represent and warrant to Group and
Holdings as set forth in this Section 5.
5.1 Organization. Each of Buyer and Charter is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware. Each of Buyer and Charter has the requisite corporate power and
authority to own, lease and operate its properties, to carry on its business in
the places where such properties are now owned, leased or operated and such
business is now conducted and to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and
the other Transaction Documents to which Buyer or Charter (as the case may be)
is a party according to their respective terms. Each of Buyer and Charter is
duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation in each
jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
5.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. The execution, delivery and
performance by each of Buyer and Charter (as the case may be) of this Agreement
and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate, shareholder or other action on the part
of Buyer or Charter (as the case may be). This Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which Buyer or Charter (as the case may be) is a party
have been duly executed and delivered by Buyer or Charter (as the case may be)
(or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at
Closing, when executed and delivered
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will be duly executed and delivered) and constitute (or, in the case of
Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when executed and
delivered will constitute) the legal, valid, and binding obligation of each of
Buyer or Charter (as the case may be), enforceable against Buyer or Charter (as
the case may be) in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability of
this Agreement and such other Transaction Documents may be limited by
Enforceability Exceptions.
5.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, and the
filing by Charter with the SEC of any reports required to be filed in connection
with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the execution,
delivery and performance by each of Buyer and Charter of this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents to which Buyer or Charter (as the case may be) is a
party (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both): (a) do
not require any Consent, declaration to, or filing with any Governmental
Authority or any other Person that has not been obtained; (b) will not conflict
with any provision of the Organizational Documents of Buyer or Charter (as the
case may be), as currently in effect; (c) will not conflict with, result in a
material breach of, or constitute a default in any material respect under any
Legal Requirement to which Buyer or Charter (as the case may be) is bound; and
(d) will not conflict with, constitute grounds for termination of, result in a
breach of, constitute a default under, or accelerate or permit the acceleration
of any performance required by the terms of any material agreement or instrument
to which Buyer or Charter (as the case may be) is a party or bound.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Buyer nor Charter makes any
representation or warranty regarding any of the foregoing that may result from
the specific legal or regulatory status of any Renaissance Company or as a
result of any other facts that specifically relate to the business or activities
in which Holdings or any Renaissance Company is or proposes to be engaged other
than the cable television business.
5.4 Claims and Litigation. As of the date of this Agreement, except as
disclosed in Schedule 5.4, there is no pending or written threat of a claim,
legal action, arbitration, governmental investigation or other legal,
administrative or tax proceeding pending, nor any order, decree or judgment in
progress or pending, or, to the Charter Parties' Knowledge, threatened other
than in writing, against or relating to any of Buyer or Charter or the assets or
business of Buyer or Charter or their respective Subsidiaries (other than FCC
and other proceedings generally affecting the cable television industry and not
specific to Buyer, Charter or their Subsidiaries and other than rate complaints
or certifications filed by customers or franchising authorities), that would
have an adverse effect on Buyer's or Charter's ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
5.5 Investment Purpose; Investment Company. Buyer is acquiring the
Purchased Interests for investment for its own account and not with a view to
the sale or distribution of any part thereof within the meaning of the
Securities Act. Each of Buyer and Charter (either alone or together with its
advisors) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business
matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment
in the Purchased Interests and is capable of bearing the economic risks of such
investment. Each of Buyer and Charter is an informed and sophisticated
purchaser, and has engaged expert advisors,
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experienced in the evaluation and purchase of companies such as the Renaissance
Companies as contemplated hereunder. Each of Buyer and Charter has undertaken
such investigation and has been provided with and has evaluated such documents
and information as it has deemed necessary to enable it to make an informed and
intelligent decision with respect to the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement. Each of Buyer and Charter acknowledges that Holdings and Group
have given Buyer and Charter complete and open access to the key employees,
documents and facilities of the Renaissance Companies. Each of Buyer and Charter
will undertake prior to Closing such further investigation and request such
additional documents and information as it deems necessary. Buyer agrees to
accept the Purchased Interests and the Systems in the condition they are in on
the Closing Date based upon its own inspection, examination and determination
with respect thereto as to all matters, and without reliance upon any express or
implied representations or warranties of any nature made by or on behalf of or
imputed to Holdings or Group, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Buyer is not an "investment company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.
5.6 Ownership of Buyer. Charter holds of record and owns beneficially more
than fifty percent (50%) of all the outstanding Equity Interests of Charter
Communications Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("CCH"). CCH
owns, indirectly through subsidiaries, all of the cable properties of the
Charter Companies (as defined in the draft Offering Circular dated February 23,
1999 (09:13) of CCH and Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation).
5.7 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or other
intermediary has acted on behalf of Buyer or Charter in connection with this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or is entitled to
any payment in connection herewith or therewith which, in either case, would
result in any obligation or liability to Holdings or Group.
5.8 Availability of Funds. Buyer has, as of the date hereof, the ability
to obtain, and will have, as of the Closing Date, sufficient cash, lines of
credit or other immediately available funds to enable it to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
5.9 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of Buyer or Charter on the date such representation
or warranty is made shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of such
representation or warranty if such event or circumstance is cured on or prior to
the Closing Date or the earlier termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 6: SPECIAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
6.1 Operation of Business Prior to Closing. Except as required by
applicable Legal Requirements or as contemplated by this Agreement or Schedule
6.1, and subject to Group's obligation to comply with the terms and conditions
hereof and the operation of the Renaissance Companies' business in the ordinary
course, and except as consented to by Buyer, between the date hereof and the
Closing Date, Group will cause the Renaissance Companies to operate the Systems
in the ordinary course of business (subject to, and except as modified by,
compliance
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with the following negative and affirmative covenants) and abide by the
following negative and affirmative covenants:
(a) Negative Covenants. The Renaissance Companies shall not do any
of the following between the date hereof and the Closing Date:
(1) Franchises. Fail to timely file a valid request for
renewal in accordance with Section 626(a) of the Cable Act, or fail to use
commercially reasonable efforts to renew on substantially the same or on other
commercially reasonable terms any Franchise that will expire after the date
hereof and prior to the date which is thirty (30) months after the Closing Date
in accordance with its terms (it being understood that the Renaissance Companies
shall not be required to take any steps necessary to obtain renewals of any
Franchise earlier than such steps are required to be taken by applicable FCC
Regulations, and obtaining renewals of any Franchise shall not be a condition
precedent to Buyer's or Charter's obligations hereunder).
(2) Contracts. Modify or amend in any material respect, except
in the ordinary course of business, any Contract that shall survive the Closing;
or enter into any new Contracts that will be binding on the Renaissance
Companies following the Closing except: (A) agreements for the provision of
services to customers; (B) the renewal or extension of any existing Contract on
its existing terms, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of
business; (C) with respect to utility pole attachment agreements, Contracts with
terms as customarily required by the utility whose poles are utilized; (D)
Contracts in connection with capital expenditures made in accordance with
Section 6.1(b)(7); or (E) any other contracts or commitments entered into in the
ordinary course of business that are terminable on not more than sixty days
prior notice without the payment of any penalty or that do not involve
post-Closing obligations in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in any
one case or in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) in the
aggregate.
(3) Disposition of Assets. Sell, assign, lease, swap or
otherwise transfer or dispose of any of the Assets, except for Assets consumed
or disposed of in the ordinary course of business.
(4) Encumbrances. Create, assume or permit to exist any
Encumbrance upon the Assets, except for Permitted Encumbrances or other
Encumbrances disclosed in Schedule 3.9 and subject to the Legal Restrictions.
(5) Indebtedness. Permit the Renaissance Companies to incur
any additional indebtedness for borrowed money, except to the extent (if not
repaid at or prior to the Closing) included in the computation of Closing Net
Liabilities; provided that any such incurrence shall be in the ordinary course
of business and the Renaissance Companies shall give Buyer prior notice of such
borrowing;
(6) Compensation. Increase annually recurring compensation by
more than 5%, on average, for the Renaissance Companies' employees retained in
connection with the conduct of the business or operation of the Systems, except
for customary merit or time-in-grade
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increases for qualifying employees or otherwise in accordance with the
Renaissance Companies' employee policies.
(7) Waivers. Waive any material right relating to the Systems
or the Assets.
(8) Marketing Plan. Implement any new marketing plans not
contemplated in the Renaissance Companies' budget, except as set forth in
Schedule 6.1 or as consented to by Buyer, such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld.
(b) Affirmative Covenants. Group shall, and shall cause the
Renaissance Companies to, do the following between the date hereof and the
Closing Date:
(1) Access to Information. Subject to Buyer's and Charter's
obligations hereunder and under the Confidentiality Agreement with respect to
confidentiality, allow Buyer and its authorized representatives reasonable
access during normal business hours to the Assets and the physical plant,
offices, properties and records of the Renaissance Companies for the purpose of
inspection, and furnish or cause to be furnished to Buyer or its authorized
representatives all information with respect to the Assets or the Renaissance
Companies that Buyer may reasonably request. Any investigation or request for
information shall be conducted in such a manner as not to interfere with the
business or operations of the Renaissance Companies and the Systems.
(2) Insurance. Maintain the existing insurance policies on the
Systems and the Assets (or comparable replacement policies).
(3) Books and Records. Maintain the Renaissance Companies'
books and records substantially in accordance with past practices.
(4) Financial Information. Furnish to Buyer (i) within
forty-five days after the end of each month and each calendar quarter between
the date hereof and the Closing Date, an unaudited consolidated balance sheet
and statement of operations for the Renaissance Companies for each such month
and each such calendar quarter and (ii) any other information (including,
without limitation, management notes) furnished to the Renaissance Companies'
senior lenders or filed by the Renaissance Companies with the SEC, which
financial information shall be prepared from the Renaissance Companies' books
and records maintained in the ordinary course of business substantially in
accordance with past practices.
(5) Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with
all Legal Requirements applicable to the Renaissance Companies and the operation
of the Systems.
(6) Keep Organization Intact. Except with respect to any
voluntary departure of any of the Renaissance Companies' employees between the
date hereof and Closing, use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact
the Renaissance Companies' business and
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organization relating to the Systems and preserve for Buyer the goodwill of the
Renaissance Companies' suppliers, customers and others having business relations
with them.
(7) Capital Expenditure Program. Continue capital expenditures
in the ordinary course of business in a manner substantially consistent with
Schedule 6.1.
(8) Earth Stations. Within seven (7) days of the date hereof,
use commercially reasonable efforts to contract for frequency coordination
studies in preparation of filing an application to register with the FCC at
least one receive-only earth station ("TVRO") at each Systems' headend or other
site at which one or more TVROs are located as of the date hereof and which are
used to provide programming to such headends, and within seven (7) days of
receiving each coordination study, file such registration applications with the
FCC.
(c) Certain Permitted Actions. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement (including Sections 6.1(a) and (b) above) to the contrary, Buyer and
Charter consent and agree as follows:
(1) Contractual Commitments. The Renaissance Companies may
comply with all of their contractual commitments under their existing Contracts
and under any Contracts entered into after the date of this Agreement in
compliance with Section 6.1(a)(2) or with Buyer's and Charter's consent (in each
case, as such Contracts may be in effect from time to time in accordance with
Section 6.1(a)(2) or with Buyer's and Charter's consent). The Renaissance
Companies may take such actions as are contemplated by the other Sections of
this Agreement and otherwise comply with their obligations under the other
Sections of this Agreement.
(2) Excluded Assets. The Renaissance Companies may, prior to
Closing, terminate, transfer or assign to Holdings, its designee or any other
Person, each of the Excluded Assets on such terms as shall be determined by
Holdings, in its sole discretion.
6.2 Confidentiality; Press Release.
(a) Buyer, Charter and Holdings are parties to a Confidentiality
Agreement dated February 12, 1999 (the "Confidentiality Agreement").
Notwithstanding the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, or
the termination of this Agreement prior to Closing, the Confidentiality
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms,
but shall expire concurrently with the Closing hereunder.
(b) No party will issue any press release or make any other public
announcements concerning this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby
except with the prior approval (not to be unreasonably withheld) of the other
parties, except that if any such disclosure is required by law, no party will
make such disclosure without first providing to the other parties an advance
copy of any such disclosure and a reasonable opportunity to review and comment.
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6.3 Cooperation; Commercially Reasonable Efforts. Without limiting any of
the obligations of the parties hereunder, the parties shall cooperate with each
other and their respective counsel, accountants, agents and other
representatives in all commercially reasonable respects in connection with any
actions required to be taken as part of their respective obligations under this
Agreement, and otherwise use their commercially reasonable efforts to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby and to fulfill their obligations hereunder
as expeditiously as practicable. Charter shall provide to Holdings such
information relating to Charter and its Subsidiaries and their businesses and
operations as Holdings shall reasonably request.
6.4 Consents.
(a) Following the execution hereof, until the Closing Date, Group
shall use its best efforts, and shall cause the Renaissance Companies to use
their best efforts, and Charter shall use its best efforts, and shall cause
Buyer to use its best efforts, to obtain as expeditiously as possible all
Consents required to be obtained by the Renaissance Companies, including
Consents under the Franchises, FCC Licenses and Contracts of the Renaissance
Companies. Group shall, and shall cause the Renaissance Companies to, and
Charter shall, and shall cause Buyer to, prepare and file, or cause to be
prepared and filed, within fifteen (15) days after the date hereof (subject to
extension for a period of up to an additional ten (10) days, if reasonably
necessary for a party to complete its application), all applications (including
FCC Forms 394 or other appropriate forms) required to be filed with the FCC and
any Franchising Authority that are necessary for the transfer of control to
Buyer in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement of the Franchises and the FCC Licenses identified in Schedule
3.8. The parties shall also make appropriate requests, as soon as practicable
after the date hereof, for any Consents required under any Contract (other than
the Debt Documents, which shall be governed by Section 6.7). If, notwithstanding
their best efforts, Group and the other Renaissance Companies are unable to
obtain any of the Consents, none of the Renaissance Companies nor Holdings shall
be liable to Buyer or Charter for any breach of covenant, and, for the avoidance
of doubt, after the Closing, Holdings shall not have any obligation with respect
to obtaining any Consents or any liability for the failure of such Consents to
be obtained. Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.4(b) below, nothing
herein shall require the expenditure or payment of any funds (other than in
respect of normal and usual attorneys fees, filing fees or other normal costs of
doing business) or the giving of any other consideration by Buyer, Charter,
Holdings or, prior to consummation of the Closing, any Renaissance Company, or
any adjustment to the Cash Consideration to be paid to Holdings.
(b) (i) Without limiting Section 6.4(b)(i), (ii) or (iii), each of
Buyer and Charter agrees that if in connection with the process of obtaining any
Consent, a Governmental Authority or other Person purports to require any
condition or any change to a Franchise, License or Contract to which such
Consent relates that would be applicable to any of Buyer, Charter or any
Renaissance Company as a requirement for granting its Consent, which condition
or change involves a monetary payment or commitment to such Governmental
Authority or other Person, either of Buyer and Charter, on the one hand, or
Holdings, on the other hand, may elect, in its sole discretion, to satisfy such
monetary payment or commitment, in which case, Buyer and Charter will accept
(and agree that Holdings may cause any Renaissance Company to accept) any
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condition or change in the Franchise, License or Contract to which such Consent
relates to the extent provided herein.
(ii) If, in connection with the process of obtaining any
Consent from a Franchising Authority, such Franchising Authority makes a bona
fide claim that any amount is owed by the relevant Renaissance Company as a
result of a default under, or breach of, the corresponding Franchise, by such
Renaissance Company or any predecessor in interest, Holdings shall satisfy all
outstanding monetary obligations of such Renaissance Company or predecessor in
interest in respect of any such bona fide default or breach.
(iii) If a Governmental Authority or other Person imposes any
commercially reasonable non-monetary obligation in connection with granting its
Consent under a Franchise, License or Contract, Buyer and Charter will comply
with such obligation after Closing (and agree that Holdings may cause any
Renaissance Company to accept) any such commercially reasonable non-monetary
obligation.
(c) Buyer shall promptly furnish to any Governmental Authority or
other Person from whom a Consent is requested such accurate and complete
information regarding Buyer, Charter and their Subsidiaries, including financial
information concerning Buyer and Charter and other information relating to the
cable and other media operations of Buyer and Charter, as a Governmental
Authority or other Person may reasonably require in connection with obtaining
any Consent, and Buyer shall promptly furnish to Group a copy of any such
information provided to a Governmental Authority or other Person, and any other
information concerning Buyer and Charter as Group may reasonably request in
connection with obtaining any Consent. To the extent Group is required to supply
such information as to Buyer, Charter and their Subsidiaries to Persons from
whom Consents are sought, Group may supply such information and shall have no
obligation to Buyer or Charter with respect to the disclosure or use of such
information by such Persons.
(d) It is understood and agreed that nothing herein shall prevent
Buyer or Charter (or their employees, agents, representatives and any other
Person acting on behalf of Buyer or Charter) from making statements or inquiries
to, attending meetings of, making presentations to, or from responding to
requests initiated by, Governmental Authorities or other Persons from which a
Consent is sought, and Buyer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
apprise Holdings of all such requests.
6.5 HSR Act Filing. As soon as practicable after the execution of this
Agreement, but in any event no later than fifteen (15) days after such execution
(subject to extension for a period of up to an additional ten (10) days, if
reasonably necessary for a party to complete its notification and report) if not
filed by the expiration of such fifteen (15) day period, the parties will each
complete and file, or cause to be completed and filed, any notification and
report required to be filed under the HSR Act; and each such filing shall
request early termination of the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act. The
parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to respond as promptly as
reasonably practicable to any inquiries received from the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice
(the
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"Antitrust Division") for additional information or documentation and to respond
as promptly as reasonably practicable to all inquiries and requests received
from any other Governmental Authority in connection with antitrust matters. The
parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to overcome any objections
which may be raised by the FTC, the Antitrust Division or any other Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction over antitrust matters.
6.6 Charter's Actions.
(a) No party hereto, nor any of their respective Affiliates, will
take any action that is inconsistent with its obligations under this Agreement
or which does, or would reasonably be expected to, hinder or delay the
consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, at all times between the date hereof and the
Closing Date, each of Buyer and Charter will take all necessary or advisable
actions to ensure, and each of Buyer and Charter will ensure, that Buyer is able
to deliver the Cash Consideration at Closing.
(b) At all times between the date hereof and the Closing Date, (i)
Charter shall continue to hold of record and own beneficially more than fifty
percent (50%) of all the outstanding Equity Interests of CCH, and (ii) Buyer
shall be a wholly-owned (direct or indirect) subsidiary of CCH.
6.7 Renaissance Debt Obligations.
(a) Buyer and Charter acknowledge and agree that all obligations of
the Renaissance Companies with respect to the Senior Discount Notes and the
Senior Debt (including all principal, accrued and unpaid interest and all other
amounts), shall remain obligations of the Renaissance Companies through and
after Closing, and each of Buyer and Charter will cooperate with the Renaissance
Companies with respect to any information relating to Buyer and Charter that
shall be reasonably requested by any of the holders of the Senior Debt.
(b) After the Closing, Buyer and Charter agree to cause the
Renaissance Companies to commence an Offer to Purchase (as defined in the
Indenture) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Indenture and to
discharge all of their obligations under the Indenture in accordance with its
terms, and Buyer and Charter agree that Holdings shall not have any liability or
obligation in respect thereof, including, without limitation, any change of
control penalty or premium or other payment arising out of or resulting from the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under or
pursuant to the Indenture or the Senior Discount Notes.
(c) Simultaneously with the Closing and without limiting any other
obligations of Buyer and Charter, Buyer and Charter shall satisfy and discharge
all obligations of the Renaissance Companies in respect of the Senior Debt and
the Credit Agreement (including all principal, accrued and unpaid interest and
all other amounts, including any prepayment penalty or premium or any breakage
costs) that become due and payable concurrently with, or as a result, of the
consummation of the Closing.
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6.8 Retention and Access to the Renaissance Companies' Records. Except as
provided in Section 6.10(c)(1), Holdings shall, for a period of five years from
the Closing Date, have access to, and the right to copy, at its expense, during
usual business hours upon reasonable prior notice to Buyer and Charter, all of
the books and records relating to the Renaissance Companies, Assets and Systems
that were transferred to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement. Buyer shall retain
and preserve all such books and records for such five year period. Subsequent to
such five year period, Buyer shall only destroy such books and records if there
is no ongoing litigation, governmental audit or other proceeding, and subsequent
to thirty days' notice to Holdings of its right to remove and retain such books
and records or to copy such books and records prior to their destruction.
6.9 Employee Matters.
(a) At Closing, Group shall cause the appropriate Renaissance
Companies to terminate the employment of the Headquarters Employees and the
Employment Agreements, in each case, without liability in respect thereof to any
Renaissance Company, including, without limitation, pursuant to the Employment
Agreements.
(b) Except as any employment agreement between any Renaissance
Company and any employee may otherwise require, all employees of the Renaissance
Companies who continue in employment following the Closing shall be employed on
such terms and conditions as are substantially similar in the aggregate to the
terms and conditions of employment of Buyer's and Charter's employees. Each such
employee shall receive credit for all purposes other than benefit accrual
purposes under any retirement plan or program under any Employee Plan or
Compensation Arrangement of the Buyer for past service with any Renaissance
Company and, to the extent credited under any Employee Plan or Compensation
Arrangement of any Renaissance Company, for past service with any predecessor
employer.
(c) Buyer shall offer group health plan coverage to all of the
employees of the Renaissance Companies and to the spouse and dependents of such
employees who become employed by the Buyer or any ERISA Affiliate of the Buyer
as of the Closing on terms and conditions generally applicable to all of Buyer's
similarly situated employees. For purposes of providing such coverage, Buyer
shall waive all preexisting condition limitations for all such employees covered
by the health care plan of any Renaissance Company as of the Closing and shall
provide such health care coverage effective as of the Closing without the
application of any eligibility period for coverage. In addition, Buyer shall
credit all employee payments toward deductible, out-of-pocket and co-payment
obligation limits under the Renaissance Companies' health care plans for the
plan year which includes the Closing Date as if such payments had been made for
similar purposes under Buyer's health care plans during the plan year which
includes the Closing Date, with respect to employees of the Renaissance
Companies and the spouse and any dependents of such employees who become
employed by Buyer as of the Closing Date.
(d) Buyer shall assume full responsibility and liability for
offering and providing "continuation coverage" to any "covered employee" and any
"qualified beneficiary"
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who is covered by a "group health plan" sponsored or contributed to by any of
the Renaissance Companies who has experienced a "qualifying event" or is
receiving "continuation coverage" on or prior to the Closing. "Continuation
coverage," "covered employee," "qualified beneficiary," "qualifying event" and
"group health plan" all shall have the meanings given such terms under Section
4980B of the Code and Section 601 et seq. of ERISA. For purposes of this
Section, each employee of any Renaissance Company who experiences a loss of
healthcare coverage as the result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement together with his or her spouse and dependents, if any, shall be
deemed eligible for continuation coverage as provided herein.
(e) Holdings shall cause Renaissance Media to file or cause to be
filed an application for a determination letter from the Internal Revenue
Service with respect to the Renaissance Media LLC 401(k) Plan on or before the
close of the remedial amendment period applicable in the case of disqualifying
provisions under a new plan as described in 26 C.F.R. Section 1.401(b)-1.
6.10 Tax Matters.
(a) Tax Periods Ending on or Before the Closing Date. Holdings shall
prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed all Tax Returns
for the Renaissance Companies (i) that are due on or before the Closing Date, or
(ii) that relate to taxable periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date but
are required to be filed after the Closing Date. Such Tax Returns shall be
prepared in accordance with each Renaissance Company's past custom and practice,
and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, allocations of items of
income and gain and loss and deduction shall be made using the
closing-of-the-books method. In the case of any Renaissance Company that is a
limited liability company, such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance with
the Organizational Documents of such Renaissance Company as in effect
immediately prior to the Closing Date. In preparing each Renaissance Company's
Tax Returns, Holdings shall consult with Buyer in good faith and shall provide
Buyer with drafts of such Tax Returns (together with the relevant back-up
information) for review and consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld) at least twenty days prior to filing; provided, however, if Buyer has
not provided comments on such Tax Returns to Holdings within such twenty-day
period, then such consent shall be deemed to be given and, if Buyer's comments
or refusal to provide such consent results in any penalties imposed upon
Holdings or any Renaissance Company for failing to file a timely Tax Return,
then Buyer shall be liable for and shall pay, such penalties; provided further,
however, if any such penalties for failure to file a timely Tax Return could be
avoided by filing an extension to file such Tax Return with the applicable
Governmental Authority, Holdings shall, or shall cause the appropriate
Renaissance Company to, timely file such extension. After the Closing, Buyer
shall not prepare or cause to be prepared or file or cause to be filed any Tax
Return for the Renaissance Companies for any period ending on or prior to the
Closing Date.
(b) Tax Periods Beginning Before and Ending After the Closing Date.
Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed any
Tax Returns of the Renaissance Companies for Tax periods which begin before the
Closing Date and end after the Closing Date. Such Tax Returns shall be prepared
in accordance with each Renaissance
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Company's past custom and practice but, except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, allocations of items of income and gain and loss and deduction shall
be made using the closing-of-the-books method. In preparing such Tax Returns,
Buyer shall consult with Holdings in good faith and shall provide Holdings with
drafts of such Tax Returns (together with the relevant back-up information) for
review at least ten days prior to filing.
(c) Cooperation on Tax Matters.
(1) Buyer and Holdings shall cooperate fully, as and to the
extent reasonably requested by the other party, in connection with the filing of
Tax Returns pursuant to this Section 6.10 and any audit, litigation, or other
proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation shall include the retention
and (upon the other party's request) the provision of records and information
which are reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other proceeding
and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide
additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder. Buyer
and Holdings agree (A) to retain all books and records with respect to Tax
matters pertinent to the Renaissance Companies relating to any taxable period
beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of
limitations (and, to the extent notified by Buyer or Holdings, any extensions
thereof) of the respective taxable periods, and to abide by all record retention
agreements entered into with any taxing authority, and (B) to give the other
party reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding
any such books and records and, if the other party so requests, Buyer or
Holdings, as the case may be, shall allow the other party to take possession of
such books and records to the extent they would otherwise be destroyed or
discarded.
(2) Buyer and Holdings further agree, upon request, to use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from
any Governmental Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate,
reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including Taxes with respect
to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(d) Certain Taxes. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp,
registration and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and
interest) incurred in connection with the transactions consummated pursuant to
this Agreement shall be paid one-half by Buyer and one-half by Holdings when
due. Buyer and Holdings will cooperate in all reasonable respects to prepare and
file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such
transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other Taxes and fees.
Buyer shall be liable for any Taxes attributable to any election made by Buyer
or any Affiliate of Buyer with respect to any of the Renaissance Companies under
Section 338 of the Code or any comparable provision of state or local law.
(e) Buyer covenants that it will not, and it will not cause or
permit any Renaissance Company or any Affiliate of Buyer, (i) to take any action
on or after the Closing Date, including but not limited to the distribution of
any dividend or the effectuation of any redemption, that could give rise to any
tax liability of any holder of membership interests in Holdings or (ii) to make
or change any tax election, amend any Tax Return or take any tax
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position on any Tax Return, take any action, omit to take any action or enter
into any transaction that results in any increased tax liability of any holder
of membership interests in Holdings in respect of any Pre-Closing Tax Period.
(f) Except to the extent taken into account in Closing Net
Liabilities, Buyer shall promptly pay or cause to be paid to Holdings all
refunds of taxes and interest thereon received by Buyer, any Affiliate of Buyer,
or any Renaissance Company attributable to taxes paid by Holdings or any
Renaissance Company with respect to any Pre-Closing Tax Period.
(g) From and after the date of this Agreement, Holdings and each
Renaissance Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Buyer
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) make, or cause or permit to
be made, any Tax election that would adversely affect any of the Renaissance
Companies or Buyer.
6.11 Renaissance Name. The parties agree that Holdings and its Affiliates
(other than the Renaissance Companies) shall retain the right to use the names
"Renaissance" and "Renaissance Media" and any and all derivations thereof,
including the Renaissance Companies' internet domain and the internet addresses,
"renmedia.com" and "R-Media.com"; provided that Buyer shall be entitled to have
the Renaissance Companies use such name, but not such internet domain and
internet addresses, for a period of one (1) year after the Closing. From and
after the expiration of such period, Holdings and its Affiliates (other than the
Renaissance Companies) shall retain the sole and exclusive right to use the name
"Renaissance" and any and all derivations thereof, including the Renaissance
Companies' internet domain and the internet addresses "renmedia.com" and
"R-Media.com" and Buyer agrees to have such name removed from all trucks, signs
and the other Assets used in the operation of the Systems.
6.12 No Recourse; Release of Claims. Anything in this Agreement or
applicable law to the contrary notwithstanding, other than claims against
Holdings or Group as and to the extent expressly provided for in Section 9.4 and
Section 10 of this Agreement (and other than any claim for fraud), neither Buyer
nor Charter will have any claim or recourse against any of the Released Parties
as a result of the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
of Holdings or Group contained herein or otherwise arising in connection with
the transactions contemplated by or the Transaction Documents or the business or
operations of the Renaissance Companies prior to the Closing. Effective as of
the Closing, each of Buyer and Charter and each of their respective Subsidiaries
hereby releases and forever discharges each of the Released Parties from all
actions, causes of action, suits, debts and claims (other than claims for fraud)
arising out of facts or circumstances prior to the Closing, whether at law or in
equity or otherwise, which Buyer or Charter ever had or now or hereafter may
have for, upon or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever related to
the Renaissance Companies, whether, contingent, accrued or otherwise arising out
of facts or circumstances prior to the Closing; provided that the foregoing
shall not limit Buyer's indemnification rights provided for in Section 10.
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6.13 Exculpation and Indemnification. After the Closing, Buyer, Charter
and the Renaissance Companies will be bound by and will assume the same
obligations to satisfy (and Buyer and Charter will cause the Renaissance
Companies to continue to satisfy) the rights of exculpation, indemnification and
advancement of expenses to which the present and former members, stockholders,
directors, representatives, officers, employees and agents of the Renaissance
Companies and any of their respective Affiliates are entitled with respect to
any matter existing or occurring prior to the Closing and/or with respect to
this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, under each such Renaissance
Company's Organizational Documents, by contract or agreement or by resolution of
the Board of Representatives or Board of Directors (as the case may be) of such
Renaissance Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such
exculpation and indemnification provisions as in effect on the date of this
Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Charter and Buyer agree to maintain
in place for a period of not less than six years from the Closing, for the
benefit of the parties mentioned in the foregoing sentence, directors' and
officers' insurance, on substantially the same terms and to the same extent as
presently in effect for the Renaissance Companies.
6.14 Rate Regulatory Matters. The parties acknowledge and agree that
notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to
the contrary (including any representation or warranty made by Group in Sections
3.11(e), 3.15 or 3.16), any matter relating to, in connection with or resulting
or arising from any Rate Regulatory Matter, or any actions taken prior to or
after the date hereof by any Renaissance Company to comply with or in a good
faith attempt to comply with any Rate Regulatory Matter (including any rate
reduction, refund, penalty or similar action having the effect of reducing the
rates previously or subsequently paid by subscribers, whether instituted or
implemented by or imposed on any Renaissance Company and changes to rate
practices instituted or implemented by or imposed on any Renaissance Company),
shall not: (a) cause or constitute, directly or indirectly, a breach by Group or
Holdings of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (and such
representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements shall hereby be deemed to
be modified appropriately to reflect and permit the impact and existence of such
Rate Regulatory Matters and to permit any action by any Renaissance Company to
comply with or attempt in good faith to comply with such Rate Regulatory
Matters); (b) otherwise cause or constitute, directly or indirectly, a default
or breach by any Renaissance Company or Holdings under this Agreement or any
other Transaction Document; (c) result in the failure of any condition precedent
to the obligations of Buyer under this Agreement or any other Transaction
Document; (d) otherwise excuse Buyer's or Charter's performance of their
obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; or (e) give
rise to any claim for (i) any adjustment to the Cash Consideration or other
compensation or (ii) indemnification, except as provided in Section 10.2(b).
6.15 Guaranty by Charter. Subject to the provisions of this Section 6.15,
Charter hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Holdings the
due and punctual payment of the Cash Consideration and any other monetary
obligations of Buyer and the due and punctual performance of all other
obligations of Buyer to Holdings, all in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. Charter hereby acknowledges that, with respect to all of Buyer's
obligations, including those to pay money, including, without limitation, the
Cash Consideration,
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this guaranty shall be a guaranty of payment and performance and not of
collection and shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit of any
remedies against Buyer. Charter hereby waives diligence, demand of payment,
filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of Buyer, any
right to require a proceeding first against Buyer, the benefit of discussion,
protest or notice and all demands whatsoever, and covenants that this guaranty
will not be discharged as to any obligation except by satisfaction of such
obligation in full. Until Holdings has been paid in full any amounts due and
owing to it under this Agreement, Charter hereby irrevocably waives any claim or
other rights which it may now or hereafter acquire against Buyer that arise from
the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of its obligations under this
guaranty and this Agreement, including, without limitation, any right of
reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, any right to
participate in any claim or remedy of Holdings against Buyer or any collateral
which Holdings hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, remedy or right
arises in equity, or under contract, statute or common law, including, without
limitation, the right to take or receive from Buyer, directly or indirectly, in
cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security
on account of such claim or other rights. To the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, the obligations of Charter hereunder shall not be affected by
(a) the failure of the applicable obligee to assert any claim or demand or to
enforce any right or remedy against Charter pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement or otherwise, (b) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification
of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement or the
invalidity or unenforceability (in whole or in part) of this Agreement, unless
consented to in writing by Charter, Holdings and Group and (c) any change in the
existence (corporate or otherwise) of Buyer, Charter or Holdings or any
insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding affecting any of
them or their assets. If any amount shall be paid to Charter in violation of the
fourth sentence of this Section 6.15, and the obligations of Buyer under this
Agreement shall not have been discharged in full, such amount shall be deemed to
have been paid to Charter for the benefit of, and held in trust for the benefit
of, Holdings, and shall forthwith be paid to Holdings. Charter acknowledges that
it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that the waivers set forth in
this Section 6.15 are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits. Nothing
contained in this Section 6.15 is intended to or shall impair, as among Charter
and Holdings, the obligations of Charter, which are absolute and unconditional,
upon failure by Buyer, to perform its obligations under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, its obligation to pay to Holdings the Cash
Consideration and any other monetary obligations of Buyer when payable in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or is intended to or shall affect
the relative rights of Holdings and creditors of Charter, nor shall anything
herein prevent Holdings from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by
applicable law.
6.16 Disclosure Schedules. The parties acknowledge and agree that (i)
Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules and Charter's Disclosure Schedules may
include certain items and information solely for informational purposes for the
convenience of the parties hereto and (ii) the disclosure of any matter in
Charter's Disclosure Schedules or Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules shall not
be deemed to constitute an acknowledgment by Holdings or Group, in the case of
Renaissance's Disclosure Schedules, or Buyer or Charter, in the case of
Charter's Disclosure Schedules, that the matter is material.
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SECTION 7: CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF BUYER AND CHARTER
7.1 Conditions to Obligations of the Buyer and Charter. All obligations of
Buyer and Charter at the Closing hereunder are subject to the fulfillment (or
waiver at the option of Buyer or Charter) prior to or at the Closing of each of
the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties of Group. As to the
representations and warranties of Group set forth in Section 3 and of Holdings
set forth in Section 4, (1) those representations and warranties set forth in
Section 3 and Section 4 which are expressly stated to be made solely as of the
date of this Agreement or another specified date shall be true and correct in
all respects as of such date (without regard to the materiality or material
adverse effect qualifiers set forth therein), and (2) all other representations
and warranties of Group set forth in Section 3 and Section 4 respectively, shall
be true and correct in all respects at and as of the time of the Closing as
though made at and as of that time (without regard to the materiality or
material adverse effect qualifiers set forth therein); provided that for
purposes of each of clauses (1) and (2) above, the representations and
warranties shall be deemed true and correct in all respects to the extent that
the aggregate effect of the inaccuracies in such representations and warranties
as of the applicable times does not constitute a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Covenants. Group and Holdings shall have performed and complied
in all material respects with all covenants and agreements required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them prior to or at the Closing.
(c) Consents. The Material FCC Consents shall have been obtained.
The aggregate number of Equivalent Subscribers as of any applicable date, in
those Franchise Areas that are Transferable Franchise Areas shall be at least
ninety-five percent (95%) of the aggregate number of Equivalent Subscribers in
all Franchise Areas as of such applicable date.
(d) Hart-Scott-Rodino. The requisite waiting period under the HSR
Act shall have expired or been terminated, without the FTC or the Antitrust
Division, as applicable, taking any action which has not been terminated or
resolved.
(e) Judgment. There shall not be in effect on the date on which the
Closing is to occur any judgment, decree, order or other prohibition of a court
of competent jurisdiction having the force of law that would prevent the
Closing, provided that Buyer and Charter shall have used commercially reasonable
efforts to prevent the entry of any such judgment, decree, order or other
prohibition and to appeal as expeditiously as possible any such judgment,
decree, order or other prohibition that may be entered.
(f) Deliveries. Group and Holdings shall have made or stand willing
to make all the deliveries to Buyer and Charter described in Section 8.2.
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(g) Compliance with FIRPTA. Holdings shall have provided the Buyer
with a statement, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer, pursuant to
Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations, certifying that Holdings is
not a foreign person.
(h) Material Adverse Effect. From and after the date of this
Agreement until the Closing Date, no event shall have occurred which has had a
Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Holdings Franchise Notice. Holdings shall have delivered to
Buyer a notice that the condition set forth in the second sentence of Section
7.1(c) has been satisfied at least two (2) business days prior to the date
scheduled for Closing.
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Holdings.
All obligations of Holdings at the Closing hereunder are subject to the
fulfillment (or waiver at the option of Holdings) prior to or at the Closing of
each of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. As to the representations and
warranties of Buyer and Charter set forth in Section 5, (1) those
representations and warranties set forth in Section 5 which are expressly stated
to be made solely as of the date of this Agreement or another specified date
shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date, and (2) all
other representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material
respects at and as of the Closing as though made at and as of that time.
(b) Covenants. Buyer and Charter shall have performed and complied
with in all material respects all covenants and agreements required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them prior to or at the Closing.
(c) Hart-Scott-Rodino. The requisite waiting period under the HSR
Act shall have expired or been terminated, without the FTC or the Antitrust
Division, as applicable, taking any action which has not been terminated or
resolved.
(d) Judgment. There shall not be in effect on the date on which the
Closing is to occur any judgment, decree, order or other prohibition of a court
of competent jurisdiction having the force of law that would prevent the
Closing, provided that Group and Holdings shall have used commercially
reasonable efforts to prevent the entry of any such judgment, decree, order or
other prohibition and to appeal as expeditiously as possible any such judgment,
decree, order or other prohibition that may be entered.
(e) Deliveries. Buyer and Charter shall have made or stand willing
to make all the deliveries described in Section 8.3.
SECTION 8: CLOSING AND CLOSING DELIVERIES
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8.1 Closing.
(a) Closing Date.
(1) Subject to satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by
law, waiver, of the closing conditions described in Section 7, and subject to
Section 8.1(a)(2), 8.1(a)(3) and 8.1(a)(4), the Closing shall take place on the
date specified by Holdings by notice to Buyer, which specified date shall be no
earlier than two business days and no later than five business days after
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1(c) and (d)
and Sections 7.2(c), or on such earlier or later date as Holdings and Buyer
shall mutually agree; provided, however, subject to Section 8.1(a)(3) and
8.1(a)(4), the Closing shall not take place beyond the Upset Date.
(2) If on the date on which the Closing would otherwise be
required to take place pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(1) (A) there shall be in
effect any judgment, decree, order or other prohibition of a court of competent
jurisdiction having the force of law that would prevent or make unlawful the
Closing, or (B) any other circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the
Renaissance Companies, Holdings, Buyer or Charter (which shall in no event
include any matters relating to financing of the transactions contemplated
hereby) shall exist that would prevent the Closing or the satisfaction of any of
the conditions precedent to any party set forth in Section 7, then either
Holdings or Buyer may, at its option, postpone the date on which the Closing is
required to take place until such date, to be set by the party that elects to
postpone the date for Closing pursuant to this subsection (2) on at least five
business days' written notice to the other party, as soon as practicable after
such judgment, decree, order or other prohibition ceases to be in effect, or
such other circumstance ceases to exist; provided, however, that any
postponement of the date on which the Closing is required to take place to a
date beyond the Upset Date shall require the consent of both Holdings and Buyer.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, if on the date scheduled for Closing, the Closing has not occurred
because any notice period required by Section 8.1(a)(1) or (2) has not lapsed,
the Upset Date shall be extended until one business day after the lapse of such
period.
(4) If the date on which the Closing would otherwise be
required to take place pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(1), 8.1(a)(2) or 8.1(a)(3) the
Referee shall not have completed its determination pursuant to Section 2.4(a) of
any of the amount disputed by Holdings and Buyer, then Holdings may, at its
option, postpone the date on which the Closing is required to take place until
the third (3rd) business day after the date the Referee makes its final
determination pursuant to Section 2.4(a); provided, however, that if such
postponement results in the Closing taking place on a date after the Upset Date,
the Upset Date shall be extended until one business day after the date of the
Closing as postponed pursuant to this Section 8.1(a)(4).
(b) Closing Place. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Paul,
Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, 399 Park Avenue, New York, New York, 10022 or
any other place or time as Group and Buyer shall mutually agree.
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8.2 Deliveries by Holdings. Holdings shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to Buyer the following:
(a) Purchased Interests. An assignment agreement providing for the
assignment of the Purchased Interests by Holdings to Buyer, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer.
(b) Officer's Certificate of Group. A certificate executed by Group,
dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that the closing conditions specified
in Sections 7.1(a) and (b) have been satisfied as to Group, except as disclosed
in said certificate.
(c) Officer's Certificate of Holdings. A certificate executed by
Holdings, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that the closing conditions
specified in Sections 7.1(a) and (b) have been satisfied as to Holdings, except
as disclosed in such certificate.
(d) Secretaries' Certificate. A certificate executed by each of
Holdings and Group, dated as of the Closing Date, (1) certifying that the
resolutions, as attached to said certificate, were duly adopted by the members
of Holdings and Group, as the case may be, authorizing and approving the
execution by such party of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to
which such party is a party and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby and that such resolutions remain in full force
and effect; and (2) providing, as attachments thereto, Certificates of Good
Standing for each of the Renaissance Companies certified by an appropriate state
official of the State of their organization, all certified by such state
officials as of a date not more than fifteen days before the Closing Date.
(e) Consents. Copies of Consents which have been obtained by
Holdings or any of the Renaissance Companies prior to the Closing.
(f) Opinion of Counsel. Opinions of counsel to Holdings and Group,
dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the forms of Exhibit C and
Exhibit G hereto.
(g) Indemnity Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement, duly executed by
Holdings and the Escrow Agent.
(h) Adjustment Escrow Agreement. The Adjustment Escrow Agreement,
duly executed by Holdings and the Adjustment Escrow Agent if required pursuant
to Section 2.4(b).
(i) Employment Agreement Releases. Releases, in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Buyer, executed by each Person who is a party to the
Employment Agreements (other than the Renaissance Companies), releasing any
claims such Persons may have against any of the Renaissance Companies pursuant
to the Employment Agreements.
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(j) Securities Releases. If, as of the Closing Date, there are
outstanding any options, warrants or other similar claims or securities in
respect of the Equity Interests of the Renaissance Companies (collectively,
"Options"), other than Options held by any Renaissance Company, releases, in
form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer, executed by each holder of
such Options, releasing and terminating such Options and all rights of such
holder thereunder.
8.3 Deliveries by Buyer and Charter. Prior to or at the Closing, Buyer and
Charter shall deliver to Holdings the following:
(a) Purchase Consideration.
(1) As provided in Section 2.4, the Closing Cash Payment to
Holdings, by wire or accounts transfer of immediately available funds to one or
more accounts designated by Holdings by written notice to Buyer not less than
two days prior to the Closing.
(2) As provided in Sections 2.4 and 10.4, the Indemnity Fund
to the Escrow Agreement, by wire or accounts transfer of immediately available
funds to the account specified in the Indemnity Agreement.
(3) As and to the extent provided by Section 2.4(b), the
Purchase Price Escrow Amount to the Adjustment Escrow Agent, by wire or accounts
transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in the
Adjustment Escrow Agreement.
(b) Officers' Certificate. A certificate executed by each of Buyer
and Charter, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that the closing
conditions specified in Sections 7.2(a) and (b) have been satisfied, except as
disclosed in said certificate.
(c) Secretaries' Certificate. A certificate executed by each of
Buyer and Charter, dated as of the Closing Date, (1) certifying that the
resolutions, as attached to said certificate, were duly adopted by the Board of
Directors and shareholders of Buyer and Charter (as the case may be),
authorizing and approving the execution by Buyer and Charter of this Agreement
and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and that such resolutions
remain in full force and effect; and (2) providing, as attachments thereto, a
Certificate of Good Standing for Buyer and Charter (as the case may be)
certified by an appropriate state official of the State of Delaware, certified
by such state official as of a date not more than fifteen days before the
Closing Date.
(d) Opinion of Counsel. An opinion of counsel to Buyer and Charter,
dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto.
(e) Indemnity Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement, duly executed by
Buyer, Charter and the Escrow Agent.
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(f) Adjustment Escrow Agreement. The Adjustment Escrow Agreement,
duly executed by Buyer, Charter and the Adjustment Escrow Agent if required
pursuant to Section 2.4(b).
SECTION 9: TERMINATION
9.1 Agreement between Holdings and Buyer. This Agreement may be terminated
at any time prior to the Closing and the purchase and sale of the Purchased
Interests abandoned, by written agreement between Holdings and Buyer.
9.2 Termination by Holdings. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing by Holdings and the purchase and sale of the Purchased
Interests abandoned, upon written notice to Buyer, upon the occurrence of any of
the following:
(a) Conditions. If on any date determined for the Closing in
accordance with Section 8.1 if each condition set forth in Section 7.1 has been
satisfied (or will be satisfied by the delivery of documents at the Closing) or
waived in writing by Buyer on such date and either (i) a condition set forth in
Section 7.2 has not been satisfied (or will not be satisfied by the delivery of
documents at the Closing) or waived in writing by Holdings on such date or (ii)
Buyer or Charter has nonetheless refused to consummate the Closing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Holdings may not rely on the failure of any
condition set forth in Section 7.2 to be satisfied if such failure was
principally caused by Holding's or any Renaissance Company's failure to act in
good faith or a breach of or failure to perform any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or other obligations in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.
(b) Upset Date. If the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior
to the Upset Date as extended as provided in Section 8.1(a)(3) or Section
8.1(a)(4), unless the failure of the Closing to occur was principally caused by
Holding's or any Renaissance Company's failure to act in good faith or a breach
of or failure to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or
other obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
9.3 Termination by Buyer. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing by Buyer and the purchase and sale of the Purchased
Interests abandoned, upon written notice to Holdings, upon the occurrence of any
of the following:
(a) Conditions. If on any date determined for the Closing in
accordance with Section 8.1 if each condition set forth in Section 7.2 has been
satisfied (or will be satisfied by the delivery of documents at the Closing) or
waived in writing by Holdings on such date and either (i) a condition set forth
in Section 7.1 has not been satisfied (or will not be satisfied by the delivery
of documents at the Closing) or waived in writing by Buyer on such date or (ii)
Holdings has nonetheless refused to consummate the Closing. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Buyer may not rely on the failure of any condition set forth in
Section 7.1 to be satisfied if such failure was principally caused by Buyer's or
Charter's failure to act in good faith or a breach of or failure to perform any
of its representations, warranties, covenants or other obligations in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement.
<PAGE> 59
- 51 -
(b) Upset Date. If the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior
to the Upset Date as extended as provided in Section 8.1(a)(3) or Section
8.1(a)(4), unless the failure of the Closing to occur was principally caused by
any Buyer's or Charter's failure to act in good faith or a breach of or failure
to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
9.4 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided in
this Section 9, then this Agreement will forthwith become null and void and
there will be no liability on the part of any party to any other party or any
other Person in respect thereof, provided that:
(a) Surviving Obligations. The obligations of the parties described
in Sections 6.2, 9.4 and 11.1 (and all other provisions of this Agreement
relating to expenses) will survive any such termination.
(b) Withdrawal of Applications. All filings, applications and other
submissions relating to the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby
shall, to the extent practicable, be withdrawn from the Governmental Authority
or other Person to whom made.
(c) Willful Breach by Buyer or Charter. No such termination will
relieve Buyer or Charter from liability for a willful breach by Buyer or Charter
of this Agreement (which shall in all events include, without limitation, a
failure to pay the Cash Consideration and discharge the Senior Debt and the
Credit Agreement), and in such event Holdings and Group shall have all rights
and remedies available at law and equity, including the remedy of specific
performance.
(d) Willful Breach by Holdings or Group. No such termination will
relieve Holdings or Group from liability for a willful breach of this Agreement,
and in such event Buyer and Charter shall have all rights and remedies available
at law or equity, including the remedy of specific performance.
9.5 Attorneys' Fees. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement that
may limit or qualify a party's remedies, in the event of a default by any party
that results in a lawsuit or other proceeding for any remedy available under
this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reimbursement from the
defaulting party of its reasonable legal fees and expenses (whether incurred in
arbitration, at trial, or on appeal).
<PAGE> 60
- 52 -
SECTION 10: SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
INDEMNIFICATION; CERTAIN REMEDIES
10.1 Survival. All representations, warranties and covenants of Holdings
and Group set forth herein will survive the Closing (i) until the expiration of
the applicable statute of limitations in the case of the representation and
warranty contained in Section 4.4 and (ii) until the nine (9) month anniversary
of the Closing Date in all other cases. All representations and warranties of
Buyer and Charter and all covenants of Buyer and Charter to be performed and
discharged in full prior to the Closing, in each case, set forth herein, will
survive the Closing until the nine (9) month anniversary of the Closing Date.
All covenants of Buyer and Charter to be performed in whole or in part after the
Closing will survive the Closing until performed and discharged in full.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, all claims made in
respect of such representations, warranties and covenants will be subject to any
applicable limitations set forth in this Section 10.
10.2 Indemnification by Holdings. After the Closing, but subject to
Sections 10.4 and 10.5, Holdings agrees to indemnify and hold Buyer and Charter
and either of their Affiliates and their respective officers, directors,
representatives, shareholders, members, partners, agents and employees harmless
against and with respect to, and shall reimburse Buyer and Charter and either of
their Affiliates for:
(a) any and all Losses resulting from any untrue representation or
breach of warranty by Holdings or Group or the nonfulfillment of any covenant to
be performed by Holdings or Group contained in this Agreement or in any other
document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto by Holdings or Group; provided,
however, that each representation and warranty (whether made as of the date of
this Agreement or made on and as of the Closing Date) contained in this
Agreement for which indemnification is sought hereunder shall be read (including
for purposes of determining whether a breach of such representation or warranty
has occurred) without regard to, and as if such representation or warranty did
not contain, materiality or material adverse effect qualifications that may be
contained therein; and
(b) any rate refund liability imposed on any of the Renaissance
Companies for any period arising prior to the Adjustment Time pursuant to the
existing provisions of the Cable Act or any FCC Regulations heretofore adopted
thereunder (but only to the extent of the out-of-pocket costs payable in respect
thereof and it being understood that any claim for indemnification in respect of
such liability may be made only pursuant to this Section 10.2(b) and not under
any other provision of this Section 10.2).
10.3 Indemnification by Buyer and Charter. After the Closing, but subject
to Section 10.5, Buyer and Charter jointly and severally agree to indemnify and
hold Holdings and its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors,
representatives, shareholders, members, partners, agents and employees harmless
against and with respect to, and shall reimburse Holdings for any and all Losses
resulting from any untrue representation, breach of warranty, or
<PAGE> 61
- 53 -
nonfulfillment of any covenant by Buyer or Charter contained in this Agreement
or any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto by Buyer or
Charter.
10.4 Indemnity Agreement. At the Closing, Buyer, Charter, Holdings and the
Escrow Agent shall execute the Indemnity Agreement, in accordance with which, at
the Closing, pursuant to Section 2.4, Buyer will deposit with the Escrow Agent
Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000.00) on behalf of
Holdings in order to provide a fund for, and the exclusive source for, the
payment of any indemnification to which Buyer or Charter is entitled under this
Section 10 (such escrow, the "Indemnity Fund"), except that the Indemnity Fund
shall not be the exclusive source for the payment of any indemnification claims
made in respect of a breach of the representation and warranty contained in
Section 4.4. The Indemnity Fund will be administered in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 10 and the Indemnity Agreement.
10.5 Certain Limitations on Indemnification Obligations. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) (i) Holdings will not be required to indemnify and will not
otherwise be liable to Buyer or Charter for any matter described in Section 10.2
unless and until the aggregate amount of all Losses of Buyer and Charter in the
aggregate arising therefrom for which Holdings would have indemnification
liability to Buyer and Charter but for this Section 10.5(a) (i) exceeds, and
then only to the extent of the excess above, Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($750,000.00).
(ii) Buyer and Charter will not be required to indemnify and
will not otherwise be liable to Holdings for a breach of their representations
and warranties set forth herein unless and until the aggregate amount of all
Losses of Holdings in the aggregate arising therefrom for which Buyer or Charter
would have indemnification liability to Holdings but for this Section
10.5(a)(ii) exceeds, and then only to the extent of the excess above, Seven
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000.00); provided, however, that it is
understood and agreed that this Section 10.5(a)(ii) shall not apply to any
amount payable to Holdings in respect of the nonfulfillment of any covenant to
be performed by Buyer or Charter contained in this Agreement or any other
document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto by Buyer or Charter.
(iii) Buyer and Charter will not be required to indemnify, and
will not otherwise be liable to, Holdings for a breach of their representations
and warranties for any amount in excess of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($7,500,000) in the aggregate; provided, however, that it is understood
and agreed this Section 10.5(a)(iii) shall not apply to any amount payable to
Holdings in respect of the breach of any covenant to be performed by Buyer or
Charter contained in this Agreement or any other document or instrument
delivered pursuant hereto.
(b) (i) Holdings will not be required to indemnify and will not
otherwise be liable to Buyer or Charter with respect to any Losses arising under
Section 10.2 unless Buyer or Charter (as the case may be) gives Holdings written
notice of a claim pursuant to Section 10.6(a), (i) in respect of any breach of
the representation and warranty contained in Section 4.4,
<PAGE> 62
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prior to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (without any
extension or waiver) in respect of such claim, and (ii) in respect of any other
claim, on or prior to the date that is nine (9) months after the Closing Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, all amounts held pursuant to the Indemnity
Agreement in excess of amounts previously notified by Buyer or Charter to
Holdings as subject to a then outstanding bona fide claim by Buyer or Charter
shall be released to Holdings on the first business day following the nine (9)
month anniversary of the Closing Date in accordance with the Indemnity
Agreement. Thereafter, any amounts remaining under the Indemnity Agreement shall
be released from escrow and paid over to Holdings in accordance with the
Indemnity Agreement.
(ii) Buyer and Charter will not be required to indemnify and
will not otherwise be liable to Holdings with respect to any Losses arising
under Section 10.3 with respect to any breach of the representations and
warranties of Buyer and Charter set forth herein unless Holdings gives Buyer or
Charter (as the case may be) written notice of such a claim pursuant to Section
10.6(a) on or prior to the date that is nine (9) months after the Closing Date.
(c) All payments required to be made by Holdings in respect of its
indemnification obligations under this Section 10 shall be made solely from the
Indemnity Fund (except in respect of any breach of the representation and
warranty contained in Section 4.4) and the sole and exclusive remedy available
to Buyer and Charter for any breach by Holdings or Group of its representations,
warranties, covenants, obligations or agreements hereunder or under any of the
documents or instruments delivered pursuant hereto by Group or Holdings shall be
a claim for indemnification pursuant to the terms of this Section 10.
(d) (i) Anything in this Agreement or applicable law to the
contrary notwithstanding, other than claims pursuant to Section 10, other than
claims against the Indemnity Fund as provided for in this Agreement, and subject
to the limitations set forth herein, after the Closing and except in respect of
any claim for a breach of the representation and warranty contained in Section
4.4, none of Holdings, its Affiliates or any of their respective officers,
directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees or agents shall have any
obligation or liability to Buyer or Charter under this Section 10 or otherwise,
and neither Buyer nor Charter will have any claim or recourse against Holdings,
its Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees or agents as a result of the breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Holdings or Group contained
herein or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the Transaction Documents or the business or
operations of the Renaissance Companies prior to the Closing (except in respect
of any claim for a breach of the representation and warranty contained in
Section 4.4) and the provisions of this Section 10 shall be the sole and
exclusive remedy for any such claim by Buyer or Charter for any such matters
(except in respect of any claim for a breach of the representation and warranty
contained in Section 4.4), whether such claims are framed in contract, tort or
otherwise.
(ii) Anything in this Agreement or applicable law to the
contrary notwithstanding, other than claims pursuant to this Section 10, and
subject to the limitations set forth herein, after the Closing, none of Buyer,
Charter, their Affiliates or any of their respective
<PAGE> 63
- 55 -
officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees or agents shall
have any obligation or liability to Holdings and, other than claims pursuant to
this Section 10, Holdings will not have any claim or recourse against Buyer,
Charter, their Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors,
shareholders, members, partners, employees or agents, in each case, as a result
of the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of Buyer or
Charter contained herein or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Transaction Documents and the
provisions of Section 10 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for any such
claim by Holdings for any such matters, whether such claims are framed in
contract, tort or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, nothing in this Section 10.5(d)(ii) shall restrict, limit or affect any
covenant, agreement, liability or obligation of Buyer or Charter pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, pursuant
to Section 6.15 and this Section 10, and any liability Buyer or Charter may have
as the result of any untrue representation, breach of warranty or default or
nonperformance of any covenant, agreement, liability or obligation pursuant to
this Agreement or otherwise.
(e) The parties hereto agree to use commercially reasonable efforts
to collect any and all insurance proceeds and other amounts recoverable from
third parties to which it may be entitled in respect of any Loss prior to
seeking indemnity as Claimant from the Indemnifying Party.
(f) Holdings will not be liable with respect to any Loss to the
extent that the amount of such Loss was included in the computation of Closing
Net Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.
(g) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
Holdings shall not have any liability or obligation (for indemnification or
otherwise) arising as a result of the occurrence of the Closing without certain
Consents or any Buyer's or Charter's waiver of any closing condition, nor shall
any adjustment be made to the Cash Consideration in respect of the foregoing.
(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
Holdings shall not be required to indemnify or otherwise be liable to Buyer or
Charter, pursuant to this Section 10 or otherwise, in respect of any breach of
the representation and warranty contained in Section 4.4 in an aggregate amount
in excess of the Cash Consideration (as decreased by the amount of Closing Net
Liabilities), as finally determined pursuant to Section 2.5, received by
Holdings.
10.6 Procedure for Indemnification. The procedure for indemnification
shall be as follows:
(a) The party claiming indemnification (the "Claimant") shall
promptly give notice to the party from which indemnification is claimed (the
"Indemnifying Party") of any claim, whether between the parties or brought by a
third party, specifying in reasonable detail the factual basis for the claim and
the amount thereof (if known and quantifiable); provided,
<PAGE> 64
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however, that the failure to give such notice shall not impair the Claimant's
rights hereunder unless the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced thereby.
(b) With respect to claims solely between the parties, following
receipt of notice from the Claimant of a claim, the Indemnifying Party shall
have thirty (30) days to make such investigation of the claim as the
Indemnifying Party deems necessary or desirable. For the purposes of such
investigation, the Claimant agrees to make available to the Indemnifying Party
and its authorized representatives the information relied upon by the Claimant
to substantiate the claim. If the Claimant and the Indemnifying Party agree at
or prior to the expiration of the thirty-day period (or any mutually agreed upon
extension thereof) to the validity and amount of such claim, the Indemnifying
Party shall immediately pay to the Claimant the full amount of the claim,
subject to the terms hereof and the terms of, and procedures set forth in, the
Indemnity Agreement. If the Claimant and the Indemnifying Party do not agree
within thirty (30) days following receipt of notice of the claim from the
Claimant (or any mutually agreed upon extension thereof), the Claimant may seek
an appropriate remedy.
(c) With respect to any claim by a third party as to which the
Claimant is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnifying
Party shall have the right at its own expense, to participate in or assume
control of the defense of such claim, and the Claimant shall cooperate fully
with the Indemnifying Party, subject to reimbursement for actual out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by the Claimant as the result of a request by the Indemnifying
Party; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, if such claim is from a
Franchising Authority or other Governmental Authority and Charter or Buyer are
seeking indemnification against Holdings in respect of such claim, Charter and
Buyer may retain control of the defense of such claim, but Holdings shall have
the right, at its own expense, to participate in the defense of such claim, and
Buyer and Charter shall cooperate with Holdings in defending such claim and keep
Holdings informed of all material strategies and developments therein. Neither
Charter nor Buyer may settle any such claim by a Franchising Authority or other
Governmental Authority for which Holdings would be liable without the consent of
Holdings, which shall not be unseasonably withheld. If the Indemnifying Party
elects to assume control of the defense of any third-party claim, the Claimant
shall have the right to participate in the defense of such claim at its own
expense. If the Indemnifying Party does not elect to participate in or assume
control of the defense of any third-party claim, the Claimant will not enter
into any settlement of such claim which could result in indemnification
liability without the Indemnifying Party's prior written consent (which shall
not be unreasonably withheld). Any such settlement will be binding upon Buyer
and Charter or Holdings, as the case may be, for purposes of determining whether
any indemnification payment is required pursuant to this Section 10.
10.7 Treatment of Indemnification Payments. Buyer, Charter and Holdings
will treat all payments made pursuant to this Section 10 (including all payments
made to Buyer or Charter out of the Indemnity Fund but excluding the release of
any Indemnity Fund to Holdings) as an adjustment to the Cash Consideration for
all purposes.
<PAGE> 65
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SECTION 11: MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
each party shall pay its own expenses incurred in connection with the
authorization, preparation, execution, and performance of this Agreement,
including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, agents, and
representatives.
11.2 Notices. All notices, demands, and requests required or permitted to
be given under the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing, may be sent
by telecopy (with automatic machine confirmation), delivered by personal
delivery, or sent by commercial delivery service or certified mail, return
receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been given on the date of actual
receipt, which may be conclusively evidenced by the date set forth in the
records of any commercial delivery service or on the return receipt, and shall
be addressed to the recipient at the address specified below, or with respect to
any party, to any other address that such party may from time to time designate
in a writing delivered in accordance with this Section 11.2:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
If to Buyer: Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent, President & C.E.O.
(with a copy to Curtis S. Shaw, General Counsel)
Telephone: 314-965-0555
Telecopier: 314-965-8793
with copies (which shall not Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
constitute notice) to: 399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Daniel G. Bergstein, Esq.
Telephone: (212) 318-6000
Telecopier: (202) 319-4090
If to Group or Holdings: (prior Renaissance Media Group LLC
to the Closing) or or
Holdings (after the Renaissance Media Holdings LLC
Closing): 1 Cablevision Center, Suite 100
Ferndale, New York 12734
Attention: Fred Schulte, C.E.O.
Telephone: 914-295-2600
Telecopier: 914-295-2601
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 66
- 58 -
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
with copies (which shall not Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Partners
constitute notice) to: 1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Michael Janson
Telephone: 212-762-6925
Telecopier: 212-762-7951
Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC
1200 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036
Attention: John T. Byrnes, Esq.
Telephone: 202-776-2528
Telecopier: 202-776-2222
and
Davis Polk & Wardwell
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention: Carole Schiffman, Esq.
Telephone: 212-450-4000
Telecopier: 212-450-4800
</TABLE>
11.3 Benefit and Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto (and, in the case of Sections 6.12
and 6.13, the parties specified therein) and their respective successors and
permitted assigns; provided that (a) neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by Holdings or Group
without the prior written consent of Buyer and Charter (which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and (b) neither this Agreement nor any of
the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by Buyer or
Charter without the prior written consent of (i) Holdings or Group, prior to the
Closing, or (ii) Holdings, after the Closing (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), except that Buyer may assign this Agreement,
and its rights, interests and obligations hereunder to an Affiliate of Buyer as
long as such assignment does not hinder or delay the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Transaction Documents. Consent
shall be deemed to be reasonably withheld if the consenting party reasonably
determines that the assignment would be reasonably likely to hinder or delay the
Closing or adversely affect the payment of the Cash Consideration at the
Closing. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person other than the
parties hereto (and, in the case of Section 6.12 and 6.13, the parties specified
therein) any rights or remedies hereunder.
<PAGE> 67
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11.4 Further Assurances. After the Closing the parties shall take any
actions and execute any other documents that may be necessary or desirable to
the implementation and consummation of this Agreement upon the reasonable
request of any other party, at the expense of the requesting party.
11.5 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED, CONSTRUED, AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF).
11.6 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM
(WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY IN THE NEGOTIATION, PERFORMANCE OR
ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
11.7 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; VENUE. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES
TO SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE
COURTS SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN, STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE MATTERS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES,
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LEGALLY AND EFFECTIVELY DO SO, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY
NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING
OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL
COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST
EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE
MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
11.8 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the
remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall (to the full extent permitted by applicable law) not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such determination the effect
of which is to affect materially and adversely any party, the parties shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions
contemplated hereby are fulfilled and consummated to the maximum extent
possible.
<PAGE> 68
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11.9 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Disclosure Schedules and the
Exhibits hereto, the other Transaction Documents to be delivered by the parties
pursuant to this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement collectively
represent the entire understanding and agreement between Buyer, Charter, Group
and Holdings with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede
all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations between the parties. Buyer
and Charter acknowledge that none of Holdings or Group has made any, or makes
any, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, express
or implied, other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement, the other
Transaction Documents and the Confidentiality Agreement.
11.10 Amendments; Waiver of Compliance; Consents. This Agreement may be
amended and any provision of this Agreement may be waived; provided that any
such amendment or waiver (a) will be binding upon Holdings or Group prior to the
Closing only if such amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by
Holdings or Group, (b) will be binding upon Holdings after the Closing only if
such amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by Holdings and (c)
will be binding upon Buyer or Charter only if such amendment or waiver is set
forth in a writing executed by Buyer and Charter.
11.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts with the
same effect as if the signature on each counterpart were upon the same
instrument.
11.12 Specific Performance. The parties recognize that in the event either
of Holdings or Group should refuse to perform at the Closing any of its
obligations under the provisions of this Agreement, monetary damages alone will
not be adequate. The Charter Parties shall therefore be entitled, in addition to
any other remedies which may be available, including money damages, to obtain
specific performance of any of the obligations of the Renaissance Parties under
the provisions of this Agreement to be performed at Closing. In the event of any
action to enforce this Agreement specifically pursuant to this Section 11.12,
Holdings or Group, as applicable, hereby waives the defense that there is an
adequate remedy at law.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK;
SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
<PAGE> 69
- 61 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by each of Buyer,
Charter, Holdings and Group as of the date first written above.
CHARTER: BUYER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
--------------------------- -------------------------
Curtis S. Shaw Curtis S. Shaw
Senior Vice-President Senior Vice President
GROUP: HOLDINGS:
RENAISSANCE MEDIA GROUP LLC RENAISSANCE MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC
By: /s/ Fred H. Schulte By: /s/ Fred H. Schulte
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Name: Fred H. Schulte Name: Fred H. Schulte
Title: Chief Executive Officer Title: Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.5
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF MARCH 22, 1999
AMONG
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC,
CHARTER HELICON, LLC,
HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P.,
BAUM INVESTMENTS, INC.,
AND
THE LIMITED PARTNERS
OF HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P.
<PAGE> 2
LIST OF EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Exhibit
- ---- -------
<S> <C>
Amended LLC Agreement A
Excluded Assets B
Indemnity Agreement C
Release of Debt Obligations D
Put Agreement E
Sellers' Addresses F
</TABLE>
-1-
<PAGE> 3
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated as of March 22, 1999,
by and among CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Charter"),
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Buyer"),
CHARTER HELICON, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("GP Buyer"), HELICON
PARTNERS I, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership ("Helicon"), BAUM INVESTMENTS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("BII"),, and the Limited Partners.
RECITALS:
A. BII holds certain assets, including the BII Assets, and, as of the date
of this Agreement, the Limited Partners comprise all of Helicon's limited
partners and hold all of Helicon's limited partnership interests and preferred
interests.
B. Buyer and GP Buyer are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Charter.
C. Buyer desires to acquire from the Limited Partners all of their limited
partnership interests and preferred interests in Helicon.
D. GP Buyer desires to acquire the BII Assets by the contribution of such
BII Assets to GP Buyer, with BII receiving, in exchange for the contribution of
the BII Assets, the Preferred LLC Interest.
E. The parties hereto desire to set forth the terms in accordance with
which BII shall contribute the BII Assets to GP Buyer, and the Partners shall
transfer their Helicon limited partnership interests and preferred interests to
Buyer, in each case for the consideration and on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.
AGREEMENTS:
In consideration of the above recitals and of the mutual agreements and
covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties to this Agreement, intending
to be bound legally, agree as follows:
SECTION 1: CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
1.1 Terms Defined in this Section. The following terms, as used in this
Agreement, have the meanings set forth in this Section:
-2-
<PAGE> 4
"Accounts Receivable" means all rights of the Helicon Companies to payment
for goods or services provided prior to the Adjustment Time (including, but not
limited to, rights to payment for cable services provided to customers of the
Systems, the sale of advertising, the leasing of channels, and other goods,
services and rentals).
"Adjustment Time" means 11:59 p.m., East Coast time on the Closing Date.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the specified Person.
"Amended LLC Agreement" means the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement
of GP Buyer, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
"Assets" means all of the tangible and intangible assets that are owned,
leased or held by the Helicon Companies and that are used or held for use in
connection with the conduct of their business or the operation of the Systems
other than the Excluded Assets and less any such Assets that are sold,
transferred or otherwise conveyed by the Helicon Companies to third Persons
prior to the Closing in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
provided, that, with respect to any assets that are leased by the Helicon
Companies, or otherwise not owned by the Helicon Companies, "Assets" includes
only the interest, title and rights in such assets held by the Helicon
Companies.
"Basic Subscriber" means, with respect to any System, any Subscriber to a
System at the regular basic monthly subscription rate (including discounted
rates offered in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice)
for at least broadcast basic cable service (either alone or in combination with
any other service) for such System, who has rendered payment for at least one
month's service and who has not more than Five Dollars ($5.00) more than two (2)
months past due from the last day of the period to which any outstanding bill
relates.
"Baum" means Theodore B. Baum, who is the sole stockholder of BII.
"BII Assets" means the assets of BII set forth on Schedule 3.3.
"Bulk Subscriber" means, with respect to any System, any Subscriber, other
than a Basic Subscriber, to at least broadcast basic cable service (either alone
or in combination with any other service) which is billed on a bulk basis to
bulk commercial accounts, such as hotels, motels, hospitals, apartment houses
and similar multiple dwelling units or other commercial accounts and who has
rendered payment for at least one month's service at such Subscriber's regular
basic monthly subscription rate without discount (except regularly offered
discounts) and who does not have more than $10.00 that is more than two (2)
months past due from the last day of the period to which any outstanding bill
relates.
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<PAGE> 5
"Cable Act" means Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
47 U.S.C. Section 151 et seq., all other provisions of the Cable Communications
Policy Act of 1984 and the provisions of the Cable Television Consumer
Protection and Competition Act of 1992, and the provisions of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 amending Title VI of the Communications Act of
1934, in each case as amended and in effect from time to time.
"Call Agreement" means the Agreement, dated December 16, 1998, as amended
January 25, 1999, among BII (as assignee) and the Subordinated Holders,
entitling BII to acquire, in accordance with the terms thereof, the Warrants for
an acquisition price of $43,250,000.
"Charter's Disclosure Schedules" means the Disclosure Schedules referred
to in Section 5 of this Agreement and attached to this Agreement.
"Charter Parties" means Charter, Buyer and GP Buyer.
"Closing" means the purchase and sale of the Purchased Interests and the
consummation of the BII Contribution pursuant to this Agreement.
"Closing Date" means the date on which the Closing occurs.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, all as amended and in effect from
time to time.
"Compensation Arrangement" means any plan or compensation arrangement
other than an Employee Plan, whether written or unwritten, which provides to
employees, former employees, officers, directors and shareholders of Helicon or
any ERISA Affiliate any compensation or other benefits, whether deferred or not,
in excess of base salary or wages, including, but not limited to, any bonus or
incentive plan, stock rights plan, deferred compensation arrangement, life
insurance, stock purchase plan, severance pay plan and any other employee fringe
benefit plan.
"Consents" means the consents, permits, approvals and authorizations of
Governmental Authorities and other Persons necessary to transfer the Purchased
Interests to Buyer, to effect the BII Contribution or otherwise to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
"Contracts" means all leases, easements, rights-of-way, rights of entry,
programming agreements, pole attachment and conduit agreements, customer
agreements, and other agreements, written or oral (including any amendments and
other modifications thereto) to which any Helicon Company is a party or which
are binding upon any Helicon Company.
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<PAGE> 6
"Copyright Act" means the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended and in effect
from time to time.
"Employee Plan" means any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, deferred
compensation, vacation, severance, bonus, incentive, medical, vision, dental,
disability, life insurance, other employee benefit plan as defined in Section
3(3) of ERISA or any other employee plan, program, arrangement or agreement to
which any Helicon Company or any ERISA Affiliate of any Helicon Company
contributes or is required to contribute, or which any Helicon Company or any
such ERISA Affiliate sponsors or maintains.
"Encumbrances" means any pledge, claim, mortgage, lien, charge,
encumbrance, right to purchase, right of first refusal, adverse interest,
attachment, exception to or defect in title or other ownership interest or
security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever.
"Enforceability Exceptions" means the exceptions or limitations to the
enforceability of contracts under bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally, by judicial discretion in the enforcement
of equitable remedies and by public policies generally.
"Environmental Claim" means any claim, complaint, action, suit,
proceeding, investigation or notice, including without limitation any proceeding
before any federal, state or local administrative body by any Person, agent or
agency of a federal, state or local government alleging potential liability
arising out of, based on or resulting from (i) the release or disposal into, or
the presence in the environment, including, without limitation, the indoor
environment, soil, subsurface, surface or groundwater, of any pollutant,
contaminant, waste, toxic substance, hazardous substance, petroleum or petroleum
derivative at any location, whether or not owned by the Seller, or (ii)
circumstances forming the basis of any violation, or alleged violation, of any
Environmental Law.
"Environmental Law" means any and all federal, state or local laws,
statues, rules, regulations, ordinances, orders, decrees or other binding
obligations (i) related to releases or threatened releases of any Hazardous
Material to soil, surface water, groundwater, air or any other environmental
media; (ii) governing the use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or
handling of Hazardous Material; or (iii) related to the protection of the
environment and human health. Such Environmental Laws shall include, but are not
limited to, RCRA, CERCLA, EPCRA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the
Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Endangered
Species Act, and any other federal, state or local laws, statutes, ordinances,
rules, orders, permit conditions, licenses or any terms or provisions thereof
related to clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) above.
"Equity Interests" means any and all shares, interests or other equivalent
interests (however designated) in the equity of any Person, including capital
stock,
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<PAGE> 7
partnership interests and membership interests, and including any rights,
options or warrants with respect thereto.
"Equivalent Subscribers" means, with respect to any System as of any date,
the sum of: (A) the number of Basic Subscribers served by such System as of such
date; and (B) the number of Basic Subscribers represented by the Bulk
Subscribers served by such System as of such date, which number shall be
calculated for each class of service provided by such System by dividing (1) the
monthly billings attributable to such System's Bulk Subscribers for each such
class of service provided by such System for the calendar month immediately
preceding the date on which such calculation is made, by (2) the full,
non-discounted monthly rate charged by such System for such class of service,
respectively (excluding pass-through charges for sales taxes, line-itemized
franchise fees, fees charged by the FCC and other similar line-itemized
charges). For purposes of the foregoing, monthly billings shall exclude billings
for a la carte or digital service tiers and for premium services, pass-through
charges for sales taxes, line-itemized franchise fees, fees charged by the FCC
and other similar line-itemized charges, and nonrecurring charges or credits
which include those relating to installation, connection, relocation and
disconnection fees and miscellaneous rental charges for equipment such as remote
control devices and converters.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, all as amended and in effect
from time to time.
"ERISA Affiliate" means a trade or business affiliated within the meaning
of Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code.
"Escrow Agent" means State Street Bank and Trust Company, or any other
bank reasonably acceptable to Buyer and the Partners.
"Excluded Assets" means the assets listed on Exhibit B.
"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission, or any successor agency
thereof.
"FCC License" means any domestic satellite, business radio or other
License issued by the FCC.
"FCC Regulations" means the rules, regulations and published policies and
decisions of the FCC promulgated by the FCC with respect to the Cable Act, all
as in effect from time to time.
"Franchise" means any cable television franchise, related agreements,
ordinances, permits, instruments, resolutions or other authorizations issued or
granted to a
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<PAGE> 8
Helicon Company by any Franchising Authority, including all amendments thereto
and renewals or modifications thereof authorizing the construction or operation
of a cable television system.
"Franchise Area" means the specific geographic area, comprising a
municipality or portion of a county or other political instrumentality, in which
a Helicon Company provides cable television service (A) pursuant to a Franchise,
or (B) where a Franchise is being renewed or is not required, pursuant to
applicable Legal Requirements.
"Franchise/FCC Consent" means any Consent that is necessary or required
for the transfer of control to Charter to occur upon the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, from a Franchising Authority or the
FCC with respect to, respectively, the Franchises or the FCC Licenses.
"Franchising Authorities" means all Governmental Authorities that have
issued or granted any Franchises relating to the operation of a System.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in the
United States from time to time.
"GP Interest" means the general partnership interest in Helicon held by
BII.
"Governmental Authority" means any federal, state or local governmental
authority or instrumentality, including any court, tribunal or administrative or
regulatory agency, department, bureau, commission or board.
"Hazardous Substance" means any substance, hazardous material, or other
substance or compound regulated under Environmental Laws, including, without
limitation, petroleum or any refined product or fraction or derivative thereof.
"HCC" means Helicon Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation.
"Helicon Companies" means Helicon, THGLP, HPIAC, HCC and their respective
Subsidiaries as listed on Schedule 3.3 hereto, each of which may be referred to
herein individually as a "Helicon Company."
"Helicon Corp." means Helicon Corp., a Delaware corporation, which is one
of the Limited Partners and provides certain management services pursuant to the
Management Agreements with respect to the operation of the Helicon Companies.
"Helicon's Disclosure Schedules" means the Disclosure Schedules referred
to in Sections 3, 4 and 6.1 of this Agreement and attached to this Agreement.
"Helicon Parties" means Helicon, BII and the Limited Partners.
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<PAGE> 9
"HPIAC" means HPI Acquisition Co., LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company.
"HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
and the regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission with respect
thereto, all as amended and in effect from time to time.
"Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all
indebtedness for borrowed money (including but not limited to the THGLP Note);
(b) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price
of property or services (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary
course of business on ordinary terms); (c) all non-contingent reimbursement or
payment obligations with respect to surety instruments; (d) all obligations
evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including
obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of
property, assets or businesses; (e) all indebtedness created or arising under
any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as
financing, in either case with respect to property acquired by the Person (even
though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the
event of default are limited to repossessions or sale of such property); (f) all
capitalized lease obligations; (g) all net obligations with respect to swap
Contracts; (h) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above
secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right,
contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any lien upon or in property
(including accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such
Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness;
and (i) all guaranty obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of
another Person that is not a Helicon Company of the kinds referred to in clauses
(a) through (g) above.
"Indemnity Agreement" means the Indemnity Agreement among Buyer (as agent
for and on behalf of the Charter Parties), Helicon Corp. (as agent for and on
behalf of Sellers), and the Escrow Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit
C.
"Indemnity Fund" means the amount of $10,000,000 being deposited by Buyer
with, or at Sellers' option, being provided by Sellers in the form of the
Letters of Credit delivered to and in favor of, the Escrow Agent pursuant to the
Indemnity Agreement in accordance with Sections 2.5 and 10.4 hereof and the
terms of the Indemnity Agreement, to provide a fund for the payment of any
indemnification to which any Charter Party shall be entitled under Section 10
hereof.
"Intangibles" means all copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service
marks, service names, patents, permits, proprietary information, technical
information and data, machinery and equipment warranties, and other similar
intangible property rights and interests issued to or owned by any of the
Helicon Companies.
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<PAGE> 10
"Legal Requirements" means applicable common law and any applicable
statute, permit, ordinance, code or other law, rule, regulation, order,
technical or other standard, requirement or procedure enacted, adopted,
promulgated or applied by any Governmental Authority, including any applicable,
order, judicial decision, decree or judgment which may have been handed down,
adopted or imposed by any Governmental Authority, all as in effect from time to
time.
"Legal Restrictions" means restrictions on transfer arising under federal
and state securities laws, the Cable Act, FCC Regulations, the Franchises and
the Licenses.
"Letters of Credit" means the original irrevocable letters of credit in
the aggregate amount of $10,000,000 that may, at the Sellers' option, be
delivered to the Escrow Agent at Closing to fund the Indemnity Fund, which
letters shall permit partial drawings and be issued in customary commercial form
by financial institutions reasonably acceptable to Buyer.
"Licenses" means all FCC Licenses, permits or other authorizations, and
all other licenses, authorizations and permits issued by any Governmental
Authority, that are held by a Helicon Company for the business or operation of
the Systems, excluding the Franchises.
"Limited Partners" shall mean all holders of the LP Interests, provided,
however, that BII shall only be a Limited Partner upon the exercise of the
Warrants pursuant to Section 6.9.
"Loss" or "Losses" means any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, taxes,
injuries to persons, property or natural resources, fines, penalties, costs and
expenses (excluding any and all consequential and incidental damages), including
without limitation, settlement costs and any reasonable legal, accounting or
other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any action
or threatened actions.
"LP Interests" means the limited partnership interests in Helicon held by
the Limited Partners, and by BII as contemplated by Section 6.9.
"Management Agreements" means the Agreement, dated April 8, 1996, between
Helicon and Helicon Corp., and the Agreement, dated November 2, 1993, between
THGLP and Helicon Corp.
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, results of operations, Assets or liabilities of the Helicon
Companies, taken as a whole, other than those resulting from changes in economic
conditions that are applicable to the cable industry generally on a national,
state, or regional basis, any changes in conditions (including Rate Regulatory
Matters, and other proposed or enacted federal or state governmental
legislation, regulations or decisions or policies formally
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<PAGE> 11
adopted pursuant thereto) that are applicable to the cable industry generally on
a national, state or regional basis, or any changes in competitive activities
affecting the Systems.
"Material Contract" means any Contract (i) that is material to the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Helicon Companies,
taken as a whole or (ii) that requires payments in the aggregate of more than
$50,000 per year.
"Organizational Documents" means the articles or certificate of
incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership
agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company operating
agreement, and all other organizational documents of any Person other than an
individual.
"Partners" means BII and the Limited Partners.
"Partnership Agreement" means the Agreement of Limited Partnership of
Helicon Partners I, L.P., dated as of April 8, 1996, among BII and the Limited
Partners.
"Permitted Encumbrances" means each of the following: (A) liens for
current taxes and other governmental charges that are not yet due and payable;
(B) liens for taxes, assessments, governmental charges or levies, or claims the
non-payment of which is being diligently contested in good faith or liens
arising out of judgments or awards against the Helicon Companies with respect to
which at the time there shall be a prosecution for appeal or there shall be a
proceeding to review or the time limit has not yet run for such an appeal or
review with respect to such judgment or award; provided that with respect to the
foregoing liens in this clause (B) adequate reserves shall have been set aside
on the Helicon Companies' books, and no foreclosure, distraint, sale or similar
proceedings shall have been commenced with respect thereto that remain unstayed
for a period of 60 days after their commencement; (C) liens of carriers,
warehousemen, mechanics, laborers, and materialmen and other similar statutory
liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due or being
diligently contested in good faith, and for which adequate reserves have been
set aside on the Helicon Companies' books; (D) liens incurred in the ordinary
course of business in connection with worker's compensation and unemployment
insurance or similar laws; (E) statutory landlords' liens; (F) with respect to
the Real Property, leases, easements, rights to access, rights-of-way, mineral
rights or other similar reservations and restrictions which are either of record
or set forth in Schedule 3.9 or in the deeds or leases to such Real Property or
which, either individually or in the aggregate, do not materially and adversely
affect or interfere with the ownership or use of any such Real Property in the
business and operations of the Systems as presently conducted; and (G) any
Encumbrances relating to the Debt Obligations or as described in Schedule 3.9.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, association, partnership, joint
venture, trust, estate, limited liability company, limited liability
partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity or organization.
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<PAGE> 12
"Preferred Interests" means all preferred partnership interests in
Helicon, including the Preferred Partnership Interests, the Additional Preferred
Interests, any Pari Passu Preferred Interests and any Senior Equity Interests,
as such terms are defined in the Partnership Agreement.
"Preferred LLC Interest" means the preferred interest in GP Buyer to be
issued to BII pursuant to the BII Contribution and whose terms are set forth in
the Amended LLC Agreement.
"Purchased Interests" means the LP Interests and the Preferred Interests.
"Rate Regulatory Matter" means, with respect to any cable television
system, any matter or any effect on such system or the business or operations
thereof, arising out of or related to the Cable Act, any FCC Regulations
heretofore adopted thereunder, or any other present or future Legal Requirement
dealing with, limiting or affecting the rates which can be charged by cable
television systems to their customers (whether for programming, equipment,
installation, service or otherwise).
"Real Property" means all of the fee and leasehold estates and, to the
extent of the interest, title, and rights of the Helicon Companies in the
following: buildings and other improvements thereon, easements, licenses, rights
to access, rights-of-way, and other real property interests that are owned or
held by any of the Helicon Companies and used or held for use in the business or
operations of the Systems, plus such additions thereto and less such deletions
therefrom arising between the date hereof and the Closing Date in accordance
with this Agreement.
"Required Consents" means the Consents that are designated by the symbol
"(R)(C)" on Schedules 3.4 and 4.2 .
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or any successor
agency thereto.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended, all as in effect from
time to time.
"Sellers" means the Partners with respect to the sale of their LP
Interests, the Limited Partners with respect to the sale of their Preferred
Interests, and solely with respect to the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 4 and the indemnification provisions set forth in Section 10,
BII with respect to the BII Assets.
"Subordinated Holders" means Sandler Mezzanine Partners, L.P. Sandler
Mezzanine T-E Partners, L.P., Sandler Mezzanine Foreign Partners, L.P.,
SunAmerica,
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<PAGE> 13
Inc., Permal Private Equity Holdings, L.P., Private Equity Holdings, L.P. and
Union Venture Corporation.
"Subscriber" means any Person to whom any Helicon Company provides cable
television programming or other service through the Systems into a single
household, a multiple dwelling unit, a hotel or motel unit, a commercial
business or any other real property improvement.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which
the outstanding voting Equity Interests sufficient to elect at least a majority
of its board of directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such
voting interests, of which 50% or more of the Equity Interests) is owned
(beneficially or otherwise) directly or indirectly by such first Person or any
Subsidiary thereof.
"Systems" means the cable television systems owned and operated by any
Helicon Company or any combination of any of them, each of which may be referred
to herein individually as a "System."
"Tangible Personal Property" means all of the equipment, tools, vehicles,
furniture, leasehold improvements, office equipment, plant, converters, spare
parts and other tangible personal property which are owned or leased by any of
the Helicon Companies and used or held for use in the conduct of the business or
operations of the Systems, plus such additions thereto and less such deletions
therefrom arising between the date hereof and the Closing Date in accordance
with this Agreement.
"Tax" means any and all taxes, fees, levies, duties, tariffs, imposts and
other charges of any kind imposed by any government or taxing authority,
including without limitations: federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross
receipts, windfall profits, severance, property, production, sales, use,
license, excise, franchise, capital, transfer, employment, withholding, or other
tax or governmental assessment, together with any interest, additions, or
penalties with respect thereto and any interest in respect of such additions or
penalties.
"Tax Return" means any tax return, declaration of estimated tax, tax
report or other tax statement, or any other similar filing, including any
schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof, required to
be submitted to any Governmental Authority with respect to any Tax.
"THGLP" means The Helicon Group, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
"THGLP Note" means the promissory note dated November 2, 1993, executed by
THGLP and held by Baum, in the original principal amount of $5,000,000.
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<PAGE> 14
"Transaction Documents" means this Agreement, the Indemnity Agreement, the
Amended LLC Agreement, the Put Agreement, the Option Agreements and the other
documents, agreements, certificates and other instruments to be executed,
delivered and performed by the parties in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
"Transferable Franchise Area" means any Franchise Area with respect to
which (A) any Consent necessary under a Franchise in connection with the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been
obtained or shall have been deemed obtained by operation of law in accordance
with the provisions of the Cable Act, or (B) no Consent is necessary under a
Franchise in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
"Upset Date" means July 31, 1999; provided, however, that (A) in the event
that the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to July 31, 1999 due to a
"governmental delay," the Upset Date shall be extended to August 30, 1999, and
(B) thereafter, in the event that the Closing shall not have occurred on or
prior to August 30, 1999 due to a "governmental delay," the Upset Date shall be
extended to September 29, 1999; with "governmental delay" meaning the failure,
without any breach by any of the parties hereto of their obligations hereunder,
to receive from a Governmental Authority any consents or authorizations which
are required as a condition of Closing. In the event that the Closing shall not
have occurred on or prior to September 29, 1999 due to a "governmental delay,"
Sellers shall have the option, exercisable by written notice to the Charter
Parties no later than the close of business on such date, to extend the Upset
Date to November 30, 1999; provided, that, as a condition to the exercise of
such option, Helicon shall have exercised commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain such consents and authorizations prior to September 29, 1999; and
provided, further, that, Sellers shall continue to exercise commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain such consents and authorizations as soon after
September 29, 1999 as is practicable.
"Warrants" means the Warrants issued as of April 8, 1996, to the
Subordinated Holders by Helicon entitling them to purchase an aggregate of
2,419.1 units of Class B Common LP Interests in Helicon.
1.2 Terms Defined Elsewhere in this Agreement. For purposes of this
Agreement, and in addition to the definitions set forth in the first paragraph
hereof and in Section 1.1, the following terms have the meanings set forth in
the sections indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------
Term Section
- ---- -------
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Adjustment Assets Section 2.4(b)(1)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Adjustment Liabilities Section 2.4(b)(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------
Term Section
- ---- -------
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Allocation Agreement Section 6.10(d)(ii)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Antitrust Division Section 6.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
BII Contribution Section 2.1
- -------------------------------------------------------
Cash Consideration Section 2.3
- -------------------------------------------------------
Charter Agent Section 11.7(b)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Charter Financial Statements Section 5.6
- -------------------------------------------------------
Claimant Section 10.6(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Closing Equivalent Subscribers Section 2.4(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Closing Subscriber Data Section 2.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
Closing Net Liabilities Section 2.4(b)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Confidential Information Section 6.2(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Debt Obligations Section 2.4(b)(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Cash Consideration Section 2.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
Fee Properties Section 3.9
- -------------------------------------------------------
Final Closing Statement Section 2.6(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Financial Statements Section 3.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
FTC Section 6.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
Indemnity Fund Section 10.4
- -------------------------------------------------------
Indemnifying Party Section 10.6(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Inventory Section 3.19
- -------------------------------------------------------
Investment Person Section 3.3(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
IRS Section 3.13(f)(viii)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Leased Properties Section 3.9
- -------------------------------------------------------
Leases Section 3.9
- -------------------------------------------------------
Option Agreements Section 6.16
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------
Term Section
- ---- -------
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Partnership Assets Section 6.10(d)(1)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Preliminary Closing Statement Section 2.5
- -------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Consideration Section 6.10(d)(2)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Put Agreement Section 6.16
- -------------------------------------------------------
Sellers' Agent Section 11.7(a)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Tax Partnership Section 3.12(f)
- -------------------------------------------------------
THGLP Note Purchase Price Section 2.2(c)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Welfare Plan Section 3.13(d)
- -------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 Plan Section 6.21
- -------------------------------------------------------
Year 2000 Matters Section 3.21
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1.3 Rules of Construction. Words used in this Agreement, regardless of the
gender and number specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include
any other gender and any other number as the context requires. As used in this
Agreement, the word "including" is not limiting, and the word "or" is not
exclusive. Except as specifically otherwise provided in this Agreement in a
particular instance, a reference to a Section is a reference to a Section of
this Agreement, a reference to an Exhibit is a reference to an Exhibit to this
Agreement, a reference to a Schedule is a reference to a Schedule to this
Agreement, and the terms "hereof," "herein," and other like terms refer to this
Agreement as a whole, including the Disclosure Schedules and the Exhibits to
this Agreement, and not solely to any particular part of this Agreement. The
descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference
only and are not intended to be part of or to affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
SECTION 2: CONTRIBUTION OF BII ASSETS; SALE AND PURCHASE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS;
CASH CONSIDERATION
2.1 Contribution. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
BII hereby agrees to contribute, transfer, assign and deliver to GP Buyer at the
Closing, and GP Buyer hereby agrees to acquire and assume at the Closing, all of
BII's right, title and interests in, to and under the BII Assets, free and clear
of all Encumbrances, subject to Legal Restrictions, in consideration of GP
Buyer's issuance and transfer to BII of the Preferred LLC Interest (the "BII
Contribution").
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2.2 Agreement to Sell and Buy Purchased Interests. Subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, each Seller hereby agrees to sell,
transfer, assign and deliver to Buyer at the Closing, and Buyer hereby agrees to
purchase and assume at the Closing, the Purchased Interests held by such Seller,
free and clear of all Encumbrances, subject to Legal Restrictions as follows:
(a) Each of the Partners shall sell, transfer and convey to Buyer
such Partner's LP Interest, and Buyer shall buy such LP Interest for such
portion of the Cash Consideration as shall be determined in accordance with the
provisions of Sections 2.3 and 2.5 hereof.
(b) Each of the Limited Partners shall sell, transfer and convey to
Buyer such Limited Partner's Preferred Interest, and Buyer shall buy such
Preferred Interest for such portion of the Cash Consideration as shall be
determined in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.3 and 2.5 hereof.
(c) In addition thereto, Baum shall sell, transfer and convey to
Buyer the THGLP Note, and Buyer shall buy the THGLP Note for a purchase price
equaling the sum, as of the Closing Date, of the principal outstanding under the
THGLP Note, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon (the "THGLP Note
Purchase Price").
2.3 Cash Consideration for LP Interests and Preferred Interests. Buyer
shall pay and deliver to the Partners, as consideration for the sale of the LP
Interests and the Preferred Interests, an aggregate cash payment equal to the
difference of (A) Five Hundred Twenty-Eight Million Six Hundred Twenty-Eight
Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($528,628,250) less (B) the amount of the
THGLP Note Purchase Price, as adjusted in accordance with Sections 2.4, 2.5 and
2.6 below (the "Cash Consideration"). The Cash Consideration (including any
adjustments thereto) payable with respect to the LP Interests and Preferred
Interests shall be allocated among the Partners, as determined by the Partners
and specified and noticed to Buyer on the Preliminary Closing Statement (as may
be modified by the Limited Partners prior to and after Closing to reflect
adjustments thereto agreed to among the Partners). Each Partner shall agree,
with Buyer's acknowledgment, to such allocation in writing at or prior to the
Closing, and such notice and written acknowledgment shall control the allocation
of the Estimated Cash Consideration among the Limited Partners at Closing.
2.4 Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(a) Closing Equivalent Subscribers. The Cash Consideration shall be
decreased by the number, if any, by which the number of Closing Equivalent
Subscribers is less than 170,300 multiplied by $3,230. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Closing Equivalent Subscribers" means the total number of Equivalent
Subscribers for all of the Systems as of the Closing Date.
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(b) Closing Net Liabilities. The Cash Consideration shall be
decreased by the amount of the Closing Net Liabilities. For purposes of this
Agreement, "Closing Net Liabilities" means Adjustment Liabilities as of the
Adjustment Time, decreased by Adjustment Assets as of the Adjustment Time.
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.4(b),
"Adjustment Assets" means, as of any date, in each case computed for the Helicon
Companies on a consolidated basis and without duplication in accordance with
GAAP, the sum of: (A) cash and cash equivalents; (B) prepaid expenses and
deposits; (C) Accounts Receivable and other receivables; (D) Tax refunds due to
any of the Helicon Companies for any Tax period ending prior to the Adjustment
Time; and (E) any other current assets which are reflected in the Financial
Statements or, pursuant to GAAP, should have been but were not reflected in the
Financial Statements. For purposes of the foregoing, Accounts Receivable (net of
any allowance for doubtful accounts) shall be valued at 100% of all Subscriber
receivables that are less than one month past due, 99% of all Subscriber
receivables that are between one and two months past due, 60% of all Subscriber
receivables between two and three months past due, and 95% of all advertising
and other receivables that are less than three months past due, in each case
determined from the later of the last day of the period to which any outstanding
bill relates, or the date of billing.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.4(b),
"Adjustment Liabilities" means, as of any date, in each case computed for the
Helicon Companies on a consolidated basis and without duplication in accordance
with GAAP, the sum of: (A) accounts payable; (B) expenses of the Helicon
Companies relating to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants, financial
advisors and broker fees, if such fees and expenses are paid after the Closing
Date, but excluding any expenses that Buyer agrees to pay or is obligated to pay
pursuant to this Agreement; (C) accrued and unpaid expenses; (D) Subscriber
prepayments and deposits; (E) Tax payments due and payable by any of the Helicon
Companies to any Governmental Authority for all Tax periods ending on or prior
to the Adjustment Time; (F) all obligations for any management fees (deferred or
otherwise) owed by the Helicon Companies to Helicon Corp. under the Management
Agreements; (G) the amount of the Debt Obligations as of the Adjustment Time;
(H) accrued and unpaid vacation pay and sick leave related to any and all
persons employed by any of the Helicon Companies; (I) one-half of the Taxes and
fees described in Section 6.10(e); and (J) any other current liabilities which
are reflected in the Financial Statements or, pursuant to GAAP, should have been
but were not reflected in the Financial Statements.
(3) "Debt Obligations" means, with respect to the Helicon
Companies on a consolidated basis without duplication, Indebtedness of the
Helicon Companies, including, but not limited to, all liabilities of the Helicon
Companies (as defined and determined in accordance with GAAP) under the debt
instruments listed in
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Schedule 3.6; provided, however, that, neither Debt Obligations nor Adjustment
Liabilities shall include: (i) any amounts payable to the Subordinated Holders
with respect to the Warrants; (ii) any amounts in respect of performance bonds
issued on behalf of any of the Helicon Companies to secure its performance in
the ordinary course of business; (iii) any amounts in the nature of prepayment
penalties or other fees or expenses that are required to be paid under the terms
of such debt instruments with respect to the assumption of the Debt Obligations,
or the refinancing or satisfaction thereof, or the change of control of the
Helicon Companies; (iv) any amounts payable with respect to leases of equipment
or vehicles; and (v) any amounts payable under mortgages securing local
financings as listed in Item 9 on Schedule 3.6, and (vi) the THGLP Note Purchase
Price.
(4) Revenues and expenses shall be treated as prepaid or
accrued so as to reflect the principle that revenues and expenses attributable
to the period prior to the Adjustment Time shall be for the account of the
Partners, and revenues and expenses attributable to the period after the
Adjustment Time shall be for the account of Buyer.
(5) Deferred income Taxes of any Helicon Company shall not be
treated as Adjustment Assets or Adjustment Liabilities.
(c) Closing Date Reimbursements. The Cash Consideration shall be
increased by the amounts, if any, provided for in Sections 6.1(c)(3), and
decreased by the amount, if any, provided for in Section 6.1(c)(4).
2.5 Payments at Closing. Helicon shall arrange for CableData, Inc., to
complete a print-out of Subscriber data (the "Closing Subscriber Data") as of a
date on or about fifteen (15) days prior to the date scheduled for the Closing,
a copy of which print-out will be promptly provided by Helicon to Charter. No
later than ten (10) days prior to the date scheduled for the Closing, Helicon
shall prepare and deliver to Buyer a written report (the "Preliminary Closing
Statement") setting forth Helicon's estimates of Closing Net Liabilities,
Closing Equivalent Subscribers, and the Cash Consideration (including the
portion thereof payable to each Partner) determined in accordance with Sections
2.3, 2.4 and this Section 2.5. The Preliminary Closing Statement shall be
prepared by Helicon in good faith in accordance with GAAP and shall be certified
by Helicon to be its good faith estimate of the Closing Net Liabilities, Closing
Equivalent Subscribers and Cash Consideration as of the date thereof. Helicon
shall make available to Buyer such information as Buyer shall reasonably request
relating to the matters set forth in the Preliminary Closing Statement. Buyer
shall notify Helicon in writing in the event Buyer disputes any amount set forth
on the Preliminary Closing Statement. Buyer and Helicon shall, in good faith,
use all reasonable efforts to resolve any dispute with respect to any amount set
forth on the Preliminary Closing Statement prior to the date scheduled for the
Closing. At Closing, in addition to the payment of the THGLP Note Purchase Price
to Baum, Buyer shall pay (a) unless the Sellers shall have elected to
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deliver the Letters of Credit, to the Escrow Agent the amount of the Indemnity
Fund, to be held by the Escrow Agent in escrow on behalf of Sellers in
accordance with the terms of the Indemnity Agreement, and (b) to the Partners
(allocated to them as they shall have agreed pursuant to Section 2.3), the
portion of the Cash Consideration, as adjusted on the basis of the Preliminary
Closing Statement (as adjusted by Helicon and Buyer prior to Closing) less the
aggregate amount, if any, paid to the Escrow Agent under clause (a), with the
sum of the amounts paid by Buyer under clauses (a) and (b) being referred to as
the "Estimated Cash Consideration".
2.6 Post-Closing Payment of Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(a) Final Closing Statement. Within ninety (90) days after the
Closing Date, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Helicon Corp. a written report
(the "Final Closing Statement") setting forth Buyer's final estimates of Closing
Net Liabilities and Closing Equivalent Subscribers, determined in accordance
with Section 2.4. The Final Closing Statement shall be prepared by Buyer in good
faith in accordance with GAAP and shall be certified by Buyer to be, as of the
date prepared, its good faith estimate of the Closing Net Liabilities, Closing
Equivalent Subscribers and Cash Consideration. Buyer shall allow Helicon Corp.
and its agents reasonable access after the Closing Date to make copies of the
books, records and accounts of the Helicon Companies and make available to
Helicon Corp. such information as Helicon Corp. reasonably requests to allow
Helicon Corp. to examine the accuracy of the Final Closing Statement. If Buyer
fails to deliver the Final Closing Statement to Helicon Corp. within ninety (90)
days of the Closing, Buyer shall be deemed to have waived its right to payment
of any Cash Consideration adjustment pursuant to Section 2.6(b)(1)(B). Within
thirty (30) days after the date that the Final Closing Statement is delivered by
Buyer to Helicon Corp., Helicon Corp. shall complete its examination thereof and
may deliver to Buyer a written report setting forth any proposed adjustments to
any amounts set forth in the Final Closing Statement. If Helicon Corp. notifies
Buyer of its acceptance of the amounts set forth in the Final Closing Statement,
or if Helicon Corp. fails to deliver its report of any proposed adjustments
within the thirty (30) day period specified in the preceding sentence, the
amounts set forth in the Final Closing Statement shall be conclusive, final, and
binding on the parties as of the last day of such thirty (30) day period. Buyer
and Helicon Corp. shall, in good faith, use all reasonable efforts to resolve
any dispute involving the amounts set forth in the Final Closing Statement. If
Helicon Corp. and Buyer fail to agree on any amount set forth in the Final
Closing Statement within fifteen (15) days after Buyer receives Helicon Corp.'s
report pursuant to this Section 2.6, then Helicon Corp. will retain Deloitte &
Touche LLP to make the final determination, under the terms of this Agreement,
of any amounts under dispute. Deloitte & Touche LLP shall endeavor to resolve
the dispute as promptly as practicable and such firm's resolution of the dispute
shall be final and binding on the parties, and a judgment may be entered thereon
in any court of competent jurisdiction. The costs and expenses of Deloitte &
Touche LLP and its services rendered pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be borne
one-half by Buyer and one-half by Sellers.
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(b) Payment of Cash Consideration Adjustments.
(1) After the amount of the Cash Consideration is finally
determined pursuant to Section 2.6(a), payments shall be made as follows:
(A) If the amount of the Cash Consideration as finally
determined pursuant to Section 2.6(a) exceeds the amount of the Estimated Cash
Consideration, then within three (3) business days after the date the amount of
the Cash Consideration is finally determined, Buyer shall pay the amount of such
excess to the Limited Partners, by wire or accounts transfer of immediately
available funds to an account or accounts designated by the Limited Partners by
written notice to Buyer. Such payment shall be made to the Limited Partners pro
rata in the proportions set forth on the notice and acknowledgment referred to
in Section 2.3.
(B) If the amount of the Cash Consideration as finally
determined pursuant to Section 2.6(a) is less than the amount of the Estimated
Cash Consideration, then within three (3) business days after the date the
amount of the Cash Consideration is finally determined, the Limited Partners
shall pay to Buyer the amount of such deficiency, by wire or accounts transfer
of immediately available funds to an account or accounts designated by Buyer by
written notice to the Limited Partners. In the event the Limited Partners do not
fulfill their obligations under this Section 2.6(b)(i)(B), Buyer shall be
entitled to receive the amount of such deficiency from the Indemnity Fund.
(2) Any amount which becomes payable pursuant to this Section
2.6 will constitute an adjustment to the Cash Consideration for all purposes.
SECTION 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE HELICON COMPANIES
Subject to any provisions of this Agreement limiting, qualifying or
excluding any of the representations or warranties made herein, and to the
disclosures set forth in the Helicon Disclosure Schedules, as such schedules are
referenced herein, Helicon represents and warrants to the Charter Parties as set
forth in this Section 3.
3.1 Organization and Authority of Helicon. Helicon is a limited
partnership duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware. Helicon has the requisite partnership power and
authority to own, lease and operate its properties, to carry on its business in
the places where such properties are now owned, leased or operated and in the
manner in which such business is now conducted, and to execute, deliver and
perform this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a
party according to their respective terms.
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3.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. The execution, delivery and
performance by Helicon of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to
which Helicon is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary partnership
action on the part of Helicon. This Agreement and the other Transaction
Documents to which Helicon is or will become a party have been duly executed and
delivered by Helicon (or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed
and delivered at Closing, when executed and delivered will be duly executed and
delivered) and constitute (or, in the case of Transaction Documents to be
executed and delivered at Closing, when executed and delivered will constitute)
the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Helicon enforceable against Helicon
in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability of this Agreement
and such other Transaction Documents may be limited by Enforceability
Exceptions.
3.3 Organization and Ownership of Helicon Companies.
(a) Schedule 3.3 sets forth the name of each Helicon Company,
including the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation (as the case may be) of
each. Each Helicon Company that is a corporation is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation. Each Helicon Company that is a limited
partnership is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing, and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation. Each Helicon
Company that is a limited liability company is a limited liability company duly
formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its formation. Each Helicon Company is duly qualified and in
good standing as a foreign corporation, limited partnership, or limited
liability company, as the case may be, in each jurisdiction listed in Schedule
3.3, which are all jurisdictions in which such qualification is required, except
as described in Schedule 3.3. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.3, no Helicon
Company, directly or indirectly, owns, of record or beneficially, any Equity
Interest in any Person (each such Person described in Schedule 3.3, an
"Investment Person") or has the right or obligation to acquire, any Equity
Interests in any Person. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.3, the Helicon
Company that owns the Equity Interests of each such Investment Person owns such
Equity Interests free and clear of all Encumbrances subject to Legal
Restrictions.
(b) Schedule 3.3 sets forth all of the authorized, issued and
outstanding Equity Interests of Helicon and each other Helicon Company and the
record and beneficial owner of each issued and outstanding Equity Interest of
each of them. All of such issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Helicon
Companies have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and, as
pertaining to capital stock interests, non-assessable, and have not been issued
in violation of any federal or state securities laws. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.3, the owner of the Equity Interests of each Helicon Company owns
such Equity Interests free and clear of all Encumbrances subject to Legal
Restrictions (except that no representation is made in this Section 3 as to the
LP Interests and Preferred Interests held by the Partners or the BII Assets).
Except as disclosed in
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Schedule 3.3, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls,
rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to
which any Helicon Company is a party or by which any of them is bound obligating
such Helicon Company to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered
or sold, any additional Equity Interests of such Helicon Company or obligating
such Helicon Company to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security,
option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking.
Helicon has delivered to Buyer complete and correct copies of the Organizational
Documents of each Helicon Company as in effect on the date hereof.
3.4 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, or as set
forth in Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 3.8, the execution, delivery and performance
by Helicon of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which
Helicon is a party: (a) do not require the consent of, notice or declaration to,
or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any
Franchise, License (including any FCC License), or Material Contract; (b) will
not conflict with any provision of the Organizational Documents of Helicon or
any other Helicon Company, each as currently in effect; (c) assuming receipt of
all Consents set forth on Schedule 3.4, will not conflict with, result in a
breach of, or constitute a default under any Legal Requirement to which Helicon
or any other Helicon Company is bound; (d) assuming receipt of all Consents set
forth on Schedule 3.4, will not conflict with, constitute grounds for
termination of, result in a material breach of, constitute a material default
under, or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by
the terms of any Franchise, License (including any FCC License), or Material
Contract; and (e) assuming receipt of the Consents set forth on Schedule 3.4,
will not result in the creation of any Encumbrance upon the Assets or the
Purchased Interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Helicon makes no
representation or warranty regarding any of the foregoing that may result from
the specific legal or regulatory status of any of the Charter Parties or as a
result of any other facts that specifically relate to the business or activities
in which any of the Charter Parties is or proposes to be engaged other than the
cable television business.
3.5 Financial Statements. Helicon has furnished Buyer with true and
complete copies of the audited financial statements (including the notes and
schedules thereto) and unaudited financial statements listed in Schedule 3.5
(collectively, the "Financial Statements"), and such Financial Statements are by
this reference incorporated into and deemed a part of Helicon's Disclosure
Schedules. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.5 and except, in the case of the
unaudited Financial Statements, for the omission of footnotes and changes
resulting from customary and recurring year-end adjustments, (which will be in
accordance with past practice and are not expected to be material) the Financial
Statements: (1) have been prepared from the books and records of the Helicon
Companies to which they relate, with no material difference between such
Financial Statements and the financial records maintained, and the accounting
methods applied, by the Helicon Companies for tax purposes; (2) have been
prepared in accordance with
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GAAP consistently applied and maintained throughout the periods indicated
(except as indicated in the notes thereto); and (3) present fairly in all
material respects the financial condition of the Helicon Companies to which they
relate as at their respective dates and the results of operations and with
respect to the audited Financial Statements, the cash flows, for the periods
then ended.
3.6 Debt Obligations; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) Except as provided in or arising pursuant to the loan or credit
agreements, notes, bonds, indentures and other agreements and instruments listed
in Schedule 3.6, or under certain of the leases for Tangible Personal Property
listed in Schedule 3.9, the Helicon Companies have no Indebtedness.
(b) None of the Helicon Companies has any Indebtedness, liability,
or obligation of a type required by GAAP to be reflected on a balance sheet that
is not reflected or reserved against in the latest balance sheet of such Helicon
Company included in the Financial Statements, other than Indebtedness,
liabilities and obligations that were incurred in the ordinary course of
business after the date of the latest balance sheet of such Helicon Company,
which would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material.
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes. Between September 30, 1998 and the date of
this Agreement, except as disclosed in Schedule 3.7 and except for matters
occurring after the date hereof that are permitted by the provisions of this
Agreement or consented to by the Charter Parties, no Helicon Company has:
(a) made any sale, assignment, lease, or other transfer of assets
other than in the ordinary course of business with suitable replacements being
obtained therefor (unless such assets were unnecessary or obsolete);
(b) issued any note, bond or other debt security, or created,
incurred, assumed, or guaranteed any Indebtedness;
(c) made or promised any material increase in the salary or other
compensation payable or to become payable to any executive officer or other
employee of any Helicon Company other than in the ordinary course of business or
as contemplated under any employment arrangement currently in effect;
(d) experienced any occurrences, or been involved in any
transactions which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(e) entered into any transaction, other than transactions entered
into in the ordinary course of business, which would be required to be presented
in the audited
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financial statements of the Helicon Companies and the notes thereto prepared in
conformity with GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with the past practices of
the Helicon Companies relating to the preparation of audited financial
statements of the Helicon Companies;
(f) amended or terminated any Material Contract, or any material
License, agreement or understanding to which any Helicon Company is a party,
except in the ordinary course of business;
(g) waived or released any material right or claim relating to any
Helicon Company or the Systems except in the ordinary course of business;
provided, however, that all material rights or claims related to any Helicon
Company or the Systems waived or released between December 31, 1998 and the date
of this Agreement are set forth on Schedule 3.7; provided further, however, that
for purposes of the indemnification provisions set forth in Section 10,
"material" shall not be "read out" of the previous proviso; or
(h) entered into an agreement to do any of the things described in
the preceding clauses (a) through (g).
3.8 Franchises, Licenses, Material Contracts. Schedule 3.8 contains a list
of the Franchises (including the Franchising Authority which granted each
Franchise, the stated expiration date of each Franchise, and the System to which
the Franchise applies), material FCC Licenses and other material Licenses and
Material Contracts in effect on the date hereof, each pending application for a
Franchise, material License or Material Contract, and a list of any System or
portion thereof owned or operated by the Helicon Companies which does not
require a Franchise authorizing the installation, construction, development,
ownership or operation of the same; which list is true, correct and complete in
all material respects. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8, each Helicon Company
has obtained and possesses and is the legal holder of all material Franchises
and material Licenses (including FCC Licenses) which are necessary or required
to entitle it to install, construct, develop, own or lease, operate and use its
assets and properties and to carry on and conduct its business and operations as
presently conducted. Helicon has delivered to Buyer true and complete copies of
all Franchises, FCC Licenses, other material Licenses and Material Contracts.
Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8, the Franchises, FCC Licenses, other
material Licenses and Material Contracts are in full force and effect (subject
to expiration at the end of their current term as disclosed on Schedule 3.8),
and are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except to
the extent such enforceability may be affected by Enforceability Exceptions.
Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.8, the Helicon Companies are in material
compliance with the terms of the Franchises (including the payment of any fees
due thereunder), FCC Licenses, other material Licenses and Material Contracts,
and as of the date of this Agreement none of the Helicon Companies has received
any written notice from a Franchising Authority, the FCC, or a consultant
representing a Franchising Authority, any state cable regulatory
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authority or the FCC to the effect that any of the Helicon Companies are not
currently in material compliance with the terms of the Franchise granted by any
Franchising Authority or with an FCC License. Except as set forth in Schedule
3.8, a valid request for renewal has been timely filed in accordance with
Section 626(a) of the Cable Act with the proper Franchising Authority with
respect to each Franchise that has expired prior to, or will expire within,
thirty (30) months after the date of this Agreement.
3.9 Title to and Condition of Real Property and Tangible Personal
Property. Schedule 3.9 lists all (i) material Real Property owned in fee by any
of the Helicon Companies as of the date of this Agreement ("Fee Properties") and
describes the current use thereof; (ii) material Real Property leasehold
interests held by any of the Helicon Companies, as lessee, as of the date of
this Agreement (the "Leased Properties") and describes the current use thereof
and describes the applicable leases and any amendments or modifications thereof
(collectively, the "Leases") pursuant to which the Helicon Companies lease such
Leased Properties; and (iii) material Leases under which any Helicon Company is
a lessor affecting such Fee Properties, of any such Helicon Company. Helicon has
delivered to Buyer a true and correct copy of (i) each deed pursuant to which
any of the Helicon Companies acquired any material Fee Property, together with
any survey and title insurance policies issued to such Helicon Company and in
its possession, (ii) each lease under which any Helicon Company is a lessor
affecting such Fee Property and in its possession, (iii) any other material
easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions and restrictions, document or
agreement affecting title to such Fee Property and in the case of this clause
(iii) in the possession of the Helicon Companies; and (iv) each material lease
for a Leased Property under which any Helicon Company is a lessee. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.9, (a) each Helicon Company owning a material Fee
Property has good and marketable title thereto; (b) each Helicon Company that
owns any material item of Tangible Personal Property has good and valid title
thereto; (c) each Helicon Company that leases a material Leased Property has a
valid leasehold interest therein (subject to expiration of such lease in
accordance with its terms); (d) each Helicon Company that leases any material
item of Tangible Personal Property has a valid leasehold interest therein
(subject to expiration of such lease in accordance with its terms), in each case
of (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than
Permitted Encumbrances; (e) each of the material Leases are in full force and
effect and have not been modified or amended in any respect; (f) no material
default exists under any of the Leases; (g) none of the Helicon Companies are a
party to any lease of Tangible Personal Property with annual lease payments in
excess of $50,000; and (h) all material easements, rights-of-way and similar
agreements benefitting any of the Fee Properties or Leased Properties and which
are material to the business of any of the Helicon Companies as presently
conducted are in full force and effect, and the Helicon Companies are in
material compliance with such agreements and no material default exists
thereunder. All structures on the Fee Properties and Leased Properties are
structurally sound and in good operating condition and repair, and all Tangible
Personal Property are in good operating condition, normal wear and tear
excepted, except that the foregoing representation is not made with respect to
any Real Property, improvements
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thereon and Tangible Personal Property acquired in acquisitions of Systems since
December 31, 1998, which property is "as is, where is." Notwithstanding the
express language of this Section 3.9 or as may otherwise be provided in this
Agreement, no representation or warranty is being made as to title to the
internal wiring, house drops and unrecorded dwelling-units easements, rights of
entry or rights-of-way held or used by the Helicon Companies.
3.10 Intangibles. Schedule 3.10 contains a true and complete description
of the material Intangibles (exclusive of those required to be listed in
Schedule 3.8), that are owned or leased by any of the Helicon Companies and that
are reasonably necessary for the conduct of the business or operations of the
Systems as currently conducted. To Helicon's knowledge, except as to potential
copyright liability arising from the performance, exhibition or carriage of any
music on the Systems or except as disclosed in Schedule 3.10, none of the
Helicon Companies is infringing upon any trademarks, trade names, copyrights or
similar intellectual property rights of others.
3.11 Information Regarding the Systems.
(a) Helicon has delivered to Buyer a copy of the "System Profiles"
that are prepared by the Helicon Companies in the ordinary course of business.
The "System Profiles" are substantially accurate; provided, however, that if any
information in the System Profiles shall conflict with any information disclosed
in Helicon's Disclosure Schedules, such scheduled information shall be
considered to be the more accurate information.
(b) Subscribers. Schedule 3.11 sets forth the approximate number of
Equivalent Subscribers as of the date indicated therein (including the
approximate number of Equivalent Subscribers served in each Franchise Area and
served by each headend, in case as of the date indicated therein). The "System
Profiles" delivered pursuant to Section 3.11(a) provide a description, as of the
respective dates set forth therein, of all Subscriber rates, tariffs and other
charges for cable television and other services provided by any Helicon Company.
Helicon has delivered to Buyer a Cable Data, Inc. print-out listing all free,
discount or other promotional service obligations of any Helicon Company with
respect to the Systems as of the date of such print-out. None of the Helicon
Companies has any obligation or liability for the refund of the monies to
Subscribers other than as evidenced by their respective refund (including
deposit) account credit balances or as may be required under the rules and
regulations relating to rates promulgated by the FCC under the Cable Act. The
Subscriber records of the Helicon Companies are prepared by Cable Data, Inc. in
accordance with its customary practices. At January 31, 1999, (i) the total
number of Subscribers was approximately 170,000, and (ii) the Systems were
capable of providing service to approximately 235,000 homes without the need for
any line extension other than a standard drop from an adjoining public road. As
used in the preceding sentence, a "home" shall mean a unit of residential
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housing, including single family and each unit of a multi-family dwelling units,
and any commercial or institutional real property improvement.
(c) Certain Systems Information. Schedule 3.11 sets forth the
approximate number of plant miles for each System and the approximate bandwidth
capability of each System. The "System Profiles" delivered pursuant to Section
3.11(a) provide a list of the stations and signals carried by each System, and
the channel position of each such signal and station. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.11, each such station is carried pursuant to a retransmission
consent, "must carry" request or other programming agreement.
(d) Franchise and FCC Matters. All reports or other documents,
payments or submissions required to be filed by any of the Helicon Companies
with any of the Franchising Authorities or the FCC have been duly filed or
submitted and were materially correct when filed. The Helicon Companies are
permitted under all applicable Franchises and FCC Regulations to distribute the
television broadcast signals distributed by the Systems (except during periods
covered by bona fide requests for nonduplication or syndex blackouts in
accordance with FCC Regulations) and to utilize all carrier frequencies
generated by the operations of the Systems, and are authorized or licensed in
all material respects to operate all the facilities of the Systems required by
Legal Requirements to be authorized or licensed.
(e) Request for Signal Carriage. Except for nonduplication and
blackout notices received in the ordinary course of business, none of the
Helicon Companies has received any FCC order requiring any System to carry a
television broadcast signal or to terminate carriage of a television broadcast
signal with which it has not complied, and, except as disclosed in Schedule
3.11, the Helicon Companies have complied in all material respects with all
written and bona fide requests or demands received from television broadcast
stations to carry or to terminate carriage of a television broadcast signal on a
System.
(f) Rate Regulatory Matters. Schedule 3.11 sets forth a list of all
Governmental Authorities that are certified to regulate basic service rates of
the Systems pursuant to the Cable Act and FCC Regulations as of the date of this
Agreement. No pending rate complaints have been filed with the FCC against the
Systems according to the FCC's log, dated January 1, 1999, which reflects rate
complaints filed through December 31, 1998. Except as set forth on Schedule
3.11, as of the date of this Agreement, none of the Helicon Companies has
received any written notice, and to Helicon's knowledge, any notice (other than
written notice) from any Governmental Authority that it has any obligation or
liability to refund to subscribers of the Systems any portion of the revenue
received by any of such Helicon Company from Subscribers of the Systems
(excluding revenue with respect to deposits for converters, encoders, decoders,
and related equipment and other prepaid items) that has not been resolved.
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(g) Insurance. The Systems and Assets are insured against claims,
loss or damage in amounts generally customary in the cable television industry
and consistent with the Helicon Companies' past practices. Schedule 3.11 lists
all policies of insurance maintained, owned or held by all Helicon Companies on
the date hereof with respect to the Systems and Assets, which list is true and
complete in all material respects. All such policies are outstanding and in full
force and effect on the date hereof and, to Helicon's knowledge, are with
financially sound insurers. From December 31, 1997 to the date of this
Agreement, no insurance carrier has denied any material claim for insurance made
by any Helicon Company in respect of any of the Systems and Assets or refused to
renew any policy covering any of the Systems and Assets.
(h) Right of First Refusal. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11, no
Person (including any Governmental Authority) has any right to acquire any
interest in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby in any of the
Systems (including, without limitation, any right of first refusal or similar
right), other than rights of condemnation or eminent domain afforded by law or
upon the termination of or default under any Franchise.
3.12 Taxes.
(a) The Helicon Companies have timely filed or have caused to be
filed all required Tax Returns with the appropriate Governmental Authorities in
all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be filed by the
Helicon Companies (except Tax Returns listed on Schedule 3.12 for which the
filing date has been extended and such extension period has not expired), and
all Taxes of the Helicon Companies have been properly accrued or paid to the
extent such Taxes have become due and payable. Helicon has delivered to Buyer
true, correct and complete copies of the Tax Returns (in the form filed) listed
in Schedule 3.12. The Financial Statements reflect an adequate reserve in
accordance with GAAP (without regard to any amounts reserved for deferred taxes)
for all material unpaid Taxes payable by the Helicon Companies for all Tax
periods and portions thereof through the date of such Financial Statements.
Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Helicon Companies has executed
any waiver or extensions of any statute of limitations on the assessment or
collection of any Tax or with respect to any liability arising therefrom. Except
as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the federal, state or local income Tax
Returns filed by the Helicon Companies during the prior three years has been
audited by any taxing authority. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, (i)
neither the IRS nor any other Governmental Authority has asserted, or to the
best knowledge of each of the Helicon Companies, threatened to assert any
deficiency or claim for additional Taxes against, or any adjustment of Taxes
relating to, any of the Helicon Companies and, to the best knowledge of each of
the Helicon Companies, no basis exists for any such deficiency, claim or
adjustment, and (ii) to the best knowledge of each of the Helicon Companies,
there are no proposed reassessments of any property owned by any of the Helicon
Companies that would affect the Taxes of any of the Helicon Companies. There are
no material Tax liens on any assets of the
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Helicon Companies, other than liens for current Taxes not yet due and payable
and liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and are disclosed on Schedule 3.12.
(b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Helicon
Companies was included or is includible in any consolidated, combined or unitary
Tax Return with any entity.
(c) None of the Helicon Companies has entered into any compensatory
agreements with respect to the performance of services which payment thereunder
would result in a non-deductible expense to such Helicon Company pursuant to
Section 280G of the Code or an excise Tax to the recipient of such payment
pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code. No acceleration of the vesting schedule
for any property that is substantially unvested within the meaning of the
regulations under Section 83 of the Code will occur in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) No consent under Section 341(f) of the Code has been filed with
respect to any of the Helicon Companies.
(e) Each of the Helicon Companies has had since its inception and
will continue to have through the Closing Date the federal tax status (i.e.,
partnership, C corporation or S corporation) such entity reported on its 1997
federal Tax Returns, except as results from any actions taken pursuant to this
Agreement.
(f) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Helicon
Companies have been at any time a member of any partnership, joint venture or
other arrangement or contract which is treated as a partnership for federal,
state, local or foreign tax purposes (a "Tax Partnership") or the holder of a
beneficial interest in any trust for any period for which the statute of
limitations for any Tax has not expired, except for a Tax Partnership which is a
Helicon Company.
(g) The Helicon Companies have withheld or collected and paid over
to the appropriate Governmental Authorities or are properly holding for such
payment all material Taxes required by law to be withheld or collected.
(h) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, there are no tax sharing
agreements or similar arrangements with respect to or involving any of the
Helicon Companies.
(i) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12, none of the Helicon
Companies has any (i) income reportable for a period ending after the Closing
Date but attributable to a transaction (e.g., an installment sale) occurring in
or a change in accounting method made for a period ending on or prior to the
Closing Date which resulted in a deferred reporting of income from such
transaction or from such change in
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accounting method (other than a deferred intercompany transaction), or (ii)
deferred gain or loss arising out of any deferred intercompany transaction.
3.13 Employee Matters.
(a) Employee Plans. Schedule 3.13 contains a list of all Employee
Plans and material Compensation Arrangements. The Helicon Companies have
delivered or made available to Buyer true, complete and correct copies of each
Employee Plan and each Compensation Arrangement, if any, and all material
related documents, including without limitation: (i) the most recent summary
plan description (together with any summary of material modifications) and
material employee communications, (ii) any governmental filing or communication,
including material documents received from any Governmental Authority for the
past three years, (iii) any funding agreements or contracts, and (iv) any other
material contracts or agreements related to such Employee Plan or Compensation
Arrangement. None of the Helicon Companies or any of their ERISA Affiliates has
experienced a complete or partial withdrawal, within the meaning of ERISA
Section 4203 or 4205, from any "multiemployer plan" (as defined in ERISA Section
3(37)). Except as required under Code Section 4980B or ERISA Section 601-609,
no Employee Plan provides life insurance, health or medical coverage to former
employees of the Helicon Companies.
(b) Qualified Plans. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, with
respect to each Employee Plan, and after taking into consideration the effect of
the payments to be made with respect to the Employee Plans: (1) each such
Employee Plan that is intended to be tax-qualified is the subject of a favorable
determination letter (a copy of which has been provided or made available to
Buyer) except as described in Schedule 3.13, and no such determination letter
has been revoked, and to the best of any Helicon Company's knowledge, no
revocation has been threatened, no event has occurred and no circumstances exist
that would adversely affect the tax-qualification of such Employee Plan; (2) no
such Employee Plan has been amended since the effective date of its most recent
determination letter in any respect that might adversely affect its
qualification; (3) no Employee Plan is subject to Section 302 or Title IV of
ERISA or Section 412 of the Code; (4) no non-exempt prohibited transaction,
within the definition of Section 4975 of the Code or Title 1, Part 4 of ERISA,
has occurred which would subject the Helicon Companies to any material
liability; (5) there is no termination or partial termination, or requirement to
provide security with respect to any Employee Plan; (6) the fair market value of
the assets of any Employee Plan would exceed the value of all liabilities and
obligations of such Employee Plan if such plan were to terminate on the Closing
Date; (7) the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in
liability under ERISA to Helicon or the other Helicon Companies or Buyer, or any
of their respective ERISA Affiliates, or any entitlement to any additional
benefits or any acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any benefits
under any Employee Plan for any employee of any Helicon Company; and (8) at all
times on or prior to the Closing, each Employee Plan that is intended to be
tax-qualified, satisfied all minimum coverage
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and minimum participation requirements, if any, imposed on such Employee Plan by
the applicable terms of the Code and ERISA.
(c) Plan Administration. Each Employee Plan and each Compensation
Arrangement has been operated and administered in all material respects in
accordance with its terms and all applicable laws, including but not limited to
ERISA and the Code. To the knowledge of the Helicon Companies, there are no
pending or threatened investigations by any governmental agency or other claims
(except claims for benefits payable in the normal operation of the Plan), suits
or proceedings against or involving any Plan or asserting any rights to or
claims for benefits under any Plan that could give rise to any material
liability and there are not any facts that could give rise to any material
liability in the event of any such investigation, claim, suit or proceeding.
(d) Welfare Plan Funding. The list of Employee Plans in Schedule
3.13 discloses whether each Plan that is an "employee welfare benefit plan" as
defined in section 3(1) of ERISA ("Welfare Plan") is (i) unfunded, (ii) funded
through a "welfare benefit fund," as such term is defined in section 419(e) of
the Code, or other funding mechanism or (iii) insured. Other than Welfare Plans
provided under a collective bargaining agreement, each such Welfare Plan may be
amended or terminated without material liability to any Helicon Company (other
than the payment of benefits accruing prior to such termination) at any time
after the Closing Date.
(e) Labor Unions. As of the date of this Agreement, other than as
disclosed in Schedule 3.13, none of the Helicon Companies is party to or bound
by any collective bargaining agreement. As of the date of this Agreement, other
than as disclosed in Schedule 3.13, to the knowledge of Helicon, (1) none of the
employees of the Helicon Companies is presently a member of any collective
bargaining unit related to his or her employment and (2) no collective
bargaining unit has filed a petition for representation of any of the employees
of the Helicon Companies. The Helicon Companies have fulfilled their obligations
under the collective bargaining agreements set forth in Schedule 3.13.
(f) All Helicon Companies and their ERISA Affiliates have properly
classified individuals providing services to any Helicon Company or any ERISA
Affiliates as employees or non-employees, except to the extent that a
misclassification would be immaterial.
(g) With respect to each Welfare Plan that is funded wholly or
partially through an insurance policy, there will be no material liability of
any Helicon Company or an ERISA Affiliate, as of Closing Date, under any such
insurance policy or ancillary agreement with respect to such insurance policy in
the nature of a retroactive rate adjustment loss sharing arrangement or other
actual or contingent liability arising wholly or partially out of events
occurring prior to the Closing Date.
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3.14 Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.14 and except
for any such noncompliance of an insubstantial nature that has been remedied as
required by applicable Environmental Laws: (a) the Helicon Companies' operations
with respect to the Systems have complied and comply in all material respects
with all applicable Environmental Laws; (b) none of the Helicon Companies has
used the Real Property for the manufacture, transportation, treatment, storage
or disposal of Hazardous Substances except for gasoline and diesel fuel and such
use of Hazardous Substances (in cleaning fluids, solvents and other similar
substances) customary in the construction, maintenance and operation of a cable
television system and in amounts or under circumstances that would not
reasonably be expected to give rise to material liability for remediation; and
(c) to Helicon's knowledge, the Real Property complies and has complied in all
material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.14, as of the date of this Agreement, no Environmental Claim has been
filed or issued against the Helicon Companies.
3.15 Claims and Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.15, there is
no claim, legal action, arbitration or other legal, governmental, administrative
or tax proceeding, nor any order, complaint, decree, or judgment, or to
Helicon's knowledge, investigation, dispute or controversy, in progress or
pending, or to Helicon's knowledge, threatened in writing against or relating to
the Helicon Companies, any of their respective directors, officers, employees
or, to Helicon's knowledge, agents with respect to their performance of duties
in such capacity, the Assets or the business or operations of any of the Systems
other than (i) proceedings generally affecting the cable television industry and
not specific to the Helicon Companies; (ii) claims and legal actions arising in
the ordinary course of business with respect to the payment by Subscribers for
services rendered by any of the Helicon Companies; (iii) non-material disputes
with respect to programming agreements; and (iv) claims or legal actions arising
in the ordinary course of business that are reasonably expected to be covered by
insurance policies held by the Helicon Companies (subject to applicable
deductibles).
3.16 Compliance With Laws. Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.16 and except
for any such noncompliance as has been remedied, each of the Helicon Companies
has complied in all material respects with, and the Systems and the Assets are
in compliance in all material respects with, all applicable Legal Requirements.
Helicon has delivered to Buyer complete and correct copies of all material FCC
forms that have been prepared since January 1, 1993, by or on behalf of any of
the Helicon Companies, to the extent in the possession of any of the Helicon
Companies, relating to rate regulation filed with any Governmental Authority
with respect to the Systems and copies of all material correspondence with any
Governmental Authority relating to rate regulations generally and any other Rate
Regulatory Matter or specific rates charged to subscribers of the Systems.
3.17 Transactions with Affiliates. Except to the extent disclosed in the
notes to the Financial Statements or as described in Schedule 3.17, none of the
Helicon
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Companies has been involved in any business arrangement or business relationship
or is a party to any agreement, contract, commitment or transaction with any
Affiliate of any of the Helicon Companies (other than another Helicon Company)
and no Affiliate of any of the Helicon Companies (other than another Helicon
Company) owns any property or right, tangible or intangible, that is used in the
business of the Helicon Companies (other than in its capacity as a direct or
indirect equity or debt holder of the Helicon Companies).
3.18 Broker. Neither Helicon nor any of the other Helicon Companies or any
Person acting on their behalf has incurred any liability for any finders' or
brokers' fees or commissions in connection with the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and the Transaction Documents except that Sellers will pay any
amounts due Waller Capital Corporation.
3.19 Inventory. Each Helicon Company has inventory, spare parts and
materials relating to the Systems of the type and nature and maintained at a
level consistent with past practice (the "Inventory"), and such Inventory will
be sufficient to operate their respective businesses in the ordinary course for
at least thirty (30) days after the Closing.
3.20 Overbuilds. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.20 or except for direct
broadcast satellite service or Satellite Master Antenna Television, (i) no
construction programs have been undertaken by any Person to distribute cable
television services or other video programming services by wire or wireless in
any of the Franchise Areas and, to Helicon's knowledge, without investigation
but upon inquiry of its regional managers and as should reasonably be known to a
reasonable cable television operator, no such construction programs are proposed
or threatened to be undertaken; (ii) to Helicon's knowledge (subject to the same
limitation referred to in clause (i) above), no franchise or other applications
or requests of any Person have been filed or are pending or threatened, or
proposed which are reasonably likely to materially adversely impact any of the
Systems; (iii) there is no other Person within any of the Franchise Areas which
is providing or, to Helicon's knowledge (subject to the same limitation referred
to in clause (i) above), has applied for a franchise to provide cable television
services or other video programming by wire or wireless services to any of the
Franchise Areas in competition with any of the Helicon Companies; and (iv) none
of the Helicon Companies have received any written notice that any other Person
intends to provide cable television services or other video programming services
by wire or wireless in any of the Franchise Areas. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.8, no Helicon Company is, nor is any Affiliate of any Helicon
Company, a party to any agreement restricting the ability of any third party to
operate cable television systems or any other video programming distribution
business within any of the Franchise Areas.
3.21 Year 2000. Each Helicon Company has (i) initiated a review and
assessment of all areas within its business that could reasonably be expected to
be
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adversely affected by "Year 2000 Matters" (that is, the risk that computer
applications used by such Helicon Company may be unable to recognize and perform
properly date-sensitive functions involving certain dates prior to and any date
after December 31, 1999), (ii) developed a plan (the "Year 2000 Plan") (a copy
of which has been delivered to Buyer) for addressing Year 2000 Matters on a
timely basis, and (iii) as of the date of this Agreement, commenced
implementation of the Year 2000 Plan.
3.22 Disconnections. Schedule 3.22 sets forth (i) the approximate number
of Subscribers which each of the Helicon Companies have disconnected from
service during each of the six (6) months prior to the date hereof and (ii) a
general description of the Helicon Companies' policies relating to the
connection and disconnection of Subscribers from service.
3.23 Budgets. Schedule 3.23 sets forth true, correct and complete copies
of the Helicon Companies' capital budgets for 1999. Helicon has previously
delivered to Charter a true, correct and complete copy of the Helicon Companies'
operating budget for 1999.
3.24 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of Helicon (including Helicon's Disclosure
Schedules) on the date such representation or warranty is made shall be deemed
not to constitute a breach of such representation or warranty if such event or
circumstance is cured on or prior to the Closing Date or the earlier termination
of this Agreement.
SECTION 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
Subject to any provisions of this Agreement limiting, qualifying or
excluding any of the representations or warranties made herein, each Seller
severally represents and warrants to the Charter Parties (with respect to such
Seller and not with respect to any other Seller) as set forth in this Section 4.
4.1 Authority of Sellers; Authorization and Binding Obligation. Such
Seller has the requisite corporate, partnership or other applicable power,
authority and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and
the other Transaction Documents to which such Seller is a party according to
their respective terms. The execution, delivery, and performance by such Seller
of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Seller is or
will become a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate,
partnership or other applicable action on the part of such Seller. This
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Seller is or will
become a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Seller (or, in the
case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when
executed and delivered will be duly executed and delivered) and constitute (or,
in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and
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delivered at Closing, when executed and delivered will constitute) the legal,
valid, and binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in
accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability of this Agreement and
such other Transaction Documents may be limited by Enforceability Exceptions.
4.2 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, or as set
forth in Schedule 4.2, the execution, delivery and performance by such Seller of
this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Seller is a
party: (a) do not require any consent of, declaration to, notice to, or filing
with any Governmental Authority or any other Person that has not been obtained;
(b) will not conflict with any provision of the Organizational Documents of such
Seller as currently in effect; (c) assuming receipt of the Consents set forth on
Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 4.2, will not conflict with, result in a breach of, or
constitute a default under any Legal Requirement to which such Seller is bound;
(d) assuming receipt of the Consents set forth on Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 4.2,
will not conflict with, constitute grounds for termination of, result in a
material breach of, constitute a material default under, or accelerate or permit
the acceleration of any performance required by the terms of any material
agreement or instrument to which such Seller is bound; and (e) assuming receipt
of the Consents set forth on Schedule 3.4 or Schedule 4.2, will not result in
the creation of any Encumbrance upon the Purchased Interests held by such
Seller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Seller makes any representation or
warranty regarding any of the foregoing that may result from the specific legal
or regulatory status of any Charter Party or as a result of any other facts that
specifically relate to the business or activities in which any Charter Party is
or proposes to be engaged other than the cable television business.
4.3 Title to BII Assets. BII represents that it holds of record and owns
beneficially the GP Interest and has good and marketable title to the other BII
Assets, in each case, free and clear of all Encumbrances, subject to Legal
Restrictions.
4.4 Title to the LP Interests and the Preferred Interests. Each Limited
Partner represents that it holds of record and owns beneficially the LP
Interests and the Preferred Interests set forth by its name on Schedule 3.3,
free and clear of all Encumbrances, subject to Legal Restrictions except as set
forth in Schedule 4.2. BII represents, solely as of Closing, that it holds of
record and owns beneficially the LP Interest acquired pursuant to Section 6.9
hereof, free and clear of all Encumbrances, subject to Legal Restrictions.
4.5 Broker. Neither such Seller nor any Person acting on its behalf has
incurred any liability for any finders' or brokers' fees or commissions in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
Transaction Documents except that Sellers will pay any amounts due Waller
Capital Corporation.
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4.6 Investment Purpose. BII is acquiring the Preferred LLC Interest for
investment for its own account and not with a view to the sale or distribution
of any part thereof within the meaning of the Securities Act.
4.7 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of such Seller (including Helicon's Disclosure
Schedules), on the date such representation or warranty is made shall be deemed
not to constitute a breach of such representation or warranty if such event or
circumstance is cured on or prior to the Closing Date or the earlier termination
of this Agreement.
SECTION 5: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE CHARTER PARTIES
The Charter Parties represent and warrant to each Seller as set forth in
this Section 5.
5.1 Organization; Authorization and Binding Obligation.
(a) Charter is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Charter has the
requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease, and operate its
properties, to carry on its business in the places where such properties are now
owned, leased or operated and in the manner in which such business is now
conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which Charter is a party according to their respective
terms. Charter is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign corporation
in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
(b) Each of Buyer and GP Buyer is a limited liability company duly
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware. Each of Buyer and GP Buyer has the requisite power and authority to
own, lease, and operate its properties, to carry on its business in the places
where such properties are now owned, leased or operated and in the manner in
which such business is now conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which each of Buyer and GP
Buyer is a party according to their respective terms. Each of Buyer and GP Buyer
is duly qualified and in good standing as a foreign limited liability company in
each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required.
5.2 Authorization and Binding Obligation. The execution, delivery, and
performance by each Charter Party of this Agreement and the other Transaction
Documents to which Buyer is or will become a party have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate, shareholder or other action on the part of such Charter
Party. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Charter
Party is or will become a party have been duly executed and delivered by such
Charter Party (or, in the
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case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when
executed and delivered will be duly executed and delivered) at Closing, when
executed and delivered will be duly executed and delivered) and constitute (or,
in the case of Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing,
when executed and delivered will constitute) the legal, valid, and binding
obligation of each Charter Party, enforceable against such Charter Party in
accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability of this Agreement and
such other Transaction Documents may be limited by Enforceability Exceptions.
5.3 Absence of Conflicting Agreements; Consents. Except for the expiration
or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act or as set
forth in Schedule 5.3, and the filing by Charter with the SEC of any reports
required to be filed in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, the execution, delivery and performance by the Charter
Parties of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which each such
Charter Party is a party: (a) does not require any consent of, notice or
declaration to, or filing with any Governmental Authority or any other Person
that has not been obtained; (b) will not conflict with any provision of the
Organizational Documents of such Charter Party, as currently in effect; (c)
assuming receipt of the Consents set forth on Schedule 5.3, will not conflict
with, result in a material breach of or constitute a material default under any
Legal Requirement to which such Charter Party is bound; and (d) assuming receipt
of the Consents set forth on Schedule 5.3, will not conflict with, constitute
grounds for termination of, result in a breach of, constitute a default under,
or accelerate or permit the acceleration of any performance required by the
terms of any material agreement or instrument to which such Charter Party is a
party or bound. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Charter Parties makes
any representation or warranty regarding any of the foregoing that may result
from the specific legal or regulatory status of any Seller or any Helicon
Company or as a result of any other facts that specifically relate to the
business or activities in which any Seller or any Helicon Company is or proposes
to be engaged other than the cable television business.
5.4 Capital Structure and Operations of GP Buyer. Prior to the Closing, GP
Buyer had no Subsidiaries and conducted no business other than the retention of
accountants, attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals and other
than actions taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
Charter represents that it owns beneficially all of GP Buyer's and Buyer's
issued and outstanding Equity Interests.
5.5 Claims and Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.5, there is
no claim, legal action, arbitration, or other legal, governmental,
administrative or tax proceeding, nor any order, complaint, decree or judgment
or, to the Charter Parties' knowledge, any investigation, dispute or
controversy, in progress or pending, or to the Charter Parties' knowledge
threatened in writing, against or relating to any Charter Party, any of their
respective directors, officers, employees or, to the Charter Parties' knowledge,
agents with respect to their performance of duties in such capacity, the assets
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or business of such Charter Party or its Subsidiaries other than (i) proceedings
generally affecting the cable television industry and not specific to such
Charter Party or its Subsidiaries; (ii) claims and legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business with respect to the payment by Subscribers for
services rendered by the Charter Parties or its Subsidiaries; and (iii) claims
or legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business that are reasonably
expected to be covered by insurance policies held by the Charter Parties and
their Subsidiaries (subject to applicable deductibles).
5.6 Financial Statements. Charter has furnished Helicon with true and
complete copies of the audited financial statements and the unaudited financial
statements listed in Schedule 5.6 (the "Charter Financial Statements") and such
Charter Financial Statements are by this reference incorporated into and deemed
a part of Charter's Disclosure Schedules. Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.6
and except, in the case of the unaudited Charter Financial Statements, for the
omission of footnotes and changes resulting from customary and recurring
year-end adjustments (which will be in accordance with past practice and are not
expected to be material), the Charter Financial Statements: (1) have been
prepared from the books and records of the Charter Parties to which they relate,
with no material difference between such Charter Financial Statements and the
financial records maintained, and the accounting methods applied, by the Charter
Parties for tax purposes; (2) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied and maintained throughout the periods indicated (except as
indicated in the notes thereto); and (3) present fairly in all material respects
the financial condition of the Charter Parties to which they relate as at their
respective dates and the results of operations and with respect to the audited
Charter Financial Statements, the cash flows, for the periods then ended.
5.7 Investment Purpose; Investment Company. Buyer is acquiring the
Purchased Interests for investment for its own account and not with a view to
the sale or distribution of any part thereof within the meaning of the
Securities Act. Buyer is not an "investment company" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5.8 Availability of Preferred LLC Interest and Funds. As of the Closing,
Charter shall have taken all actions necessary with respect to the approval and
issuance of the Preferred LLC Interest, and Buyer shall have available
sufficient funds to enable it to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby.
5.9 Broker. No Charter Party nor any Person acting on behalf of any
Charter Party has incurred any liability for any finders' or brokers' fees or
commissions in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
except as described in Section 11.1.
5.10 Cure. For all purposes under this Agreement, the existence or
occurrence of any events or circumstances which constitute or cause a breach of
a representation or warranty of the Charter Parties on the date such
representation or warranty is made shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of
such representation or warranty if such event or
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circumstance is cured on or prior to the Closing Date or the earlier termination
of this Agreement.
5.11 Tax Matters Concerning GP Buyer. No election has ever been filed or
otherwise made with respect to GP Buyer that would cause GP Buyer to be
classified as other than a disregarded entity for federal and state income Tax
purposes with respect to taxable period(s) or portions thereof ending prior to
the Closing Date. Immediately following the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, if GP Buyer were incorporated, GP Buyer would
not be classified as an "investment company," within the meaning of Sections
721(b) and 351(e) of the Code.
SECTION 6: SPECIAL COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS
6.1 Operation of Business Prior to the Closing. Except as required by
applicable Legal Requirements or as provided in Schedule 6.1 or Section 6.1(c),
and except as consented to in writing by the Charter Parties between the date
hereof and the Closing Date, Helicon will operate and cause the Helicon
Companies to operate the Systems in the ordinary course of business (subject to,
and except as modified by, compliance with the following negative and
affirmative covenants and the other covenants set forth in this Section 6) and
abide by the following negative and affirmative covenants:
(a) Negative Covenants. The Helicon Companies shall not do any of
the following:
(1) Franchises. Fail to timely file a valid request for
renewal in accordance with Section 626(a) of the Cable Act, or fail to use
commercially reasonable efforts to renew on substantially the same or on other
commercially reasonable terms any Franchise that will expire after the date
hereof and prior to the date which is thirty months after the Closing Date in
accordance with its terms (it being understood that the Helicon Companies shall
not be required to take any steps necessary to obtain renewals of any Franchise
earlier than such steps are required to be taken by applicable FCC Regulations,
and obtaining renewals of any Franchise shall not be a condition precedent to
the Charter Parties' obligations hereunder).
(2) Contracts. Modify or amend in any material respect, except
in the ordinary course of business, any Contract that shall survive the Closing;
or enter into any new Contracts that will be binding on the Helicon Companies
following the Closing except: (A) agreements for the provision of services to
customers; (B) the renewal or extension of any existing Contract on its existing
terms, in all material respects, in the ordinary course of business; (C)
contracts or commitments entered into in the ordinary course of business that
are terminable on not more than sixty days prior notice or that do not involve
post-Closing obligations in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) in any
one case or in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) in
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the aggregate; or (D) with respect to utility pole attachments agreements,
Contracts with terms as customarily required by the utility whose poles are
utilized.
(3) Disposition of Assets. Sell, assign, lease, swap, or
otherwise transfer or dispose of any of the Assets, except as set forth in
Schedule 6.1 and except for assets consumed or disposed of in the ordinary
course of business.
(4) Encumbrances. Create, assume or permit to exist any
Encumbrance upon the Assets, except for Permitted Encumbrances or Encumbrances
disclosed in Schedules 3.3, 3.6 or 3.9.
(5) Indebtedness. Other than Indebtedness in respect of
vehicle leases, permit the Helicon Companies to incur any additional
Indebtedness except to the extent repaid at or prior to Closing; provided that
any such incurrence shall be in the ordinary course of business and the Helicon
Companies shall give Buyer prior notice thereof.
(6) Marketing Programs. Implement any new marketing plans that
are materially different from marketing plans previously implemented by the
Helicon Companies.
(b) Affirmative Covenants. Helicon shall do, and shall cause the
Helicon Companies to do, the following:
(1) Access to Information. Subject to the Charter Parties'
obligations hereunder to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidentiality
Information, allow Buyer and its authorized representatives reasonable access
during normal business hours to the Assets, physical plant, offices, properties
and records for the purpose of inspection, and furnish or cause to be furnished
to Buyer or its authorized representatives all information with respect to the
Assets or the Helicon Companies that Buyer may reasonably request. Any
investigation or request for information shall be conducted in such a manner as
not to interfere with the business or operations of the Systems.
(2) Insurance. Maintain the existing insurance policies on the
Systems and the Assets (or comparable replacement policies).
(3) Books and Records. Maintain the Helicon Companies' books
and records in accordance with past practices.
(4) Financial Information. Furnish to Buyer, as prepared by
the Helicon Companies in the ordinary course of business from their books and
records maintained in accordance with past practices: (i) an unaudited
consolidated balance sheet and statement of operations for the Helicon
Companies for each calendar quarter within forty-five days after the end of such
calendar quarter between the date hereof and the
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Closing Date, (ii) an unaudited, unconsolidated monthly cash flow statement for
each region included in the Helicon Company's operations, within forty-five days
after the end of each month between the date hereof and the Closing Date, and
(iii) any other financial or operational information furnished to the Helicon
Companies' lenders.
(5) Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with
all Franchises and Legal Requirements applicable to the Helicon Companies and
the operation of the Systems.
(6) Keep Organization Intact. Except with respect to any
voluntary departure of any of the Helicon Companies' employees between the date
hereof and Closing, use its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact
its business and organization relating to the Systems and preserve for Buyer the
goodwill of the Helicon Companies' suppliers, customers and others having
business relations with it.
(c) Certain Permitted Actions. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement (including Sections 6.1(a) and (b) above) to the contrary, the Charter
Parties consent and agree as follows:
(1) Contractual Commitments. The Helicon Companies shall
comply in all material respects with all of their contractual commitments under
their existing Contracts and under any Contracts entered into after the date of
this Agreement in compliance with Section 6.1(a)(2) or with the Charter Parties'
consent (in each case, as such Contracts may be in effect from time to time in
accordance with Section 6.1(a)(2) or with the Charter Parties' consent). The
Helicon Companies may take such actions as are contemplated by the other
Sections of this Agreement (excluding Sections 6.1(a) and (b)) and otherwise
comply with their obligations under the other Sections of this Agreement
(excluding Sections 6.1(a) and (b)).
(2) Capital Expenditures. The Helicon Companies shall make
routine capital expenditures in a manner substantially consistent with the
capital budget set forth in Schedule 3.23.
(3) Pending Acquisitions. The Helicon Companies may consummate
the transactions set forth in Schedule 6.1, subject to the provisions set forth
in Schedule 6.1. At Closing, the Cash Consideration shall be increased by the
amounts paid by the Helicon Companies between February 28, 1999 and Closing as
purchase price to the sellers to consummate the transactions described in
Schedule 6.1.
(4) Sale of Internet Business. The Helicon Companies may
proceed with the sale of their Internet business, provided, however, if the sale
is consummated prior to Closing, the Cash Consideration shall be decreased at
Closing by the net amount (after payment of related expenses and liabilities) of
any consideration payable to the Helicon Companies in connection with such sale;
and provided, further, if
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the sale is not consummated prior to Closing, Adjustments Liabilities shall not
include (i) the Debt Obligations identified on Schedule 3.6 as having been
incurred with respect to the Internet business, and (ii) related expenses and
liabilities.
(5) Resale of Long Distance Service. The Helicon Companies may
continue with the resale of long distance service as provided in the agreement
therefore listed in Schedule 3.8 hereto.
(6) Excluded Assets. The Helicon Companies may, prior to
Closing, (i) assign each of the Excluded Assets to any of the Sellers, its
designees or any other Person, or (ii) otherwise provide for the discharge or
termination of any Excluded Asset comprising a contractual arrangement described
on Exhibit B; provided, however, that such assignments, either individually or
in the aggregate, do not result in any adverse Tax consequence to any of the
Helicon Companies which is not included in Adjustment Liabilities in the
computation of Closing Net Liabilities.
6.2 Confidentiality; Press Release.
(a) The Helicon Companies and the Sellers may from time to time in the
course of this transaction disclose to the Charter Parties information and
material concerning the Sellers, the Helicon Companies, the Assets and Systems,
including proprietary information, contracts, marketing information, technical
information, product or service concepts, subscriber information, rates,
financial information ideas, concepts and research and development, and any
analysis, compilations, studies or other documents prepared by or on behalf of
the Charter Parties in respect thereof (hereafter collectively referred to as
"Confidential Information"). The term "Confidential Information" does not
include any item of information that (1) is publicly known at the time of its
disclosure, (2) is lawfully received from a third party not bound in a
confidential relationship with a party hereto, (3) is published or otherwise
made known to the public by any source other than a party bound by the
provisions hereof, or (4) was generated by the Charter Parties independently.
The Charter Parties agree that, except as required by applicable law,
Confidential Information received from the Helicon Companies or the Sellers
shall be used solely in connection with the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement. Each Charter Party, except as required by applicable law, shall treat
confidentially and not directly or indirectly, divulge, reveal, report, publish,
transfer or disclose, for any purpose whatsoever (other than to its investors,
financing sources and agents, each of whom shall maintain the confidentiality of
such Confidential Information for the purpose of consummating the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement), all or any portion of the Confidential
Information disclosed to it by the Helicon Companies or the Sellers. In the
event of a breach of the covenants contained in this Section 6.2, the Helicon
Companies and the Sellers shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief as well as
any and all other remedies at law or equity. If the Closing does not occur, the
Confidential Information, except for that portion which consists of
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analysis, compilations, studies or other documents prepared by or on behalf of
the Charter Parties shall be destroyed.
(b) No party will issue any press release or make any other public
announcements concerning this Agreement or the transaction contemplated hereby
except in consultation with the other parties, except for disclosures required
by law. With respect to press releases or any other public announcements
required by law, the party intending to make such release or disclosure shall
provide the other parties with an advance copy and reasonable opportunity to
review.
6.3 Cooperation: Commercially Reasonable Efforts. The parties shall
cooperate with each other and their respective counsel and accountants in all
commercially reasonable respects in connection with any actions required to be
taken as part of their respective obligations under this Agreement, and
otherwise use their commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby and to fulfill their obligations hereunder as
expeditiously as practicable. Charter shall provide to Helicon and Sellers such
information relating to Charter and its Subsidiaries and their businesses and
operations as Helicon and Sellers shall reasonably request. Helicon shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to cause its accountants to cooperate, at the
Charter Parties' expense, with any reasonable request of the Charter Parties
with respect to the inclusion of the Helicon Companies' financial statements and
such accountants' report thereon in any filing with the SEC or any other
Governmental Authority.
6.4 Consents.
(a) Following the execution hereof and (if necessary) following the
Closing, Helicon shall use commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cause the
Helicon Companies to use commercially reasonable efforts, to obtain as
expeditiously as possible all Consents required to be obtained by the Helicon
Companies or Sellers, including (i) Consents under the Franchises, Licenses and
Contracts of the Helicon Companies and (ii) Consents of the Subordinated
Holders. In the event Helicon cannot obtain the Consent of a Subordinated
Holder, Helicon shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an extension
with respect to any action of such Subordinated Holder that may prevent, hinder
or delay the Closing. Helicon shall, and shall cause the Helicon Companies to,
prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, within fifteen (15) days
after the date hereof, all applications required to be filed with the FCC and
any Franchising Authority (except for all FCC Forms 394, which shall be filed
within five (5) days of the date hereof), that are necessary for the transfer of
control to Charter in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement of the Franchises and the Licenses identified in
Schedule 3.4, subject to receipt from Charter of its respective portions of such
applications, which portions the Charter Parties have prepared and are
delivering to Helicon on the date hereof. Subject to the other provisions of
this Section 6.4, if, notwithstanding their commercially reasonable efforts,
Helicon and the other Helicon Companies are unable to obtain any of the
Consents, none of the
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Helicon Companies nor Sellers shall be liable to any of the Charter Parties for
any breach of covenant, and after the Closing, Sellers shall not have any
obligation with respect to obtaining any Consents or any liability for the
failure of such Consents to be obtained. Nothing herein shall require the
expenditure or payment of any funds (other than in respect of normal and usual
attorneys fees, filing fees or other normal costs of doing business) or the
giving of any other consideration by Sellers or any Helicon Company.
(b) Each of the Charter Parties agrees to cooperate with the Helicon
Companies and Sellers in all commercially reasonable respects in obtaining any
necessary Consents. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
overcome any opposition to obtaining any Consents. Without limiting the
foregoing, if in connection with the process of obtaining any Consent, a
Governmental Authority or other Person imposes any condition or any change to a
Franchise, License or Contract to which such Consent relates that would be
applicable to any Charter Party or any Helicon Company as a requirement for
granting its Consent, Buyer may negotiate jointly with Helicon with such
Governmental Authority or other Person, as appropriate, with respect to such
condition or change, and each agrees that neither the Helicon Companies nor the
Charter Parties shall have any obligation to bear any monetary obligations to a
Governmental Authority or other Person as a condition to obtaining any required
Consent therefrom; provided, however, that either may elect, in its sole
discretion, to satisfy such monetary obligations, in which case, the Charter
Parties will accept (and agree that Helicon may cause any Helicon Company to
accept) any condition or change in the Franchise, License or Contract to which
such Consent relates to the extent provided herein. The Charter Parties will
comply with any reasonable request (as determined in their sole discretion) to
fulfill any non-monetary obligations in connection with the granting of a
Consent to a transfer of a Franchise. The Charter Parties shall promptly furnish
to any Governmental Authority or other Person from whom a Consent is requested
such accurate and complete information regarding the Charter Parties and their
Subsidiaries including financial information concerning the Charter Parties and
other information relating to the cable and other media operations of the
Charter Parties, as such Governmental Authority or other Person may reasonably
require in connection with obtaining any Consent, and Buyer shall promptly
furnish to Helicon a copy of any such information provided to any Governmental
Authority or other Person, and any other information concerning the Charter
Parties as Helicon may reasonably request in connection with obtaining any
Consent. To the extent Helicon is required to supply such information as to the
Charter Parties and their Subsidiaries to Persons from whom Consents are sought,
Helicon may supply such information and shall have no obligation to the Charter
Parties with respect to the disclosure or use of such information by such
Persons. It is understood and agreed that nothing contained in this Section
6.4(b) shall prevent the Charter Parties (or their employees, agents,
representatives and any other Person acting on behalf of the Charter Parties)
from making statements or inquiries to, attending meetings of, making
presentations to, or from responding to requests initiated by Governmental
Authorities or other Persons from whom a Consent is sought, and the
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Charter Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to apprise Helicon of
all such requests.
6.5 HSR Act Filing. As soon as practicable after the execution of this
Agreement, but in any event no later than thirty days after such execution, the
parties will each complete and file, or cause to be completed and filed, any
notification and report required to be filed under the HSR Act; and each such
filing shall request early termination of the waiting period imposed by the HSR
Act. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to respond as
promptly as reasonably practicable to any inquiry received from the Federal
Trade Commission (the "FTC") and the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "Antitrust Division") for additional information or documentation
and to respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to all inquiries and
requests received from any Governmental Authority in connection with antitrust
matters. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to overcome any
objections which may be raised by the FTC, the Antitrust Division or any other
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over antitrust matters. The fees
relating to the filings required by the HSR Act shall be shared equally by
Charter, on the one hand, and Helicon, on the other hand.
6.6 Ability to Consummate Transactions.
(a) No Charter Party will take any action that does, or could
reasonably be expected to, disqualify Charter to be the transferee of control of
the Helicon Companies as the holder of the Franchises and the owner and operator
of the Assets and Systems.
(b) None of the parties hereto will take any action that is
inconsistent with its respective obligations under this Agreement or which does,
or would reasonably be expected to, materially hinder or delay the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, at all times between the date hereof and the
Closing Date, each Charter Party will take all necessary or advisable actions to
ensure, and each Charter Party will ensure, that Charter is able to deliver the
Preferred LLC Interest at Closing, and that Buyer is able to deliver the Cash
Consideration at Closing, and each Seller will take all necessary or advisable
actions to ensure, and each Seller will ensure, that such Seller will be able to
sell, transfer, deliver its respective Purchased Interest, at Closing.
6.7 Continuation or Refinancing of the Debt Obligations.
(a) The Charter Parties acknowledge and agree that all obligations
of the Helicon Companies with respect to the debt instruments that are listed in
Schedule 3.6 (including all principal, accrued and unpaid interest and all other
amounts) shall remain obligations of the Helicon Companies through and after
Closing, and each of the Charter Parties will cooperate with the Helicon
Companies with respect to any information on or
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assurances by the Charter Parties that shall be reasonably requested by any of
the holders of such debt instruments with respect to the continuation of such
obligations subsequent to Closing; provided, however, that if, and only to the
extent that, any of the holders of such debt instruments shall, in accordance
with the terms thereof, demand payment as a condition of the grant of their
Consent to the consummation hereof, the Charter Companies shall take such
actions as shall be necessary to effect the refinancing of the Debt Obligations
held by such holders on the Closing Date. Notwithstanding any other provision
hereof, the Charter Parties shall bear and pay any amounts in the nature of
prepayment penalties or other fees or expenses that are required to be paid
under the terms of the debt instruments that are listed in Schedule 3.6 with
respect to the assumption of the Debt Obligations, or the refinancing or
satisfaction thereof, or the change of control of the Helicon Companies.
(b) The Charter Parties shall release and hold harmless the Sellers
and Baum at the Closing from any further obligations with respect to the debt
instruments that are listed in Schedule 3.6, such release being substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
6.8 Retention and Access to the Helicon Companies' Records. Except as
provided in Section 6.10(c)(1), Sellers shall, for a period of five years from
the Closing Date or such shorter period as is required by statute, have access
to, and the right to copy, at their expense, during usual business hours upon
reasonable prior notice to Buyer, all of the books and records relating to the
Helicon Companies, Assets and Systems that were transferred to Buyer pursuant to
this Agreement. Buyer shall retain and preserve all such books and records for
such five year period or such shorter period as is allowed by statute.
Subsequent to such five year period or such or such shorter period as is allowed
by statute, Buyer shall only destroy such books and records and subsequent to
thirty days' notice to Sellers of their right to remove and retain such books
and records or to copy such books and records prior to their destruction;
provided, however, that Buyer shall retain or deliver to the Sellers all books
and records related to any ongoing litigation or audit or investigation by a
Governmental Authority.
6.9 Purchase and Exercise of Warrants. BII shall purchase all of the
outstanding Warrants from the Subordinated Holders pursuant to its rights as
Baum's assignee under the Call Agreement in exchange for cash or the issuance of
a note with full recourse to BII and guaranteed by Baum and shall exercise the
Warrants and pay to Helicon an aggregate exercise price in cash of $3,628,250.
6.10 Tax Matters. The following provisions shall govern the allocation of
responsibility between the Charter Parties and Sellers for certain tax matters
following the Closing Date:
(a) Tax Periods Ending on or Before the Closing Date. Helicon Corp.
shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed all Tax
Returns for the Helicon Companies (i) that are due on or before the Closing
Date, or (ii) that relate to
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taxable periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date but are required to be
filed after the Closing Date. Such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance
with each Helicon Company's past custom and practice, and allocations of items
of income and gain and loss and deduction shall be made using the closing of the
books method. In the case of any Helicon Company that is a partnership or
limited liability company, such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance with
the Organizational Documents of such Helicon Company as in effect on the Closing
Date. In preparing each Helicon Company's Tax Returns, Helicon Corp. shall
consult with Buyer in good faith and shall provide Buyer with drafts of such Tax
Returns (together with the relevant back-up information) for review at least ten
days prior to filing.
(b) Tax Periods Beginning Before and Ending After the Closing Date.
Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed any
Tax Returns of the Helicon Companies for Tax periods which begin before the
Closing Date and end after the Closing Date. Such Tax Returns shall be prepared
in accordance with each Helicon Company's past custom and practice. In preparing
such Tax Returns, Buyer shall consult with Helicon Corp. in good faith and shall
provide Helicon Corp. with drafts of such Tax Returns (together with the
relevant back-up information) for review at least ten days prior to filing.
(c) Cooperation on Tax Matters.
(1) The Charter Parties and Helicon Corp. shall cooperate
fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party, in
connection with the filing of Tax Returns pursuant to this Section 6.10 and any
audit, litigation, or other proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such cooperation
shall include the retention and (upon the other party's request) the provision
of records and information which are reasonably relevant to any such audit,
litigation, or other proceeding and making employees available on a mutually
convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any
material provided hereunder. The Charter Parties and Helicon Corp. agree (A) to
retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to the
Helicon Companies relating to any taxable period beginning before the Closing
Date until the expiration of the statute of limitations (and, to the extent
notified by any Charter Party or Helicon Corp., any extensions thereof) of the
respective taxable periods, and to abide by all record retention agreements
entered into with any taxing authority, and (B) to give the other party
reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any
such books and records and, if the other party so requests, Buyer or Helicon
Corp., as the case may be, shall allow the other party to take possession of
such books and records to the extent they would otherwise be destroyed or
discarded.
(2) The Charter Parties and Helicon Corp. further agree, upon
request, to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or
other document from any Governmental Authority or any other Person as may be
necessary to
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mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including Taxes
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(3) The Charter Parties and the Partners agree that if any of
them receives any notice of an audit or examination from any Governmental
Authority with respect to Taxes of any Helicon Company for any taxable period or
portion thereof ending on or prior to the Closing Date, then the recipient of
such notice shall, within three (3) days of the receipt thereof, notify and
provide copies of such notice to the other party, as the case may be, in
accordance with the notice provisions of Section 11.2.
(4) The Charter Parties further agree that immediately after
the Closing, BII shall be relieved of its responsibilities with respect to
post-Closing matters as the "tax matters partner," within the meaning of Section
6231(a)(7) of the Code, of Helicon and THGLP, and that the Charter Parties shall
take any and all actions required to be taken to effectuate the same.
(d) Section 754 Elections; Allocation of Purchase Price. (1) To the
extent not already in effect, each Helicon Company that is treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes shall timely file an election under
Section 754 of the Code so that such entities shall be able to adjust the tax
basis of their assets (collectively, the "Partnership Assets") under Section
743(b) of the Code as a result of the transactions contemplated herein.
(2) The aggregate amount of the Cash Consideration and any
liabilities of the Helicon Companies (the "Purchase Consideration") shall be
allocated among the Partnership Assets in an allocation agreement (the
"Allocation Agreement") to be prepared in accordance with the rules under
Sections 743(b), 751, 755 and 1060 of the Code. Buyer shall deliver a draft of
the Allocation Agreement to Helicon Corp. at least thirty (30) days prior to the
Closing Date for approval and consent, and Buyer and Helicon Corp. shall
mutually agree upon the Allocation Agreement prior to the Closing Date. In this
regard, Buyer and Helicon Corp. agree that for purposes of such Allocation
Agreement seventy-eight percent (78%) of the Purchase Consideration shall be
allocated to the Franchises and twenty-two percent (22%) of the Purchase
Consideration shall be allocated to the Partnership Assets that are tangible
assets. Neither Buyer nor Helicon Corp. shall unreasonably withhold its approval
and consent with respect to the Allocation Agreement. Buyer and Sellers agree
that the Allocation Agreement shall be amended to reflect any post-Closing
adjustments determined under Section 2.6 of this Agreement. Unless otherwise
required by applicable law, Buyer, Sellers and the Helicon Companies agree to
act, and cause their respective affiliates to act, in accordance with the
computations and allocations contained in the Allocation Agreement in any
relevant Tax Returns or similar filings (including any forms or reports required
to be filed pursuant to Section 1060 of the Code ("1060 Forms")), to cooperate
in the preparation of any 1060 Forms, to file such 1060 Forms in the manner
required by applicable law and to not take
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any position inconsistent with such Allocation Agreement upon examination of any
tax refund or refund claim, in any litigation or otherwise.
(e) Certain Taxes. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp,
registration and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest
but excluding any income tax) incurred in connection with the transactions
consummated pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne equally by the Charter
Parties and the Sellers. If and to the extent that such Taxes and fees are
included in Adjustment Liabilities pursuant to Section 2.4(b)(2), Seller's share
of such Taxes and fees shall be paid by the Helicon Companies. The Charter
Parties and Helicon Corp. will cooperate in all reasonable respects to prepare
and file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all
such transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other Taxes and
fees.
(f) The Charter Parties agree that they will not, and will not cause
or permit any of their Affiliates or any Helicon Company to, amend any Tax
Return of any Helicon Company with respect to any taxable period or portion
thereof ending on or prior to the Closing Date without the prior written consent
of Helicon Corp. Nothing in this Section 6.10(f) shall be construed to affect
the Buyer's rights pursuant to Section 6.10(h) herein.
(g) From and after the date of this Agreement, Helicon Corp. and
each Helicon Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Buyer
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) make, or cause or permit to
be made, any Tax election that would adversely affect Buyer in any material
respect.
(h) Contests. (1) In the case of an audit or administrative
proceeding that relates to taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date
with respect to any income Tax Return of the Helicon Companies, Helicon Corp.
(as agent for and on behalf of the Sellers) shall have the right at its expense
to participate in and control the conduct of such audit or proceeding; the
Charter Parties also may participate in any such audit or proceeding and, if
Helicon Corp. (as agent for and on behalf of the Sellers) does not assume the
defense of any such audit or proceeding, the Charter Parties may defend the same
in such manner as they may deem appropriate, including, but not limited to,
settling such audit after giving ten (10) days prior written notice to the
Partners setting forth the terms and conditions of settlement. In the event that
issues relating to a potential adjustment are required to be dealt with in the
same proceeding as separate issues relating to a potential adjustment for which
the Charter Parties would be liable, the Charter Parties shall have the right,
at their expense, to control the audit or proceeding with respect to the latter
issues.
(2) Neither the Charter Parties nor Helicon Corp. (as agent
for and on behalf of the Sellers) shall enter into any compromise or agree to
settle any claim pursuant to any Tax audit or proceeding which would adversely
affect the other party for
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such year or a subsequent year without the written consent of the other party,
which consent may not be unreasonably withheld. The Charter Parties and Helicon
Corp. (as agent for and on behalf of the Sellers) agree to cooperate, and the
Charter Parties agree to cause the Helicon Companies to cooperate, in the
defense against or compromise of any claim in any audit or proceeding.
(i) The Charter Parties agree that they will not, and will not cause
or permit any of their Affiliates to, file or otherwise make any election with
respect to GP Buyer that would cause GP Buyer to be classified as an entity
other than a partnership for federal and state income Tax purposes with respect
to post-Closing Tax periods.
6.11 Helicon Name. Helicon Corp. and Helicon Group Ltd. retain the right
to use the name "Helicon" after the Closing, and the Charter Parties agree to
change, within one year after the Closing, the name of each Helicon Company
include any variant of "Helicon" to a name that does not include any variant of
"Helicon."
6.12 Releases. Except as expressly provided in Section 10 or 6.13 hereof,
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, after the
Closing, (a) no Charter Party nor any of its respective Affiliates will have any
claim (other than claims for fraud) against or be entitled to enforce any
provision of the Partnership Agreement against, any Seller nor any of such
Seller's Affiliates, or any of their respective present and former officers,
directors, stockholders, partners, representatives or agents, and all such
claims (except claims made pursuant to Section 10 and claims for fraud) are
hereby waived and released, and (b) no Seller nor any of such Seller's
Affiliates will have any rights or any claim (other than claims for fraud),
under or be entitled to enforce any provision of the Partnership Agreement
against, any Charter Party, any of its Affiliates, or any of their respective
present and former officers, directors, stockholders, partners, representatives
or agents, and all such claims (except claims made pursuant to Section 10 or
6.13, and claims for fraud) are hereby waived and released.
6.13 Exculpation and Indemnification. After the Closing, Buyer, GP Buyer
and the Helicon Companies will be bound by and will assume the same obligations
to satisfy (and Buyer and GP Buyer will cause the Helicon Companies to continue
to satisfy) the rights of exculpation, indemnification and advancement of
expenses to which the present and former directors, officers, employees and
agents of the Helicon Companies and the Sellers are entitled with respect to any
matter existing or occurring prior to the Closing and/or with respect to this
Agreement and the Transaction Documents, under each such Helicon Company's
existing Organizational Documents or resolution of Helicon's Advisory Committee,
in accordance with the terms and conditions of any such exculpation and
indemnification provisions as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
6.14 Employee Matters.
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(a) Except as otherwise provided in or required by any employment
agreement between any Helicon Company and any employee, all employees of the
Helicon Companies who continue in employment following the Closing shall be
employed at the same salary or hourly rate as in effect immediately prior to
Closing without material reduction for a period of six months following the
Closing and shall be employed on such terms and conditions as are substantially
similar in the aggregate to the terms and conditions of employment of Buyer's
employees. Each such employee shall receive credit for all purposes (other than
benefit accrual purposes under any defined benefit retirement plan) under any
Employee Plan or Compensation Arrangement of the Buyer for past service with any
Helicon Company and, to the extent credited under any Employee Plan or
Compensation Arrangement of any Helicon Company, for past service with any
predecessor employer.
(b) Buyer shall offer group health plan coverage to all of the
employees of the Helicon Companies and to the spouse and dependents of such
employees who become employed by Buyer or any ERISA Affiliate of the Buyer as of
the Closing on terms and conditions generally applicable to all of Buyer's
similarly situated employees. For purposes of providing such coverage, Buyer
shall waive all pre-existing condition limitations for all such employees
covered by the health care plan of any Helicon Company as of the Closing and
shall provide such health care coverage effective as of the Closing without the
application of any eligibility period for coverage. In addition, Buyer shall
credit all employee payments toward deductible out-of-pocket and co-payment
obligation limits under the Helicon Companies' health care plans for the plan
year which includes the Closing Date as if such payments had been made for
similar purposes under Buyer's health care plans during the plan year which
includes the Closing Date, with respect to employees of the Helicon Companies
and the spouse and any dependents of such employees who become employed by Buyer
as of the Closing Date.
(c) Buyer shall assume full responsibility and liability for
offering and providing "continuation coverage" to any "covered employee" and any
"qualified beneficiary" who is covered by a "group health plan" sponsored or
contributed to by any of the Helicon Companies who has experienced a "qualifying
event" or is receiving "continuation coverage" on or prior to the closing.
"Continuation coverage," "covered employee," "qualified beneficiary,"
"qualifying event" and "group health plan" all shall have the meanings given
such terms under Section 4980B of the Code and Section 601 et seq. of ERISA. For
purposes of this Section, each employee at any Helicon Company and each employee
of Helicon Corp. who experiences a loss of health care coverage as a result of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement together with their spouse and
dependents, if any, shall be deemed eligible for continuation coverage as
provided herein.
6.15 Assignment of Certain Arrangements with Affiliates.
(a) Prior to Closing Helicon Corp. will assign the Management
Agreements to BII except that Helicon Corp. shall retain the right to receive
the deferred
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management fees thereunder, which deferred management fees shall comprise
Adjustment Liabilities. The Management Agreements shall be included at Closing
in the BII Assets. At Closing, GP Buyer shall pay to Helicon Corp. the amount of
such deferred management fees, in satisfaction in full of Helicon Corp.'s right
to receive such deferred management fees.
(b) Prior to Closing, subject to the receipt of any Consents,
Helicon Corp. will assign to Helicon, and Helicon will assume the programming
agreements that have been entered into by Helicon Corp. as manager, as described
in Schedules 3.8 and 3.17 hereof.
6.16 Put. Charter shall cause to be delivered at Closing to BII with
respect to the Preferred LLC Interest, the put agreement (the "Put Agreement"),
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, duly executed by Paul
Allen, Charter's controlling stockholder, which agreement shall entitle each
holder of all or part of the units of the Preferred LLC Interest, at his option
at any time until and through the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, to put
to Mr. Allen or his designee such number of units of such Preferred LLC Interest
as such holder shall elect, for an amount equal to the number of such "put"
units multiplied by the original issue price of such units, plus any accrued and
unpaid dividends on such "put" units. On the date hereof, Charter is executing
and delivering option agreements, (the "Option Agreements"), granting certain
rights to BII and three other Partners in the event of an initial public
offering of the common stock of Charter or one of its affiliates.
6.17 Guaranty by Charter. Subject to the provisions of this Section 6.17,
Charter hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to Sellers the
due and punctual payment of the Cash Consideration and any other monetary
obligations of Buyer and the due and punctual performance of all other
obligations of Buyer or GP Buyer, all in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement. Charter hereby acknowledges that, with respect to all of Buyer's and
GP Buyer's obligations to pay money, including the Cash Consideration, this
guaranty shall be a guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection
and shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit of any remedies
against Buyer or GP Buyer. Charter hereby waives diligence, demand of payment,
filing of claims with a court in the event of merger or bankruptcy of Buyer or
GP Buyer, any right to require a proceeding first against Buyer or GP Buyer, the
benefit of discussion, protest or notice and all demands whatsoever, and
covenants that this guaranty will not be discharged as to any obligation except
by satisfaction of such obligation in full. Until the Sellers have been paid in
full any amounts due and owing to Sellers under this Agreement, Charter hereby
irrevocably waives any claim or other rights which it may now or hereafter
acquire against Buyer and GP Buyer that arise from the existence, payment,
performance or enforcement of its obligations under this Agreement, including
any right of reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, any
right to participate in any claim or remedy of Sellers against Buyer or GP
Buyer, or any collateral which Sellers hereafter acquire, whether or not such
claim, remedy or right arises in
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equity, or under contract, statute or common law, including the right to take or
receive from Buyer or GP Buyer, directly or indirectly, in cash or other
property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of
such claim or other rights. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
the obligations of Charter hereunder shall not be affected by (a) the failure of
the applicable obligee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or
remedy against Charter pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or
otherwise, (b) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any
release from any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement or the invalidity
or unenforceability (in whole or in part) of this Agreement, unless consented to
in writing by Charter and Sellers and (c) any change in the existence (corporate
or otherwise) of Buyer, Charter or any of the Sellers or any insolvency,
bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding affecting any of them or their
assets. If any amount shall be paid to Charter in violation of the preceding
sentence and the obligations of Buyer or GP Buyer under this Agreement shall not
have been discharged in full, such amount shall be deemed to have been paid to
Charter for the benefit of, and held in trust for the benefit of, Sellers, and
shall forthwith be paid to Sellers. Charter acknowledges that it will receive
direct and indirect benefits from the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and that the waivers set forth in this Section
6.17 are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits. Nothing contained in
this Section 6.17 is intended to or shall impair, as among Charter and Sellers,
the obligations of Charter, which are absolute and unconditional, upon failure
by Buyer or GP Buyer to perform their respective obligations under this
Agreement, including the obligation to pay to Sellers the Cash Consideration and
any other monetary obligations of Buyer when payable in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, or is intended to or shall affect the relative rights
of Sellers and creditors of Charter, nor shall anything herein prevent Sellers
from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law.
6.18 Disclosure Schedules. The parties acknowledge and agree that (i)
Helicon's Disclosure Schedules and Charter's Disclosure Schedules may include
certain items and information solely for informational purposes for the
convenience of the parties hereto, and (ii) the disclosure of any matter in
Helicon's Disclosure Schedules or Charter's Disclosure Schedules shall not be
deemed to constitute an acknowledgment by the Helicon Parties, in this case of
Helicon's Disclosure Schedules, or the Charter Parties, in the case of Charter's
Disclosure Schedules, that the matter is material.
6.19 Further Assurances. After the date hereof the parties shall take any
commercially reasonable actions and execute any other documents that may be
reasonably necessary or desirable to the implementation and consummation of this
Agreement upon the reasonable request of the other party, at the expense of the
requesting party.
6.20 Environmental Reports. At any time after the date hereof, Buyer shall
have the right to engage an environmental consultant to conduct a Phase I
environmental audit and to prepare a Phase I environmental report, and if
recommended in such Phase I
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environmental report, a Phase II environmental audit and Phase II environmental
report for each Real Property listed on Schedule 3.9. The cost of Phase I and
Phase II environmental audits and reports shall be borne by Buyer. The Helicon
Companies shall cooperate with Buyer, in connection with such Phase I and Phase
II environmental audits and reports, including providing all reasonable access
to their respective properties and facilities.
6.21 Year 2000 Matters. The Helicon Companies shall have taken
commercially reasonable actions to implement the Year 2000 Plan and to complete
implementation of the Year 2000 Plan as soon as is reasonably practicable. The
Helicon Companies shall cooperate with the Charter Parties prior to the Closing
with respect to the Year 2000 Matters. Such cooperation shall include providing
the Charter Parties with status reports as the Charter Parties may reasonably
request regarding Year 2000 Matters.
6.22 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Baum. By his execution
here below in joinder to this Agreement with respect to this Section 6.22, Baum
agrees as follows:
(a) Baum represents and warrants to the Charter Parties: (i) that
his joinder hereto and any Transaction Document to which he will become a party
have been duly executed and delivered by him (or, in the case of Transaction
Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when executed and delivered
will be duly executed and delivered) and constitute (or, in the case of
Transaction Documents to be executed and delivered at Closing, when executed and
delivered will constitute) his legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable
against him in accordance with their terms, except as the enforceability of this
Agreement and such other Transaction Document may be limited by Enforceability
Exceptions; and (ii) that his performance of his obligations under this Section
6.22 does not require any consent of, declaration to, notice to, or filing with
any Governmental Authority or any other Person that has not been obtained, will
not conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under any
Legal Requirement to which he is bound, and will not conflict with, result in a
material breach of, or constitute a material default under any material
agreement or instrument to which he is bound.
(b) Baum represents and warrants to the Charter Parties that Baum
holds all legal and beneficial rights to the THGLP Note free and clear, and will
transfer such note to Buyer at Closing free and clear of all Encumbrances,
subject to Legal Restrictions.
(c) Baum covenants to perform his obligations under Sections 2.2(c),
8.2(c), and 8.3(b)(1) hereof.
(d) Baum, Sellers and the Charter Parties agree that for purposes of
Sections 7.1(b) and 10.5 hereof, Baum's representations and warranties in (i)
subsections (a) and (b) above shall comprise representations and warranties of
Sellers under Section 4
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hereof, and (ii) subsection (b) above shall comprise representations and
warranties of Sellers under Section 4.4 hereof.
(e) After the Closing, Baum agrees to indemnify and hold the Charter
Parties harmless against and with respect to, and shall reimburse Buyer for any
and all Losses resulting from any untrue representation or breach of warranty by
Baum set forth in subsections (a) or (b) above, or the nonfulfillment of any
covenant by Baum in subsection (c) above or in any Transaction Document to which
Baum is a party; provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity will be subject
to the limitations in Section 10.5 hereof as if Baum comprised a Seller
hereunder, and provided, further, that to implement such foregoing indemnity,
Baum shall comprise an "Indemnifying Party" under Section 10.6 hereof.
SECTION 7: CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE CHARTER PARTIES AND SELLERS
7.1 Conditions to Obligations of the Charter Parties. All obligations of
the Charter Parties at the Closing hereunder are subject to the fulfillment
prior to or at the Closing of each of the following conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties of Helicon. As to the
representations and warranties of Helicon set forth in Section 3, (1) each of
those representations and warranties set forth in Section 3 which is expressly
stated to be made solely as of the date of this Agreement or another specified
date shall be true and correct in all respects as of such date, without regard
to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein, and
(2) each of the other representations and warranties of Helicon set forth in
Section 3 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the time of the
Closing as though made at and as of that time, without regard to the materiality
or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein (except for
representations and warranties with respect to the delivery of documents to
Buyer or the listing of documents on a Schedule hereto), provided that for
purposes of each of clauses (1) and (2) above, the representations and
warranties shall be deemed true and correct in all respects to the extent that
the aggregate effect of the inaccuracies in such representations and warranties
as of the applicable times does not constitute a Material Adverse Effect, when
compared with the state of facts that would exist if all such representations
and warranties were true in all respects as of the applicable times.
(b) Representations and Warranties of Sellers. As to the
representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in Section 4, (1) each of
those representations and warranties set forth in Section 4 which is expressly
stated to be made solely as of the date of this Agreement or another specified
date shall be true and correct in all respects as of such date, without regard
to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein, and
(2) each of the other representations and warranties of Sellers set forth in
Section 4 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the
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time of the Closing as though made at and as of that time, without regard to the
materiality, or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein (except for
representations and warranties with respect to the delivery of documents to
Buyer or the listing of documents on a Schedule hereto), except in each case of
clauses (1) and (2) to the extent that the aggregate effect of the inaccuracies
in such representations and warranties as of the applicable times does not
constitute a Material Adverse Effect, when compared with the state of facts that
would exist if all such representations and warranties were true in all respects
as of the applicable times.
(c) Covenants. The Helicon Parties, the Sellers and Baum shall have
performed and complied in all material respects with all covenants and
agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by them
prior to or at the Closing.
(d) Consents. (i) The aggregate number of Equivalent Subscribers as
of the Closing, in those Franchise Areas that are Transferable Franchise Areas
shall be at least ninety percent (90%) of the aggregate number of Equivalent
Subscribers in all Franchise Areas as of the Closing, (ii) one hundred twenty
(120) days shall have elapsed and no extensions of such 120-day period shall
have been granted since the date of filing of the FCC Form 394 with respect to
any Franchise Consent which has not been obtained; and (iii) all other Required
Consents shall have been obtained.
(e) Hart-Scott-Rodino. The requisite waiting period, if any, under
the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.
(f) Judgment. There shall not be in effect on the date on which the
Closing is to occur any judgment, decree, order or other prohibition having the
force of law that would prevent or make unlawful the Closing, provided that the
Charter Parties shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the
entry of any such judgment, decree, order or other legal prohibition and to
appeal as expeditiously as possible any such judgment, decree, order or other
legal prohibition that may be entered.
(g) Deliveries. The Helicon Parties shall have made or stand willing
to make all the deliveries to Buyer described in Section 8.2.
(h) Material Adverse Change. No event shall have occurred between
the date of this Agreement and the date on which the Closing is to occur that
has had a Material Adverse Effect.
(i) Purchase and Exercise of Warrants. BII (a) shall have purchased
all of the outstanding Warrants from the Subordinated Holders pursuant to its
rights as Baum's assignee under the Call Agreement and (b) shall have exercised
the Warrants.
7.2 Conditions to Obligations of Sellers.
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All obligations of each Seller at the Closing hereunder are subject
to the fulfillment prior to or at the Closing of each of the following
conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. All representations and
warranties of the Charter Parties set forth in Section 5 shall be true and
complete in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date as though made
at and as of that time.
(b) Covenants. The Charter Parties shall have performed and complied
with in all material respects all covenants and agreements required by this
Agreement to be performed or complied with by them prior to or at the Closing.
(c) Consents. (i) The aggregate number of Equivalent Subscribers as
of the Closing, in those Franchise Areas that are Transferable Franchise Areas
shall be at least ninety percent (90%) of the aggregate number of Equivalent
Subscribers in all Franchise Areas as of the Closing, (ii) one hundred twenty
(120) days shall have elapsed and no extensions of such 120-day period shall
have been granted since the date of filing of the FCC Form 394 with respect to
any Franchise Consent which has not been obtained; and (iii) all Required
Consents shall have been obtained.
(d) Hart-Scott-Rodino. The requisite waiting period, if any, under
the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated.
(e) Judgment. There shall not be in effect on the date on which the
Closing is to occur any judgment, decree, order or other prohibition having the
force of law that would prevent or make unlawful the Closing, provided that
Helicon Parties shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the
entry of any such judgment, decree, order or other legal prohibition and to
appeal as expeditiously as possible any such judgment, decree, order or other
legal prohibition that may be entered.
(f) Release from Debt Instruments. Sellers and Baum shall have been
released as provided in Section 6.7(b) by the Charter Parties from any further
obligations with respect to the debt instruments that are listed in Schedule
3.6.
(g) Deliveries. The Charter Parties shall have made or stand willing
to make all the deliveries described in Section 8.3.
SECTION 8: CLOSING AND CLOSING DELIVERIES
8.1 Closing.
(a) Closing Date.
(1) Subject to satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by
law, waiver, of the closing conditions described in Section 7, and subject to
Section 8.1(a)(2),
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the Closing shall take place on a date specified by the mutual agreement of
Helicon and Buyer, or in the absence of such agreement, on the last business day
of such calendar month in which the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1(d) and
(e) and Sections 7.2(c) and (d) shall have been satisfied or waived; provided,
however, that if the last business day of such calendar month in which such
conditions shall have been satisfied or waived shall be beyond the Upset Date,
then the Closing shall occur on the Upset Date.
(2) If on the date on which the Closing would otherwise be
required to take place pursuant to Section 8.1(a)(1), (A) there shall be in
effect any judgment, decree, or order that would prevent or make unlawful the
Closing, or (B) any other circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the
Helicon Parties or the Charter Parties shall exist that would prevent the
Closing or the satisfaction of any of the conditions precedent to any party set
forth in Section 7, then either Helicon or Buyer may, at its option, postpone
the date on which the Closing is required to take place until such date, to be
set by the party that elects to postpone the date for Closing pursuant to this
subsection (2) on at least five business days' written notice to the other
party, as soon as practicable after such judgment, decree, or order ceases to be
in effect, or such other circumstance ceases to exist; provided, however, that
any postponement of the date on which the Closing is required to take place to a
date beyond the Upset Date shall require the consent of both Helicon and Buyer.
(b) Closing Place. The Closing shall be held at the offices of Paul,
Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, 399 Park Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, New York
10022, or any other place or time as Helicon and Buyer shall mutually agree.
8.2 Delivery by Sellers. The Sellers shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Charter Parties the following:
(a) BII Assets. An assignment agreement providing for the assignment
and contribution of the BII Assets by BII to GP Buyer, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to GP Buyer, together with any certificates representing the GP
Interest.
(b) Purchased Interests. An assignment agreement providing for the
assignment of the LP Interests and the Preferred Interests by the Limited
Partners to Buyer, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, together with any
certificates representing the LP Interests or the Preferred Interests, duly
endorsed for transfer.
(c) THGLP Note. An assignment agreement providing for the assignment
of the THGLP Note by Buyer, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, together
with the original THGLP Note.
(d) Officer's Certificate of Helicon and BII. A certificate executed
by BII, on its own behalf and in its capacity as the general partner of Helicon,
dated as of the
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Closing Date, certifying that the closing conditions specified in Sections
7.1(a) and (c) have been satisfied as to Helicon or BII, except as disclosed in
such certificate.
(e) Sellers' Certificate. A certificate executed by Sellers, dated
as of the Closing Date, certifying that the closing conditions specified in
Sections 7.1(b) and (c) have been satisfied as to Sellers and Baum, except as
disclosed in such certificate.
(f) Secretaries' Certificates. A certificate executed by Helicon and
BII, dated as of the Closing Date, (1) certifying that the resolutions, as
attached to said certificate, were duly adopted by BII, on its own behalf and in
its capacity as the general partner of Helicon, as the case may be, authorizing
and approving the execution by such party of this Agreement and the other
Transaction Documents to which such party is a party and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and that such resolutions remain in
full force and effect; and (2) providing, as attachments thereto, Certificates
of Good Standing for Helicon and each of the other Helicon Companies certified
by an appropriate state official of the State of their organization, all
certified by such state officials as of a date not more than fifteen days before
the Closing Date.
(g) Compliance with FIRPTA. A certificate executed by each Seller,
in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Buyer, pursuant to Section
1.1445-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations, certifying that such Seller is not a
foreign person.
(h) Consents. Copies of Consents which have been obtained by Helicon
or Sellers prior to the Closing.
(i) Indemnity Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement, duly executed by
Helicon Corp. (as agent for and on behalf of Sellers) and the Escrow Agent.
(j) Amended LLC Agreement. The Amended LLC Agreement duly executed
by BII.
(k) Resignations. Written resignations, effective on the Closing
Date, of all officers, managers and directors of the Helicon Companies.
(l) Terminations. Written terminations, effective on the Closing
Date, of all management and other similar agreements, as listed in Schedule
3.17, between any of the Sellers and any of the Helicon Companies, except as
provided in Section 6.15 hereof.
(m) Bank Accounts. True and complete information regarding each
Helicon Company's bank accounts containing cash deposits as of the Closing Date
and the names of all authorized signatories on all such accounts.
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(n) Organizational, Financial, and Tax Records. All corporate,
partnership or limited liability company records (including minute books and
stock books and registers) and financial and tax records of each of the Helicon
Companies that are not located at one of the offices or sites included in the
Real Property.
(o) Opinions of Counsel. (i) An opinion of Dow, Lohnes & Albertson,
PLLC, counsel to Helicon, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer; and (ii) an opinion of counsel to certain
Partners, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer.
(p) Put Agreement. The Put Agreement duly executed by BII.
8.3 Delivery by the Charter Parties. Prior to or at the Closing, the
Charter Parties shall deliver to Sellers the following:
(a) Assumption Agreements
(1) An assumption agreement providing for the assumption by GP
Buyer of the BII Assets, in a form reasonably satisfactory to BII.
(2) An assumption agreement providing for the assumption by
Buyer of the LP Interests and the Preferred Interests, in a form reasonably
satisfactory to Sellers.
(3) An assumption agreement providing for the assumption by GP
Buyer of the Management Agreements, in a form reasonably satisfactory to Helicon
Corp.
(b) Purchase Consideration.
(1) The purchase price for the THGLP Note, as set forth in
Section 2.2(c) hereof, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account designated by Baum by written notice to Buyer not less than two days
prior to Closing.
(2) As provided in Section 2.5, the payments to the Escrow
Agent, if the Partners do not elect to deliver the Letters of Credit, by wire or
accounts transfer of immediately available funds to one or more accounts
designated by the Escrow Agent, and the Estimated Cash Consideration, less the
payments to the Escrow Agent, to the Partners in accordance with the allocation
agreed to among them pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, by wire or accounts
transfer of immediately available funds to one or more accounts designated by
the Partners, in each case by written notice to Buyer not less than two days
prior to the Closing.
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(c) Officers' Certificate. A certificate executed by each of the
Charter Parties, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying that the closing
conditions specified in Sections 7.2(a) and (b) have been satisfied, except as
disclosed in said certificate.
(d) Secretaries' Certificate. A certificate executed by each of the
Charter Parties, dated as of the Closing Date, (1) certifying that the
resolutions, as attached to said certificate, were duly adopted by the Board of
Directors of such Charter Party, authorizing and approving the execution by such
Charter Party of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which
such Charter Party is a party and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby and that such resolutions remain in full force
and effect; and (2) providing, as attachments thereto, a Certificate of Good
Standing for such Charter Party certified by an appropriate state official of
the State of Delaware, certified by such state official as of a date not more
than fifteen days before the Closing Date.
(e) Amended LLC Agreement. The Amended LLC Agreement duly executed
by Charter and GP Buyer.
(f) Indemnity Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement, duly executed by
Buyer (as agent for and on behalf of the Charter Parties), and the Escrow Agent.
(g) Opinion of Counsel. An opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky &
Walker LLP, counsel to Buyer, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Partners.
(h) Put Agreement. The Put Agreement executed by Paul G. Allen.
SECTION 9: TERMINATION
9.1 Agreement between Helicon and Buyer. This Agreement may be terminated
at any time prior to the Closing by agreement between Helicon and Buyer.
9.2 Termination by Helicon. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing by Helicon, and the BII Contribution and the purchase and
sale of the Purchased Interests abandoned, upon written notice to Buyer, upon
the occurrence of any of the following:
(a) Conditions. If on any date determined for the Closing in
accordance with Section 8.1 if each condition set forth in Section 7.1 has been
satisfied (or will be satisfied by the delivery of documents at the Closing) or
waived in writing on such date and either a condition set forth in Section 7.2
has not been satisfied (or will not be satisfied by the delivery of documents at
the Closing) or waived in writing on such date or a Charter Party has
nonetheless refused to consummate the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Helicon may not rely on the failure of any condition set
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forth in Section 7.2 to be satisfied if such failure was principally caused by
any Helicon Party's failure to act in good faith or a breach of or failure to
perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other obligations
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Upset Date. If the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior
to the Upset Date, unless the failure of the Closing to occur was principally
caused by Helicon Party's failure to act in good faith or a breach of or failure
to perform any of its representations, warranties, covenants or other
obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Closing Equivalent Subscribers. If the Closing Equivalent
Subscribers shall be less than 150,000, provided, that termination pursuant to
this Section 9.2(c) shall not be effective, and shall be void ab initio, in the
event that Buyer delivers notice to Helicon that Buyer is willing to close
notwithstanding the failure of the Closing Equivalent Subscribers to be at least
150,000; provided, further, that, if Buyer elects to close as provided in the
immediately foregoing proviso, than notwithstanding the actual number of Closing
Equivalent Subscribers or any other provision of this Agreement, the Estimated
Cash Consideration payable by Buyer at such Closing shall be an amount equal to
Four Hundred Eighty-Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($484,500,000)
decreased by the amount of the Closing Net Liabilities pursuant to Section
2.4(b) and adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4(c).
9.3 Termination by Buyer. This Agreement may be terminated at any time
prior to the Closing by Buyer, and the BII Contribution and purchase and sale of
the Purchased Interests abandoned, upon written notice to Helicon, upon the
occurrence of any of the following:
(a) Conditions. If on any date determined for the Closing in
accordance with Section 8.1 if each condition set forth in Section 7.2 has been
satisfied (or will be satisfied by the delivery of documents at the Closing) or
waived in writing on such date and either a condition set forth in Section 7.1
has not been satisfied (or will not be satisfied by the delivery of documents at
the Closing) or waived in writing on such date or any Helicon Party has
nonetheless refused to consummate the Closing. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Buyer may not rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Section 7.1 to
be satisfied if such failure was principally caused by any Charter Party's
failure to act in good faith or a breach of or failure to perform any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or other obligations in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Upset Date. If the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior
to the Upset Date, unless the failure of the Closing to occur was principally
caused by any Charter Party's failure to act in good faith or a breach of or
failure to perform any of its
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representations, warranties, covenants or other obligations in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Closing Equivalent Subscribers. If the Closing Equivalent
Subscribers shall be less than 150,000.
9.4 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided in
this Section 9, then this Agreement will forthwith become null and void and
there will be no liability on the part of any party to any other party or any
other Person in respect thereof, provided that:
(a) Surviving Obligations. The obligations of the parties described
in Sections 6.2, 9.4 and 11.1 (and all other provisions of this Agreement
relating to expenses) will survive any such termination.
(b) Withdrawal of Applications. All filings, applications and other
submissions relating to the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby
shall, to the extent practicable, be withdrawn from the Governmental Authority
or other Person to whom made.
(c) Willful Breach by the Charter Parties. No such termination will
relieve Buyer from liability for a willful breach by the Charter Parties of this
Agreement, and in such event the Helicon Parties shall have all rights and
remedies available at law and equity, including the remedy of specific
performance.
(d) Willful Breach by the Helicon Parties. No such termination will
relieve the Helicon Parties from liability for a willful breach of this
Agreement, and in such event the Charter Parties shall have all rights and
remedies available at law or equity, including the remedy of specific
performance.
(e) No Recourse. Anything in this Agreement or applicable law to the
contrary notwithstanding, in the event this Agreement is terminated as provided
in this Section 9:
(1) No Charter Party will have any claim or recourse against
Baum, any of the Sellers, or any of their or the Helicon Parties' respective
officers, directors, shareholders, partners, employees, agents or Affiliates
(other than the Helicon Companies) as a result of the breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of any Helicon Party contained
herein or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the business or operations of the Helicon
Companies prior to the Closing. The Charter Parties' sole recourse shall be
against the Helicon Companies.
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(2) No Helicon Party will have any claim or recourse against
any of the Charter Parties' respective officers, directors, shareholders,
partners, employees, agents or Affiliates (other than the Charter Parties) as a
result of the breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of
any Charter Party contained herein or otherwise arising out of or in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the compliance by the
Charter Parties with their covenants prior to the Closing. The Helicon Parties'
sole recourse shall be against the Charter Parties.
9.5 Attorney's Fees. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement that
may limit or qualify a party's remedies, in the event of a default by any party
that results in a lawsuit or other proceeding for any remedy available under
this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reimbursement from the
defaulting party of its reasonable legal fees and expenses (whether incurred in
arbitration, at trial, or on appeal).
SECTION 10: SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; INDEMNIFICATION; CERTAIN
REMEDIES
10.1 Survival. All representations, warranties and covenants set forth
herein will survive the Closing, provided that all claims made in respect of
such representations, warranties and covenants will be subject to any applicable
limitations set forth in this Section 10.
10.2 Indemnification by Sellers. After the Closing, but subject to Section
10.5, the Sellers agree to indemnify and hold the Charter Parties harmless
against and with respect to, and shall reimburse Buyer for:
(a) any and all Losses resulting from any untrue representation or
breach of warranty by Helicon or the nonfulfillment of any covenant to be
performed at or prior to Closing by Helicon contained in this Agreement or any
other Transaction Document to which Helicon is a party; and
(b) any and all Losses resulting from any untrue representation or
breach of warranty by such Seller or the nonfulfillment of any covenant by such
Seller contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which
such Seller is a party.
For purposes of this Section 10, each representation and warranty
(whether made as of the date of this Agreement or made on and as of the Closing
Date) contained in this Agreement for which indemnification is sought hereunder
shall be read (including for purposes of determining whether a breach of such
representation or warranty has occurred) without regard to, and as if such
representation or warranty did not contain materiality or Material Adverse
Effect qualifications that may be contained therein (except for representations
and warranties with respect to the delivery of documents to Buyer or the listing
of documents on a Schedule hereto).
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10.3 Indemnification by the Charter Parties. After the Closing, but
subject to Section 10.5, the Charter Parties jointly and severally agree to
indemnify and hold Sellers harmless against and with respect to, and shall
reimburse Sellers for any and all Losses resulting from any untrue
representation or breach of warranty by any Charter Party or the nonfulfillment
of any covenant by any Charter Party contained in this Agreement or any other
Transaction Document to which such Charter Party is a party.
10.4 Indemnity Agreement. At the Closing, Buyer (as agent for and on
behalf of the Charter Parties), Helicon Corp. (as agent for and on behalf of
Sellers), and the Escrow Agent shall execute the Indemnity Agreement, in
accordance with which Buyer will deposit the Indemnity Fund with or, at the
Sellers' option, the Sellers will deliver the Letters of Credit to the Escrow
Agent on the Closing Date in order to provide a fund for, and the exclusive
source for, the payment of any indemnification to which any Charter Party is
entitled under this Section 10 (such escrow, the "Indemnity Fund"); provided,
however, that the Indemnity Fund shall not be the exclusive source for the
payment of any indemnification to which any Charter Party is entitled as a
result of a breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Section
4.3 or 4.4.
(a) The Indemnity Fund will be administered in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 10 and the Indemnity Agreement.
(b) On the first business day following the twelve-month anniversary
of the Closing Date, the Indemnity Fund, less any amount subject to an
outstanding claim by the Charter Parties, shall be released from escrow and paid
over to the Partners. Thereafter, any remaining Indemnity Fund shall be released
from escrow and paid over to Sellers, in accordance with the Indemnity
Agreement.
10.5 Certain Limitations on Indemnification Obligations. Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary:
(a) The following limitations shall apply to any of the Charter
Parties or any of the Sellers, as the Claimant, with respect to its claims
against the Sellers or the Charter Parties, as the Indemnifying Party, for
indemnity for matters described in Section 10.2 or 10.3, as the case may be,
other than any claim by Sellers regarding the nonfulfillment of the Charter
Parties' obligation to pay the Cash Consideration or issue the Preferred LLC
Interest (in which event the following limitations shall not apply):
(1) The Indemnifying Party will not be required to indemnify
or otherwise be liable to the Claimant for matters described in Section 10.2 or
10.3 (as the case may be) unless and until the aggregate amount of all Losses of
the Claimant arising therefrom for which the Indemnifying Party would have
indemnification liability to the Claimant but for this Section 10.5(a)(1),
exceeds, and then only to the extent of the excess above, $400,000; provided,
however, that this Section 10.5(a)(1) shall not apply to any
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amount payable to Buyer or Sellers pursuant to Section 2.6, or as a result of a
breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.3 or
4.4.
(2) No Indemnifying Party will be required to indemnify or
otherwise be liable to the Claimant with respect to any Losses arising under
Section 10.2 or 10.3 (as the case may be) unless the Claimant gives the
Indemnifying Party written notice of a claim pursuant to Section 10.2 or 10.3
(as the case may be) on or prior to the date that is twelve months after the
Closing Date, provided, that such twelve-month limitation shall not apply in the
case of any breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in
Sections 4.3 or 4.4; and
(3) Except for a claim of a breach of any of the
representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.3 and 4.4, the sole and
exclusive remedy available to the Claimant shall be a claim for indemnity
pursuant to the terms of this Section 10.
(4) The amount payable to the Claimant by the Indemnifying
Party in respect of a Loss shall be computed net of any insurance payments
received with respect thereto that reduces the amount of such Loss that would
otherwise be sustained. The parties hereto agree to use commercially reasonable
efforts to collect any and all insurance proceeds to which it may be entitled in
respect of any Loss prior to seeking indemnity as Claimant from the Indemnifying
Party.
(5) No party shall have any liability or obligation (for
indemnification or otherwise) arising as a result of any other party's waiver of
any closing condition, nor shall any adjustment be made to the Cash
Consideration in respect of the foregoing.
(6) No Indemnifying Party will have any liability or
obligation for any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by such
party in this Agreement (1) which did not exist as of the date of this Agreement
and which arose other than by reason of any breach by a Indemnifying Party of
any covenant or agreement of such party set forth in this Agreement, or (2) if
such inaccuracy does not exist at the time of the Closing.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
the following additional limitations shall apply with respect to claims against
the Sellers, as the Indemnifying Party, by the Charter Parties, as Claimants,
for indemnity for any matter described in Section 10.2:
(1) Anything in this Agreement or applicable law to the
contrary notwithstanding, other than claims (i) with respect to the Indemnity
Fund as provided for in this Agreement and (ii) for breaches of representations
and warranties contained in Sections 4.3 and 4.4, no Seller, its Affiliates or
any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners,
employees or agents shall have any
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obligation or liability to any Charter Party under this Section 10 or otherwise,
and no Charter Party will have any claim or recourse against Seller, its
Affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders,
members, partners, employees or agents as a result of the breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of any Helicon Party or any
Seller contained herein or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Transaction Documents or the
business or operations of the Helicon Companies prior to the Closing.
(2) All payments required to be made by Sellers or any Seller
in respect of their indemnification obligations under this Section 10 shall be
made solely from the Indemnity Fund except for any misrepresentation or breach
by any Seller of any representations and warranties by such Seller in Section
4.3 or 4.4 hereof, in which event such Seller shall be solely liable with
respect to any indemnity due the Charter Parties under Section 10.2(b) above.
(3) Sellers shall not be liable with respect to any Loss to
the extent that the amount of such Loss was included as an Adjustment Liability
in the computation of Closing Net Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.
(4) No Seller will have any liability or obligation for any
inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by any Helicon Party in this
Agreement which relates to any Excluded Asset.
(5) Sellers shall have no obligation to indemnify or otherwise
be liable to the Charter Parties with respect to any claim for breach of any
representation or warranty by any of the Helicon Parties or otherwise, arising
from any presence of Hazardous Substances on any of the Real Property described
on Schedule 3.9 to the extent that such presence of Hazardous Substances shall
have been disclosed or revealed to the Charter Parties in any environmental
assessments undertaken between the date hereof and the Closing Date; provided,
however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the representations and warranties
on environmental matters by Helicon in Section 3.14, unqualified by the results
of such environmental assessments, shall continue to comprise a closing
condition under Section 7.1(a) hereof.
(6) No Seller will have any liability or obligation for any
untrue representation or breach of warranty with respect to inaccuracy in any
representation or warranty set forth in Section 3.20 that exists as of the
Closing Date that did not exist as of the date of this Agreement.
(c) The foregoing limitations shall not apply with respect to claims
arising following the Closing relating to any breach of the terms of the Amended
LLC Agreement, the Put Agreement, Option Agreement or the release from Debt
Obligations.
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10.6 Procedure for Indemnification. The procedure for indemnification
shall be as follows:
(a) The party claiming indemnification (the "Claimant") shall
promptly give notice to the party from which indemnification is claimed (the
"Indemnifying Party") of any claim, whether between the parties or brought by a
third party, specifying in reasonable detail the factual basis for the claim and
the amount thereof (if known and quantifiable); provided, however, that the
failure to give such notice shall not impair the Claimant's rights under this
Section 10 unless such failure to give such notice shall have materially
impaired the Indemnifying Party's ability to defend against such third-party
claim.
(b) With respect to claims solely between the parties, following
receipt of notice from the Claimant of a claim, the Indemnifying Party shall
have thirty days to make such investigation of the claim as the Indemnifying
Party deems necessary or desirable. For the purposes of such investigation, the
Claimant agrees to make available to the Indemnifying Party and its authorized
representatives the information relied upon by the Claimant to substantiate the
claim. If the Claimant and the Indemnifying Party agree at or prior to the
expiration of the thirty-day period (or any mutually agreed upon extension
thereof) to the validity and amount of such claim, the Indemnifying Party shall
immediately pay to the Claimant the full amount of the claim. If the Claimant
and the Indemnifying Party do not agree within the thirty-day period (or any
mutually agreed upon extension thereof), the Claimant may seek appropriate
remedy at law or equity.
(c) With respect to any claim by a third party as to which the
Claimant is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnifying
Party shall have the right at its own expense, to participate in or assume
control of the defense of such claim, and the Claimant shall cooperate fully
with the Indemnifying Party, subject to reimbursement for actual out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by the Claimant as the result of a request by the Indemnifying
Party; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, if such claim is from a
Franchising Authority or other Governmental Authority and any of the Charter
Parties are seeking indemnification against the Sellers in respect of such
claim, the Charter Party may retain control of the defense of such claim, but
the Sellers shall have the right, at their own expense, to participate in the
defense of such claim, and the Charter Party shall cooperate with the Sellers in
defending such claim and keep the Sellers informed of all material strategies
and developments therein. The Charter Parties may not settle any such claim by a
Franchising Authority or other Governmental Authority for which the Sellers
would be liable without the consent of the Sellers, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Claimant will not enter into any settlement of such claim
which could result in indemnification liability without the Indemnifying Party's
prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld) without the
Indemnifying Party's prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed). Any such settlement will be binding upon the Charter Parties and
Sellers for purposes of determining whether any indemnification payment is
required pursuant to this Section 10.
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10.7 Treatment of Indemnification Payments. The Charter Parties and
Sellers will treat all payments made pursuant to this Section 10 (including all
payments made to the Charter Parties out of the Indemnity Fund but excluding the
release of any Indemnity Fund to Sellers) as an adjustment to the Cash
Consideration for all purposes hereof, except to the extent the laws of a
particular jurisdiction provide otherwise, in which case such payments shall be
made in an amount sufficient to indemnify the relevant party on an after-Tax
basis.
SECTION 11: MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement,
each party shall pay its own expenses incurred in connection with the
authorization, preparation, execution, and performance of this Agreement,
including all fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, agents, and
representatives. Sellers shall bear and pay any amounts payable to Waller
Capital Corporation in connection with this Agreement and the transaction
contemplated hereby.
11.2 Notices. All notices, demands, and requests required or permitted to
be given under the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing, may be sent
by telecopy (with automatic machine confirmation), delivered by personal
delivery, or sent by commercial delivery service or certified mail, return
receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been given on the date of actual
receipt, which may be conclusively evidenced by the date set forth in the
records of any commercial delivery service or on the return receipt, and shall
be addressed to the recipient at the address specified below, or with respect to
any party, to any other address that such party may from time to time designate
in a writing delivered in accordance with this Section 11.2:
If to the Charter Parties: Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent, President
& C.E.O.
(with a copy to Curtis S. Shaw, General
Counsel)
Telephone: 314-965-0555
Telecopier: 314-965-8793
with copy (which shall not Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
constitute notice) to: 399 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, New York 10022
Attention: Neil A. Torpey, Esq.
Telephone: 212-318-6000
Telecopier: 212-319-4090
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If to Helicon (prior to the Closing) or To Helicon Corp.'s address as set forth
Helicon Corp. (after the Closing): on Exhibit F hereto.
with copies (which shall not Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC
constitute notice) to: 1200 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.,
Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20036
Attention: Leonard J. Baxt, Esq.
Telephone: 202-776-2528
Telecopier: 202-776-2222
and
Becker & Company LLC
551 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: Stuart Becker
Telephone: 212-223-9800
Telecopier: 212-223-0072
If to a Seller: At the address specified for such
Seller on the attached Exhibit F
11.3 Benefit and Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns; provided that (a) neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any Helicon Party
without the prior written consent of the Charter Parties (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and (b) neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Charter
Parties without the prior written consent of the Helicon Parties (prior to the
Closing) or the Sellers (after the Closing) (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that Buyer may assign its
rights, interests or obligations hereunder to an Affiliate without the prior
written consent of the Helicon Parties or the Seller, as the case may be;
provided, however, (i) such assignment does not hinder or delay the consummation
of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Transaction Documents
and (ii) Charter may not assign its obligations under Section 6.17, which shall
remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any such assignment. Consent
shall be deemed to be reasonably withheld if the consenting party reasonably
determines that the assignment would be reasonably likely to hinder or delay the
Closing. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Person other than the
parties hereto any rights or remedies hereunder.
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11.4 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED, CONSTRUED, AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (WITHOUT REGARD TO
THE CHOICE OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF).
11.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Disclosure Schedules and the
Exhibits hereto, and the other Transaction Documents to be delivered by the
parties pursuant to this Agreement, collectively represent the entire
understanding and agreement between the Helicon Parties and the Charter Parties
with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes all prior
agreements, understandings and negotiations between the parties. The Charter
Parties acknowledge that none of the Helicon Parties has made any, or makes any,
promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, express or
implied, other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement.
11.6 Amendments; Waiver of Compliance. This Agreement may be amended and
any provision of this Agreement may be waived; provided that any such amendment
or waiver (a) will be binding upon any Helicon Party prior to the Closing only
if such amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by such Helicon
Party, (b) will be binding upon Baum or each Seller after the Closing only if
such amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by Baum or each
Seller, as the case may be, and (c) will be binding upon any Charter Party only
if such amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by such Charter
Party.
11.7 Agency Appointments by the Sellers and the Charter Parties.
(a) Each Seller hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Helicon
(for all periods prior to the Closing) and Helicon Corp. (for all periods after
the Closing) as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of such Seller
(in such capacity, Helicon and Helicon Corp. are referred to as "Sellers'
Agent"), to act for such Seller in Seller's name, place and stead with respect
to all matters relating to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents
and all of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, to execute and deliver all waivers,
consents, approvals and notices to and receive all notices provided or permitted
hereby or thereby; to waive, modify or amend any of the terms of this Agreement
and the other Transaction Documents and to make all endorsements thereon
provided or permitted under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents;
to receive all payments or other funds provided or permitted and to give all
receipts, acquittances, discharges and acknowledgments in respect thereof; to
pay all expenses relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and
the other Transaction Documents; to represent such Seller in any proceedings
hereunder prior to the Closing; to represent such Seller in indemnification
proceedings hereunder; to execute, acknowledge, certify, deliver, file and/or
record any and all instruments and other documents; and to take any and all
other actions in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated
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<PAGE> 73
hereby or thereby as Sellers' Agent, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary,
appropriate or convenient in connection therewith. Each Seller agrees that any
action that may be taken by Helicon under this Agreement prior to the Closing
may be taken by BII, on Helicon's behalf as its general partner, in Helicon's
sole discretion.
(b) Each Charter Party hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints
Buyer as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent of such Charter Party
(in such capacity, Buyer is referred to as the "Charter Agent"), to act for such
Charter Party in such Charter Party's name, place and stead with respect to all
matters relating to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and all
of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, to execute and deliver all waivers, consents,
approvals and notices to and receive all notices provided or permitted hereby or
thereby; to waive, modify or amend any of the terms of this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents and to make all endorsements thereon provided or
permitted under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents; to receive
all payments or other funds provided or permitted and to give all receipts,
acquittances, discharges and acknowledgments in respect thereof; to pay all
expenses relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the
other Transaction Documents; to represent such Charter Party in any proceedings
hereunder prior to the Closing; to represent such Charter Party in
indemnification proceedings hereunder; to execute, acknowledge, certify,
deliver, file and/or record any and all instruments and other documents; and to
take any and all other actions in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby as Charter Agent, in its sole
discretion, may deem necessary, appropriate or convenient in connection
therewith.
11.8 Consent and Agreement of Sellers. Each Seller consents to the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Helicon, BII, Baum and
each other Seller, and to the taking by each other Helicon Party and each
Helicon Company of all actions contemplated by this Agreement to be taken by
such Person. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Seller
agrees to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in
accordance with its terms, as this Agreement may be amended pursuant to Section
11.6.
11.9 Specific Performance. The parties recognize in the event that any
Helicon Party or any Charter Party, as the case may be, should refuse to perform
under the provisions of this Agreement, monetary damages alone will not be
adequate. The Charter Parties and the Helicon Parties shall therefore each be
entitled, in addition to any other remedies which may be available, including
monetary damages, to obtain specific performance of the terms of this Agreement.
In the event of any action to enforce this Agreement specifically, the parties
hereto each waive the defense that there is an adequate remedy at law.
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11.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts with the
same effect as if the signature on each counterpart were upon the same
instrument.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK;
SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
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<PAGE> 75
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by each of the
Helicon Parties and each of the Charter Parties as of the date first written
above.
CHARTER: BUYER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw Name: Curtis S. Shaw
----------------------- -----------------------
Title: Senior Vice President Title: Senior Vice President
---------------------- ----------------------
GP BUYER: HELICON:
CHARTER HELICON, LLC HELICON PARTNERS I, L.P.
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw By: BAUM INVESTMENTS, INC., its
----------------------------- general partner
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
-----------------------
Title: Senior Vice President By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
---------------------- ------------------------
Name: Theodore B. Baum
Title: President
BII:
BAUM INVESTMENTS, INC.
By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
-----------------------------
Name: Theodore B. Baum
Title: President
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<PAGE> 76
LIMITED PARTNERS:
HELICON CORP. HELICON GROUP LTD.
By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Theodore B. Baum Name: Theodore B. Baum
Title: President Title: President
TREDD INVESTORS, a general TREDD INVESTORS TWO, a general
partnership partnership
By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Theodore B. Baum Name: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Title: Title:
-------------------------- --------------------------
ROBERTS CABLE CORPORATION GAK CABLE INC.
By: /s/ Herbert J. Roberts By: /s/ Gregory A. Kriser
_______________________________ ______________________________
Name: Herbert J. Roberts Name: Gregory A. Kriser
Title: President Title: President
GIMBEL CABLE CORP. BAUM INVESTMENTS, INC.
By: /s/ Thomas L. Gimbel By: /s/ Theodore B. Baum
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Name: Thomas L. Gimbel Name: Theodore B. Baum
Title: President Title: President
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<PAGE> 77
JOINDER BY THEODORE B. BAUM
The undersigned, Theodore B. Baum, hereby affirms and evidences his
agreement to the provisions of Section 6.22 of the foregoing Purchase Agreement.
/s/ Theodore B. Baum
- ------------------------------------ Date: March 22, 1999
THEODORE B. BAUM
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<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.7(b)
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
by and among
THE SELLERS LISTED ON
THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO,
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
and
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Dated as of April 26, 1999
<PAGE> 2
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS.....................................................1
ARTICLE II PURCHASE AND SALE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS......................10
2.1 PURCHASE AND SALE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS...........................10
2.2 PURCHASE PRICE.....................................................10
2.3 PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE..........................................10
2.4 ADJUSTMENTS AND PRORATIONS.........................................11
2.5 INDEMNITY ESCROW...................................................14
ARTICLE III CLOSING......................................................14
3.1 CLOSING DATE.......................................................14
3.2 DEFAULT; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE......................................15
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS.....................15
4.1 TITLE TO PURCHASED INTERESTS.......................................15
4.2 ENFORCEABILITY OF AGREEMENT........................................15
4.3 NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS.........................16
4.4 BROKERS' FEES......................................................16
4.5 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.....................................16
4.6 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT...............................17
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY..................17
5.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION; SUBSIDIARIES.......................17
5.2 ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS...........................................17
5.3 EFFECT OF AGREEMENT................................................18
5.4 CAPITALIZATION.....................................................18
5.5 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT...............................19
5.6 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................................19
5.7 UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES............................................20
5.8 TAX RETURNS AND AUDITS.............................................20
5.9 FRANCHISES AND NECESSARY CONTRACTS.................................21
5.10 MATERIAL AGREEMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS..............................22
5.11 SYSTEMS' CAPACITY, CUSTOMERS AND RATES...........................23
5.12 EMPLOYEES........................................................24
5.13 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN DEVELOPMENTS..................................25
5.14 REAL PROPERTY....................................................26
5.15 TITLE TO ASSETS; PERSONAL PROPERTY...............................26
5.16 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.............................................27
5.17 TRANSACTIONS.....................................................29
5.18 LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.................................29
5.19 BROKERS' FEES....................................................29
5.20 PLANS; ERISA.....................................................29
5.21 INSURANCE, SURETY BONDS, DAMAGES.................................31
5.22 ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS...............................................32
5.23 NO OTHER COMMITMENT TO SELL......................................32
5.24 YEAR 2000........................................................32
5.25 TRADEMARKS, PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS...............................33
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER.......................33
6.1 ORGANIZATION.......................................................33
6.2 AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT...............................33
6.3 NO CONFLICT; REQUIRED FILINGS AND CONSENTS.........................34
6.4 FINANCIAL CAPABILITY...............................................34
6.5 LITIGATION.........................................................34
6.6 NO VIOLATION OF FCC CROSS OWNERSHIP RULES..........................35
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<PAGE> 3
6.7 INVESTMENT INTENT; SOPHISTICATED BUYER.............................35
6.8 FINDERS' AND BROKERS' FEES.........................................35
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS....................................................35
7.1 ACCESS.............................................................35
7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT...........................................36
7.3 INTERIM PERIOD OPERATIONS..........................................36
7.4 DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO BUYER.....................................38
7.5 NO IMPAIRMENT OF TITLE.............................................39
7.6 NO AMENDMENT TO ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS...........................39
7.7 FRANCHISE RENEWALS; REQUIRED CONSENTS; HSR FILINGS.................39
7.8 NOTIFICATION.......................................................41
7.9 REASONABLE EFFORTS; ADDITIONAL ACTIONS.............................41
7.10 TAX MATTERS......................................................42
7.11 RESTRUCTURING....................................................44
7.12 YEAR 2000 REMEDIATION PROGRAM....................................45
7.13 EXCULPATION AND INDEMNIFICATION..................................45
7.14 CREDIT FACILITY; SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES.......................46
7.15 ADMISSION OF BUYER AS A SUBSTITUTE LIMITED PARTNER...............46
7.16 PUBLICITY........................................................46
7.17 SERVICES PROVIDED BY AND TO ALLIANCE.............................46
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ALL PARTIES......46
8.1 ORDERS PROHIBITING CONSUMMATION OF TRANSACTIONS....................47
8.2 HSR ACT............................................................47
ARTICLE IX CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS...................47
9.1 COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT..........................................47
9.2 CORRECTNESS OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES......................47
9.3 NO ADVERSE CHANGE IN BUSINESS OR PROPERTIES........................47
9.4 CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER.............................................48
9.5 PROCEEDINGS AND DOCUMENTS..........................................48
9.6 OPINION OF COUNSEL.................................................48
9.7 OPINION OF FCC COUNSEL.............................................48
9.8 CONSENTS...........................................................48
9.9 PURCHASE OF INTERESTS UNDER INTERLINK AGREEMENT....................48
9.10 SERVICES AGREEMENT...............................................48
ARTICLE X CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLERS' OBLIGATIONS...................49
10.1 CORRECTNESS OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................49
10.2 COMPLIANCE WITH AGREEMENT........................................49
10.3 CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER...........................................49
10.4 PROCEEDINGS AND DOCUMENTS........................................49
10.5 OPINION OF COUNSEL...............................................49
10.6 SALE OF INTERESTS UNDER INTERLINK AGREEMENT......................49
10.7 SERVICES AGREEMENT...............................................50
ARTICLE XI RIGHTS TO TERMINATE; BREACH...................................50
11.1 TERMINATION......................................................50
ARTICLE XII [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]......................................51
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS...............................................51
13.1 SELLER LIABILITY SEVERAL AND NOT JOINT...........................51
13.2 APPOINTMENT OF SELLERS' REPRESENTATIVE...........................51
13.3 EXPENSES.........................................................51
13.4 KNOWLEDGE........................................................52
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<PAGE> 4
13.5 ASSIGNMENT.......................................................52
13.6 SUCCESSORS.......................................................52
13.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.................................................52
13.8 THIRD PARTIES....................................................52
13.9 AMENDMENTS IN WRITING............................................52
13.10 GOVERNING LAW....................................................53
13.11 INTERPRETATION...................................................53
13.12 CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO R&A MANAGEMENT LLC'S 401(K) PLAN..53
13.13 NOTICES..........................................................54
13.14 SEVERABILITY.....................................................55
13.15 COUNTERPARTS.....................................................55
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<PAGE> 5
THIS PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of April 26,
1999 by and among the sellers listed on the signature pages hereto as of the
date hereof (collectively, "Sellers"), and Rifkin Acquisition Partners,
L.L.L.P., a Colorado registered limited liability limited partnership (the
"Company"), and Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Buyer").
WHEREAS, Sellers collectively own all of the outstanding partnership
interests in the Company, with the exception of a limited partnership interest
owned by Greenwich Street (RAP) Partners I, L.P., a Subsidiary of InterLink
Communications Partners, LLLP ("InterLink"), which interest Buyer will be
indirectly purchasing pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of the
date hereof (the "InterLink Agreement") among InterLink, the general and limited
partners of InterLink, and Buyer;
WHEREAS, the Company and its subsidiaries own and operate cable television
systems and businesses in respect thereof serving customers in various areas in
the States of Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee (which areas of service are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Service Areas");
WHEREAS, Sellers, severally and not jointly, in reliance upon the
representations and warranties of Buyer, desire to sell to Buyer, and Buyer, in
reliance upon the representations and warranties of Sellers and the Company,
desires to purchase from Sellers, all of the outstanding partnership interests
of the Company owned by Sellers, on the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
and agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
1.1 "1992 Act" means the Cable Television Consumer Protection and
Competition Act of 1992, as amended.
1.2 "Accrued Vacation Pay" means the obligation of the Company to its
employees for accrued vacation pay through the Closing Date.
1.3 "Additional Financial Statements" means (i) as to monthly statements,
the Company's unaudited Statement of Operations for each monthly period after
the period ended December 31, 1998, and (ii) as to quarterly statements, the
Company's unaudited Balance Sheet and related Statements of Operations and
Statements of Changes in Financial Position for each quarterly period after the
period ended December 31, 1998.
1.4 "Affiliate" has the meaning given to such term in the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.5 "Assets" means collectively all of the Company's business, assets,
properties and rights used or useful by the Company in conducting its Business.
1
<PAGE> 6
1.6 "Audited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.6.
1.7 "Basic Customers" means (i) all bona fide Non-Delinquent CATV
customers of the Systems (i.e., the first connections) that have paid in full,
on a nondiscounted basis (other than senior citizen discounts and seasonal
customer discounts), for at least one Monthly Billing Period for the services
ordered by the respective customer, and to whom the respective System is
rendering its basic (or expanded basic, as the case may be) CATV service
(whether or not in conjunction with any tiered or premium services) at that
System's then applicable monthly rate therefor, plus (ii) all Basic Customer
Equivalents.
1.8 "Basic Customer Equivalents" means equivalent bona fide Non-Delinquent
CATV customers of the Systems that are commercial establishments and
multi-dwelling units (e.g., bars, taverns, apartment buildings, dormitories,
hospitals, etc.) that are billed on a bulk basis for basic (or expanded basic)
service, which have paid in full the charges for at least one Monthly Billing
Period. The number of Basic Customer Equivalents shall be deemed to be equal to
the quotient that is derived from dividing: (a) the gross basic (or, if
applicable, expanded basic) billings to all such commercial establishments,
multi-dwelling units, or other customers that are billed on a bulk basis for
basic (or expanded basic) service (but excluding billings from a la carte tiers
or premium services, installation or other non-recurring charges, converter
rental, any fees or charges for any outlet or connection other than the first
outlet or connection in any single family household or (with respect to a bulk
account, in any residential unit, e.g., an individual apartment or rental unit),
pass-through charges for sales taxes, line-itemized franchise fees, fees charged
by the FCC and the like) attributable to such commercial establishment,
multi-dwelling unit or other customer during the most recent Monthly Billing
Period ended prior to the date of calculation (but excluding billings in excess
of a single Monthly Billing Period's charge) by (b) the rate charged by the
respective System to individual homes as of December 31, 1998, for basic service
(or, (i) if the respective commercial establishment, multi-dwelling unit or
other customer also takes expanded basic service, then by the rate charged by
that System to individual homes as of December 31, 1998, for basic and expanded
basic service and (ii) if the respective commercial establishment,
multi-dwelling unit or other customer takes services which are neither expanded
basic or basic services, then by a rate which is an equivalent retail rate for
such service), exclusive of any charges for the additional services, franchise
fees, taxes, etc. which are excluded from the calculation of gross basic (or, if
applicable, expanded basic) billings set forth in clause (a) above, such rate to
be not less than the respective System's standard rate for such service.
1.9 "Basic Customer Threshold" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.4(a).
1.10 "Basic Services" means the lowest tier of CATV programming sold to
customers of the Systems for which such customers pay a fixed monthly fee,
excluding Expanded Basic Services, a la carte tiers, premium services,
pay-per-view television and any charges for additional outlets and installation
fees and any revenues derived from the rental of converters, remote control
devices and other like charges for equipment.
1.11 "Business" means the provision of CATV and related ancillary services
by the Company Group through the Systems in and around the Service Areas.
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1.12 "Buyer" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.
1.13 "Buyer Confidentiality Agreement" means the Confidentiality Agreement
between Buyer and the Company dated as of January 18, 1999.
1.14 "CARS" means CATV relay service.
1.15 "CATV" means cable television.
1.16 "Charter Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.12.
1.17 "Charter Transfer Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section
13.12(c).
1.18 "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.19 "Closing Adjustment Certificate" means the certificate to be
delivered by the Company to Buyer, not less than five business days prior to the
Closing Date, pursuant to Section 2.4(c).
1.20 "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.21 "Closing Escrow Agreement" means an indemnification escrow agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.5 hereto.
1.22 "Communications Act" means the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended.
1.23 "Company Group" means the Company and each of its Subsidiaries.
1.24 "Company's 401(k) Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.12.
1.25 "Computer Systems" means any hardware or software embedded systems,
equipment and cable plant, or headend, building and other facilities used in
connection with the Business, including any firmware, application programs,
billing systems, operating systems, user interfaces, files and databases, that
are date dependent or which process date related data, and that might be
adversely affected by the advent or changeover to the year 2000 or by the advent
or changeover to any leap year.
1.26 "Contract" means any contract, mortgage, deed of trust, bond,
indenture, lease, license, permit, note, Franchise, certificate, option,
warrant, right or other instrument, document, obligation or agreement, whether
written or oral.
1.27 "Continuing Employees" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.12.
1.28 "Credit Facility" means loans to the Company in the maximum principal
amount of $145 million pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated as of March 1, 1996 among the Company, First Union National Bank of North
Carolina, as Administrative Agent, Bankers Trust Company, as Syndication Agent
and the lenders party thereto.
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<PAGE> 8
1.29 "DeMinimis Agreements" means (i) the Company Group's written or
verbal agreements with customers (other than bulk customers) entered into in the
ordinary course of business for the provision of CATV service at the standard
rates charged by the respective System for such service, and (ii) Contracts that
are not Material Agreements because those Contracts involve payments of less
than $25,000 individually over the life of such Contracts and less than $250,000
in the aggregate for all such Contracts over the life of such Contracts.
1.30 "Disbursement Agent" means R&A Management, LLC, a Colorado limited
liability company.
1.31 "Effective Time" means the time on which the Closing has been
consummated on the Closing Date.
1.32 "Encumbrances" means, collectively, all debts, claims, liabilities,
obligations, taxes, liens, mortgages, security interests and other encumbrances
of any kind, character or description, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise (and whether or not reflected or reserved against in the balance
sheets, books of account and records of the Company).
1.33 "Environmental Law" means any applicable federal, state, or local
law, statute, standard, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit,
authorization, approval, and any consent order, administrative or judicial
order, judgment, decree, injunction, or settlement agreement between any member
of the Company Group and a governmental entity relating to the protection,
preservation or restoration of the environment (including, without limitation,
air, water, land, plant and animal life or any other natural resource).
1.34 "Environmental Permit" means any permit, license, approval, consent
or other authorization required by any applicable Environmental Law.
1.35 "Escrow Agent" means U.S. Bank, National Association.
1.36 "Expanded Basic Services" means an optional tier of video services
offered by any member of the Company Group to its customers under various
different names, as such term is commonly used in the CATV industry.
1.37 "FAA" means the Federal Aviation Administration.
1.38 "FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
1.39 "FCC Licenses" means all licenses, permits, earth station
registrations and other authorizations issued by the FCC and used in conjunction
with the operation of any System or the Business.
1.40 "Final Closing Certificate" means the certificate to be delivered by
Buyer to Disbursement Agent within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date
pursuant to Section 2.4(d).
1.41 "Franchise" means, with respect to any System, the respective
franchise agreement (or, in lieu thereof, the respective license, consent,
permit, approval or
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<PAGE> 9
authorization) entered into, issued or otherwise granted by any state or local
(e.g., city, county, parish, town or village) governmental body, for the
construction, installation or operation of that System, together with all
relevant instruments, resolutions and franchise-related statutes and ordinances.
1.42 "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America as in effect from time to time set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and the statements and pronouncements of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board, or in such other statements by such other
entity as may be in general use by significant segments of the accounting
profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of
determination.
1.43 "Governmental Authority" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b).
1.44 "Hazardous Substance" means any substance or material, whether solid,
liquid or gas, listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic,
radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, under any Environmental Law,
whether by type or by quantity; Hazardous Substance includes, without
limitation, any toxic waste, pollutant, contaminant, hazardous substance, toxic
substance, hazardous waste, special waste, industrial substance or petroleum or
any derivative or by-product thereof, radon, radioactive material, asbestos,
asbestos-containing material, urea formaldehyde foam installation, lead and
polychlorinated biphenyl classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or
dangerous, or otherwise regulated under any Environmental Law.
1.45 "Homes Passed" means all single family homes, and all residential
units in multi-dwelling units, capable of being serviced by any System without
further trunk or feeder line construction.
1.46 "HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.
1.47 "Improvements" means all buildings, structures, CATV towers and
fixtures, and other improvements now or hereafter actually or constructively
attached to the Real Estate, and all modifications, additions, restorations or
replacements of the whole or any part thereof.
1.48 "Indemnifiable Damages" means any and all liabilities in respect of
losses, suits, proceedings, demands, judgments, damages, expenses and costs
(including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and costs and expenses)
incurred in the investigation, defense or settlement of any claims covered by
the indemnification set forth in this Agreement, other than special, incidental,
punitive or consequential damages. For avoidance of doubt, "Indemnifiable
Damages" does not include any liability that has been fully accrued, accounted
for and satisfied by means of the Final Closing Certificate described in Section
2.4(d).
1.49 "Indemnification Provisions" has the meaning set forth in Section
7.13.
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<PAGE> 10
1.50 "Indemnity Fund" means the sum of Twenty Million Dollars
($20,000,000) to be deposited by Buyer or guaranteed by the Letter(s) of Credit
at the Closing with the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Closing Escrow Agreement,
plus accrued interest thereon, in order to fund the indemnification obligations
of the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers under the RAP Indemnity Agreement. Such
$20,000,000 amount shall be deposited by Buyer with the Escrow Agent, and shall
be comprised of (a) a portion of the purchase price under the InterLink
Agreement reflecting the InterLink Sellers' pro rata portion of the RAP Equity
Value, and (b) a portion of the Purchase Price hereunder (and Letter(s) of
Credit) reflecting the Sellers' pro rata interest in the RAP Equity Value.
1.51 "Indenture" means the Indenture, dated as of January 15, 1996, by and
among the Company and Rifkin Acquisition Capital Corp., as Issuers, certain
subsidiary guarantors and Marine Midland Bank, as Trustee.
1.52 "InterLink" means InterLink Communications Partners, LLLP, a Colorado
registered limited liability limited partnership.
1.53 "InterLink Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.54 "InterLink Sellers" has the meaning given the term "Sellers" in the
InterLink Agreement.
1.55 "Legal Proceedings" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.18.
1.56 "Letter(s) of Credit" means one or more letter(s) of credit delivered
to the Escrow Agent at the Closing, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer (such that Buyer is in substantially the same position as
if cash had been deposited by Buyer into the Indemnity Fund), guaranteeing one
or more Sellers' payment of their aggregate pro rata allocation of the Indemnity
Fund.
1.57 "License" means that certain License Agreement between the
Disbursement Agent and an Affiliate of Buyer, dated the Closing Date.
1.58 "Material Adverse Effect" means any effect that is or is reasonably
likely to be materially adverse to the Assets, the Business or the results of
operations or financial condition of the Company Group, taken as a whole, except
for effects due to general economic conditions or changes in regulatory and
competitive conditions affecting the CATV industry generally.
1.59 "Material Agreement" means any Contract of any nature (other than one
required to be listed by Section 5.9) to which any member of the Company Group
is a party, or by which any member of the Company Group or any of their
properties is bound, which (i) by its terms obligates the Company Group to pay
more than $25,000, (ii) in the aggregate with all such Contracts obligates the
Company Group to pay more than $250,000, (iii) provides for the provision of
internet access or internet services to the Company Group's customers, or (iv)
restricts or prohibits a member of the Company Group or any Affiliate of the
Company Group from engaging in any business anywhere in the world.
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1.60 "Monthly Billing Period" means the respective monthly period (whether
such period is a calendar month or, as in the case of any System that engages in
cycle billing, any other monthly period) to which any System-generated customer
bill for CATV services relates.
1.61 "Necessary Contract" means any Contract to which any member of the
Company Group is a party and which is necessary for any member of the Company
Group's (i) use of any tower, office or headend site, (ii) pole attachments,
(iii) rights-of-way, (iv) service to any residential development or any
commercial or residential dwelling unit, (v) material licenses and easements, or
(vi) operation of the Business or the Systems.
1.62 "Neutral Accounting Firm" shall mean KPMG Peat Marwick.
1.63 "Non-Delinquent" means a customer who does not have a past due
balance of more than two (2) Monthly Billing Periods (except as otherwise set
forth on Schedule 1.1(A) with respect to the bulk accounts itemized thereon)
from the first day of the initial Monthly Billing Period to which a bill relates
(except for past due amounts representing late fees and other minimal ancillary
charges) totaling $5.00 or less.
1.64 "Outside Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a)(ii).
1.65 "Partnership Agreement" means the Second Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Company, dated August 31, 1995, as
amended.
1.66 "Permitted Encumbrances" means (a) materialmen's, mechanic's,
carriers', or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business, or
deposits to obtain the release of such liens, securing obligations aggregating
less than $250,000, (b) liens for current taxes not yet due and payable; (c)
imperfections of title that do not interfere with the use or detract from the
value of such property; (d) liens to be released at or prior to Closing; and (e)
in the case of the Real Estate owned or real property leased by any member of
the Company Group, (i) such leases for real property, (ii) municipal and zoning
ordinances, (iii) such rights of way as do not interfere with the use or detract
from the value of the property, (iv) standard (printed) title insurance
exceptions and (v) easements for public utilities, recorded building and use
restrictions and covenants which do not materially interfere with the present
use of or materially detract from the value of the property, and other minor
encumbrances.
1.67 "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, sole proprietorship, association, joint venture, joint stock
company, trust, incorporated organization, or governmental agency or other
entity.
1.68 "Premium Customer" means a Basic Customer who subscribes to and has
been (or is to be) charged for any optional single channel or a la carte service
for which there is a specified charge.
1.69 "Purchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
1.70 "Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback" means the sum of Two Million
Dollars ($2,000,000) to be paid by Buyer to Disbursement Agent at the Closing
and retained
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by Disbursement Agent as described in Section 2.3. Such $2,000,000 shall be paid
by Buyer to Disbursement Agent, and shall be comprised of (a) a portion of the
purchase price under the InterLink Agreement reflecting the pro rata portion of
the aggregate percentage interest in the RAP Equity Value indirectly owned by
the InterLink Sellers, and (b) a portion of the Purchase Price hereunder
reflecting the Sellers' pro rata interest in the RAP Equity Value.
1.71 "Purchase Price Allocation Schedule" means a schedule, to be
delivered by the Company (on behalf of the Sellers) to Buyer at least five (5)
days prior to the Closing, containing (a) each Seller's pro rata percentage
interest in the RAP Equity Value, (b) the portion of the Purchase Price,
expressed in dollars, to be delivered to each Seller at the Closing and (c) the
pro rata percentage interest of each InterLink Seller in the RAP Equity Value.
1.72 "Purchased Interests" means, collectively, the partnership interests
of the Company owned by Sellers, to be purchased by Buyer pursuant to this
Agreement.
1.73 "RAM" means Rifkin Acquisition Management, L.P., a Colorado limited
partnership, the general partner of the Company.
1.74 "RAP Equity Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
1.75 "RAP Indemnity Agreement" means the RAP Indemnity Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit 1.75 hereto, providing for certain indemnities of the parties
hereunder and under the InterLink Agreement.
1.76 "Real Estate" means each parcel of real property owned by a member of
the Company Group at the date hereof together with any other parcels of real
property acquired by a member of the Company Group between the date hereof and
the Closing Date.
1.77 "Required Consents" means those approvals and consents set forth on
Schedule 5.3 separately designated as consents required for Closing.
1.78 "Rifkin Transfer Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.12(c).
1.79 "RT" means RT Investments Corp., a Colorado corporation, the general
partner of RAM.
1.80 "Sellers" has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.
1.81 "Senior Subordinated Notes" means $125 million of senior subordinated
notes issued by the Company and Rifkin Acquisition Capital Corp. pursuant to the
Indenture, together with a $3.0 million promissory note containing equivalent
rights issued by the Company to Monroe M. Rifkin.
1.82 "Service Areas" has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph of
this Agreement.
1.83 "Services Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.17.
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1.84 "Signals" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.16(b).
1.85 "Subsidiaries" means, with respect to any Person, any Affiliate
directly or indirectly controlled by such Person.
1.86 "System" means all of the assets, property and business constituting
any CATV system of the Company Group, each of which Systems (together with the
respective Service Areas served thereby) is described in Schedule 1.1(B) hereto.
1.87 "Tax" and "Taxes" means all federal, state, local, foreign or other
taxing authority gross income, gross receipts, gains, profits, net income,
franchise, sales, use, ad valorem, property, value added, recording, business
license, possessory interest, payroll, withholding, excise, severance, transfer,
employment, alternative or add-on minimum, stamp, occupation, premium,
environmental or windfall profits taxes, and other taxes, charges, fees, levies,
imposts, customs, duties, licenses or other assessments, together with any
interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts imposed by
any Governmental Authority.
1.88 "Tax Return" means any return, report, statement, information
statement and the like required to be filed with any Governmental Authority with
respect to Taxes.
1.89 "Third Party" means any Person other than the Company, Buyer, Sellers
or any Affiliate of Buyer.
1.90 "Third Party Systems" means Computer Systems of any supplier,
distributor, partner, customer or technology infrastructure provider used in
connection with the Business, including, without limitation, such Computer
Systems of electric utilities, telephone companies and offsite data processors
with whom any member of the Company Group has an ongoing or anticipated
contractual or commercial relationship.
1.91 "Unaudited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
5.6.
1.92 "Vehicles" means the vehicles utilized by the Company in the
operation of the Business as set forth on Schedule 1.1(C).
1.93 "Year 2000 Ready" or "Year 2000 Readiness" means that the Computer
Systems are designed to be used prior to, during and after the calendar year
2000 A.D., and that such item can successfully manipulate, interpret, accept,
generate or otherwise process date-dependent or date-related data without
generating incorrect or abnormal results, or experiencing a loss or disruption
of functionality due to an inability to correctly handle dates in, or relating
to, the 21st century, including, without limitation, correctly calculating leap
years.
1.94 "Year 2000 Remediation Program" means an enterprise-wide program
implemented by the Company and affecting all members of the Company Group, to
make Year 2000 Ready Computer Systems and other items related to Business. Such
Year 2000 Remediation Program must (i) include a plan for implementing solutions
recommended by vendors, distributors and manufacturers of the Computer Systems,
and (ii) be conducted by Persons with qualifications or experience related to
Year 2000 Readiness and such Persons
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must have organized an enterprise wide program management office that reports
to, or an enterprise wide program management structure with oversight by,
executive level management.
1.95 "Year Disbursement Amount" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.
The plural of any term defined in the singular, and the singular of any
term defined in the plural, shall have a meaning correlative to such defined
term.
ARTICLE II
PURCHASE AND SALE OF PURCHASED INTERESTS
2.1 Purchase and Sale of Purchased Interests.
On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement,
each Seller hereby severally and not jointly agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer
hereby agrees to purchase from each Seller, the Purchased Interests owned by
such Seller, as listed opposite the name of such Seller on Schedule 2.1 hereof.
2.2 Purchase Price.
The aggregate purchase price payable by Buyer for the Purchased Interests
(the "Purchase Price") shall be equal to the product of (x) Six Hundred
Forty-Three Million Dollars ($643,000,000), as adjusted pursuant to Sections
2.4(a) and (b), minus the aggregate principal amount of the Company's
outstanding indebtedness on the Closing Date pursuant to the Credit Facility and
the Senior Subordinated Notes (the "RAP Equity Value"), times (y) the aggregate
percentage interest in the RAP Equity Value represented by the Purchased
Interests set forth on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule, expressed as a
decimal.
2.3 Payment of Purchase Price.
The Purchase Price, less (i) the Sellers' pro rata portion of the
Indemnity Fund (excluding amounts guaranteed by the Letter(s) of Credit) and
(ii) the Sellers' pro rata portion of the Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback,
will be paid at the Closing to Sellers (by federal wire transfer of immediately
available funds to accounts of Sellers designated in writing to Buyer by the
Company (on behalf of Sellers) at least five (5) business days prior to the
Closing) in accordance with the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule. Concurrently
with such payment, (i) Buyer shall deposit the Purchase Price Adjustment
Holdback with the Disbursement Agent for use and disbursement in accordance with
Sections 2.4(f) and 2.4(g) and (ii) Buyer and those Sellers delivering the
Letter(s) of Credit shall deposit the Indemnity Fund and deliver the Letter(s)
of Credit pursuant to Section 2.5. Buyer shall be entitled to rely exclusively
on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule and shall have no responsibility to
determine whether the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule was properly prepared.
The aggregate (i) consideration to Sellers in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, (ii) consideration to the InterLink Sellers pursuant to
clause (y) of Section 2.2 of the InterLink Agreement, and (iii) any continuing
liabilities of the Company, shall be allocated between the tangible assets and
Franchises of the Company by allocating an amount to the tangible assets of the
Company equal to the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes
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of such tangible assets, and the remainder to the stock of Subsidiaries and
Franchises. The parties shall not take any tax position inconsistent with such
allocation.
2.4 Adjustments and Prorations.
The RAP Equity Value shall be adjusted as follows (with a corresponding
adjustment to be made to the Purchase Price hereunder and under the InterLink
Agreement), with all such adjustments being effective as of the Effective Time:
(a) The RAP Equity Value shall be reduced if the number of Basic Customers
is less than 188,531 (as adjusted below, the "Basic Customer Threshold"), by an
amount equal to $3,411 for each Basic Customer less than the Basic Customer
Threshold. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that
any commercial establishments or multi-dwelling units that are served pursuant
to a right of entry agreement on December 31, 1998 are subsequently served
pursuant to a bulk agreement, the Basic Customer Threshold shall be reduced by
the number of individual retail customers served pursuant to such right of entry
agreement on the date of conversion to a bulk agreement, and shall be increased
by the number of Basic Customer Equivalents represented by such bulk agreement.
(b) The RAP Equity Value shall be increased at Closing if, as of the
Effective Time, the current assets of the Company Group exceed the current
liabilities of the Company Group by the amount by which such current assets
exceed current liabilities. The RAP Equity Value shall be decreased at Closing,
if, as of the Effective Time, the current liabilities of the Company Group
exceed the current assets of the Company Group by the amount by which such
current liabilities exceed current assets. Except as otherwise specified herein,
current assets and current liabilities shall be determined in accordance with
GAAP, with all normal year end adjustments for GAAP purposes having been
completed or posted as of the Effective Time. Notwithstanding anything else
contained herein, for purposes of making the calculations hereunder:
(i) Without limiting the applicability of GAAP with respect to other
items, current assets shall include (a) cash and cash equivalents, (b)
marketable securities, (c) customer and advertising accounts receivable
determined pursuant to subsection (iii) below, (d) non-customer deposits and
advance payments, (e) prepaid expenses and (f) other current assets; provided,
however, that current assets shall not include inventory.
(ii) Customer accounts receivable of the Company Group shall be
included as current assets in an amount for the Company's customer accounts
receivable for services rendered on or prior to the Closing Date by the Company
Group, equal to 99% of the face amount of the receivables which, as of the
Effective Time, are sixty (60) days or less past due from the first day of the
respective Monthly Billing Period to which a bill relates. Payments for any
advertising accounts receivable of a member of the Company Group as current
assets shall include only an amount for any Company Group member's advertising
accounts receivable for advertising run on or prior to the Closing Date, equal
to 95% of all advertising receivables that are less than 90 days past due from
the date of the applicable invoice;
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(iii) Without limiting the applicability of GAAP with respect to
other items, current liabilities shall include (a) the amount of customer
deposits (and any interest thereon that a member of the Company Group is
required to refund or credit its customers) and customer prepayments; (b)
Accrued Vacation Pay for those employees who are employees on the Closing Date;
(c) deferred revenue; (d) accruals for franchise fees, pole rental fees, other
rental or similar charges or payments payable in respect of any Company Group
Contracts not being terminated pursuant hereto, payrolls, payroll taxes,
insurance premiums to the extent that such insurance is not being terminated
pursuant hereto, sales and use taxes payable in respect of CATV service and
equipment furnished in connection with the operation of the Systems, power and
utility charges, real and personal property taxes and rentals, applicable
copyright or other fees, sales and service charges, taxes and similar items, in
each case relating to periods on or prior to the Closing Date; and (e) other
current liabilities; provided, however, that current liabilities shall not
include (i) the current portion of any long-term debt, (ii) deferred taxes, and
(iii) any obligations to pay access fees in connection with right of entry
agreements or bulk agreements that the Company becomes obligated to pay after
the date hereof, but only to the extent that Buyer has been informed of such
obligations and has granted its consent in writing to the payment of such access
fees.
(iv) Cash flow of the Company Group on the Closing Date shall be
allocated one-half prior to the Effective Time and one-half after the Effective
Time.
(c) The Company shall deliver to Buyer, not less than five (5) business
days prior to the Closing Date, a certificate (the "Closing Adjustment
Certificate") signed by an executive officer of RT, which shall set forth the
Company's reasonable good faith estimates of the respective amounts of the
adjustments set forth in Sections 2.4(a) and (b) above, as of the Effective
Time. The Closing Adjustment Certificate shall be in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to Buyer, and the Company shall therewith deliver to Buyer
a copy of such supporting evidence as shall be appropriate hereunder and as
Buyer may reasonably request. At the Closing, there will be a settlement between
Buyer and Disbursement Agent with respect to the adjustments set forth in
Sections 2.4(a) and (b) above, with all such adjustments made or estimated by
Disbursement Agent and Buyer and the amounts determined by Buyer and
Disbursement Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.4 shall be paid
to Buyer or Sellers, as appropriate, by an increase or decrease in the RAP
Equity Value, as appropriate, on the Closing Date, with a final settlement
within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date (as provided in Section 2.4(d)
below).
(d) Within ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to
Disbursement Agent a certificate (the "Final Closing Certificate") to be signed
by an executive officer of Buyer setting forth any changes to the adjustments
made as of the Closing pursuant to Sections 2.4(a) and (b), together with a copy
of such supporting evidence as shall be appropriate hereunder and as
Disbursement Agent may reasonably request. If Disbursement Agent shall conclude
that the Final Closing Certificate does not accurately reflect the changes to be
made to the closing adjustments pursuant to this Section 2.4, Disbursement Agent
shall, within thirty (30) days after its receipt of the Final Closing
Certificate, provide to Buyer its written statement (together with any
supporting documentation as Buyer may reasonably request) of any discrepancy or
discrepancies believed to exist. Disbursement Agent's representatives shall be
permitted reasonable access by Buyer to all personnel, books, records, billing
service reports and other documents
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reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by Disbursement Agent for the
determination of the adjustments and pro rations. Buyer's representatives shall
be permitted reasonable access by Disbursement Agent, RAM and RT to all
personnel, books, records, billing service reports and other documents
reasonably deemed necessary or appropriate by Buyer for the determination of the
adjustments and pro rations.
(e) Buyer and Disbursement Agent shall attempt jointly to resolve any
discrepancies within thirty (30) days after receipt of Disbursement Agent's
discrepancy statement, which resolution, if achieved, shall be binding upon all
parties to this Agreement and not subject to dispute or review. If Buyer and
Disbursement Agent cannot resolve the discrepancies to their mutual satisfaction
within such thirty (30) day period, Buyer and Disbursement Agent shall, within
the following ten (10) days, jointly designate the Neutral Accounting Firm to
review the Final Closing Certificate together with Disbursement Agent's
discrepancy statement and any other relevant documents. The cost of retaining
the Neutral Accounting Firm shall be borne 50% by the Disbursement Agent (on
behalf of the Sellers and InterLink Sellers) and 50% by Buyer. The Neutral
Accounting Firm shall report its conclusions in writing to Buyer and
Disbursement Agent and such conclusions as to adjustments pursuant to this
Section 2.4 shall be conclusive on all parties to this Agreement and not subject
to dispute or review.
(f) The Disbursement Agent will hold the Purchase Price Adjustment
Holdback in a segregated, interest bearing account until the adjustments
required by Sections 2.4(a) and (b) have been determined, and will disburse the
Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback in accordance with Section 2.4(g).
(g) If, after such adjustments, (i) the aggregate RAP Equity Value is
increased from that delivered at the Closing (treating the cash amounts in the
Indemnity Fund and the Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback as having been
delivered at the Closing to Sellers and the InterLink Sellers), then Buyer shall
pay the Disbursement Agent (for the benefit of Sellers and the InterLink
Sellers) such increase in the RAP Equity Value in immediately available funds
within three (3) business days of such determination and the Disbursement Agent
shall pay the amount delivered by Buyer, together with the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback, to Sellers and the InterLink Sellers in accordance with the
percentages set forth on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule, (ii) the
aggregate RAP Equity Value is reduced from that delivered at the Closing
(treating the cash amounts in the Indemnity Fund and the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback as having been delivered at the Closing to Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers) by an amount that is less than or equal to the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback, then the Disbursement Agent shall pay to Buyer, out of the
Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback, the reduction in the RAP Equity Value, in
immediately available funds within three (3) business days of such
determination, and shall pay any remaining portion of the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback to Sellers and the InterLink Sellers pro rata in accordance
with the percentages set forth on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule, or
(iii) the aggregate RAP Equity Value is reduced from that delivered at the
Closing (treating the cash amounts in the Indemnity Fund and the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback as having been delivered at the Closing to Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers) by an amount that is in excess of the Purchase Price
Adjustment Holdback, then each Seller and each InterLink Seller will pay to the
Disbursement Agent its pro rata share of such excess, based on the percentages
indicated on the Purchase Price Allocation
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Schedule, and the Disbursement Agent shall pay such excess amount, together with
the Purchase Price Adjustment Holdback, to Buyer in immediately available funds
within five (5) business days of such determination.
2.5 Indemnity Escrow.
At the Closing, Buyer shall deposit with the Escrow Agent the Indemnity
Fund pursuant to the Closing Escrow Agreement. All amounts in the Indemnity Fund
in excess of the sum of (a) $10,000,000, and (b) the amount of all pending
claims made by Buyer for indemnification pursuant to Section 2.1 of the RAP
Indemnity Agreement, shall be paid to Disbursement Agent (for the benefit of the
Sellers and the InterLink Sellers) at the close of business on the first
business day after the date which is six months after the Closing Date. The
remainder of the Indemnity Fund, if any, less the amount of all pending claims
made by Buyer for indemnification pursuant to Section 2.1 of the RAP Indemnity
Agreement (the "Year Disbursement Amount"), shall be paid to Disbursement Agent
(for the benefit of the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers) at the close of
business on the first business day after the date which is one year after the
Closing Date. The Disbursement Agent shall disburse to Sellers and the InterLink
Sellers, in accordance with the percentages set forth on the Purchase Price
Allocation Schedule, any amount of the Indemnity Fund released pursuant to this
Section 2.5. Except as to claims arising from breaches of Sections 5.4, 5.8 and
(to the extent set forth in Section 2.1(b) of the RAP Indemnity Agreement) 5.22,
release of any amounts from the Indemnity Fund shall relieve Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers of obligations under Section 2.1 of the RAP Indemnity
Agreement to the extent of the amounts so released. Sellers expressly agree that
any post-Closing Date adjustments under Section 2.4 shall be paid in the manner
provided in Section 2.4(g) and, unless Buyer so elects (in its sole and absolute
discretion), any amounts owed by Sellers and the InterLink Sellers under such
sections shall not be paid from the Indemnity Fund. Any one or more Sellers may
elect to deliver at the Closing the Letter(s) of Credit, in which case (1) such
Sellers' allocable share of the Indemnity Fund shall be released to them at
Closing, and (2) any amount to be paid from the Indemnity Fund pursuant to
Article XII shall be paid proportionately (based on the relative aggregate
percentage interests of the Sellers delivering the Letter(s) of Credit) from the
cash portion of the Indemnity Fund and from draws upon the Letter(s) of Credit.
ARTICLE III
CLOSING
3.1 Closing Date.
Subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall occur
at 10:00 a.m., Mountain Time, at the offices of Baker & Hostetler LLP in Denver,
Colorado, on September 2, 1999, or, if later, as soon as practicable (and in any
event within five (5) business days) following the satisfaction or waiver of the
parties' conditions to the Closing, or such other date as may be mutually
agreeable to the Company and Buyer (the "Closing Date"). At any time after
September 2, 1999, Buyer may demand a Closing upon five (5) days' written notice
waiving all of Buyer's conditions to Closing provided that the conditions to
Closing set forth in Articles VIII and X have been satisfied or waived (other
than conditions to be satisfied at the Closing).
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3.2 Default; Specific Performance.
If Sellers or the Company shall fail or refuse to consummate the
transactions set forth in this Agreement on or prior to the Closing Date in
breach of this Agreement, or otherwise breach any other material obligation
hereunder, then, in addition to any other remedies available to Buyer, Buyer
may, at its option, invoke any equitable remedies it may have to enforce the
sale of the Purchased Interests hereunder or such other material provision,
including, without limitation, an action or suit for specific performance. Each
Seller acknowledges that in the event of such Seller's breach of its obligations
hereunder, Buyer will suffer irreparable harm and such Seller hereby irrevocably
waives the defense that Buyer has an adequate remedy at law. If Buyer shall fail
or refuse to consummate the transactions set forth in this Agreement on or prior
to the Closing Date in breach of this Agreement, or otherwise breach any other
material obligation hereunder, then, in addition to any other remedies available
to Sellers, any Seller may, at its option, invoke any equitable remedies it may
have to enforce the purchase of the Purchased Interests hereunder, including,
without limitation, an action or suit for specific performance. Buyer
acknowledges that in the event of Buyer's breach of its obligations hereunder,
Sellers will suffer irreparable harm and Buyer hereby irrevocably waives the
defense that Sellers have an adequate remedy at law.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF
SELLERS
Each Seller hereby, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants (as
of the date of this Agreement, except where a prior or future date is indicated)
as follows, and acknowledges that Buyer is relying on such representations and
warranties in connection with the purchase of the Purchased Interests:
4.1 Title to Purchased Interests.
Such Seller owns, beneficially and of record, all of the Purchased
Interests identified opposite such Seller's name on Schedule 2.1, free and clear
of all liens and encumbrances other than, (i) liens securing obligations under
the Credit Facility, and (ii) if applicable, any liens or encumbrances that will
be terminated or otherwise released prior to the Closing. Upon the Closing,
Buyer will have valid title to all of the Purchased Interests identified
opposite such Seller's name on Schedule 2.1, free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances, other than any liens or encumbrances created by Buyer or arising
through Buyer, and other than pledges required by the Credit Facility (which the
lenders are required to release in accordance with the terms of the Credit
Facility and associated pledge documents).
4.2 Enforceability of Agreement.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by such
Seller and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Seller,
enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, except as
enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
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insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws or principles affecting the rights
of creditors generally and except for limitations imposed by general principles
of equity.
4.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3 hereto (and assuming compliance
with the HSR Act), the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Seller
does not, and the performance by such Seller of its obligations under this
Agreement will not, (i) conflict with or violate the operating agreement,
agreement of limited partnership, certificate of limited partnership,
certificate of incorporation, by-laws or equivalent organizational documents of
such Seller, (ii) assuming receipt of consents described in Schedule 4.3 or 5.3
hereto, and except as set forth in Section 4.3(b)(i), conflict with or violate
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to such Seller
or by which any property or asset of such Seller is bound or affected or (iii)
result in any breach or violation of, or constitute any default (or an event
which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or
give rise to any right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any
obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, any Contract to which such
Seller is a party or by which such Seller or any property or asset of such
Seller is bound, except as would not impair such Seller's ability to perform its
obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Seller does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by such Seller will not, require such
Seller to obtain or make any consent, approval, authorization or permit of,
filing with, or notification to, any governmental or regulatory authority,
domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, any governmental
administrative agency or franchising authority (each a "Governmental
Authority"), except for the matters disclosed in Schedule 4.3 hereto or except
(i) for applicable requirements, if any, of (A) federal or state securities or
"blue sky" laws, (B) the Communications Act, and (C) state and local
Governmental Authorities, including Franchise authorities listed on Schedule 5.3
hereto, and (ii) as required under the HSR Act.
4.4 Brokers' Fees.
Neither such Seller nor anyone authorized to act on his or its behalf has
retained any broker, finder or agent or agreed to pay any brokerage fee,
finder's fee or commission with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
4.5 Organization and Qualification.
Such Seller, if not a natural person, is duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and has
the requisite power and authority and all necessary governmental approvals to
own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted, except where the failure to be so organized, existing or in
good standing or to have such power, authority and governmental approvals would
not materially interfere with such Seller's ability to enter into this Agreement
and perform its obligations hereunder.
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4.6 Authority Relative to this Agreement.
Such Seller, if not a natural person, has all necessary power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations
hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement by such Seller and the consummation by such
Seller of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
authorized by all necessary individual or entity action and no other individual
or entity action on the part of such Seller is necessary to authorize this
Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
As an inducement to Buyer to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company hereby represents and warrants
(as of the date of this Agreement, except where a prior or future date is
indicated) to Buyer as follows:
5.1 Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.
(a) Each member of the Company Group is a partnership, limited liability
company or corporation duly organized, validly existing and/or in good standing
under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization. Each
member of the Company Group has the requisite power and authority and all
necessary governmental approvals to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted except for those which would
not, in the aggregate, be material. Each member of the Company Group is duly
qualified or licensed as a foreign corporation to do business, and is in good
standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of the properties owned,
leased or operated by it or the nature of its business makes such qualification
or licensing necessary, except for failures which, in the aggregate would not be
material.
(b) A complete and correct list of the members of the Company Group, which
list sets forth the amount of capital stock of or other equity interests in such
member owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, together with holdings of
all other equity holders (if applicable), is set forth on Schedule 5.1(B).
5.2 Organizational Documents.
The Company has heretofore delivered to Buyer a complete and correct copy
of each of the agreement of limited partnership, operating agreement, limited
liability company certificate, certificate of limited partnership, certificate
of incorporation and bylaws, or equivalent organizational documents, each as
amended to date, of each member of the Company Group. Such organizational
documents are in full force and effect and constitute all of the organizational
documents relating to the members of the Company Group. No member of the Company
Group is in violation of any provision of its agreement of limited partnership,
certificate of limited partnership, operating agreement, certificate of
incorporation, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, as applicable.
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5.3 Effect of Agreement.
(a) All approvals and consents required under (i) any of the Company
Group's Franchises, FCC Licenses, Necessary Contracts or Material Agreements,
and (ii) any applicable government regulations, in any such case, in order for
the consummation of the sale of the Purchased Interests to Buyer pursuant to
this Agreement are listed in Schedule 5.3 hereto, with Franchise and FCC
approvals identified as such. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.3, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Sellers and the Company does not,
and the performance of this Agreement by Sellers and the Company will not,
require any member of the Company Group to obtain or make any consent, approval,
authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental
Authority, except (i) for applicable requirements, if any, of federal or state
securities or "blue sky" laws, and (ii) as required under the HSR Act.
(b) Subject to obtaining the requisite approvals and consents listed in
Schedule 5.3 hereto, neither the execution, delivery and performance by Sellers
and the Company of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, alone or in conjunction with any other event (such as a
voluntary or involuntary termination of employment), will (i) conflict with, or
result in a breach of the terms of, or constitute a default under, or a
violation of, or give rise to any termination right under, amendment or
extension of, or a loss of any benefit under, any Material Agreements,
Franchises and Necessary Contracts, (ii) result in the violation of any law,
rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, decree, determination or award
presently in effect or having applicability to a member of the Company Group
(except to the extent of violations which, individually or in the aggregate
would not be material), (iii) conflict with or violate the certificate of
incorporation, by-laws, operating agreement or partnership agreement of any
member of the Company Group, or (iv) result in any payment becoming due to any
employee, former employee, officer, director, or consultant, or any of their
dependents (other than (1) the signing bonuses or stay put bonuses permitted
pursuant to Section 7.3(e) hereof, or (2) any benefits under the severance plans
listed on Schedule 5.20, of each Company Group member or any ERISA Affiliates);
(v) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Plan; or (vi) result in
the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any benefits under any
Plan except as disclosed on Schedule 5.20. Subject to obtaining such approvals
and consents, such execution, delivery, performance or consummation will not
give to others any rights of termination, acceleration or cancellation in or
with respect to, or a loss of any material benefit under, any Material Agreement
of (or relating to the Business of) the Company Group.
5.4 Capitalization.
The Purchased Interests to be sold to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement, as
identified on Schedule 2.1 hereto, constitute all outstanding partnership
interests of the Company, with the exception of the limited partnership interest
owned by Greenwich Street (RAP) Partners I, L.P., a Subsidiary of InterLink. The
Company owns, directly or through one or more Subsidiaries, free and clear of
all liens and encumbrances, and free and clear of any other limitation or
restriction (other than liens securing obligations under the Credit Facility),
all of the outstanding general partner interests, limited partner interests, and
all other outstanding equity interests of each Subsidiary of the Company. Other
than as included in
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the Purchased Interests or as otherwise allocated from the Purchase Price on the
Purchase Price Allocation Schedule, there are no (i) options, warrants or other
rights or Contracts obligating any member of the Company Group to issue or sell
any shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, any member of the
Company Group or to pay cash in lieu thereof, (ii) equity equivalents, stock
appreciation rights, performance shares, interests in the ownership or earnings
of any member of the Company Group or other similar rights issued by a Company
Group member or (iii) outstanding obligations of any member of the Company Group
to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any equity interest therein.
5.5 Authority Relative to this Agreement.
The Company has all necessary power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
partnership action and no other partnership proceedings on the part of the
Company are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium and similar laws or principles affecting the rights of
creditors generally and except for limitations imposed by general principles of
equity.
5.6 Financial Statements.
Attached hereto as Schedule 5.6 are copies of (i) the Company's Balance
Sheet at December 31, 1998 and related Statement of Operations and Statement of
Changes in Financial Position of the Company for its fiscal year then ended,
which have been audited by the Company's independent certified public accountant
(the "Audited Financial Statements") and (ii) all completed monthly unaudited
statements of operations, together with month-end balance sheets, for the months
of January and February, 1999 (the "Unaudited Financial Statements"). The
Audited Financial Statements and Unaudited Financial Statements (i) were
prepared in conformity with GAAP consistently applied, and (ii) present fairly
the financial position of the Company at the dates indicated and the results of
operations of the Company and changes in financial position for the periods
indicated, subject to normal quarterly and year-end audit adjustments (none of
which are expected to be material in amount) and footnotes. The Additional
Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.4(ii) that are for
quarterly periods will (i) be prepared in conformity with GAAP applied
consistently with the Audited Financial Statements, and (ii) present fairly the
financial position of the Company at the dates indicated and the results of
operations of the Company and changes in financial position for the periods
indicated, subject to normal year-end and quarter-end audit adjustments (none of
which are expected to be material in amount) and footnotes. The Additional
Financial Statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.4(ii) that are for
monthly periods will (i) be prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles applied consistently with the Audited Financial
Statements, and (ii) present fairly the results of operations of the Company for
the
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periods indicated, subject to normal year-end and quarter-end audit adjustments
(none of which are expected to be material in amount) and footnotes. Whenever
references are made throughout this Agreement to Audited Financial Statements,
it will be understood that all notes and exhibits are included therein, except
as herein otherwise expressly provided.
5.7 Undisclosed Liabilities.
No member of the Company Group has any material liabilities or
obligations, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due
or to become due, and the Company does not know of any basis for any claim
against any member of the Company Group for any such liabilities or obligations,
except (i) to the extent set forth in this Agreement or in the Schedules hereto,
including the Audited Financial Statements attached hereto, (ii) liabilities
under the DeMinimis Agreements, or (iii) liabilities, debts or obligations
incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company since December 31,
1998, none of which individually or in the aggregate will have a Material
Adverse Effect.
5.8 Tax Returns and Audits.
(a) Each member of the Company Group has timely filed all material
federal, state, local and foreign Tax Returns required to be filed by it through
the date hereof and shall timely file all Tax Returns required to be filed at or
before the Closing. Such reports and returns are and will be true, correct and
complete in all material respects. Each member of the Company Group has paid and
discharged all Taxes due from it, other than such taxes that are being contested
in good faith by appropriate proceedings and are adequately reserved as shown in
the audited consolidated balance sheet of such entity dated December 31, 1998.
Neither the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") nor any other taxing authority
or agency, domestic or foreign, is now asserting or, to the knowledge of any
member of the Company Group, threatening to assert against any member of the
Company Group any material deficiency or material claim for additional Taxes.
Moreover, no member of the Company Group has knowledge of any facts on the basis
of which taxing authorities could assert material deficiencies or material
claims described in the preceding sentence. Each member of the Company Group has
withheld or collected and paid over to the appropriate Governmental Authorities
or is properly holding for such payment all Taxes required by law to be withheld
or collected. No member of the Company Group has any liability for the Taxes of
any Person (other than a member of the Company Group) pursuant to Section
1.1502-6 of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code or comparable
provisions of any taxing authority in respect of a consolidated or combined Tax
Return. There are no liens for Taxes upon the assets of any member of the
Company Group other than (i) liens for current Taxes not yet due and payable,
(ii) liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and (iii) other liens which, in the aggregate, are not material.
(b) Each member of the Company Group has had and will continue to have
through the Closing Date the federal tax status (i.e., partnership or C
corporation) such entity reported on its December 31, 1997 federal Tax Returns,
except as results from any actions taken pursuant to this Agreement. There are
no outstanding agreements or waivers extending the statutory period of
limitation applicable to any Tax Returns required to be filed by, or which
include or are treated as including, any member of the Company Group.
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(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8, no Member of the Company Group is
involved in or subject to any joint venture, partnership or other arrangement or
contract which is treated as a partnership for federal, state, local or foreign
income tax purposes (a "Tax Partnership"), except for a Tax Partnership which is
a Subsidiary.
(d) No consent to the application of section 341(f)(2) of the Code has
been filed with respect to any property or assets held, acquired, or to be
acquired by any member of the Company Group.
(e) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.8, there are no tax sharing
agreements or similar arrangements with respect to or involving any member of
the Company Group.
(f) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.8, no member of the Company Group
was included or is includable in any consolidated or unitary Tax Return with any
entity other than a Tax Return filed that includes only members of the Company
Group.
(g) No member of the Company Group has agreed to or is required to make
any material adjustment under section 481(a) of the Code.
(h) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.8, no member of the Company Group
has entered into any compensatory agreements with respect to the performance of
services which payment thereunder would result in a non-deductible expense to
such company pursuant to Section 280G of the Code or an excise Tax to the
recipient of such payment pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code.
5.9 Franchises and Necessary Contracts.
Each member of the Company Group has validly and legally obtained and duly
holds the Franchises, the FCC Licenses and the Necessary Contracts. Attached
hereto as Schedule 5.9(A) is a true and accurate list of each Franchise held by
the Company Group (including the member of the Company Group holding each
Franchise, the Franchising Authority which granted each Franchise, the stated
expiration date of each Franchise, and the System to which the Franchise
applies), each pending application relating to any Franchise, and a list of any
System or portion thereof which does not, for the reason set forth on such
Schedule, require a franchise authorizing the installation, construction,
development, ownership or operation of the same, which list is true, correct and
complete. No member of the Company Group is providing CATV service in any area
other than as set forth on Schedule 5.9(A). Attached hereto as Schedule 5.9(B)
is a true and accurate list of each FCC License (including the expiration date
thereof) and each Necessary Contract. The Company Group is in compliance (and
the operations of the Systems and the Assets are being conducted in compliance)
in all material respects with the provisions of all Franchises, FCC Licenses and
the Necessary Contracts, all of the Franchises, the FCC Licenses and Necessary
Contracts are in full force and effect, and there are no pending (or to
Company's knowledge, threatened) modifications, amendments (other than
extensions of the term) or revocations by the issuers of the Franchises, the FCC
Licenses or any other third parties with respect to the Necessary
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Contracts. The Company does not have any knowledge of any material breach of any
Franchise or Necessary Contract by any other parties thereto. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 5.9(C) or as specifically contained in the Franchises, the
Necessary Contracts, or other Material Agreements, no promises or commitments
which are to be fulfilled after the Closing Date have been made with respect to
capital improvements relating to the Systems. Except as described on Schedule
5.9(C), the Company Group holds all of the Franchises and material FCC Licenses
necessary to operate the Business in the manner in which it is currently being
operated. The Company Group has received no notice, either formal or informal,
that any Franchise or FCC License would not be renewed in the ordinary course
and is aware of no basis for the denial, revocation or modification of any
Franchise or FCC License. Pursuant to subsections (a) through (g) of Section 626
of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended, the Company Group
has timely submitted proposals for renewal of all Franchises having a remaining
term of thirty-six (36) months or less as of the date hereof, and has provided
Buyer with copies of all proposals for renewal, preliminary assessments and
franchisor determinations described in subsection (c) of said Section 626.
5.10 Material Agreements and Obligations.
(a) Schedule 5.10(A) hereto lists the Material Agreements. Except for
those contracts listed on the Schedules hereto, the DeMinimis Agreements, the
Credit Facility, and the Senior Subordinated Notes, no member of the Company
Group is a party to any written or oral contract with respect to the Systems
that is not cancelable without penalty upon thirty (30) days' notice or less,
including any:
(i) bonus, incentive, pension, profit sharing, retirement,
hospitalization, insurance, or other plan providing for deferred or other
compensation to employees, or any other employee benefit or "fringe benefit"
plan, including, without limitation, vacation, sick leave, medical or other
insurance plans or any union collective bargaining or any other contract with
any labor union;
(ii) employment contract for any Person on a full-time, part-time,
consulting or other basis;
(iii) agreement or indenture relating to the borrowing of money or
to mortgaging, pledging or otherwise placing a lien on any asset or group of
assets of any member of the Company Group;
(iv) guarantee of any obligation;
(v) lease or agreement under which it is lessee or lessor, or holds
or operates any property, real or personal, owned by any other party, except for
any lease under which the aggregate annual rental payments do not exceed
$25,000;
(vi) Contract or group of related Contracts with the same party or
any group of affiliated parties which requires or may in the future require
aggregate consideration by or to any member of the Company Group in excess of
$25,000;
(vii) Contract in effect between any member of the Company Group and
any Seller (or an Affiliate thereof) or any of the officers, directors or
Affiliates of any member of the Company Group;
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(viii) obligations of any member of the Company Group to make
payments to any Seller (or an Affiliate thereof) or any Affiliate of any member
of the Company Group;
(ix) loans by any member of the Company Group to any Seller (or any
Affiliate thereof) or any of the officers, directors or Affiliates of each
member of the Company Group.
(b) Each member of the Company Group has, in all material respects,
performed all obligations required to be performed by it and is not in material
default under, or in material breach of, or in receipt of any claim of material
default under, any Material Agreement; and the Company does not have any
knowledge of any material breach by the other parties to any Material Agreement.
(c) There is no term or provision of any Contract not included on the
Schedules hereto to which any member of the Company Group is a party or by which
it or any of its properties is bound that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
There is no term or provision of any federal or state judgment, decree or order
applicable to or binding upon any member of the Company Group, the enforcement
of which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.11 Systems' Capacity, Customers and Rates.
(a) Schedule 5.11(A) hereto lists, as of December 31, 1998 (or as of the
respective date therein specified), (i) the system bandwidth for each System,
(ii) programming offered, (iii) approximate linear miles of aerial and
underground plant (i.e., main trunk and distribution or feeder cable); provided,
that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the term "approximate" shall allow a
variance of plus or minus 10% from the number of linear miles of aerial and
underground plant set forth on Schedule 5.11(A), (iv) the approximate number of
Homes Passed, (v) the total number of retail and bulk equivalent basic customers
(including an approximate breakdown of the number of retail customers among
Franchises) as reported by Cable Data, (vi) the aggregate number of premium
units subscribed to by the Company Group's Premium Subscribers, (vii) subscriber
rates for all services including basic and premium services, tier services,
additional outlets and converter rental charges in and for each of the Service
Areas, (viii) the community unit identification number ("CUID Number") for each
franchise community; (ix) a list of all free, discount or other promotional
service obligations (other than those free, discount or other promotional
service obligations which are regularly offered or arise in the ordinary course
of business); and (x) the Signals carried by each System and the channel
position of each such Signal and, with respect to TV station signals, whether
carried pursuant to must-carry requirements or retransmission consent, which
information is true and correct, in all material respects. Except where
specifically indicated on Schedule 5.11(A), each of the respective channel
lineups set forth in Schedule 5.11(A) is capable of being viewed in its entirety
by each Subscriber in the applicable System (subject to ordinary course service
interruptions).
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.11(B), all reports or other
documents, payments (including, without limitation, all franchise fees and FCC
regulatory fees) or submissions required to be filed by the Company Group with
respect to any Franchise or the
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Business have, in all material respects, been duly and timely filed and/or paid
with the appropriate authority and were correct in all material respects when
filed.
5.12 Employees.
(a) The Company is not aware that any officer, executive employee or any
group of employees of the Company Group has or have any plans to terminate his,
her or their employment with the Company Group. Each member of the Company Group
has complied in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to the
employment of labor, including provisions thereof relating to wages, hours,
equal opportunity, collective bargaining and the payment of social security and
other taxes, and except as set forth in Schedule 5.12 hereto, no member of the
Company Group has received any notice of any claim at the date of this Agreement
and during the preceding three years that it has not complied in any material
respect with any laws relating to the employment of employees or that it is
liable for any arrearages of wages or any taxes or penalties for failure to
comply with any laws. No member of the Company Group has written policies and/or
employee handbooks or manuals except those set forth in Schedule 5.12.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 5.12 hereto, no member of the Company
Group is, and during the 12 months prior to the date of this Agreement no member
of the Company Group has been, involved in any labor discussion with any unit or
group seeking to become the bargaining unit for any of its employees. Except as
set forth in Schedule 5.12 hereto, no member of the Company Group is a party to
any collective bargaining agreement and there are no unfair labor practice or
arbitration proceedings pending with respect to any member of the Company Group
or, to the knowledge that the Company, threatened and there are no facts or
circumstances known to the Company that could reasonably be expected to give
rise to such a claim. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no
organizational efforts presently underway or threatened involving any employees
of the Company Group or any of the employees performing work for the Company but
provided by an outside employment agency, if any. Within the last 12 months,
there has been no work stoppage, strike or other consorted activity by any
employees of the Company Group.
(c) Except as set forth in the Schedule 5.12 and as to those employees (if
any) represented by a labor organization, all employees of the Company Group are
employed at-will. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.12, completion of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not result in any payment or
increased payment becoming due from any member of the Company Group to any
officer, director, or employee of, or consultant to, a member of the Company
Group.
(d) No member of the Company is a party to any agreement for the provision
of labor from any outside agency except as set forth in Schedule 5.12. To the
knowledge of the Company, at the date of this Agreement and during the preceding
three years, there have been no claims by employees of such outside agencies, if
any, with regard to employees assigned to work for the Company Group, and no
claims by any governmental agency with regard to such employees except as set
forth in Schedule 5.12.
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5.13 Absence of Certain Developments.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.13 hereto, and except for the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, no Company Group member has,
insofar as the Systems or the Assets are concerned, since December 31, 1998:
(i) except for borrowings under the Credit Facility in the ordinary
course of business, borrowed any amount or incurred or become subject to any
liabilities (absolute or contingent) except liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business;
(ii) mortgaged or pledged any of its assets, tangible or intangible,
or subjected them to any lien, charge or other encumbrance, except Permitted
Encumbrances and liens securing indebtedness under the Credit Facility;
(iii) sold, assigned or transferred any of its tangible assets,
except in the ordinary course of business, or canceled any debts or claims
(other than unpaid subscriber debts and claims in the ordinary course of
business);
(iv) suffered any substantial losses other than consistent with
recent operating history;
(v) except in the ordinary course of business, waived or released
any material right or claim;
(vi) made any changes in employee compensation or personnel
policies, including the establishment of any bonus, insurance, severance,
deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit sharing, option, stock
purchase or other Plan (as defined below), declared, paid or committed to pay a
bonus or additional salary or compensation to any Person (other than the stay
put bonuses or signing bonuses permitted pursuant to Section 7.3 (e) hereof), or
made any other increase in the compensation payable to or to become payable to
any executive officers of any member of the Company Group, except in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
(vii) entered into any other transaction other than in the ordinary
course of business;
(viii) amended or terminated any Contract listed in any Schedule
hereto, except in the ordinary course of business and except for Contracts that
have expired by their own terms;
(ix) suffered any material damage, destruction or casualty loss,
whether or not covered by insurance; or
(x) has suffered a Material Adverse Effect, or has had any event or
events occur that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably likely to
result in a Material Adverse Effect;
(xi) materially changed any of its accounting principles or
practices, or revalued such Assets or Systems for financial reporting, property
tax or other purposes;
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(xii) entered into any Contract or understanding to do any of the
foregoing.
5.14 Real Property.
Schedule 5.14 hereto contains a legal description of each parcel of Real
Estate owned by the Company Group together with a description of the type of use
of each such parcel. The Company has furnished to Buyer a copy of any title
insurance policy or other evidence of title issued with respect to each owned
parcel of Real Estate owned by the Company Group in the possession of the
Company Group. Except for any Permitted Encumbrances, the Company or a
Subsidiary thereof is the sole owner (both legal and equitable) of, and has good
and marketable title in fee simple absolute to, each parcel of Real Estate
listed on Schedule 5.14 and all buildings, structures and improvements thereon,
and the unfettered right to occupy the leased property free and clear of any
options to lease or purchase. The location and use (i.e., headend, tower or
office site) of each real property leased by the Company Group is identified on
Schedule 5.9(B). All of the Real Estate, and all of the real property leased by
the Company Group, utilized as a headend, office or tower site has unfettered
access to public roads or streets and all utilities and services necessary for
the proper conduct and operation of the Systems. The Real Estate and all of the
real property leased by the Company Group complies and is operated in material
compliance with all applicable laws. There are no defects in the physical
condition of the Real Estate or the improvements located on the Real Estate
which could impair or prevent the current or proposed use thereof by the Company
Group. No member of the Company Group has received any notice from any
governmental body (a) requiring it to make any material repairs or changes to
the Real Estate or the improvements located on the Real Estate or (b) giving
notice of any material governmental actions pending. There is no action,
proceeding or litigation pending (or, to the best knowledge of the Company,
contemplated or threatened): (i) to take all or any portion of the Real Estate,
or any interest therein, by eminent domain; or (ii) to modify the zoning of, or
other governmental rules or restrictions applicable to, the Real Estate or the
use or development thereof in any manner which could impair or prevent the
current or proposed use thereof by the Company Group. There are no contracts or
other obligations outstanding for the sale, exchange or transfer of any of the
Real Estate.
5.15 Title to Assets; Personal Property.
A member of the Company Group is the sole owner (both legal and equitable)
of and has good and marketable title to the Assets constituting personal
property, tangible and intangible, free and clear of all mortgages, liens,
security interests, charges, claims, restrictions and other encumbrances of
every kind other than with respect to the liens securing the Company Group's
indebtedness and the Permitted Encumbrances. The material items of machinery,
equipment and other tangible assets included in the Assets are in satisfactory
operating condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, and conform, in all
material respects, to all applicable ordinances, rules, regulations and
technical standards, including the rules, regulations and technical standards of
the FCC and the local franchise authorities, and all applicable building, zoning
and other laws. As of the Closing, the amount of Assets constituting inventory
of set-top cable boxes will be adequate to cover usage projected by the budget
provided to Buyer for thirty days after the Closing Date for
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each of the following types of boxes: (i) standard analog, (ii) advanced analog,
and (iii) digital.
5.16 Compliance with Laws.
(a) The operations of the Systems have been, and are being, conducted in
material compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and other
requirements of all federal, state, county or local governmental authorities or
agencies.
(b) (i) The Company Group is permitted under all applicable Franchises and
FCC rules, regulations and orders to distribute the transmissions (whether
television, satellite, radio or otherwise) of video programming or other
information that the Systems make available to customers of the Systems (the
"Signals") presently being carried to such customers and to utilize all carrier
frequencies generated by the operations of the Systems, and are licensed to
operate all the facilities required by law to be licensed, including without
limitation, any business radio and any CARS system being operated as part of the
Systems; and (ii) other than requests for network nonduplication and syndex
protection and sports league (e.g., NBA, NHL, MLB) blackout requests, no written
requests or orders have been received by any member of the Company Group during
the three years preceding the date of this Agreement from the FCC, the United
States Copyright Office, any local or other television station or system or from
any other Person (x) challenging or questioning the legal right of a member of
the Company Group to distribute the Signals, own or operate any System or to
own, operate or use any FCC licensed or registered facility owned, operated
and/or used by the Company Group in conjunction with the Company Group's
operation of any System or (y) requiring any System to carry a television
broadcast signal or to terminate carriage of a television broadcast signal with
which the Company Group has not complied, and (iii) except as disclosed in
Schedule 5.16(B), the Company Group has complied with all written and bona fide
requests or demands received from television broadcast stations to carry or to
terminate carriage of a television broadcast signal on a System, including,
without limitation, all retransmission consent agreements to which any member of
the Company Group is a party.
(c) The Company Group is in compliance with the applicable Cumulative
Leakage Index and Equal Employment Opportunity requirements of the FCC.
(d) The Company Group has deposited with the United States Copyright
Office all statements of account and other documents and instruments, and has
paid all such royalties, supplemental royalties, fees and other sums to the
United States Copyright Office with respect to the business and operations of
the Systems as are required under the Copyright Act to obtain, hold and maintain
the compulsory license for CATV systems prescribed in Section 111 of the
Copyright Act. The Company Group and the Systems are in material compliance with
the Copyright Act and the rules and regulations of the Copyright Office. The
Company Group and the Systems are entitled to hold and do hold the compulsory
copyright license described in Section 111 of the Copyright Act, which
compulsory copyright license is in full force and effect and has not been
revoked, canceled, encumbered or adversely affected in any manner. The carriage,
transmission or use of the Signals has not and does not subject the Systems or
any Company Group member to any
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FCC proceedings or any suits or actions, including without limitation, suits or
actions for copyright infringement.
(e) All necessary FAA and FCC approvals and registrations have been
obtained and/or filed with respect to the height and location of those towers
owned by the Company or the appropriate member of the Company Group, and those
towers are being operated in material compliance with applicable FCC and FAA
rules.
(f) There is no inquiry, claim, action or demand pending before the United
States Copyright Office or the Copyright Royalty Tribunal which questions the
copyright filings or payments made by any Company Group member with respect to
the Systems other than routine inquiries or proposed corrections. The Company
will provide Buyer with copies of any and all additional inquiries, claims,
actions or demands during the period between the date of this Agreement and the
Closing Date.
(g) Copies of all aeronautical frequency notices filed with the FCC with
respect to the Systems have been delivered to Buyer.
(h) Schedule 5.16(H) sets forth a list of all Governmental Authorities
that are certified to regulate rates of the Systems pursuant to the
Communications Act and FCC Regulations as of the date of this Agreement. Except
as set forth on Schedule 5.16(H), no rate complaints are pending with the FCC
against the Systems, no Company Group member has received any written (or to the
Company's knowledge other) notice from any Governmental Authority that it has
any obligation or liability to rollback its rates for Basic or Expanded Basic
Service or otherwise to refund to customers of the Systems any portion of the
revenue received by the Company Group from such customers (excluding revenue
with respect to deposits for converters, encoders, decoders and related
equipment and other prepaid items) that has not been resolved. The Company Group
has made a good faith effort to set its rates in accordance with applicable
statutory provisions, rules, regulations and orders and is aware of no basis for
rollbacks or refunds. The Company has delivered to Buyer complete and correct
copies of all FCC forms relating to rate regulation of the Systems filed with
any Governmental Authority, copies of all correspondence with any Governmental
Authority relating to such rate regulation and any other documentation
justifying the rates charged to customers of, or otherwise supporting an
exemption from the rate regulation provisions of the Communications Act claimed
with respect to, any of the Systems. The customer records of the Systems contain
the names, addresses and payment histories of, and services delivered to, all
Persons known by the Company to be receiving any CATV service from any member of
the Company Group with respect to the Systems.
(i) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.16(I), as of the date of this
Agreement, (i) no construction programs relating to the provision or proposed
provision of CATV service have been undertaken by any Person in any of the
Service Areas and, to the Company's knowledge, without investigation but upon
inquiry of its regional managers and as should reasonably be known to a
reasonable CATV operation, no such construction programs are proposed or
threatened to be undertaken, (ii) no franchise or other applications or requests
of any Person to provide CATV service in the Service Areas have been filed or to
the Company's knowledge are threatened or proposed; (iii) there is no other CATV
or other video services provider (excluding DBS providers) within any of the
Service Areas
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which is providing or, to the Company's knowledge, has applied for a franchise
or otherwise intends to provide CATV services or other video services (excluding
DBS services) to any of the Service Areas in competition with any of the
Systems. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.16(I), no Company Group member is a
party to any agreement restricting the ability of any Third Party to operate
CATV systems or any other video programming distribution business within any of
the Service Areas.
5.17 Transactions.
Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.17 hereto, since December 31, 1998, no
member of the Company Group has entered into any transaction outside the
ordinary course of its business, and there has not been any material change in
the manner in which the Company Group conducts its business. Since December 31,
1998, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect.
5.18 Litigation and Legal Proceedings.
Set forth on Schedule 5.18 hereto is a complete and accurate list and
description of all suits, claims, actions and administrative, arbitration or
other similar proceedings relating to the Company Group (including proceedings
concerning labor disputes or grievances, civil rights discrimination cases and
affirmative action proceedings) and all governmental investigations pending or,
to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, in each case to which any member of
the Company Group is a party, or against its properties or business, and each
judgment, order, injunction, decree or award relating to a member of the Company
Group or the Assets (whether rendered by a court or administrative agency, or by
arbitration pursuant to a grievance or other procedure) to which a member of the
Company Group is a party that is unsatisfied or requires continuing compliance
therewith (such suits, actions, claims, judgments, orders, injunctions, decrees
and awards are herein referred to as "Legal Proceedings"). To the Company's
knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances that would give rise to any
material claims against the Systems or the Assets, other than such claims as may
be applicable to the CATV industry generally. The foregoing warranty
specifically excludes matters undertaken by or pending before Congress, the FCC,
the Copyright Royalty Tribunal or any state governmental authority in any state
in which any System is located which would have applicability to CATV systems in
general but to which no Company Group member is expressly a party.
5.19 Brokers' Fees.
Neither, RT, RAM nor any member of the Company Group has employed any
broker or finder or incurred any liability for any brokerage fees, commissions
or finders' fees in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
5.20 Plans; ERISA.
(a) Existence of Plans. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Plans"
shall mean (i) all "employee benefit plans" (as such term is defined in Section
3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), of which any member of the Company Group, or any member of the same
controlled group as a member of the Company Group within the meaning of Section
4001(a)(14) of ERISA (an "ERISA
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Affiliate") is or ever was a sponsor or participating employer or as to which a
member of the Company Group or any of their ERISA Affiliates makes contributions
or is required to make contributions, and (ii) any similar employment, severance
or other arrangement or policy of any of the Company Group members or any of
their ERISA Affiliates (whether written or oral) providing for health, life,
vision or dental insurance coverage (including self-insured arrangements),
workers' compensation, disability benefits, supplemental unemployment benefits,
vacation benefits or retirement benefits, fringe benefits, or for profit
sharing, deferred compensation, bonuses, stock options, stock appreciation or
other forms of incentive compensation or post-retirement insurance, compensation
or benefits. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.20, neither a member of the
Company Group nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates maintains or sponsors
(or ever maintained or sponsored), or makes or is required to make contributions
to, any Plans. None of the Plans is or was a "multi-employer plan," as defined
in Section 3(37) of ERISA. None of the Plans is or was a "defined benefit
pension plan" within the meaning of Section 3(35) of ERISA. None of the Plans
provides or provided post-retirement medical or health benefits. None of the
Plans is or was a "welfare benefit fund," as defined in Section 419(e) of the
Code, or an organization described in Sections 501(c)(9) or 501(c)(20) of the
Code. No member of the Company Group or any ERISA Affiliate is or was a party to
any collective bargaining agreement. Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.20, no
member of the Company Group or any ERISA Affiliate has announced or otherwise
made any commitment to create or amend any Plan. Notwithstanding any statement
or indication in this Agreement to the contrary, except as disclosed on Schedule
5.20, there are no Plans which the Company will not be able to terminate
immediately after the Closing in accordance with their terms and ERISA. The
Company has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of: (i) each of the
Plans and any related funding agreements thereto (including insurance contracts)
including all amendments, all of which are legally valid and binding and in full
force and effect and there are no defaults thereunder, (ii) the currently
effective Summary Plan Description pertaining to each of the Plans, as
applicable, (iii) the three (3) most recent annual reports for each of the Plans
(including all related schedules), (iv) the most recent Internal Revenue Service
determination or opinion letter, as applicable, for each Plan which is intended
to constitute a qualified plan under Section 401 of the Code and each amendment
to each of the foregoing documents, and (v) for each unfunded Plan, financial
statements which shall fairly present the financial condition and the results of
operations of such Plan in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, as of
such dates.
(b) Penalties. To the Company's knowledge, no member of the Company Group
or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates is subject to any material
liability, tax or penalty whatsoever to any Person or agency whomsoever as a
result of engaging in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code, and no
member of the Company Group or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has any
knowledge of any circumstances which reasonably might result in any material
liability, tax or penalty, including but not limited to, a penalty under Section
502 of ERISA, as a result of a breach of any duty under ERISA or under other
applicable laws. Each Plan which is required to comply with the provisions of
Sections 4980B and 4980C of the Code, or with the requirements referred to in
Section 4980D of the Code, has complied in all material respects. No event has
occurred which could subject any Plan to tax under Section 511 of the Code.
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(c) Qualification. Each of the Plans which is intended to be a qualified
plan under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination or
opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service, and has been operated in all
material respects in accordance with its terms and with the provisions of the
Code. All of the Plans have been administered and maintained in substantial
compliance with ERISA, the Code and all other applicable laws. All contributions
required to be made to each of the Plans under the terms of that Plan, ERISA,
the Code or any other applicable laws have been timely made. Each Plan intended
to meet the requirements for tax-favored treatment under Subchapter B of Chapter
1 of the Code meet such requirements. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.20, the
Company Group members have not made any payments, are not obligated to make any
payments, and are not parties to any Contract or Plan that under certain
circumstances, considered either individually or in the aggregate, could require
any of them to make any payments, that are not deductible as a result of the
provisions set forth in Section 280G of the Code or the treasury regulations
thereunder or would result in an excise tax to the recipient of any such payment
under Section 4999 of the Code. The Audited Financial Statements and the
Unaudited Financial Statements properly reflect all amounts required to be
accrued as liabilities to date under each of the Plans. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 5.20 or as set forth in Section 13.12, the execution and performance of
this Agreement will not (i) result in any obligation or liability (with respect
to accrued benefits or otherwise) of any member of the Company Group or Buyer to
any Plan, or any present or former employee of a member of the Company Group,
(ii) be a trigger event under any Plan that will result in any payment (whether
of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due to any present or former employee,
officer, director, shareholder, contractor, or consultant, or any of their
dependents, or (iii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or increase the
amount, of compensation due to any employee, officer, director, shareholder,
contractor, or consultant of a member of the Company Group. With respect to any
insurance policy which provides, or has provided, funding for benefits under any
Plan, (I) there is and will be no liability of the any member of the Company
Group or Buyer in the nature of a retroactive or retrospective rate adjustment,
loss sharing arrangement, or actual or contingent liability as of the Closing
Date, nor would there be any such liability if such insurance policy were
terminated as of the Closing Date, and (II) no insurance company issuing any
such policy is in receivership, conservatorship, bankruptcy, liquidation, or
similar proceeding, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no such proceedings
with respect to any insurer are imminent.
(d) Litigation. Other than routine claims for benefits under the Plans,
there are no pending, or, to the best knowledge of the Company Group,
threatened, investigations, proceedings, claims, lawsuits, disputes, actions,
audits or controversies involving the Plans, or the fiduciaries, administrators,
or trustees of any of the Plans or the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their
respective ERISA Affiliates as the employer or sponsor under any Plan, with any
of the IRS, the Department of Labor, the PBGC, any participant in or beneficiary
of any Plan or any other Person whomsoever. The Company Group knows of no
reasonable basis for any such claim, lawsuit, dispute, action or controversy.
5.21 Insurance, Surety Bonds, Damages.
Set forth on Schedule 5.21 hereto is a correct list of all insurance
policies and surety bonds of the Company Group now in effect, including the
names of the insureds and their addresses. The premiums on such insurance
policies and bonds have been currently paid,
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and such policies and bonds are valid, outstanding and enforceable, in full
force and effect and insure against risks and liabilities and provide for
coverage to the extent and in a manner required of or deemed reasonably
appropriate and sufficient by the Company. The Company Group will maintain
coverage of similar kinds and amounts and will pay the premium for such coverage
through the Closing Date.
5.22 Environmental Laws.
Except as set forth in Schedule 5.22: (i) each member of the Company Group
is in material compliance with all Environmental Laws; (ii) no member of the
Company Group has received, since January 1, 1994, any order, directions or
notices relating to any release or threatened release of any Hazardous
Substance, or alleging a violation of any Environmental Law and no government
agency has submitted to any member of the Company Group any request for
information pursuant to any Environmental Law relating to the Systems; (iii) to
the best of the Company's knowledge, there are no material Environmental Permits
required under any Environmental Law in connection with the operation of the
Systems; and (iv) there has been no generation, use, treatment, disposal, or
actual or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by the Company Group or,
to the Company's knowledge (without any obligation of further investigation), by
any other party at, in, under, or about any of the real property currently or
formerly owned, leased, occupied or used by any member of the Company Group.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.22, no Company Group member has received,
since January 1, 1994, any notification pursuant to any Environmental Laws that:
(i) any work, repairs, construction or capital expenditures are required to be
made in respect of any of the Assets as a condition of continued compliance with
any Environmental Laws; or (ii) any currently held material Environmental Permit
relating to the Systems is about to be made subject to materially different
limitations or conditions, or is about to be revoked, withdrawn or terminated.
The Company has provided Buyer with complete and correct copies of all studies,
reports or surveys in the possession of RAM, RT or any Company Group member
relating to the presence or alleged presence of Hazardous Substances at, on or
affecting the Real Estate or leased or occupied real property.
5.23 No Other Commitment to Sell.
No part of the Systems or any of the Assets is directly or indirectly
subject in any manner to any written or oral commitment or any arrangement for
the sale, transfer, assignment, or disposition thereof, in whole or in part,
except (i) as provided in any of the Company's Franchises or in the general
security provisions of any of the Company's debt instruments, (ii) the sale any
Asset in the ordinary course of business which has been or will be replaced by
the Company on or before the Closing Date with a replacement Asset of equal or
greater value, or (iii) as otherwise set forth in Schedule 5.23 hereto.
5.24 Year 2000.
The Company Group has used diligent efforts to ensure that its Computer
Systems are Year 2000 Ready and that there shall be no Material Adverse Effect
on the Company by reason of the advent of the year 2000. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Company Group has (A) with respect to its own
Computer Systems, (i) initiated a review and assessment of all Computer Systems;
(ii) developed the Year 2000 Remediation Program delivered to Buyer; (iii) has
complied in all material respects with the Year 2000 Remediation
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Program delivered to Buyer, and (iv) has taken all steps to date such that it
reasonably expects to complete the Year 2000 Remediation Program by December 31,
1999, and (B) with respect to Third Party Systems, has no reason to believe,
after due inquiry, that such Third Party Systems will adversely impact the Year
2000 Readiness of the Computer Systems.
5.25 Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights.
Each member of the Company Group owns or possesses adequate licenses or
other valid rights, title and interest to use all patents, patent rights,
trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, copyrights,
service marks, trade secrets, applications for trademarks and for service marks,
know-how and other proprietary rights and information (collectively,
"Intellectual Property") used or held for use in connection with the business of
each member of the Company Group as currently conducted or as contemplated to be
conducted, except for Intellectual Property owned by the Disbursement Agent and
to be licensed to Buyer pursuant to the License. The Company is unaware of any
assertion or claim challenging the validity of any of the foregoing (or any
basis therefor). To the knowledge of the Company, the conduct of the business of
each member of the Company Group as currently conducted does not infringe,
either directly or indirectly, any patent, patent right, license, trademark,
trademark right, trade name, trade name right, service mark or copyright of any
Third Party. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no infringements of any
proprietary rights owned by or licensed by or to each member of the Company
Group. The Disbursement Agent owns all right, title and interest in the
trademarks "Cablevision Communications," "Total TV" and "Total Web," including
without limitation all intellectual property therein, which trademarks will be
licensed to the Company pursuant to the License, covering a period of 180 days
from the Closing Date.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
As an inducement to Sellers to enter into this Agreement and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby, Buyer hereby represents (as of the date of
this Agreement) and warrants as follows:
6.1 Organization.
Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the power and authority
to own and use its properties and to transact the business in which it is
engaged and to acquire the Purchased Interests pursuant to this Agreement.
6.2 Authority Relative to this Agreement.
Buyer has all necessary corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by Buyer and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly
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authorized by all necessary corporate action and no other corporate proceedings
on the part of Buyer are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly
executed and delivered by Buyer and, assuming the due authorization, execution
and delivery by the other parties hereto, constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms.
6.3 No Conflict; Required Filings and Consents.
(a) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and all other instruments
or documents executed by Buyer in connection herewith and the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby will not (i) conflict with or violate the
certificate of incorporation, or bylaws of Buyer, (ii) conflict with or violate
any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to Buyer or by
which any property or asset of Buyer is bound or affected or (iii) result in any
breach of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of
time or both would become a default) under, any Contract to which Buyer is a
party or by which Buyer or any property or asset of Buyer is bound except, in
the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), for any such conflicts, violations,
breaches, defaults or other occurrences that would not prevent or delay
consummation of the Closing, or otherwise prevent Buyer from performing its
obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Buyer does not, and
the performance of this Agreement by Buyer will not, require Buyer to obtain or
make any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or
notification to, any Governmental Authority, except (i) for applicable
requirements, if any, of (A) federal or state securities or "blue sky" laws, (B)
the Communications Act, and (C) state and local governmental authorities,
including state and local Franchise authorities, (ii) as required under the HSR
Act and (iii) where failure to obtain such consents, approvals, authorizations
or permits, or to make such filings or notifications, would not prevent or delay
consummation of the Closing or otherwise prevent Buyer from performing its
obligations under this Agreement.
6.4 Financial Capability.
Buyer has the financial ability to purchase the Purchased Interests in
accordance with terms of this Agreement. Buyer has available and will have
available as of the Closing Date funds sufficient to pay the Purchase Price in
accordance with Section 2.2.
6.5 Litigation.
There is no claim, action or proceeding pending or threatened against
Buyer of which Buyer has received notice, which if determined adversely would
prevent or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, and no judgement, order or decree has been entered nor any such
liability incurred having such effect.
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6.6 No Violation of FCC Cross Ownership Rules.
On the Closing Date, Buyer will not be in violation of any FCC
restrictions regarding the ownership of competing media and related businesses
that materially adversely affect the ability of Buyer to own the Business.
6.7 Investment Intent; Sophisticated Buyer.
Buyer (a) is an informed sophisticated entity with sufficient knowledge
and experience in investing so as to be able to evaluate the risks and merits of
its investment in securities of the Company to be acquired pursuant hereto, (b)
is financially able to bear the risks of investing in the Company, (c) has had
an opportunity to discuss the business, management and financial affairs of the
Company Group with the management of the Company Group, (d) is acquiring such
securities for its own account for the purpose of investment and not with a view
to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof, (e) understands that
(i) such securities have not been registered under the Securities Act, (ii) such
securities must be held indefinitely unless a subsequent disposition thereof is
registered under the Securities Act or is exempt from such registration, (f) has
no present need for liquidity in connection with its purchase of such
securities, (g) understands that the purchase of such securities involves a high
degree of risk, and (h) acknowledges that the purchase of such securities is
consistent with its general investment objectives.
6.8 Finders' and Brokers' Fees.
Except for the fees of Communications Equities Associates, which will be
paid solely by Buyer, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any
brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the
transaction provided for in this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on
behalf of Buyer.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
7.1 Access.
Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date, the Company
shall, and shall cause RAM, RT and each other member of the Company Group and
their respective officers and employees to, (i) give Buyer and its respective
officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financing sources and other agents
and representatives full access, during normal business hours, to all buildings,
offices, properties, plants and other facilities and to all contracts, internal
reports, data processing files and records, Federal, state, local and foreign
tax returns and records, commitments, books, records and affairs of the Company
Group, whether located on the premises of the Company or at another location;
(ii) furnish promptly to Buyer a copy of each report, schedule, registration
statement and other document filed or received by any member of the Company
Group during such period pursuant to the requirements of Federal securities laws
or regulations; (iii) permit Buyer to make such inspections as it may reasonably
require; (iv) cause its officers and employees and the other Company Group
officers and employees to furnish Buyer such financial, operating, technical and
product data and other information with respect to the business and properties
of the Company Group as Buyer from time to time may reasonably request,
including
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without limitation financial statements and schedules; (v) allow Buyer the
opportunity to interview such employees and other personnel and Affiliates of
the Company Group as they may reasonably request; and (vi) cooperate with Buyer
and its Affiliates and representatives in arranging for an orderly transition in
connection with the transfer of control of the Company; provided, however, that
no investigation pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall affect or be deemed to
modify any representation or warranty made by the Company herein. Materials
furnished to Buyer pursuant to this Section 7.1 may be used by Buyer for
strategic and integration planning purposes relating to accomplishing the
transactions contemplated hereby. Prior to the Closing, any information provided
to Buyer or its representatives pursuant to this Agreement shall be held by
Buyer and its representatives in confidence in accordance with and subject to
the terms of the Buyer Confidentiality Agreement.
7.2 Environmental Assessment.
Buyer shall have the right to commission, at Buyer's cost and expense, a
so-called "Phase I" environmental site assessment of the Company Group's assets
(a "Phase I Assessment"), provided that no such Phase I Assessment shall be
commenced more than forty-five days after the date hereof. If the Phase I
Assessment indicates that a so-called "Phase II" assessment (a "Phase II
Assessment") or other additional testing or analysis of the Real Estate or other
leased or occupied real property is advisable, then, subject to any enforceable
and reasonably nonnegotiable restrictions placed thereon by a Third Party owner
or lessor of any real property involved, Buyer may elect to cause its agents to
conduct such testing and analysis, provided, however, that to the extent
reasonably requested by the Company, (i) such testing shall be conducted under
the Company's reasonable oversight and in a manner that does not materially
interfere with the Business, and (ii) Buyer shall provide reasonable assurance
that tested property will not be damaged or, if damaged, will be repaired at
Buyer's expense. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to
comply with any reasonable request for information made by Buyer or its agents
in connection with any such investigation. The Company covenants that any
response to any such request for information will be complete and correct in all
material respects. The Company will afford Buyer and its agents access to all
operations of the Company at all reasonable times and in a reasonable manner in
connection with any such investigation subject to any reasonably required
approval of the Company's landlords, which approval the Company will use its
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain.
7.3 Interim Period Operations.
From the date hereof until the Closing, the Company shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to operate pursuant to the terms of the budget
previously provided by the Company to Buyer. The Company shall proceed with the
capital expenditure projects set forth on Schedule 7.3(A) in accordance with the
capital expenditure budget provided to Buyer. Notwithstanding anything herein to
the contrary, neither the Sellers nor the Company shall be liable to Buyer for
any delays in connection with such capital expenditure projects due to factors
outside their control including, but not limited to, weather delays, material
shortages, and labor strikes. From the date hereof until the Closing, except as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or with Buyer's prior consent, not to
be unreasonably withheld, RT, RAM and each member of the Company Group shall
carry on its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice and
use commercially
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reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organizations and material
relationships with Third Parties. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, RT, RAM and each member of the Company Group shall not without the
prior written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld:
(a) make any material capital expenditures, as determined in accordance
with GAAP, except for capital expenditures referred to in Schedule 7.3(A)
hereto;
(b) agree or commit to dispose of any material assets out of the ordinary
course of business where the proceeds of disposition or the net book value of
the relevant assets exceed $50,000;
(c) merge or consolidate with any Person, acquire any stock or other
ownership interest in any Person or, the assets of any business as an entirety ;
(d) except as required by law, adopt, amend, modify, spin-off, transfer or
assume any of the assets or liabilities of, terminate or partially terminate any
benefit plan;
(e) (i) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, (x) make any change in the compensation payable or to become payable
to any officer, director, employee, agent, Affiliate or consultant, or (y) enter
into any severance, termination or other similar agreement, (ii) enter into or
amend any employment agreement, (iii) make any loans to any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, Affiliates or consultants, (iv) make any material
change in its existing borrowing or lending arrangements for or on behalf of any
of such Persons, or (v) otherwise enter into any transactions with or make any
payment to or for any Affiliate of any member of the Company Group (other than
payment of management fees consistent with past practice), in each case whether
contingent on consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or otherwise.
Notwithstanding anything provided herein to the contrary, this Section 7.3(e)
shall not apply with respect to signing bonuses, stay put bonuses or similar
items paid directly or indirectly by Sellers (including through a resulting
adjustment to the RAP Equity Value under Section 2.4);
(f) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution other
than a cash distribution, in respect of the equity of any member of the Company
Group (other than any such dividend or distribution paid to another member of
the Company Group), or redeem or otherwise acquire any of its respective
securities;
(g) issue, sell, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell or deliver
(whether through the issuance or granting of options, warrants, commitments,
subscription, rights to purchase or otherwise) any stock of any class or any
other securities or partnership interests of any member of the Company Group or
amend any of the terms of any securities of any member of the Company Group
outstanding on the date hereof ;
(h) except as previously disclosed to Buyer, change the rates or marketing
practices applicable to any System without notifying Buyer;
(i) enter into any Contract or Contracts relating to the Business that
individually or in the aggregate call for payments, or otherwise involving
expenditures, over their terms in excess of $100,000, except in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past
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practice, and except for the renewal of any such Contract that would, but for
such renewal, terminate in accordance with its terms prior to Closing;
(j) enter into, or amend in any material respect, any Contract with @Home
or any other party providing for Internet access to the Company Group's
customers.
(k) engage in any line of business, or enter into any Contract, unrelated
to the Business;
(l) incur any debt not having market terms for bank debt and that is not
repayable without penalty or premium within six months of the Closing Date;
(m) become a guarantor or surety of any indebtedness of any other Person;
(n) take any action that could reasonably be expected to cause the
condition described in Section 9.2 to become untrue; or
(o) take, or agree in writing or otherwise to take, any of the foregoing
actions or any actions.
7.4 Delivery of Documents to Buyer.
The Company covenants that, to the extent that it has not already done so,
the Company will insofar as practicable deliver or otherwise make available to
Buyer for inspection, at the locations where RT, RAM or the Company Group
maintains such information, the following within thirty (30) days after the date
hereof, or as specifically delineated below:
(i) the Company's most recently prepared managerial reports and
customer accounting records, which shall include a customer accounts receivable
aging report summarizing, respectively, customers whose accounts are at least
one, two, and three or more Monthly Billing Periods overdue, for the last (or
then most recently concluded) regular Monthly Billing Period. The Company
further covenants to deliver to Buyer the monthly customer accounting records
within 20 days after the end of each calendar month prior to the Closing and to
deliver the managerial reports as soon as practicable.
(ii) Copies of the Additional Financial Statements as soon as
possible after completion, but in any case, within forty-five (45) days of the
end of the period covered by any such Additional Financial Statement.
(iii) Copies of such as-built engineering drawings as the Company
has in its possession for the Systems, or, if not available, such design maps
and plant drawings and as-built engineering drawings as the Company has in its
possession will be made available to Buyer for inspection and at the Closing
will be left on site at the respective System office for Buyer.
(iv) Copies of any and all bonds in force with regard to the Systems
and the Company Group.
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(v) Copies of all written Contracts and other documents listed in
the Schedules hereto, including any and all contracts in force with any union or
collective bargaining unit representing any employee of any member of the
Company Group together with a certificate of a duly authorized executive
officer, certifying that to the best of such officer's knowledge the copies so
delivered are true and complete in all material respects.
(vi) Copies of any required Registration Statements filed with the
FCC pursuant to 47 C.F.R. ss.76.12.
(vii) The Initial Notice of Identity and Signal Carriage, and all
subsequent statements of account filed with the Copyright Office within the past
three years and all Notices of Change of Identity or Signal Carriage filed
within the past three years shall be made available for inspection by Buyer or
its representatives upon reasonable notice.
(viii) Copies of radio licenses, earth station licenses and CARS
licenses.
(ix) Copies of must carry elections and retransmission consent
agreements subject to any confidentiality restrictions contained in such
agreements;
To the extent that any of the items referred to above are received or
filed after a date which is 30 days from the date hereof, the Company covenants
to deliver such items to Buyer as soon as practicable after receipt or filing.
7.5 No Impairment of Title.
From the date hereof until the Closing, no Seller shall sell, dispose of,
mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber any of the Purchased Interests, except as
required under the current terms of the Credit Facility.
7.6 No Amendment to Organizational Documents.
From the date hereof until the Closing, the Company shall not, and shall
not permit any other member of the Company Group to, amend, in any material
respect, the agreement of limited partnership, certificate of limited
partnership, certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational
documents of such entity.
7.7 Franchise Renewals; Required Consents; HSR Filings.
(a) Until the Closing, the Company shall, and shall cause each other
member of the Company Group to, timely file valid requests for renewal of the
Franchises in accordance with Section 626 of the Communications Act (47 USC ss.
546) and shall use its diligent, good faith, commercially reasonable efforts to
renew on substantially the same terms any Franchise that will expire within
thirty-six (36) months after the date hereof in accordance with its terms.
(b) The Company will use, and will cause each member of the Company Group
to use, its diligent, good faith, commercially reasonable efforts to (i) obtain
in writing, as promptly as possible and at its expense, all of the Required
Consents and any other consent, authorization or approval required to be
obtained in connection with the transactions
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contemplated by this Agreement, and deliver to Buyer copies of such Required
Consents and such other consents, authorizations or approvals promptly after
they are obtained; and (ii) give any required written notice in connection with
the transactions; provided, that the Company will afford Buyer the opportunity
to review, approve and revise the form of letter or application proposed to
request the Required Consent or the form of written notice prior to delivery to
the Third Party or the Affiliate of a party whose consent is sought or to whom
notification is required. The Company and Buyer will, and the Company will cause
each member of the Company Group to, cooperate with and assist each other in
obtaining all Required Consents and no party shall intentionally take any action
or steps or refrain from taking any action or steps where the result would
prejudice or jeopardize the obtaining of any Required Consent. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the Company and Buyer agree to attend City
Council or similar meetings and hearings before local and county administrative
bodies. If, in connection with the process of obtaining any Required Consent, a
Governmental Authority makes a bona fide claim that any amount is owed by the
franchise holder as a result of a default under, or breach of, the corresponding
Franchise by a member of the Company Group or any predecessor in interest, the
Company Group shall satisfy all outstanding monetary obligations in respect of
any such bona fide default or breach except to the extent any member of the
Company Group is contesting such claim in good faith. No member of the Company
Group will accept or agree or accede to any material modifications or amendments
to, or the imposition of any material condition to the transfer of, any of the
Franchises, FCC Licenses or Necessary Contracts that are not acceptable to
Buyer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as soon as practicable after the date of
this Agreement (and in no event more than twenty (20) business days hereafter),
Buyer will deliver to the Company, and the Company will cause each member of the
Company Group to deliver to Buyer, its portion, complete and executed, of
requests or applications for approval of the transfer of control or assignment
of the Franchises, FCC Licenses and Necessary Contracts, and as soon as
practicable thereafter (but in no event more than ten (10) business days) the
Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the appropriate Governmental
Authority, (i) a FCC Form 394 with respect to each Franchise other than to any
Governmental Authority that the parties have agreed will not initially receive
FCC Form 394; provided, that if either party subsequently requests that FCC Form
394 be completed, executed and delivered to any such Governmental Authority that
did not initially receive a FCC Form 394 with respect to any Franchise, then
each party will deliver to the other its portion, completed and executed, of
appropriate FCC Form 394, and the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, the completed FCC Form 394 to such Governmental Authority as soon as
practicable but in any event within fifteen (15) business days after a party has
made such request; and (ii) such other FCC forms as are necessary to obtain the
FCC's consent to the assignment or transfer of control of the FCC Licenses.
Without the prior consent of the other party, neither party shall agree with any
Governmental Authority to extend or to toll the time limits applicable to such
Governmental Authority's consideration of any FCC Form 394 filed with such
Governmental Authority. The foregoing notwithstanding, neither party (nor their
respective employees, agents, representatives or any other Person acting on
behalf of a party) shall be precluded from making statements or inquiries to,
attending meetings of, making presentations to, or from responding to requests
initiated by, Governmental Authorities or other Persons from which a consent is
sought, and each party shall apprise the other of all such requests.
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(c) Each of the Company and Buyer, to the extent required, shall file (or
shall cause its ultimate parent entity to file, if applicable) as soon as
practicable (but in any event within thirty (30) days) following the date of
this Agreement, the appropriate notifications required under the HSR Act in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The Company or
Buyer, as the case may be, shall promptly inform the other of any material
communication from the FCC, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of
Justice or any other Governmental Authority regarding any matter related to any
antitrust or trade regulatory laws of any Governmental Authority ("Antitrust
Laws") as they bear upon the purchase and sale of the Purchased Interests under
this Agreement. If Buyer or any member of the Company Group receives a request
for additional information or documentary material from any such Governmental
Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, such party will
endeavor in good faith and will use commercially reasonable efforts to make or
cause to be made, as soon as reasonably practicable and after consultation with
the other party, an appropriate response in compliance with such request. Buyer
and the Company shall, and shall cause their filing affiliates to, use their
respective commercially reasonable efforts to overcome any objections that may
be raised by the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice or any
other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over antitrust matters. The
Company and Buyer shall, and shall cause their respective filing affiliates to,
cooperate to prevent inconsistencies between their respective filings and
between their respective responses to all such inquiries and responses, and will
furnish to each other such necessary information and reasonable assistance as
the other may reasonably request in connection with its preparation of necessary
filings or submissions under the HSR Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
party shall be required to make any significant change in the operations or
activities of the business (or any material assets employed therein) of such
party or any of its Affiliates, if a party determines in good faith that such
change would be materially adverse to the operations or activities of the
business (or any material assets employed therein) of such party or any of its
Affiliates having significant assets, net worth or revenue. The Company and
Buyer shall split equally the applicable filing fees under the HSR Act.
7.8 Notification.
RT, RAM, each member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and Buyer, on
the other hand, shall:
(a) prior to the Closing, in the event of the occurrence of any fact or
circumstance that would cause or constitute a breach of any of its
representations and warranties set forth herein, give notice thereof to the
other party;
(b) promptly notify the other party of any material notice or other
material communication from any Governmental Authority received by it in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
7.9 Reasonable Efforts; Additional Actions.
Buyer, the Company and, with respect to Sections 9.1, 9.2, and 9.5, each
Seller (as to those matters reasonably within such Seller's control), shall use,
and the Company shall cause each member of the Company Group to use,
commercially reasonable efforts to cause
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all conditions in Articles VIII, IX and X to be satisfied and the Closing
contemplated hereby to occur. Buyer and each Seller that is a party to the
InterLink Agreement (or that controls a party to the InterLink Agreement), to
the extent within such Seller's control, shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to cause the transactions contemplated by the InterLink Agreement to be
consummated. Without limiting the foregoing, subject to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement, (i) Buyer, the Company and (as to those matters reasonably
within such Seller's control) each Seller shall use, and the Company shall cause
each member of the Company Group to use, all reasonable efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things
necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations, or to
remove any injunctions or other impediments or delays, and to consummate the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) in any vote of the
Company's limited partners necessary to authorize any action contemplated
hereby, including without limitation the restructurings described in Section
7.11. Sellers agree to vote their Purchased Interests in favor of such action.
In case at any time after the Effective Time any further action is necessary or
desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or to vest Buyer with full
title in and to the Purchased Interests and all properties, assets, rights,
approvals, immunities and Franchises of the Company Group, Sellers and the
proper officers, members, partners and directors of each Person that is a party
to this Agreement shall take all such necessary action.
7.10 Tax Matters.
(a) Cooperation on Tax Matters.
(i) Buyer and Sellers shall reasonably cooperate in connection with
the preparation and filing of any Tax Return with respect to members of the
Company Group.
(ii) Buyer and Sellers further agree, upon request, to use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other document from
any Governmental Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate,
reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed (including Taxes with respect
to the transactions contemplated hereby).
(iii) Buyer and the Company, on one hand, and Sellers, on the other
hand, agree that if any of them receives any notice of an audit or examination
from any Governmental Authority with respect to Taxes of any Company Group
member for any taxable period or portion thereof ending on or prior to the
Closing Date, then the recipient of such notice shall, within three (3) business
days of the receipt thereof, notify and provide copies of such notice to the
other party, as the case may be, in accordance with the notice provisions of
Section 13.13.
(iv) The Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers) shall prepare and
file all federal and state income tax returns of the Company for all periods
ending on or prior to the Closing Date, and Buyer agrees to cause the Company to
execute each such return, except as provided below in this paragraph. The
Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers) shall cause each such return to be
prepared and, together with all related work papers, delivered to Buyer for
review at least 15 business days prior to the due date for filing of such
return. Such returns shall be prepared in accordance with assumptions and
practices for returns filed
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by the Company in recent years with respect to the timing of income, deductions,
gains and losses to the extent that such assumptions and practices affect the
inclusion of such items in pre-Closing versus post-Closing taxable periods. If
Buyer (x) reasonably determines that any such return does not comply with the
previous sentence, or that the execution of any such return would likely subject
the Company or the Person executing the return on behalf of the Company to civil
or criminal penalties, and (y) within five business days after receipt of such
return, provides written notice of such determination and the specific reasons
for such determination to the Disbursement Agent, then such return shall be
forwarded to the Neutral Accounting Firm for review. The Neutral Accounting Firm
shall report its conclusions to the Disbursement Agent and Buyer within seven
business days after receipt of such return indicating whether it concurs with
all or part of Buyer's determination and, if so, specifying the changes to such
return needed to comply with the requirements of this paragraph and to avoid
civil or criminal penalties. Buyer shall cause the Company to promptly execute
such return without any changes thereto (if the Neutral Accounting Firm does not
indicate that changes are needed) or with the changes specified by the Neutral
Accounting Firm (if the Neutral Accounting Firm indicates that changes are
needed). The conclusions of the Neutral Accounting Firm shall be conclusive and
binding on all parties to this Agreement and shall not be subject to dispute or
review. The cost of retaining the Neutral Accounting Firm to review any return
shall be borne 50% by the Disbursement Agent (on behalf of the Sellers) and 50%
by Buyer.
(b) Section 754 Elections; Allocation of Purchase Price.
(i) To the extent not already in effect, each Company Group member
that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes shall timely
file an election under Section 754 of the Code so that such entities shall be
able to adjust the tax basis of their assets (collectively, the "Partnership
Assets") under Section 743(b) of the Code as a result of the transactions
contemplated herein.
(ii) The aggregate amount described in the penultimate sentence of
Section 2.3 shall be allocated among the Partnership Assets in an allocation
agreement (the "Allocation Agreement") to be prepared in accordance with Section
2.3 hereof and the rules under Sections 743(b), 751, 755 and 1060 of the Code.
Buyer shall deliver a draft of the Allocation Agreement to the Company at least
thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date for approval and consent, and Buyer
and the Company shall mutually agree upon the Allocation Agreement prior to the
Closing Date. Neither Buyer nor the Company shall unreasonably withhold its
approval and consent with respect to the Allocation Agreement. Buyer and Sellers
agree that the Allocation Agreement shall be amended to reflect any post-Closing
adjustments determined under Section 2.4 of this Agreement. Unless otherwise
required by applicable law, Buyer, Sellers and the Company Group agree to act,
and cause their respective affiliates to act, in accordance with the
computations and allocations contained in the Allocation Agreement in any
relevant Tax Returns or similar filings (including any forms or reports required
to be filed pursuant to Section 1060 of the Code ("1060 Forms")), to cooperate
in the preparation of any 1060 Forms, to file such 1060 Forms in the manner
required by applicable law and to not take any position inconsistent with such
Allocation Agreement upon examination of any tax refund or refund claim, in any
litigation or otherwise.
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(c) Certain Taxes. All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp,
registration and other such Taxes and fees (including any penalties and interest
but excluding any income tax) incurred in connection with the transactions
consummated pursuant to this Agreement shall be borne equally by Buyer and the
Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers). If and to the extent that such Taxes
and fees are included in current liabilities pursuant to Section 2.4, Seller's
share of such Taxes and fees shall be paid by the Company Group. Buyer and
Sellers will cooperate in all reasonable respects to prepare and file all
necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such transfer,
documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration and other Taxes and fees.
(d) Tax Elections. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company
and each Company Group Member shall not without the prior written consent of the
Buyer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) make, or cause or
permit to be made, any Tax election that would bind the Company or Buyer in any
material respect.
(e) Contests.
(i) In the case of an audit or administrative proceeding that
relates to taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date with respect to
any income Tax Return of the Company, Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers)
shall assume, defend and control the conduct of such audit or proceeding. In the
event that issues relating to a potential adjustment are required to be dealt
with in the same proceeding as separate issues relating to a potential
adjustment for which the Buyer would be liable, Buyer shall have the right, at
its expense, to control the audit or proceeding with respect to the latter
issues.
(ii) Buyer shall not enter into any compromise or agree to settle
any claim pursuant to any Tax audit or proceeding which would bind the Company
for any pre-Closing period without the written consent of the Disbursement
Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Sellers
shall not enter into any compromise or agree to settle any claim pursuant to any
Tax audit or proceeding which would bind the Company or Buyer for any
post-Closing period without the written consent of Buyer, which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Buyer and Sellers agree to cooperate,
and Buyer agrees to cause the Company Group to cooperate, in the defense against
or compromise of any claim in any audit or proceeding, at the expense (excluding
general and administrative expenses) of the defending party.
(iii) The members of the Company Group shall not take a position on
any Tax Return with respect to such entity's federal tax status (i.e.,
partnership, S corporation or C corporation) different than that which such
entity reported on its 1997 federal Tax Returns.
7.11 Restructuring.
The Company agrees to cooperate, and to cause each member of the Company
Group to cooperate, with Buyer, at Buyer's cost and expense (other than general
and administrative expenses), prior to the Effective Time in restructuring the
legal form or ownership of any member of the Company Group, changing the form of
equity ownership of any member of the Group, permitting Buyer or any of its
Affiliates to purchase interests in,
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or assets of, Subsidiaries of the Company from either the Company or a
Subsidiary of the Company or effecting other restructurings of the transactions
contemplated herein; provided, however, that such cooperation may be withheld if
and to the extent the Company reasonably determines that such cooperation would
likely have an adverse effect (including, without limitation, with respect to
Taxes, but excluding any effect for which Buyer agrees to provide reasonable
compensation) on (i) the Company or InterLink (unless all conditions to Closing
under Articles VIII, IX and X have or will be satisfied or waived prior to the
effective time of any proposed restructurings and such restructurings would be
effected on the Closing Date), (ii) any of the Sellers or InterLink Sellers or
(iii) any of the direct or indirect owners of the Sellers or InterLink Sellers.
7.12 Year 2000 Remediation Program.
The Company shall, and shall cause RAM, RT and each other member of the
Company Group and their respective officers and employees to: (i) until the
Closing Date, use diligent, commercially reasonable efforts to implement the
Year 2000 Remediation Program by the Closing Date, (ii) assist and cooperate
with Buyer in the refinement and implementation of the Year 2000 Remediation
Program, (iii) assist and cooperate with Buyer in developing and implementing
plans for Buyer to continue the Year 2000 Remediation Program after the Closing
Date, and (iv) implement all solutions identified as reasonably necessary to
members of the Company Group by vendors, distributors and manufacturers of the
Computer Systems and Third Party Systems in order to ensure Year 2000 Readiness,
except for those solutions that the vendor cannot provide by the Closing Date.
7.13 Exculpation and Indemnification.
Buyer shall ensure that the Company's obligations provided for in Section
13 of the Company's Partnership Agreement, with respect to the indemnification
of RAM, the limited partners of the Company, the members of the Company's
Advisory Committee, and any of their respective partners and Affiliates (the
"Indemnification Provisions") shall continue in effect, and shall not be amended
or eliminated, for a period of at least five years following the Closing Date.
During such five year period, neither the Buyer nor any of its successors or
assigns shall permit any other Person to acquire effective control of the
Company unless (i)such Person undertakes that it will not permit the
Indemnification Provisions to be amended or eliminated during such period or
(ii) Buyer assumes such obligations during such period. Neither the Company nor
any of its successors or assigns will transfer all or the majority of its assets
to any one or more Persons in a single transaction or series of related
transactions (including but not limited to any transfer in connection with the
liquidation or termination of the Company or any merger or consolidation
involving the Company), unless either Buyer or such transferee agrees to assume
and be responsible for the obligations of the Company under the Indemnification
Provisions during the five year period commencing on the Closing Date. At the
Closing, Buyer will assume the obligations of Sellers under the Company's
Partnership Agreement.
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7.14 Credit Facility; Senior Subordinated Notes.
The Company, upon Buyer's request and with Buyer's assistance, will use
commercially reasonable efforts, at Buyer's expense, to obtain any consents of
lenders under the Credit Facility that are necessary to permit the Company to
keep the Credit Facility in place following the Closing. Following the Closing,
Buyer will comply with the terms of the Credit Facility and the Indenture,
including, but not limited to, the giving of any required notice of change of
control of the Company and offer to repurchase to each holder of the Senior
Subordinated Notes within 30 days of the Closing Date, in accordance with the
terms of the Senior Subordinated Notes. If the Credit Facility is required to be
prepaid, Buyer agrees to do so at the Closing.
7.15 Admission of Buyer as a Substitute Limited Partner.
Each party will take such action as is required on its part pursuant to
the Company's Partnership Agreement in order that, upon the Closing, Buyer will
be admitted as a Substitute Limited Partner (as defined in the Company's
Partnership Agreement) under the provisions of the Company Partnership
Agreement.
7.16 Publicity.
Except as required by applicable law, prior to the Closing (i) the Company
and Buyer shall consult with and cooperate with the other prior to the Closing
Date with respect to the content and timing of all press releases and other
public announcements concerning this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby and (ii) neither the Company nor Buyer shall make any such release or
announcement without the prior written consent and approval of the other, which
consent and approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. After the Closing Date,
except as required by applicable law, (i) Disbursement Agent and Buyer shall
consult with and cooperate with the other with respect to the content and timing
of all press releases and other public announcements concerning this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) neither Disbursement Agent nor
Buyer shall make any such release or announcement without the prior written
consent and approval of the other, which consent and approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
7.17 Services Provided by and to Alliance.
At the Closing, the Company will execute and deliver, and will cause
Alliance Communications, LLC to execute and deliver, a Services Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.17 (the "Services Agreement").
ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF ALL PARTIES
The obligations of each of the parties to consummate the transaction
contemplated hereby are subject to the conditions that:
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8.1 Orders Prohibiting Consummation of Transactions.
At the Closing Date, there shall exist no applicable law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment or injunction the effect of which is to prohibit
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any
rule, regulation or order relating to Franchises, which shall be governed by
Section 9.8 hereof.
8.2 HSR Act.
All necessary pre-merger notification filings required under the HSR Act
will have been made with the Federal Trade Commission and the United States
Department of Justice and the prescribed waiting periods (and any extensions
thereof) will have expired or been terminated.
ARTICLE IX
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO BUYER'S OBLIGATIONS
All obligations of Buyer under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment (or waiver in whole or in part by Buyer in writing) on or before the
Closing Date (or such earlier date as may be specified), of each of the
following conditions:
9.1 Compliance with Agreement.
The Company and Sellers shall have performed and complied in all material
respects with all of their obligations under this Agreement to be performed by
them at or prior to Closing and there shall be no material uncured default of
the Company or Sellers under any term of this Agreement. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, all Purchased Interests shall have been tendered
for sale to Buyer, using instruments of conveyance in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, accompanied by all certificates, if any exist,
representing certificated Purchased Interests.
9.2 Correctness of Representations and Warranties.
Each of the representations and warranties of the Company and Sellers set
forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects on the Closing
Date (without giving effect to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect
qualifiers set forth therein) with the same force and effect as if such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except to
the extent such representations and warranties expressly speak as of an earlier
date (other than the general qualifiers in the lead in to Articles IV, V and
VI)), except for such failures to be true and correct that would not in the
aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.
9.3 No Adverse Change in Business or Properties.
Since December 31, 1998, there shall not have been a Material Adverse
Effect.
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9.4 Certificate of Officer.
The Company shall deliver to Buyer a certificate of an authorized
executive officer of RT dated the Closing Date, certifying as to the fulfillment
of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 above, together with a
certified authorizing resolution and incumbency certificate.
9.5 Proceedings and Documents.
All Company Group and Seller corporate and other proceedings, taken in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents incident
thereto shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer and its
counsel.
9.6 Opinion of Counsel.
Buyer shall have received from Baker & Hostetler LLP, a favorable opinion
of such counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of
Exhibit 9.6 hereto.
9.7 Opinion of FCC Counsel.
Buyer shall have received from Seller's FCC counsel, Cole, Raywid, &
Braverman LLP, a favorable opinion of such counsel, dated as of the Closing
Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit 9.7 hereto.
9.8 Consents.
All consents, waivers, approvals or authorizations of franchisors,
Governmental Authorities and other Third Parties that are Required Consents in
connection with the change of control of the Company to Buyer and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained in
substantially the form set forth in Exhibit 9.8 hereto, and the Company shall
have delivered to Buyer copies of all such consents and approvals so obtained;
provided, however, that with respect to Franchise approvals, this condition
shall have been deemed to have been met if the Franchises with respect to which
such consents, waivers, approvals or authorizations which have not been obtained
do not cover more than five percent (5%) of the customers of the Company Group,
taken as a whole.
9.9 Purchase of Interests under InterLink Agreement.
The transactions contemplated by the InterLink Agreement shall have been
consummated, or will be consummated simultaneously with the transactions
contemplated hereunder.
9.10 Services Agreement.
Alliance Communications, LLC shall have executed and delivered the
Services Agreement.
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ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO SELLERS' OBLIGATIONS
All obligations of Sellers under this Agreement are subject to fulfillment
(or waiver in whole or in part by Sellers in writing) on or before the Closing
Date (or such earlier date as may be specified) of each of the following
conditions:
10.1 Correctness of Representations and Warranties.
Each of the representations and warranties of Buyer set forth in this
Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects on the Closing Date (without
giving effect to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth
therein) with the same force and effect as if such representations and
warranties had been made on and as of such date (except to the extent such
representations and warranties specifically speak as of an earlier date), except
for such failures to be true and correct that would not in the aggregate
materially impair Buyer's ability to perform its obligations hereunder or
subject any Seller to any material liability or loss of benefit.
10.2 Compliance with Agreement.
Buyer shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
of its obligations under this Agreement to be performed by it at or prior to
Closing and there shall be no material uncured default of the Buyer under any
term of this Agreement.
10.3 Certificate of Officer.
Buyer shall have delivered to Sellers a certificate of an executive
officer dated the Closing Date, certifying as to the fulfillment of the
conditions set forth in Sections 10.1 and 10.2 above, together with a certified
authorizing resolution and incumbency certificate.
10.4 Proceedings and Documents.
All Buyer corporate and other proceedings taken in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby and all documents incident thereto shall be
reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Disbursement Agent, the
Company and the Company's counsel.
10.5 Opinion of Counsel.
Seller shall have received from Buyer's counsel, Irell & Manella LLP, a
favorable opinion of such counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially
in the form of Exhibit 10.5 hereto.
10.6 Sale of Interests under InterLink Agreement.
Buyer and the InterLink Sellers shall have consummated, or will
simultaneously consummate, the transactions contemplated by the InterLink
Agreement, except that this condition shall not apply if one or more InterLink
Sellers have failed to deliver their interests in breach of the InterLink
Agreement and Buyer and the remaining InterLink
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Sellers have consummated, or will simultaneously consummate, the transactions
contemplated thereby.
10.7 Services Agreement.
Buyer shall have executed and delivered the Services Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
RIGHTS TO TERMINATE; BREACH
11.1 Termination.
(a) This Agreement may be terminated prior to the Closing:
(i) at any time by mutual consent of the Disbursement Agent (on
behalf of Sellers) and Buyer;
(ii) by either the Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers) or
Buyer by written notice to the other, if the Closing has not occurred on or
prior to December 31, 1999 (the "Outside Date"); provided further that (x) Buyer
shall only be permitted to terminate this Agreement under this paragraph (ii) if
Buyer is not in material breach of this Agreement or the InterLink Agreement and
no prior breach of either such agreement by Buyer has materially contributed to
the delay in the consummation of the Closing, and (y) the Disbursement Agent (on
behalf of Sellers) shall only be permitted to terminate this Agreement under
this paragraph (ii) if the Company, InterLink, the Sellers and the InterLink
Sellers are not in material breach of this Agreement or the InterLink Agreement
and no prior breach of either such agreement by any such Person has materially
contributed to the delay in the consummation of the Closing;
(iii) by Buyer, upon a breach of one or more representations or
warranties of Company or Sellers herein (without giving effect to the
materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth therein) such as
would, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, or upon any material
breach of any covenant or agreement on the part of the Company or any Seller set
forth in this Agreement, in each case that has not been cured within 30 days
following receipt by the Company of written notice of such breach;
(iv) by the Disbursement Agent (on behalf of Sellers), upon a breach
of one or more representations or warranties of Buyer herein (without giving
effect to the materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers set forth
therein) such as would, in the aggregate, materially impair Buyer's ability to
perform its obligations hereunder or subject any Seller to any material
liability or loss of benefit, or upon any material breach of any covenant or
agreement on the part of Buyer set forth in this Agreement, in each case that
has not been cured within 30 days following receipt by Buyer of written notice
of such breach.
(b) In the event either the Disbursement Agent or Buyer shall terminate
this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1(a), the terminating party shall give
prompt written notice thereof to the other parties hereto, and this Agreement
shall thereupon terminate, without further action by any of the parties hereto.
If the Agreement is terminated as provided herein:
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(i) except as otherwise provided herein, the termination of this
Agreement shall not relieve any party of any liability for breach of this
Agreement prior to the date of termination; and
(ii) all filings, applications and other submissions relating to the
assignment of the Purchased Interests made pursuant to this Agreement shall, to
the extent practicable, be withdrawn from the agency or other Person to which
made.
ARTICLE XII
[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 Seller Liability Several and not Joint.
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the obligations of the Sellers under
this Agreement are several and not joint. Wherever this Agreement refers to the
several liability of the Sellers or a Seller's "pro rata portion" of any amount,
such liability or portion shall be determined based on the respective percentage
interest of such Seller in the RAP Equity Value set forth on the Purchase Price
Allocation Schedule. Wherever this Agreement refers to the several liability of
the InterLink Sellers or an InterLink Seller's "pro rata portion" of any amount,
such liability or portion shall be determined based on the respective indirect
percentage interest in the RAP Equity Value of such InterLink Seller set forth
in the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule.
13.2 Appointment of Sellers' Representative.
Each of Sellers hereby irrevocably appoints Disbursement Agent as the
agent and attorney-in-fact of such Seller, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution to do such things and to take such actions (including without
limitation to execute on such Seller's behalf the Closing Escrow Agreement
regarding Buyer's retention of a portion of the Indemnity Fund in certain
circumstances) in the name and on behalf of such Seller, as this Agreement
provides may be done or taken on behalf of Sellers. Each of Sellers acknowledges
and agrees that this appointment and power of attorney is irrevocable during the
term of this Agreement and is coupled with an interest. Each of Sellers hereby
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Disbursement Agent for all actions or
inactions of Disbursement Agent taken or not taken in good faith in connection
with, and permitted under, this Agreement.
13.3 Expenses.
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party shall pay its
own expenses, taxes and other costs incident to or resulting from this Agreement
whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated. Buyer's
costs include, but are not limited to, fees for the filing or recording of
instruments of transfer. The Sellers and Buyer shall each pay one-half of any
sales or use tax arising out of or resulting from this
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Agreement, with the Sellers' portion being paid pro rata in accordance with the
percentages indicated on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule.
13.4 Knowledge.
For purposes of this Agreement, the Company shall be deemed to have
knowledge of and be aware of all facts, circumstances and information of which
Monroe M. Rifkin, Kevin B. Allen, Jeffrey D. Bennis, Dale D. Wagner, Peter N.
Smith and Paul Bambei have knowledge or are aware.
13.5 Assignment.
Neither this Agreement, nor any right hereunder, may be assigned by any of
the parties hereto, except that at any time, Buyer may (upon at least seven (7)
days prior written notice to the Company) at any time prior to the first filing
of Forms 394 with franchisors, assign all of its rights hereunder to an entity
owned and controlled by Paul G. Allen, provided, that, notwithstanding any such
assignment, Buyer shall (with such entity) be and remain liable to Sellers for
the performance and fulfillment of all of Buyer's covenants, duties and
obligations hereunder.
13.6 Successors.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Buyer and
its heirs, successors or assigns, and Sellers and their respective heirs,
successors or permitted assigns, subject in all respects to Section 13.5 hereof.
13.7 Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, constitutes
the entire agreement of the parties, and supersedes all prior documents,
agreements (including, without limitation, that certain letter of intent between
the Company and Buyer dated February 8, 1999), promises, covenants,
arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or
written, by or on behalf of either party hereto or any officer, employee,
representative or agent of either party hereto.
13.8 Third Parties.
Except as specifically set forth or referred to herein, nothing herein
expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give to
any Person, other than the parties hereto and their permitted successors or
assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.
13.9 Amendments in Writing.
The terms of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived except
by written agreement among the parties. The failure of any party to enforce any
right arising under this Agreement on one or more occasions will not operate as
a waiver of that or any other right on that or any other occasion.
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13.10 Governing Law.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the
laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of laws
provisions thereof.
13.11 Interpretation.
The headings of the Articles and Sections of this Agreement are inserted
for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof or
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Each of the
parties hereto acknowledges that it has actively participated in the
preparation, drafting and review of this Agreement, and each party hereby waives
any claim that this Agreement or any provision hereof (or any Exhibit or
Schedule hereto) is to be construed against the other party hereto as the
draftsperson thereof.
13.12 Certain Provisions Relating to R&A Management LLC's 401(k) Plan.
(a) As of the Closing Date, the Company or any Affiliate thereof shall
cause the account balances in the Rifkin & Associates, Inc. 401(k) Retirement
Savings Plan, a plan qualified and exempt under Sections 401(a), 401(k) and
501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Company's 401(k)
Plan") of all participants who continue to be employees of the Company after the
Closing Date ("Continuing Employees") to become fully vested and nonforfeitable.
Each Continuing Employee's period of service with Company or its Affiliates
before the Closing shall be counted in determining eligibility for, and vesting
of, benefits under each employee benefit plan maintained or sponsored by the
Company, Buyer or their Affiliates after the Closing, or to which the Company,
Buyer or their Affiliates contribute after the Closing. Each Continuing Employee
shall be covered as of the Closing under any employee benefit plan maintained or
sponsored by the Company, Buyer or their Affiliates, or to which the Company,
Buyer, or their Affiliates contribute, providing health care benefits (whether
or not through insurance) without regard to any waiting period or any condition
or exclusion based on any pre-existing conditions, medical history, claims
experience, evidence of insurability, or genetic factors. After the Closing, R&A
Management, LLC and its Affiliates will continue to provide continuation
coverage under Section 4980B of the Code to "qualified beneficiaries" who had
"qualifying events" (as such terms are defined in Section 4980B of the Code) on
or before the Closing Date.
(b) As soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing Date, an
amount in cash equal to the aggregate value of the account balances in the
Company's 401(k) Plan attributable to Continuing Employees, which account
balances shall include any employer matching contributions in respect of
employee contributions made prior to the Closing Date and shall be valued, to
the extent administratively feasible, so as to include earnings and losses to a
date not more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of transfer, will be
transferred to the Charter Communications, Inc. 401(k) Plan (the "Charter
Plan"), along with corresponding liabilities to Persons entitled to payment of
benefits pursuant to the terms of Company's 401(k) Plan; provided, however, that
Buyer shall have no obligation to cause the Charter Plan to accept such a
transfer if such a transfer (i) would violate Section 414(l) of the Code, (ii)
could not be accomplished unless the Charter Plan were amended to provide any
form of benefit distribution not available as of the Closing Date under the
Charter Plan,
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<PAGE> 58
or (iii) would not be commercially reasonable or administratively practicable.
After the aforesaid transfer of account balances, the payment of benefits under
Charter Plan for Continuing Employees shall be the sole responsibility of Buyer
or any Affiliate thereof, and Buyer acknowledges and warrants to the Company
that neither it nor any Affiliate thereof shall have any responsibility or
obligation whatsoever therefor.
(c) As soon as reasonably practicable following the later of the Closing
Date or the date of the receipt by the Rifkin & Associates, Inc. Et Al Defined
Contribution Transfer Plan (the "Rifkin Transfer Plan") of a favorable
determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, Charter shall establish
a plan similar to the Rifkin Transfer Plan (the "Charter Transfer Plan"), and an
amount in cash equal to the aggregate value of the account balances in the
Rifkin Transfer Plan attributable to Continuing Employees, which account
balances shall be valued, to the extent administratively feasible, so as to
include earnings and losses to a date not more than thirty (30) days prior to
the date of transfer, will be transferred to the Charter Transfer Plan, along
with corresponding liabilities to Persons entitled to payment of benefits
pursuant to the terms of the Rifkin Transfer Plan. After the aforesaid transfer
of account balances, the payment of benefits under the Charter Transfer Plan for
Continuing Employees shall be the sole responsibility of Buyer or any Affiliate
thereof, and Buyer acknowledges and warrants to the Company that neither it nor
any Affiliate thereof shall have any responsibility or obligation whatsoever
therefor.
13.13 Notices.
All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been
delivered on the date of the first attempted delivery by (i) the United States
Postal Service, unless otherwise provided herein, to the respective party if
mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, or (ii) a reputable
overnight delivery service, to the respective party at its address set forth
below or such other address as either party may designate to the other by
written notice in accordance herewith:
If to Sellers:
R&A Management, LLC
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
Attention: Kevin B. Allen
Telecopy: (303) 322-3553
with a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself shall not
constitute notice) to:
Stuart G. Rifkin, Esq.
Baker & Hostetler
303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 1100
Denver, Colorado 80110
Telecopy: (303) 861-7805
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<PAGE> 59
If to Buyer:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent, President
Telecopy: (314) 965-8793
with a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself shall not
constitute notice) to:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Curtis S. Shaw, Esq.
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Telecopy: (314) 965-8793
and to:
Irell & Manella LLP
1800 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 900
Los Angeles, California 90067
Attention: Alvin G. Segel, Esq.
Telecopy: (310) 203-7199
13.14 Severability.
Any provision hereof which is prohibited or unenforceable shall be
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.
13.15 Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and each
executed copy shall constitute an original.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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<PAGE> 60
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunto have duly executed this
Agreement.
BUYER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Curtis S. Shaw
________________________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
COMPANY:
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
By: Rifkin Acquisition Management, L.P., its General Partner
By: RT Investments Corp., its General Partner
By: /s/ Kevin B. Allen
________________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
DISBURSEMENT AGENT:
R&A MANAGEMENT, LLC
By: Rifkin & Associates, Inc., its Manager
By: /s/ Kevin B. Allen
________________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Chief Executive Officer
[SIGNATURES CONTINUE ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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<PAGE> 61
SELLERS:
RIFKIN ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, L.P.,
By: RT INVESTMENTS CORP., its General Partner
By: /s/ Kevin B. Allen
________________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
VS&A COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: VS&A EQUITIES II, L.P.
its General Partner
By: /s/ S. Gerard Benford
________________________________________
S. Gerard Benford, a General Partner
VS&A-RAP, INC.
By: /s/ S. Gerard Benford
________________________________________
S. Gerard Benford, Vice President
GREENWICH STREET (RAP) PARTNERS I, L.P.
By: GSP RAP (GP) ACQUISITION, LLC, its General Partner
By: INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP,
its Sole Member
By: Rifkin, Co., its General Partner
By: /s/ Kevin B. Allen
________________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
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<PAGE> 62
IEP HOLDINGS I LLC
By: HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS, L.P. I
By: LEXINGTON PARTNERS, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: LEXINGTON PARTNERS, INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ David H. Morse
________________________________________
David H. Morse, Vice President
PAINEWEBBER CAPITAL INC.
By: /s/ Dhananjay Pai
________________________________________
Dhananjay Pai, President
PW PARTNERS 1995, L.P.
By: PAINEWEBBER PARTNERS II INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ Dhananjay Pai
________________________________________
Dhananjay Pai, Vice President
RIFKIN CHILDREN'S TRUST
By: /s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
________________________________________
Monroe M. Rifkin, Co-Trustee
RIFKIN CHILDREN TRUST-II
By: /s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
________________________________________
Monroe M. Rifkin, Co-Trustee
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<PAGE> 63
RIFKIN CHILDREN'S TRUST III
By: /s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, Co-Trustee
360 GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Dale D. Wagner
---------------------------------------
Dale D. Wagner, Treasurer
RIFKIN FAMILY INVESTMENT COMPANY, L.L.L.P.
By: its General Partners
/s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Stuart G. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Stuart G. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Bruce A. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Bruce A. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Ruth R. Bennis
---------------------------------------
Ruth R. Bennis, General Partner
/s/ Charles R. Morris, III
---------------------------------------
CHARLES R. MORRIS, III
/s/ Jeffrey D. Bennis
---------------------------------------
JEFFREY D. BENNIS
/s/ Stephen E. Hattrup
---------------------------------------
STEPHEN E. HATTRUP
/s/ Dale D. Wagner
---------------------------------------
DALE D. WAGNER
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<PAGE> 64
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1.75 Form of RAP Indemnity Agreement
Exhibit 2.5 Form of Closing Escrow Agreement
Exhibit 7.17 Form of Services Agreement
Exhibit 9.6 Form of Seller's Counsel Opinion
Exhibit 9.7 Form of Seller's FCC Counsel Opinion
Exhibit 9.8 Form of Consent or Approval to Change of Control
Exhibit 10.5 Form of Buyer's Opinion of Counsel
INDEX OF SCHEDULES
Schedule Title
- -------- -----
1.1(A) Slow Pay Bulk Accounts
1.1(B) Description of Systems
1.1(C) Vehicles
2.1 Purchased Interests
4.3 Sellers' Required Consents
5.1(B) Company Group
5.3 Company's Required Consents
5.6 Financial Statements
5.8 Taxes
5.9(A) Franchises and CATV Service Areas
5.9(B) Necessary Contracts and FCC Licenses
5.9(C) Unfulfilled Commitments Under Franchises and
Necessary Contracts
5.10(A) Material Agreements
5.11(A) Systems' Capacity, Customers and Rates
5.11(B) Unfiled or Untimely Filed Reports
5.12 Labor Matters
5.13 Absence of Certain Developments
5.14 Real Estate
5.16(B) Carriage Noncompliance
5.16(H) Rate Regulating Governmental Authorities
5.16(I) Overbuild and Franchise Competition
5.17 Transactions Outside of Ordinary Course of
Business
5.18 Litigation
5.20 Retirement Plans
5.21 Insurance Policies and Surety Bonds
5.22 Noncompliance with Environmental Laws
5.23 Sale Commitments
7.3(A) Capital Expenditure Projects
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<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.7(c)
RAP INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
THIS RAP INDEMNITY AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of April 26, 1999
(this "Agreement"), by and among the persons listed on the signature pages
hereto as of the date hereof under the heading "Sellers" (collectively, the
"Sellers"), all of the sellers (collectively, the "InterLink Sellers") under the
InterLink Purchase and Sale Agreement (as defined below), and Charter
Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Buyer").
RECITALS:
A. The Sellers collectively own all of the outstanding partnership
interests in Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., a Colorado registered
limited liability limited partnership (the "Company"), with the exception of a
limited partnership interest owned indirectly by InterLink.
B. Pursuant to that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, by and among the Sellers, the Company, and the Buyer (the "RAP
Purchase and Sale Agreement"), the Buyer is purchasing the partnership interests
that the Sellers own in the Company.
C. Pursuant to that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the
date hereof, by and among of InterLink Communications Partners LLLP, a Colorado
registered limited liability limited partnership ("InterLink"), the InterLink
Sellers, and the Buyer (the "InterLink Purchase and Sale Agreement"), the Buyer
is purchasing general and limited partnership interests in InterLink and, as a
result, will indirectly acquire the limited partnership interest InterLink owns
indirectly in the Company.
D. The parties desire to enter into this Agreement in connection with the
closings under the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement and the InterLink Purchase
and Sale Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Defined Terms. Terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have
the respective meanings assigned to them in the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement.
2. Indemnification. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the
parties hereto agree to provide the following indemnification:
2.1 Indemnification by the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers With
Respect to the Company. From and after the Closing, subject to Section 2.1 (a),
(b), and (c) below, the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers shall severally, and
not jointly, indemnify the Buyer against and hold it harmless from any and all
Indemnifiable Damages which the Buyer may suffer or incur by reason of (i) the
Company's breach of any of the Company's representations and warranties
contained in the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement or any document, certificate,
or agreement
<PAGE> 2
delivered by the Company pursuant thereto; or (ii) the Company's breach prior to
the Closing of any of the Company's covenants or agreements contained in the RAP
Purchase and Sale Agreement or any document, certificate, or agreement delivered
by the Company pursuant thereto. However, notwithstanding anything contained in
this Agreement or the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement to the contrary, if the
Buyer makes any claim for damages, the Buyer will use reasonable efforts to
mitigate the amount and nature thereof in accordance with customary industry
maintenance procedures. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
foregoing obligation of the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers to indemnify the
Buyer shall be subject to and limited by each of the following qualifications:
(a) All representations and warranties made by the Company in the
RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement (or any document, certificate, or agreement
delivered pursuant thereto) shall survive the Closing for a period of one year
thereafter other than (a) the representations and warranties set forth in
Section 5.8 of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement, which shall survive for the
duration of the applicable statute of limitations, (b) the representations and
warranties set forth in Section 5.22 of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement,
which shall survive the Closing for a period of two years thereafter, and (c)
the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.4 of the RAP Purchase
and Sale Agreement, which shall survive indefinitely. The period of survival of
the respective representations and warranties provided for in this Section is
referred to herein as the "Indemnity Period." No claim for indemnification for
breach of a representation or warranty may be asserted after the expiration of
the Indemnity Period of such representation or warranty; provided that the
written assertion of any claim by a party against the other hereunder with
respect to the breach or alleged breach of any representation or warranty (or a
series of facts stated in the written assertion of the claim which would support
such breach) shall extend the Indemnity Period for such representation or
warranty with respect to such claim through the date such claim is conclusively
resolved. No investigation by a party shall relieve the other party from any
liability for any misrepresentation or breach of warranty made by such other
party in the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement or any related agreement.
(b) Other than with respect to a breach of Section 5.4 or 5.8 of the
RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement, (i) the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers shall
have no liability to the Buyer on or account of any Indemnifiable Damages
provided in Section 2.1 unless and until such damages in the aggregate exceed
Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) (the "Threshold Amount"),
in which event the Buyer shall be entitled to all (subject to clause (ii) below
in this paragraph) of the Indemnifiable Damages from the first dollar; and (ii)
the total liability of the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers for their
respective indemnity obligation under this Section 2.1 shall be limited, in all
respects to, and shall be payable solely from, and to the extent of, the
Indemnity Fund and the Buyer's sole and exclusive remedy shall be recourse to
the Indemnity Fund upon and subject to the Buyer's compliance with the terms and
conditions of the Closing Escrow Agreement; provided, however, that (1) if
Section 2.1(c) Damages (as defined below) have been paid from the Indemnity
Fund, and if the amount remaining in the Indemnity Fund is insufficient to
satisfy claims payable under this Section 2.1(b), then the Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers, pro rata in accordance with the percentages set forth in the
Purchase Price Allocation Schedule, shall pay to the Disbursement Agent and the
Disbursement Agent shall pay to the Buyer the lesser of (x) the amount of
Section 2.1(c) Damages paid from
2
<PAGE> 3
the Indemnity Fund, and (y) the amount by which claims under this Section 2.1(b)
exceeds the Indemnity Fund, and (2) upon release of the Year Disbursement
Amount, each Seller and each InterLink Seller shall thereafter continue to be
severally obligated to satisfy claims for breaches of Section 5.22 brought
during the relevant Indemnity Period, in an aggregate amount no greater than the
portion of the Year Disbursement Amount actually received by such Person.
(c) With respect to any indemnification sought for a breach of
Sections 5.4 and 5.8 of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers shall be obligated to indemnify the Buyer in respect of its
Indemnifiable Damages pro rata in accordance with the respective percentages set
forth on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule. Notwithstanding paragraph (b)
above, such indemnification for breaches of Section 5.4 and Section 5.8 of the
RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement (i) shall not be subject to the Threshold Amount
set forth in (b)(i) above and (ii) shall not be limited by the amount of the
Indemnity Fund. In the event the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers are obligated
to indemnify the Buyer in respect of Indemnifiable Damages for breaches of
Section 5.4 or 5.8 of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Section 2.1(c)
Damages"), such obligation will be paid first from the Indemnity Fund to the
extent of any amounts remaining in the Indemnity Fund, and if insufficient funds
remain in the Indemnity Fund, then each Seller and InterLink Seller shall be
obligated for, and shall pay to the Disbursement Agent, its pro rata share
(based upon the percentages set forth on the Purchase Price Allocation Schedule)
of such shortfall, and the Disbursement Agent shall pay the amount of the
shortfall to the Buyer.
2.2 Indemnification by each Seller for Seller Breaches. From and
after the Closing, each Seller shall indemnify the Buyer against and hold it
harmless from any and all Indemnifiable Damages which the Buyer may suffer or
incur by reason of (i) inaccuracy of any of the representations or warranties of
such Seller contained in Article IV of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement; or
(ii) such Seller's breach of any of its covenants or agreements contained in the
RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement or any document, certificate, or agreement
delivered by such Seller pursuant thereto. Notwithstanding anything contained in
this Section 2.2 to the contrary, if there is a claim for damages, the Buyer
will use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the amount and nature
thereof in accordance with customary industry maintenance procedures. The
foregoing obligation of each Seller to indemnify the Buyer shall be subject to
and limited by each of the following qualifications:
(a) Each of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements made by such Seller in the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement or in any
documents or instruments delivered by such Seller pursuant thereto shall survive
the Closing thereunder for a period of one (1) year thereafter, other than the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.1 of the RAP Purchase and
Sale Agreement, which shall survive indefinitely. Any claims made by the Buyer
pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall not be subject to the Threshold Amount. In
addition, each Seller shall be directly liable for all amounts required to be
paid by such Seller under this Section 2.2 and such amounts shall not be paid
from, nor subject to the limits of, the Indemnity Fund.
(b) Each such Seller individually, and not jointly, will
indemnify the Buyer and hold it harmless with respect to Indemnifiable Damages
required to be paid by such
3
<PAGE> 4
Seller under this Section 2.2. Upon the occurrence of an event to which an
individual Seller's indemnity obligation under this Section 2.2 applies, the
Buyer shall seek indemnification with respect to such Seller's liability for
such event only from such Seller and not from any other Seller(s).
2.3 Indemnification by the Buyer. From and after the Closing, the
Buyer shall indemnify the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers against and hold
them harmless from any and all Indemnifiable Damages which any of the Sellers or
the InterLink Sellers may suffer or incur by reason of (i) the Buyer's breach of
any of the Buyer's representations and warranties contained in the RAP Purchase
and Sale Agreement or any document, certificate, or agreement delivered by the
Buyer pursuant thereto; (ii) the Buyer's breach of any of the Buyer's covenants
or agreements contained in this Agreement or the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement
or any document, certificate, or agreement delivered by the Buyer pursuant
thereto; or (iii) any liability for claims made by third parties against any of
the Sellers or the InterLink Sellers arising out of the operation of the Systems
by the Buyer after the Closing Date. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, with respect to the measurement of Indemnifiable Damages, the Sellers
and the InterLink Sellers shall have the right to be put in the same financial
position as they would have been in had the Buyer not breached the respective
representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement. The foregoing obligation of
the Buyer to indemnify the Sellers and the InterLink Sellers shall be subject to
and limited by the qualification that each of the representations and warranties
made by the Buyer in the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement or pursuant thereto
shall survive for a period of one (1) year from and after the Closing Date,
unless a claim shall have been commenced prior to such time in which case the
applicable representations and warranties shall survive with respect to such
claim until such claim has been resolved, and thereafter all such
representations and warranties shall be extinguished, and no action for the
enforcement of the foregoing obligation may be commenced with respect to any
claim made more than one year following the Closing Date.
2.4 Effect of Materiality Qualifiers. For purposes of this Section
3, the determination of whether any breach of any representation or warranty in
Articles IV, V, and VI of the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement has occurred, as
well as the determination of the Indemnifiable Damages therefrom, shall be made
without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualifiers therein.
2.5 Notice and Right to Defend Third Party Claims. Promptly upon
receipt of notice of any claim, demand, or assessment made by any Third Party or
the commencement of any suit, action, or proceeding brought by any Third Party
in respect of which indemnity may be sought under any provision of Section 3 of
this Agreement, the party seeking indemnification (the "Indemnitee") will give
written notice thereof to the party from whom indemnification is sought (the
"Indemnitor") promptly and in any event within sufficient time to enable the
Indemnitor to respond to such claim, demand, or assessment or answer or
otherwise plead in such suit, action, or proceeding. The failure or omission of
such Indemnitee to so notify promptly the Indemnitor of any such Third Party
claim, demand, assessment, suit, action, or proceeding shall not relieve such
Indemnitor from any liability which it may have to such Indemnitee in connection
therewith, except to the extent that the Indemnitor shall have been actually
prejudiced thereby. In case any Third Party claim, demand, or assessment shall
be
4
<PAGE> 5
asserted or Third Party suit, action, or proceeding commenced against an
Indemnitee, and such Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnitor of the commencement
thereof, the Indemnitor shall be entitled to participate therein, and, to the
extent that it may wish, to assume the defense, conduct, or settlement thereof,
with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee by providing the
Indemnitee with written notice within 10 business days after the Indemnitor's
receipt of the Indemnitee's notice of the claim, demand, assessment, suit,
action, or proceeding. After notice from the Indemnitor to the Indemnitee of its
election so to assume the defense, conduct, or settlement thereof within such 10
business day period, the Indemnitor will not be liable to the Indemnitee for any
legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection
with the defense, conduct, or settlement thereof. The Indemnitee, at
Indemnitor's cost and expense, will cooperate with the Indemnitor in connection
with any such claim, and make personnel, books and records relevant to the claim
available to the Indemnitor. Neither party shall settle such claim, demand,
assessment, suit, action, or proceeding without the consent of the other party,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld provided that in no event shall either
party be obligated to consent to any settlement which (i) arises from or is part
of any criminal action, suit, or proceeding, (ii) contains a stipulation to,
confession of judgment with respect to, or admission or acknowledgment of, any
liability or wrongdoing on the part of such party, (iii) provides for injunctive
relief, or other relief or finding other than money damages, which is binding on
such party, or (iv) does not contain an unconditional release of such party.
2.6 Exclusive Remedy. From and after the Closing Date, the sole and
exclusive remedy of any party hereto for any claim arising under this Agreement
or the RAP Purchase and Sale Agreement (or any certificate, document, or
agreement delivered pursuant thereto) against any other party shall be the
indemnification rights provided in this Section 2, provided that nothing herein
shall relieve any party from any liability for actual fraud. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 hereof, no Seller or InterLink
Seller shall be liable to the Buyer for Indemnifiable Damages in excess of the
pro rata portion, based upon the percentages set forth on the Purchase Price
Allocation Schedule, of the Purchase Price received by such Seller or such
InterLink Seller (as the case may be).
3. Miscellaneous. The following miscellaneous provisions shall apply to
this Agreement:
3.1 Assignment. Neither this Agreement, nor any right hereunder, may
be assigned by any of the parties hereto, except that at any time, the Buyer may
(upon at least seven (7) days prior written notice to the Company) at any time
prior to the first filing of Forms 394 with any of the Company Group's
franchisors assign all of its rights hereunder to an entity owned and controlled
by Paul G. Allen, provided, that, notwithstanding any such assignment, the Buyer
shall (with such entity) be and remain liable to the Sellers and the InterLink
Sellers for the performance and fulfillment of all of the Buyer's covenants,
duties, and obligations hereunder.
3.2 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the Buyer and its heirs, successors or permitted assigns, and the
Sellers and the InterLink Sellers and their respective heirs, successors, or
permitted assigns, subject in all respects to Section 3.1 hereof.
5
<PAGE> 6
3.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the RAP Purchase and Sale
Agreement (including the schedules and exhibits thereto) constitute the entire
agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and
supersede all prior documents, agreements (including, without limitation, that
certain letter of intent between the Sellers and the Buyer, dated February 8,
1999, and that certain letter of intent between InterLink and the Buyer, dated
February 8, 1999), promises, covenants, arrangements, communications,
representations or warranties, whether oral or written, with respect to the
subject matter hereof by or on behalf of any party hereto or any officer,
employee, representative, or agent of any party hereto.
3.4 Third Parties. Except as specifically set forth or referred to
herein, nothing herein expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to
confer upon or give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their
permitted successors or assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of
this Agreement.
3.5 Seller and InterLink Sellers Liability Several and not Joint.
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the obligations of the Sellers and the
InterLink Sellers under this Agreement are several and not joint. Wherever this
Agreement refers to the several liability of the Sellers or a Seller's "pro rata
portion" of any amount, such liability or portion shall be determined based on
the respective percentage interest of such Seller set forth on the Purchase
Price Allocation Schedule. Wherever this Agreement refers to the several
liability of the InterLink Sellers or an InterLink Seller's "pro rata portion"
of any amount, such liability or portion shall be determined based on the
respective percentage interest of such InterLink Sellerset forth in the Purchase
Price Allocation Schedule.
3.6 Amendments in Writing. The terms of this Agreement may not be
amended, modified, or waived except by written agreement among the Buyer and the
Sellers and the InterLink Sellers whose percentages set forth in the Purchase
Price Allocation Schedule aggregate at least 66-2/3%. The failure of any party
to enforce any right arising under this Agreement on one or more occasions will
not operate as a waiver of that or any other right on that or any other
occasion.
3.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance
with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the
conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
3.8 Interpretation. The headings used in this Agreement are inserted
for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof or
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Each of the
parties hereto acknowledges that it has actively participated in the
preparation, drafting, and review of this Agreement, and each party hereby
waives any claim that this Agreement or any provision hereof is to be construed
against the other party hereto as the draftsperson thereof.
3.9 Notices. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been delivered on the date of the first attempted delivery by (a)
the United States Postal Service, unless otherwise provided herein, to the
respective party if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, or (b) a
reputable overnight delivery service, to the respective party at
6
<PAGE> 7
its address set forth below or such other address as either party may designate
to the other by written notice in accordance herewith:
If to the Sellers or the InterLink Sellers:
R&A Management, LLC
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
Attention: Kevin B. Allen
S. Gerard Benford
Veronis, Suhler & Associates
350 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
David H. Morse
Hampshire Equity Partners
520 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor
New York, New York 10022
Daniel M. Gill
Willis Stein & Partners
227 West Monroe Street, Suite 4300
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Dhananjay Pai
PaineWebber Capital Inc.
1285 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10019
Monroe M. Rifkin
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
With a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself
shall not constitute notice) to:
Stuart G. Rifkin, Esq.
Baker & Hostetler LLP
303 East 17th Avenue, Suite 1100
Denver, Colorado 80203-1264
7
<PAGE> 8
If to the Buyer:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent, President
Telecopy: (314) 965-8793
With a complete copy under separate cover (which copy by itself
shall not constitute notice) to:
Curtis S. Shaw, Esq.
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Charter Communications
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
and to:
Irell & Manella LLP
1800 Avenue of the Stars
Suite 900
Los Angeles, California 90067
Attention: Alvin G. Segel, Esq.
Telecopy: (310) 203-7199
3.10 Severability. Any provision hereof which is prohibited or
unenforceable shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.
3.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each executed
copy of which shall constitute an original and all of which together shall
constitute one agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunto have duly executed this
Agreement.
BUYER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By:
------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
8
<PAGE> 9
SELLERS:
RIFKIN ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, L.P.,
By: RT INVESTMENTS CORP., its General
Partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Name:
---------------------------------
Title:
--------------------------------
VS&A COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: VS&A EQUITIES II, L.P. its General
Partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Jeffrey T. Stevenson,
a General Partner
VS&A-RAP, INC.
By:
-----------------------------------
Jeffrey T. Stevenson,
President
GREENWICH STREET (RAP) PARTNERS I, L.P.
By: GSP RAP (GP) ACQUISITION, LLC, its
General Partner
By: INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS,
LLLP, its Sole Member
By: Rifkin, Co., its General Partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
9
<PAGE> 10
IEP HOLDINGS I LLC
By: HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS, L.P. I
By: LEXINGTON PARTNERS, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: LEXINGTON PARTNERS, INC., its General
Partner
By:
-----------------------------------
David H. Morse, Vice President
PAINEWEBBER CAPITAL INC.
By:
-----------------------------------
Dhananjay Pai, President
PW PARTNERS 1995, L.P.
By: Painewebber Partners II, Inc.
its General Partner
By:
-----------------------------------
Dhananjay Pai, Vice President
RIFKIN CHILDREN'S TRUST
By:
-----------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, Trustee
RIFKIN CHILDREN TRUST-II
By:
-----------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, Trustee
10
<PAGE> 11
RIFKIN CHILDREN'S TRUST III
By: /s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
-----------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, Trustee
360 GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ Dale D. Wapner
-----------------------------------
Dale D. Wagner, Treasurer
RIFKIN FAMILY INVESTMENT COMPANY,
L.L.L.P.
By: its General Partners
/s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Stuart G. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Stuart G. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Bruce A. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Bruce A. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Ruth R. Bennis
---------------------------------------
Ruth R. Bennis, General Partner
/s/ Charles R. Morris
---------------------------------------
CHARLES R. MORRIS, III
/s/ Jeffrey D. Bennis
---------------------------------------
JEFFREY D. BENNIS
/s/ Stephen E. Hattrup
---------------------------------------
STEPHEN E. HATTRUP
11
<PAGE> 12
/s/ Dale D. Wagner
---------------------------------------
DALE D. WAGNER
INTERLINK PARTNERS:
RIFKIN, CO.
By: /s/ Kevin B. Allen
-----------------------------------
Name: Kevin B. Allen
Title: Vice President
HAMPSHIRE MEDIA PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: LEXINGTON MEDIA PARTNERS II, L.P.,
its General Partner
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ David Morse
-----------------------------------
Name: David Morse
Title: Vice President
HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS CAYMAN D.B. II,
L.P.
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS CAYMAN II
D.B., L.P., its General Partner
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ David Morse
-----------------------------------
Name: David Morse
Title: Vice President
12
<PAGE> 13
HAMPSHIRE EQUITY PARTNERS CAYMAN II, L.P.
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS CAYMAN II,
L.P., its General Partner
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ David Morse
-----------------------------------
Name: David Morse
Title: Vice President
LEXINGTON MEDIA PARTNERS II, L.L.C.
By: LEXINGTON MEDIA PARTNERS II, L.P.,
its Manager
By: LEXINGTON EQUITY PARTNERS II, INC.,
its General Partner
By: /s/ David Morse
-----------------------------------
Name: David Morse
Title: Vice President
THE PERMANENT UNIVERSITY FUND OF THE
STATE OF TEXAS
By: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT COMPANY,
its Investment Manager
By: /s/ Austin M. Long, III
-----------------------------------
Name: Austin M. Long, III
Title: Managing Director Private Markets
13
<PAGE> 14
THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF TEXAS SYSTEM
By: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT COMPANY,
its Investment Manager
By: /s/Austin M. Long III
-----------------------------------
Name: Austin M. Long III
Title: Managing Director
Private Markets
WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS
MANAGEMENT II, L.P., its General
Partner
By: WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS MANAGEMENT
II, LLC, its General Partner
By:/s/Daniel M. Gill
-----------------------------------
Name: Daniel M. Gill
Title: Managing Director
WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS DUTCH, L.P.
By: WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS
MANAGEMENT II, L.P., its General
Partner
By: WILLIS STEIN & PARTNERS MANAGEMENT
II, LLC, its General Partner
By:/s/Daniel M. Gill
-----------------------------------
Name: Daniel M. Gill
Title: Managing Director
INTERLINK INVESTMENT CORP.
By:/s/Kevin B. Allen
-----------------------------------
Name: Kevin B. Allen
Title: Vice President
14
<PAGE> 15
INTERLINK INVESTMENT II, LLC
By:/s/ Kevin B. Allen
-----------------------------------
Name: Kevin B. Allen
Title: Manager
RIFKIN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
By:/s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
-----------------------------------
Name: Monroe M. Rifkin
Title: Chairman of the Board
RIFKIN FAMILY INVESTMENT COMPANY,
L.L.L.P.
By: its General Partners
/s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Stuart G. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Stuart G. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Bruce A. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
Bruce A. Rifkin, General Partner
/s/ Ruth R. Bennis
---------------------------------------
Ruth R. Bennis, General Partner
MORRIS CHILDREN TRUST
By:/s/ Charles R. Morris, III
-----------------------------------
Charles R. Morris, III, Trustee
15
<PAGE> 16
CRM II LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, LLLP
By: /s/ Charles R. Morris III
-------------------------------
Name: Charles R. Morris III
Title: GP
NAS PARTNERS I L.L.C.
By: /s/ John G. Quigley
-------------------------------
Name: John G. Quigley
Title: Member
NASSAU CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: NASSAU CAPITAL, LLC
its General Partner
By: /s/ John G. Quigley
------------------------------
Name: John G. Quigley
Title: Member
FIRST UNION INVESTORS, INC.
By: /s/ Scott B. Perper
------------------------------
Name: Scott B. Perper
Title: Senior Vice President
NORWEST EQUITY CAPITAL, LLC
By: ITASCA NEC, LLC, its Member
By: /s/ John P. Whaley
--------------------------
Name: John P. Whaley
Title: Managing Administrative Member
16
<PAGE> 17
DLJ FUND INVESTMENT PARTNERS II, L.P.
By: DLJ LBO PLANS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
its General Partner
By: /s/ Ivy Dodes
-----------------------------------
Name: Ivy Dodes
Title: Vice President
DLJ PRIVATE EQUITY EMPLOYEES FUND, L.P.
By: DLJ LBO PLANS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
its General Partner
By: /s/ Ivy Dodes
-----------------------------------
Name: Ivy Dodes
Title: Vice President
DLJ PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS FUND, L.P.
By: WSW CAPITAL INC., its General Partner
By: /s/ Ivy Dodes
-----------------------------------
Name: Ivy Dodes
Title: Vice President
DLJ CAPITAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Ivy Dodes
-----------------------------------
Name: Ivy Dodes
Title: Vice President
DLJ CAPITAL PARTNERS I, LLC
By: DLJ LBO PLANS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION,
its Managing Member
By: /s/ Ivy Dodes
-----------------------------------
Name: Ivy Dodes
Title: Vice President
17
<PAGE> 18
CIP INTERLINK L.L.C.
By: CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P., its
Member
By: CIP PARTNERS LLC, its General Partner
By: /s/ Walter M. Cain
-----------------------------------
Name: Walter M. Cain
Title: Individual Managing Member
PROCIFIC INTERLINK CORPORATION
By: /s/ Hamza Amiri
-----------------------------------
Name: Hamza Amiri
Title: Director
INDIANA CABLEVISION MANAGEMENT CORP.
By: /s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
-----------------------------------
Monroe M. Rifkin, President
/s/ Monroe M. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
MONROE M. RIFKIN
/s/ Kevin B. Allen
---------------------------------------
KEVIN B. ALLEN
/s/ Jeffrey D. Bennis
---------------------------------------
JEFFREY D. BENNIS
/s/ Stephen E. Hattrup
---------------------------------------
STEPHEN E. HATTRUP
/s/ Bruce A. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
BRUCE A. RIFKIN
18
<PAGE> 19
/s/ Peter N. Smith
---------------------------------------
PETER N. SMITH
/s/ Dale D. Wagner
---------------------------------------
DALE D. WAGNER
/s/ Stuart G. Rifkin
---------------------------------------
STUART G. RIFKIN
/s/ Paul A. Bambei
---------------------------------------
PAUL A. BAMBEI
/s/ Lucille A. Maun
---------------------------------------
LUCILLE A. MAUN
/s/ Ruth R. Bennis
---------------------------------------
RUTH R. BENNIS
19
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.7(d)
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
12444 POWERSCOURT DRIVE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63131
June 30, 1999
R&A Management LLC
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
Attention: Kevin B. Allen
Re: Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 26, 1999 among InterLink
Communications Partners, LLLP, Charter Communications, Inc. and the
Sellers listed on the signature pages thereto.
Gentlemen:
This is to confirm our prior understanding regarding the assignment by
Charter Communications, Inc. ("CCI") of its rights and obligations under the
above-referenced Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") to Charter
Communications Operating, LLC ("CCO"), an indirect subsidiary of CCI controlled
by Paul G. Allen. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 13.5 of the Agreement, CCI, as the Buyer, hereby
assigns the Agreement, and all of its rights and obligations thereunder, to
CCO; provided, however, that CCI shall (with CCO) be and remain liable to
Sellers for the performance and fulfillment of the covenants, duties and
obligations of the Buyer under the Agreement. CCO, by its acknowledgement
below, accepts the aforementioned assignment and agrees to perform all of the
obligations of Buyer under the Agreement.
Please confirm your acknowledgement of this assignment as Sellers
Representative in the space provided below and return a copy of the
acknowledged letter to CCI.
<PAGE> 2
Sincerely,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: _____________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
By: _______________________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title:
R&A MANAGEMENT, LLC (on behalf of Sellers and Interlink Partners):
By: Rifkin & Associates, Inc., its Manager
By: _______________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Chief Executive Officer
INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLLP
By: Rifkin & Associates, Inc., its Manager
By: _______________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
cc: Stuart G. Rifkin, Esq.
Kevin Finch, Esq.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.7(e)
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
12444 POWERSCOURT DRIVE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63131
June 30, 1999
R&A Management LLC
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
Attention: Kevin B. Allen
Re: Purchase and Sale Agreement dated April 26, 1999 among Rifkin
Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., Charter Communications, Inc. and the
Sellers listed on the signature pages thereto.
Gentlemen:
This is to confirm our prior understanding regarding the assignment by
Charter Communications, Inc. ("CCI") of its rights and obligations under the
above-referenced Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement") to Charter
Communications Operating, LLC ("CCO"), an indirect subsidiary of CCI controlled
by Paul G. Allen. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 13.5 of the Agreement, CCI, as the Buyer, hereby
assigns the Agreement, and all of its rights and obligations thereunder, to CCO;
provided, however, that CCI shall (with CCO) be and remain liable to Sellers
for the performance and fulfillment of the covenants, duties and obligations of
the Buyer under the Agreement. CCO, by its acknowledgement below, accepts the
aforementioned assignment and agrees to perform all of the obligations of Buyer
under the Agreement.
Please confirm your acknowledgement of this assignment as Sellers
Representative in the space provided below and return a copy of the
acknowledged letter to CCI.
<PAGE> 2
Sincerely,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: ______________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
By: ______________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title:
R&A MANAGEMENT, LLC (on behalf of Sellers):
By: Rifkin & Associates, Inc., its Manager
By: ______________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Chief Executive Officer
RIFKIN ACQUISITION PARTNERS, L.L.L.P.
By: Rifkin Acquisition Management, L.P., its General Partner
By: RT Investments Corp., its General Partner
By: ______________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
cc: Stuart G. Rifkin, Esq.
Kevin Finch, Esq.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 2.7(f)
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
June 30, 1999
R&A Management, LLC
360 South Monroe Street, Suite 600
Denver, Colorado 80209
Attention: Kevin B. Allen
Re: RAP Indemnity Agreement dated April 26, 1999 among InterLink
Communications Partners, LLP, Charter Communications, Inc., and the
Sellers and InterLink Partners listed on the signature pages
thereto.
Gentlemen:
This is to confirm our prior understanding regarding the assignment
by Charter Communications, Inc. ("CCI") of its rights and obligations under the
above-referenced RAP Indemnity Agreement (the "Agreement") to Charter
Communications Operating, LLC ("CCO"), an indirect subsidiary of CCI controlled
by Paul G. Allen. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the Agreement, CCI, as the Buyer, hereby
assigns the Agreement, and all of its rights and obligations thereunder, to CCO;
provided, however, that CCI shall (with CCO) be and remain liable to Sellers for
the performance and fulfillment of the covenants, duties and obligations of the
Buyer under the Agreement. CCO, by its acknowledgment below, accepts the
aforementioned assignment and agrees to perform all of the obligations of Buyer
under the Agreement.
Pleas confirm your acknowledgment of this assignment as Sellers
Representative in the space provided below and return a copy of the acknowledged
letter to CCI.
<PAGE> 2
Sincerely,
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: _______________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
By: _______________________________
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title:
R&A MANAGEMENT, LLC (on behalf of Sellers and InterLink Partners):
By: Rifkin & Associates, Inc., its Manager
By: _________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Chief Executive Officer
INTERLINK COMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS, LLP
By: Rifkin, Co., its General Partner
By: __________________________________
Kevin B. Allen, Vice President
cc: Stuart G. Rifkin, Esq.
Kevin Finch, Esq.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 5.1
July 22, 1999
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
12444 Powerscourt Drive
Suite 100
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Re: Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is delivered in our capacity as counsel to Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together,
the "Issuers"), in connection with the Issuers' registration statement on Form
S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). The Registration Statement relates to the offering by the
Issuers of 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007, 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 and 9.920%
Senior Discount Notes due 2011 (collectively, the "Notes")
In connection with this opinion, we have examined copies or originals
of such documents, resolutions, certificates and instruments of the Issuers as
we have deemed necessary to form a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed.
In addition, we have reviewed certificates of public officials, statutes,
records and other instruments and documents as we have deemed necessary to form
a basis for the opinion hereinafter expressed. In our examination of the
foregoing, we have assumed, without independent investigation, (i) the
genuineness of all signatures and the authority of all persons or entities
signing all documents examined by us, and (ii) the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents
of all copies submitted to us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies.
<PAGE> 2
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
July 22, 1999
Page 2
With regard to certain factual matters, we have relied, without
independent investigation or verification, upon statements and representations
of representatives of the Issuers.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as
of the date hereof, when the Notes have been duly authenticated by Harris Trust
and Savings Bank in its capacity as Trustee, and duly executed and delivered on
behalf of the Issuers against payment therefor as contemplated by the
registration statement, the Notes will be legally issued and will constitute
binding obligations of the Issuers, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance and transfer, moratorium or
other laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights or
remedies of creditors generally and by general principles of equity (whether
applied in a proceeding at law or in equity) including, without limitation,
standards of materiality, good faith and reasonableness in the interpretation
and enforcement of contracts, and the application of such principles to limit
the availability of equitable remedies such as specific performance.
We hereby consent to being named as counsel to the Issuers in the
Registration Statement, to the references therein to our firm under the caption
"Legal Matters," and to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
<PAGE> 1
[LETTERHEAD OF PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFKSY & WALKER LLP]
July 22, 1999
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
12444 Powerscourt Drive
Suite 100
St Louis, Missouri 63131
Re: Charter Communications Holdings, LLC
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation
Registration Statement on Form S-4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the registration statement on Form S-4 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed by Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, and Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together, the "Issuers"), with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The Registration Statement relates to the offer to exchange (the
"Exchange Offer") by the Issuers the 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007, 8.625% Senior
Notes due 2009 and 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011 (collectively, the "New
Notes") for any and all outstanding 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007, 8.625% Senior
Notes due 2009 and 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due in 2011 of the Issuers
(collectively, the "Original Notes"). Capitalized terms used herein and that are
not separately defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the
Registration Statement.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and consideration of
applicable law, we are of the opinion that the statements set forth under the
caption "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the
Registration Statement, subject to the limitations described therein, are the
material United States federal income tax consequences of the Exchange Offer
relevant to the U.S. holders, and the ownership and
<PAGE> 2
disposition of the New Notes relevant to the U.S. holders and, in certain
circumstances, non-U.S. holders. Our opinion is based on United States federal
income tax laws, Treasury regulations, Internal Revenue Service rulings,
official pronouncements and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date
hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect,
or different interpretations, and we do not undertake to update or supplement
this letter to reflect any such changes.
No opinion is expressed on any matters other than those specifically
referred to herein. The opinion expressed herein is for your benefit and for the
benefit of the holders of the New Notes and may not be relied upon in any manner
or for any purpose by any other person.
We hereby consent to being named as counsel to the Issuers in the
Registration Statement, to the references therein to our firm under the caption
"Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations," and to the inclusion
of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving this
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFKSY & WALKER LLP
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made
as of the 17th day of March, 1999, by and between Charter Communications
Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Company"), and
Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Manager"):
A. The Company desires to retain the Manager to manage and operate the
cable television systems owned by Company and its subsidiaries on
the date hereof and any cable television systems subsequently
acquired by the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Cable Systems").
B. The Manager has agreed to manage and operate the Cable Systems, all
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
C. This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Management
Agreement dated as of February 23, 1999 between the parties hereto.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein,
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Retention of the Manager. The Company hereby appoints the Manager as a
manager for the Cable Systems, and the Manager hereby agrees to serve the
Company as a manager for the Cable Systems, pursuant to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth.
2. Authority and Duties of the Manager.
(a) The Company agrees to seek the advice of the Manager regarding
the business, properties and activities of the Cable Systems during the term
hereof, and subject to the direction, control and general supervision of the
Company, the Manager agrees to provide such advice. The Manager shall give such
advice in a businesslike, efficient, lawful and professional manner in
accordance with this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Manager
shall provide all managing services with respect to the operation of the Cable
Systems, including, but not limited to the following:
(i) advice concerning the hiring, termination, performance and
training of personnel;
<PAGE> 2
(ii) review, consultation and advice concerning personnel,
operations, engineering and other management and operating policies and
procedures;
(iii) review, consultation and advice concerning maintenance
standards for plant and equipment of the Cable Systems, advice as to the Cable
Systems' normal repairs, replacements, maintenance and plant upgrades, and
provide for periodic inspections;
(iv) recommendations on all necessary action to keep the
operation of the Cable Systems in compliance, in all material respects, with the
conditions of the Company's franchises and all applicable rules, regulations and
orders of any federal, state, county or municipal authority having jurisdiction
over the Cable Systems;
(v) assistance in the negotiation, on behalf of the Company,
of operating agreements (including, but not limited to, pole attachment
agreements, office and headend leases, easements and right-of-way agreements),
contracts for the purchase, lease, license or use of properties, equipment and
rights as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the operation or
maintenance of the Cable Systems and such other agreements on behalf of the
Company as are necessary or advisable for the furnishing of program services for
the Cable Systems;
(vi) development of recommendations for, and negotiate the
acquisition and maintenance of, such insurance coverage with respect to the
Cable Systems as the Company may determine upon advice and consultation of the
Manager;
(vii) guidance on all marketing, sales promotions and
advertising for the Cable Systems;
(viii)assistance in the financial budgeting process and the
implementation of appropriate accounting, financial, administrative and
managerial controls for the Cable Systems;
(ix) preparation for use by the Company of financial reports
and maintenance of books of accounts and other records reflecting the results of
operation of each Cable System and/or subsidiary; and
(x) advice and consultation with the Company in connection
with any and all aspects of the Cable Systems and the day to day operation
thereof and consultation with the Company with respect to the selection of
attorneys, consultants and accountants.
3. Management Fee; Expenses.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
(a) All expenses, costs, losses, liabilities or damages incurred
with respect to the ownership or operation of the Cable Systems, including,
without limitation, wages, salaries and other labor costs incurred in the
construction, maintenance, expansion or operation of the Cable Systems, or
personnel working on special projects or services for the Company, will be paid
by the Company and, to the extent that the Manager pays or incurs any obligation
for any such expenses, costs, losses, liabilities or damages, the Company,
subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5, will pay or reimburse the
Manager therefor, as well as for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by the Manager in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
Subject to the payment priority provisions of this Section 3, the Company agrees
to pay the Manager, in addition to any reimbursement of expenses, and the
Manager shall be entitled to receive, as the Manager's compensation for the
services to be rendered hereunder, a yearly management fee (the "Management
Fee") equal to three and one-half percent (3.5%) of the Gross Revenue (as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) of the
Company, payable quarterly in arrears. "Gross Revenue" will include all revenues
from the operation of the Cable Systems including, without limitation,
subscriber payments, advertising revenues and revenues from other services
provided by the Cable Systems, but not including interest income or income from
investments unrelated to the Cable Systems. Accrual of such Management Fee shall
commence upon February 23, 1999. The fee payable pursuant to this paragraph for
any quarter shall be reduced by the amount of any management fees with respect
to Gross Revenue of a subsidiary of the Company and separately paid to the
Manager for such quarter pursuant to a separate management agreement between the
Manager and a subsidiary of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Management Fee due and payable as
provided in this Section 3 shall be subordinated and junior in right of payment
to the prior payment in full in cash of all of the Senior Debt (as defined
below) and shall not be paid except to the extent allowed under the Credit
Agreement (as defined below). In the event of any bankruptcy or similar
proceeding relative to the Company (a "Reorganization"), then all of the Senior
Debt shall first be paid in full in cash before any payment of the Management
Fee is made, and in any Reorganization any amount payable in respect of the
Management Fee shall be paid directly to the Funding Agent referred to below,
unless all the Senior Debt has been paid in full in cash. The Manager hereby
irrevocably authorizes the Funding Agent, as attorney-in-fact for the manager,
to vote, file or prove any claim or proof of claim in any Reorganization in
respect of the Management Fee and to demand, sue for, collect and receive any
such payment. The Manager shall take any actions requested by the Funding Agent
in order to accomplish any of the foregoing. If the Manager receives any payment
hereunder in violation of the terms hereof or in connection with any
Reorganization (prior to the payment in full in cash of the Senior Debt), the
Manager shall hold such payment in trust for the benefit of the holders of the
Senior Debt and forthwith pay it over to the Funding Agent. Amounts payable to
the Manager in accordance with this Section 3 which remain unpaid by reason of
the foregoing shall be accrued as a liability of the Company and shall be
payable as soon as the conditions to payment are fulfilled. The deferred portion
of the Management
-3-
<PAGE> 4
Fees will bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, compounded
annually, from the date otherwise due and payable until the payment thereof.
As used herein, (i) "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement,
dated as of March 18, 1999, among the Company, certain of its affiliates, the
Lenders parties thereto and the Funding Agent, Documentation Agents, Syndication
Agents and Administrative Agents named therein, as amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and (ii) "Senior Debt"
means the principal amount of all loans and guarantee obligations from time to
time outstanding or owing under the Credit Agreement and the other loan
documents executed and delivered by the Company pursuant thereto, together with
interest thereon (including any interest subsequent to any filing for
Reorganization, whether or not such interest would constitute an allowed claim,
calculated at the rate set forth for overdue loans in the Credit Agreement) and
all other obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement and such other
loan documents.
(b) Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 4, the Manager shall, subject to the limitations set forth above, remain
entitled (i) to receive the fee set forth in Section 3(a) for the remaining
portion of the calendar quarter in which such termination occurred (payable in
the same manner and at the same time as if the Manager were entitled to receive
such fee with respect to the entire quarter); and (ii) to receive payment of the
deferred Management Fees at the time of such termination if, and to the extent
that, payment thereof is otherwise permitted under Section 3(a).
4. Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall be ten years,
unless sooner terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. This Agreement
may be terminated as follows: (a) by the Company immediately upon written notice
to the manager for Cause (as defined below) or (b) automatically on the
consummation of the sale of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.
For purposes hereof, "Cause" shall exist if the Manager has engaged in gross
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties hereunder
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
5. Liability. The Company shall bear any and all expenses, liabilities,
losses or damages resulting from the operation of the Cable Systems, and the
Manager, its partners, officers, directors and employees shall not, under any
circumstances, be held liable therefor, except that the Manager shall be liable
for any loss or damage which results from its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Neither the Manager nor any of its partners, members, officers,
directors and employees shall be held to have incurred any liability to the
Company, the Cable Systems or any third party by virtue of any action not
constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct taken in good faith by it in
discharge of its duties hereunder, and the Company agrees to indemnify the
manager and its shareholders, partners, directors, officers and employees and
hold the Manager and its partners, directors, officers and employees harmless
with respect to any and all claims that may be made against any of them in
respect of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys'
fees.
-4-
<PAGE> 5
6. Notices. All notices, demands, requests or other communications which
may be or are required to be given, served or sent by a party pursuant to this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given upon receipt if
personally delivered (including by messenger or recognized delivery or courier
service) or on the date of receipt on the return receipt if mailed by registered
or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, delivered or
addressed as set forth below. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the
inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given
shall be deemed receipt of the notice:
(a) If to the Company:
Charter Communications Operating, L.L.C.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 400
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent
(b) If to the Manager:
Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 400
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Attention: Jerald L. Kent
7. Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder and the persons subject hereto shall be governed by, and
construed and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York,
without giving effect to the choice of law principles thereof.
8. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by and against the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement
and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the
subject matter hereof. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This
Agreement is not transferable or assignable by any of the parties hereto except
as may be expressly provided herein. This Agreement may not be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except in accordance with the Credit
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in the manner appropriate to each as of the day and year first above
written.
-5-
<PAGE> 6
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By: /S/ Curtis S. Shaw
---------------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
By: /S/ Curtis S. Shaw
---------------------------------------
Name: Curtis S. Shaw
Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.3
CONSULTING AGREEMENT
CONSULTING AGREEMENT made and entered into as of this 10th day of March,
1999, by and between VULCAN NORTHWEST INC., a Washington corporation ("Vulcan"),
and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Charter"), Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC ("Holdings"). Holdings and its present and future
subsidiaries and affiliates are referred to herein collectively as the
"Companies."
RECITALS
A. Vulcan and Charter have certain knowledge and experience in evaluating,
negotiating and implementing Acquisitions (as herein defined).
B. The Companies desire to avail themselves of Vulcan's and Charter's
expertise for the benefit of the Companies on the terms and conditions set forth
herein.
C. Vulcan and Charter are willing to render services to the Companies in
connection with Acquisitions on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Retention of Vulcan and Charter
a. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
Companies hereby retain Vulcan and Charter, and Vulcan and Charter hereby agree
to render services to the Companies, as consultants in respect of all
Acquisitions made by any of the Companies.
b. Vulcan and Charter shall at all times be and conduct themselves
as independent contractors in respect of the Companies, and shall not, under any
circumstances, create or purport to create any obligation on behalf of the
Companies.
2. Duties of Vulcan and Charter. Vulcan and Charter shall provide
advisory, financial and other consulting services with respect to acquisitions
of the business, assets or stock (whether by merger or otherwise) of other
companies by any of the Companies ("Acquisitions"). Such services for the
Companies, shall include participation in the evaluation, negotiation and
implementation of Acquisitions as requested by the Companies.
<PAGE> 2
3. Fees. As consideration for Vulcan's and Charter's services hereunder,
the Companies shall pay to them with respect to each Acquisition made by any of
the Companies during the term hereof a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the
aggregate enterprise value of each such Acquisition, payable in cash at the
closing of each such Acquisition (or, if payable with respect to any contingent
portion of the aggregate consideration, payable when such contingent payment is
made). For purposes of determining the enterprise value of an Acquisition, such
value shall be deemed to include all cash paid together with the value of any
non-cash consideration (including securities and the value of any assets
exchanged for assets being acquired) and the amount of any indebtedness and
other liabilities assumed, by operation of law or otherwise, in connection with
the Acquisition. Vulcan and Charter shall determine the allocation of all fees
as between them and the Companies shall have no obligation or right to
participate in such determination.
4. Expenses. All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Vulcan and
Charter in connection with its services hereunder shall be borne by the
Companies or reimbursed to Vulcan and Charter.
5. Duration. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date hereof
and shall continue in effect until December 31, 2000, but this agreement shall
automatically renew for successive one year terms unless written notice of
termination is given by the Companies to Vulcan and Charter at the direction of
members of the Board of Directors who would be entitled to approve this
Agreement at the time such notice is given or by Vulcan and Charter to the
Companies, in each case at least 120 days prior to the close of the then current
one year period.
6. Notices. All notices relating to this Agreement shall be in writing and
shall be addressed to the other party at its address stated below, or to such
changed address as the other party may have been given by notice. All notice
shall be effective upon receipt:
If to VULCAN:
VULCAN NORTHWEST INC.
110 110th Avenue, N.E., Suite 550
Bellevue, WA 98004
Attn: William D. Savoy, President
Telephone: 425 453 1940
Facsimile: 425 453 1985
- 2 -
<PAGE> 3
If to CHARTER:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63131
Attn: Jerald Kent, President
Telephone:314 965 0555
Facsimile:314 965 8793
If to HOLDINGS:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
c/o Charter Communications, Inc.
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63131
Attn: Jerald Kent, President
Telephone:314 965 0555
Facsimile:314 965 8793
7. Binding Effect; Assignability. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors. This Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall not be
assignable or delegable by the parties hereto other than to their affiliates.
8. Indemnification. Charter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Vulcan
and Charter, the officers, directors and stockholders of Vulcan and Charter, and
their respective agents, employees and affiliates from and against all claims,
actions or demands that arise out of this Agreement and the services provided
hereunder or in connection herewith and any expenses (including reasonable
attorneys' fees), losses or damages resulting from such claims, actions and
demands, including amounts paid in settlement or compromise thereof; provided,
however, that this indemnity shall not extend to the conduct of such indemnified
parties not undertaken in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the Companies.
9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement
between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. None of the terms,
covenants or conditions hereof may be waived or amended except by a written
instrument signed by the party to be charged therewith.
10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the
laws of the State of Delaware.
- 3 -
<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first set forth above.
VULCAN NORTHWEST INC.
By: /s/ William D. Savoy
------------------------
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ Kent D. Kalkwarf
------------------------
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
HOLDINGS, LLC
By: /s/ Kent D. Kalkwarf
------------------------
- 4 -
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.4
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
1999 OPTION PLAN
<PAGE> 2
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
1999 OPTION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS................................................. 1
SECTION 2 THE PLAN.................................................... 3
2.1 Name........................................................ 3
2.2 Purpose..................................................... 3
2.3 Intention................................................... 3
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATION.............................................. 3
3.1 Administration.............................................. 3
3.2 Duties...................................................... 3
SECTION 4 PARTICIPATION............................................... 3
4.1 Eligibility................................................. 3
SECTION 5 MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS SUBJECT TO PLAN........................ 4
5.1 Membership Interests Available for Options.................. 4
5.2 Adjustments................................................. 4
SECTION 6 OPTIONS..................................................... 5
6.1 Option Grant and Agreement.................................. 5
6.2 Transferability............................................. 5
6.3 Exercise Price.............................................. 6
6.4 Option Term................................................. 6
6.5 Vesting, Payment Upon Relocation of Headquarters, and
Repurchase of Options and Membership Interests............ 6
6.6 Method of Exercising Options; Withholding Tax............... 6
6.7 Rights in the Event of Termination Other Than for Cause..... 7
6.8 Rights in the Event of Termination For Cause................ 7
6.9 Rights in the Event of Death or Disability.................. 7
6.10 Rights in the Event of Termination For Any Other Reason..... 8
SECTION 7 MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS ISSUED PURSUANT UPON THE EXERCISE OF AN
OPTION.................................................... 8
7.1 Issuance of Certificates.................................... 8
7.2 Compliance with Securities and Other Laws................... 8
SECTION 8 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION OF PLAN............. 9
8.1 Termination, Amendment and Modification of Plan............. 9
8.2 Plan Termination............................................ 9
8.3 Effect of Termination, Amendment or Modification of Plan.... 9
SECTION 9 OCCURRENCE OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING....................... 9
SECTION 10 MISCELLANEOUS............................................... 9
10.1 No Employment Rights........................................ 9
10.2 Binding Effect.............................................. 9
10.3 Singular, Plural, Gender.................................... 9
10.4 Headings.................................................... 9
10.5 Effective Date.............................................. 9
10.6 Rights as Member............................................ 10
10.7 Applicable Law.............................................. 10
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE> 3
PLAN INTRODUCTION
The Plan is designed to advance the Company's interests by encouraging
Employees and Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates to acquire a
proprietary interest in the Company. It provides that Membership Interests
representing an aggregate of 10% of the aggregate equity value of the Company on
the date of the adoption of the Plan may be optioned to Employees and
Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates. All Employees and Consultants of
the Company are eligible to receive Options, but the Administrator is entitled
to select the individuals to whom such options actually will be granted.
Options granted under the Plan are nontransferable (other than by will or
the laws of descent and distribution, or except as authorized by the
Administrator) and may not be exercised more than ten years after the date they
are granted.
The Company will receive no cash consideration for granting Options under
the Plan. However, when an Option is exercised, the holder is required to pay
the Exercise Price for the Membership Interests of the Company to be issued
under the exercised Option.
The Plan will be administered by the Administrator and will terminate ten
years after the date it is adopted by the Board, unless earlier terminated by
the Administrator.
ii
<PAGE> 4
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
1999 OPTION PLAN
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the meanings hereinafter set forth
unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:
(a) "Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(b) "Administrator" means the Board or the Committee, whichever shall be
administering the Plan from time to time in the discretion of the Board, as
described in Section 3 of the Plan.
(c) "Affiliate" means with respect to any person or entity, any other
person or entity who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with
such person or entity.
(d) "Allen" means Paul G. Allen, an individual, who is Chairman of the
board of directors of CCI.
(e) "Board" means the board of directors of the Company.
(f) "Cause" means the Optionee (i) has committed any crime, (ii) has
committed any act of fraud, embezzlement or gross dishonesty, (iii) has
committed any act of sex discrimination or sexual harassment under the
provisions of any Federal, state or local law, resulting in any of the above
cases in a material financial loss to the Company or damage to the reputation of
the Company, (iv) has refused to comply with the lawful directives of the Board
or of the Optionee's supervisors, within ten (10) days after written notice
thereof from the Board or the Company, or (v) has engaged in conduct which
constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct, which conduct is not cured
within ten (10) days after written notice thereof from the Board or the Company.
(g) "CCI" shall mean Charter Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(h) "Change of Control" means a direct or indirect sale of more than 49.9%
of the outstanding Membership Interests of the Company, except where Allen and
his Affiliates retain effective voting control of the Company, the merger or
consolidation of the Company, with or into any other corporation or entity,
other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company except where Allen and his
Affiliates have effective voting control of the surviving entity, or any other
transaction, or event, a result of which is that Allen holds less than 50.1% of
the voting power of the surviving entity, except where Allen and his Affiliates
retain effective voting control of the Company, or a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than to an entity
majority-owned or controlled by Allen and his Affiliates).
(i) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(j) "Committee" means the Board or a committee appointed by the Board in
accordance with Section 3 of the Plan.
(k) "Company" means Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.
(l) "Consultant" means a person who is retained by the Company or any of
its Affiliates as a consultant, but not as an Employee.
(m) "Date of Grant" means the date as of which Options are granted to
Consultants and Employees as specified in the applicable Option Agreement.
(n) "Employee" means any person, including a manager of the Company, who is
employed by the Company or any Affiliate.
(o) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
<PAGE> 5
(p) "Exercise Price" means the price per membership interest of the
Membership Interests subject to each Option as provided in Section 6.3.
(q) "Fair Market Value" shall mean the fair market value of the Company (i)
as determined by the Administrator prior to the consummation of an Initial
Public Offering and (ii) according to the following formula from and after the
consummation of an Initial Public Offering: (A) the sum of (I) the total number
of outstanding shares of common stock of the Public Company, assuming the
exercise of all options, warrants or other similar rights held by any person to
purchase common stock of the Public Company, multiplied by the Share Value, plus
(II) the debt of the Public Company as reflected on its financial statements,
minus (III) the fair market value, as determined by the Administrator, of all
assets of the Public Company, including the exercise price of all options,
warrants, or similar rights deemed exercised under clause (I) of this sentence,
other than Membership Interests, divided by (B) the Percentage Interest of the
Membership Interests which the Public Company holds in the Company.
(r) "Initial Public Offering" means the consummation of a firm commitment
underwritten initial public offering pursuant to an effective registration
statement filed under the Act, covering the offer and sale of shares of common
stock of the Company's Parent or a successor corporation through which the
business of the Company will be carried out.
(s) "Kent" means Jerald L. Kent, an individual, who is President, Chief
Executive Officer and a director of the Company and CCI.
(t) "Member" means a member of the Company.
(u) "Membership Interest" means a membership interest in the Company.
(v) "Option" means an option to purchase a Membership Interest pursuant to
the provisions of this Plan.
(w) "Option Agreement" means the agreement described in Section 6.1 between
the Company and the Optionee under which the Optionee may purchase Membership
Interests hereunder.
(x) "Optionee" means an Employee or Consultant who receives an Option
pursuant to this Plan.
(y) "Option Spread" means with respect to each Option, an amount equal to
the product of (i) the excess of (a) the Exercise Price of such Option over (b)
the Fair Market Value (plus the Exercise Price of all options taken into account
in computing Percentage Interest) multiplied by the Percentage Interest per
Membership Interest with respect to such Option, and (ii) the number of
Membership Interests covered by such Option at the time of determination.
(z) "Option Term" means, with respect to an Option, the period of time
commencing on the date of the grant of such Option and ending on the date
immediately preceding the tenth anniversary thereof, subject to earlier
termination as provided herein, during which an Option may be exercised.
(aa) "Parent" means an Affiliate which is manager of, and/or the direct or
indirect owner of an excess of fifty percent (50%) of the equity interests in,
the Company.
(bb) "Percentage Interest" of an Option or Membership Interest means the
percentage interest that an exercise of such Option or possession of such
Membership Interest would give the Optionee in the Company assuming the exercise
of all Options held by all Optionees and the exercise of all options and
warrants held by any person to purchase Membership Interests.
(cc) "Plan" means the Charter Communications Holdings, LLC 1999 Option
Plan, the terms of which are set forth herein.
(dd) "Public Company" means the Parent or successor corporation to the
Company whose shares will be sold pursuant to the Initial Public Offering.
(ee) "Purchase Agreement" means that certain Purchase Agreement dated July
29, 1998 among Paul G. Allen, Charter Communications, Inc. and certain other
parties.
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(ff) "Share Value" means (i) upon the consummation of an Initial Public
Offering, the price per share of the common stock of the Public Company upon the
consummation of the Initial Public Offering, and (ii) after the consummation of
an Initial Public Offering, the average of the highest and lowest quoted selling
prices on the principal national securities exchange on which the common stock
of the Public Company is listed or admitted to trading, or, if not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, as reported by the
NASDAQ Stock Market's National Market, on the day in question.
SECTION 2
THE PLAN
2.1 Name. This Plan shall be known as "Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC 1999 Option Plan."
2.2 Purpose. The purpose of this Plan is to advance the interests of the
Company and its Affiliates by affording Employees and Consultants of the Company
and its Affiliates an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary
interest in the Company by the grant to such individuals of Options under the
terms set forth herein. By thus encouraging such individuals to acquire or
increase their proprietary interest in the Company, the Company seeks to
attract, motivate and retain those highly competent individuals upon whose
judgment, initiative, leadership, and continued efforts the success of the
Company in large measure depends.
2.3 Intention. It is intended that all Options issued under this Plan will
be nonstatutory Options and the terms of this Plan shall be interpreted in
accordance with such intention.
SECTION 3
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Administration. This Plan shall be administered initially by the
Board, although the Board, in its discretion and from time to time, may
designate a Committee as the Administrator in substitution for the Board, and
may redesignate itself as Administrator following the designation of a Committee
as Administrator. The Administrator will interpret this Plan, prescribe and
rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of this Plan, and
make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the proper
administration of this Plan subject to the provisions of Sections 4.1, 5.2, 8.1
and 10.5. The Administrator may act at any time at a meeting duly held, or by
unanimous written consent, in accordance with the provisions of the Company's
operating agreement applicable to the proceedings of the Board or a Committee,
as the case may be. Notwithstanding the foregoing, from and after such time as
the Company or its Parent is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee,
which will then consist solely of two or more persons who are "non-employee
directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act
and "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
3.2 Duties. The interpretation and construction by the Administrator of
any provisions of this Plan, of any Option Agreement hereunder, or of any Option
granted thereunder, shall be final and binding on any Employee, Consultant or
Optionee, or any person claiming by or through an Employee, Consultant or
Optionee. No member of the Administrator shall be liable for any action, failure
to act, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to this
Plan, any Option Agreement issued hereunder or any Option granted thereunder.
SECTION 4
PARTICIPATION
4.1 Eligibility. The Optionees shall be those existing and prospective
Employees and Consultants to the Company or any Affiliate (collectively,
"Participants" and individually a "Participant") to whom Options may be granted
from time to time by the Administrator based upon the recommendation of Kent.
The
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Administrator shall designate, from time to time and based upon the
recommendation of Kent, the number of Options to be granted to each Participant.
SECTION 5
MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS SUBJECT TO PLAN
5.1 Membership Interests Available for Options. Subject to adjustment
pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.2 hereof, the total number of Membership
Interests which may be issued upon the exercise of all Options shall not exceed
25,009,798 Membership Interests, which shall be equal to the number of
Membership Interests representing an aggregate of 10% of the aggregate equity
value of the Company on the date of the adoption of this Plan. If any Option
shall expire or terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full,
new Options may be granted covering Membership Interests originally set aside
for the exercise of such expired or terminated Option. From and after such time
as the Company or its Parent is subject to the reporting requirements of
Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, no Optionee may receive grants during
any fiscal year of the Company or portion thereof, of Options which, in the
aggregate cover more than 15,000,000 Membership Interests, subject to adjustment
as provided in Section 5.2. If an Option expires or terminates for any reason
without having been exercised in full, the unrepurchased Membership Interests
subject to that expired or terminated Option will continue to count against the
maximum numbers of Membership Interests for which Options may be granted to an
Optionee during any fiscal year of the Company or its Parent or portion thereof.
5.2 Adjustments.
(a) Subject to any required action by the Board, Kent, and/or the Members,
the number of Membership Interests covered by the Plan as provided in Section
5.1 hereof, the number of Membership Interests covered by each outstanding
Option and the Exercise Price thereof shall be proportionately adjusted for any
increase or decrease in the number of issued Membership Interests resulting from
a subdivision or consolidation of Membership Interests or the distribution of
Membership Interests on Membership Interests without consideration.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Plan shall be interpreted to
provide dilution protection with respect to the Options or the number of
Membership Interests covered by the Plan in the event, and to the extent of any
additional equity contribution to the Company.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 5.2(d), and subject to any
required action by the Board, Kent, and/or the Members, if the Company shall
merge with another entity and the Company is the surviving entity in such merger
and under the terms of such merger the Membership Interests outstanding
immediately prior to the merger remain outstanding and unchanged, each
outstanding Option shall continue to apply to the Membership Interests subject
thereto and shall also pertain and apply to any additional securities and other
property, if any, to which a holder of the number of Membership Interests
subject to the Option would have been entitled as a result of the merger.
(c) If the Company shall merge with another entity and the Company is not
the surviving entity in such merger, and such merger does not constitute a
Change of Control, the Administrator may, in its discretion, do one or more of
the following: (i) shorten the period during which Options are exercisable
(provided they remain exercisable for at least 30 days after the date that
notice such shortening is given to the Optionees); (ii) accelerate any vesting
schedule to which an Option is subject; (iii) arrange to have the surviving or
successor entity assume the Options or grant replacement options with
appropriate adjustments in the option prices and adjustments in the number and
kind of securities issuable upon exercise or adjustments so that the Options or
their replacements represent the right to purchase the shares of stock,
securities or other property (including cash) as may be issuable or payable as a
result of such merger with respect to or in exchange for the number of
Membership Interests purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the Options
had such exercise occurred in full prior to such merger; or (iv) with the prior
written consent of the Optionee (unless otherwise stated in such Optionee's
Option Agreement), cancel Options upon the payment to such Optionee in cash,
with respect to each Option to the extent then exercisable (including any
Options as to which the exercise has been accelerated as contemplated in clause
(ii) above), of any amount that is the equivalent of
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the Option Spread at the effective time of the merger. The Administrator may
also provide for one or more of the foregoing alternatives in any particular
Option Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Plan, in the
event of a Change of Control, any unvested Options issued under this Plan to any
Optionee shall immediately vest; provided, however, that to the extent that the
acceleration of the exercisability of Options would result in the disallowance
under Section 280G of the Code of tax deductions which would otherwise be
available to the Company or its Affiliates, or in liability of such Optionee or
any person obtaining rights in the Option under Section 6.2 for any excise tax
under Section 4999 of the Code, such unvested Options will not immediately vest
unless the Company receives prior written consent from the Optionee at least
thirty (30) days prior to the Change of Control. In the event of a Change of
Control, the Administrator may, in its discretion, do one or more of the
following: (i) shorten the period during which Options are exercisable (provided
they remain exercisable for at least 30 days after the date on which notice of
such shortening is given to the Optionees); (ii) arrange to have the surviving
or successor entity assume the Options or grant replacement options with
appropriate adjustments in the option prices and adjustments in the number and
kind of securities issuable upon exercise so that the Options or their
replacements represent the right to purchase the shares of stock, securities or
other property (including cash) as may be issuable or payable as a result of a
Change of Control with respect to or in exchange for the number of Membership
Interests purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the Options had such
exercise occurred in full prior to such Change of Control, or (iii) cancel
Options upon the payment to the Optionee in cash, with respect to each Option to
the extent then exercisable (including any Options as to which the exercise has
been accelerated in accordance with this Section 5.2(d)), of an amount that is
the equivalent of the Option Spread at the effective time of the Change of
Control. The Administrator may also provide for one or more of the foregoing
alternatives in any particular Option Agreement.
(e) To the extent that the foregoing adjustments relate to securities of
the Company, such adjustments shall be made by the Administrator, whose
determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
SECTION 6
OPTIONS
6.1 Option Grant and Agreement. Each Option grant shall be evidenced by a
written Option Agreement, dated as of the date of grant and executed by the
Company and the Optionee, which Option Agreement shall set forth the number of
Options granted, the Exercise Price, the Option Term, the vesting schedule of
such Options, and such other terms and conditions as may be determined
appropriate by the Administrator, provided that such terms and conditions are
consistent with the Plan. The Option Agreement shall incorporate this Plan by
reference and provide that any inconsistencies or disputes shall be resolved in
favor of the Plan language.
6.2 Transferability. An Option granted under the Plan shall, by its terms,
be non-transferable by the Optionee, either voluntarily or by operation of law,
other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution pursuant to a
qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code, and shall be
exercisable during the Optionee's lifetime only by the Optionee, the Optionee's
executor, or, to the extent permitted by the Administrator or by the terms of
the Option Agreement, the spouse of the Optionee who obtained the Option
pursuant to such qualified domestic relations order described herein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that the Administrator so
authorizes at the time an Option is granted or amended, such Option may be
assigned, in connection with the Optionee's estate plan, in whole or in part,
during the Optionee's lifetime to one or more members of the Optionee's
immediate family or to a trust established exclusively for one or more of such
immediate family members. Rights under the assigned portion may be exercised by
the person or persons who acquire a proprietary interest in such Option pursuant
to the assignment. The terms applicable to the assigned portion shall be the
same as those in effect for the Option immediately before such assignment and
shall be set forth in such documents issued to the assignee as the Administrator
deems appropriate. For purposes of this Section 6.2, the term "immediate family"
means an individual's spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren and parents.
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6.3 Exercise Price.
(a) The Exercise Price shall be equal to the Percentage Interest of such
Options multiplied by the Fair Market Value.
(b) Upon an Initial Public Offering and at all times thereafter, Membership
Interests shall be automatically exchanged for shares of the Public Company in
accordance with Section 9 of this Plan.
6.4 Option Term. The Option Term shall be determined by the Administrator,
subject to any limitations imposed by this Plan, but in any event shall not be
more than ten years from the date such Option is granted. Options may be subject
to earlier termination as provided in this Plan.
6.5 Vesting, Payment Upon Relocation of Headquarters, and Repurchase of
Options and Membership Interests. The vesting of each Option shall be as set
forth in the Option Agreement according to the following general guideline: (i)
with respect to Options granted by the Board on February 9, 1999, vesting shall
be as set forth in the February 9, 1999 Board resolution, and (ii) with regard
to all other Options, one fourth ( 1/4) shall become exercisable on the 15 month
anniversary (the "15 Month Anniversary") of the Date of Grant, and 1/45th of the
remaining Options shall become exercisable on each of the 45 months following
the 15 Month Anniversary, until all such Options are exercisable, provided,
however, that if an Initial Public Offering has not occurred, Options will only
be exercisable upon termination of employment for any reason other than for
Cause, or upon death or disability or immediately prior to the expiration of
such Option. If the Company shall relocate its existing Headquarters outside the
greater St. Louis, Missouri area on or before December 23, 2001 without the
prior written consent of Kent, or of Barry L. Babcock or Howard L. Wood if Kent
is not surviving at the time such consent is sought (a "Headquarters Breach"):
(a) unless otherwise provided in the Optionee's Option Agreement, with
respect to any Optionee who is a member of the corporate staff and is employed
and located at the St. Louis corporate headquarters and to whom Options have
been granted and who does not relocate, if less than 40% of the Options held by
such Optionee have vested, then for purposes of this paragraph (a) of Section
6.5, 40% of all Options held by such Optionee will be deemed to have vested.
With respect to such Optionee's Options which have vested or are deemed to have
vested pursuant to this paragraph (a) of Section 6.5, and which have not already
been exercised, the Company shall pay, to each such Optionee in full
satisfaction of such Option an amount equal to the greater of (I) the Option
Spread or (II) (A) if the Headquarters Breach occurs on or before December 23,
1999, an amount equal to three (3) times the annual base salary of such
Optionee, or (B) if the Headquarters Breach occurs thereafter but on or before
December 23, 2000, an amount equal to two (2) times the annual base salary of
such Optionee, or (C) if the breach occurs thereafter but on or before December
23, 2001, an amount equal to the annual base salary of such Optionee; and
(b) if any payment is made to any Optionee pursuant to paragraph (a) of
Section 6.5 above, then all Options granted to such Optionee shall be
automatically canceled.
6.6 Method of Exercising Options; Withholding Tax. Options shall be
exercised by a written notice, delivered to the Company at its principal office
in St. Louis, Missouri or such other address that may be designated by the
Company, specifying the number of Membership Interests to be purchased and
tendering payment in full for such Membership Interests. Payment may be tendered
in cash or by certified, bank cashier's or teller's check or by Membership
Interests (valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of tender), or some
combination of the foregoing or such other form of consideration which has been
approved by the Administrator, including any approved cashless exercise
mechanism. The right to deliver in full or partial payment of such Exercise
Price any consideration other than cash shall be limited to such frequency as
the Administrator shall determine in its absolute discretion. In the event all
or part of the Exercise Price is paid in Membership Interests, any excess of the
value of such Membership Interests over the Exercise Price will be returned to
the Optionee as follows: (i) any whole Membership Interest remaining in excess
of the Exercise Price will be returned in kind, and may be represented by one or
more Membership Interest certificates; and (ii) any partial Membership Interests
remaining in excess of the Exercise Price will be returned in cash.
In the event the Company determines that it is required to withhold state
or Federal income tax as a result of the exercise of an Option, as a condition
to the exercise thereof, the Optionee may be required to
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make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to enable it to satisfy such
withholding requirements. Payment of such withholding requirements may be made,
in the discretion of the Administrator, (i) in cash, (ii) by delivery of
Membership Interests registered in the name of the Optionee, (iii) by the
Company not issuing such number of Membership Interests subject to the Option as
have a Fair Market Value at the time of exercising equal to the amount to be
withheld, (iv) withholding from other compensation due to the Optionee, or (v)
any combination of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above.
6.7 Rights in the Event of Termination Other Than for Cause.
(a) In the event that an Optionee's employment or service as a Consultant
with the Company or its Affiliates is terminated prior to an Initial Public
Offering other than for Cause, the Optionee shall have (subject to Section 6.2
of the Plan) the right (but not the obligation, except as herein provided), for
a period (taking into account any earlier termination date provided by the Plan)
of thirty (30) days from such termination of employment or service to (i) put
vested Options to the Company, or Allen at Allen's option, at a purchase price
equal to the Option Spread and (ii) put all Membership Interests to the Company
(whether or not acquired on the exercise of an Option hereunder), or Allen at
Allen's option, held by the Optionee on the date of termination at a purchase
price equal to the Fair Market Value multiplied by the Percentage Interest of
the Membership Interests. In the event that the Optionee does not exercise its
rights to put all vested Options and Membership Interests as specified in this
Section 6.7, Allen or, at his option, the Company, shall have the right (but not
the obligation, except as herein provided), for a period (taking into account
any earlier termination date provided by the Plan) of sixty (60) days after
having received written notice that the Optionee will not put such Options and
Membership Interests to the Company, to pay to the Optionee with respect to all
vested Options (or underlying Membership Interests if such Options have been
exercised) held by such individual, the Option Spread as of the date of
termination (or the Fair Market Value multiplied by the Percentage Interest of
the Membership Interest if the Options have already been exercised). Any amounts
to be paid to an Optionee pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall be paid, at the
option of Allen or the Company, in cash or in the form of a ten (10) year note
bearing annual interest at a rate of at least six percent (6%) (any such greater
amount to be at the sole discretion of Allen or the Company as the case may be)
with the principal to be paid at the end of the tenth year, such payment to be
made within thirty (30) days after the end of the fiscal quarter in which the
call or put is exercised. Concurrent with any such payment, the Options shall be
canceled and the Membership Interests shall be transferred to Allen or the
Company, as the case may be.
(b) In the event that an Optionee's employment or service as a Consultant
with the Company and all of its Affiliates is terminated other than for Cause
subsequent to an Initial Public Offering, such Optionee shall have the right to
exercise any vested Options within sixty (60) days of the termination of
employment. After such sixty-day period, all unexercised vested or unvested
Options held by such individual shall automatically be canceled.
6.8 Rights in the Event of Termination For Cause. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if an Optionee's employment or service is terminated for Cause, (a)
the Options not exercised prior to the termination are automatically canceled,
and (b) Allen, or, at his option, the Company, shall have the right (but not the
obligation), for a period of ninety (90) days following such termination for
Cause, to purchase all Membership Interests held by such Optionee (whether or
not acquired on the exercise of an Option granted hereunder) for a purchase
price equal to the Exercise Price at which the Optionee acquired the Membership
Interests, or the Optionee's purchase price for the Membership Interests if the
Membership Interests were not acquired on the exercise of an Option.
6.9 Rights in the Event of Death or Disability. In the event of an
Optionee's death or disability, (i) all vested Options may be exercised (by the
Optionee or in the case of death by the Optionee's estate or person who acquired
the right to exercise such Options by bequest or inheritance) until the earlier
of their expiration, or one (1) year after the date of the Optionee's death or
disability and any Options not so exercised shall automatically be canceled,
(ii) if an Initial Public Offering has not taken place as of the Optionee's date
of death or disability, the Optionee, (or in the case of death the Optionee's
estate or person who acquired the right to exercise such Options by bequest or
inheritance) may (A) put such Options to the Company, or Allen
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at Allen's option, at a purchase price equal to the Option Spread and (B) put
all Membership Interests (whether or not acquired on the exercise of an Option
hereunder) held by the Optionee on the date of death or disability to the
Company, or Allen at Allen's option, at a purchase price equal to the Fair
Market Value multiplied by the Percentage Interest of the Membership Interests
for a period of thirty (30) days, and (iii) if an Initial Public Offering has
not taken place as of the Optionee's date of death or disability, and the
Optionee has not exercised its rights to put all vested Options and all
Membership Interests to the Company, or Allen at Allen's option, as specified in
Section 6.9(ii), Allen, or at his option, the Company, shall have the right, for
a period of sixty (60) days after having received written notice that the
Optionee will not exercise its rights as specified in Section 6.9(ii), to
purchase all vested Options held by such Optionee at a purchase price equal to
the Option Spread and all Membership Interests (whether or not acquired on the
exercise of an Option hereunder) held by the Optionee on the date of death or
disability at a purchase price equal to the Fair Market Value multiplied by the
Percentage Interests of such Membership Interests. All payments due to the
Optionee pursuant to this Section 6.9 shall be paid promptly in cash. All
unvested Options shall be canceled in the event of an Optionee's death or
disability.
6.10 Rights in the Event of Termination For Any Other Reason. Upon
termination for any reason, all unvested Options shall immediately be canceled
and the Optionee shall not be entitled to any payment therefor except as
expressly provided for herein. Except as expressly provided for in Sections
6.7(b) and 6.9 hereof, all vested Options shall be automatically canceled if not
exercised within ninety (90) days after such termination.
SECTION 7
MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS ISSUED
PURSUANT UPON THE EXERCISE OF AN OPTION
7.1 Issuance of Certificates. The Company shall not be required to issue
or deliver any certificate for Membership Interests purchased upon the exercise
of any Option, or any portion thereof, prior to fulfillment of all of the
following applicable conditions:
(a) The admission of such Membership Interests to listing on all stock
exchanges or markets on which the Membership Interests are then listed to the
extent such admission is necessary;
(b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such
Membership Interests under any federal or state securities laws or under the
rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other
governmental regulatory body, which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem
necessary or advisable, or the determination by the Board in its sole discretion
that no such registration or qualification is required;
(c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any federal or
state governmental agency which the Board shall, in its sole discretion,
determine to be necessary or advisable; and
(d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of
the Option as the Board from time to time may establish for reasons of
administrative convenience.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to issue or
deliver any certificates for Membership Interests purchased upon the exercise of
an Option or any portion thereof, unless required by Federal, or state law.
7.2 Compliance with Securities and Other Laws. In no event shall the
Company be required to sell, issue or deliver Membership Interests pursuant to
Options if in the opinion of the Board the issuance thereof would constitute a
violation by either the Optionee or the Company of any provision of any law or
regulation of any governmental authority or any securities exchange. As a
condition of any sale or issuance of Membership Interests pursuant to Options,
the Company may place legends on the Membership Interests, issue stop-transfer
orders and require such agreements or undertakings from the Optionee as the
Company may deem necessary or advisable to assure compliance with any such law
or regulation, including if the Company or its counsel deems it appropriate,
representations from the Optionee that the Optionee is acquiring the
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Membership Interests solely for investment and not with a view to distribution
and that no distribution of the Membership Interests acquired by the Optionee
will be made unless registered pursuant to applicable federal and state
securities laws or unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such
registration is unnecessary.
SECTION 8
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION OF PLAN
8.1 Termination, Amendment and Modification of Plan. Subject to the
approval of Kent, the Administrator may from time to time, with respect to any
Options at the time outstanding or granted to Optionees, suspend or discontinue
the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever; provided, that, any
such action shall not adversely affect in any manner Options then outstanding,
whether vested or not.
8.2 Plan Termination. Unless terminated earlier as provided in Section
8.1, the Plan shall terminate ten years from the date it is adopted by the Board
and no Option shall be granted under this Plan after such date.
8.3 Effect of Termination, Amendment or Modification of
Plan. Notwithstanding Sections 8.1 and 8.2, no termination, amendment or
modification of the Plan shall in any manner affect any Option theretofore
granted under the Plan without the consent of the Optionee or a person who shall
have acquired the right to exercise the Option by will or the laws of descent
and distribution.
SECTION 9
OCCURRENCE OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
From and after the occurrence of an Initial Public Offering, each
Membership Interest held as a result of an exercise of an Option will
automatically be exchanged into that number of shares of the common stock of the
Public Company determined by multiplying the Percentage Interest of such
Membership Interests by the Fair Market Value, and dividing by the Share Value.
Any shares of the common stock of the Public Company received by an Optionee in
exchange for Membership Interests shall be subject to purchase by Allen or the
Company in the same manner as Membership Interests upon the termination of the
employment or consulting relationship of the Optionee for cause as described in
Section 6.8. It is the intent of this Section 9 that an Optionee will receive
that number of shares of common stock of the Public Company necessary to provide
such Optionee with an aggregate economic benefit equal to the value of such
Optionee's Options and Membership Interests
SECTION 10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 No Employment Rights. Nothing in the Plan or in any Option granted
hereunder or in any Option Agreement relating thereto shall confer upon any
individual the right to continue in the employ or service of the Company or its
Affiliates.
10.2 Binding Effect. The Plan shall be binding upon the successors and
assigns of the Company.
10.3 Singular, Plural, Gender. Whenever used herein, except where the
context clearly indicates to the contrary, nouns in the singular shall include
the plural, and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine gender.
10.4 Headings. Headings of the Sections hereof are inserted for
convenience and reference and constitute no part of the Plan.
10.5 Effective Date. This Plan shall be effective as of February 9, 1999,
subject to the approval of this Plan by the Board and Kent.
9
<PAGE> 13
10.6 Rights as Member. An Optionee or transferee of an Option shall have
no rights as a Member with respect to any Membership Interests subject to such
Option prior to the purchase of such Membership Interests by exercise of such
Option as provided herein.
10.7 Applicable Law. This Plan and the Options granted hereunder shall be
interpreted, administered and otherwise subject to the laws of the State of
Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
10
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.5
MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Membership Interests Purchase Agreement is entered into as of
July 22, 1999, by and between CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDING COMPANY, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (the "COMPANY") and PAUL G. ALLEN, an
individual ("BUYER") with reference to the following facts.
W I T N E S S E T H
A. The Company is authorized to issue membership interests representing
equity interests in the Company ("Membership Interests");
B. The Company currently has outstanding 217,585,246 Units of
Membership Interests ("Units") and has granted options to purchase another
17,218,976 Units;
C. On March __, 1999, Buyer and Charter Communications Holding Company,
LLC, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, agreed that Buyer would
commit to invest $1.325 billion in additional equity, as needed, on economic
terms equivalent to those stated herein.
D. The Company wishes to have Buyer or one of his affiliates purchase
an aggregate of $1.325 billion in Units on the terms and conditions set forth
herein in order to facilitate (a) the consummation of certain pending
acquisitions by the Company; and (b) the sale by the Company of Units to Charter
Communications, Inc. ("CCI") in a contemplated initial public offering by CCI,
and the sale by CCI to Buyer of certain shares of its Class B Common Stock
having characteristics no less favorable to Buyer than those reflected in the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of CCI dated July __, 1999; and
Buyer desires to subscribe for and purchase the additional Units of
Membership Interests on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained
herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the Company and Buyer
hereby agree as follows:
1. Purchase and Sale of Membership Interests. On the terms and subject
to the conditions contained in this Agreement, the Company hereby agrees to
issue and sell to Buyer or his designee, and Buyer hereby agrees to purchase or
cause to be purchased from the Company, (a) at the First Closing (as defined
below), 22,087,622 Units for an aggregate purchase price of Five Hundred Million
Dollars ($500,000,000.00) (the "FIRST ISSUANCE ACQUIRED MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS"),
and (b) at the Second Closing (as defined below), an additional 36,445,577 Units
for an aggregate purchase price of Eight Hundred Twenty-Five Million Dollars
($825,000,000.00) (the "SECOND ISSUANCE ACQUIRED MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS", and
collectively with the First Issuance Acquired Membership Interests, the
"Acquired Membership Interests")).
-1-
<PAGE> 2
2. Closing; Deliveries.
(a) First Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the First
Issuance Acquired Membership Interests (the "FIRST CLOSING") shall occur at the
offices of Irell & Manella LLP ("I&M"), 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900, Los
Angeles, California 90067, on a date on or before July 30, 1999 to be agreed
upon by the Company and Buyer. At the First Closing, the Company shall deliver
to Buyer or his designee one or more certificates evidencing the First Issuance
Acquired Membership Interests registered in the name of Buyer or his designee
and Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Company the purchase price for
the First Issuance Acquired Membership Interests by check or wire transfer. The
date on which the First Closing occurs is hereinafter referred to as the "FIRST
CLOSING DATE."
(b) Second Closing. The closing of the purchase and sale of the Second
Issuance Acquired Membership Interests (the "SECOND CLOSING") shall occur at the
offices of I&M on a date after July 30, 1999 and on or before September 1, 1999
to be agreed upon by the Company and Buyer. At the Second Closing, the Company
shall deliver to Buyer or his designee one or more certificates evidencing the
Second Issuance Acquired Membership Interests registered in the name of Buyer or
his designee and Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid to the Company the purchase
price for the Second Issuance Acquired Membership Interests by check or wire
transfer. The date on which the Second Closing occurs is hereinafter referred to
as the "SECOND CLOSING DATE."
[3. Programming. The Company shall grant Buyer the right to program up
to eight digital channels on each cable system now or hereafter owned or
operated by the Company or its subsidiaries, the exact numbers of channels to be
determined based on the megahertz level of each such system. The terms and
conditions of such grants shall be finalized prior to the Second Closing.]
4. Miscellaneous.
(a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, as such laws are applied to
contracts entered into and performed in such state without resort to that
state's conflict-of-laws rules.
(b) Severability. In the event one or more of the provisions of this
Agreement should, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability
shall not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, and this Agreement
shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had
never been contained herein.
(c) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which, when taken
together, shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the
parties and delivered to the other party.
(d) Headings. The section headings in this Agreement have been inserted
for identification and reference and shall not by themselves determine the
meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
-2-
<PAGE> 3
(e) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors,
personal representatives and permitted assigns. The Company acknowledges that
Buyer may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any entity
that Buyer owns all of the outstanding equity interests in.
(f) Costs of Enforcement. If any party to this Agreement seeks to
enforce its rights under this Agreement by legal proceedings or otherwise, or
seeks a declaration of any rights or obligations under this Agreement, the
non-prevailing party shall pay all costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing
party, including, without limitation, all legal fees and expenses.
(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes and contains the
entire agreement of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous negotiations,
correspondence, arrangements, letters of intent, understandings and agreements
relating to the substance thereof.
(h) Notices. Any notice or delivery that any party hereto is required
or desires to give hereunder to any other party shall be in writing and may be
given by hand delivery or by nationally recognized overnight courier or by
mailing the same to the other party at the address set forth below (or to such
other address as may have theretofore been substituted therefor by written
notice to the other party hereto given as herein provided) by certified or
registered United States mail, postage prepaid or by confirmed telecopy. Notices
and deliveries shall be deemed given as follows: when sent, if sent by telecopy
with delivery confirmed; when delivered and receipted for (or upon the date of
attempted delivery where delivery is refused), if hand delivered or delivered by
nationally recognized overnight courier; or when receipted for (or upon the date
of attempted delivery where delivery is refused or a properly addressed and
mailed notice is returned as undeliverable or unclaimed), if sent by certified
or registered mail. Whenever under the terms hereof the time for giving a notice
or performing an act fails on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, such time shall be
extended to the next business day. For the purpose of this Agreement the
addresses of the parties hereto shall be as follows until changed in accordance
with the terms hereof:
If to the COMPANY:
Charter Communications Holding Company LLC
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63131
Attn: Jerald L. Kent, President and Chief Executive Officer
If to BUYER:
Paul G. Allen
110th Avenue N.E., Suite 550
Bellevue, WA 98004
-3-
<PAGE> 4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDING COMPANY LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company
By: /s/ Jerald L. Kent
--------------------------------------
Its: Chief Executive Officer
--------------------------------------
BUYER
/s/ Paul G. Allen
--------------------------------------
Paul G. Allen
-4-
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
covering the audited financial statements of Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC, CCA Group, CharterComm Holdings, L.P., Long Beach Acquisition Corp., Sonic
Communications Cable Television Systems, and Greater Media Cablevision Systems
(and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement.
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
JULY 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.3
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Charter Communications, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report on the consolidated balance sheets of Marcus
Cable Company, L.L.C. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, members' equity and cash flows
for the period from April 23, 1998 to December 31, 1998 and the consolidated
statements of operations, partners' capital (deficit) and cash flows for the
period from January 1, 1998 to April 22, 1998 and for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1997 included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 22, 1999 (except for Note 11, as to which
the date is February 24, 1999), with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Renaissance Media Group LLC included in Amendment No. 4 to the
Registration Statement on (Form S-4 No. 333-77499) and related Prospectus of
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation for the registration of $3,575,000,000 Senior Notes and Senior
Discount Notes.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.5
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
The Board of Directors
Charter Communications, Inc.:
We consent to the use of our report included herein with respect to the combined
financial statements of Helicon Partners I, L.P. and affiliates as of December
31, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1998.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.6
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and
Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corporation of our report dated April
20, 1999 relating to the combined financial statements of InterMedia Cable
Systems, which appears in such Registration Statement. We also consent to the
reference to us under the headings "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San Francisco, California
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.7
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation of our reports dated March 19, 1999 relating to the financial
statements of Rifkin Acquisition Partners, L.L.L.P., and Rifkin Cable Income
Partners LP for the year ended December, 31, 1998, which appear in such
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the
headings "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Denver, Colorado
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.8
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated February 19, 1999, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of R/N South Florida Cable Management Limited Partnership
and Indiana Cable Associates, Ltd. included in Amendment No. 4 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and related Prospectus of Charter
Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter Communications Holdings Capital
Corporation for the registration of $3,575,000,000 Senior Notes and Senior
Discount Notes.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Denver, Colorado
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.9
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 22, 1999, with respect to the combined
financial statements of the Picayune MS, Lafourche LA, St. Tammany LA, St.
Landry LA, Pointe Coupee LA and Jackson TN cable television systems included in
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on (Form S-4 No. 333-77499) and
related Prospectus of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation for the registration of
$3,575,000,000 Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.10
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated March 16, 1998, with respect to the combined
financial statements of the Picayune MS, Lafourche LA, St. Tammany LA, St.
Landry LA, Pointe Coupee LA and Jackson TN cable television systems included in
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on (Form S-4 No. 333-77499) and
related Prospectus of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC and Charter
Communications Holdings Capital Corporation for the registration of
$3,575,000,000 Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
New York, New York
July 22, 1999
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 99.1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS CAPITAL CORPORATION
OFFER TO EXCHANGE THEIR
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007, 8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND
9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011
WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR OUTSTANDING 8.250%
SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007, 8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009 AND
9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011
PURSUANT TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED ______, 1999
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE
AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON ______, 1999,
UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED.
THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS:
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
By Registered, Certified or Overnight Mail or By Hand:
Harris Trust Company of New York
Wall Street Plaza
88 Pine Street
19th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
By Facsimile: (212) 701-7624 Telephone Number: (212) 701-7637
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS
SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VIA FACSIMILE TO A
NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE
INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the same meaning given them in the Prospectus (as defined below).
This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by holders of Original
Notes (as defined below) either if Original Notes are to be forwarded herewith
or if tenders of Original Notes are to be made by book-entry transfer to an
account maintained by HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK (the "Exchange Agent") at
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") pursuant to the procedures set forth in
"The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering" in the Prospectus.
Holders of Original Notes whose certificates (the "Certificates") for
such Original Notes are not immediately available or who cannot deliver their
Certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent on or prior
to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus) or who cannot complete the
procedures for book-entry transfer on a timely basis, must tender their Original
Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in "The Exchange
Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" in the Prospectus.
SEE INSTRUCTION 1. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY ("DTC")
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
<PAGE> 2
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
ALL TENDERING HOLDERS COMPLETE THIS BOX:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL NOTES TENDERED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IF BLANK, PLEASE PRINT NAME AND ORIGINAL NOTES TENDERED
ADDRESS OF REGISTERED HOLDER (ATTACH ADDITIONAL LIST OF NOTES)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF
NUMBER(S)* OF ORIGINAL NOTES ORIGINAL NOTES
TENDERED
(IF LESS THAN ALL)**
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL AMOUNT TENDERED:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Need not be completed by book-entry holders.
** Original Notes may be tendered in whole or in part in denominations of
$1,000 and integral multiplies thereof. All Original Notes held shall be
deemed tendered unless a lesser number is specified in this column.
(BOXES BELOW TO BE CHECKED BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY
TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution:
-------------------------------------------
DTC Account No. Transaction Code No.
------------------------------- ------
[ ] CHECK HERE AND ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE
FOLLOWING:
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
-----------------------------------------
Window Ticket Number (if any):
-------------------------------------------
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:
----------------------
Name of Institution which Guaranteed Delivery:
---------------------------
2
<PAGE> 3
IF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS TO BE MADE BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER:
Name of Tendering Institution:
-------------------------------------------
DTC Account No. Transaction Code No.
------------------------------- ------
[ ] CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED ORIGINAL
NOTES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT NUMBER SET FORTH
ABOVE.
[ ] CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED THE ORIGINAL NOTES
FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT AS A RESULT OF MARKET MAKING OR OTHER TRADING
ACTIVITIES (A "PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER") AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR
SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
Name:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
4
<PAGE> 4
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Charter Communications Holdings,
LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together, the "Issuers"), the above
described aggregate principal amount of the Issuers' 8.250% Senior Notes due
2007, 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 and 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011
(the "Original Notes") in exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of the
Issuers' 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007, 8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 and 9.920%
Senior Discount Notes due 2011, respectively, (the "New Notes") which have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated ____ ,
1999 (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Prospectus"), receipt of which is acknowledged, and in this Letter of
Transmittal (which, together with the Prospectus, constitute the "Exchange
Offer").
Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of all or
any portion of the Original Notes tendered herewith in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including, if the Exchange Offer is
extended or amended, the terms and conditions of any such extension or
amendment), the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to or upon the
order of the Issuers all right, title and interest in and to such Original Notes
as are being tendered herewith. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes
and appoints the Exchange Agent as its agent and attorney-in-fact (with full
knowledge that the Exchange Agent is also acting as agent of the Issuers in
connection with the Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered Original Notes,
with full power of substitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an
irrevocable power coupled with an interest), subject only to the right of
withdrawal described in the Prospectus, to (i) deliver Certificates for Original
Notes to the Issuers together with all accompanying evidences of transfer and
authenticity to, or upon the order of, the Issuers, upon receipt by the Exchange
Agent, as the undersigned's agent, of the New Notes to be issued in exchange for
such Original Notes, (ii) present Certificates for such Original Notes for
transfer, and to transfer the Original Notes on the books of the Issuers, and
(iii) receive for the account of the Issuers all benefits and otherwise exercise
all rights of beneficial ownership of such Original Notes, all in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT THE UNDERSIGNED
HAS FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO TENDER, EXCHANGE, SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER THE
ORIGINAL NOTES TENDERED HEREBY AND THAT, WHEN THE SAME ARE ACCEPTED FOR
EXCHANGE, THE ISSUERS WILL ACQUIRE GOOD, MARKETABLE AND UNENCUMBERED TITLE
THERETO, FREE AND CLEAR OF ALL LIENS, RESTRICTIONS, CHARGES AND ENCUMBRANCES,
AND THAT THE ORIGINAL NOTES TENDERED HEREBY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY ADVERSE
CLAIMS OR PROXIES. THE UNDERSIGNED WILL, UPON REQUEST, EXECUTE AND DELIVER ANY
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS DEEMED BY THE ISSUERS OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT TO BE NECESSARY
OR DESIRABLE TO COMPLETE THE EXCHANGE, ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF THE ORIGINAL
NOTES TENDERED HEREBY, AND THE UNDERSIGNED WILL COMPLY WITH ITS OBLIGATIONS
UNDER THE EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT. THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ
AND AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
The name(s) and address(es) of the registered holder(s) of the
Original Notes tendered hereby should be printed above, if they are not already
set forth above, as they appear on the Certificates representing such Original
Notes. The Certificate number(s) and the Original Notes that the undersigned
wishes to tender should be indicated in the appropriate boxes above.
If any tendered Original Notes are not exchanged pursuant to the
Exchange Offer for any reason, or if Certificates are submitted for more
Original Notes than are tendered or accepted for exchange, Certificates for such
nonexchanged or nontendered Original Notes will be returned (or, in the case of
Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer, such Original Notes will be
credited to an account maintained at DTC), without expense to the tendering
holder, promptly following the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.
5
<PAGE> 5
The undersigned understands that tenders of Original Notes pursuant
to any one of the procedures described in "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for
Tendering" in the Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will, upon the
Issuers' acceptance for exchange of such tendered Original Notes, constitute a
binding agreement between the undersigned and the Issuers upon the terms and
subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer. The undersigned recognizes
that, under certain circumstances set forth in the Prospectus, the Issuers may
not be required to accept for exchange any of the Original Notes tendered
hereby.
Unless otherwise indicated herein in the box entitled "Special
Issuance Instructions" below, the undersigned hereby directs that the New Notes
be issued in the name(s) of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry
transfer of Original Notes, that such New Notes be credited to the account
indicated above maintained at DTC. If applicable, substitute Certificates
representing Original Notes not exchanged or not accepted for exchange will be
issued to the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry transfer of Original
Notes, will be credited to the account indicated above maintained at DTC.
Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under "Special Delivery Instructions,"
please deliver New Notes to the undersigned at the address shown below the
undersigned's signature.
By tendering Original Notes and executing this Letter of Transmittal,
the undersigned hereby represents and agrees that (i) the undersigned is not an
"affiliate" (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Issuers or
any of their subsidiaries, (ii) any New Notes to be received by the undersigned
are being acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (iii) the undersigned
has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a
distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of New Notes to be
received in the Exchange Offer, and (iv) if the undersigned is not a
Broker-Dealer, the undersigned is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage
in, a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of such New Notes.
By tendering Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and executing this
Letter of Transmittal, a holder of Original Notes which is a Broker-Dealer
represents and agrees, consistent with certain interpretive letters issued by
the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange
Commission to third parties, that (a) such Original Notes held by the
Broker-Dealer are held only as a nominee, or (b) such Original Notes were
acquired by such Broker-Dealer for its own account as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities and it will deliver the Prospectus (as
amended or supplemented from time to time) meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes (provided that,
by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, such Broker-Dealer will not
be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities Act). See "The Exchange Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer" and
"Plan of Distribution" in the Prospectus.
The Issuers have agreed that, subject to the provisions of the
Exchange and Registration Rights Agreements, the Prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a Participating
Broker-Dealer (as defined below) in connection with resales of New Notes
received in exchange for Original Notes, where such Original Notes were acquired
by such Participating Broker-Dealer for its own account as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, for a period ending 180
days after the Expiration Date (subject to extension under certain limited
circumstances described in the Prospectus) or, if earlier, when all such New
Notes have been disposed of by such Participating Broker-Dealer. However, a
Participating Broker-Dealer who intends to use the Prospectus in connection with
the resale of New Notes received in exchange for Original Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer must notify the Issuers, or cause the Issuers to be notified, on
or prior to the Expiration Date, that it is a Participating Broker-Dealer. Such
notice may be given in the space provided herein for that purpose or may be
delivered to the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth in the
Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange Agent." In that regard, each
Broker-Dealer who acquired Original Notes for its own account as a result of
market-making or other trading activities (a "Participating Broker-Dealer"), by
tendering such Original Notes and executing this Letter of Transmittal, agrees
that, upon receipt of notice from the Issuers of the occurrence of any event or
the discovery of any fact which makes any statement contained or incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which causes the
Prospectus to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements contained or incorporated by reference therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or of the occurrence of
certain other events specified in the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreements, such Participating Broker-Dealer will suspend the sale of New Notes
pursuant to the Prospectus until the Issuers have amended or supplemented the
Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and have furnished copies of
the amended or supplemented Prospectus to the Participating Broker-Dealer or the
Issuers have given notice that the sale of the New Notes may be resumed, as the
case may be.
6
<PAGE> 6
If the Issuers give such notice to suspend the sale of the New Notes, it shall
extend the 180-day period referred to above during which Participating
Broker-Dealers are entitled to use the Prospectus in connection with the resale
of New Notes by the number of days in the period from and including the date of
the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Issuers shall have
made available to Participating Broker-Dealers copies of the supplemented or
amended Prospectus necessary to resume resales of the New Notes or to and
including the date on which the Issuers have given notice that the use of the
applicable Prospectus may be resumed, as the case may be.
Holders of Original Notes whose Original Notes are accepted for
exchange will not receive accrued interest on such Original Notes for any period
from and after the last Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or
duly provided for on such Original Notes prior to the original issue date of the
New Notes or, if no such interest has been paid or duly provided for, will not
receive any accrued interest on such Original Notes, and the undersigned waives
the right to receive any interest on such Original Notes accrued from and after
such Interest Payment Date or, if no such interest has been paid or duly
provided for, from and after ______ 1999.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred in this
Letter of Transmittal shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned
and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs,
executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy,
legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as
stated in the Prospectus, this tender is irrevocable.
7
<PAGE> 7
HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2, 5 AND 6)
(PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 BELOW)
(NOTE: SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 2)
Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s)
on Certificate(s) for the Original Notes hereby tendered or on a security
position listing, or by any person(s) authorized to become the registered
holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith (including such
opinions of counsel, certifications and other information as may be required by
the Issuers or the Trustee for the Original Notes to comply with the
restrictions on transfer applicable to the Original Notes). If signature is by
an attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, officer of a
corporation or another acting in a fiduciary capacity or representative
capacity, please set forth the signer's full title. See Instruction 5.
(SIGNATURE(S) OF HOLDER(S))
Dated: , 1999
------------------------
Name(s):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Address:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and Telephone Number:
------------------------------------------------
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER(S)
GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURE(S)
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 2 AND 5)
Authorized Signature:
-----------------------------------------------------------
Name:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Date: , 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Capacity of Title:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Firm:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Address:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
Area Code and Telephone Number:
-------------------------------------------------
8
<PAGE> 8
SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if the New Notes are to be issued in the name of someone
other than the registered holder of the Original Notes whose name(s) appear(s)
above:
Issue New Notes to:
Name:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Address:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.)
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 1, 5 AND 6)
To be completed ONLY if the New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the
registered holder of the Original Notes whose name(s) appear(s) above, or to
such registered holder(s) at an address other than that shown above.
Mail New Notes to:
Name:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please Print)
Address:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Include Zip Code)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security No.)
9
<PAGE> 9
INSTRUCTIONS
FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
1. DELIVERY OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTIFICATES; GUARANTEED
DELIVERY PROCEDURES. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed either if (a)
Certificates are to be forwarded herewith or (b) tenders are to be made pursuant
to the procedures for tender by book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange
Offer -- Procedures for Tendering" in the Prospectus. Certificates, or timely
confirmation of a book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account at DTC, as well as this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature
guarantees, and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must
be received by the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set forth herein on or
prior to the Expiration Date. Original Notes may be tendered in whole or in part
in the principal amount of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
Holders who wish to tender their Original Notes and (I) whose
Original Notes are not immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their
Original Notes, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to
the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date or (iii) who cannot
complete the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer on a timely basis,
may tender their Original Notes by properly completing and duly executing a
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set
forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" in the
Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures: (I) such tender must be made by or
through an Eligible Institution (as defined below); (ii) a properly completed
and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form made
available by the Issuers, must be received by the Exchange Agent on or prior to
the Expiration Date; and (iii) the Certificates (or a book-entry confirmation
(as defined in the Prospectus) representing all tendered Original Notes, in
proper form for transfer, together with a Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof), properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature
guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must
be received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading
days after the date of execution of such Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, all as
provided in "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" in the
Prospectus.
The Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand or
transmitted by facsimile or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must include a
guarantee by an Eligible Institution in the form set forth in such Notice. For
Original Notes to be properly tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery
procedure, the Exchange Agent must receive a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery on or
prior to the Expiration Date. As used herein and in the Prospectus, "Eligible
Institution" means a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act as "an eligible guarantor institution," including (as such terms
are defined therein) (i) a bank; (ii) a broker, dealer, municipal securities
broker or dealer or government securities broker or dealer; (iii) a credit
union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or
clearing agency; or (v) a savings association.
THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IS AT THE OPTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE TENDERING
HOLDER AND THE DELIVERY WILL BE DEEMED MADE ONLY WHEN ACTUALLY RECEIVED BY THE
EXCHANGE AGENT. IF DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED, PROPERLY INSURED, OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY SERVICE IS RECOMMENDED. IN
ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY.
The Issuers will not accept any alternative, conditional or
contingent tenders. Each tendering holder, by execution of a Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), waives any right to receive any notice of
the acceptance of such tender.
10
<PAGE> 10
2. GUARANTEE OF SIGNATURES. No signature guarantee on this Letter of
Transmittal is required if:
(i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder
(which term, for purposes of this document, shall include any participant
in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of
the Original Notes) of Original Notes tendered herewith, unless such
holder(s) has completed either the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" or the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" above,
or
(ii) such Original Notes are tendered for the account of a firm that
is an Eligible Institution.
In all other cases, an Eligible Institution must guarantee the
signature(s) on this Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 5.
3. INADEQUATE SPACE. If the space provided in the box captioned
"Description of Original Notes" is inadequate, the Certificate number(s) and/or
the principal amount of Original Notes and any other required information should
be listed on a separate signed schedule which is attached to this Letter of
Transmittal.
4. PARTIAL TENDERS AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS. Tenders of Original Notes
will be accepted only in the principal amount of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof. If less than all the Original Notes evidenced by any Certificate
submitted are to be tendered, fill in the principal amount of Original Notes
which are to be tendered in the box entitled "Principal Amount of Original Notes
Tendered (if less than all)." In such case, new Certificate(s) for the remainder
of the Original Notes that were evidenced by your old Certificate(s) will only
be sent to the holder of the Original Notes, promptly after the Expiration Date.
All Original Notes represented by Certificates delivered to the Exchange Agent
will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Notes may be
withdrawn at any time on or prior to the Expiration Date. In order for a
withdrawal to be effective on or prior to that time, a written, telegraphic,
telex or facsimile transmission of such notice of withdrawal must be timely
received by the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses set forth above or in the
Prospectus on or prior to the Expiration Date. Any such notice of withdrawal
must specify the name of the person who tendered the Original Notes to be
withdrawn, the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes to be withdrawn, and
(if Certificates for Original Notes have been tendered) the name of the
registered holder of the Original Notes as set forth on the Certificate for the
Original Notes, if different from that of the person who tendered such Original
Notes. If Certificates for the Original Notes have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Exchange Agent, then prior to the physical release of such
Certificates for the Original Notes, the tendering holder must submit the serial
numbers shown on the particular Certificates for the Original Notes to be
withdrawn and the signature on the notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution, except in the case of Original Notes tendered for the
account of an Eligible Institution. If Original Notes have been tendered
pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in "The Exchange
Offer -- Procedures for Tendering," the notice of withdrawal must specify the
name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawal of
Original Notes, in which case a notice of withdrawal will be effective if
delivered to the Exchange Agent by written, telegraphic, telex or facsimile
transmission. Withdrawals of tenders of Original Notes may not be rescinded.
Original Notes properly withdrawn will not be deemed validly tendered for
purposes of the Exchange Offer, but may be retendered at any subsequent time on
or prior to the Expiration Date by following any of the procedures described in
the Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering."
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including
time of receipt) of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Issuers,
in its sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding on all
parties. Neither the Issuers, any affiliates or assigns of the Issuers, the
Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give any
notification of any irregularities in any notice of withdrawal or incur any
liability for failure to give any such notification. Any Original Notes which
have been tendered but which are withdrawn will be returned to the holder
thereof without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal.
11
<PAGE> 11
5. SIGNATURES ON LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, ASSIGNMENTS AND ENDORSEMENTS.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the
Original Notes tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly with
the name(s) as written on the face of the Certificate(s) without alteration,
enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any of the Original Notes tendered hereby are owned of record by
two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If any tendered Original Notes are registered in different name(s) on
several Certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many
separate Letters of Transmittal (or facsimiles thereof) as there are different
registrations of Certificates.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Certificates or bond powers are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing and must submit proper
evidence satisfactory to the Issuers, in its sole discretion, of such persons'
authority to so act.
When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered owner(s)
of the Original Notes listed and transmitted hereby, no endorsement(s) of
Certificate(s) or separate bond power(s) are required unless New Notes are to be
issued in the name of a person other than the registered holder(s). Signature(s)
on such Certificate(s) or bond power(s) must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered owner(s) of the Original Notes listed, the Certificates must be
endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed exactly as the name
or names of the registered owner(s) appear(s) on the Certificates, and also must
be accompanied by such opinions of counsel, certifications and other information
as the Issuers or the Trustee for the Original Notes may require in accordance
with the restrictions on transfer applicable to the Original Notes. Signatures
on such Certificates or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.
6. SPECIAL ISSUANCE AND DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS. If New Notes are to be
issued in the name of a person other than the signer of this Letter of
Transmittal, or if New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the signer of
this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown above, the
appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed.
Certificates for Original Notes not exchanged will be returned by mail or, if
tendered by book-entry transfer, by crediting the account indicated above
maintained at DTC. See Instruction 4.
7. IRREGULARITIES. The Issuers determine, in their sole discretion,
all questions as to the form of documents, validity, eligibility (including time
of receipt) and acceptance for exchange of any tender of Original Notes, which
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Issuers reserve the
absolute right to reject any and all tenders determined by it not to be in
proper form or the acceptance of which, or exchange for, may, in the view of
counsel to the Issuers, be unlawful. The Issuers also reserve the absolute
right, subject to applicable law, to waive any of the conditions of the Exchange
Offer set forth in the Prospectus under "The Exchange Offer -- Conditions" or
any conditions or irregularity in any tender of Original Notes of any particular
holder whether or not similar conditions or irregularities are waived in the
case of other holders. The Issuers' interpretation of the terms and conditions
of the Exchange Offer (including this Letter of Transmittal and the instructions
hereto) will be final and binding. No tender of Original Notes will be deemed to
have been validly made until all irregularities with respect to such tender have
been cured or waived. Neither the Issuers, any affiliates or assigns of the
Issuers, the Exchange Agent, nor any other person shall be under any duty to
give notification of any irregularities in tenders or incur any liability for
failure to give such notification.
8. QUESTIONS, REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND ADDITIONAL COPIES.
Questions and requests for assistance may be directed to the Exchange Agent at
one of its addresses and telephone number set forth on the front of this Letter
of Transmittal. Additional copies of the Prospectus, the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery and
12
<PAGE> 12
the Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Exchange Agent or from your
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee.
9. 31% BACKUP WITHHOLDING; SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. Under U.S. Federal
income tax law, a holder whose tendered Original Notes are accepted for exchange
is required to provide the Exchange Agent with such holder's correct taxpayer
identification number ("TIN") on Substitute Form W-9 below. If the Exchange
Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, the Internal Revenue Service (the
"IRS") may subject the holder or other payee to a $50 penalty. In addition,
payments to such holders or other payees with respect to Original Notes
exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be subject to 31% backup
withholding.
The box in Part 2 of the Substitute Form W-9 may be checked if the
tendering holder has not been issued a TIN and has applied for a TIN or intends
to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part 2 is checked, the
holder or other payee must also complete the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer
Identification Number below in order to avoid backup withholding.
Notwithstanding that the box in Part 2 is checked and the Certificate of
Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number is completed, the Exchange Agent will
withhold 31% of all payments made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is
provided to the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will retain such amounts
withheld during the 60 day period following the date of the Substitute Form W-9.
If the holder furnishes the Exchange Agent with its TIN within 60 days after the
date of the Substitute Form W-9, the amounts retained during the 60 day period
will be remitted to the holder and no further amounts shall be retained or
withheld from payments made to the holder thereafter. If, however, the holder
has not provided the Exchange Agent with its TIN within such 60 day period,
amounts withheld will be remitted to the IRS as backup withholding. In addition,
31% of all payments made thereafter will be withheld and remitted to the IRS
until a correct TIN is provided.
The holder is required to give the Exchange Agent the TIN (e.g.,
social security number or employer identification number) of the registered
owner of the Original Notes or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers
attached to, or endorsed on, the Original Notes. If the Original Notes are
registered in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner,
consult the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification
Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance on which number to
report.
Certain holders (including, among others, corporations, financial
institutions and certain foreign persons) may not be subject to these backup
withholding and reporting requirements. Such holders should nevertheless
complete the attached Substitute Form W-9 below, and write "exempt" on the face
thereof, to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. A foreign person may
qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting a properly completed IRS Form W-8,
signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holder's exempt status.
Please consult the enclosed "Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer
Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9" for additional guidance on which
holders are exempt from backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional U.S. Federal income tax.
Rather, the U.S. Federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup
withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding
results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained.
10. LOST, DESTROYED OR STOLEN CERTIFICATES. If any Certificate(s)
representing Original Notes have been lost, destroyed or stolen, the holder
should promptly notify the Exchange Agent. The holder will then be instructed as
to the steps that must be taken in order to replace the Certificate(s). This
Letter of Transmittal and related documents cannot be processed until the
procedures for replacing lost, destroyed or stolen Certificate(s) have been
followed.
11. SECURITY TRANSFER TAXES. Holders who tender their Original Notes
for exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection
therewith. If, however, New Notes are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in
the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Original Notes
tendered, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange
of Original Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any
such transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
persons) will be payable
13
<PAGE> 13
by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or
exemption therefrom is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount
of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR FACSIMILE THEREOF) AND ALL
OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO
THE EXPIRATION DATE.
14
<PAGE> 14
TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING NOTEHOLDERS
(SEE INSTRUCTION 9)
PAYEE'S NAME: ______________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBSTITUTE PART 1--PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR TIN IN THE - Social Security Number
FORM W-9 BOX AT RIGHT AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING OR
AND DATING BELOW EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY,
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
PAYER'S REQUEST FOR TAXPAYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ("TIN")
AND CERTIFICATION
<S> <C>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION--UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT
(1) the number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (or that I am waiting for a number to be issued to
me).
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt
from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as a
result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (C) the IRS has
notified me that I am no longer subject to withholding.
(3) any other information provided on this form is true and correct.
CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS--YOU MUST CROSS OUT ITEM (2) ABOVE IF YOU HAVe
BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE IRS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO BACKUP
WITHHOLDING BECAUSE OF UNDER-REPORTING INTEREST OR DIVIDENDS ON YOUR TAX
RETURN. HOWEVER, IF AFTER BEING NOTIFIED BY THE IRS THAT YOU WERE
SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING, YOU RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTIFICATION FROM THE
IRS THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO
BACKUP WITHHOLDING, DO NOT CROSS OUT
ITEM (2).
PART 2
SIGNATURE DATE AWAITING TIN
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 31% OF ANY AMOUNTS PAID TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE
EXCHANGE OFFER. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU
CHECKED THE BOX IN PART 2 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a Taxpayer Identification
Number has not been issued to me, and either (1) I have mailed or delivered an
application to receive a Taxpayer Identification Number to the appropriate
Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (2)
I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that
if I do not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number by the time of payment, 31%
of all payments made to me on account of the New Notes shall be retained until I
provide a Taxpayer Identification Number to the Exchange Agent and that, if I do
not provide my Taxpayer Identification Number within 60 days, such retained
amounts shall be remitted to the Internal Revenue Service as backup withholding
and 31% of all reportable payments made to me thereafter will be withheld and
remitted to the Internal Revenue Service until I provide a Taxpayer
Identification Number.
Signature Date , 1999
------------------------------------ ----------
15
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 99.2
FORM OF NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR TENDER OF
8.250% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2007,
8.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2009,
AND 9.920% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2011 OF
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, LLC
AND
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS CAPITAL CORPORATION
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to
this form, must be used to accept the Exchange Offer (as defined below) if (i)
certificates for the Issuers' (as defined below) 8.250% Senior Notes due 2007,
8.625% Senior Notes due 2009 and 9.920% Senior Discount Notes due 2011
(collectively, the "Original Notes") are not immediately available, (ii)
Original Notes, the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents
cannot be delivered to Harris Trust and Savings Bank (the "Exchange Agent") on
or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in the Prospectus referred to below)
or (iii) the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer cannot be completed
on a timely basis. This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be delivered by hand,
overnight courier or mail, or transmitted by facsimile transmission, to the
Exchange Agent. See "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering" in the
Prospectus.
----------------------------------------------------
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME ON ,
1999, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED, (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). TENDERS OF ORIGINAL
NOTES MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M.
NEW YORK CITY TIME ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
----------------------------------------------------
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
<PAGE> 2
By Registered, Certified or Overnight Mail or By Hand:
Harris Trust Company of New York
Wall Street Plaza
88 Pine Street
19th Floor
New York, New York 10005
Attention: Corporate Trust Department
By Facsimile: (212) 701-7624 Telephone Number: (212) 701-7637
DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN
AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA
FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID
DELIVERY.
THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY IS NOT TO BE USED TO GUARANTEE
SIGNATURES. IF A SIGNATURE ON A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS REQUIRED TO BE
GUARANTEED BY AN "ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION" UNDER THE INSTRUCTIONS THERETO, SUCH
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MUST APPEAR IN THE APPLICABLE SPACE PROVIDED IN THE
SIGNATURE BOX ON THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
THE GUARANTEE ON THE NEXT PAGE MUST BE COMPLETED.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to Charter Communications Holdings, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company, and Charter Communications Holdings
Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together, the "Issuers"), upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated , 1999,
(as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the
"Prospectus"), and the related Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute
the "Exchange Offer"), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the aggregate
principal amount of Original Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed
delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "The Exchange
Offer--Procedures for Tendering."
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered: Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certificate No(s). (if available): Addresses:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If Original Notes will be tendered by Area Code and
book-entry transfer, provide the following Telephone Number(s):
information:
DTC Account Number:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
GUARANTEE (NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
The undersigned, a firm or other entity identified in Rule 17Ad-15
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as an "eligible guarantor
institution," including (as such terms are defined therein): (i) a bank; (ii) a
broker, dealer, municipal securities broker, municipal securities dealer,
government securities broker, government securities dealer; (iii) a credit
union; (iv) a national securities exchange, registered securities association or
clearing agency; or (v) a savings association (each, an "Eligible Institution"),
hereby guarantees to deliver to the Exchange Agent, at one of its addresses set
forth above, either the Original Notes tendered hereby in proper form for
transfer, or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Original Notes to
the Exchange Agent's account at The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), pursuant
to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in the Prospectus, in either
case together with one or more properly completed and duly executed Letter(s) of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other required documents within three
New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of execution of this Notice
of Guaranteed Delivery.
The undersigned acknowledges that it must deliver the Letter(s) of
Transmittal and the Original Notes tendered hereby to the Exchange Agent within
the time period set forth above and that failure to do so could result in a
financial loss to the undersigned.
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Name of Firm:
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Address:
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Area Code and
Telephone Number:
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(Authorized Signature)
Title:
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Name:
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(Please type or print)
Date:
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NOTE: DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. ACTUAL
SURRENDER OF ORIGINAL NOTES MUST BE MADE PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A
PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ANY OTHER
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
1. DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. A properly completed and duly
executed copy of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other documents
required by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be received by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth herein prior to the Expiration Date. The method
of delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and any other required
documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and sole risk of the holder,
and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange
Agent. If delivery is by mail, registered mail with return receipt requested,
properly insured, is recommended. As an alternative to delivery by mail the
holders may wish to consider using an overnight or hand delivery service. In all
cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. For a
description of the guaranteed delivery procedures, see Instruction-1 of the
Letter of Transmittal.
2. SIGNATURES ON THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. If this Notice of
Guaranteed Delivery is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes,
the signature must correspond with the name(s) written on the face of the
Original Notes without
<PAGE> 5
alteration, enlargement, or any change whatsoever. If this Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery is signed by a participant of the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose
name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Original Notes,
the signature must correspond with the name shown on the security position
listing as the owner of the Original Notes.
If this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is signed by a person other than
the registered holder(s) of any Original Notes listed or a participant of the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility, this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be
accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed as the name of the registered
holder(s) appears on the Original Notes or signed as the name of the participant
shown on the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's security position listing.
3. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES. Questions and requests for
assistance for additional copies of the Prospectus may be directed to the
Exchange Agent at the address specified in the Prospectus. Holders may also
contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee
for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
